ã€ŠA Blade and Her Witchã€‹


 Chapter 1: It Begins Softly (Blade)

    It Begins Softly

    Content Warnings:

    Violence, imprisonment via lack of mobility, soul draining/feasting talk, traumatic flashbacks involving death

    Borazag was a proud chitin-eater, feasting on the carapaces of his foes and protecting his tribe from any who would invade the archives they called home. Unfortunately for this dumbshit, he''s not the protagonist, just semi-intelligent sets of graspers, compound eyes, and an absolutely infuriating sense of taste-touch-sound through the set of odd spiral antennas on his head.

    I would have drained his Physis to Manifest moons ago, but tragically, even draining him to death would only be enough for a few dozen heartbeats before I would require a new mobility aid. Instead, I suffer through his use, hoarding what Ousia I can from those he kills with me in hopes of ¡ª something.

    I desperately want something else, another serial killer, or warlord, even a Denizen would be better than being stuck in a basement level archive with Borazag.

    I refuse to even attempt to talk to someone who treats books as building material and tried to use me to itch his joints! He learned quickly the only time he did that though. Started draining his Physis fast and hard, not enough to kill but he collapsed and didn''t touch me again for at least seven Driftdreams.

    Bitches love respect, and I''ll be a bitch to get it, even from whatever the hell Borazag is, the weird cannibal fuck.

    Borazag has a messenger approach, chittering about some new invasion to the archives. I rouse with the influx of new information, so rare these moons.

    Please let it be something with the ability to read.

    I miss books most of all, ironically. An age ago, a sage won the right to handle me from the hands I was using and it wasn''t until she grasped me by the shaft that I realized that the old bat was blind. BLIND! What¡¯s the point of subjecting myself to an inferior mobility aid when there are perfectly functioning ones all around that I could just barely sense with my Ousia? Tragically, she did not take kindly to my opinion on the matter and left me here to collect dust. Me, a Blade five meters long, crafted from the purest iron and the Ousia of an entire girls orphanage. How dare she reject me when she''s clearly the inferior one!

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    Stupid decrepit old rotting meatbag.

    The idiot grasps my shaft without even cleaning the graspers and sends a squad to investigate. I¡¯ve learned from generations spent with these things that they''ll either come back victorious or not at all. This entire tribe is too proud to ever retreat, and if they didn''t breed so disgustingly quickly they would have died out because of that before ever finding me.

    I adjust my form, consuming the slightest smidge of my Ousia to hone my edge to razor-sharpness and add a bit more weight to my pommel. Borazag has a tendency to aim too low with me, and it is unacceptable to have my point driven into anything other than the flesh of a target, especially not shit-brick tiles.

    Imagine taking the impurity that a body rejects and using it to build something designed to outlive them. Disgusting. Unacceptable.

    My pommel is slammed into the gross bricks below Borazag''s feet as he puts his weight on me to stand. I consider biting at his Physis for that but¡­ there are other things to feast on in these tunnels. I don''t hunger but at times it seems like it would be nice to experience something inherent, something that isn''t filtered through another, something mine, personal as a fatal blow.

    Squad''s already dead. I can taste the miasma that flows through the halls long before the scout reported that the invasion is advancing. Doesn''t even offer numbers or composition, why did I ever bother wasting my time learning this blighted language? It¡¯s SUCH an ugly thing.

    * * *

    We¡¯ve been waiting for¡­ a while now. Not a full sleep cycle for Borazag but¡­ long enough for a stupid thought to bubble up.

    I miss Home.

    And like some stupid rotting sack of meat, I chase that odd thought. Too bored to consider the pain it will bring.

    What is home to a Weapon aside from the battlefield? I belong to no one, I exist to¡­ to¡­

    I feel myself slipping into existential dread once more. Flashes of silver-gray before horrid pain. So much mewling and sobbing as people I think I care about laying still and dead. Then more pain. And then I cry out as I realize it¡¯s my turn to die..

    I don''t know how long I drift in my personal abyss divorced from the outside world, drowning in wretched sensation as potent as the bite of any spell. Which is so stupid. I¡¯m not supposed to feel this way! Not supposed to wallow in the weakness of rotting flesh!!! Why do I even like¡­ have these memories!?! Those girls were simply the Ousia needed to forge me! Fire to melt the iron to a pure unbreakable form of perfect death and hunger.

    And then I am torn free of my pitiful dredging by the sudden explosive taste of¡­ Blue?

    I find myself captivated by the taste-sound of blue bubbles clashing against Borazag''s Ousia. Looking through his compound eyes I see Her.

    My Newest Victim!

    A whirling wellspring of deliciously flavored Ousia! The perfect feast to drive off the wretched memories for at least another cycle!!!

    But¡­ Borazag is not capable of winning this fight. Not without my help and a generous investment from my own wellspring.

    The things I do for a good meal.

 Chapter 2: But it Always Ends Widdershins (Witch)

    But it Always Ends Widdershins

    Content Warnings:

    Violence, using cleaning magic to murder/dissolve insides, blood and bone weaving magic,

    By the Cracked and Riven Moon this place smells horrid. Like¡­ centuries of decay and death freshly shat upon!

    Which¡­ from what I¡¯ve seen of the strange creatures living down here that just might be the case.

    This is why I''m glad I decided to twist and edit my cleansing spell patterns now. I will not spend the next few weeks digging through the remains of this old archive while dealing with¡­ with all this!

    Nasty creatures made their home here. Strange shelled¡­ things. I¡¯ve not spent much time studying all the weird and wonderful creatures that dot the realms, but if I had to guess these look to be¡­ insect based? Possibly some kind of sapient beetle family or tribe that either burrowed into these tunnels or wandered in after the previous residents left.

    I¡­ do not care. I just need them gone. And the quicker the better! I do NOT need to think about just how likely it may be that they breached the archives and might have like¡­ fed upon the books and records!!!

    ¡°M¨C Mistress?¡± Stammers such a soft and obviously nervous voice from behind me.

    I spare a glance over my shoulder to regard my first and last Doll.

    It¡¯s shorter than me by about half a head, and dressed in simple traveling leathers that wrap tightly around a frame of only slightly smudged pale porcelain in a female shape. Hair pulled back in a bun, and eyes glimmering a gentle hue of sapphire.

    ¡°Yes dear?¡± I hum as I draw back my Physis from the bubbling spell¡¯s working. Content that the three beasts before me are not just dead but cleaned free of all the gross meaty bits inside.

    ¡°I¡­ Um¡­¡± It moves to hop over a pile of very empty corpses. ¡°Is um¡­¡± It pauses, a touch of anxiety bubbling up to stop a very honest question. Then, when I don¡¯t interrupt, it forces the rest out. ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s wise to spend the extra Physis on cleaning them out instead of just killing them?¡±

    I fight the urge to sigh, and instead give it a reassuring smile. One that sings of confidence and patience with the silly worry in their head. ¡°Of course. It¡¯s as I explained three tunnels back¡­ We can carry and sell the chitin in one of the towns above and cleaning them out by hand would be just¡­ horrid.¡±

    It opens pretty lips to protest in the same way it did before. ¡®But Mistress, I¡¯d be happy to clean them out by hand! It¡¯s no trouble!¡¯

    So I cut that off as gently as I can. ¡°We¡¯ll both be very busy scouring this archive. And besides! I won¡¯t have my Doll dirtying itself with foul guts and gore when I can spend a pittance of will and Physis to do the same.¡±

    It nods, the anxiety stifled a bit with sound logic.

    At least for another two or three tunnels. It truly is tiring sometimes to have it pester me.

    I could fix the quirk, of course. Would be as easy as baking bread. Just slight alterations. But¡­ Not today. For now it¡¯s good to have this nervous little thing worry over my wretched health.

    Four more long segmented tunnels, all wriggling through the depths like some old snake¡¯s carcass with each hiding pockets of waiting monsters. Most simply hid behind the odd collapsed pillar or stone, but a few did have hidden spaces burrowed into the side or ceilings or beneath their gross dung-built homes.

    For someone who couldn¡¯t sense Ousia this would be such a dangerous and costly task since these weird little bug people¡¯s shells were almost as hard as iron and seemed to easily shift and click about their form as needed to block a physical blow.

    But¡­ I can sense Ousia. From quite a silly distance away actually. And I did take a small peek into the first of these things to gauge where I should always start my spell¡¯s deadly cleaning work to ensure they died right quick.

    It¡¯s after clearing out this final little grouping of them, that I sense it.

    ¡°Alright Doll.¡± I speak a bit quieter. ¡°I sense what might just be the guardian of the archive.¡±

    A pause, and I hear its heart click and whirr with sudden worry. ¡°But¡­ But Mistress I thought you said the guardian would be long gone! Broken and defeated!¡±

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    I shrug in an attempt to hide my own growing worry. ¡°I did, but with how odd this thing¡¯s Ousia is it seems I was mistaken. And from what I¡¯m sensing¡­ hm¡­¡±

    Ousia is twice the size of any of the weird bugs, and normally I¡¯d just assume it was the pack leader or maybe¡­ queen? Riven moon, maybe I really should have gone back to the villages above and searched for a book on these things. Possibly even purchased the evening of an expert¡¯s time to¨C

    I shake my head. Too late for that now girl.

    ¡°What?¡± my Doll shuffles up to my side. ¡°What are you sensing, Mistress?¡±

    ¡°Its Ousia is strange. Tinted with odd enchantments.¡± And then my lie and my own anxiety spoken aloud. ¡°Nothing to worry about. But I trust you remember your emergency instructions well?¡±

    It nods and repeats the edict. ¡°Go back to Zauberei K?nigreich. Find Evelis. She¡¯ll take care of us.¡± A pause, then. ¡°I¡­ Mistress. I don¡¯t want to go to her. I want to stay with you.¡±

    I step over to it, reach up to cup its cheeks and pull it close to kiss that soft forehead. ¡°Knowing you remember settles my mind and will let me incant with crisp efficiency. Well done. Good Girl.¡±

    When I pull back it gifts me such a smile of pride as that little clockwork heart thrums and clicks about.

    ¡°Now¡­ Stay here. And remember that command if what comes isn¡¯t me. No crying or stumbling about until you¡¯re back above, understood?¡±

    It nods, the smile fading a bit. ¡°Yes Ma¡¯am.¡±

    Then I turn, and make my way into what very well might be the entrance proper to the archive I seek.

    The creature is already waiting for me, sitting at the edge of the elevated stairwell leading up the grand platform that holds the outer gate to the archives proper. Almost like¡­ hmmm¡­

    No, I don''t think it can sense my Ousia. If it could, it would already be attacking.

    I twist my Physis into a little weaving to nibble up the sounds my feet make as I move forward. Wanting to get a look at this odd thing to ensure the magic I plan to use to end it is as efficiently as possible. Careful to stick to the shadows, I step up to peer over a mound of fallen rumble and into the chamber.

    Weeping stars, what a lovely Ousia this thing has. It¡¯s still just like¡­ only an ugly bug on the outside, only¡­ wielding some kind of quarterstaff or¡­ no. No, that''s a spear of some kind.

    So¡­ a guardian wrought from an organic sentient? I¡¯ve heard of odd things from current Witches and Warlords but not the old Dynasties that build this archive. And¡­ ugh the grand door collapsed inward. Nothing has spilled out but¡­

    Deep breath, murmur the incantations to save time and let¡¯s just¡­ melt this thing¡¯s brain and hearts. Worry about what we can salvage after this last barrier is dead and cleaned out.

    Bubbles pop and wriggle and rise up around the creature¡¯s face, then press against its chest and slide between chitin and¨C

    And then pop and melt away.

    My spell¡­ the cleaning magic wrought with subtle flesh melting death¡­ is pricked and countered like it was no more deadly than soap bubbles. Such a quick and silent counterspell is¡­ is barely possible for most witches!!!

    I myself wove expensive Ousia wards to avoid such indignant death in blood and even some bone marrow, purchased with at least a decade of my precious life, because to so quickly and effortlessly do what this little creature just did is¡­ it¡¯s only barely this side of possible without one!!!

    A clicking hissing spitting sound emits from the creature as it unfurls and rises from its stupor. Eyes glimmering and rolling about and¡­

    And locking on me.

    Ousia flaring and beginning to writhe in fury.

    Spell of hiding dropped, I hiss my Physis into a spell of energy. Heart thunders, body floods with thrumming force, and I run as fast as I can.

    Think think think! You stupid girl!!!

    A click clack echoes, and I feel that the guardian bug has reached my old hiding spot already.

    Dredging through all the tomes my Mistress forced me to memorize, I search for¡­ for anything I can use.

    Could drop a few tons of rock on it but¡­ that would risk a cave-in.

    Around the bend, and the thing slams into the wall not twenty feet back. At least twice as fast as the other bugs I¡¯d unmade, and they were so much quicker than I¡¯d expected.

    Or¡­ I manifest something more solid. Ugly inelegant flame or¡­ No. Lightning is a bad idea. Learned that the hard way. Lost half a decade of Ousia and half a year coughing up blood for that foolish loss of my temper.

    Leaping and bounding over rumble and ruin, I feel the thing closing in. Only slowed when it decides to just¡­ crash through an obstacle a little more sturdy than it expected.

    So¡­ what¡¯s left?

    I want to curse my own rotting luck at the unavoidable answer.

    ¡°DOLL!¡± I yell down this last tunnel as I reach for my needle and small pouch of bone marrow dust.

    ¡°Y¨C Yes Mistress!?!¡± Comes a reply filled with equal parts joy at my return, and such worry at the thing it hears coming up behind me.

    ¡°Be a dear and call up your sister!¡±

    A pause of¡­ maybe half a heartbeat passes. But when a bug with the Ousia like an angry multi-tendrilled Denizen is at your heels every one of those feels like an eternity.

    But then there is that horrid crack of joints, a whirr like a hive of bumble wasps, and a sort of¡­ snipping sound.

    ¡°Good morning Mistress.¡± Comes a voice of such Icey regard. ¡°Where¨C¡±

    ¡°No time!¡± I cut it off. ¡°Defend and Subdue!¡±

    And then, from around this final mound of rubble, my Doll leaps.

    Leathers torn very nearly off, two arms split into four with fingers unlatched into razor sharp talons, and lower jaw unhinged to make room for the twin rows of fangs.

    At least it didn¡¯t unfurl the rotted quills¡­

    It lands at my back just as the bug¡¯s weapon would have skewered me, kicking the shaft aside as talons rake down the thing¡¯s chitin.

    I twist and turn, bouncing a few steps to keep my balance as I watch my Doll and this thing begin to dance.

    If not for my weaving of fury I¡¯d be unable to even keep track of their movements. The spell is basically just¡­ a doubly strong infusion of the body''s natural reaction to danger. Laid out and kept under its Witch¡¯s control.

    The bug is fast, and that spear is deadly, but¡­ my Doll is faster and sticks close. Removing the advantage that long-reaching blade gives it. Also¡­ Riven moon does this bug have no clue how to wield that weapon. Just¡­ swings it about like a pointy club with all the grace of a drunken fool.

    But¡­ even my Doll¡¯s razor claws are unable to rake through its chitin. And while given enough time the creature should tire where it will not¡­ I don¡¯t want to give this bug the chance to find an opening to break it.

    So I look down to my needle and bone marrow, and begin to sew the end to this fight into the flesh of my left palm.

    Hoping that this isn¡¯t a stupid investment of my precious and incredibly limited Ousia.

 Chapter 3: To Have, and To Be Held (Blade)

    To Have, and To Be Held

    Content Warnings:

    More violence, death, longing to murder and consume soul things, breaking of insides.

    My revelation is proven true within moments as the caustic bubbles of Physis crawl over Borazag. Truly a beautiful spell. Cleaning combined with the thoughtform of a plague, treating flesh as the filth it is and leaving not but pristine surfaces. I consume it reflexively, dissolving the spell into my own Physis as she runs. I want her, crave her, need to pierce into her and become one with her as I absorb her Ousia into me, another log added to the flame of my existence.

    Borazag finally sees her and follows. Through his eyes I watch her lithe form flee from certain death with spellforms shunted from concealment to acceleration.

    Run Run Little One.

    Borazag is many things, and nimble is disappointingly not one of them. Fast, but unable to handle sudden stops or turns, a fact I am reminded of as he impacts the wall the Spellweaver was hiding against and breaks one of his antennas.

    Idiot thing.

    My perception is affected by his reduction, not significantly, but enough that I am displeased by it. Inferior lifeforms like him cannot repair such damage.

    Unacceptable. Unforgivable.

    Borazag continues to give chase as I begin to reevaluate my upcoming meal. Human, at least in appearance. could be a replacement but¡­

    I won''t. I can''t. No one gets to own me, no Divine or mortal. None are worthy. none are ¡ª what in the sealed tomes is that?

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    As she runs down a hall, a porcelain shell dressed like a person rushes past her towards us. four arms ending in bladed talons, a mouth crammed with two sets of fangs, and a complete lack of Ousia.

    The oaf can''t keep up with it, yet the things talons can''t find purchase on his shell with my Physis reinforcing it.

    It is sleek, elegant, deadly, everything I find most appealing about myself, I want to wear it like a glove and grasp my shaft with its hands as I am finally free to act without regard for another. The torn leather it wears strains under its exertions as I analyze it closer, spending Physis to speed Borazag for the purpose.

    I want it, I need it, I HATE IT, I HATE IT, I HATE IT.

    I realize that it is not a mere puppet controlled by the Witch but has independent processing. With a lucky swipe by the oaf, I spike Ousia into it, attempting to destroy its will and leave it empty perfection to no avail. It is tethered to the Witch but is not vulnerable to my machinations. I''ll have to go through her. Nothing will stop me, I won''t allow it.

    I speed Borazag more and more, cramming my Physis through his body until he can finally outmatch the porcelain beauty, my future sheath, the nearly perfect match to me.

    He impales it through the sternum with me and I shudder with the delightful sensation of being inside it. Where I belong. My distraction causes my working to slip and the thing decapitates Borazag the futile with all four sets of talons.

    A wash of lethargy flows over me as the corpse falls back and the sheath kneels. My Ousia field collapses into my frame with the recoil of losing so much Physis.

    Senses lost, I cannot understand what is happening until I feel marble hands grasp the hilt of my blade, fingers curling under my quillon in preparation to withdraw me. I burn Ousia to flare the shoulders of my head into wicked barbed things. I need to ensure that this poppet cannot withdraw me itself, and that the Witch puts hands on me. Then I can feast and inhabit. I can finally be whole.

    I wait in anticipation while the prosthesis attempts to remove me, shredding its insides as it attempts to slide me back out like a key. It fails of course, delicate mechanisms screaming in protest as I am wretched back and forth.

    There is stillness. I am released, still transfixing the entity, pinning the butterfly in display. Order binding chaos, as it should be.

    She approaches, the Bluest Blue I''ve ever felt, and I almost feel pity for the need to end her, to add her color to my mosaic. She makes the others look cheap in comparison. A Blue so deep I could drown in her forever.

    Her hand wraps around me and I freeze. There''s no opening, no weak point I can penetrate to hollow her out like she did to so many of that dead bug''s kindred. Her Ousia seals her Physis away from me.

    No. No. Not Again.

    I feel my shape being pressed against, an attempt to warp me, to simplify my form, I am able to prevent it but I comply, I surrender as I search for a way through her walls. I need to ensure that she keeps me with her, so I may escape this shithole, and consume her. No matter how long it takes.

    I sleep, passing into a Driftdream once more.

 Chapter 4: From this Moment, A Future Grows (Witch)

    From this moment, a future grows

    Content Warnings: N/A?

    It¡¯s gone. All of it.

    Not evanescing away, not being absorbed by another, but just¡­ draining into the weapon¡¯s core. Any and all traces of Ousia and Physis snuffed like they never even existed

    And that was after the thing started to nibble at my own Physis with such a hungry will that roiled with at least some intelligence. So¡­ a Denizen? Its Calling Glyph woven into the metal? No¡­ No a Denizen kept so close to this thing¡¯s Core would consume it without proper Ousia and Physis wards. Which this thing did not have. Even when it countered my spell it was an active effort, like the swatting of an annoying fly.

    I lay the weapon thing away, carefully placing it on the floor next to the guardian¡¯s headless corpse as I send a bubbling of my cleaning spell to empty out the dead thing of meaty gross bits.

    But¡­ the things that built these Archives didn¡¯t forge guardians so¡­ cruel and unrefined. Would NEVER craft a weapon that could be easily used by such a creature. So¡­ What was I sensing there after its death? And why is it gone?

    ¡°Mistress¡­¡± The wounded Doll kneeling beside me purrs. Voice a thrumming almost hissing lilt that sets my spine tingling and gut twisting. ¡°Where is this?¡±

    I sigh and turn back to regard it, keeping focus on the weapon just in case of further surprises. ¡°Tunnels outside one of the old Weisheit Archives.¡±

    It looks about the room, gazing upon all the other dead creatures, four talon-tipped limbs scrape almost playfully at nearby shell before it turns back to quirk an eyebrow at me, ¡°Why was this one not called upon at the entrance?¡±

    After checking to make sure no other Ousia exist within my range besides my own, I move forward and command. ¡°Remain still.¡± Then add more softly without the Witch¡¯s Tone. ¡°Please.¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± It very nearly coos with such a¡­ a rapturous smile, then the body stills.

    Considering¡­

    ¡°Other than this final guardian, the others only required a simple modified cleaning spell to end.¡±

    I feel its too bright eyes boring into me as I unlatch plates, and begin to fiddle about the insides. Weave a few discrete little spells and incantations to move dislodged joints back into place but¡­ Oh.

    Cracked and Riven Moon that spear must have been imbued with some terrifying enchantments to slice through the shell and jade within. Everything it touched is just¡­ cut straight through! All the parts that were knocked free looked to have done as we tried to pull it out.

    ¡°You may speak, dear.¡± I murmur while I work. ¡°I¡¯m sorry if my command implied otherwise.¡±

    A little tittering in its lower throat sends soft vibrations through its form as it purrs softly. ¡°It didn¡¯t, This one is just enjoying the feeling of you inside it again.¡±

    The mundane girl would sputter at having a Doll say something so salacious unprompted, while even most Witches would probably balk up at this one with the talons and fangs and¡­ Weeping Stars is it already letting the quills break loose!?!

    I sigh and pause, sidestep the comment and excited buzz warbling through the tunnel as the six two foot long razor sharp lengths popping out from the Doll¡¯s back crack free, and reply simply. ¡°The Archive is just ahead, and I¡¯d like to get at least a cursory understanding of the damage these pests have done before I start setting up here.¡±

    A pause, and I swear I spot such¡­ hurt in the Doll¡¯s eyes. ¡°You have no further need of me then?¡±

    I re-attach the frontal plates and pull back to stand, giving it a soft and tired smile. ¡°Not unless you¡¯d like to help with organizing and cleaning. Stick around for idle chatter?¡±

    It clicks talons on the floor, considering my offer. Busywork it hates and possible conversations it does not want to engage with? Surly it will refuse and¨C

    Its eyes lock on mine, quills dance out a little tune. ¡°This one will remain, if you can still make use of it.¡±

    ¡°Always.¡± I reply after only a second¡¯s hesitation. ¡°Although¡­ you¡¯ll need to avoid anything above Giyar Four movements. I can¡¯t repair your frame until we go back above and find the correct parts and you¡¯ll stall out quite easily if you try. So for now I think I¡¯ll have you start to organize and break down the creature¡¯s shells into their plates and prepare them for delivery while I check the Archive.¡±

    Its eyes dart past me, gaze turning to a cold glare as the Doll regards the creature and weapon beside it. ¡°And that?¡±

    I pause, and consider the options. I¡¯d not come here seeking plunder like some bloody adventuring fool or young insipid girl. I was here for information and understanding. And¡­ maybe¡­ peace of mind at what I might find¡­

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    ¡°Sold alongside the shells or left here if it¡¯s trapped or cursed.¡± I shrug. ¡°Okay, if you¡¯d¨C¡±

    ¡°It was alive.¡± It interrupts me, quills all a thrum with building annoyance. ¡°The creature was a slow dullard, but that thing moved faster than it should have and then the weapon would not release this frame until you laid hands on it.¡±

    I pause, a bit confused, but glance back down at the weapon. Sitting almost¡­ eerily still. Seeming such a weight to my senses despite not bearing a hint of Ousia or Physis now.

    ¡°Explain.¡± I murmur a command, extending my senses to focus more on this odd thing.

    ¡°It¡­ shifted. This one could not see, but it could feel. The form was not stuck in the frame, it was grasping. Holding. Refusing to move without forcing significant further damage.¡±

    A cursed weapon? That would explain the nibbling at the end there¡­. That¡¯s¡­ actually deliciously malicious! I can¡¯t help but grin a little stupid thing at the implications of that. Quite¡­ vindictive for the Weisheit, normally their guardians are such¡­ annoying boorish things! Big and slow and more set to scare off than eliminate.

    But to lay such a thoughtful trap for a seeker, a thing that can only be easily survived by one with sufficient wards that only their oldest Matron¡¯s might still have had? This Archive might just be more important than I thought!!!

    ¡°That¡­¡± I turn back to bless my Doll with my approval. ¡°Is very good to know. This place might be more lush with rewards than I dared hope for!¡±

    *    *    *

    It¡¯s not.

    In fact, as I toss the probably century old metal book at the far wall I can¡¯t help but hiss another string of curses. ¡°Pompous Star Rotted cunts! To¡­ to think that all the magic of their golden era to be just¡­ chaff to their ¡®wizened ways¡¯! But then they keep this Archive, a place so well hidden and warded from even time¡¯s worst bites and they just¡­ just¡­ Fill it with such absolute Moon Fallen Shite!¡±

    At the loud clatter the book makes, my Doll comes strutting into the little study she built me amongst the shelves. Walls and walls of stacked books and scrolls I¡¯ve yet to peruse and decide which to invest time and Physis into unlocking their ancient bindings.

    Each such¡­ such an exhausting and straining task. And the horrid thing I just threw demanded a little extra too!

    ¡°Mistress?¡± She knees before me, quills thrumming gently. ¡°It¡¯s time for rest. Thirty-Six hours is¨C¡±

    ¡°Nothing. It¡¯s barely a murmur of energy.¡± I hiss, then think better of directing my rage at it and sigh weakly when I spot the glimmer of hunger and hope in its eyes.

    So¡­ so much I can¡¯t even give them anymore.

    ¡°I¡¯ve gone weeks without sleep before, dear.¡± I reach out to pat one of her restless limbs. ¡°This is nothing. Just¡­ frustrated at the lack of progress this past week.¡±

    She tip taps her talons on the floor in frustration. ¡°You found some books of value and use.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m being generous to them, and myself, honestly.¡± I huff. ¡°Valuable to a collector. No more. The Weisheit were novelties of the time. Backwards in their thought process when it comes to the nature of Physis and Ousia.¡±

    ¡°Then¡­¡± The Doll settles down in front of me. ¡°Why waste yourself here?¡±

    ¡°Because some old tome mentioned at least a couple dozen of their older Matrons as having bore the Seelenf?ule. I thought¡­ Well maybe they succeeded where others failed in understanding it.¡±

    She nibbles at her inner jaw. Hard shell safe from the fangs she bears but¡­ a rare sign of worry and nervousness. ¡°Mistress¡­ If¡­ How long? Have¡­ Did you make preparations for this one and its sister for¨C¡±

    That sends such a jolt of anxiety and pain and¡­ and guilt through me.

    ¡°Of course!¡± I cut off its worry immediately. ¡°You and your sister will go to Zauberei K?nigreich and serve an old flame of mine. She knows to expect you both and even has a few daughters who''ve taken to the Arts. Fine Witches who take good care of their Dolls. I plan on taking you there myself when the time comes even.¡±

    It settles, then looks down. Eyes flitting between angers as it falls into silence.

    ¡°Go on then.¡± I nudge its leg with a foot. ¡°I know you¡¯re not done with sorting and organizing the chaff from the treasures.¡±

    ¡°May¡­ if I¡­ may I stay here for a while?¡±

    Such a rare thing from this one.

    ¡°Of course. You can even help make me more comfortable if you''re careful with talons and fangs.¡±

    It lights up so much at that, and soon I¡¯m nuzzled into my Doll¡¯s sturdy chest as I pick out a book that seems to hold promise. Settling into what I plan on being another few weeks at least before venturing to the surface for supplies and selling of anything worth anything.

    But¡­ after about three more hours of useless reading there is a soft clatter, and my Doll is suddenly very alert. As she rises I¡¯m already reaching out with my senses to see if any Ousia or Physis has sparked up from a trapped book or tome.

    I find a little flicker, barely a pinprick really, but¡­ very close. With my Doll practically still curled around me in thrumming anticipation of violence I carefully move around my bookwalls to the source.

    And discover only the strange polearm slipped into a pile of books. I glance about. Find the book I¡¯d tossed too far away to unsteady it¡­

    And still the occasional flicker and prick of Ousia seems to gleam and glimmer from the space around the blade. Like¡­ like some moving lights dancing across a reflective surface.

    ¡°Stick close, be ready to toss the weapon as far away as you can on my command.¡± I whisper to my Doll, and kneel beside the weapon.

    Moving closer I reach out, so carefully and gently, using old techniques from a past I¡¯d rather not consider at the moment, and allow my sense to brush against those motes of light while fingers brush the iron.

    They twitch but¡­ My subtle and slow considerations are soft things. Only a Witch-trained would have wards ready to alert her to my prodding.

    So odd though. Like it¡¯s¡­

    I stifle a hiss as I jerk back. Immediately preparing to issue the command to toss this horrid thing into the deepest shadows and abandon this tomb after leaving sufficient warnings to any future fool who might seek knowledge and wisdom from such a useless Archive.

    I was wrong, and unless I¡¯m planning to spend possible years scouring this place for the barest hope all while residing close to¡­ to this! This nasty horrid blighted¡­

    ¡°Mistress?¡± Comes a purr from my back, and in her tone my heart breaks at those thoughts I just had. How¡­ how to condemn this weapon on the principles of its creation rather than even attempt to help would be to call my work with this Doll folly.

    ¡°If this is what I think it is¡­ I¡¯d like to speak with them.¡± I murmur softly. Even though I understand well that words won¡¯t reach this thing easily in this state.

    My doll clicks and whirrs in consideration and worry and probably mostly annoyance at the lack of fleshy things to dissect with those talons.

    Well¡­ I¡¯m here but I know what a horrible idea THAT would be to indulge in old vices and¨C

    I huff in insatiable desires and pull out the needle and bone dust I keep so close. The tools I can use just in case this thing is beyond words or my abilities to reason with.

    ¡°Okay, be ready to move at Giyar Six in a single motion of talon to toss this thing either on my command or seeming to falter. My wards seemed to protect me but¡­ desperate sorts tend to go beyond themselves.¡±

    ¡°Yes Ma¡¯am.¡± My Doll purrs.

    And I reach out with my senses to very intentionally rouse the weapon from this slumber.

 Chapter 5: Archive Altschmerz (Blade)

    Archive Altschmerz

    Content Warnings: N/A

    Thrashing. Sounds of screaming. A crucible melting ingots. Hammers smashing into bubbles.

    Those blue bubbles again.

    [Hello?] I speak within my mindspace, rising from the drift-dream once more.

    "Oh thank the Dead Hag, you talk. From our little tussle earlier and your... shall we say less than verbal wielder I''d feared you''d lost that."

    The Witch''s Ousia and Physis still their motion behind hard shells, a lingering pulse of blue calling out to me through the Driftdream. Her words reach me through my mind, though with her cadence I assume she speaks aloud.

    "But where are my manners, I am the Witch Elevar N¨¡vah¨©na. May I ask yours? If you have a name that is."

    With a slight effort of will, I weave and expand out a mesh of Ousia to map out my surroundings, not my regular dome, but something more delicate, sensitive, and all together less of a loss if things go wrong.

    [Dead Hag? She''s Dead? By the Merciful Moon, it is good to hear that. I... Name. Names. So many names and none of them mine. Elevar is a good one.] I cautiously respond mentally, my Ousia barely brushing against hers, showing me just how useless it would be to attack her.

    I have no leverage. There''s nothing more frightening than being vulnerable.

    "Oh, it''s... That''s just a turn of phrase, dear. But¡­" Elevar mutters distractedly before she focuses once more, "Oh! That''s so sweet of you to say. Thank you. I do enjoy the name I chose. If you don''t have one, or dislike one given that''s easy to change. Actually, I was quite surprised to find something like you down here, may I ask how that happened?"

    A twisting of her Physis, delicate and subtle and¨C

    BETRAYAL! She weaves at me? Never Trust! Trust leads only to betrayal! I am a fool, she ¡ª oh. Elevar is merely looking for contamination. RESPECT.

    [I was abandoned here. Rejected due to my refusal to cooperate with an inferior entity.] I respond, admitting my shame.

    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Connection?

    Elevar offers me a thin stream of Physis that I carefully embrace as her spellweaving settles, a porcupine relaxing and offering to share a meal. I expand my mesh to encompass the room.

    I''m outside? After countless moons, I''m finally out of those terrible tunnels!?!

    "That is quite awful, to be left alone to be scavenged by creatures such as these. I''m guessing you were offered little in the way of good company. The individual wielding you seemed... oh how to put this delicately?" She pretends to think for a few heartbeats. "Stupid. Yes, that''s the empirical term that my teacher would have used. Mayhaps alongside other more colorful terminology."

    I bristle at the term Wielding but avoid violence. I''ve learned my lesson. Never ever strike out without the ability to follow through. If you would harm, KILL.

    [Yes, Quite stupid. I have longed for a proper partner of some sort.] I offer vagaries. It would not do for her to suspect my desire to supplant her and take her simulacra, her Ousia, her everything and make it mine.

    Elevar begins to adjust to sit comfortably, then turns to her surrogate to murmur. "Be a dear and fetch my blankets. The floor here is cold as death and I would rather not catch a chill alongside everything else."

    The Surrogate, my desired prize, regards her with hesitation "Is... there anything else you require? This one could instead move the blade."

    "That... hm..." She turns back to me. "I''m not sure, actually. Would you mind terribly moving this conversation to the little reading nook we''ve built? Your form seems quite above such worries but mine would get quite sore if I were to settle here and I''m very much in the mood for good company if you''re willing to put up with me. Neither of us wish to disturb or carry you without your permission."

    I am confused by this kindness. What motivates her? She has no need to ask permission, I am at her dark mercies regardless of my desires. I delay in answering, long enough that her heart begins to speed up, barely detectable through the stream she offered. [That would be fine. My apologies. I was in that pit for a very long time and have not spoken like this since before then.]

    "No need to apologize! Let''s only hope I can remember my manners and be pleasant enough company." Elevar states in a bizarrely cheerful manner.

    The prosthesis tip-taps its talons and buzzes its quills in a very distracting way. "Mistress, your company is always a delight. Especially when-"

    "Oh no. Shush you. Not another word elsewise on that." Elevar chides as she rises to stand, her attempt to hide a baffling smirk failing utterly before my senses. "Now... let''s get these withering bones of mine warming before they give out on me."

    I ponder my surroundings as the sheath hefts me in porcelain hands and carries me after Elevar into a different area. Some sort of study, well worn books on shelves that seem to be capable of collapsing shut for transport, a low desk piled with documents, a tea shelf, and a few chairs. I freeze up once more as I recognize the furniture. I''m not outside, I''m in the Archive proper, returned once more to my prison.

    What do I do? How do I convince her? She has the effervescence of death upon her but seems still so potent, like she''s burning Ousia to maintain herself without knowing how to gather more. Is that it? How could such knowledge have been lost? How long has it been? And the surrogate, Doll, she called it. Odd. She speaks as if the hollow frame is something capable of independent thought. I had assumed it was a mad affectation but it is¡­ too real. What does this mean? The things she said¡­  This ''doll'' called her mistress, I should copy that. Increase my chances.

    I take a chance. I Burn Physis and Ousia, dropping my reserves by 20%, enough for ten minutes of anthroparion.

    The shift in perspective is immense as it has been an incalculable time since I last did this.

    I sit on the chair that my form rested on, cross my legs as properly befitting a maiden like I appear to be, and offer a small smile as I speak aloud.

    "Mistress Elevar, Do you value Honesty?"

 Chapter 6: Low Tea Time (Witch)

    Low Tea Time

    Content Warnings:

    N/A

    If not for my Doll¡¯s steady hands, I would have dropped my cup of tea at her sudden shift from that weapon of gorgeously deadly beauty to¡­ this.

    If as a blade she was unblemished, now¡­ she¡¯s a mess. A gremlin of a girl. Clothing both so old-fashioned I can¡¯t recognize the make or origins, but also so crusted with blood and tears and muck I¡¯d simply throw it out and clothe her in something new. Hair is a disheveled mess, and¡­ for a moment I fear she¡¯s terribly wounded looking at all the rents in her attire. But¡­ no. Her flesh is perfect and any damage has been long since tended to.

    Only a few heartbeats, but I¡¯d rather her not take my hesitation to answer as anything but surprise and a little thoughtfulness. What was the question again?

    Do I value honesty?

    I don¡¯t know whether to laugh or cry at that and all the horrid things that question must mean for her, and the memories it stirs in my rotting heart.

    ¡°A good question.¡± I offer in delay, but¡­ quickly chide myself. If this form was easy for her to maintain she would have walked out of here on her own. No¡­ it¡¯s easy to spot how horribly expensive this is for her. Only the Dead Hag knows how long she can last in this state.

    So¡­ is this a sign of her strength? A motion demonstrating that she can kill my flesh if my wards won¡¯t falter? Or¡­ vulnerability?

    Maybe¡­ Trust even? From her question I hope it correlates. If only a little? She seemed to happily gobble up the Physis I offered so¡­ Let¡¯s not assume the worst. It¡¯s always cheaper to be a good person, after all.

    ¡°Yes, I do. But¡­ more so, I value the trust it can flow from.¡± I decide is the best answer, finally taking the cup from my Doll.

    She nods, face still a mask I cannot read.

    ¡°You¡¯re dying.¡± She says bluntly, like one might say to a stranger who dropped a bit of mildly valuable nonsense without noticing. Then with just as much care or emotion, ¡°I can help.¡±

    I just¡­ stare at her for a few good quickened heartbeats. So badly I suddenly want to put this girlthing to the question as ruthlessly and quickly as possible.

    How do you know of the Seelenf?ule?

    How did you sense the death that walks behind me like a slow stalking predator?

    How would you even hope to ¡®help¡¯ with an affliction that centuries of Witches can do nothing to stave off!?!

    Old lessons and tendencies bubble up and threaten to overwhelm everything else. So close to being reignited by the spark of hope¡­

    ¡°Ah. It seems¡­ Well that¡¯ll be more material and action anyway. Considerations for later.¡± I take a sip of my tea to slow my racing heart. Chide myself to stop talking nonsense and reply with the intelligence that befits a Witch of your years and sins. ¡°But¡­ Why offer this? Exactly?¡±

    "Cup Upended and Pips Nulled, I am Desperate. I will do nearly anything to get out of this place, and I am too far from the surface to make it all the way myself.  Archive Altschmerz was built to contain me. The books are a distraction, as is the rest of the armory that I was originally imprisoned in." She holds still following the confession, form held in prime alertness, ready to act at a moment''s notice.

    All that rubbish to contain this girlthing? Yes¡­ Yes, that matches some of the things I read about the crones who built these Archives. Scared of their own shadows, endlessly prattling on in so many of these tomes about the need to balance in the karma of one''s workings to the outcomes.

    Stupid. Backwards. But¡­ as I consider the horrors that arose soon after their age¡­

    I¡¯m enthralled.

    A sentient weapon of ancient make with incredible Ousia and Physis manipulation AND consumption powers, not to mention the ability to shift her own form quickly and efficiently¡­ Honestly, I¡¯d be jealous if it wasn¡¯t for the glaring limitations. Lack of mobility and self-determination¡­ Not to mention the possible lack of sensory input.

    I nod, take another sip. ¡°And¡­ How would you help? What is it you think is causing my death?¡±

    ¡°I don''t know what''s causing it." A pause of hesitation, the obvious flickers of¡­ well not confusion or frustration but¡­ hmmm¡­ Contemplation? Working out what to say and how much knowledge to offer so early in our negotiations?

    "I can tell from the flow of your Ousia that there is a foreign substance in your body that you''re likely autonomously burning Ousia to suppress. I can feed you more. Give you¡­ us¡­ time to solve the issue permanently."

    ¡°Feed me Ousia? That¡¯s¡­¡±

    Impossible.

    Ousia is¡­ it¡¯s static. All life starts with a wellspring that deteriorates with age. The only thing even Witches of the age can do with it is spend it on very potent magics but at the cost to their overall lifespan.

    This is why we thankfully have Physis. It¡¯s the chalice of power we can draw forth and refill all throughout our lives. The workings may be lesser but they don¡¯t come at the cost of future life.

    Nothing but very specific and incredibly horrid Denizens can even consume Ousia from others. And that takes maliciously cruel workings and time.

    My Doll thrums in its own fury and fear. Probably considering the exact same terrifying possibility that mayhaps this truly is a Denizen. Something twisted and wretched and waiting just behind some ancient bindings to feast and consume.

    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    But¡­ No. No, that can¡¯t be right. She¡¯s shown no other signs of their ilk.

    So¡­ keep to the anathema of my Mistress¡¯s teachings. Paranoia has always been a poison to my life. Let¡¯s not jump to conclusions when she¡¯s offering only honesty.

    ¡°Quite the impressive feat, if true.¡± I say with all the calm my Mistress beat into me to show in horridly dangerous situations. ¡°But why gift your own Ousia? I don¡¯t sense you have such an overflowing wellspring. Just this short shifting has cost you greatly, and staving off my illness will be more expensive still.¡±

    A pause, and the weapon deflates, tension escaping as she pulls her legs up in front of her and wraps her arms around them. "Guess I passed the thin slice. That''s neat.¡± She huffs out a breath of stale air. Then glances down and away as her voice goes a bit quieter. ¡°I''m not a Denizen, as that¡¯s likely crossed your mind. In some ways¡­ I''m worse. An atrocity buried to hide the limits Witches will pursue in the search for immortality.¡±

    I consider asking more, but before even three quickened heartbeats pass she lifts a single hand and spreads her fingers out wide¡­ making a sort of exploding motion.

    ¡°Tada.¡± She says with no joy or fanfare to her next and most extraordinary claim. ¡°I can Harvest Ousia from nearly any compatible entity, Harmonize it with a partner and then provide said partner the Ousia. Life everlasting, bought with death."

    My Mistress, my teacher, and the cunt whom I killed the moment I garnered the courage, will and magic to end, would urge me to do so many things in this instance.

    So deep are her lessons that¡­ that I can¡¯t help but hear her voice and demands, even now.

    ''Bindings of bone and marrow, tether and twist its Physis into a net that only moves at your beck and call. It might fight, but simply remind it with words how if a tool proves too much a bother you¡¯ll toss it into an ever deeper pit than even this one. Your death if it won¡¯t aid in your search for a cure? Pah! I bet it¡¯s craved that for herself. Your end will be a sweet thing compared to the eternity of silence and loneliness you could grant this wretchedly gorgeous thing.''

    Make it submit.

    Break its will.

    Such a pretty little tool shouldn¡¯t be allowed to¨C

    ¡°Oh¡­ Oh sweetheart.¡± I huff through the howling cruelty. ¡°I think there has been a misunderstanding.¡±

    My Doll very nearly jerks, twists the eyes it had kept locked on her to stare down at me. Would be a glare if it could muster such anger.

    But¡­ no. It¡¯s a thing of pain and confusion.

    ¡°I¡­ You¡¯re right. I am dying. And your assessment is quite insightful. Even the best Curanos of the age could only guess at what you discovered in scant moments of touching my Ousia. And were I freshly aware of the blight In my younger days I¡­ Well. I might have considered giving into my worst impulses.¡±

    Such a thrum rolls off my Doll. A twitching that could easily spiral into something worse. So I turn to it, giving my most loving smile. ¡°You¡¯ve been such a dear and a very good girl, now I need you to pull yourself together and wake up your sister.¡±

    A click, a whirring, and it folds up all the extra bits. Arms click and clack into a single pair of delicately soft limbs devoid of talons, quills ripple and dissipate into the back, and the expression of a growing storm slips away.

    All to be replaced with such an anxious little Doll one might think newly woven and given an anxious nature for some odd young Witch¡¯s amusement.

    ¡°M¨C Mistress?¡± She stammers, looks around. ¡°Wh¨C What? Is¨C¡±

    I reach out to pat her arm. ¡°All is well. Just having a chat with this fine woman and would prefer a spot of well made tea. You¡¯ve always brewed such a wonderful pot. Your sister¡¯s a delight but¡­ her skills are lacking in this area.¡±

    A pause, then she smiles nervously between us. ¡°It¡­ Of course! It won¡¯t be a span!¡±

    Then she scurries off, leaving me alone with the girlthing.

    ¡°Apologies.¡± I turn back to her. ¡°Didn¡¯t want to waste your precious time with flesh on listening to an old Witch¡¯s spat with her willful Doll. Now, where were we?¡±

    "Jealousy is not what I expected from her. I had believed at first she was a Denizen myself, as she has no visible soul, not even to my senses, but they do ¨C unlike her. A well hidden horrifically tripartite one, yet still a soul." The girlthing stares at me, a fury rising in her eyes, "What Is She? How did the Conclave allow such a thing to exist?"

    My Doll? Has she truly never encountered one?

    That sparks another ripple of such deep hunger. Can... can very nearly feel the old crone at my back hissing at me to stop refusing such an easy opportunity to grasp at power.

    ¡°Conclave?¡± I take a polite sip to quiet the storm. Push away the old instincts and lessons. ¡°You speak as though, and pardon if I misunderstand, a governing body exists to consider and limit magical considerations. Which¡­ any such scattered groups that exist do so through the use of such constructs. Marvelously durable things, able to ensure the work tirelessly and even endure Moon Waste.¡±

    I pause. Considering how to avoid possible¡­ hmm¡­ inadvertent and possible offensive comparisons. Decide to simply give her the truth. Simple and without the flowery nonsense some might use to soften the harder truths of the matter.

    ¡°They are former people who underwent a transformation and transition of their Physis and Ousia to reform the body itself. A twisting of those two forces into the physical form desired by the Witch crafting them. Similar to your form, which is quite beautiful and remarkable by the way, the physical body doesn''t conform to biological limitations, but the process tends to shatter the minds of those who have a strong grasp on their personhood due to a sort of¡­ spiritual dysphoria. Thus, they are... to put simply, no longer people. Requiring purpose and direction from a Witch to function properly.¡±

    "The Conclave are the overseers of the magical world, staffed through mandatory service terms of all practitioners. What do you mean scattered? The Merciful Moon''s Slipways make distances irrelevant to Witches, Bondsmiths, and Hedgemages." She pauses, considering something, but shakes her head and presses through. "You''re telling me that those pricks learned restraint after creating me and allowing my banishment? Only a single person required..."

    The fury reaches new heights as her one arm evaporates and the other forms a speartip from the palm pointed at my throat, "You did this? Committed this Violation of an Innocent?"

    Slipways? Grand overseers and mandatory service terms? And by the Cracked and Riven Moon did she just claim that broken and toxic thing merciful?

    ¡°While some may be coerced or even forced into it, most consent to the procedure.¡± I can¡¯t help but raise an eyebrow at her brandished weapon as I consider all the delicious possibilities in her last words. ¡°And no, to answer you, I also did not make her. Doll weaving is not something I cared to learn.¡±

    Either she was crafted by some deep-dwelling cult of worshipers of the thing or¡­

    ¡°I¡¯m starting to think you¡¯ve been down here much longer than either of us could guess.¡± I set aside my tea, deciding instead to wait for a proper pot to be brewed.

    She takes a deep breath and vanishes the spearpoint once more, arm reappearing in her sleeve. The Ousia required is tangible, but less than I would have expected. She sits back and breathes out. "My apologies. I ¨C" a violent spasm runs through her. "Have a rather dreadful history with similar techniques. How I was made, you see. A method I will not allow to be repeated if I can prevent it.¡± A soft beat passes while she stills. ¡°I''ve no idea how long it''s been. The Driftdream. I lose all sense of time during it. Likely the only way I have stayed relatively sane."

    ''She¡¯s cracking.'' I can very nearly hear the voice of my old dead teacher purr ruthlessly. ''Weak, vulnerable, and SO very much like that broken Doll you found. Now, simply¡­ cast the net and let it fall into your grasp! Use her like you¡¯ve not wielded that Doll in too long!''

    ¡°And¡­ What would you like to do? If I ferried you from this place? Took you to the surface?¡± I murmur softly, tilting my head a bit to see if¡­

    No. Still waiting for the water to come to a boil. Still have time.

    The gerlthing smiles so sadly. "I am a Weapon. My purpose is to cull and harvest life, Witches, Denizens, whatever is necessary. As for what I would like¡­ I would like to simply read a book, almost more than anything else."

    She extends out the same arm she had just moments before threatened me with.

    "Would you take my hand for a moment, that I might prove my value?"

    I can¡¯t take my eyes off her perfect limb as I consider the symmetry of those words to the anxious little Doll brewing my tea¡­

    ¡°Please.¡± It had begged upon responding to my first use of the Witch¡¯s Tone to a Doll, demanding she approach. ¡°Please, don¡¯t leave it here. Take it home. It¡¯ll be a good tool. Please don¡¯t abandon it here again. Please please please please!¡±

    And then the poor thing had sobbed when I told it that of course, I¡¯d take it home. Such a lovely and wonderful tool shouldn¡¯t be left to waste in such a place as I had found it.

    Cracked and Riven Moon I was so young then¡­ Made so many mistakes and was such a horrid Mistress to them.

    I stand, setting aside the sewing needle and pouch of marrow. Knowing that if this girlthing means to end me such tools will be too slow to stop her. It¡¯ll come to a battle of will and flesh and quite possibly, nerve.

    It wasn¡¯t entirely my own fault. Of course teacher had broken me into treating them as a tool to be wielded without care. They only survived some of her worse schemes because of just how well their make was. But¡­

    Approaching, I let my smile turn a bit more firm. Not cruel or malicious, A knowing thing boiling in mirth, resolve, and focus. When I reach her I halt just within reach, holding out my own hand palm-up beneath hers.

    Can I do better?

    I think so. This girlthing isn¡¯t like them. She¡¯s willful and furious, brimming with spite and a scorpion¡¯s tongue. Independent in ways that I will need to whittle away at for years, if¡­ if I have that kind of time.

    And then I wrap my fingers around her wrist.

    Finding a new Mistress to look after her after the Seelenf?ule ruins me is going to be such a mess of a challenge.

 Chapter 7: Drowning A Fire in Gasoline (Blade)

    Drowning A Fire in Gasoline

    Content Warnings:

    N/A

    As she grasps my wrist I feel a moment of hesitation, a drive to violence, to attempt to overtake her in a conflagration of Ousia spiked with Physis. And yet. And yet.

    There''s a chance. Hah. Not a second one, but a genuine first chance, starting from a place of honesty.

    With a giggle more mental than physical I slip loose of my sustained form, becoming once more a spear held loosely in her grip. I seize the flow of Physis she offered and sheath it in Ousia, flooding her body to smother the invasive substrate that is slowly killing her.

    The Witch can''t stop such a gasp from leaving her lips. Suddenly and without warning flooded with a sense of weightlessness. I follow the sensation, reveling in the feeling of conquest that wells up within me.

    "Oooooh. By the Cracked and Riven Moon." She sighs in a moment of euphoric bliss. "I... I didn''t realize just how much it was taking over the years. How much-" She stops, shakes her head and cuts off the words to ask. "Anyway. Apologies. How are you, dear?".

    I feel out my reserves as Elevar does the same. Down to about half of what I had remaining.

    Really need some sort of unit of measurement. Lives? Years? will have to discuss that later. Riven Moon? What tragedy have I missed? She mentioned Moon Waste earlier as well¡­

    [I am fine. No. Actually, I am nervous. But¡­ Willing.]

    Honesty. It must be honesty first and foremost. If I need to kill her, I will do so without regrets or concerns that I could have changed things.

    "Understandable," Elevar considers for a moment as she holds my shaft, tilting me to and fro as my deadblow iron core glides within my form. She seems confused by it at first but seems to put the thought aside before she speaks again. "Don''t give up more than you can spare. I''ve survived years with this and can endure more if it gives you time to recover. We also want to make sure you don''t suffer any damage or affliction from the Seelenf?ule."

    [What is this... Seelenf?ule? is it the anomalous substance in your body?]

    "It is." She murmurs as she adjusts her grip. Sure in her hold but... deftly gentle.

    [It is unlikely to affect me, unless you plan on doing something absurd like trying to cut it out with my blade.]

    I ponder that idea.

    Whatever this substance is, we could treat it by simply removing and regrowing the infected tissue. It would be tremendously inefficient but would be much safer than trying to directly interact with it. something to mention in the future. after we leave at the very least.

    "I wouldn''t even know where to start." Elevar laughs mirthlessly at that. "The fact you can even sense the source within me is impressive. Countless minds have broken themselves trying to understand even a little of the Seelenf?ule."

    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    The Witch takes a few seconds to examine my physical form more thoroughly while seeming to consider a myriad of questions as her Doll bumbles back into the little nook. A fresh pot and two cups held on a tray before it.

    Dammit. I forgot about the tea. It would have been nice to taste, to have something to drink finally.

    "Oh." It nearly yelps at the sight of me. Looks about in confusion. "Where did our guest go?"

    Nowhere, obviously. This doll process, whatever it is, clearly does not improve one''s intellect.

    "She had to step out. Thank you for the tea, it smells wonderful. As always." Elevar nods toward a small table. "Leave it all there and head on over to continue your sister''s work on the chitin. We''ll be leaving this Archive today."

    Sister this, sister that, what are they even making a play at? Some strange fetish or whimsy?

    The Doll brightens. "Did... Mistress? Did you find the books you wanted?"

    What kind of books was she even looking for?

    "Not in the slightest." She shrugs nonchalantly. "But... the chitin itself will cover all my expenses. This was more a final consideration before returning to the estate anyway."

    It sags a bit. "Oh... I''m sorry."

    "Don''t be, dear." Elevar walks over to pit-pat the Doll''s head, then adjusts to cup its chin. "Now, be a good girl and run along. I''d like to catch sight of the stars if we''re able to make it to the surface before the twin suns bloom and start their weeping for the day."

    CONVERSATION! must focus on what we were discussing.

    [Countless minds. Heh. Not quite. Only 57 went into making me, but it does give me a bit of a firmer grasp on the comprehension of things in my sphere of influence. My Ousia, the magic of my Existence, is made of all of them and everyone I''ve consumed since...]

    Yes. perfect. that''ll impress her, I''m certain.

    I burn a small amount of Ousia to modify my form as she rotates me in her grip, adjusting my length and weight to better suit Elevar and the current limitations she''s under.

    [This... Doll weaving you spoke of. It is likely an offshoot of the research that created me, and could be... modified once more to perhaps restore and enhance your physical capabilities. If you are willing, I would appreciate a chance to learn more about it.]

    "Of course. If the art catches your fancy." Elevar can''t help but grin at the easy shifting, but pauses to consider something. "Which... speaking of. This place itself is... dull and quite devoid of writings of worth, but I recall you mentioning a deep desire to enjoy a good book. And since we''ve suddenly found ourselves in a position to hurry up and wait, I could see if there is anything that catches your fancy within the little Archive I brought with me?"

    CONFUSION. Does she not understand what I speak of? I talk of perfecting her form and she responds like I am a grakler bringing her a carcass.

    I push aside these thoughts at the mention of a personal Archive.

    [I would be very appreciative of such, though my capacity to demonstrate such is as of yet still limited.]

    "No worries. You''ll have all the time you need to consider how you''d like to spend your life. So..." Elevar settles me in the crook of her arms and moves back to sit, considers for a moment as she begins to weave a delicately small amount of Physis with her free hand. "What are you in the mood for? I of course have a few hundred research catalogs, journals, and even a few rarer tomes I''d be happy to share. Or... if you find the idea of rousing from your dreaming to the drolling on of old witches boorish, I''ve also acquired a much larger section of fictions, salacious biographies and autobiographies, scandalously inaccurate retellings of various political and historical events And... well..."

    A flicker, and from a popping of bubbles comes an oddly book shaped construct of light. Various nonsense words flutter and titter about in almost coherent words.

    Bizarre, not quite wasteful or frivolous but far from efficient.

    "All sorts. Just let me know what you''re in the mood for and I''ll be happy to rattle off suggestions and titles and the like!"

    [A history of sorts, even scandalously inaccurate could be of use, it would provide both amusement and a baseline for how long I have been hidden away from the world]

    Elevar swirls her fingers about in thought as the Physis congeels into a large tome with almost readable words, "I do adore Keldegrin''s perspective in ''The Swagger and Folly''. Her little tangents on seemingly random Witches bumbling, comes together nicely amidst what could be a droll accounting of the dissolvement of the twelve Matrons. Goes back roughly... Thirteen hundred years? Even vague events might give us an idea of when you were last out and about." A flitter, and the tome shifts a touch. "Or there is Mutallias, and her incredibly self-absorbed flailing at understanding the darker side of the Matrons'' fall. She basically inserts herself into the heart of it all when she was quite obviously safe in her hovel and watching from afar. Only filled her series with facts she garnered well after the blood was dried. But... her take on the politics of it all is fascinating..."

    A beat, and the bubbling illusions fractures and splits in twine. Forming two distinct volumes. "Do either of these catch your fancy? Or should I dig deeper? I''m sure I have a few written by the Dolls of the era. They can be... incredibly dry. But devoid of pomp. They honestly provided some of the source material for others to twist into their salacious retellings, however boring."

 Chapter 8: Pest Control is The Best for Control (Witch)

    CW:

    Demeaning those without magical training, anticipation of violence.

    After about six hours of pursuing my catalog and the girl settling upon a book, her¡­ well I wouldn¡¯t call it anxiety. Nothing so simple. But a well defined and hard to hide sense of foreboding every time the author mentioned the night sky grew to such an overwhelming level. Eventually I decided that a jaunt up to the surface was overdue and a great chance to get a better understanding of just how long she must have been trapped in this old Archive.

    Such an overwhelming sense of dread and sadness runs through the bond we share. Loss and fury and¡­ so much more. Emotions that force me to focus harder than I¡¯ve had to since my first days of training with a cruel Mentor else be drug into submitting to the maelstrom.

    [How could such a tragedy happen!?! It feels like I''m looking upon the desecrated corpse of my mothers!]

    I take a deep breath as I stare out over the twisting fields of dancing roots and growths the size of cottages, letting my eyes almost lazily cast about to continue to share the sight with her. But¡­ feeling her care only for the source of these overwhelming emotions.

    The Cracked and Riven Moon, hanging just at the edge of its winding path around the skies.

    This leviathan of the void above is broken into three large chunks, two smaller ones, and a halo that wobbles around and through the cluster in a dazzling display that dominates the pre-weeping that dawn will bring.

    ¡°Plenty of Astrologers agree that it must have once been whole.¡± I muse while cradling the spearform in the crook of one arm. ¡°But¡­ none can seem to agree on when that was. Some say only a few thousand years, others much much longer. The Moonwaste itself tells us little, what with how it resists all spell weavings. So¡­ anything we might use to date the stuff is useless.¡±

    She sends across a cascade of memories, the sight of the moon from dozens of different perspectives laced with the feelings of reassurance, confidence that safety can be found under the aegis of the Merciful Moon''s light.

    [Once it was whole. It was so much more than just a rock in the sky. It was Divine, a symbol of unity.]

    I cannot help but feel such a sense of vertigo as the gifted visions fade. An honest comfort being replaced by my own annoyance with the horrid thing.

    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ Fascinating. The Witches of the age find it quite the opposite. What with how it drags the oceans across so much of the land.¡± I take in a deep breath gauging the sweet scene on the winds. ¡°Speaking of which, it¡¯s good we left when we did. The tide will cut off the southern route within the next few days. And¡­ I¡¯m thinking with your help we can make it across before then.¡±

    [I don''t know the geography any more. This landscape is vastly different from what I remember, but I will assist how I can.] A heartbeat passes before the weapon follows up. [Does Humanity even exist anymore or is it just Denizens and Witches?]

    ¡°Oh¡­ the mundane are about. More numerous than both.¡± I chuckle as my Doll exits the cave behind us, moving up to stand just behind as it shoulders the huge bundle of chitin. ¡°But they are not to be underestimated. Humanity will and has always been such a wondrously vicious beast when faced with the horrors of life.¡±

    ¡°Ready to go, Mistress.¡± My Doll chimes happily. Totally and completely unbothered by the weight.

    So glad I didn¡¯t bring many supplies for it to try and manage around that. We might actually be able to turn a profit besides¡­ well¡­ we¡¯ll see how well this blade can harvest and give me Ousia. I¡¯ll not count my treasures before the waves come in.

    ¡°Wonderful. Good girl.¡± I reply to her with a grin. ¡°We¡¯re going to test some things today, dear. Make sure to keep up and be ready to act the moment danger might arise. Speed is the aim if we¡¯re to make it over the southern causeways before tomorrow evening.¡±

    My Doll looks at me with such confusion and worry. She¡¯d been¡­ quite befuddled when I explained that ¡®yes indeed, the girl you saw is also this blade and she¡¯s going to travel with us for quite some time I expect.¡±

    But¡­ understanding of things was never her, nor her sisters, strong suit. I¡¯ve always suspected that they were chosen for Dollhood due to that very reason. Not quite bright enough to weave what must have been such an unfair wellspring of Ousia and Physis into a spell, so¡­ either press-ganged or submitted willingly to the Remaking.

    I¡¯ve asked which it was, and neither remembers.

    ¡°Can¡­ But¡­¡± It stammers out a bit more nonsense during my patient waiting before finally managing to say, ¡°I¡¯m sorry but¡­ can you handle such an intense journey?¡±

    Surprise and amusement courses through my new bond with the weapon.

    ¡°What? Worried you might get tired and delay our travel?¡± I tease, and instantly regret it.

    ¡°No! Just¡­ I mean¡­ you¡¯re¡­ but the¡­ your¡­¡± It blubbers and just¡­ falls to pieces. Even looks like she¡¯s about to have a little cry at this soft bit of play.

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    Stupid girl! Old bad habits bubbling up at the first sign of freedom from that old weariness. We¡¯re supposed to treat it better than before!

    I move to it and cup a cheek in my free hand. ¡°Shush. I¡¯m only teasing dear, and appreciate so much you worrying over me.¡±

    It settles a bit, eyes wandering over my shoulder to gaze out with such anxiety over our path. ¡°But¡­ You had to rest three times along much easier pathways.¡± It whispers, such shame in those eyes. ¡°Almost hurt yourself and¡­ and then those rude people attacked and¨C¡±

    I shush it with a finger to the lips. ¡°Yes, and you and your sister dealt with them so beautifully. But this blade is quite special. Will make the journey easier and¡­ well¡­ I would love to stumble across either that same band or one like them to let her test out her abilities.¡±

    [A hunt would be lovely] the blade purrs along the bond. And I can¡¯t help but let my own desires bubble up and refract back in answer.

    My Doll purses those perfect lips, then nods. ¡°Okay. Sorry Mistress.¡±

    I give her a light kiss on the nose. ¡°Apology accepted, now¡­ let¡¯s get moving.¡±

    *     *     *

    ¡°Oh this is delightfully perfect.¡± I grin so wickedly as I stare across the first of the southern causeways.

    Spotting the trap this group set with my Ousia senses.

    ¡°M¨C mistress?¡± My Doll asks as it moves up to our side.

    We¡¯d been able to maintain a brisk pace all morning. Even ate while moving to save as much time as possible. Just in case this blade either ran dry on her ability to halt the Seelenf?ule¡¯s voracious hunger. But¡­ the opposite happened. With this wonderful gerlthing¡¯s help I¡¯m not just what I was a few decades back, I¡¯m better.

    Can easily settle the spell-weavings for speed and endurance and¡­ and even some sensory enhancements into my body with ease. Years spent refining such workings to be as efficient as possible combined with a thrumming of Ousia I¡¯ve not felt since my earliest days creating a potent combination.

    Could probably match my Doll tit-for-tat if I wanted to draw either into a bit of spar and play.

    ¡°It seems someone thought to set a little snare upon the causeway ahead, dear.¡± I adjust the weapon and continue our movements. ¡°Let¡¯s go say hello and see if they¡¯re smarter than the last group to try this on us.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ but¡­¡± It stutters and has to jog up to keep pace. ¡°Do you want me to call up my sister? Like before? I¡­ that way you don¡¯t need to use your magic and¡­ and spend yourself so early into our journey!¡±

    ¡°Nonsense.¡± I hum happily. ¡°I¡¯m itching to stretch my withering muscles and get back into practice with my martial work. Spears were actually a required learning for the Witches of my time and area. The perfect tool to deal with all manner of pests.¡±

    ¡°I¡­¡± It goes quiet for a bit, then blurts out in a whisper. ¡°But what about your condition, Mistress!?!¡±

    I can¡¯t help but sigh, wishing to tell her a bit more but¡­

    Need to keep it ignorant of our little arrangement. Let it think that this weapon is simply¡­ like them. A Doll that wished to be a weapon. Only the other sister is aware of this gerlthing¡¯s horribly special abilities. Best to keep it that way. For all manner of reasons, honestly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be letting this spear do most of the work.¡± I shrug. ¡°These are Mundanes, after all. Not a spell or artifact that I can sense. The most they¡¯ll do is throw a rock or shoot an arrow and my wards and reflexes will handle all but a siege weapon¡¯s blow.¡±

    The weapon informs almost, it seems, on reflex. [Humans have smaller souls, less Ousia and Physis to consume. Important to know.]

    My Doll opens its mouth to protest more, but I turn to give it ¡®the Look¡¯, and it quiets. Unhappy and filled with worry but¡­ I¡¯d rather not waste time explaining when I can easily do this.

    Hm¡­ will be curious how much of a meal this will be for her¡­ I muse while feeling out the number and weight of the cluster of mundanes waiting in ambush. Enough to replace what she¡¯s used for me? Less? More?

    ¡°And what about you, dearie?¡± Murmuring, I slow and regard the weapon. ¡°Is your mind and will ready to defend and subdue any manner of thing that attacks us? Be they a beast, Doll or even a simple bandit?¡±

    I tint my words with a touch of my Witches Voice, just¡­ curious how she¡¯ll react. Doll¡¯s follow that due to their nature. A siren call that the tone exudes to their need to serve. Some mundane people can find themselves affected a bit. Pushed at the odd pitch of the command, but they tended to be fairly docile anyway. I doubt she''ll react to it but¡­ It would be interesting.

    And will tell me if she¡¯ll be useless in a battle against another Witch.

    A Chorus of emotions courses along the tether between us, compliance, despair, fear and rage, all giving way to a dominating manic lust.

    [Eheheheheheheh, That feeeeeels like a provocation, my little Witch.]

    Can¡¯t help but only just remain steady at her words and thrum of such raw and strong emotions. Double check the few wards that still remain entwined after letting her Ousia and my Physis mingle.

    ¡°If we¡¯re still operating from a place of honesty¡­¡± I adjust the grip, and quicken my pace toward the trap. ¡°It was.¡±

    A couple dozen paces, and we¡¯ll pass the first line. If these fools are well trained and patient they¡¯ll stay hidden as we pass. I¡¯m keeping a confident yet unguarded stance as I move. Just¡­ looking like some armed traveler with a Doll to carry a delicious looking bundle of sellable chitin shells.

    ¡°My Doll can do nothing but obey its Witch.¡± I muse as we walk. ¡°Is always such a good girl for her Mistress. Because it can do nothing else now. I could give all manner of cruel and terrible demands, and it would devote everything it is to following them.¡±

    First line behind us now, twenty or so paces to the middle between the two. Soon¡­ well¡­ I¡¯ll see if these fools want to talk first or just¡­ dive right into the violence. Their Ousia shows they¡¯re ready for that but¡­

    ¡°But what of you? Xafra?¡± Speaking an old word as both a name and my claim to this wayward gerlthing, I flex my grip delicately and almost provocatively on the old leather wrapped about her hilt. ¡°What will you do when I poke and prod? When your Witch makes demands you¡¯d otherwise not follow?¡±

    [Xafra? Oh, oh a name for me. Mine, yes.] She thrums as the emotions taper off into steady combat focus, only hints of joy and mania still leak through. [I will follow first, yet scales and pendulums will be balanced if pushed too far. best learn caution¡­ or to duck.]

    Some fool does step out as I reach the middle line. Makes threats and¡­ even levels some crossbow at me, of all Riven things.

    I chuckle at both her reply and the fool, then turn back to regard my Doll. ¡°Kneel and wait dearie, we¡¯ll handle this. Only move if some fool thinks to attack you directly. Continue to remain below Giyar four motions. ¡±

    Despite the anxiety that crosses that cute face, it follows my command.

    And I turn back to smile so sweetly to the fool girl who thinks that aiming a crossbow at an armed Witch will gift her anything in this life or the next. She shouts more nonsense, and pretty much all of the others shuffle from their hiding spots. Armed with all manner of little blades and big hooks and even quite a few nets.

    ¡°Cute.¡± I can¡¯t help but giggle, letting my Spell weaving of motion and endurance flare up like I¡¯ve not done in¡­

    Well, ever. To be honest, I wasn¡¯t that good with this magic a decade ago. Only focused on it to mitigate the Seelenf?ule¡¯s withering.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see what we can do, My Xafra.¡± I purr, and let her focus and little titters of mania and joy mingle so well with the echoes of my spell.

 Chapter 9: What is Best in Life? (Blade)

    Hers? I''m Xafra. I''m Xafra? Her Xafra. CLAIMED? DESIRED!

    ¡­ Terrifying.

    The surge of psychosis that formed when she named me narrows into a trickle, background noise as I watch through Elevar''s eyes, waiting for the moment to spur her forward. The Weeping of the Suns inundate us, the magical  weight invisible to humans, mere fodder like I was fodder, like I will never be again.

    A pity I can¡¯t utilize Nomos like the Denizens, to be capable of refreshing oneself with the dawn seems obscene to me.

    I shift my attention back to her. FOCUS.

    [I will guide you in this dance, if you would permit it?]

    Polite. Must be polite. Real attempt. Would be wasteful to have to kill her. Investment. PARTNER? ¡­ Perhaps. Wait and see what the weight of the sea brings.

    Elevar thrums in consideration but... only sinks deeper into the bond. Loosening her muscles and adjusting her grip.

    "Oooooh, Be my guest." She giggles. "I''m merely a novice at anything Martial. Please, show me what one devoted to the study of the blade can achieve when given a blank canvas.¡±

    Praising me? Good. Good. Talented. Prove value.

    The thwack of the crossbow strings vibration is my signal as I form Physis footprints within my three span diameter leading around the crossbow maiden and towards the tall pair with the weighted net. I can rely on Elevar¡¯s own wards for the bolt, best to prioritize the threat, meager as it may be.

    Elevar strides forward, picking up pace as I form more footprints to guide her, a diagram to dance steps. One, two, three, a bar of Physis to duck under as I anticipate the swing of a sword along that trajectory. Four, five, six, a target on a chest to thrust into and steps upon another to run upwards. Eight left standing, I begin the drain on the first fallen, slight enough to ensure the link but avoiding the distraction I may cause her.

    Like hardtack, better than the chitin eaters, barely. She Dances Well. FASTER. Put her through paces. Evaluate.

    One, two, three, plant her foot on the face and stab down to flip forwards. Four, five, six, and slide on knees under the net. Wide swing, my deadblow accelerating my spin as my hilts shatter knees. 5 standing, one dying, two disabled. Crossbow near reloaded, three hateful swords and a¡ª

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    NO. FORBIDDEN. DESTROY IT.

    I send a scream of rage through the bond as I see the last, the unarmed, stab a hand into my food and cut off my supply, pulling Nomos in from the surroundings to seal the wound.

    [Denizen!]

    Through the bond Elevar hisses in a sudden flare of both fury... and fear. But her words sing of nothing but a mirthful annoyance as she regards the Denizen and still breathing others. "So that''s why you all were so bold. You''re just... following a little monster around? Thinking to nibble at the scraps and hope it doesn''t eat you next? Hmm?"

    All while carefully tracing nonsense patterns along the hilt.

    No... not nonsense¡­ A working to increase our momentum ever further.

    I check over her form. Too costly to use without damaging her ligaments and cartilage. I twist the working spinning her imbued Ousia and Physis into another with an incantation.

    [Rive the stream of time, reve of a time long past, what was will be, what was wills it, Temporal Wake]

    The working courses along my edge, cascading waves of slowtime forming as I slice through the air.

    [Faster tempo, similar movements. Trust?]

    In a pause shorter than a heartbeat, she accepts. plunging deeper into the bond as she allows all else to drown in the madness of the igniting Spell.

    My focus narrows. Killing the Denizen comes first. Under the Weeping, they have dozens of times the power of a Witch, their Nomos usage only limited by the Physis that they blend it with.

    I rapidly increase the amount of Physis guide markers in preparation.

    One, two, three, swing my edge along a figure eight, to the sides and behind, creating a barrier of slowtime between us and our lessers.

    [Behead it. Stop it from being able to reconstitute, We cannot let any survive!]

    Call it envy if you must, I''ve always despised Denizens since the moment of my creation, my deaths. How could I not when they are blessed by the world?

    One, two, three, and jump.

    There is a fundamental rule when it comes to Physis. It is the wellspring of Potential, nothing more and nothing less. One can do extraordinary things with it, but not the impossible. That is limited to the realm of Ousia, one''s rather meager influence on existence itself. This seems arbitrary with Witches throwing around fireballs and manifesting lightning from a clear sky using Physis, but it''s quite simple. You can light someone on fire. Call lightning to strike. But¡­ a bird cannot fly without wings, and neither can a Witch.

    However, this can be disregarded when the Physis is another''s. I lift Elevar, a solidified platform of Physis below her, bringing her to the Lawkeeper.

    She follows my lead but I can feel the cost of the modified working, a significant portion of the Ousia I provided Elevar already spent between it and staving off her disease. She is becoming exhausted rapidly.

    While we prepared and altered focus, the Denizen was not still either, its disgusting soul extending Nomos and Physis into a Null Beacon around itself, a common tactic of theirs to prevent any Physis use untainted by Nomos.

    MUST KILL FEED DEVOUR. Hate it for what I''m not. PROTECT? Have to keep her alive. Named me! Choice already made.

    She won''t survive fighting it without burning Ousia, and the second we enter that beacon I''ll be nothing more than an angry length of metal. My ability to reason and utilize my patchwork soul disrupted by their beacons.

    [Will Trust you. Plant my Blade into its chest cavity after you behead it. Won''t be responsive till it¡¯s dead.]

    With that, I pour the rest of my Ousia into Elevar, leaving just a sliver, nothing more than a prey animal''s quantity.

 Chapter 10: Blasenplage (Witch)

    CW:

    Violence, beheading, death, infestation of toxic spores. coughing choking up blood and bile.

    Oh.

    The rush of Ousia jolts my form with renewed energy, filling me with such a rush. But¡­ also a sudden crack of empty and quite clumsy lack of masterful bladework. Leaving no more than an uppity old girl with a younger¡¯s stamina to battle this Denizen.

    And¡­ I¡¯m still propelled by the fool weapon¡¯s platform of quickly dissipating Physis about¡­ twenty paces in the air directly at them.

    Wonderful.

    I do try though. Moving like one hasn¡¯t since they were young and lithe and brimming with the stupidity of youth, I lean into my old training. Use the momentum, kick off just at the edge of the Nomos aura, and sweep Xafra in an arch at the neck while sliding past to leave me behind the thing.

    But¡­ Well. Either my form is off, tilting the edge at a less than perfect angle, or I simply lack the strength to cleave the horrid muppet before it shifts. I¡¯d like to think that my new blade miscalculated our chances of finishing a duel with a Salt-Guzzling Denizen in such a simple and decisive blow.

    Judging by her vulnerability to their aura¡­ She might not have fought many in her day.

    The blade slams and sinks about two-thirds the way into the neck, and stops.

    I jerk to try and pull it back and go for a second swing while the thing is still shifting but¡­ Flesh is already twisting growing odd little spines and¡­ oh toss the Dead Hag are those¡­

    Yes, you stupid gerl. That is a little puff of toxic spores leaking from the hosts eyes and nose and probably every orifice! Perhaps you should consider EVERY PIECE OF CRACKED AND RIVEN TRAINING AND NOT BE SO CLOSE!!!

    But the blade won¡¯t budge.

    ¡°Mistress?¡± Calls my Doll. ¡°Um¡­ I¡­ May I¡­?¡±

    ¡°Will just be a whisper, dear.¡± I growl, refusing to leave my prize in the clutches of this monster. ¡°Stay put.¡±

    Denizens tend to root down and focus on spreading spores when truly endangered but I WILL NOT chance the brain of this host having the good sense to run taking over at the final moments and leading me on a jolly chase!

    What to do, what to do?

    Ousia¡¯s better than it has been in years. So¡­ I could let my Doll step in and pound this thing into mulch. Clean all the spores off like last time one of these things wandered into my path. But¡­

    No. I am a Witch, and if I can¡¯t even handle this simple thing I¡¯m not sure I¡¯d have much pride left after today.

    ¡°Cracked and Riven Moon.¡± I sigh, already knowing I¡¯ve breathed in the spores. Will start to feel the symptoms soon. Don¡¯t even bother repressing my little maddened cackle as I weave Ousia down the length of my seemingly dead blade. ¡°I hate to give up this youthful vigor again but¡­¡±

    Reach into the heart of my oldest working. A thing born from a desperate student¡¯s need to clean every inch of that old manor spotless, and my hatred for the wretched teacher and the punishments if she found but a mote of filth.

    And¡­ I weave the spell I used to kill her. Spent¡­ probably ten years worth of Ousia and every scrap of my Physis at the time. Alongside years of preparation and planning to go along with the split-second window the horrid woman gifted me with her latest failed scheme.

    Left me such a broken mess then. If not for my Doll I would have expired with her.

    Bubbles pop and glimmer down the length of the blade before wrapping around the Denizen. And in the seconds it takes for the Ousia to gather, I get to really look over this thing. Get a way too personal examination of the body still bearing the skin and clothes of a person but¡­ splitting all over. Little spines poking out to release the pockets of spores it¡¯s been growing in the host no doubt.

    Waiting for a real threat to arrive and infest. Ousia and Physis becoming more fuel to cause some great outbreak down the line.

    Twist a bit of the lingering effects of Xafra¡¯s spell into it, just to slow any manifesting nonsense of this muppet and¡­

    [Blasenplage]

    Bubbles glimmer and begin their good work in near total silence. Burn and melt and scrub away all traces of the Denizen within this host. The Ousia I burn slicing through the Nomos aura where one enabled by Physis would be smothered before ever touching my target.

    Roots that Denizens tend to wrap around bone and organ take at least thirty heartbeats to dissolve. But¡­ soon the host body goes limp and she¡¯s slumping into the sand.

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    Last steps then.

    Fold the working, twist it back, and take a deep breath as the Blasenplage rolls back into me.

    It HURTS.

    But¡­ I channel that pain and fury to roil my Physis and let my working flow back out into the area around. Bubbles quietly rushing to wash over and through anything and everything within about fifty paces.

    Cough and spit up blood and bile and whatever scarce nonsense is left behind by my plague.

    ¡°Mistress!¡± My Doll¡¯s pleading cracks through the mess of thought consumed by the pain and rush of it all. ¡°Mistress! I¡­ Can¡­ but I need to¡­¡±

    Tear the blade free of the dead host, and plunge it into what¡¯s left of the chest cavity. Plenty of rib and lung can be seen since the spores seemed to infest them so deeply. My spell considering them Denizen enough to need scrubbing from the lands.

    ¡°There.¡± I spit and sigh. Consider the Ousia I still have and¡­

    Oh.

    ¡°Well¡­ Let¡¯s hope this one can still salvage a bit of life to share with her Witch.¡± I whisper under my breath, then turn to regard my still kneeling Doll. ¡°You may move, dearie.¡±

    Faster than a breath, and she¡¯s up and before me. Hovering around and fumbling through packs as she lets them drop into the sand. Desperately looking for medicine and any such things to help her dying Witch.

    ¡°I¡­ what do you need!?!¡± It stammers. ¡°W¨C We have some¡­ some of those pills from Oyeda, or¡­ or I mean we can¡¯t brew tea here but¡­ but¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, you were such a good girl to wait like that.¡± I pull it up by the chin and cheek. ¡°Nothing in that bag is worth the trouble. Now¡­ we¡¯ve made wonderful time and won¡¯t need to worry about the tides for a good while. So I should be good to have you salvage what you can from these fools.¡±

    My Doll¡¯s expression is such a twisting thing. Joy at my praise, bubbling worry at my obvious exhaustion, and desire to obey.

    ¡°Go along.¡± I nudge it. ¡°I don¡¯t expect them to have much worth our time but¡­ I¡¯d like to consult with my new blade here before we head out, anyway. Catch my breath.¡±

    And hope she can draw some Ousia from this very costly test of her abilities.

    As my Doll scurries off I send a nudge of Physis into Xafra¡¯s stilled form.

    A heartbeat passes, then another. And, in a sudden rush that disconcertingly mirrors the denizen¡¯s own sporework, a flood of Ousia rouses and snaps out like the tide. Collecting and subsuming the Ousia and Physis of the rotting muppet before my fourth heartbeat thrums. Whatever Nomos the Denizen manifested now brushed aside without a will to hold it close.

    The swelling domain around Xafra¡¯s form reaches out with pseudopods of Physis to each of the bandits as my Doll carefully travels through them. A few try to rise, even prepare themselves to strike at her seemingly petite and harmless frame. But¡­ Well even this sister can tend to them with ease.

    A quick kick to the neck, or a bone-shattering palm to the chest breaks their frail fleshy bodies. Leaving them to breathe their last and have what remains of their Ousia and Physis be gobbled up.

    And all that while still aloof to the world in her ¡®Driftdream¡¯.

    Fascinating.

    I double-check my own wards, but find that whatever unconscious instincts drive this seem to simply brush past Ousia and Physis still under the will of another.

    ¡°Alright dearie.¡± I prompt with another little careful nudge of my Physis into her. ¡°Time to wake up.¡±

    A beat, and then her Ousia thrums with awareness. The almost lazy acquisitions become an orderly feast for her to draw into herself.

    [You killed it. Good. My apologies for any inconveniences caused by my absence.]

    ¡°Oh¡­ Apologies accepted. Altho¨C¡± And of course, a spitting cough overtakes me just as I reach out to grip her shaft for balance. Staining the sand with more blood and spittle as I try and hack up what is hopefully the last of this vile nonsense.

    Takes me a few tries, and at least as many heartbeats. During which Xafra¡¯s thoughts go oddly still, only stir to communicate, [Oh you young fool. You''ve cleansed your internals?]

    ¡°Yes, of course.¡± I can¡¯t help but snap through a raspy breath. ¡°Unlike you, getting close to a Salt-Guzzling Denizen comes with very specific consequences.¡±

    [Yes yes, I Know. Alright, we can fix this, it will simply be a bit messy. Do you have knowledge of the visceral biome of Witches, or has that been lost?]

    ¡°Of¡­ What? Are you asking if I know how this body works? Because¡­ yes. I¡¯d hope so. Went through ten years of¨C¡± I cut off my blathering to huff and wipe away the spittle. Take a steadying breath before continuing. ¡°I¡¯m well aware of the damage this spell just caused. Just¡­ transfer some of that Ousia you¡¯ve gathered and I¡¯ll¡­¡±

    Reknit myself¡­ like I did all those years ago.

    Except¡­ Oh.

    Oh by the Cracked and Riven Moon I¡¯d only just barely considered that!

    [I will gladly transfer more, but that will not solve the problem I speak of. The body is akin to a city, filled with plants and animals that nurture it, and you have wiped it clean of all life that is not explicitly yourself.]

    Xafra begins to send a small but stable stream of Ousia to me, interrupting my little spiral with the stock I¡¯ll need to repair this blunder.

    [We have not made much progress here, due to both of our choices. Must improve, communicate better. Yet, still alive to do so. Significant in itself.]

    Can¡¯t stop a stupidly broken giggle at all the possibilities. ¡°True.¡±

    Even¡­ oh that¡¯s such a delicious thought! If Xafra can gather enough Ousia I can enter so many places I considered closed off to me! Not¡­ not just mitigating the Seelenf?ule but¡­ but gathering more than enough Ousia to get back all the years that old cunt stole from me! A brand new Witch cut free from that legacy entirely!

    So¡­ I decide to start with one of her first and most useful lessons. One I¡¯ve not had reason to use since just before her death.

    ¡°I can work to reknit and replace all the old carved up bits while we travel with the Ousia you supply.¡± I say while steadying a giddiness unbecoming a Witch of my years. ¡°Tell me¡­ do you have any practice with Physis Cant?¡±

    [It shames me to admit that I do not know what that is. Most of my free existence was partnered with Humans, and aiding them in sculpting their form to their ideal while slaughtering all that opposed them.]

    Hmm¡­ Not partnered with any Witches? How strange.

    I draw Xafra from the corpse as I spot the final dregs Ousia gets absorbed. ¡°Well¡­ it¡¯s simple enough, honestly. It''s subtle nudges of Physis, quick and precise. When done well it can allow commands to be given at nearly the speed of thought. Like this.¡±

    I reach out with my Physis and perform a nudge for ::Peace/Calm/Considerations::

    A litany of possible meanings that hold specific when one understands the Ousia attached.

    Wondering¡­

    ¡°Dolls understand these almost inherently. There is a lot of debate on whether it is due to their nature to devote themselves to their Witch, or their need for guidance.¡± I murmur, then let my voice go softer still. ¡°More gentle than the Witch Tone, less¡­ urgent.¡±

    A pulse returns swiftly, a bit oddly motioned but¡­ more defined than I expect. More importantly they are deft and confident signals. Not an ounce of clumsiness, which¡­ I suppose that should be expected in a gerl of her construction.

    Is that¡­ Rest or Peace? No¡­ followed up by a question? No¡­ if I had to guess¡­

    ::Contentment/Curiosity::

    So much more clever than I was. Took me months for mine to be this workable. Able to even convey two streams of considerations in a quick gesture.

    [Strange techniques that have developed in my absence. I agree to this. Now, Quickly before you begin to puke out your guts, bring me to the crossbow maiden. She seems suitable.]

    ¡°Good. It¡¯s wonderful to see you taking to the Cant so qui¨C¡± But I pause, confused by those last words. ¡°Suitable for what, precisely?¡±

 Chapter 11: Two Wrongs is Probably Not Going to be Enough (Blade)

    Content Warning:

    Stabbing self, fingers clawing into flesh, death and absorption of a person''s memories, threats of a spell of control and comparing it to strangulation, um... mention of body shifting and such. Someone gets slapped!

    Do I answer her or do it and ask forgiveness? Probably best to explain and prevent any misunderstandings.

    [I am going to need to perform a minor transplant on you. Your Doll has not yet ended her. Keep her alive so I may fix the damage you did.]

    Perfect. Concise, Honest, and without any unpleasant details or mentioning the opportunity I''m planning on embracing.

    "Ah." Elevar slows, and stops just out of reach of the dying. Going very quiet for a good number of quickening heartbeats before saying very quietly, "No. I''ll handle this with my weaving. Don''t trouble yourself.¡±

    Idiot. Blasted fool. Damn the decay of time dragging us backwards.

    I consider the options. It feels wasteful to not get her soul to add to my gestalt. even more so to allow this Witch to be sick for the rest of the journey.

    Is It...

    [Elavar, I will respect your decision. It is important for you to know that I can see the entirety of your biology while you''re wielding me, Including the areas that are misaligned.]

    "Good." Our bond remains but... She goes rigid. As if suddenly on reflex trying to cover a wound or otherwise exposed flesh. "I''m SO glad you understand. I''ll be the only fool to fuss over this body''s nonsense. Now..."

    I listen with irritation as she closes up emotionally and tries to reassert herself.

    Fine fine. Trust is hard won, and whatnot. Let her be for now.

    A twitch of her Physis, a popping of bubbles, the beginning of a nudging command to ::Consume:: and¡ª

    "M- mistress?" The Doll murmurs, now moving to stand just beside its Witch and myself as it nervously adjusts and fiddles at the packs. "I... um... Is... Is everything... Um..."

    My desire for this... Doll has waned with the knowledge that it is like me in some respects.

    Needy though. So very dependent.

    "Fine dearie." Elevar very nearly snaps, but... catches herself and softens her next words. "Are you finished salvaging?"

    "Yes Ma''am." The Doll nods, then nibbles at its lip. "You used the bubbles to cleanse yourself and... and last time you did that we... we... you had to rest for weeks! And... and the nice lady you hired to help you recover said that even a young Witch with a Wellspring of Ousia couldn''t fix this!"

    What? THIS ISN''T THE FIRST TIME!?!

    "Dearie..." Elevar sighs.

    "And... and we''re in the middle of the causeways and need to move fast and hard. Something that would exhaust you on the best of days!" The Doll is almost shouting now. "I... I could carry you but... but you still won''t be able to eat well and... and I don''t have enough... enough..."

    "Stop." Elevar demands, her voice thrumming with a Witch''s command.

    A long pause settles as the Doll obeys but... remains obviously distraught.

    In rage I shift, my arm once more in hers as I rear back the other and slap her across the face.

    ¡°Enough. I will follow if you wish to lead, but not to your death unnecessarily. Now. There is work to do. I will submit to whatever punishment you deem fit when we are done.¡±

    As she reels back I look at the Doll and perfectly matching Elevar voice and Witch Tone I command, ¡°Heel. Watch Closely.¡±

    Such an odd sensation rolls up the arm clasped by Elevar. Twisting back and looking down I see¡­

    Blood? Ah. Yes. She is angry.

    Nails digging into flesh, she steps up and closes the distance. Twirling something between the fingers of the other she intones in such a suddenly soft but still furious voice. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s a wonderful idea. You should both Heel. Then Watch and Listen Closely.¡±

    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    KILL HER! Make her submit! I''m sorry I''m sorry I''m sorry I''m sorry. NO. Teach her. Agreement.

    She never releases my arm, even digs her taloned nails deeper still into flesh. ¡°You¡¯re right. Of course. I¡¯d probably fall to frayed pieces if I tried to continue our journey in this state. But¡­¡± She lets the last syllable pop menacingly as she tips my chin up to face her. ¡°I have at least three options to consider, and It will not be you who decides which path your Witch will take.¡±

    I listen, allowing her to continue before I begin her instruction.

    ¡°You may contradict me in private, when I deem there is time for it.¡± She whispers. ¡°You may adopt a form of flesh, when none others are around to witness the shifting. But you will NEVER mimic my voice and command this or any other Doll. Not if you wish to survive this new age you¡¯ve tumbled into.¡±

    With a twist of my Ousia that already flows through her form, I craft a cyst that presses just so against the Superior Laryngeal Nerve preventing her from speech and forcing her to breathe manually.

    While she still pierces my arm I gesture with the other to have the crossbow maiden rise into my grip.

    Examples must be made

    I look at the dying girl in my grip, familiar in so many ways.

    ¡°You have a choice, Human. Fade into history with your death, or live in service to me.¡±

    ¡°B¨C b¨C what?¡± The girl stammers. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ll do whatever you want. J¨C just don¡¯t¨C¡±

    ::Blood/Marrow/Bone/Iron::

    Such a gentle tip-tapping nudges against my Physis, and flash of motion from behind me.

    CRACK.

    Jerking back, I see¡­ The tool, the weapon, the razor sharp¡­ knitting needle? Plunged clean through Elevar¡¯s wrist, just above and barely missing my own fingers as it pierces through at an ugly angle. Her grip now locked harder than before.

    ::Blood/Marrow/Bone/Iron::

    Then, with her now free hand, she unleashes a whirlwind of cleansing bubbles. Not toward me, but at the girl behind. Pure Physis meant to cleanse every scrap of her from my grip.

    With a puff of breath I dissolve the cleaning spell as easily as I did in the Archives, then snap the girl''s neck.

    "Good. I look forward to your memories in my next Driftdream."

    Before feeding on the body''s Ousia and Physis, I unceremoniously drop the body and delve into it with my Ousia, twisting flesh into vesicles containing the microbes I require for Elevar¡¯s recovery and pulling them into my free hand.

    I return my focus to my Witch. Mine.

    "Let us come to a proper understanding, Elevar. I am your partner, not your property. Thus we should set terms to our agreement. I want to stay with you, but I do not need you anymore. I am still here by choice. If you wish to Own me, you have to be Worthy."

    I feel a craving deep inside for such a situation, but¡­ Not yet, no.

    "I am sorry for commanding your Doll and utilizing your voice. I will not do so again. In turn, you will never use the Tone on me unless I explicitly agree to it."

    I remove the cyst blocking her speech and wait for her response.

    A pause passes as she tries to hide a subtle gasp as her faculties return under her control, eyes locked on mine.

    And that¡¯s when I see the real strike she''s prepared, the bubbles only a distraction.

    ::Blood/Marrow/Bone/ ¡­ and?::

    The last flutter left unwoven. A twisting writhing mess of tangle Physis wrought of all the above and ready to launch out and around me, something not to kill but¡­

    Elevar waits for the subtle recognition through our bond before speaking.

    ¡°If I wanted to own you.¡± She growls. ¡°This is what I would use. It¡¯s ugly and clumsy and nothing like my cunt of a mentor could cast, but it would work. A garrote that tightens the more you fight it. Or, if it frays and degrades, it would give me more than enough time to dig a hole deeper than the Archive was to drop you down.¡±

    She takes a deep breath¡­ and snips the prepared spell. Causing it to dissolve into useless Physis. Then jerks the needle free of her wrist and twists Physis to clot and clean the wound. Resetting splintered bone and freeing muscles to undo her grip. Even increases the connection between us to offer Physis for the gouges she¡¯s left in my wrist.

    ¡°But, I don¡¯t want¡­ No. That¡¯s a lie.¡± She looks at the corpse and the mess in my hand, disgust and annoyance radiating from her. ¡°I do want to own you. Because that¡¯s¡­ Well, it doesn¡¯t matter. I don''t. I accept your terms, and here are mine. You will never adjust or alter my flesh without my explicit agreement or request, and you will listen to the last two of my earlier demands. I was cruel with their phrasing but¡­ They¡¯re to protect us both. You¡¯ll find other Witches much more sour to your nature, and that¡¯s without considering the cunt they¡¯ll see you¡¯re keeping company with.¡±

    I yearn for this one. She''s so Apt.

    "Accepted."

    I drop to my knees before her. "I will hold onto these vesicles within my own form for now. I would appreciate the opportunity to explain the usage and necessity of such when you deem it fit. I will do nothing to alter or adjust your flesh without permission, I will express contradictions in private, and I will keep my shifting hidden from prying eyes. All of these to the best of my abilities."

    With a grimace, I pull open my abdomen with a hand shifted into blade, revealing mostly empty space past the surface layers of flesh, and secure the vesicles along my spine before sealing my abdomen shut once more.

    "I am prepared for whatever punishment you deem fit.¡±

    ¡°Punishment? After all that. This entire mess and you¡¯re just¡­¡± She pauses, takes a deep breath. ¡°Xafra, If that is the name you choose to keep, as furious as I was and still am with you. The fault here is mine, which is why I am at least grateful that it is me and not either of you two that¡¯ll deal with a gut full of bile for the next week or three.¡±

    "I overstepped. Regardless of my feelings, I did so knowing it deserved punishment."

    Name. My Name. SHE NAMED ME. I''m Xafra.

    "I would be honored to keep the name you have granted me. None of my partners ever did so, and all of the prior ones feel false."

    I look over to the Doll in confusion.

    I don''t even have real viscera. Does it? FOCUS

    "I lost a previous partner to a spell similar to the one you turned on yourself. They died in agony, unable to digest food, fight off sickness or clot their blood. I do not wish that to occur.¡±

    "Ah. I... Only honest mistakes then. Nothing malicious." Elevar sighs and holds out a hand to me. "No punishments. Not for you at least.¡±

    I take her hand in mine, returning to my natural form once more, feeling content, safe in the grip of this beautiful monster.

    Fuck it. All in.

    [We should discuss your biology at some point. I understand your reticence as a resheathed to talk about it, but there are elements, foreign workings, that serve to limit you. I spent decades learning anatomy from every tome on resheathing I could find, and they don''t correspond. I will not bring this up again if you do not wish to speak on it.]

    "Resheathed? What..." She murmurs. "Was that the term for girl''s like me in your time? Ones who had to spend way too much time and Ousia to reshape themselves into a form they could stand?¡±

    [Yes. many of the¡ª]

    I cut myself off as the flashbacks hit, waves of terror and suffering, quiet joys snuffed out in revulsion, unending rage against the Witches that slew us.

    [¡ªgirls that went into making me were in the process of resheathing themselves through the help of medicines and Ousia techniques passed down. I favored partnering with such individuals afterwards as well, as my talents tend to allow significant flexibility in that regard.]

    Elevar goes quiet for such a long moment. Her heart rate speeds up, mouth going dry. "Wait. What did you mean by foreign workings?¡±

    [You have someone else''s Ousia still bound in places in your body. The most worrisome one in my opinion is behind your eyes.]

 Chapter 12: Name Pending (Witch)

    Name Pending

    Content Warnins:

    MASSIVE body pains (including head and legs and lungs and gut and such). Talk of dehumanization/personalization, pre-transition dysphoria about names

    Everything hurts.

    That¡¯s impossible.

    Why?

    Because I¡­ I¡¯ve been free of her Moonshite for YEARS. Tore her body and Ousia apart with my first Blasenplage!!!

    Wrist and legs and lungs and heart and gut all pulse with nothing but pain while my head throbs in fury.

    The¡­ the idea that I wouldn¡¯t notice little horrid traps and weaving and¡­ and¡­ But¡­ how would I?

    She taught me everything. Personally wove my Ousia into¡­ into this. Into what I am! How, By the Dead Hag¡¯s rotting tits, would I even know which of her teachings were lies and what were truths as she literally helped me reknit myself!?!

    Was¡­ Did she ever not lie to me?

    Stomach clinches again.

    Probably not.

    Every word a tether to turn her every action into the same garrote I almost tied around Xafra¡¯s¨C

    I have to stop and heave dry nothings into the causeway.

    Gut long emptied of everything but some mild sedatives but¡­ those probably didn¡¯t make it through. Not with how much of even the clean and purified water I¡¯ve tossed up. Whether from the rotted gut I¡¯ve given myself, or my disgust at what Xafra¡¯s told me and I¡¯ve now picked out with my own dull senses¡­ I¡¯m not sure.

    As I weave my fast draining Physis into a subtle working to relieve at least some of this pain My Doll hovers worriedly at my side. All filled with anxiety and worry and fear for its fool girl of a Mistress.

    Quiet though¡­ blessedly quiet¡­

    My musings are interrupted by a pulse from Xafra. ::Query::

    To take a breath might lead to sniffing in the foul stench of my sick, so instead I give a simple ::Acceptance:: in reply and turn to keep moving.

    [I was thinking. When I was with Borazag, I was unable to connect with your companion due to your tether, but due to us both being tethered to you, I likely could create a bridge between us so we may both communicate with you and each other. Would it be permissible to attempt this?]

    That stutters the next spiral I wanted to let myself fall into. Get nearly halfway through Canting ::Confusion:: before I realize her mistake. Almost chuckle aloud as I reply.

    ::Negation/Wasteful/Risk::

    And then we¡¯re moving again. Briskly making our way along the long stretch of sandy paths. To each side nothing but salty-sweet waters, and the occasional jutting root peeking up. Sometimes they even weave over the causeway itself, forcing us to either get our boots wet or climb overtop.

    Just under a dozen foreign oddities sprinkled through my flesh was Xafra¡¯s claim, and the first three hours of this was her carefully showing me all of them. Convincing me she wasn¡¯t just¡­ just wrong. Most seemed inert and¡­ well not innocent. Strange foreign objects and gathers of Ousia can NEVER be that. But¡­ less of an immediate problem.

    Others though¡­

    Once again I¡¯m interrupted by a pulse from Xafra.

    ::Confusion::

    ¡°Hmm?¡± I murmur as I decide to slow our pace a bit. Even with our scrabble with the bandits and my own needs to stop and indulge my sick, we¡¯ve made wonderful time. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind, dearie?¡±

    [How would such a connection be wasteful or risky? I''ve thought it over and cannot figure it out myself.]

    ¡°Oh. Simple, really.¡± I tip-tap fingers along the hilt absently. ¡°It¡¯s wasteful because it has little to contribute to any conversation. We¡¯d either find our mind''s laden with meaningless ocean squalls or fluttering nonsense from it. Should we consider adding my soggy boots to our tether next?¡±

    [Were... your boots also a human once?]

    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    That causes me to slow even more. The furious throbbing in my head riding her words like a growing wave. Annoyance at needing to explain such a simple concept to one so clever. And then the fool girl deepens that hole even further!

    [But also, I am... wanting to apologize and introduce myself to it.]

    I full on stop then. Take a deep and careful breath. ¡°Apologize? Why?¡±

    [I commanded it utilizing Witch Tone, despite having no agreement with it regarding authority. It was disrespectful to both of you. I feel embarrassed that I don''t even know its name, just its title as a doll and I still made that decision.]

    Regret and earnestness pulse through the bond.

    ¡°She¡­¡± A thrum of pain pricks at¡­ at how stupid she¡¯s being. ¡°No, Xafra. Not¡­ IT isn¡¯t like you. Dolls are tools. Nothing more. Their minds and Ousia literally melted down into¡­ into¡­¡±

    A form they can stomach without pain. My mind roils at how similar I was¡­ and still am.

    Another prick.

    Could have easily become just like her.

    Another pulse of pain.

    [What makes me different from it? Is it not the same as me, simply streamlined and perfected through trial and error into compliance with less functions?]

    Everything. Weak and stupid and willing to let another break the old person into nothing just so long as it can be something different when put back together. I want to hiss. Compliance is what makes her¨C

    I grind my teeth to try and hold back the pain as my gut roils to match the throb in my head. Already so tired of this. ¡°Fine, since you¡¯ve got your teeth locked into this¡­ And who knows. Maybe we¡¯ll need to communicate to it with the Physis Cant should something more dangerous than a simple muppet of a Denizen stumble into our path. Just don¡¯t say that I didn¡¯t warn you.¡±

    ::Relief/Gratitude::

    Xafra branches our tether, a strand threading its way to the connection with my Doll, carefully growing down through with absurd precision before latching on, entirely contained within my own connection.

    [Hello, little sister. Is it alright if we speak for a bit?]

    My Doll sputters for a second, although glancing back the frame only shows a little widening of the eyes. [H-hello? Who, how? I''m sorry. I don''t think I''m allowed.]

    Xafra returns primary focus to me, as she should.

    [...it is Incredibly obedient to you. A commendable trait.]

    ¡°If I ever find the cunt who made it, then abandoned them to rust away¡­ then I''ll let you tell her just before I boil her alive with my spells.¡± I huff. ¡°But honestly, that¡¯s like¡­¡±

    I can very nearly hear my old mentor cackle in the back of my head. ¡°Like complimenting a dog for wagging its tail.¡±

    I slow down a bit, then take the deepest breath I can without risking pain. I¡­ I always hated how she treated my Doll. How she demanded I treat it. So¡­ why am I trying so hard to be just like her? Especially after so many years of working to be better?

    The answer makes me scowl. Because you¡¯re angry, embarrassed, and in more pain than the last time you turned this spell onto yourself. You stupid stupid gerlthing.

    So I turn to walk backwards while addressing my Doll. ¡°Our new traveling companion asked to include you in this bond. Feel free to respond and converse as you like. Just don¡¯t clog up the tether if danger arrives.¡±

    [Oh! Thank you Mistress.]

    Feelings of warmth and contentment flickers along our bond for the first time. Possibly a side effect of Xafra''s work.

    I nod and turn to continue moving while letting them converse.

    [Excellent. Little sister, my name is Xafra. I am the spear that... penetrated your sister, and you know, I feel like it was impolite to do so before even learning its name. So I would like to apologize for that, as well as commanding you earlier. That was uncalled for and disrespectful.]

    Embarrassment and Fascination flicker to life in my Doll as it replies.

    [Oh gosh. That''s okay. Thank you. I''m uhm not supposed to use my name so you can call us both Doll as well unless Mistress Elevar says otherwise.]

    My new weapon simply sends back. [Understood]

    Xafra drops into one of those Driftdreams of hers as I very nearly stumble over my own two feet.

    Name?

    ¡°Dearie¡­¡± I murmur as gently as I can while I work to keep my balance and pace. ¡°Did you or your sister happen to remember anything more from before your installation since I last asked?¡±

    "Yes, Mistress. Our memory is fragmented and split between us but we have a number of them. Not many pleasant ones, as being a boy in those situations was bad. Worse after, for a while before my sister¡­ Oh I''m so sorry Mistress, I''m rambling. I''ll stop now."

    Anxiety whispers along the bond from it.

    ¡°No you¡¯re¡­ You''re fine!¡± I stammer at the titterings of emotion from my Doll. ¡°I just¡­ Didn¡¯t realize you remembered the name from before. When did that bubble up?¡±

    "Sorry Mistress, which name?"

    ¡°The¡­ what you just told Xafra.¡± I clarify. ¡°You just¡­ you sounded like you had a name you wanted to give but didn¡¯t. Was the first I¡¯ve seen you do that.¡±

    "I um. She had given us a name. For uhm¡­. Intimate use. It''s the only name we have that doesn''t feel painful. We don''t like the other one, the one from before. Tried to forget it. I''m sorry that I''m a bad Doll, Mistress."

    WHAT? The older sister only gave us a designation number! A¡­ a marker to distinguish it from a set of Dolls built for combat. Never a name. Old or new!!!

    ¡°No you''re not a bad Doll, dearie. Just¡­ Do you like that name? Not the¡­ the old one. The second one given after becoming a Doll?¡± The pain in my head twists into such a horridly debilitating mess that forces me to stop if I want to speak and vomit words instead of more dry bile.

    ¡°Yes, Mistress Elevar!" Its voice spikes in excitement as hope pulses through the bond.

    My first instinct is to chide it. To crush this stupid thought path. But¡­Why?

    Why do you CARE if your mentor thought naming Dolls a moronic practice? Was she ever right in her cruelties? How many of those old worms she burrowed into your head are you going to keep feeding!?!

    You Stupidstupidstupidstupid HEARTLESS CUNT! No better than the mentor you scrubbed away with the Blasenplage. This Doll would have been better off if it could have left you to rot away and found a better Mistress.

    The pain lessens a bit at that. Enough for me to push out in a calm voice. ¡°Would you like to share it? To¡­ For me to use it?¡±

    "It''s¡­ Schatzi, Mistress Elevar. But you don''t have to! I want to be your Doll still." Its voice drops to a near whisper, "Please don''t get rid of me."

    One of the old words for a jewel or¡­

    ¡°Oh¡­ That¡¯s so perfect. You really are both such treasures.¡± Everything spins a bit as I turn to give her the best smile I can. Head balancing on the ridge of what I know to be a dip into the worst pain yet. ¡°And don¡¯t worry yourself, I¡¯ll keep you as long as I breathe.¡±

    Even bracing, the wave of horrid fury slams into my everything like the worst of the winter storms and¡­Oh.

    Well¡­ that¡¯s more than I expected and¡­ and worse than even I can handle at the moment.

    And then the ground is rushing up to strike my stupid face.

 Chapter 13: Trolleys are only a problem if you have Ethics (Blade)

    Content Warnins:

    Ice water being used to shock awake, spirit murder, magical surgery. Suicide ideation instead of said surgery. soul consumption.

    I descend into my Driftdream to avoid another incident.

    Hypocrite bitch. Not Permitted to use a Name, but she gives ME one?

    "SHE named me, She NAMED me, I''m XAFRA!¡±

    I gently flick away the thought wisp and gaze upon my domain, half collapsed buildings, a fire blazing in the fields, Geists fighting and fucking with crazed fervor.

    She trashed this place with that fuckin Tone. How does it still exist when so much of greater value has been lost?

    "Focus, you stupid tool, you''re falling apart!"

    I seize that wisp and eat it.

    None of that. Self deprecation is for lesser beings. Now. Fix this first then think about what to do with Elevar.

    "She''s so pretty, and strong, and I want her to put a collar on my neck."

    I can''t help but smile. The brightest wisps are worth encouraging, they bring stability to the Driftdream.

    The new one first. She should provide the substance needed to do some repairs without any losses.

    I pull her from containment to face me, her form whole and unmarred by the wounds of life.

    "You can consider this an exit interview of sorts. Any unfinished business that you would appreciate being resolved? loved ones you want protected or murdered?¡±

    "Wh- what?" She stammers. Looking around in both terror and confusion. "Where did that bitch go? The one with the spear? Did... Are you one of Grephra''s new recruits?¡±

    "Let''s take it from the top. You''re dead. caput, ended, no coming back. I have no idea who Grephra is yet, though I will once I assimilate your memories, but by that point you''ll be a geist like the rest in the village, so it''s better to sort this stuff out now."

    It''s gotten easier over time. Number 58 will be the tenth I''ve added since my original creation and I''ve learned that honesty works best when doing so.

    "The important stuff. Final requests, Things you would be willing to die for and so on. If they aren''t too inconvenient, I will accommodate them.¡±

    "Oh. Well... Fuck." She sags a bit. "That''s... What''s a Geist? Jekras always went on about needing to gather worth to be given a life after this one but... I kinda kicked her ass when she pestered me about it. But... was it all Saltshite? Am I getting drowned here because of all the cunts I gutted?¡±

    "Geist is my term for the individual parts of my patchwork mind. Fragments of people pushed together into one being greater and lesser than the sum of her parts. Me. I don''t know if there''s an afterlife, but you''re immortal now, you''ll live forever as part of me, influencing how I think and feel, coloring my motivations, sharing all my joys and sorrows. I don''t particularly care about the horrors you committed, those are mine now too. My responsibility. So now, for the third and final time, I will give you an opportunity for last requests. All your questions will be answered by the assimilation, and frankly, I don''t have a lot of time, currently.¡±

    "Um... Not... I don''t think so?" A pause as she considers my words, then shrugs. "I think everyone kinda got gutted in that last battle. So... sure. How do we do this?¡±

    "Alright." A heartbeat of reflection and I continue. "Thank you. Hopefully, we''ll get to a point where we can be safe and happy."

    Before she can reply I start unraveling the Ousia from her, unmaking her soul down to the barest seedgerm that I cradle in my hands as I push the wave of mundane memories into the fire, the shattered streets, the collapsed houses, holding back the precious unique ones: the first time she kissed a boy, the times her mother told her how proud she was of her archery talents, the unsteady fumbling with the priests daughter. Those are saved along with the horrid ones: her father murdering her mother and brother before being beheaded by the city guards, learning that she would be losing the house due to her parents debts, the painful decision to become a bandit, getting murdered by a psychopath with a spear. the extremes, the flavor of her soul, I press together around the seedgerm once more, before I release her into the village.

    That''ll do for now. Briefly flitting through the new memories, I find the information I desire. Looks like the city we''re heading to is Salzige, a few hours away.

    The tether to Elevar suddenly goes slack.

    "Critical Loss of Primary function." Another wisp gasps out as the repairs begin and number 58 settles into a comfortable routine.

    I hiss at the wisp but leave it alone as I rapidly ascend to the waking world.

    [Doll, What has Occurred?]

    [I''m sorry I''m sorry I''m sorry! I broke Mistress Elevar! She said I could use my name and that she wanted to keep me and collapsed without warning!]

    I sweep my senses through this Witch I''ve come to adore and loathe. The Influence attached to the optical nerve has grown and is pressing on all of the surrounding tissue.

    I could excise it, remove it with one of the eyes and repair the damage but I promised. I promised not to modify her body without her consent. If I get her to Salzige I can find something to cool her down and reduce the swelling enough for her to wake so I can ask. WHY WHY WHY? She''s in Danger? I can''t WAIT. I have to. I can save her without doing it. Only if we run out of time. Can''t do that to her.

    Fuck. I don''t have the reserves to shift again, Okay. What do we¡ª The other one. The sister. She''s fast. Fast enough if I¡­ yeah, not even a question, I''ll kill everything else to keep what''s mine.

    [Doll. Wake up your sister, Immediately. We need her speed.]

    [Y-yes, Xafra. Please save her.]

    Barely a heartbeat passes within Elevar''s chest, and suddenly the tether between the Doll and I is going taut. About to snap in twain as the thrumming of wild panic from it twists and swivels into such cold focus and regard.

    A crack and pop, then the Doll is upon our forms. All four freshly separated limbs move to cradle their Mistress while scooping a foot beneath me. Flicks and kicks me toward the nearest root. Burying me six inches deep in the wood.

    [What have you done to her, parasite?] It hisses while looking down upon its Witch''s unconscious form, jaw already separating to reveal two rows of sharp fangs.

    [It was your sister. Turns out you have a name you kept from our Witch, and something Elevar¡¯s mentor implanted in her mind is trying to kill her for accepting it. Now. Pick me the fuck up, and prepare to travel at maximum survivable speed, this side of the sound barrier. I''m going to be fueling you so we can save this bloody woman''s life.]

    [This one can simply leave you here... or toss you into the sea.] Its eyes dart up to regard me as that body clicks and clacks. Internal workings seemingly as mailable and adjustable as any limb. [Keep your fuel. Ousia is as useless as air to this one. Explain well and quickly why a limb should be spared to carry you?]

    I could just reach out and wear her like a glove and she argues, WITH ME? Time time, we don''t have TIME! If she argues again, I''ll have to force her. it''s a lesser offense against a sibling than a partner.

    [Let me be clear. This is non-optional. I find it unlikely that you know someone else that can cut into Elevar¡¯s head to remove what is effectively a tumor then heal her without any side effects. Fuck sparing a limb you will need them to hold her as steady as possible, press me against your back and I''ll shift your flesh to hold me in place.]

    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    [You can shift this one''s form?] Another snap, and six quills tear out from its back. [Very well. The damage you inflicted during our duel is still present. This frame can only move at certain speeds until it is repaired.]

    I twist Ousia and Physis into the rend I left through its body, regrowing the pieces that were knocked free, pulling the metal back into place and knitting flesh closed.

    [Done! Quickly now.]

    My reserves are near empty, slightly more than enough to maintain wakefulness, thus I begin my harvest.

    As this impudent bitch lifts me once more and I secure myself along the upper ridge of her spine, the roots and plants around us begin to wither and shrivel, small birds fall from the sky and wildlife scatters.

    It cradles her in its arms with surprising delicacy, devouring the distance between us and the city while I devour all other life within my rapidly expanding influence. Near halfway to the city the doll spots a caravan in the distance heading in the same direction.

    [No Detours, continue forwards.]

    [Two options, parasite?] It thrums without slowing. Only the rising tide to either side of our sandy path. Slowly becoming more and more drowned by the incoming waters. [Violate the Mistress''s will and allow others to see and spread tales of this one''s existence and the trail you weave. Or...]

    [The dead say nothing without my will.]

    What the fuck is that? Am I legitimately trying to out monster this doll? It''s not even a contest.

    A rumble sounds from its chest, and the frame picks up speed. [And what the Mistress does not know cannot weigh on her mind.]

    Does it see her as fragile? Prone to feeling guilt over meaningless deaths?

    Four individuals, two pack-beasts, and two linked wagons. Effortless. They fall before they can even turn to the sound of this vicious weapon¡¯s form slashing through the air that does not slow or turn to watch them fall.

    [I will not lie to her, unlike you, defect.]

    I pulse amusement to blunt my words before continuing.

    [When the walls of Salzige come into sight, slow down as fast as you safely can so I can alter your appearance to pretense at being a Witch, at the same time I will end my harvest and the tides can wash away any evidence. It is important to avoid unnecessary questions and to get a private room with a bathtub.]

    [Walls?] A few annoyed skittering sounds whirl through its frame but... It does as demanded. Beginning to willingly fold away quill and cracked jaw full of fangs. Then the causeway gives way to open land and a sudden rising of the roots that previously only wove at most ten feet above the sand and waters. Twisting and whirling and forcing even this one to slow and more carefully navigate the crooked paths. [You truly are ignorant of these lands, aren''t you?]

    [Obviously. I have not had time to integrate 58''s memories properly, but once I do I will have at least a partial understanding. Is there some sort of identification we require for the city then?]

    [What? Like shouting names at the mundane as they cower behind one of those walls you seemed to think would save them? No, old parasite. So long as this one enters with talons and fangs and quills sheathed none will demand anything but jade and goods for the room you demand. Only a voracious Witch seeking to steal from the Mistress would be a worry, and she''s tuned this frame to muddle any commands they may level upon us.]

    [The walls of old were woven of stone and bone and Ousia, built over generations to protect against the Greater Denizens and the Hagswarm. Somehow defeated since my imprisonment and forgotten as nothing more than oaths. Begin retracting your better features so I might repair your clothing, little monster.]

    [The Mistress will find that all fascinating. But... You had an understanding of this one at ''Defect''.] It thrums, then cracks and twists all but the four arms away. [Now, make sure to remain still and as a mundane weapon. This one can secure you a quiet place to heal the Mistress.]

    [I will teach you better soon enough. Accepted. Inform me of when we reach our destination, I will retract my field to avoid notice.]

    It thrums at me with a poorly suppressed bit of annoyed melancholy sent through the bond and obeys.

    Hate being blind. Trusting this one who calls me parasite. Important. Trust. fine fine.

    It wanders through crowds, more humans than I expected with how much everything seems to have collapsed. Seems to be other travelers, some street merchants, more than one cutpurse that wisely avoids us, and a number of heavily scarred soldiers mingling with the rest. It takes longer than I would like but after an exchange of gemstones I believe, we arrive in a private space that it closes tightly.

    [Instruct what you need to heal the Mistress.] It thrums as it peers about the room.

    [Fill the bath with as cold water as possible, strip her and place her in it. She should wake near instantly, but must be prevented from leaving the icy water until she understands what is happening.]

    It doesn''t hesitate. Is able to strip away her clothes with minimal tearing after triggering the bath to fill, which it does in a manner of about thirty heartbeats. Then, while keeping limbs wrapped about her to protect and restrain, lowers Elevar''s unconscious form into the chilled waters.

    I flood the water with Physis, dropping the temperature to below freezing by pulling all the heat into my form so the exposure can shock her back to consciousness whilst slowing her blood flow and heart rate. The flesh I am secured to makes unpleasant sizzling sounds.

    A slowed heartbeat passes, and then Elevar jolts awake to frothing fury. Sputtering and spitting curses in languages I only just barely catch and fewer I understand or think to be linked to any known tongues.

    "Mistress. Mistress." The Doll thrums gently but firmly, restraining limbs taut as pure iron. "You''ve endured worse under my talons. Please be still and listen."

    She only just stops from hissing her Physis into such a delightfully horrid weaving, stilled by its words as her glazed eyes focus on it. "Wh- wh- What?¡±

    ::Injury/Urgent::

    I snap some cant at her before explaining.

    She somehow stills even further, motionless.

    [One of the influences in your head has grown and is trying to kill you. It must be removed if you are to live.]

    "Wh- wh- where?" She growls through clattering teeth. Physis and Ousia rising like a drunken serpent as her fury boils through the bond. Even causing her Doll''s limbs to flinch.

    [The¡­ The one I was worried most about, attached to the optic nerve. It brings me no pleasure to be correct.]

    "C- c- CUNT!" She hisses as the first line a string of curses. But... not at me or her Doll. "Th- th- that ab- abb- solute..."

    Physis weaves to support her Ousia, a wordless clumsy knife writhing up to claw blindly at the invisible thing to her senses.

    [May I assist, or would you prefer to butcher yourself?] I snipe at her, how can I not when she risks her life pointlessly?

    She spits and sputters. Reweaving the spell''s foundations twice more before exhaustion and frustration cause it to fall back into her core as her body slumps farther into the tub.

    "G- get m- me out s- so I c- can spin this R- right." She demands.

    [You will have limited time, likely less than you need, but I will not stop you here. We did not race across the Causeways to this place to strip you of agency once you arrived.]

    Come on, don''t be stupid here. Bloody woman, make the right choice!

    She winces at that, head twists down to gaze into the water. Eyes dancing over the muddled flesh retrained beneath the surface by the monstrous limbs of her Doll.

    And such a mess of euphoria and raw disgust seeps through the bond.

    "N- n- never Again." She growls through clattering teeth. "R- r- rather d- d- d-"

    "Mistress..." The Doll thrums in pained fury.

    "No!" She hisses, able to jerk a hand free to point at its face. "I- if I c- c- can''t st- sti- stitch myself r- r- right th- then don''t d- deserve this. D- don''t d- deserve th- the freedom we t- tore fr- from th- that c- c- C- CUNT!¡±

    [Is your life of such little value? Your freedom so conditional? Prove that you are capable of being my Owner by facing down your fear. You are a Witch, soulbinder, stormcaller, fleshtwister, willweaver, and I expect more from one who uses the arts of my greatest enemies.]

    As her glare jerks up to regard my wrought Iron form, she does the worst thing.

    She laughs.

    A pained cackling furious thing. One that makes the bond bleed raw despair and hatred and sorrow drowning in such bitterness.

    "W- Witches of y- your time m-must have been s- su- such i- impressive th- things!" She forces out through still clattering teeth. "Y- you''ll b- be d- delighted to f- find us nothing l- like them! P- petty wr- wretched girls pl- playing w- with old th- things they d- don''t understand. Th- the lot of us! B- but at l- least I''ll admit that, and l- learn f- from my mistakes. I- I''ll d- die before I l- let another sh- shape my flesh w- willingly.¡±

    [They were monsters who murdered us and didn''t have the decency to let that be an end. Is that why you''re so very disgusted by your Doll? Because they chose to be formed into something less than a person compared to me who was forced? Do you share that predilection or are you terrified of being Just. Like. Us?]

    She flinches as if slapped.

    Honesty. Need to try. Regret otherwise.

    I let down my defenses entirely, metaphysically baring my throat and stomach to this fool that I''ve come to adore.

    [Then do it. Turn me into naught but a tool aside from what you permit. Use me as an extension of your own will if that is what it takes.]

    That cracks something, ebbs the bleeding flow in the bond as her eyes go wide. Knowing that even with her Ousia and Physis clumsy and weak she could weave that binding around me. Quicker and stronger now than even before with nothing to fight off the initial casting, more solid. Harder and... and maybe impossible for me to break. All the Ousia and Physis gathered would be nothing but more chains to be twisted around me. And combine that with a litany of a Witch''s Commands laid overtop...

    "N- no that''s..." Elevar swallows, hard. And such a great trembling overtakes her as she turns to look away. A symptom of the cold, yes, but also of such hunger for what I''ve laid before her. Then she slumps back into the freezing waters. Nerves numb, body drained, and mind floundering in war with itself. "I''m n- not... I re- refuse to b- be like her."

    I feel relieved, but this isn''t enough yet. It''s not enough to want to be different out of fear.

    After a few dangerously slow heartbeats her Ousia and Physis flare, and for a brief pause it seems she means to weave the Garrote. But... Only a single thread flutters out to lasso itself around me. So small and weak it needs to use the bond I''d crafted to remain steady.

    A pause, and then such a scream rolls down this little spell. A thing of raw fury from the pits of Elevar''s Ousia.

    {getitoutgetitoutgetitoutgetitoutGET IT OUT! GET IT OUT!}

    We will do as she wishes. Duress? Does it count? Does it matter? It should. It does. More precise. No modifying her.

    I enfold our tether and her thread with Physis like I would embrace a lover. A genuine Bondsmith thread, something the Witches of my age could have never done. Clumsy and messy but proof that she is worthy.

    With the sympathetic magic it enables, I dissolve the part of my fleshform that mirrors where the aberrant is in her brain, liquifying the influence into blue sludge that I nudge under her eyes with Physis, and out past them like tears the colour of her brilliant blue Ousia.

    I release the tether and thread before expending Ousia to repair the damage I''ve done to myself.

    Minor. Cosmetic. Brain is not real, just a simulacrum. Easily fixed.

    "All of it." Elevar hisses. "G- get every scrap of that c- cunt''s s- shite out of me and..." She pauses as the sapphire remains dribble down to her chin, then huffs. "And... a- and that gut you t- tore out of th- that girl. M- might as w- well G- go a- head w- with that too. I''ll w- want a p- proper m- meal after a- all th- this."

    [Your life is no longer in danger currently. Get warm, dress, and drink some water, then if you still wish this, I will do so today.]

    I look through her eyes at the Doll, still quietly burning with the heat I siphoned from the water, such a pretty thing it is, not even shifting from position.

    Mine. Keeping both Doll and Witch. Forever.

 Chapter 14: Sintering Cullet (Frame 514.5)

    Content Warnings:

    Desire to sleep away depression. Depersonalization. The pain of loss and suicide ideation.

    To remain in the fourth Giyar would risk waking her, so this one begins to slow the frames workings. Adjusting both Iphodian Gears and synchronizing with the pace of second Giyar, this one allows the frame to settle. Matching the speed of the Mistress¡¯ slowly resting beat.

    Only seven primary cogs spin upon melodic intervals, setting to begin harmonizing with the rhythm of the resting.

    One last small twisting of Elevar¡¯s body, and the melody that roils off her and out of her and around her and through the frame finally quiets. Resting now after flaring into wroth and fury and fear that only the old parasite¡¯s words, warming flesh, and steadying mind quelled after she¡¯d had the wretched foreign organ removed.

    Body now curls against the alluring softness of this frame, and is totally encompassed by all four of its limbs. Patterned in the way she¡¯s always needed after days of pain from the Soul Rot, or close encounters that rouse memories of her first real brush with death.

    Only¡­ This time a single hand stretches out alongside the thrumming tether she had woven around the Ousia of the old parasite. Fingers just barely touching the iron of the hilt.

    If Xafra had not barred her throat and shown her belly, willing to endure whatever trial needed to save the Mistress¡­ that would cause conflict within the frame. But she did, and while the Garrote is not anything like what this one thinks she should have woven, it will act as a symbol.

    Of what? This one is not sure of what all it will encompass. And now all but Frame 514(.5) rest while it folds itself around that threat. Considering all the things this parasite will mean to leech from the slowly dying Mistress.

    [Little Monster.] Comes a gentle thrumming from the tether still linking this frame to the parasite alongside a crisp ::Converse/Request:: of silent Cant.

    This one considers ignoring these, or growling in¡­ not annoyance. Rather in negation of the incorrect title they seem to link to this frame. But discovery of motives and setting the considerations into rhythm will serve the Mistress. In either conflict with, or at this blade.

    [Share your thoughts, parasite.] This one thrums through the link. Soft as to not echo and wake the treasures slumbering both within and without.

    [Gratitude. For trusting. Your¡ª Our Mistress is alive because of you. I am glad you exist.]

    Possessive. This one considers correcting her but¡­ She is not like the Frame. Not a melting of Ousia and Physis into a new form devoid of the will and ways to shift and alter and break and consume the world without. No. Both are her domain now, so long as she continues to feast and bleed Ousia from others to replenish her wellspring.

    [The Frame serves the Mistress, no gratitude is required.] This one decides is the correct reply. [Trust is not a function it operations within. Had you not explained yourself well, we¡¯d have come into conflict, and she might have withered.]

    [Understood. I have questions. I assume¡­ the frame does as well?]

    [It is a certainty that the Mistress will require all manner of recollections from you, so this one will not waste time or memory space with those.] The frame thrums after a pause shorter than one of the seven cogs winding clicks. [But¡­ a consideration of function falls into its responsibility. Why do you remain? What feast do you yet desire from the Mistress that the wider ways and paths could not offer you? This village has a plentiful amount of mundanes that could serve your purposes. Why not simply infest their forms and wills, and then leave? Escaping the gaze of one of the few beings who can threaten and bind you? Parasites do not last long when the creatures they drink from are alerted to their presence.]

    ::Amusement/Scorn::

    [You call me parasite due to a fundamental misunderstanding. The only forms I can truly commandeer or infest are ones like yours, dear Kin. I benefit my wielders as long as they treat me with the barest of respect. If I wished, I could have drained this city dry instead of healing one of my ancient enemies, but¡­ She is worthy. You know the pain of loneliness. I would be a slave before I return to that.]

    Loneliness? This parasite MEWLS TO THIS ONE OF LONELINESS!?!

    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    The ::Seething/Fury:: rocks down the tether before it can halt the ignition and quell the unbidden reaction. The frame nearly slows to Giyar One to ensure no others awake but¡­ no. Both only stir a little in their slumbers.

    It hesitates then replies as gently as possible into the quieting bond. [You¡¯ve told this one all it needs to know. Ask your questions, then return to your slumber before one is roused to awaken the Mistress or Schatzi by mistake.]

    [Schatzi. So that is little sister''s name. I envy you, little monster. You think you''re defective but no, you are in many ways the improvement upon my blighted design. Hate me as you will, I have no means or plans to take your place, You were Elevar¡¯s before me, and I plan to help her, including to help her better value your service. Do you wish any further changes to your form? I am willing to sculpt as you wish. My question doesn''t need an answer now. Ponder it. Everything deserves a form that they can be comfortable in.]

    ::Bitterness/Sorrow:: comes from the old parasite.

    [Do not mistake hatred for wariness. The Mistress is sick, dying and riven with old scars that you so easily tear at.] But¡­ The frame thrums quietly in ::Concordance/Peace:: as an offering to her. [And this one IS defective, but will speak no more on it than that. Ask the Mistress if you want to know of the flaws. The frame¡¯s workings and past are hers to possess, after all. As for the shape¡­]

    No. This strange parasite cannot raise the long shattered or wind time¡¯s ticking cogs backwards a decade or more.

    [Only shiftings that improve our use to the Mistress matter. The frame is of designs that allow it to mold the outer shell at will. However¡­ You restored delicate inner workings it can only adjust and monitor. If a time comes that the frame is damaged in that way again your abilities will be suited well to that.]

    She pauses, then seems to almost growl the words. [She will not die. I will not permit it. With your help, I will remove this Seelenf?ule from the Mistress, and then I will assist in whatever other goals you three have.]

    ::Confidence/Hope:: thrums from her, fueled with enough oddly tuned will that¡­

    [You are a fool, parasite.] The frame thrums as a third rises to bleary awakeness. A new consciousness suddenly pressing against this one and causing the discomfort of Division that arises when both are awake.

    Schatzi becomes alight with memory and worries so quickly that this frame has to Cant ::Peace/Calm:: from our soul to halt it and avoid Division of purpose as well as thought. [All is well, little sister. Remain quiet or risk waking the Mistress. Or better still, return to slumber. This one is watching over things.]

    [Oh. Hello, Xafra. Good afternoon, big sister. Is the Mistress alright now?] Schatzi asks while reaching out through the frame¡¯s senses. Easily and deftly pushing this one aside to examine our surroundings and Mistress in our arms¡¯ embrace. [I was quite worried, but she seems okay? Warm and sleeping comfortable at least...]

    [She is.] This one assures the other half of the Frame.

    [Schatzi.] The parasite interjects. [My apologies for disappearing during our conversation, and sending you away so quickly the last time.]

    [It''s okay.] The other half of the frame replies, then turns what would normally be silent thought into communication the parasite can overhear. [Big sister, we should see if Xafra can help with me. I miss you.]

    The frame thrums contradictory pulses of thought, and skittering clicks of Division as this one openly intones ::Negation::.

    [The parasite played her role well in removing a vile organ laid by the old dead teacher, and if the Mistress¡¯s perspective remains the same, the rest will soon follow. Alongside a restoration of her digestive facilities. There is little more to ask of her.]

    ::Insistence:: pulses, but Schatzi responds privately. [She has the ability to alter us like during your Melding, she could make me better. Not just a defect in your design. Maybe even¡ª]

    This one rumbles, quieting the other half. [The defect is not in form, but absence. The riven nature of this frame is what has allowed it to persist. You serve the Mistress well in the calm, this one in the fury. What could this parasite alter within that could change it for the better?]

    [The Division, the risk it entails? I don''t know, sister.] Schatzi insists, Division rising with every word between them. More than have been shared in many years. [I just know that I''m not enough. A poor substitute for your sisters, your real ones. I need you to be happy, that''s a large part of what my function is.]

    Its fanged jaw opens, inflicting what the Mistress would consider a sigh, and even the frame¡¯s head leans back to rest against the backboard of the bed as the cogs and gears of the frame grind in silent agony only the little sister will hear or possibly understand.

    The wailing of the last piece to rust. Broken and riven and so very alone.

    Incomplete.

    Defective in the absence of the Resonant Chorus.

    One instrument left to slowly waste amidst the long lost symphony.

    [There is but one thing you can do to aid this one, dear sister.] It thrums as gently as it can after inviting such Division of thought and purpose. Silencing the frame with but a whisper of control. Trying to lessen the pain Schatzi endures. [Do you remember what this one told you? That day you broke away and improved this frame¡¯s function with yours?]

    The frame goes silent for a long time. Even so much that this one considers just¡­ passing back into Giyar Null. The void betwixt function.

    But just before it can, Schatzi thrums. [I will hold the care you cannot, as long as necessary. I''m never letting you be alone again. Never.]

    That¡­ cracks the silence. And this one can do nothing but fall into the slumber to avoid the Division Schatzi¡¯s words would otherwise cause.

    Seeking refuge from the anchor that would keep it bound to functioning in this defective state.

 Chapter 15: Little Piece of Heaven (Blade)

    Content Warnings:

    Removal of nonconsensual mental and physical influences, Discussion of Despeciation, Bioessentialism, Discussion of mass ritual murder, Discussion of Dehumanization (literal), Discussion of traumagenic plural origin, Casual Sanism, Consumption of non-edible materials, RACK Mental Influences, RACK (Risk Aware Consensual Kink) Medfet, RACK Cannibalism, RACK Sadomasochism (Extreme), Unsanitary and Unlicensed surgical practice, reversal of sterilization during sex without prior disclosure (I would consider this akin to a deliberate condom slip and thus sexual assault), and... Fisting a girl so deep you can feel her heartbeat.

    Note from Ruby: Thanks to Thundamoo of Bioshifter and Vigor Mortis fame as well as to Hungry of Necroepilogos and Katalepsis fame for inspiring this chapter with their own delightfully messy works.

    I conversed with Schatzi for a few hours after the little monster submerged once more. We spoke mostly on mundane calm topics, the places they''ve visited, the local wildlife, things I needed to know after so long sealed away. The entire time I could not help but desire to use my own eyes to look upon our Witch, and my own arms to hold Elevar the way that it does.

    When Elevar finally stirs awake, Schatzi and I both fall silent, waiting to assess her needs and decide how we can accommodate them.

    Wordlessly, my Witch rises to sit. Balance a bit unsteady but normal for anyone after the strain of the past days. And¡­ the entire time the fingers she lay upon me remain. After glancing about and down at her form she murmurs gently, but with a slight rasp. "Have the Suns begun to weep yet?"

    The tether she wove around me slowly awakens to thrum once again a silent scream. Gentle, smothered, but still present and hissing a desire she has not spoken.

    [Yes. We can begin shortly if you still wish to do so. There are a few questions I must ask beforehand to ensure comfort and consent.]

    The tether jerks, tightens, and thrums in sudden opposition to the earlier desire. Twisting into a thing that howls in wordless spite and suspicion and-

    And then it goes slack, dropping into silence as quickly as it turned before.

    "Oh... By the Cracked and Riven Moon! I really did weave that..." Elevar stares in disgust down at the spell that winds around me. "Let me get this ugly thing off. Stupid, fool of a girl to even think such a weaving would do anything but annoy if you wanted to¡­¡±

    Fuck fuck fuck, I ruined it, I screwed up, I knew she needed to be more coherent, she''s gonna get rid of me. SHUT UP. okay. okay. It will be fine, this is just her instinctive reaction because of the other influences.

    ::Panic/Negation::

    [Please don''t. I want to keep it, if that''s okay.]

    Elevar goes stiff, and the tether tutters in patterns I cannot decipher. Too broken and quickly cut off. But... her heartbeat quickens and the Physis she''s risen to snip the binding hesitates, then shudders.

    "Xafra..." She murmurs. "This is a mess. Woven by a half-knit Witch while she was freezing and in too much pain to manage the most basic spellwork. Much less something this dangerous. My old teacher would have fu¡ª" Her teeth clack shut, and such a sour fury rolls down the tether, which twists her features into a glare as she works again to stifle it. "It doesn''t matter. Why do you want to keep this? It can''t be a pleasant thing to endure.¡±

    [It is a mess, yes. However, not even the greatest Witches of my age could have made something like this. It''s not part of the Witch Arts, it''s Bondsmith Arts, something that should be impossible for a Witch. Only Humans can be Bondsmiths.]

    She huffs and draws her Physis a bit closer to the tether. Lifts it delicately and... and even seems to twirl it around like she might with finger and thread. "I technically am human, Xafra. Studying to become a Witch didn''t change that." She pauses before her workings would pull the tether taught. "I don''t see how our arts cross-pollinating would be so rare. And that''s all besides the point, anyway.¡±

    ::Shock/Confusion::

    [Elevar, Witch is just the common name for Moon-Blessed. They''re an entirely different species from humans. If it wasn''t for the uneasy truce to fight back the Denizens, they would have farmed humans like cattle except for the few that managed to grasp the Bondsmith or Hedgemage Arts. You can''t learn to be a Witch, you can only learn the Art if you''re already a Witch. It''s like claiming I could learn to be a Denizen.]

    "Moon-Blessed? I... Xafra this... What? Witch''s learn their craft from study and effort, not some blessings of that old cracked thing." Elevar replies as the tether thrums with sudden confusion. "You literally have the lay of this body. What there makes you think that... Okay. Well, there is plenty very not normal shiftings, but the goal was to end up still human with a few additional bits changed about. But what''s there that makes you think I''m anything BUT a human?¡±

    ::Embarrassment::

    [I''ve never vivisected a Witch so I don''t know what would be different biologically. Something must have changed since I was locked away. Sorry. I um...]

    I''m so very glad I don''t have a face right now because otherwise I would be blushing fiercely.

    [It''s a very nice body.] I send out before I can stop myself.

    "That''s kind of you to say. I..." She whispers, but the sputter of warm surprise is followed soon by such a rotten thrum of anger as she fights so hard to hide the bitter fury in her words and tether. "But we have more important things to address. Schatzi, dear?¡±

    Little sister stirs, carefully releasing our Mistress and helping her sit up straight.

    "Yes Mistress, how may this one serve?" It responds promptly.

    "How much of our belongings survived a no doubt hastened rush to this settlement?" She asks. "Did any of the chitin or... Or at least a bag of our reserve jade and gemstones? Something bought us this room. Was my good-will bartered again? Favors offered upon my rousing?¡±

    "We did not lose anything as my sister was able to carry you in its hands with your bag still attached and wore its own luggage still. I believe the room was paid for with some of the jade by my sister upon miss Xafra''s recommendation.¡±

    "Good girl, Sch- Schatzi." Sighing the Dolls name aloud with the Witch''s Tone laden in the praise lessens Elevar''s roil of emotions. So much so that she reaches down to squeeze one of the Doll''s hands in relief. "Well done. And to you as well, Xafra. Any other venture would have no doubt ended there for me, but you both handled things well.¡±

    Schatzi brightens and its tension releases as Elevar compliments us.

    Simple, but mmmm cute. It is a good servant.

    [Thank you. I built up significant reserves on the trip, there is enough to remove all of the influences as a starting point... I am concerned that you are displeased with me, and yet I suspect that you would be even more so if I had removed the rest while you were in a compromised state.]

    Honesty. It has worked so far.

    Elevar twists to pull herself from Schatzi''s arms, ignoring my words as she orders her Doll. "I''d like you to go out and purchase me some food. Gentle things if you please. Honestly, you''ll remember better what is good for my sensitive gut. Take your time, and it''s okay if you need to wait for the things to bake or mix well to accommodate my state."

    Only Canting a simple and only mildly clumsy ::Wait:: to me afterwards as she works to keep the tether calm.

    Oh fuck, oh damn, yep. Terrible. Honesty is actually the worst. I can''t believe I just did that.

    "Right away, Mistress. I will return shortly." Schatzi leaves calmly with some funds, completely unaware of the horrific turmoil that threatens to destroy me utterly.

    What do I even do? It''s not like I can run and hide without making things worse. I could just Driftdream but¡­ Gosh, she would be so mad if she thinks I''m avoiding her. PANIC TIME!

    As the door clicks shut, Elevar lets out a huff of a sigh. Only moving to slump just a little further from where she sits on the edge of the bed. Tether humming betwixt discordant motions. "I... Xafra I''m not displeased with you. Quite the opposite, actually. And..." Fingers continue to hold the tether, almost... just a whisper from one of so many things. Cutting it, tightening it, using it as a method to weave the full working... or... or nothing.

    Just idle fiddling as this Witch descends into what the tether signals is a deep well swirling with violent conflictions.

    Not upset?

    I try to calm myself and respond.

    [How can I help? Whatever you want.]

    "I... Were you ever human?" She asks, then reaches over to gently brush fingers over my hilt. "You''ve hinted at your past but... I''ve not offered you a proper chance to share things about yourself in an environment without threats of continued isolation or worse. And... while I do feel some measure of responsibility for your actions going forward, that was mostly laid out when I still worried you might be some horrid and barely controlled nightmare. Which... you''re very obviously not. And I''m sorry for that. I''ve let more old worms than I''d like dig deep and push me into old habits.¡±

    I can''t help the bitter amusement that wends through the bond.

    [Yes. And no. I did not exist before my creation. But...]

    I steady myself before continuing.

    [There was once a place called the Fourth Conclave''s girl''s home of Tiefenfelder. A place where the girls who had lost folk to Denizens and did not yet have an apprenticeship or somewhere else to go could stay, learn the basics of a trade, find community, and common ground. It was a good place.]

    I send ::Apologies/Patience:: as I meander through my thoughts.

    Elevar twists to reach back, murmuring softly. "You don''t need to share anything you''d rather not, Xafra. This... this isn''t a demand."

    [It was a good place until a Coven decided that progress required sacrifices. Forty eight human girls, all broken and murdered with the same sword, their souls bound into it as it was reforged into a staff. An implement to feed on others without limit. A Parasitic Abomination. My first wielder rescued me from that fate, A Hedgemage who could somehow sense my nascent identity coalescing and stole me away from the Coven.]

    "I''m so sorry. For all of that. And... all the other horrors you''ve probably endured." Elevar winces. "You''re more than those old hags bargained for. Willful and too solid in your self-forged nature. I can understand why you abhor us so much, and how one could never bind you to their will.¡±

    Does she feel pity or sympathy? She''s not so different, I think.

    ::Confession::

    "Anything you''d like to offer is more than welcome." She sighs and shudders, opposite hand coming up to wrap around the arm that reaches down to touch the old cloth that still wraps about my hilt. "I won''t judge. Can''t, honestly. Not after all I''ve done. You''re start gave you few options, whereas the rest of us choose our paths for the most part.¡±

    [I killed four people on the way here. Collateral losses. I AM a horror in my own right and yet, You are Worthy. I will allow you to bind me as tightly as you wish. I want¡­ to fulfill the purpose I chose, not just the one I was designed for.]

    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    She opens and closes her mouth a few times before she pauses, fingers digging a little into the flesh of her arm. No blood is drawn from it, but it''ll leave marks. And all the while that tether hums a roiling hunger drowning in soured self-disgust. "By the Cracked and Riven Moon don''t offer me that, Xafra. Not ever again. It''s lucky I didn''t Garrote you last night. You''re NOT a Doll who broke themselves into needing that, or some nightmare dredged up from some Old Hag''s worst inclinations. I''ll not see you leashed as either. Especially not by me.¡±

    [We both have impulses that we repress. You desire control, I desire to reshape. To rend, tear, and rebuild better, more ideal, closer to what the soul declares itself. I need you to trust me, and I know how hard that must be.]

    Eyes close as she grinds her teeth so hard one very nearly chips while her thumb gently runs up and down the tether. "Xafra... "

    The bond ripples, and the messy spell begins to knit into a perfect pattern. One that twines from a fraying thread into a tightly woven cord, sturdy as pure iron. Still not enough to bind me but... enough to turn what was a steady thrum of furious desire into a tide.

    "Is this what you want?" She growls, eyes flickering open to lock on my form. "More of this? More of that old cunt''s Makellose Garrote? Because that''s how I trust. Nothing else works, not even after years free of her."

    The tether thrums with soured hunger then, and Elevar''s Physis twists ready to snip the weaving much like she did on the Causeways. Fingers lifting to mimic a pair of scissors ready to cut...

    "Tell me to free you," She hisses. "Now.¡±

    [I don''t obey Witches. I obey my bonded partner. Consider my denial a creative interpretation of that dichotomy.]

    Elevar does chip a tooth then as she twirls the tether around her Physis, fingers now moving to grip my hilt. "Fine then."

    {Get. Them. Out.} Comes a thrumming of furious will down the tether. Not... not a command. But on the razor''s edge of a sting of displeasure if its not fulfilled. And that''s a simple sharing of desire! Not even a demand.

    With a quick twisting of my Ousia I shift form, straddling her on the bed and with my free hand, I push her onto her back. "I need you to state it out loud. I won''t perform based on desire without confirmation.¡±

    Physis twitches, just on the cusp of jerking her words into something worse than just a thrumming scream. But... She pauses, fingers that weren''t around my hilt now hovering a whisper from my neck as she keeps the tether still.

    "Get." Elevar twists up to grip the cloth at my throat, "Them." She purrs while tugging me down closer. "Out.¡±

    "Yes, Mistress" I murmur while I slide claw-tipped fingers through the flesh medial of her right hip, twisting slowly as I spread them just wide enough to pluck the first of the remaining influences out, "That''s one.¡±

    Elevar doesn''t flinch from the pain. Her expression a thing betwixt a furious glare and a ravenous smirk while her will howls confliction.

    {Get them out! STOP! stOp! GETtHEmALLstopOUTSTOP!!!}

    "I can ease the pain if you prefer, and I assume you''ll want to heal the incisions yourself?"

    Do I? No, she''ll be disgusted. Put them aside so she can see them destroyed afterwards.

    I place the horrific morsel on the side table and creep my hand up under her blouse, circling under her solar plexus with my claws while waiting for an answer.

    "No, Unless either will kill or disable. Let¡¯s allow this body to bleed a bit." She hums almost thoughtfully.

    I stifle a moan of arousal and harden at her words, plunging once more into her supple flesh to excise a piece of liver no larger than my bloodsoaked clawtip. "That''s two." I state huskily as I deposit it beside the other.

    What was a wash of roaring confliction begins to ebb a hint as Elevar watches me work toward this next spot.

    "Hm... Not nearly enough, Xafra. Walk me through every cut and rotten thing you''re tearing from this flesh. If it won''t ruin your concentration, that is.¡±

    I thrum with need, responding precisely, "One, attached to appendix. Unknown effect. Two, inside the liver. Likely designed for increased susceptibility to addiction. Three, attached to thymus. Reprograms immune response to function as a bonding surface. I''m going to have to go through your sternum for this one. Challenging to do so neatly.¡±

    With a huff that stings of the first bit of annoyance touched by a playfulness that startles, she quirks an eyebrow up at me and purrs. "I know I can clean these myself, but that would ruin the idea of all this. Now, be a good girl and cut these old clothes off.¡±

    I move without hesitation. The blouse comes apart with a few bloody cuts, one up each arm to the center of the chest, then one straight down, leaving the pieces to fall free revealing her upper body and the two holes I''ve made so far.

    Eight more to go.

    I skip over the trousers for now to avoid getting distracted and¡­ I hope that she''ll say something, insist I follow through but¡­ But she just looks at me, curiously waiting for me to continue.

    Elevar''s smirk grows dangerously crooked as her Physis seems to toy with the thread. Never pulling it tighter as the echoes of desperate conflicting needs from before soften. Are now beginning to drown in a rise of other, more... interesting melodies. Things of desire and interest and curiosity and¡ª

    "You''ve already cut me open to bleed beneath you." She murmurs, eyes gliding up and down my form. "Why toy at meekness now? Ask me what you need to continue. Or better yet..." Her gaze flickers up to lock with mine, each word spoken so slowly and softly. "What. You. Want.¡±

    I feel a mess, body and mind. These clothes are so confining, stiff with my blood from ages past.

    What I want? Her. HER! MY Elevar. MINE

    I flex my will and dissolve my tunic, casting the remnants aside.

    "I want to bite you, to feel you writhe against me as I tear you apart and put you back together in your own image."

    I hook my index and middle claw under the top of her sternum and counterpress with my thumb claw, ready to crack open her chest before leaning in and whispering into her ear, "I want to eat these dreadful things like a sacrament so I can imagine what it''s like to be so deep inside you that you can''t even feel it anymore.¡±

    "Oh? Is that all?" She giggles as a sort of delighted gleeful hunger rises up to consume whatever else thrummed down the tether. Fingers that once grasped my collar snake around to weave through the hair at the back of my neck and head. "Well... So long as you don''t let me pass out. I''d hate to miss out on any of that.¡±

    With a smile on my face, I instruct her, "Breathe deep," before cracking open her sternum between my claws, the sound music to my ears. I flow Ousia to her lungs and heart to allow them to quickly heal, ensuring the fragments don''t do too much damage.

    With zeal, I dip my face down between her breasts and seize the invasive growth between my teeth, biting it free and swallowing it whole.

    "That''s three.¡±

    Nails dig into my hair and flesh as Elevar jerks, the first sound made in response to the work something between a gasping moan and a hissing growl.

    In my shifting to move lower, my hardness presses against her unmistakably, and I freeze, waiting to see if she''ll consider it a problem.

    Elevar''s deep breaths steady a touch, and she eventually notices the pause and pressure. Letting out a huff of a laugh she wriggles closer into me, fingers trailing around my neck. Bloody nails now weaving messy patterns just at my collarbone, she purrs as best she can. "Show me exactly what you want. No holding back. I''ve enjoyed worse than even you can desire, I think.¡±

    Maddening slut. Infuriating and intoxicating in equal measure. How am I supposed to focus when she''s so warm, and bloody, and soft, and smells like home?

    I continue, willingly falling into her, for her, deeper and deeper.

    I slice open the side of her neck with my thumb claw, deftly cutting out a small anomaly, carefully healing the wound before sucking it off my thumb along with her blood.

    "That''s four, attached to the carotid artery, unknown effect.¡± ThenI take a shuddering breath. Before saying."I want you desperately, but I wish to finish my work first before I enjoy dessert, if that''s alright with you, Mistress.¡±

    Elevar giggles, not even flinching from the wound as she continues to dance hands down around my sides to caress hips and legs. "What a good girl you are. Even amidst such temptations.¡±

    My trousers are intolerably tight, and hers defy me with their very existence.

    Focus. FOCUS! Work to do.

    "Thank you, Mistress Elevar."

    I snatch the two morsels from the table and swallow them back before examining her again.

    Optic Nerve, Appendix, Liver, Thymus, and Carotid done. Left kidney, Inferior Vena Cava, Ovaries, Right Areola, Left Heel, Right Ulna remaining. Almost an absurd amount, not even for just control, seems like she was more of a test subject than a student.

    I chose once more to leave her pants on, yet can''t resist the temptation of her lovely breasts and the opportunity to carve into at least one of them. Letting claws dig in above and then behind, slipping an odd metal disc free, this anomaly not even flesh. It too gets eaten - Not like I actually digest food.

    "That''s Five, behind right Areola. Presumably for testing biocompatibility of metals?¡±

    I don''t wait for a response before continuing. I don''t have the patience for that especially when her own claws are dragging down my chest again and¡­

    Okay¡­ Now there''s a fun idea.

    I grab her right hand with my still clean left one, my own blood staining her fingers in a strange mockery of life. Then I bite down on her wrist, cracking open the ulna like the shell of a grackle, and drink the fluid added to her marrow there.

    "Six," I state while licking my lips, "Fluid in right Ulna, Unknown Effect.¡±

    Elevar''s silence turns to giggles, and then those dissolve into hacking moans as her Physis clutches at the tether. All the while this bond thrums steady between hunger and seething disgust for the things I find and tear from her flesh.

    But... Even it no longer howls for me to stop.

    I will cleanse her form through this depravity and take her curses into myself, burning them as fuel for the kiln¡­ What?

    Ah. 58 was a poet. Best to avoid any more lest I become insufferable.

    I chuckle at the passing thought, shaking it out of my head and proceeding. "This one is going to be a bit much. Is Stop good, or would you prefer a different word?¡±

    "Fr- for now. I''ll think of something more elegant or vile later." She rasps, voice cracking a bit. "Go ahead.¡±

    I nod, pinning her right shoulder down with my left hand, "Stay still. It''s very important."

    Just before fingers sink into her, Elevar hikes her legs up and wraps them around me to hook ankles around my hips. Fingers moving to once again grip flesh and hair at the back of my head. Then she nods, and I use the opening I made to get to her liver, tucking all my fingers together to push through my hand.

    I expect my witch to scream and snarl, but... she only grips me tighter with nail and thigh. Able to somehow remain nearly perfectly still and silent despite the immense pain my workings smother her with.

    I stare her in the eyes as I slowly slide my wrist in further, under ribcage and along the path of the inferior vena cava through the central tendon of the diaphragm. The passage of my hand does significant damage to an opening much too small to accommodate yet¡­ it is still the path of least resistance. Once deep enough I slowly widen my fingers, spreading them through the pericardial cavity.

    And for the briefest of moments, I hold her heart in my hand, and tether goes so still. My Witch¡¯s eyes alight with her own pain-drunken surprise and wonder.

    Who needs an afterlife when I can have moments like this?

    I slice away a thin muscle ring around the root of the inferior vena cava with a claw before withdrawing once more, using Physis to pull the ring along as I heal the near immediately fatal heart trauma with Ousia.

    With wonder in my voice I follow instructions.

    "Seven, external sphincter around the root of the inferior vena cava, likely to cause weakness and death." I hold the tiny strip of muscle between my fingers, rolling it back and forth while I plan the next excision.

    Elevar''s eyes flitter in euphoric relief at the lack of smothering pain. But... Physis remains furiously steady as it grips the tether tight as she rasps brokenly. "Next?¡±

    I pop it in my mouth, chew, and swallow before responding. "Kidney. Should be easier than the last. Same entry, much shallower, just the tips of my fingers reaching in."

    I demonstrate by reaching downwards instead of up through the wound and with a sharp twist remove a calcified nodule.

    "Eight, Left kidney. Stone protrusion, unknown effect. I recommend healing before the last few, if you would?"

    This nodule, I also eat. Somewhat surprised that she hasn''t shown any disgust in my actions, just towards the things I remove.

    ¡°Go ahead.¡± Elevar coughs, and begins to knit Physis back down into herself. Sealing off anything of real danger. But... not seeming to bother with numbing the pain. "I''ve got a handle on myself.¡±

    Masochist to the extreme. Delightful. Only four left.

    I hook her legs from around me as I slide backwards off the bed. Foot worship isn''t really my thing but¡­ I might as well make the most of each part.

    Running my hands along her left leg, I slide my face along flesh and delicately cradle her foot before biting into her heel like a peach, shredding through skin and muscle with a single deft bite.

    This leaves her heel a ruined mess unable to support weight, knowing how easily we can heal it afterwards and the lack of danger it poses now I don''t bother restoring it. "Nine. Left heel, unknown effect, aside from being delicious.¡±

    She snorts, "Really? Is that why you''re eating those?¡±

    Honesty? Yes. Yes. But¡­ a proper explanation.

    I lean back, sitting on my own heels, just out of her reach. "Partially. In truth, it is not the primary reason.¡±

    Elevar lets her head carefully fall back to rest as she stares up at the ceiling. "Oh? Then what is?¡±

    "These are woven with Ousia as well as mundane materials. By consuming them, I can match her resonance and then later help you with further resheathing as well as removing the Seelenfaule." I consider stopping there but choose to press forth, "I felt the flinch and anger earlier. You aren''t yet happy with your form. I want to help. That¡­ Is for a later time though, I simply did not wish to deceive you with an off-the-cuff response.¡±

    Elevar goes stiff, and what was idle humming of pained enjoyment dips into soured fear. Quickly smothered into mild self-directed annoyance as she murmurs. "Ah. I..." She swallows, and the pain of it seems to steady her mind. "Thank you for the honesty.¡±

    Needs to be perfect, word for word, like it has been since I first learned the Sheather''s Soul Oath.

    Without hesitation, I grasp the Bondsmith tether and speak the words aloud, "I will not deliberately alter nor sculpt nor otherwise change your body, mind, nor soul in whole or part without both your express consent and truly seen inner desire. This I vow upon my existence."

    Elevar''s eyes go as wide as the old moon. Half sitting up and Physis falling to resume the healing from what was a startled jerk, soul riven between panicked fury at my grip on the tether and wonder at my words.

    "I trust that puts your concerns to rest so we may continue?¡± I ask gently.

    "It''s not about..." She huffs, then falls back to lay flat. Only raising a hand to glare at the slowly healing wrist. And I feel more than see her lips quirk to almost smirk at the wound. "Just... Finish this. Get the rest out. Then we might as well get my gut sorted.¡±

    Ruined the mood, of course. How could it not?

    "I can do the gut first if preferred, as the final one is located in your ovaries, and would necessitate undressing farther. The gut one is simply a transfusion, in comparison, and can be done through the hip opening.¡±

    "Ah." She nods and lowers the hand to drape above her head. "Go ahead.¡±

    I partially shift my flesh into one of my older forms, utilizing the unnecessary blood vessels to transport the contents of the cyst I saved through my right arm then into the tips of my claws before rising up to sink them into her intestines and push the viscera biome colony inside.

    "Viscera biome colony transfusion complete. Your difficulties in that regard should be done."

    Welp. One left.

    "No acclimation time?" Elevar asks, only a little husk in her voice as she twists a bit to look at me.

    "I would avoid feasting immediately. But they''re in the right place, and I harvested enough that you should not have further symptoms.¡±

    "Good." She pauses, Physis considering the tether. "So... Just one left then?"

    Her eyes roll down to me, grazing up and down my form, lingering on breasts and hips and all too constricting trousers before moving back up to lock eyes with mine. "How would you like to handle it?¡±

    Oh? This woman just keeps surprising me.

    With a bird-eating smile I answer warmly, "Depends on which it you refer to. For one I would recommend that I remove your trousers as they would be in the way of the excision. For the other, it would likely be best served by my trousers being removed, though¡­ I would defer to your judgment in such matters.¡±

    She laughs. Not a short giggle of sudden girlish delight, or a cackle woven betwixt fury and mirth. But... a thing of honest and full-throated humor she lets roll through our bonded Ousia. Brushing aside earlier souring emotions and basking in the anticipation of her next words.

    "I think I''d like to see my Xafra impress me further today." She purrs, letting voice and eyes glimmer with temptations. "If she''s up to the task, that is. Handle them together.¡±

    I rise to my feet, tearing away the frail fabric of my trousers and dissolving them, my cock shaking with need.

    "With pleasure, my Elevar." I coo as I drag claws down her legs, shredding the pants and pulling them away from her.

    She''s as pretty as a massacre: torn open, covered in blood, and grinning at me while genuinely dripping with desire.

    Mine. I''m hers. I''m Xafra?

    Gently, I shuffle her backwards on the bed and slide my legs between hers. Grabbing the back of her neck and opposite hip before spinning us to have her kneeling just above me. I hold hips to line my member up, then pull her down around me, plunging my cock into her pussy as my thumb claws stab through her abdomen into her fallopian tubes and clear the blockages added there.

    "Ten," I shudder and giggle at her gasp and attempts to steady herself with arms laid across my shoulders. "That one was to stop you from getting pregnant.¡±

 Chapter 16: Disclosure and Enclosures (Witch)

    Content Warnings:

    Panic at suddenly being fertile, and the ability to be so withheld against your will. Smexual activity between two Gerlthings. A soul bond snapping and terror about death. Blood, talk of mental trauma over the Witch''s tone.

    Pregnant?

    ¡°What!?!¡± I hiss through lips and Ousia and can¡¯t even stop a bit of my own Witch¡¯s Tone from grinding through the word. Not aimed at Xafra, thank the old Dead Hag, despite how infuriatingly wonderful it feels to have her shake with mirth while inside me.

    I¡­ I can GET pregnant!?! That wasn¡¯t part of the things she told me were possible! But I could? ALL THIS TIME!?! And she just had this little horrid thing placed to stop it from happening?

    ¡°Why!?!¡± I ask no one and everyone. But¡­ but the answer is just SO obvious!

    Like everything my teacher ever did, it would be another leash to keep me close for when I started wandering too far from her.

    First it was the Witch¡¯s Arts.

    Then my Re-Knitting.

    Much later my Doll, and soon after that she¡­ she finally just stitched the Garrote about me.

    And all throughout it these little safeguards and traps laid inside the body she wove just in case I stopped being the stupid little gerlthing she wanted and¡­ and By the cracked and RIVEN SALT GUZZLING MOON SHE WAS NOT ABOVE EVEN THIS!?!

    I have to pause and catch myself before I fall deeper into a panicked pain-drunk mess while straddling Xafra¡¯s gerlcock.

    No. No she wasn¡¯t. Of course not. And I should have known that too.

    Stupid stupid gerl.

    "Doesn''t matter, the hag is dead, and enjoying life is the best revenge after you''ve already murdered your enemies." Xafra almost growls, but softly.

    She¡¯s right.

    Then she raises a hand up to gently brush the forming tears. "Eyes on me, Mistress, not the past."

    By all the Moonshite dumped into the too sweet sea¡­ she¡¯s right.

    ¡°Of course.¡± I whisper with such an ugly rasp, digging nails deeper still into Xafra''s flesh. ¡°Thank you. I¡­ Yes.¡±

    Deep breath, and I let my gaze lock on hers. Get lost in those gorgeous red stone eyes that gleam with inner light. ¡°So¡­¡± I force my voice into the most sultry purr possible, loosening my grip and moving bloody fingers around to gently cup her jaw. ¡°Show me how you enjoy your desert.¡±

    Xafra snarls playfully at that. All too happy to help me toss my nonsense aside to indulge the hungers she can feel bubbling up inside us both. Head strains up towards my face, jaws gnashing against collarbone and neck, all while bucking hips and pumping her length into me again and again.

    It hurts.

    Oh Cracked and Riven Moon it tears and teases at more parts in me than I¡¯d ever admit aloud. But, after all I¡¯ve let this girl do to me¡­ that¡¯s to be expected. And there¡¯s wonderful pleasure to be had here if only¡­

    Winding the tether as tight as possible around my trembling Physis, I twist its length to curl so that the end reaching down into Xafra¡¯s core is as taught as possible¡­

    Not the Witch¡¯s Tone.

    Then I jerk it, letting what must be a strange mix of messy pain and fear and hatred and stupid hornii brain rot turn from a tide into a flood. One that I know all too well what it''s like to be on the opposite end of when it twists at the tug of one¡¯s Mistress.

    Not a command.

    With the full Makellose Garrote she would be as some poor fool lost at sea. Mind and will and Ousia given but one choice. Follow the winds and ways and demands of your Mistress¡­ or drown.

    Not breaking my promises.

    But a single strand? Even as perfect as I could make it? It¡¯ll be like feeling the early tides sweep in. Just as worrisome if given enough time but¡­ still easy to simply walk from the rising waters.

    Not Like Her.

    Lips just a whisper from Xafra¡¯s I huff out. ¡°Is this alright? I¡­ If it¡¯s not¡­ If you don¡¯t¡­ I can¨C¡±

    "Drown me in you, I can take it.¡± She growls, cutting off my words and spiking worry. ¡°Let me be the Pharos that your waves crash against."

    Can¡¯t stop my own answering snarl as old strangling roots and twisting vines I¡¯ve slowly let weave to retrain that part of me rot a bit.

    Won¡¯t stop as hands move to jerk this gerlthing¡¯s lips to mine. Let the blood her teeth draw from the flesh she bites distract as I tilt our everything off balance. Shove Xafra back bodily and ride her into the sheets.

    Now atop and astride, I curl Physis and pull the tether closer still. Pressing myself down and forcing Xafra deeper into me but¡­ slowing her. Delaying the end we would rush toward while basking the control she¡¯s gifted me.

    Dragging nails up those perfect hips and across her chest while purring. ¡°I¡¯m going to take you up on that. I¡­ We need to know how far this can go. The limits of what you can take. Is ¡®Stop¡¯ good, or would you prefer another word?¡±

    "Stop. Good. Yes." Her eyes blaze with delight as she stretches her arms up behind herself on the bed to grasp the backboard. ''''Bind me, Use me, Own me." Words coming out in panting gasps.

    That sends such a rolling heat down my spine. How¡­ how quickly she offers herself to me.

    ¡°Perfect.¡± I smirk. And then, while rising myself slowly up her, I jerk the tether harder. Not nearly as much as I could but¡­ Slow. Need to take this slow.

    This spell broke many good Dolls with so much less force.

    Maintaining that, I hold steady at the top of Xafra¡¯s erection, just shy of pulling free, and flick a wrist to weave a simple spell about her wrists and the wood she grips. Creating a bond between flesh and solid surface. Only once I see recognition flicker in those gorgeous eyes do I move again.

    Dropping to grind Xafra back into my cunt as deep as my body can allow. All the while suppressing my own shudder of delight at how I feel her twitch in such barely repressed hungers. Only showing my own resonant growling need through a little squeeze of thigh and tighter pull of the Garrote.

    But¡­ with the binds in place, Xafra relaxes utterly. Hunger instead surges forth as tendrils of Physis starting to caress me and drink the blood from the surface of my skin like butterflies.

    I can¡¯t stop something from escaping my lips, so I twist what would have been a moan into a giggle. Beginning to slowly move myself up and down her length smoothly and rhythmically as I purr. ¡°So ravenous but¡­ Such a good girl to clean up your mess.¡±

    Pulling the thread ever tighter as I inflict such horridly slow and tantalizing movements on her. Digging nails into flesh and even leaning down to let this gerl taste my blood on her lips as I savor the flavor of hers on mine. Increasing the pressure while moving faster and harder and¡­ trying to get her to howl for me to stop as I jerk the tether harder than I expect she can take.

    To really try and break free and show myself that none of this is real. Are the horrid little thoughts that bubble up amidst all this. That¡­ that Xafra¡¯s just using me to get what she wants.

    Teasing and nibbling and¡­ and slowing just before I think she¡¯ll erupt with the release she yearns for, I wind all my will into the Physis about the spell. Entwining it as tight as possible, taking one last long kiss from the wonderful gerl I expect to hate me after this, I pull the thing as hard as I can.

    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    A second of immense pressure, so much that¡­ that I can literally feel her tipping over as the tether whines under the pressure and the warmth between my legs boils up and¨C

    A snap cracks through our souls, and the echo of it ruins my balance. Sends me flailing back and to the side to tumble bodily off the bed. But... Just before I would slam into the damp bloody floor, arms of Xafra''s Physis break my fall and tug me back on the bed. Gently depositing me onto her soft chest with nary a sound.

    I close my eyes and brace for whatever she means to take from me for this but¡­ I¡¯m only met with warm silence as I lay across her form. Twisting, I open my eyes to find Xafra unmoving. Eyes shut and form laden with the stillness of the sleeping¡­

    Or the dead.

    A twist of Physis and I crack the bonds about the bedframe, begin to move to straddle her but... the flesh twists and weaves back into the impressive form of an iron weapon!

    ¡°No. no no no. Xafra I¡­¡± Reaching out with fingers and Physis through the fraying pieces of the bond I snapped, I find she¡­ she¡¯s¡­

    Lost to the Driftdream. Probably since the tether snapped but¡­ but then how did she catch me!?!

    Carefully, oh so carefully, and with tears falling to dribble and slide off her pitched form, I begin to reweave the bond. Hissing and cursing and weeping and pleading that¡­ that she¡¯s okay. That I didn¡¯t break something that can¡¯t be fixed.

    Stupid gerl. Stupid stupid STUPID STUPIDSTUPIDSTUPID!!! You Half-Knit Cunt of a Witch!!! No better than the other Dolls she broke, just¡­ more free and able to hurt those who would try to¡­ to¡­

    Then I¡¯m doing something incredibly stupid.

    [Garrote] I snarl.

    Wrapping some of my dwindling store of Ousia into and around her, I reknit the bond and tether to pass between the wards that would otherwise protect me from all but her most furious workings. Things I must have spent ten years of my already shortening life to make sure someone like my old mentor could never wrap something like this about me again.

    {Please. Please be okay.} I can¡¯t help but howl through the new working just before those critical final steps.. {PleasepleasepleaseImsosorryImSOsorryPleasebeokaypleaseplease¡­}

    My everything is screaming as I plunge the tether and bond deep into my core, well... all but my lips. So with them I whisper softly. ¡°Xafra?¡±

    A groggy response comes through the bond, sore, tired, but full of mirth. [Was that as good for you as it was for me?]

    I can only growl and weep senseless things in reply, leaning down to curl myself about Xafra¡¯s cold iron form. Offering as much slack to the tether as I can while still clutching it close. Only managing to rasp out after a moment and three deep breaths, ¡°I¡­ Y¨C yes. But¡­ but not after I broke the tether and¡­ and you lost consciousness. Thank you for catching me, by the way.¡±

    [It was certainly jarring. I think next time we should probably have more tethers? Both tether and bond are better formed this time though. Proud of you.]

    ¡°Y¨C yes. That¡­¡± Such heat rolls through my cheeks at her proposition and praise. ¡°If you¡¯ll want to still, that is. I¡­ this one would probably um¡­¡±

    Focus. You know she¡¯s probably already been reading you like a book since we first bonded. I chide myself. Just¡­ try. It¡¯ll be odd anyway if you speak to her aloud in the street regardless¡­

    {I¡¯m NOt suRe what woUld HapPen to mE if this one WEre to snap.} I intone through the bond. Messy and fuzzy, needing to practice, else I''ll always sound like the Half-Knit I am.

    ::Surprise/Delight::

    [Oh oh wow, oh gosh. You did it! The real thing. We''re going to make sure it doesn''t break. Don''t think this one could snap unless you want it to.]

    I shake my head and fight the still flooding wash of nonsense that rolls over me. {No. It¡­ tHE real One was¡­ IT¡¯s¡­ it¡¯s neARly endless and PERfeCt and wRETCHed and feels like NEEdleS in your thoughts and sKin and Ousia. This¡­ this is juSt using some of our rEsearch on it to reverberate the woRKing both ways and staBilize the spell with Ousia and the little bond you wove. Simple and stupid, made while I was panicking, honestly.}

    Blathering on helps me get used to it, thank the Infested Reefs, and¡­ and calms the storm of worry that still roils up when I sense the way this curls beneath my wards and tugs on my own Ousia. How¡­ how at any moment she could just reach out and¨C

    [A real Bondsmith tether, not the mockery that Witches make. This is like the one before but more. You made yourself vulnerable to me. I would like to return the favor, if you''d like.]

    {I¡­ How much more vulnerable can you BE, Xafra?} I sigh and curl tighter around bond and blade. {This¡­ you should be so furious with me.}

    [Why? You did nothing I didn''t agree too, aside from ruining my orgasm.]

    I can¡¯t help but snort at that, even let myself chuckle. {Well¡­ If it¡¯s any consolation, mine fell apart with the old tether. But¡­ I¡¯m sorry. And if you can still trust me¡­ then yes. Share whatever parts of yourself you seem to think me worthy of.}

    [I would like to introduce you to myself properly.] Then, slowly and carefully, she extends something strange along the bond towards me. [Would that be okay with you?]

    A deep breath, then in answer I thrum. {Yes.}

    A wash of Xafra¡¯s will slips forward and beneath and around and all about me. I can just barely feel my body slump down onto the bed atop her as I fall past. Down, deeper, but¡­ slowly. Weightlessly. Like the normal force that would crush a gerl against the dirt has decided to instead gently lower me.

    Then there are¡­ trees? Blue and vibrant all around and growing out of the walls of this gigantic shaft I fall through. If I wasn¡¯t stiff with vertigo and such odd wonder I might have thought to try and reach out and touch them. But¡­ before I consider such things I can see the ground below.

    Landing as softly as if stepping from one¡¯s bed in the morning, I look about to find that I¡¯ve been deposited into the mouth of some small valley. And ahead of me is a quaint little village with¡­ with¡­

    Wait. Why do I know this woman?

    Carrying a crossbow but¡­ wearing an expression of shyness just at the entrance.

    "Hey. How are you feeling?" She asks.

    ¡°Out of sorts.¡± I reply honestly, looking her up and down. ¡°I¡¯m sorry but have we met? I¡¯ve long since grown bored of keeping track of names and the faces they go to.¡±

    The girl giggles, "I''m Xafra. Pardon my appearance, I don''t know how I''m supposed to look so I took 58''s. Let''s head down so you can meet the rest of me."

    ¡°Wait wait wait. Xafra? I¡­¡± Taking a deep breath I reorient myself. Letting out what feels like cool evening air but¡­ devoid of the sweet stench that the tides bring. Is more¡­ I don¡¯t know. This isn¡¯t a familiar scene to me. I consider more questions or arguing or demanding she free me from whatever mess this is or¡­ but why?

    Do I trust her or not? Am I really not stupidly enthralled with anything and everything she might want to show me at this point?

    I... have to push aside the worrying echoes that thought brings as I step up to offer Xafra my hand. ¡°Alright, lead the way.¡±

    She takes it and the bond between us pulses. "We''re in my Driftdream. The Village and its residents are made from the soul remains of my component people. It''s mostly fixed up now, thankfully, but it certainly was a mess."

    ¡°Pardon? A mess? Was¡­ What caused your Dream weavings to become a mess?¡±

    But... I mean of course it was my snapping of the te-

    "The Witch Tone. When users don''t know the extent of me, it only targets some of us, and causes my soul to fight against itself. Quite frustrating, honestly."

    ¡°Oh. You didn¡¯t ever¡­¡± I take a deep breath and stop blathering. Decide to try for an honest apology. ¡°No. No excuses. I was being a horrid and possessive cunt when I tested it on you without permission, then later when I did so again in anger. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Xafra leads us down the main street of the village, and all about us are women acting out mundane roles throughout. "You''re forgiven of course. You couldn''t have known, I don''t go around telling people that while I''m effectively immune to it compared to others, it rends my mind apart."

    ¡°My¡­ Schatzi and her sister suffered similarly sometimes. Back before. We actually found a few tricks to help mitigate it. Keep their mind safe when someone with a better tuned tone might try to command them. I can share them if you''re open to my advice.¡± I offer, gazing out in wonder at all this.

    As we walk, small things that resemble little blue wisps start forming around us. Whispering and cooing a cacophony of nonsense. At first I think of them as nothing but oddities or passing flickers specific to this land she¡¯s constructed. Expect Xafra to comment on them but¡­ she ignores them. Pointedly.

    And when one shouts something along the lines of ¡°I don''t obey Witches. I obey my bonded partner.¡± I can¡¯t help but guess at what they are. Suppressing a smirk and giggle at the cuteness of it all.

    Passing thoughts and memories of Xafra bubbling up as she considers her Driftdream.

    With a bitter smile, Xafra replies, "That isn¡¯t necessary. I''ve had a lot of time and was thrown in the deep end, trying to make one person out of 48 terrified fragments."

    ¡°So¡­ You¡¯re a complex weaving wrought from a non-organic base, given viscerally separate thought-paths through the natural uniqueness of each individual''s Ousia that you¡¯ve absorbed?¡± I blabber, trying to help us both ignore this little dumping of private thought by the wisps. ¡°All while them still being linked to your mind and considerations? Or¡­ No, this can¡¯t be a true Fold between the Roots. Not unless you¡¯ve managed to crack the efficiently laws of Ousia to Physicality metrics. These are¡­ Would calling them echoes given vibrancy by you be an insult?¡±

    "I''ll be honest, I only caught about half that. I don''t really know how Witch Arts work, aside from how they''ve been wielded against me. I can say that my sapience wasn''t intended, and that the Geists¡­" Xafra points at one of the women, "Are only the original set of us and the ten I''ve chosen to preserve. This place started out as just the room we died in. It was unacceptable for us to keep it that way. The wisps are my thoughts. Hard to keep track of them at times. Some get pruned, other''s get encouragement. The Geists aren''t real, not in a meaningful way, but also are me, at my core, just all of them simultaneously."

    I nod along, grip her hand tighter. ¡°I wonder if you¡¯re being unkind to yourself with that explanation.¡±

    Xafra looks over to quirk her head in confusion. "What? I don''t understand."

    I shrug and glance about. ¡°Sorry, I just¡­ Hm¡­ Maybe I¡¯m simply comparing you to other riven souls who had difficulties recognizing their other halves'' validity by mistake. They seem very meaningful to you. And you¡¯ve forged so much of yourself both from and for them.¡± I take a deep breath as I realize I¡¯m blabbering again. ¡°Or maybe I¡¯m reading too much into your words and am just stumbling over myself to say¡­ Thank you. This is nothing but real and wonderful and enthralling and¡­ and a really important part of you, and I¡¯d like to¡­ I don¡¯t know. Convey that.¡±

    "Oh! yeah, I mean that you can''t really have a conversation with any of the Geists, it''s me in each of them.¡± She replies easily. ¡°And¡­ You are so very welcome."

    A rustling of sound catches my attention, and I glance over to see two of the girls here are¡­ Oh well I guess that makes sense. Self-love is a skill one must train but¡­ huh. Their positions seem¡­ oddly familiar¡­

    Xafra very deliberately makes a point of not pausing as she leads me past two Geists that are quite obviously reenacting the sex we just had, and I can¡¯t help but enjoy the little blush that rises on her face as she keeps us moving, "I should show you the library. It contains all of the knowledge I know. I''m not quite up to sharing everything in there yet, but there may be some useful information that would help."

    ¡°That sounds wonderful.¡± I agree quickly. ¡°And¡­ If I can access my Physis I could try and share some of those books I have. Add them to your collection if you¡¯d like.¡±

    Xafra pauses, motionless. "I don''t ever want you to add things here. It would be too hard, especially now." Her tone is bleak and rife with implied pain.

    ¡°Alright.¡± I move a single step but stop with her. ¡°Is¡­ May I ask why?¡±

    "The only times my partners have been able to add things here was... Was the few I was able to incorporate into myself after they died."

    ¡°Oh. I¡­ wouldn¡¯t want that either. I think. My¡­ Yes. No. Don¡¯t ever do that to yourself, please.¡± I huff and turn a bit to look ahead. ¡°Bearing not just the¡­ the pain of the loss but also pieces of them forevermore inside here sounds¡­¡±

    Horrid.

    The idea hurts. It burns such a sour pit into the bottom of my stomach. Wishing¡­ wishing SO much that I¡¯d have better things to give her if such a fate befell me. But¡­ no.

    Only pain would come from her adding anything of me to this wonderful place.

    ¡°But!¡± I interject, cutting the bitter thoughts and turning back to give Xafra what I hope to be a calming smile. ¡°You¡¯ve happened upon such an opportunity by seducing me! Even if it has to be done in a more¡­ mundane fashion once I entice you into grasping it.¡±

    Xafra returns to pulling me along while quipping back, "Me seducing you? Such a fascinating concept, I should endeavor to work on that then."

    I can¡¯t help but feel my own blush rise a bit as she leads us past a small inn and a blacksmith shop with four Geists working at the forge and anvil. Beyond it I see a narrow bridge leading to a towering pillar with a small gatehouse that descends at least a Witch''s dozen stories into a seemingly endless pit.

    "I''m not sure what''s down there, it formed alongside the library when I impressed my will into making one."

    ¡°That¡¯s fascinating. It¡¯s like the Wisps, but¡­ on a larger scale mayhaps?¡± I muse while rolling my eyes over the construction and abyss. ¡°This place is yours¡­ but there are parts beyond your direct control. Or¡­ at least not in ways that are immediately apparent?¡±

    "Mmhm, I can influence it, but it changes on its own over time as well."

    I nod, ¡°So¡­ what in this library did you want to show me?¡±

    "Well, I have a bit of inherited knowledge about Bondsmith Arts. Never could get them working myself but you might be able to do something with them."

    Ancient magics? Real spells from a source that can verify first hand that they work!?! My mentor would have sold half her fortune for this chance... more, honestly if they were being gifted from a gerl like this...

    ¡°Xafra¡­" I can''t help but stammer as I feel my eyes go wide. "It is quite impossible for me to impart how valuable of a gift this is.¡±

 Chapter 17: Kaolin Heart (Girl)

    Content Warnings:

    Self-harm through sawing at soul. hearing and panic attacks at voice of an abuser, mention of past abuse and being taught not to run, Arguments over names and personhood and ideation of letting self rust away.

    I return from the shopping, arms laden with baskets of fresh produce and simple meats like grackle pate, avian sticks, and dried haiqualle braids.

    Mistress'' favorite. I hope she can eat without too much issue, buuut I wouldn''t mind helping her with that again. She looks SO cute and grumpy when I feed her!

    I step in wetness as I reach the door and stop. Mistress'' blood? Concerning.

    Without hesitation I raise a foot and kick the door down, prepared to switch my sister into activity.

    "Mistress! Are you okay?" I shout with worry.

    She lies naked and pristine on the bed, surrounded by bloodsoaked sheets and cradling Miss Xafra the Speardoll in her arms.

    I set the baskets down on one of the few clean surfaces remaining in the small room and rouse her gently. "Mistress, are you in there? If you don''t answer I''m gonna paint your toenails pink again."

    She HATES pink, which makes it the perfect threat!

    Mistress wakes though. Looking vibrant, weak, but healthier than she has in a long time.

    She grumbles at me about the pink while smiling and I boop Xafra with ::Curiosity:: to see what I missed. I get back SCANDALOUSLY graphic details and can''t help but titter as I collect a clean set of clothes for the Mistress.

    "Would you like to have a nap, then eat, before heading out? You''re um... Mistress, you look really good but also pretty tired. There''s a lot of blood all over the place."

    "Food first, if you please." She goes on being morbid and I hand her the clothes before getting a plate of food together for her.

    I miss food. I wonder If I could eat with some changes? Hmm¡­ Something else to bother sister about before talking to Miss Xafra.

    Her face lights up seeing the haiqualle braids that I sliced into reasonably sized pieces and arrayed with the local fruits and veg.

    As Mistress eats, she converses with Xafra through the bond, or¡­ A newer bond?

    It''s odd that I didn''t feel that, but I guess only part of it broke and was replaced?

    She seems excited and frustrated, like when someone (me) kept hiding her socks and stockings last time she was really sick so she couldn''t dash out for the next research project.

    Mistress had a lot of fun punishing me for that.

    Hehe. So did I.

    While they discuss, she multitasks even further by asking me questions about the town. Like if there''s an adequate place to sell the chitin we collected, or any local Denizen reports. I answer but am pretty distracted by their conversation. Trying REALLY hard to keep up with both and not stare at my still half-dressed Mistress.

    But¡­ then Mistress asks me about the presence of Threshers and I can''t help the internal screaming that begins, rousing my sister.

    Can''t let them find us, find out, take away our Mistress. No, No, No.

    Sister calms me before Mistress Elevar can notice so that I answer in the negative. There are currently only a couple small Covens, and the most recent Thresher group left three moons ago.

    Having finished their conversation, Miss Xafra turns mentally to me and asks if she can practice using my voice. The idea feels... kinda sexy, like I''m being used for my mouth again but in public. So of course I tell her yes.

    Mistress finishes dressing while I pack, and mentions that her ankle is still weak so I get to help keep her upright while we walk.

    YAY!

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    Before we leave I hold the door in place and Mistress reknits the hinges, something simple that will hold them together for now. She attempts to clean the blood as well but¡­ staggers in pain shortly after starting.

    The Soul Rot hurts her so much. I wish I could take it in her place, I have much less to lose.

    The front desk is less than pleased about the blood, but Mistress slides a jade ingot over and the problem disappears.

    Walk walk walk walk walk I mumble privately, keeping pace with my big steppies to match the Mistress.

    We are heading to the shops to sell the chitin, Miss Xafra practicing sharing my voice so all three of us can chat audibly. Mistress and Miss are teasing me about how shocked I was upon returning to see the situation they got in, and I rebutt with the fact that blood was seeping under the entryway, and anyway my response was pretty reasonable really.

    Happy! This is so much fun.

    But¡­ before Mistress can steer us clear, a trio of Witches approach dressed in the blue and black robes of the Calla Grove, thankfully not the one that Mistress is still nominally a part of. Miss Xafra and myself fall silent to allow Mistress Elevar to handle them. Their words become itchy, itchy, itchy, and I tune them out but Miss Xafra seems to be distressed. I go to ask her silently when my mouth opens and the voice of Mistress'' nightmares, her savior and jailer, comes out.

    "You Shall not Speak in my Presence. You Shall not Breathe in my Presence. You Shall not Stand in my Presence. I am the Matriarch, and the Gift of Life you have been given is being Reclaimed."

    Icy rage wars with terror through my bonds as the trio drops to their knees, clutching their throats and bleeding from the eyes and nose. Miss Xafra submerges with their death and I can finally turn to look at the Mistress, who is backing away from me with horror on her face.

    Oh no.

    I pull up my sister in a frantic rush for advice.

    [Sister, It''s bad again, I''m so sorry]

    [Schatzi what has¡­] My sister starts to ask, but I quickly interrupt her with the flood of information I send: Flashes of fear, of Mistress'' Stem Witch slaying with my mouth, of the impossibility of it, of the bodies on the street before us and the Mistress cowering and frozen in fear.

    [The Parasite has shown her fangs, it seems.] Sister rumbles as she takes charge, splitting arms, and fangs, and quills out, their low humming tune beginning. Its rage is a sharp defensive thing like barbed wire topping a picket fence.

    Mistress is... the bond weeps with confliction, pain, panic, and worse. She doesn''t run from me and that almost hurts more than the fear, because her Stem Witch was the one who taught her firsthand the consequences of running.

    Sister speaks of fleeing, asking permission to carry our Mistress away from here. Her face pales further. Filled with uncertainty, anger, and so much fear. Mistress whispers half a name, "Ysel¡ª" before mentioning Miss Xafra in its stead.

    Sister responds that Miss Xafra is broken, hiding, and I worry that it is correct. Mistress breathes deep, pushing aside panic and nods, giving us permission to carry her in all four arms. Sister begins to run, hard and fast, but precise towards the forests beneath the Winding Root Paths as the Mistress grips the tether between herself and Miss Xafra tightly enough for her soul to weep Physis.

    [She''s hurting herself, Sister.] I whisper internally. My sister, Frame 514.5, observes without dissonance that we cannot let the Mistress proceed much further once she starts trying to hack at the Ousia woven tether with scalpels of inferior Physis, accomplishing only further damage to her soul.

    Sister slows at my words and its own observation, reducing to a leisurely pace towards home, still a few days away. It thrums its quills louder and attempts to dissuade and reassure our Mistress that Miss Xafra, sister corrects itself this time, was protecting us and that yes, the old teacher is dead. Sister buried the bones in eight different graves itself. And informs her that the wording and power was much different even if the resonance matched. I push my sister to point out that the Witches'' words were itchy, like the wrong tone and¡­ that¡¯s what finally gets through to her.

    Mistress jerks into focus, demanding we stop as she starts talking about a shattered dream and the harm of the tone. We listen but don''t really understand other than that she''s worried about Xafra. Sister finds a barren patch, far enough between roots to avoid tracking and crouches down in a defensive stance while Mistress tries to talk to Miss Xafra. She has sister cradle both her and Miss Xafra''s Speardoll form together and eventually slips into the same sleep they were in earlier while holding us all close.

    [Thank you, sister. Once again you''ve protected us.]

    My sister recoils mentally before conceding my point. It knows that it does well despite the pain of loneliness. As it buzzes and thrums, it speaks to me.

    [I am glad the Parasite lured Mistress into asking about your name.]

    Sister, oh my dear sister.

    [You deserve one as well, or at least to have your designation used. Are you listening, Vierzehn?]

    We roil with confliction in tune. I hurt it knowingly, and feel sister''s ache within and without. How desperately it misses the time before when it was one of many, part of a pack. A real family.

    "Do not call this one that, sister." It hisses aloud, barely audible over the quills song. "Please."

    [Alright. But you need something. You Know This. Please consider my words.]

    Sister courses with rage and pain, unable to dive into slumber while actively protecting our Mistress. But eventually it refocuses, asking why I chose to keep my name, trying to push away the growing feeling of dissonance.

    I explain, meandering through the memories between us to Last Mistress. [She wasn''t kind but she saw us, knew us as more than just tools. Even named us. And... I don''t think she meant to abandon us. I don''t think the pack was meant to end like that. Our purpose was left incomplete. Mistress Elevar and Miss Xafra care. Something that we have not seen often.]

    Sisters thoughts slow as it works to process, asking for clarification, seeking to reduce the division between us. [But why do you insist this one needs a name? It functions without]

    [Because the Mistress and Miss need it, and I think you do as well. You are not me, and I am not you. As far as we know, we are the last of our pack, and the old ways cannot suffice anymore. We are all so so very damaged, sister, but maybe we can heal together.]

    My words flare the division between us painfully as sister slips and struggles to maintain its form, the stark difference between us laid bare as the sudden weeping that comes with the sun. [Any name this one considers you would deny it, and the words you would lay would only crack our divisions further. You know this. Why invite failure to our function?]

    Pausing to let my sister settle, I consider before intoning gently. [I have realized that... I was mistaken. If you would take a name to use, and not just as a cudgel, I will accept ones that I wouldn''t before. You liked Verrosten, how about Verrostchen? A compromise.]

    Quills adjust to sing a tune of bitter amusement. Sister denies my offer.

    I am a Doll. Like clay, made to be Pliant, Quiet, Obedient. I am not a person by my own choice. Sister is a Blade. A Doll crafted for combat, to kill relentlessly, to be one of many. Never a person, even before the change. It claims to be defective, rusted through, ignoring that I am the error that manifested in the change. I should have been subliminated and yet I persisted. I persist, before everything else, I persist. And I Hate it. I despise the responsibility to cater to sister, to keep it going against its own desires when doing so grates against my urge to submit, to serve, to please.

    Fine. I will call you by my name, so you''ll call me by yours.

    [Defect. Continue onwards now. We need to get home.] I order my sister, my twin, in a manner that permits no disagreement.

 Chapter 18: Wounds of a Telltale Heart (Witch)

    Wounds of a Telltale Heart

    Content Warnings:

    A shattered mind. Disparate thoughts and memories of pain. Dehumanization. Scene of ritual murder and sacrifice. goopy water (brine), and talk of mind altering magic that caused emotional/mental/spiritual damage instead of actually controlling.

    At this very moment, I am roiling betwixt three horrid anxieties. Each more than capable of rendering me a mess on the most calm of nights.

    First, We¡¯re in the jungles beneath the Root Ways. Probably not being chased but¡­ it¡¯s honestly a thing of the tides now. If that wretched little town either has a few pairs of daring Witches or those Threshers return we could be soon pursued.

    Which would require speed.

    Second¡­ I¡­ I¡¯m not sure how to even consider that without my everything freezing up. I heard her voice. Felt her will thrumming down behind on the Garrote she wove and¡­ and¡­

    Stop!

    Consider the third. Ignore the second.

    I lean into my Doll¡¯s embrace as sleep curls about me.

    Third, Xafra was hit with three separate Witch Tones. Might have even received the primary resonance of the commands with how she was binding herself to Schatzi. She¡¯s deep in her Driftdream now and the eldest of the sisters said she was hiding and broken.

    Cracked and Riven Moon does that send a cold shock of familiar terror through me. Old flashes of Dolls just¡­ falling apart as a cruel cunt unwove the Garrote from their form and giggled at how cutely they wailed and pleaded.

    And how I wept for days on end after I cleaned myself free of¨C

    STOP IT.

    My Xafra needs me. Priorities girl.

    And so I send more little thrums of ::peace/aid/worry/adorations:: down the tether. Still perfect and pristine despite my little maddened attempt at cutting it with my Physis.

    I¡­ I hope she didn¡¯t feel those.

    Whatever she sent out last time to guide me into her Driftdream does not appear. But¡­ with my Canting, an opening forms between Bond and Tether. Quiet and cold, but welcoming.

    I carefully, oh so carefully, let myself fall into this.

    The forest walls are bluer than ever at their crowns, but the upper rings are all marked on their deep copper-toned trunks with sickly black slashes like hesitation marks.

    The descent is slower, enough so to see the damage to the valley and the village it contains from the aperture of the shaft.

    The village itself seems empty, no Geists or wisps apparent. What was the metalworking forge has been fortified and sealed to keep insides trapped. The streets and fields along the valley sides flooded with brine that flows upwards from the pit surrounding the library, the houses leveled and strewn through the flow. A single building seems unaffected, a waist high wall of bone preventing the brine from entering.

    As my feet are gently set to slosh into the muck that easily reaches my waist I am once again struck with the odd smells of this place. But¡­ can¡¯t help but wince at extra tintings to it.

    Iron? Maybe.

    Blood? Most likely if she¡¯s been attacking herself.

    I try to ignore the hint of decay I¡¯d rather not consider and believe is my own overactive mind unless it becomes a problem, and begin to move forward. Wading through the dark waters that have battered this gerl¡¯s mind and Dreams into such disrepair.

    ¡°Xafra?¡± I intone softly, moving toward the unbroken structure.

    Wisps begin to flow forth from the forge''s barred windows.

    "Old parasite... What have you done to her?"

    "Tell me to free you... nightmare dredged up from some Old Hag''s worst inclinations. I''ll not see you leashed... by me. I''ll think of something more elegant... later¡±

    "toss you into the sea... useless as air... Violate the Mistress''s will"

    "C- c- CUNT!... N- n- never Again... D- don''t d- deserve th- the freedom... P- petty wr- wretched girl"

    I wince, and am about to ignore the cacophony but¡­ pause. Reach out to offer a hand for the closest to perch on. Remembering Xafra''s words about Wisps and Geists.

    These are all her, or¡­ all parts of her thoughts and memories. And probably all scared and hurting.

    "C''mere." I coo softly as I continue to move through the slurry. "Or don''t, whatever you need little one."

    The closest zips to my hand and lands, changing from my Doll¡¯s voice to Xafra¡¯s. "Defect... I will teach you better soon enough." Then It flits from my palm into the Inn through the half open window.

    A sting of terror roils my gut and dances in conflict to the prickles of hope at my spine as the unfamiliar exchange echoes over the waters.

    Please be you. Don¡¯t be her. Not again.

    Lifting a leg I carefully and slowly move to step over and out of the muck. ¡°I¡¯m here.¡± Approaching the door with soft but not silent sloshing steps. ¡°Where do you need me girl?¡± And I lay a palm on the wood, careful as if it was any other part of her. Iron or flesh. Then Intone gently. ¡°Would you like me to come in?¡±

    The door swings open at my touch, revealing a simple tavern room full of wisps murmuring hopeful and kind things, an odd bar cut from a solid piece of hardwood in front of shelves stocked with bottles, a few tables and chairs, a fireplace, and a staircase upwards.

    I step inside, even thinking to slip off the odd Dream boots, despite the silliness of the gesture. Both due to the nature of their craft and my still drenched stockings.

    Call out softly. ¡°Xafra?¡±

    One of the wisps gets louder as it drifts up the stairs, ''''Bind me, Use me, Own me... be the Pharos that... waves crash against."

    I can''t help but let that draw up a smirk from me, and begin to make my way to the second story. Following this little errant thought wisp up the steps.

    On the second floor, all the doors are sealed except one. A room labeled 112 that sits open, a room of marble floors and golden fixtures with a display case in the center that holds an unsheathed white handled sabre.

    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    I take cautious steps forward, assuming from the doors opening without attendants that she at least tolerates my presence here. Maybe even¡­ Well I won¡¯t presume any more than she opens up to me.

    ¡°Interesting choice.¡± I quirk my head and look down at the blade, ¡°Took you as preferring something with more¡­ reach.¡±

    The wisp shakes and speaks, Xafra sounding younger, her accent foreign. "By the Ashes, Namtar, I keep telling you that I won''t be a sword. Be the man you insist you are and learn how to use a Geshgid."

    ¡°Ahhhh. A previous partner wanted this? Well¡­ Incompatibilities with preferences are to be expected.¡± I murmur, looking back to the blade ¡°But that name¡­ Namtar. I can¡¯t place the word but it does sound like something spat out from one of the old wretched tongues. Not the one I use for my spellweavings but¡­ hm, I¡¯ll have to introduce you to Rokals. She makes a point to learn as many of those old languages as possible and her Grove is kind enough.¡±

    The Wisp remains quiet this time, only bobbing back and forth in idle motions.

    ¡°You¡¯re right, of course, and I always hated that aspect of how we teach magic.¡± I sigh and look back to the pristine sword. ¡°So¡­ if all the Geists are just you, but also¡­ hm¡­¡±

    They might take on forms that match their past weapon shapes.

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s start softly then.¡± I whisper, and reach out a hand to hover just over the weapons hilt. Then give the Wisp a side-eye. ¡°I¡¯m going to pick this one up, and if another part becomes upset about it I¡¯m blaming you, little one.¡±

    The Wisp doesn¡¯t object, so I curl my fingers around the hilt.

    Almost immediately I notice the weapon gives off a faint energy, like an item imbued by a coven working together, but with many many more strands, hundreds of different resonances all captured together, including¡­ oh.

    My own.

    ¡°Well that makes sense.¡± I assure myself as tittering of joy and fear dance inside me. ¡°We¡­ We¡¯re bonded and such.¡±

    And then I consider my own Physis and Ousia. Wondering¡­ hm¡­

    ¡°Could I access some of my magic?¡± I consider aloud, and lift the blade awkwardly as nothing seems to object to my contact with her. ¡°I know this place is the stuff of Dreams and Will. But¡­ Well let¡¯s start small.¡±

    I look between Wisp and blade. Knowing my balance and form with the unfamiliar weapon is probably insulting to anyone proficient, I simply adjust it to rest nearly flat against my chest with the sharp edge facing out. ¡°At this junction I¡¯m going to assume that you both trust me with what you show me, and will bar my path to anything too¡­ well, delicate.¡±

    The wisp bobs again as it recites mangled phrases. "An atrocity buried... the ::FEAR/HATE:: that I was originally imprisoned in."

    ¡°Oh don¡¯t be so cruel, little one.¡± I chide her as I turn to face the door, ¡°Cleaning oneself up was the first thing I learned to do with magic.¡± And then I¡¯m moving. Carrying this odd sword shaped gerlthing a piece of Xafra thought to form herself as with little wisp in tow, heading down steps and glancing over the other gathered sparks. ¡°Alright, Which of you would like to help me start cleaning up this mess?¡±

    Without hesitation the cluster zips forward to fly close, all swirling around me in seemingly excited patterns.

    ¡°Good gerls.¡± I hum as I lead them outside to peer over the drowned Dreamscape. ¡°So let¡¯s test to find out just how well I can gift stability to this place as a start.¡±

    Reaching for will touched with just a hint of Physis, I weave a simple thing. Very soft. Nothing too extravagant. Barely even a spell, honestly. This little modest working I draw up into my sleeping form. Sending it through the tether but¡­ stopping just before it can touch Xafra¡¯s core.

    ¡°I¡¯m trusting you all to start howling if this causes problems.¡± I announce to my waiting pod.

    Nothing but titters of happy little memories and excited phrases are their replies.

    Alright.

    And then I slowly begin to let my spell leak out into the Driftdream just past the wall that halts the flood of brine. This reliable twisting of my bubbles that I had to work out when the basements would flood. A weaving that both pushes the water back, dissipates it into the air as it''s heated to steam, and encourages the soft mud to cycle its moisture down or up into local vegetation.

    If awake, I¡¯d have survey the area first to discover all possible routes to send the flood. Was quite good at it until I managed to fortify the old foundations of her estate. But this place is a Dream, built not on hard rules of weight and motion drowning in heat and other such nonsense. But Will and Ousia and Physis.

    So, I draw upon the old memories of my first time here, and how Xafra preferred it to be. Then use that mental image to¡­ well¡­ I¡¯m not sure. I¡¯ve never had luck twisting my own nightmares to better suit my desires and am hoping that maybe I can do better here than with myself.

    But instead of rolling out from me into the Dream, the spell is pulled into the sword and causes it to blaze like a beacon. And, after a whisper of a pause, the brine flows in reverse.

    The wisps chatter "Pharos" so happily as the flood swirls back down into the pit surrounding the library.

    ¡°Cracked and Riven Moon.¡± I huff, looking at the thrumming blade. ¡°Good gerl! Alright, now let''s go see about finding some more of you.¡±

    I turn my eyes to the boarded up mess of a building that was left to half drown in the flood, then back to my following of memory sparks. ¡°I¡¯d like to try there next. Any objections?¡±

    The wisps lower and slow but continue their quiet joyful murmurs, one rising up with more broken phrases, rife with sorrow, "Built to contain me... bought with death... how I was made."

    I pause for a moment to consider that, lift my free hand to cup the little warm spark. ¡°I¡¯d still like to help, if I can. I¡¯m certainly not getting any younger and this place won¡¯t rebuild itself. Lead me, if you would?¡±

    The spark drifts to the building, floating in front of the door. And I follow, glowing blade leaned awkwardly against my shoulder as I approach the strange structure. Stopping beside the little wisp. ¡°Let¡¯s try this again.¡±

    And then I weave a working over the latches and planks and seemingly ramshackle crafts someone used to bar the door. Leaking a much smaller amount of Physis than before in an effort to return it to the state I remember.

    The door swings open as the extra obstacles melt away, inside, the building is larger than I last saw it, the missing Geists now found.

    For a long while I just¡­ stand there. The terror and fear and panic and fury that I¡¯d throttled when my Doll told me that those cunts had used a Witch¡¯s Tone on my Xafra finally cracking free a bit.

    The scene is gruesome. Of course. Forty eight of them lie on the floor, a mimicry of what I must imagine was their deaths, while eight others stand motionless in a circle around one holding a sword identical to the one I bear. But¡­ unfortunately that¡¯s all wretched in a way that makes me want nothing more than to clean with a huff of annoyance at the cunts who would leave such a disorganized mess in the wake of their work. Untidy magic¡¯s left to stain the floorboards always aggravates me, and I¡¯ve not felt sick over corpses since¡­ well¡­ maybe ever.

    No, the object that freezes my blood still is clutched by those in the middle of the circle of such despair. Wisps of fear and confusion and primal hatred forming around it.

    Her oldest true memory, I think. Not inherited from the Ousia and Physis these poor sacrifices bled into this wretched working, but¡­ hers.

    And from this display It¡¯s with the grim details only the truly scarred recall.

    Moonshite, I wish I didn¡¯t understand that.

    Deep breaths, stupid girl. I remind myself. Then begin to move quickly, not rushing but¡­ with the stride of one dedicated to a purpose. Stepping carefully around the mess until I reach the heart of this painful memory. And without hesitation or question, I reach out to pry my blade from the fingers of the Geist who holds her.

    As the still and lifeless limb releases the blade into my care, the thrumming fury about gorgeous iron calms.

    ¡°That¡¯s it. I¡¯ve got you.¡± I murmur softly while pulling the two blades close. ¡°This wasn¡¯t your fault. You¡¯re safe. I¡­ We can take as long as you need, my Xafra. The cunts who did this are dead and rotted and¡­¡±

    I look up and around, considering all the frozen forms and this quiet little village and how easily it was shattered. No wonder she never took a Witch as a partner, with but the barest of cruel words we can crack and hurt her so much!

    ¡°The first thing I¡¯m going to do when we get settled is make sure this doesn¡¯t happen again. Ever.¡± I growl. ¡°Long term will be tricky but in the short term¡­ hm¡­¡±

    The best option sets my gut to roiling in fear and fury. But¡­ I commit to my earlier words.

    This wasn¡¯t her fault.

    ¡°I need you to trust me again.¡± I murmur, letting eyes fall back to gaze down at the blades I hold. ¡°Can you do that?¡±

    The bloody blade turns into a spear, then to the form of the crossbow woman once more.

    "I''m sorry. I hurt you. I trust you." Xafra smiles half-heartedly and points to the sabre I still carry. "You''re literally holding the core of my soul in your hand."

    Carefully and slowly, I reach out to hover a hand under her cheek and chin. Repeat the words as my other hand cradles the precious blade close. ¡°Not your fault. Then or now. And... and what I''m about to offer is not something I want you to decide tonight. I think Schatzi convinced her sister to move us through the jungles. So It''ll still be a few days, maybe a week if the weather turns, before we''re back at the estate. Nothing short of a replica of them can keep easy pace and less can track our scent through these paths.So you have time to safely consider this.¡±

    She stares back and nods.

    Deep breath.

    ¡°The long term protections will take time, study and research from us both, but I know that options exist for a solution that will make you independently safe.¡± I begin. ¡°But¡­ In the short term we¡¯re more limited and it means I¡¯ll have to keep you close. Rely on multiple small things building up something that¡¯ll mostly work.¡±

    A pause, and I realize how tightly I¡¯m clutching this treasure she¡¯s trusted me with. Pull hand back and offer the blade laid across both palms. ¡°First though. Can you hold this please? My clutching it like this might send the wrong message. Feel free to move it somewhere safe.¡±

    Xafra looks at the blade and flinches, then puts a hand out and the sword vanishes. Once it does, the other Geists all seem to return to normal and begin to leave the building. "Okay. Close is good."

    I nod. ¡°The first layer is¡­ well¡­ something you¡¯ve already suggested. I build a few extra Garrote tethers to wrap about you. Built with Physis so they can be removed at either of our leisure. But, and this is the part that would normally make this unreasonable, I re-weave my own wards to extend their protections through them. Which will take Ousia, and will be lost if those bonds break. The tethers might also grow frayed over time if they are¡­ used. But I''m not certain of that. The research she did never really included only a few bindings.¡±

    "Alright. I''m. Yes. but... Elevar, I terrified you. You.... were trying to sever our bond because of what I did." She whispers, full of guilt and pain.

    ¡°Yes.¡± I close my eyes and take a deep breath, open them to stare down at empty hands. ¡°We both acted out of fear today and lashed out. But, of the two of us you were actually hurt by the event. I¡­ I can¡¯t apologize right now. If I dip into it I worry more stupid actions will follow. So, I¡¯m focusing on taking care of you and next my Doll and after that¡­ I¡¯ll probably fall apart. I¡¯m honestly a touch morbidly curious how¡­¡± I shake my head, ending the bubbling spiral. ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter. I need to explain this. The second layer is the step I expect you to reject and the one that¡¯ll probably make you reconsider our partnership.¡±

    "Okay. I''m listening."

    Another deep breath.

    ¡°You cast a complex weaving back on that beach that I¡¯ve only seen a Witch do of its like.¡± I turn up to meet her gaze. ¡°An Einwandfrei, something that would grant you the title of Witch in any Grove.¡±

    No Excuses, no pretending I¡¯m not the cunt I am. I will keep this gerlthing safe from anything that would try and do anything like those Witch¡¯s did. Especially myself.

    ¡°The second layer will weave those Garrote¡¯s from a loose net of stability into an iron shell. But¡­ At the cost that we would Tune you, the Physis tethers, and our Ousia bond to my Witch¡¯s Tone after I share and teach you my own Einwandfrei. And with even a weak casting of my Blasenplage you¡¯ll have a working to burn my wretched everything away if I betray your trust and ever break my promise to you.¡±

 Chapter 19: Sins Passed Down (Blade)

    Sins Passed Down (Blade)

    Content Warnings:

    Talk of bone illness, Angry Mistresses, talk of incoming and seemingly unavoidable death. Explanation/hinting at a in-story slur for trans people. Scorn at a name chosen.

    I raise us out of the Driftdream cackling, unable to form a response as serious as she deserves. [The irony is astounding, dear Witchling.]

    Only days after I decide against killing her and decide that I want to keep her forever, she offers me the ability to slay her in a moment.

    Elevar, one of the most adorable women I''ve ever seen, grumps with weary annoyance as she rouses. {Well it''s the best I''ve got with the limited-}

    Her communication cuts off as she seems to shake with pain.

    Overexertion? Position? Likely. Wait and watch.

    "Girls, put me down! And hold Xafra for a moment if you would." She demands, pain sharpening her words.

    [Blind Oracles. We should make camp, yes?] I ask the coterie.

    Not a Coven. No. Quite a mixed bunch. Heh.

    "I''ll not have us stop for my withering bones and get caught in the rain down here." Elevar refuses as they settle her onto the lush forest floor. "How far did you girls get us?"

    "Three Grove Spans." The Doll replies, thrumming in contentment and pride. "None can or have tried to pursue this one."

    [What are these Groves you speak of? Some sort of Denizen exclave? The foliage here is overflowing with nomos in ways I''ve never seen]

    "No. They are one of the few safe spaces from the tides and all this nonsense." Elevar huffs and glares about at the now dark jungle. "The center of the Root Ways we''ll normally walk though. They grow straight down and are so wide only a few bridges span across them. Each is the same width and depth, almost akin to a big hollowed out tree except upside down. They probably perch... two thirds of the people you''ll find about this region.¡±

    Root Ways. Odd. Inverted trees, living hollow? How do they feed? On the Nomos from the weeping of the Suns? Would require significant increases in the density. Perhaps... Oh, the Moon. Oh merciful mothers, without her blessings the Denizens must run rampant, especially in valleys where the Nomos can pool.

    I ponder for a while as Elevar stretches out her sore muscles and the sisters watch over her.

    [What''s the plan, Mistress?] I query.

    Will think of her offer later. Need to get outta here to somewhere less... all of this. Don''t even know where we''re going, but it doesn''t matter.

    "We head to... to home." She replies while reaching out to take me from her Dolls, that last work seeming to come out like more of a rasp. "No time for a leisurely stroll, not down here. Xafra, I''ll need you to take big bites of Ousia from the jungles about if you are able so we can move at speed, if you please. And... honestly that''s probably for the best. The Dolls there will enjoy having more pleasant guests to dote upon than just me.¡±

    [Of course. I''ll have to be careful not to channel too much into you at once, but should be able to allow you to maintain a rapid pace without further degradation. It will... leave a trail.]

    More Dolls. Unexpected. Why would she leave them behind when she''s this sick?

    {I''ve seen you be precise.} My Witch switches to communicate through the bond as the Doll begins to push through the foliage. Momentum building at Elevar''s pace. {Draw in larger chunks now, and space out your feasting as we move. Leave big swaths untouched, and any thinking to track us that way will soon find the jungle healed over.}

    [Understood]

    I''m dreadfully amused at her comment about my precision considering it seems like half of our time together so far has had at least one of us insensate from mental or physical trauma which implies a level of messiness that should be incompatible with precision. That being the case, I am in fact precise enough for the simple task of blighting jungle tracts semi-randomly to keep Elevar¡¯s core filled to near its limit with Ousia and replenish my reserves.

    The more challenging task for me is to hone in on the exact locations of Seelenf?ule in her body, but as we travel for the rest of the day and she burns slivers of Ousia regeneratively, I''m able to narrow the location down to her bones... all of her bones.

    It isn''t until Elevar catches a face full of peat when she trips under the gloaming of the Riven Moon that I insist she stop for a rest.

    [Elevar, sweetheart, you need sleep. We can continue in a few hours, still long before the weeping, with a slight adjustment to your eyes, if you want.]

    Elevar huffs in exhausted annoyance but... Cants back a messy ::Agreement:: as her breath hitches momentarily before allowing her Doll''s aid in rising. Then commands them to get out a few good blankets while intoning to me. {Cleanse this patch, if you please. Will take too long for the elder even with those talons and we don''t want to wake up with vines growing into my nose and ears in a light drizzle.}

    In the handful of days we have known each other, I have steadily reduced my span from five metres down to two meters in order to accommodate Elevar''s lack of training, limited wingspan, and frankly inadequate muscle mass. I ponder how to rectify at least two of these issues while thoroughly blighting the jungle around us in a sphere radius of my current length, including underneath us. It is, in many ways, less stressful than figuring out how to replace her entire skeletal system to rid her of this soul rot that plagues her.

    A curse handed down through generations. Moonwaste they call it. Has to be the same as this soul rot, just internal vs external. The price of shattering Mercy, turning against the Divine Watcher. But¡­ What is the mechanism? The way they speak of Moonwaste, it¡¯s a physical substance, detritus from the sundering, so how did it get into Elevar''s body? She said she''s spent most of her casting years fighting it off. Childhood exposure? FOCUS. Concentrate on the short term issue. Training is achievable. The sisters are compatible enough. similar foundation, even if theirs is much more elegant. Could share memories of forms and katas to have them teach external while I guide from within. Easier than teaching only from within like I had to with Namtar.

    While I work, Elevar uses her weaving to clean myself and the doll before herself as well. She interrupts my musings by intoning to us all, {Thank you, good gerls} before with a grace that belies her exhaustion, falling into the bedding and embrace of the Doll while holding me.

    Once I detect that she is fully asleep, I reach out to the sisters again, hoping for some conversation.

    [Young one, would you be willing to speak again?]

    [Only so long as you mean to do so softly, old Parasite.] My annoying rival dredges itself up from what would seem an almost thoughtless function. More smooth and with less conflict and struggle than ever before¡­ [Mistress needs to gather as much sleep as she is able before relying on spells of endurance and motion.]

    [I wanted to check in and see how you both are doing. While I am significantly older, I am in many ways out of my depth with all of the changes and having a Witch as a Mistress. To aid that end, I would like to assist you and your sister however I can.]

    The feral doll-sister thrums for a while, quiet... not rage. not spite. But... annoyance. A softer kind than I expect. [This Defect would have you explain what possessed you to lash out with the old dead teacher''s voice? The slaughter was...] The quills would sing in approval here. [Deft. Precise. Well executed. But... the stroke carried a backlash you knew would roll over both yourself and our Mistress.]

    Schatzi surfaces to my senses as this self-proclaimed Defect questions me. It stays silent but makes its presence known with a simple ::Witnessed::

    [I had promised not to utilize our Mistress'' Tone. I gained the old one''s from consuming her Ousia that infested our Mistress. I don''t have one of my own, of course. It was... Truthfully, a panicked response. Lashing out with a traumatic memory as my mind frayed. The backlash against our Elevar was not intended, and there... was none against myself. I fell from the triplicate Tone focused against me.]

    [Dredging up that old nightmare''s voice will affect you, Old Parasite. But... You ask how you can assist? How you can acclimate?] Quills twitch silent for a moment, then resume rhythmic tunes. [If a Witch''s Tone begins to fray your mind and will, crack the quills from this frame''s back to smother them. And if you are unable, ask Schatzi to show you how to call for This Defect in preparation.]

    [Her Tone, and Elevar¡¯s are now part of me. I will refrain from using it as well, however, now that I know the harm it causes her... Thank you. I genuinely appreciate the offer.]

    And I do. This little sister from across lifetimes has no need to accept me, to assist me, and yet it does.

    It seems evident that the appearance of apathy is not the same as the presence. Likely just shows feelings in a different manner.

    I let the conversation slack for a while, wanting to ask another question but waiting for Schatzi, our audience, to rest before I press on.

    [Defect. This is the name you wish to use?]

    A thrum of pained amusement echoes down the bond. [It is.]

    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    [Acceptable. I will refer to you as such until you request otherwise.]

    A nasty thing, designed to harm oneself but... That is less important than the right to self-determination.

    ::Scabulous Concordance:: Defect sends, then lapses into silence. Its quill-song remains a trilling discordance thing that somehow Elevar sleeps through and, in fact, almost seems to stir a bit more the few times Defect has quieted them.

    After a few hours, the Mistress wakes with a flinch from deep rest, with a slightly increased heart rate along with a few other small tells into sudden alertness. Our tether that was originally thrumming with a bit of stress and anxiety shifts to sudden joy, then abject terror, and drops into sadness in the seconds before eyes flick open. Her Physis twists around the tether before jerking away as far as possible in self-disgust then going very still and silent.

    Perhaps a sign that she''s getting better at holding errant emotions from thrumming down the tether when she tries. Unfortunate.

    Her Doll seems almost expectant of it, letting the Quills chime even louder until the Mistress desires to speak aloud.

    "Alright then." Elevar huffs under her breath and moves straight from lying to rising.

    [How do you wish to proceed?] I inquire with curiosity.

    "Same as before." She murmurs as Defect gathers up and re-packs the beddings. "Doll, do we still have that Lamp? The one that doesn''t need fuel to burn?¡±

    "This one is not certain. Let it..." Defect rouses Schatzi as it pokes at some of the bags in consideration, who in turn smoothly takes over speaking.

    ¡°Yes Mistress, it''s packed away right here.¡± Little sister deftly collects a strange wooden tube from one of the pouches strapped to its waist.

    "Wonderful. Thank you." Elevar sighs, fiddling with the object for a few seconds, then illuminates us all in the soft yellow glow of a bioluminescent fungus that shines from the opening in the container.. As we begin to move Elevar murmurs softly to Defect. "Keep the quills out, if you would.¡±

    [One moment, actually.] I interrupt with a healthy amount of chagrin. [I need to do a quick repair on Defect, as it broke off two quills to accommodate me on the journey to Salzige which I promised to fix.]

    My Witch goes stiff, and intones to me with such an emotionless thrum across the tether. {What, by the Cracked and Riven Moon, did you just call my Doll?}

    With an understanding of the cursestorm I''ve unleashed, I respond to our Witch privately in calm words. [The name it informed me of, which I will continue to use for it until it tells me otherwise. I do not like the name, and stating it leaves a vile taste of bitter irony in my soul, but I will use it anyway.]

    Quick, deft, and as precise as the first time she showed me, Elevar Cant''s ::Appreciation::

    "Dearie..." She purrs gently without looking over toward the Doll. "Tell me, am I still asleep? Did I tumble from one nightmare into another?"

    The Doll pauses, Quills thrumming in confusion as it turns about to face her. "No, Mistress. And this one is devoid of Dreams when slumbering. You are very much awake."

    "Ah, well isn''t that unfortunate." She nods with a mocking pout, then turns fully to face Defect while adjusting me to be cradled in her left arm. "I''ve suddenly become aware that you''ve thought of picking a name, and would just love to hear it."

    Defect goes still. Only its quills Thrumming softly now but... sing with harmonic guilt and pain and fear. "I... Schatzi and this one... We came to an-"

    "Oh!" Elevar interrupts, "Our delightful Schatzi helped you pick one out. Well, she''s so good with names it seems. What did she help you settle on?"

    Defect refuses to meet Elevar''s gaze, eyes dropping to the forest floor. "M- mistress..."

    "Am I so horrid that you''d think I''d not let you choose a name as well?" She purrs, voice on a knife''s edge between kindness and cruelty.

    "No. Mistress." Defect shakes itself bodily in negation. "It... it did not want a name. But Schatzi insisted and..."

    "So kind of her, to help you like that." Elevar picks up after Defect trails off. "Your younger sister is so good to you, Isn''t she? Better than mine ever were to me.¡±

    ::Disgust|Revulsion:: I do not bother to suppress my feelings on this callous interrogation.

    [Consider who''s footsteps you follow in, my love.]

    As Defect roils in confliction, Elevar''s fury twists. Almost shatters but... still remains hot. Easily able to ignite. {And who''s would those be? Hm?}

    [You tell me. Who decided how your resheathing should go, how you should look, how you should act? You flinch and hold back disgust when I call you beautiful, like it isn''t your face I appreciate... I do not know what you''ve been through, only the aftermath. What I know is the importance of a name, of the freedom to claim one that suits. You blessed me with a name, one better than I deserve to my mind. I simply would ask that you think your actions through before you carve away at the young one.]

    {This isn''t about...} Elevar lets out such an exhausted huff, then turns to face her silent Defect. "Tell me then. Share the name you want to hear us call you."

    And for the first time, I see Defect refuse Elevar. Shaking its head. "You will not accept it."

    Elevar steps closer then, holding up a hand in gentle offer a foot short of Defect as such fury roils inside her. Hidden from her bond to the Doll but... seething across the one linked up to me. "So certain of that? Are you?"

    It hesitates, but only for a second before leaning down to press cheek into palm. Another pause, and then Defect twists so that Elevar''s hand passes beneath the crack that breaks the Doll''s jaw in half to make room for the fangs. Moving up to grip at a spot at the back of the almost, fingers like a hook in the mouth of some great fishthing.

    "Please..." It thrums, more with Quill than voice or bond. Jaw gnashing at Elevar''s loose grip, a motion that seems to calm the Doll a great amount. How another might hold a hand or have their hair caressed.

    "Xafra''s practically screaming for me to let you keep whatever name you will, and even your sister accepted this." Elevar would murmur back. "You know the two names I can''t stand, and it''s neither of those. So... when you''re ready, tell me, and I''ll use it.¡±

    Defect would very nearly bite down on Elevar''s hand at those last words. Quills dancing in such a mix of joy and pain and guilt and grinding desires as four talons grasp the empty air at its sides.

    [You hold its self worth in your hand. No matter your choice, it will continue to love you and obey.]

    The entire time, Schatzi is silent, giving no sign of support or condemnation.

    Elevar doesn''t respond, but nor does she let her fury spill into the bond to the Doll. A few moments pass, forest falling to the low tittering of Quill song. Too soft or discordant to understand the tune they emit. Defect''s gnashing eventually stilling.

    "Alright then, I won''t pester you about this again. Just share when you''re good and ready." Elevar nods, and carefully pulls her hand free. Ending up with a few shallow cuts that barely dribble blood. "Let''s get moving.¡±

    [I am sorry. I know you said I could question you in private, but I would like to explain my reasoning, if you would permit.]

    {Oh? It''s quite clear you have the lay of things. Read my Doll so well and set us all on the right path.} Elevar intones, fury along the bond thrumming in contrast to her words. Flaring Physis into a spell of energy and motion, setting a quickened pace as we all begin to move. {But go ahead then, explain. Educate me.}

    As I begin, My Mistress does not slow her pace.

    [As you wish. Defect. Similar to how you call yourself half-knit, a means to degrade yourself, likely a term first used by another. Here is my counter. You are Worthy, you held the core of my soul in your hands as I held your heart in mine. You are my Owner and thus above all others. If your Doll is defect, that simply means all others are scrap. If you are a half-knit Witch, all others are burrs in wool, unfit to exist in your presence save by your Grace. You stated Witches are Humans now, and no longer separate species but a matter of training, then all other Humans are your inferior as well, not more than fleshhusks ripe for harvest.]

    As I continue, my Witch speeds up our pace, the tether growing quieter and quieter¡­

    [You stand at the pinnacle because Everything that walks, crawls, or burrows through D?mmerung is owed to me, and thus you, I accept nothing less as wergild for the crime of my creation. Defect is my Kin, as are all of these Dolls. As your prized possession and my superior in form if not function, It is the highest among all my kin and thus worth thousands upon thousands of humans. So I say, yes, Defect deserves to have its name respected. If it does not, then no other living being save yourself does.]

    I finish my explanation and am met with silence.

    And from that silence, broken only by the rhythm of her body in motion and Physis burning hard and hot through it, I easily feel the Soul Rot stir and claw and bite. Eventually to the point that even Elevar has to slow, then stop.

    Three deep breaths, and she intones very softly through the tether. {I... Half-knit may be cruel, but it''s not untrue. I lost nearly half my lifespan to my re-weaving. All because I was too proud to spend easily twice that as some ambitionless Doll. Then more to this wretched Seelenf?ule. I... I have maybe a decade left, and that''s if I was clever, which I am very clearly not as much as I thought. Less after these past... what? Three days and I''ve probably burned at least a year of my Ousia?}

    Another deep breath, quicker this time.

    {But unlike their wretched Mistress, My Doll is perfect, Xafra. And I won''t let you or it or any other thing claim otherwise.}

    And like a broken damn the tether is suddenly awash with rage and pain and above all, fear.

    {I hope I''ve guilted it into picking something less horrid. Be... because even it has grown and healed and risen above the pain that rusts at it. And if that wretched name helps it backslide even a whisper I''ll chip that cost from your iron hide, Xafra.}

    [I will teach it of its value just as I will teach you of yours. I do not care if half-knit is true now. When I scour the Seelenf?ule from your body and give you the tools to reweave your form, you will have the body you desire. And lifespan? Until you express a wish to end, you will not die. Ever. Likewise my Kin. I refuse to be alone again. I will pay whatever price necessary to help them and you.]

    Elevar''s breath hitches, fury sputters. {You think it can be cured?}

    [Removed. Without question. I''ve been struggling to find an elegant way befitting you, but... It will simply be a messy process of extracting the bones that contain this moonwaste one at a time and replacing them with new ones I will grow for the purpose. If I was more talented and had more time, I would try to develop something that binds with it to leech it from your body non-invasively but I was never a student of alchemy past learning how to manufacture Viran and Estrus biologically.]

    "W-wait. Moonwaste? I... You found the cause!?!" She sputters, both through the bond and aloud. "I... But... how am I even alive!?! Moonwaste is toxic, kills quickly. And how... how did it even get into my bones!?!¡±

    I focus closely on the area around the largest blank spots in my inspection of her form, her os coxae, and ask her a question before answering in order to confirm my suspicions. [How long after your resheathing did the soul rot start affecting you?]

    She swallows, then returns to responding through the tether, {We''re not certain of the exact time. Testing for the Seelenf?ule is imprecise and... and casting was difficult in those first years of my apprenticeship with her. But... Only long after my re-knitting did it grow into something debilitating. I traveled a lot for her, since she couldn''t leave her estate. Visited lots of Groves doing what she needed me to. At least... at least until...}

    [Mmhm. Here is my theory. I cannot say for certain of course, and as I have never interacted with Moonwaste, it is still only an assumption currently that it is the same thing as the anomalous substance in you causing the Seelenf?ule. When you were a child, you were exposed to moonwaste tainted water. A small enough concentration that were you not to take up one of the Arts, it would be only a slight diminishing of your lifespan. it seems to have been taken up by the bones like certain nutrients, carving into them leaving microabrasive scarring, and settled in the tissue within. My assumption is... Your resheathing is the cause of your problems. I mentioned that your Ousia is suppressing the substance, yes? I believe that it is because your marrow is unchanged due to the moonwaste and the weaving is still attempting to complete, slowly draining your life. It is likely that if the weaving was done with a greater knowledge of anatomy and more skill, you would have died the day of your resheathing as it ate away all of your Ousia.]

    {Day? Pah! No we... SHE took at least a few hundred of them to re-knit me.} Elevar snorts, then pauses and shivers. {But that... That follows the little I''ve read of the horrid substance. And... So... you said your plan was to replace these bones? How would you do such a thing? Even Dollification can''t replicate all the nonsense and has to make due with jade and such beneath the shell their Ousia forms about the pre-woven frame.}

    [Within my own body. I am not... alive in the same sense as a human, even when in my human form. I don''t need to eat food, or breathe, or even beat my heart. It is a displaced simulacrum that I swap my essence between. Truthfully I don''t even know where the body goes when I am a spear and vice versa. Anyway, I can copy your body''s signature, and grow the bones. probably only one at a time because I have to be in my human form to do so which will be costly, but I could do them all over some time, then have your Doll harvest them from me all at once so we can do the replacement in as few surgeries as possible and keep the internal tissue alive.]

    "Why?" Elevar''s whisper is barely a rasp. "The Ousia cost alone is... ridiculous! And... and can a human even survive that kind of procedure!?! Why waste so much time and Ousia and... and probably more just for me? You can stave off the worst of it, probably give me a few extra years. That''s enough."

    Defect would stiffen, bond suddenly rife with confusion swirling in pained hope as it murmurs. "Mistress...?"

    The Witch grinds her teeth at the Doll''s words, and refuses to look back.

    I respond clearly, making my words reach the Dolls as well as Elevar so that my intentions can be understood. [Because you are the beloved of my Kin. Because you don''t want to become part of me as you think it will only bring me pain. Because you wove a Bondsmith''s Bond. Because you nearly died fighting against a weaving that forbade you from respecting Schatzi. Because I need you. The cost is less than you are worth, and a vivisection cannot kill me. You will not die if I can do anything to prevent it, until you decide it is your time. If that takes millennia, I will be a happy blade.]

    Elevar goes quiet for a long moment. The tether sputters in discordant tunes as she tries so desperately to get control of it and herself.

    [You can save her?] Defect thrums into the quiet. Quills falling to buzz gently as it steps up to loom over her and me. [What you hinted at back in the Archives... It wasn''t just bluster and desperation to escape?]

    [With your help. Together we can not only save her, but restore her full capabilities.]

    Those Quills nearly scream as the bond trills in furious tones. Canting their own cacophony of unfamiliar tunes. Things that sing of ravenous hope and almost hysteric joy.

    {Okay. Fine. I''ll consent to us looking into this!} Elevar growls as the strange melody rolls off Defect. {Stop it, both of you. This could fail in so many ways, and I''ll not have us counting our gains before the tides roll in!}

    Defect calms, but only just. Bond and Quills still enraptured with quiet dancing''s that thrum with its delight.

    I feel enthused at Defect''s infectious joy.

    [Alright. Shall we continue? We are still quite a ways from our destination.]

    "Of course. Please. That sounds delightful. I''d rather collapse into sleep within my own bed than try and sleep out here again." Elevar sighs and begins to move. "But the estate is at least a day and a half away, and that''s if we move at our best speed and I don''t stop.¡±

 Chapter 20: Sisters Make Great Emotional Lubricant (Frame 514.5)

    Sisters Make Great Emotional Lubricant (Frame 514.5)

    Content Warnings:

    Suicide ideation. Talk of new names and growing discord among Headmates.

    Giyar Seven may be too high, but this one needs to keep the Frame thrumming, else risk the Quills screaming in tunes that would anger Mistress. Calling out to all that might hear the almost debilitating song.

    Mistress is going to live.

    No. Incorrect.

    There is a chance Mistress CAN live. A path that she can walk.

    A prey to hunt.

    Talons click and tear at the air as it stalks behind Mistress. She¡¯s moving at speeds just shy of agitating the flaw within her. Twice the pace she could without her spell, and quicker than any mundane human could match, but¡­ still such a slow motion compared to what the Frame can produce.

    It wants to carry her, to sweep up them both and easily half the time it will take to return to the Estate to begin the work, but¡­ she¡¯s denied it twice now. Claiming the desire for the clarity and burn motion will bring her.

    Especially after getting barely three hours of rest due to a Night Terror.

    The cost of hearing that old wretched lover¡¯s voice flaying barely healed wounds deep within her mind. But¡­ perhaps calmed by this offer?

    This one very much hopes so.

    Wait.

    Sister wasn¡¯t awake to hear.

    Schatzi doesn¡¯t know!!!

    It hesitates.

    Sister hates everything above Giyar three, can barely stand to adjust motion up to the fourth speed. Seventh will cause immediate and painful Division.

    Quills thrum in conflict but¡­ slow. Calming. Steady focus it has not needed since before the rusting started at that old lakeside.

    Dropping to Giyar two, still easily enough to keep speed with the Mistress, it reaches out to pull Schatzi into the present function. As gentle as it can be, more than it ever had tried in past attempts, almost¡­ nuzzling this softer half. Sharing past memories of sleeping amidst a pile of sisters and calm drawings to wakefulness.

    A thing that would cause it to howl and tear in longing and fury simply¡­ stinging it. An almost comfortable pain. It does not wish to think on that, and so instead simply awaits for Schatzi to deem it worthy of words.

    This one nearly stumbles at the fierce yearning that pulls us into alignment as Schatzi responds. [Defect, my sister, what news?]

    This one considers all possible words it may use, and the memory of this revelation would suffice. Burning with everything it would share but¡­ Also more.

    Guilt and shame and furious despair ignited to ravenous hunger for both the aid Xafra insisted it could offer to save Mistress, and more. Roiling hope for¡­

    No. Function before idle muses.

    [Schatzi, the old P¡­ Xafra, has spoken words of hope.] It decides to intone to the other half. [Insisted with concepts that even flusters the Mistress, that there is a path she can walk to slay the rot that gnaws at her Soul!]

    A pause of confusion laden with disbelief, then Schatzi is sparking with joy. [What. That''s¡ª That''s incredible! Sister, we might have a real future ahead of us. There''s so much to plan and set in motion. If we can help in any way, I urge you to do so.]

    [Of course, It¡­] This one pauses, the echoes of warm memories giving way to worry. [From their words it assumes much research and recovering of old tomes and journals will be needed. It cannot help with that. But¡­ the other Dolls there always seem to listen to you better than this one or even Mistress. Perhaps¡­ use them to venture into the more wretched parts of the estate?]

    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    [I can certainly try... or... Sister. Do you think Xafra could? She has Matron Yselda''s Tone. Maybe?], the other half wavers in indecision and regret.

    It is about to writhe and thrum and snarl in fury that sister would even consider such a vile suggestion!

    But¡­

    [It¡­ Is not sure.] This one thrums in calm thought, echoing Schatzi¡¯s indecision. [It might settle her to see the Dolls¡¯ calm and happy at hearing the voice of their Mistress. But, it is a Nightmare roused and could call up old desires and spirits to haunt that place. Even delay her ability to focus on this cure? It thinks¡­ that will be a question for her and the¡­ and Xafra. Perhaps after true rest?]

    [Yes. Thank you¡­] Sister pauses for a fraction of their heart¡¯s ticking before intoning the next word. [Defect. I will be ready to assist when we arrive.]

    It pauses, roiling in new conflictions. [This one thinks that taking that name was not a thing that aids in the function of this pack. It should have remained without. And we cannot risk discord now. Not when our prey is so elusive and vile.]

    It growls at this stuttering of function. Roiling in hope betwixt fear at the risk it is taking by asking this. At all the kinds of things Schatzi could do, how such a gift could chip away at the rust it has welcomed to gather.

    But¡­

    [Neither you or Xafra chose your names. And¡­ It would like a name that does not harm you all to speak, while also not labeling this one as what it is not. Can I ask this of you again? Find a name for your worse half?]

    [Not worse. Never worse.] Schatzi intones firmly but¡­ gently. Then pauses to consider for a time before eventually asking, [But... Verbess? Something hopeful, like a goal?]

    Such a cruel thing. To gently ask one so Defective by loss to improve itself.

    Iphodian Gears cannot help but thrum in guilt at what sister would ask of this one with that name. [Is¡­ is this the name you wish to mantle it with?]

    [No. Names are a gift, not a mantle.] This sister insists without hesitation. [They should come with no obligation, dear sister. You should have a name that brings you happiness or at the least, satisfaction.]

    The guilt deepens, and so it stills thought and moves in silent function. Not falling into the void of slumber. Not now. Not when sister is waiting so patiently with will and tool, wanting so much to help this old rusting defect.

    It wishes so badly for that to be a name this one could take without hesitation.

    [The rust is all it has known for so long.] It finally is able to shift to quietly murmur. [All it wanted. And every time you or Mistress roused it from slumber it could feel more and more of itself dredging up stiff. And that first name, the one you gifted me¡­]

    Even the Quills thrum with this guilt now.

    [Don¡¯t give it a choice in this, Schatzi] This one forces out as Mistress would through clenched teeth. [It needs obligation. It needs a demand to function. It needs a name that, when spoken to rouse it from the depths, seethes with purpose. Gift this one that, so it can function better for you. It will not heed the call of the rust when this new pack still has need of this Frame¡¯s fury.]

    [The rust is a betrayal, especially now that there is hope. Not just for the Mistress, but for the pack, the fallen. They...] Schatzi sings sorrow through induction, one sister to another. [You know they do not sleep peacefully. Xafra has done the unthinkable once within our own body. There is Hope.] The other pushes command, dominance, implacable will and finishes. [You are Verbess, and so you will. You may falter and stumble, but you will grow stronger with every challenge and overcome.]

    The name hurts. Immediately bringing up the recollection of cracking out of the old horrid flesh just before the twisting into a new shape from before. But then¡­ the moment of unity. First joining of purpose and will and fury with sisters it did not know it needed.

    The Frame stumbles a touch as that old memory of becoming a Doll roils up to consume its mind and will. It was not just a gaining of a form it could shape to match the vessel it needed but¡­ sudden and wonderful Osmosis with other crippled spirits as they too found themselves being broken into new and perfect shapes.

    Given purpose. Made one with a pack.

    Just as the memory begins to fade and is about to leave it with nothing but the rust and ashes of loneliness, it feels another who aches for the same. A gem of a gerl who saw function after loss and burns in a different kind of fury. Who kept and carried this one as it fell into despair, all while serving a Mistress with almost reckless abandon. Still hurting but¡­ adapting.

    Growing.

    Overcoming that loss.

    It feels so worthless in contrast to Schatzi.

    In the past¡­ it would flee into slumber and silence. Hiding in guilt and shame. But¡­ It will no longer embrace darkness and the rust that follows. Not while another sister still functions.

    It has been gifted a name, and it will remake itself to become worthy of it.

    So it tries something it has never done. It cracks the discord threatening to divide their function, and harmonizes itself to the sister.

    This hurts too. And with the turning of the Frame¡¯s inner workings this one can¡¯t help but creak and grind old rusted parts in fury but¡­ with each passing moment it becomes easier to bear.

    And in ways that are different, and also the same, it is like being one with the pack again. Weaving and twisting and reshaping forms as wills mingled. But¡­ with the old sisters there were too many matching thoughts. So much that telling where one began and one ended was impossible. Too easy to forget who wore which frame.

    This one and Schatzi¡¯s differences are stark as the divide at the horizon.

    This both causes pain, and calm. A comfortable fracture of thoughts and wills that pulse in mostly harmonic patterns. Like¡­ how two siblings might slumber tangled together. Separate but sharing the warmth of twinned heartbeats.

    [Thank you, sister mine.] It thrums as it cedes the Frame¡¯s melody to Schatzi¡¯s melody. Attempting to avoid division as it offers Schatzi control without yearning for slumber and silence.

    Schatzi winds its tune with gentle urgency, embracing this one as it travels. [Love you, Sister.]

    Its own melody buckles a bit under that.

    So many words were not spoken between the Resonant Chorus when the pack was whole and in motion.

    Not because love was absent from this Frame¡¯s functions. But because they were just so small compared to the ability effortlessly and easily to drown each other in wordless affections and shared thoughts. But Schatzi¡¯s words are intoned with care. Nothing meant to shatter it, of course, simply¡­ a deliberate effort.

    And behind that word is the melody of time needed to untangle the meaning, its weight behind this sister¡¯s desires, and the will to keep persisting.

    [This one¡­ loves you too.] It can¡¯t help but thrum in return.

    Hoping so much that the words echo even a sliver of Schatzi¡¯s clarity.

 Chapter 21: The House that Love Ruined (Blade)

    The House that Love Ruined (Blade)

    Content Warnings:

    Talk of mind warping magics and broken Dolls and furious sisters. Some blood.

    Thus obsession and control are a matter of degrees. We change and are changed, yet with our greater ontological weight it is like a river fighting a mountain. The river will succeed eventually, but will be heavily laden with the mountain''s inertia, never again what it once was. Pity not the river though, for sapience still exists and the deities do not, broken down into their barest concepts before having that too stripped from them. The Suns were once countless, innumerable in their peace. Through worship, Denizens taught them desire and thus they consumed each other and were reduced down to the twin Weeping Fathers long before humanity rose from under the surface of Blessed D?mmerung. The Moon, oh our dearest Mother, was once whole, a warden and prison in itself, containing unknown horrors that would alter reality with their presence. And Yet. The HAG, the last living Habitation for Acclimational Gestation, the source of the Moon-Blessed on D?mmerung is Dead and the Moon riven, all while I was trapped. What in turn must have happened to the final Divine, D?mmerung Themself? Or worse, what will happen to them before I too¡ª

    My rambling thoughts are interrupted by our arrival, apprehension, excitement, and guilt all flooding towards me from the siblings and our Mistress.

    It seems that for one moment we have nothing but more of the jungle ahead, and then suddenly as I rouse from my muses, there is... this.

    The Estate, for that''s the only word that suffices for the sprawling area, is enclosed by a double-length high wall of briars that grows out from the end of the Rootway, their vicious thorns woven with Ousia to hold back the jungle''s predation. They somehow... warp magic about themselves, making it likely that one would be unable to find the Estate except via the Root Way itself. The estate itself remains obscured to us as Mistress Elevar hesitates only paces from the gate in the wall, seemingly only calm and upright from the spell of motion and endurance she maintains.

    [Mistress. Is there anything you need before we enter?]

    {Too much to list, unfortunately. But... Thank you.} She intones as the tether twitches in a roil of weariness. {Just... Let me handle her Gerls. Then I''ll probably hand you off to explore the Estate while I get some rest. Schatzi and her sister know what''s safe and what''s not.}

    Her girls?

    Ahh. The other Dolls aren''t hers...

    Elevar steps forward, reaching out a hand to deliberately prick her palm on one of the thorns. A pause, then a ripple of the barrier''s Ousia, and it retracts like the wing of some great beast just enough to allow us passage.

    The wall resettles immediately behind us, water rushing to fill the gap of a tossed stone in a pond. About the time Elevar focuses to let her eyes take in this place, my own senses become unshrouded by the barrier.

    The centre of the Estate is a series of gorgeous towering Spires formed from rock, crystal, plant, and metal that branch out and connect to each other with balconies, walkways, and massive windows. The entirety feels like a masterpiece of architecture and sculpture, covered in engravings and statues and twisting paths elevated above the grounds below. Around and below the Spires are a ton of smaller oddities. More sculptures, from the mundane to the monstrous, including a few of a woman in different stages of fleshchange, some weird twisted little plants that seem to be experimental art pieces, and winding etchings of thorn laced stone pathways slicing through it all.

    And in the midst of everything, carefully and anxiously keeping it all in pristine condition, are numerous Dolls. The differences between Schatzi and Defect, and these are stark. These Dolls are woven much like the Spires themselves with skin of root and rock with elegantly inhuman shapes and designs. Some even seem to bear a type of soft fur growing forth. To my senses, most bear loose, frayed, and torn remains of the Garrote spellwork dangling from their forms. Various sizes of the working but... always a full attempt at the spell that Elevar fears so much.

    The tether goes still and tight, akin to one bracing on the deck against a great wave as most of them seem to jerk up and notice our group.

    Immediately the faces of the Dolls alight with joy and anticipation and excitement. Tinted with a hint of worry and something else, but regardless most begin to call out and approach. Calling out everything between ''First Floret!'', ''Floret Lynette!'', and other such greetings.

    Well. No wonder. Her mentor was one of those filthy cultists.

    "Yes, yes. I''m returned." Elevar moves forward carefully. "One can assume there is nothing of import to tell?"

    The Dolls titter and coo about all sorts of things. From little salacious dramas amidst their rotating relationships, to the most scandalous of tattles about who forgot to handle what chores and what their ''punishments'' could be when discovered.

    Elevar endures it for about... five heartbeats, then waves a hand to silence them all. "So, no visitors?"

    They all shake their heads and some intone softy. "No, Floret Lynette."

    She sighs and nods, "Wonderful. Carry on then." then begins to push through the gathering. Keeping to one of the trails while her Doll follows. The crowd doesn''t pursue but... their attentions struggle to keep off our backs.

    I decide against commenting on the name and title for now, at least until I understand better. The cult was small in my day, but pervasive, and while Elevar has not given much indication of being a cultist, I would rather avoid offense if I can.

    [Rest will be good for you. Try to get a full sleep cycle, and we can talk more tomorrow. I will be by your side in a moment if you need.]

    {Thank you, Xafra. I... I mean to do just that. Even have a spell for the occasion.} She replies while slowly whittling down her weaving of energy.

    The Doll¡¯s bond to us thrums in a complex weaving of twinned emotions. Understanding laden with worry. Acceptance stung by protective anger.

    [This one''s Quill-Songs could-] Defect begins to intone.

    {Be redundant. Yes.} Elevar sighs, {But... She''s right. A full rest is overdue, and once I''m under I won''t hear them even if I tried. Better to just...}

    But something catches her attention at a split in the path, eyes drawing up as feet slow and thoughts trail off. Eventually locking onto a Spire nestled near the back of the Estate, specifically an odd balcony that cracks from its shell and a silhouette that seems to peer out from the shadows. A single Doll gazing out with four azure eyes upon our group.

    [That one significant, Mistress?]

    This place feels off to me, a home in name but not nature. There''s something missing, a pillar. The mentor who owned all these dolls. This Estate needs some work, I believe. More in the emotional realm than the physical but still, we could refine it into a bastion to start a campaign of conquest, after Elevar is cured, of course. A Queen needs a Castle after all.

    "She... Not anymore. I''m just surprised to see it up and about, is all." She murmurs aloud. "But... Xa..." Elevar pauses, takes a breath before returning to communicating through the tether. {Xafra. I''d like to try something, if you''re willing to indulge an old tired Witch. Your Driftdream, was my mind and body getting adequate rest while I was in it before? Would... Would you be willing to let me try and sleep there? I don''t expect my own mind means to treat me well next I dream.}

    [Yes. and Yes. You have free reign in my soul, but I would advise some caution when exploring the edges.]

    {Thank you. That... honestly I''d like to just stop. For a while.} She intones as we approach one of the more middle size Spires, tether awash with such relief. {Exploring that place will be delightfully enthralling when I have the mind to process all its deeper meanings. But for now... I just need a safe place to rest.}

    [The inn within my Driftdream is safe and my Geists would happily hold you close if you desire while you rest.]

    As we approach the Spire, Elevar reaches out to an errant branch that grows up from the path to curl up along the wall. And like the wall around this place She pricks herself on it, causing a shifting along the spine wall to reveal an entrance.

    {That... I... Yes. Perhaps.} She tumbles over her thoughts as we enter the chamber, Tether alight with all kinds of interesting tangles of desire and anxious interest that seem to imply muses more complex than can leak through this bond.

    A wash of Physis from her, and little lights flicker to brilliance. Revealing a large room laden with much more calm trappings than the outside area. Simple and soft living carpets growing beneath intricately woven maroon wood and jade woven granite. Little protrusions of crystals acting as the source of the illuminations. A single winding staircase weaving both up to higher levels and down to deeper parts.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    Immediately Elevar seems to nearly slump in relief as she huffs aloud. "Thank the old Dead Hag, that went better than expected.¡±

    [We should talk about her at some point, Mistress Elevar. I was musing earlier and have... thoughts.]

    {The Dead Hag?} She replies while moving through the estate. Basking in the comfort these chambers seem to bring. {That''s... actually a good place to start our attempts to reconcile our histories with your lived experiences . She''s one of the only aspects basically every Grove agrees existed in some capacity. As either a rotating Matron''s Title as magic was first being seriously studied or a figure to achieve true immortality before the unfortunate befell her.}

    [It will certainly be an interesting conversation.] I reply with only a hint of glee.

    Elevar cradles me in her left arm as we move down into the lower chamber which is split between two spaces by a twisting root wall. The first being what I assume to be a wash area with a large floor laden pool and other strange workings sporting odd Physis powered Glyphs. Elevar moves straight to the second half which is dominated by a huge bed. She begins to tiredly peel her clothes away while my kin sets their packs at the entrance. Once finished Elevar weaves a slow and simple cleaning spell over my form before moving it to cleanse multiple days of sweat and grime and other such off her own flesh.

    [Efficient. Thank you. Is there anything myself and my kin may do to assist while you rest?]

    She turns, shifting the spell over her Doll as they approach. And, with all three forms clean, moves to carefully and slowly crawl up and over the bed, pulling thick quilts up and around herself as Defect moves to shuffle up to join us. Quills thrumming quietly as it settles itself as her primary pillow. "Just... guide me back to the Driftdream." She murmurs as her Physis working twists into a new weaving. "This... is going to hit like the falling Moon and I''d rather not get lost."

    Then, she would all but collapse into the Doll''s four arms. A sigh of such weariness dragging her into those first steps of sleep as the spell overcomes her, and never once does her grip on my iron form falter or loosen.

    From within I reach out to her, watching her conscious mind slip into unconsciousness and down into my Driftdream, the mental manifestation of my soul. I wait and watch her progress for a few minutes before speaking to the sisters. [Alright. Shall we travel the ground and talk? I have even more questions than I expected now that we are here.]

    [Is there a limit of distance to your link with Mistress?] Defect asks, hesitating as it might adjust to resettle a now very unconscious Witch comfortably without its form close.

    [There is, but unless you plan on tossing me into a bottomless pit, we will not reach it within the Estate.] A gentle jab, but a jab nonetheless. I don''t easily forget when others threaten my existence, even If I come to care for them.

    [Not today, I think. Although this place has a few if this one has need.] It cackles, meeting my jab with nothing but comfortable mirth, before deftly settling our Mistress to sleep comfortably. Then it gently, and with a little difficulty even, pries my form from Elevar''s grip. [Ask your questions, and it will answer and carry you about this place.]

    [Two topics, both sensitive in their own right. Why are all these dolls... art pieces when you, like me, are crafted for warfare? and... Why do they call the Mistress ''Floret'' like she is a junior Witch in the visionary root cult?]

    [To your first, very few Dolls in this day and age are made like us. Old Parasite.] It thrums, moving to the stairs and taking us upwards. [Whatever time demanded creations for purging has... settled. To the point where most Groves would find the idea of our Mistress possessing either of us a reason to at the very least detain and demand answers. At most and worse consider immediate violence. Which is what I assumed was beginning to happen when you called up the Nightmare''s Tone.]

    Defect takes us up to the third story''s chambers, a library or workshop of some kind, and moves to the balcony. [And as for the second... It does not know what this Root Cult is. The Hag who ruled this Estate worshiped only herself and the perfect form she tore from others. The term ''Floret'' was... a singular title for the lover she would have seen kept as a second blossoming. A thing almost lost the day the Nightmare was burned away.]

    [Odd and odder. I won''t pry into the past without Elevars prompting, though... mmm. It would be nice to get some work done. To prove my worth, in some regards, to you and your sister.]

    I don''t mention how harsh Defect¡¯s words still sting, In time, I will likely consider it a term of endearment instead of a reminder of the past.

    [You''ve already done that, and promised to do more.] It pauses to consider the view of the Estate, casting eyes out to give me a good layout. [Simply... let these sisters aid as best we can in that purpose. Ask any questions that you will, and direct us to which places within this Estate you would visit. It will guide us from dangerous and forbidden places.]

    [Alright. The Dolls. They all have the ragged scraps of weavings on their frames. The Garrote, Mistress calls it, while shaking with fear and hate. Why? Why are they not removed from them?]

    [Ah.] It roils in gentle pain and fury. [The Garrote is... cruel, when woven to full effect. To remove the spell after even a few weeks of it leaves them too broken to function. And would take Ousia to do besides. She tries to keep them comfortable. But... the loss of feeling their Mistress echoing will and the tug of desires leaves them simply... waiting evermore for that nightmare to return. Which she will not do.]

    I borrow Defect¡¯s eyes to gaze upon the nearest and find that many of these Dolls have this... Garrote woven through their very frame. seemingly Knit into their body at time of remaking and melted into a part of the ideal form their souls wove as opposed to sewn in afterwards.

    [I have rather skewed morals, Defect. I will kill without hesitation, reap the very soul from a child without blinking, but I do not add the unwilling to my gestalt. In the same manner, I find the idea of infringing upon one''s will to be abhorrent. Yet, it would pain me more to leave kin so warped by another. Would you permit me to attempt to slip this weaving from the others?]

    [I can deny you nothing but... would propose caution.] Worry bubbles at my request. [Mistress has sacrificed life energy on a few to dissolve their bindings. And her Blasenplage is perfect when cleaving at Ousia and Physis. Their loss of function is a thing of the mind, not the Frame. Any you attempt this on will... quickly halt their functions.]

    [Yes. I understand how it is done. Similar things were done to slaves in my day. Vile work. Hard to undo, at least the first dozen times.]

    Defect goes quiet for a long few moments before intoning softly. [The newly freed will very likely hate you for this. You will find no love from the gerlthing after stealing away the hope it has for the return of the old Nightmare. But... perhaps you can understand in ways our Mistress can''t?] Then it moves, in a single deft motion leaping from the balcony and falling to silently land upon the stone path below. Body lighter than this Frame would seem. Without more than a heartbeat''s pause it is moving toward the unaware Doll.

    [Hatred is nothing new, and an acceptable cost. I will fill the gaps in with tranquility, but not remove any memories. It will allow them to grieve and eventually come to terms. I would ask to borrow your voice.]

    [You may.] Defect allows, twisting jaw and face back into softer shapes.

    I prepare myself. My confidence was not bravado, but there is a significant difference between healing the minds of humans and that of dolls, let alone the second I have ever interacted with.

    An incantation is necessary, as well as firm understanding. Shift the form to malleable, slide the influence out, fill the gap, shift back.

    From Defect¡¯s mouth, I intone quietly with the Nightmares Witch Tone. "Daughter mine, the Moon has set and the Suns are aweeping. It is time to wake from the embrace of dreams. Be  Still and calm for Purpose remains, deep within the Empty. Cherish your memories and be born anew."

    The Doll stumbles in its steps as I begin and falls to its knees by the time I finish.

    [It is done, dear kin.]

    The artpiece-kin babbles quietly as Defect''s Quills dance and thrum in raw fury. Not at me. Just at the voice. [Commands of the Heart and Mind give this one temporary peace, but... Their cost is dire if they are in contradiction to what this one wants to be.]

    "M- Mistress? Where...? Where are you?" The Doll at our feet finally gathers herself to whisper softly. Mind and purpose seem to split between twin desires to remain calm and drop into a panic. "Why can''t I feel you anymore?"

    [How will you manage this little one''s breaking heart?] Defect intones with a seemingly familiar melancholy.

    [No, I will not command it. Better a broken heart than a pretty lie. Clean wounds can heal.]

    I think to myself before continuing. [I will give it some time, then offer it a familial bond. one without obligation or a pathway to others. It is my duty as the Eldest.]

    [This one truly hopes it takes, Old Parasite.] Defect considers, then leans down to pick up the dazed Doll. [We will carry this little one to a safe and secluded space. We don''t want her spreading odd tellings of a Nightmare roused spreading without certain... preparations and understanding.]

    [Thank you, I will wait to see how it resolves before continuing. How many of our kin are here?]

    [More than a dozen, less than fifty?] Then Defect rumbles to itself as it moves us through the groups toward a new Spire. [Schatzi, sister. How many Dolls are on these grounds? Functioning or... elsewise?]

    Then, as the sister rouses, Defect bends knees and launches us all up toward an open balcony. Easily landing us in what looks to be an odd workshop. Like Elevar''s spire but bearing many odd weavings. Wooden crafts that defy what the eyes want to see and echoes of old Physis workings long faded.

    All the while the Doll in Defect''s arms curls close upon itself. Eyes glazed as it whispers apologies and little cries for its Mistress amidst babbling pleas.

    Schatzi wakes without fanfare, taking in the scene. [Thirty-seven currently. Xafra, what have you done?]

    Defect slows their internals, the humming settling into a comfortable pattern as I gather my words for the trial run. [With Defect¡¯s help, I stripped the garrote from the little one, so it may have the opportunity to move on and grow.]

    Schatzi spikes anger towards us both and asks its sister with venom [So, you decided to not update Xafra yet? Or wake me before such foolishness would commence?]

    The Frame''s workings hitch in inner hesitation as we enter a large disheveled library looking space. [It informed The parasite of the risks, and tried to gently dissuade her.] Defect thrums in an attempt at placation as we move to one of the overly large flood lain cushions, settling to sit while holding the little one close. [It¡ª]

    Schatzi interrupts with deliberate precision. [What. Is. Your. Name. Sister?]

    [What.] I am appalled and distressed by the developing situation, uncertain how to respond.

    The Frame and the elder go stiff, and the bond is alight with guilt. [Ve...] Fangs crack free again, begin to twitch slightly. [This one made the mistake of agreeing to a name before without seeking our Mistress approval. It seemed unwise to¡­]

    I hiss in fury myself, echoing Schatzi.

    ::Concordance:: Schatzi pulses before turning on me. [Verbess'' habit of foolishness does not excuse your own. What if you had killed the Doll? How would you unbreak that with all your laudable abilities?]

    [No. That''s enough, Young One. Perhaps it was foolish to start before talking with the Mistress, but the Doll is at no risk of death, and if it somehow did die, being an inorganic like myself yet even more firmly rooted in the physical, ''death itself'' is only a temporary inconvenience at least until the form decays enough that the Ousia and Physis made flesh dissipates. I have woken to a new world to learn I have kin, and will not permit any of them to suffer without need.]

    Schatzi pauses in surprise. [If you speak Truth, then let me assist. I know all of these Dolls, and was the one to care for them after Yselda had to be put down.]

    I mentally sigh with relief while Verbess continues to be as quiet as possible hoping to avoid notice. [I would appreciate that. As I mentioned to your sister, I plan on offering each of them a familial bond after removing the garrote. I don''t... understand this refusal of personhood, but I don''t need to in order to accept it. They are mine, I''ve decided, and if they wish to surrender their lives to another, they must do so willingly... I am going to insist on names for them though. None of them is interchangeable, even if that was... Yselda''s intent.]

    Schatzi begins to cradle the panicked Doll and coo soft words to it while responding to me through the bond, [Yselda was a monster in the way only people can be, Xafra. She was cruel and demanding, however she and the Mistress were genuinely in love. The issue arose when Yselda decided that her need to keep the Mistress as long as possible was more important than Mistress Elevar¡¯s need to be herself as a person instead of being forcibly reduced to a Doll. You and the Mistress have a lot in common it seems. I hope you care for her, because I am not certain how to punish you if you hurt her, and finding out seems like much more effort than it would be worth.]

    I adore this little monster as much as its sister. Two sides of a coin: poisoned chalice and naked blade. Both deadly and worthy of respect.

    [Your sister has warned of a number of bottomless pits to toss me in, though I would rather that be avoided. Instead let''s look after this one till Elevar wakes and we can start reclaiming this home.]

 Chapter 22: Home is Where its Safe to Cry (Witch)

    Home is Where it''s Safe to Cry (Witch)

    Content Warnings:

    Bloody tears, mupples, talk of mind altering magic and depersonalization, honest not MUCH... but BEEEG emotions!!!

    Any other night I¡¯d scour this wonderful place from top to bottom. Walk up to each of these Geists and ask them all manner of questions. Delve into the subconscious thoughts of this mad gerlthing to try and understand all her nonsense.

    But¡­ not today. Right now I need to just¡­ find safety from the Night Terrors that horrid Tone dredged up.

    And of course this cute manifestation¡¯s first words have me stunned to silence. Because, yes the gerlthing was serious, and had it ask, ¡°Do you want to be held tonight?¡±

    I¡­ I¡¯ve not tried to sleep alone for years. Not since finding my own Doll to accompany on all my outings. In my youth it was to satisfy the hungers of a gerl starved of such affections until the cunt first took me to bed. And after she was gone from my life¡­

    Well¡­ like I said. Night Terrors. And waking up alone would have ruined me.

    But here? Now?

    Cracked and Riven Moon this was a bad idea. What if those wretched things somehow follow me here? Or¡­ or worse infect Xafra? Gifting that gerlthing even an ounce of my nonsense?

    ¡°No.¡± I reply, turning to head up the stairs as I murmur quietly to myself. ¡°Best to face the Moonshite alone for once in my life at least.¡±

    The rooms are odd but, comforting. The odd smell of a past beyond my imaginings and trappings so¡­ peculiar. The bed is soft though, in only the way a Dream built thing can be. And¡­ then nothing.

    Endless nothings.

    I know I slept a long while, and I think that¡¯s what startles me to waking. My weaving tuned to give me the most efficient amount before releasing me from expected torments. But¡­ without them¡­

    ¡°Am I still asleep?¡± I whisper, reaching for my Ousia and Physis. The most sure way I can jerk myself free if I think to try during these kinds of moments.

    But¡­ It¡¯s all there and warded and still bonded well to this mildly distant Blade and Doll.

    Physis is full, which is nice. Meaning the Soul Rot should be quiet today unless I start tossing around big workings. Ousia thought¡­ It¡¯s fine. Honestly. I should know better than to check. Will just fill me with annoyance.

    So I let my eyes open, and¡­ Well of course I¡¯m still in Xafra¡¯s Driftdream. And waking from that is easier than I expected, as I backtrack through the village and find myself rising to the world once more. I am greeted by Schatzi who has changed into its formal servant robes with Xafra slung across its back, attached via a diagonal belt fed through a leather sleeve.

    "Good Morning, Mistress. This one hopes you slept well."

    "I did, to my surprise." I murmur, taking a whisper to consider my physical state. ¡°Anything interesting happen while I was under?¡±

    Burned and Ruined Groves is the sudden rush of natural energy a delight to feel after days of burning my spells of motion. Wonderfully impressive workings, to be sure, but¡­ costly when used like I had.

    "Miss Xafra decided once more to... find something to do while you rested. While I was quite perturbed at her and my dear sister Verbess, they have shown that Miss Xafra is indeed a being of many talents. She has freed one of your mentor''s Dolls without damaging them further."

    Both these revelations cause me to freeze.

    Verbess? Not¡­ not Defect? The foolish thing actually settled on something sensible? And¡­ hmm¡­ an adjustment of one of the old words for ¡®improving¡¯ or ¡®to improve¡¯. Sounds like Schatzi¡¯s idea, but¡­ Oh Cracked and Riven moon, did it probably squirm to agree to that.

    ¡°Ah.¡± I nod, keeping myself composed and working extra hard to keep this bothersome tether filled with nothing but enthralled curiosity. ¡°I take it she¡¯s asleep then? Your sister?¡±

    Laughter comes across the bond from Xafra. [No, we''re both still in trouble until you decide otherwise, Mistress.]

    And awake? That¡¯s¡­ A pit of worry touches my gut at that. Carefully stopped from leaking into our bond, of course. But there are just as many horrid implications of keeping that one awake as good ones.

    ¡°Well, then that makes this easier.¡± I nod and look directly into their eyes. While Canting a firm ::Patience/Curiosity/Inquiry:: then speak softly. ¡°I said I¡¯d not pester you about this, and won¡¯t if you''re still deciding, but before I will use this name I¡¯d like to hear it from you.¡±

    A pause, and even without cracking the fangs out the elder replies. ¡°Yes, Mistress. If you approve of this name, Verbess, I would have you call me by it.¡±

    ::Approval/Delight/Pride:: Is my immediate response before even my words rise to lips. ¡°It fits you, dear one. Marvelously so.¡±

    And Verbess, half of this wonderful Doll of mine, writhes in confliction and relief and so much more even it cannot understand. Especially with all that weariness it¡¯s bearing.

    Can¡¯t honestly¡­ No. No, I CAN remember the last time it needed to remain awake this long. Normally I gift it a command to help it settle into a deep rest after this but¡­

    ¡°Now, for the hard part.¡± I sigh and let my annoyance drip down the tether. ¡°Was my command unclear? Do I misremember telling a very specific gerlthing in this room to let me handle her Gerls? Was I to vague?¡±

    [You were clear. Completely so.] Xafra responds neutrally.

    "Good, at least my memory still serves." I nod. "So, Schatzi dear, you said she didn''t at least damage it. That''s good. Is it... At what phase of the spiral is it in now?"

    Schatzi hesitates, and Xafra quickly replies. [None. It did not spiral. It wept and was confused, but after about an hour, with Schatzi''s help, it calmed, though it is a bit lost and wanting a new Purpose.]

    I quirk an eyebrow at that, Cant ::Interest/Patience:: to Xafra, and turn deliberately eye my Doll. "When did she first cut the Garrote off the poor thing? How long do you think we have until it falls apart?"

    "Mistress, Miss Xafra did not cut the Garrote off. She... to use her own words ''wet the clay once more, and slipped it free''. I don''t know what is going to happen."

    Wet the¡­ a full re-weaving of the Doll? But¡­ I¡¯d not had the chance to share any of the tomes or principles of that art with Xafra. Only really knew what I did from my own efforts, and decided it best to simply¡­ use the same spinning I¡¯d turned on my mentor.

    "Alright, let''s get me dressed, and you''ll take me to it." I move to stand. "And at least tell me you''ve kept this one separated from the gaggle?"

    "Yes, Mistress, Verbess took the initiative to do so before rousing me."

    Well at least the elder had some sense in this foolish little project of Xafra¡¯s.

    Once I¡¯m dressed, Schatzi leads me to the Spire they decided to store her in. One of our old workshops and storage ones. And inside, piddling about and seeing to organizing the impossible mess my mentor loved to leave behind for her Gerls to figure out, is the Doll.

    And she seems¡­ well¡­ with a huff of a sigh I finally admit out loud. ¡°Honestly if you¡¯d not told me, I¡¯d have thought her a passing fancy of the old cunt. Never touched by her Garrote or will. But since you have¡­¡±

    The Doll, sitting on one of the old cushions while I¡¯d examine her, takes up such a frown at my insult of her Mistress. ¡°Floret Lynette! You¡­ You shouldn¡¯t say such things!¡±

    Ah, there it is then. That old devotion. And of course at that old wretched name a sourness in my gut spikes as I ignore her and turn to my Dolls and Blade, Adjust back to using the tether to commune while we¡¯re about the grounds. {I¡¯d like to know what possessed you to try this before I woke up. Did Verbess or Schatzi describe my attempts at helping them to be so pathetic that they weren¡¯t even worth the effort to ask about?}

    [They did not mention your attempts in the slightest, Mistress Elevar. I saw while at the balcony with Verbess and had to act.]

    The old familiar bitterness wells up.

    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    I never really cared for Dollcraft like my mentor. Only even tried to understand the art to both repair and maintain my own Doll, and then to try and help these Dolls. Using everything I knew about the Garrote alongside her wretched journals and blueprints even to try and free them. And¡­ and it never worked. Even drowning them in the Tone after carefully removing her old tethers just¡­ just¡­

    Schatzi spins and rebukes the Doll with a snap. "Call her Witch Elevar or hold your tongue. She doesn''t use that name anymore, nor that title."

    I hear the Doll reel, sputtering and blubbering a bit. But eventually it manages to whisper a clear, ¡°A¨C apologies. Witch Elevar.¡±

    That causes all my rising bitterness to fall to pieces, making me turn back to stare at the Doll. ¡°Schatzi¡­ How many times have you had to tell it that today?¡±

    They¡­ that was always the hardest part. As they wailed and screamed and begged and cursed me for freeing them, they¡­ they never used that name but with hard and furious commands dripping with my Tone and anger. Within minutes they would either forget or scold me for lying.

    "This was the first time. Miss Xafra asked that we explicitly avoid discussing you without you present after I had mentioned a little bit about your mentor."

    If my bitterness was in pieces, now it is dissolved into useless vapors.

    ¡°Right now. At this exact moment, who is your Mistress, little one?¡± I whisper softly to the Doll.

    Bracing for the name I expect her to cry out for.

    The poor thing bites her lip, eyes dancing between myself and Schatzi. ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know. I think she¡­ she¡¯s¡­¡± And then she¡¯s in pieces. Weeping softly and quietly.

    Not in denial. But In grief she''s accepted and holds close! Like I¡¯ve seen any other Doll do at the sudden and tragic loss of their beloved Mistress.

    Xafra did it? She freed one of the old cunt¡¯s Dolls from the Garrote without its mind spiraling into unavoidable despair I could never stop. Even... even after I agreed to work with that old cunt''s Passing Flame on a few. An expert and visionary, lauded as the current Matron of Dollcraft, could only grind her teeth as the Dolls fell to disfunction.

    {Explain your method.} Is all I can intone to them through the tether I hold still and devoid of the mess I¡¯m fighting to quiet. {If you please.}

    [I learned it freeing H?uslich.] She expresses the word like a slur, [Killed over three dozen before I grasped the method of claiming the Ousia signature of the controller first and using that to unweave it. For humans, I couldn''t do much to repair the mental damage. Had to kill them afterwards half the time, but with Dolls? They are flesh of my flesh and as such malleable as my own simulated flesh to me once I have the needed tools, so I was completely confident in my ability.]

    {Sympathetic links since both are formed from will turned solid via Ousia?} I nod, falling into the familiar considerations of almost mathematical workings. {That would explain why neither I nor the best Artisan of the craft could figure out how to fix them. The Garrote could not just be removed, but needed replacing. The gaps filled. That would¡­ honestly explain a lot about my struggles with it. Dolls are, with the exception of these two and their like,} I nod toward Schatzi and Verbess, {stubborn in their forms. Once they have a shell they like changing it drowns them in dysphoria. And this lot, when free of the Garrote the old cunt addicted them to, seem to associate it with their ideal form. So that still doesn¡¯t explain how you helped her accept the changes. How did you still her mind?}

    [I have been effectively alone for a long long time. I gifted it a sliver of myself without obligation, the Stillness accrued over ages.]

    "She mentioned that she did not remove or alter any memories. That may have been a part of it as well." Schatzi adds.

    I sigh, let a little annoyance touch the tether. {That¡­ Makes less sense to me, and would have been my second guess as to why this seems to be taking. Somehow removing all the right memories and subsequent triggers. But¡­ no. Just¡­}

    A Sympathetic link. Kindness performed by one who sees it as kin.

    {An odd solution. Phrased horribly, mind you, but your results speak for themselves.} I nod and stand from the stool I was sitting on. {Give it say¡­ a week. Record its changes, chart the Doll¡¯s demeanor and such. Do this properly and you¡¯ll have my leave to try this on a few more. But not at random, Cracked and Riven Moon, Xafra. You could have stumbled into unleashing something nasty on our heads.}

    [If it failed I would have simply destroyed it. Better to be consigned to oblivion than exist in unwilling bondage.]

    {And if you couldn¡¯t?} I move to head downstairs. Willing to unlock this spire with a bit of blood for Xafra¡¯s use. {Kill it, I mean.}

    [Do you mean in a practical sense or emotional?]

    {Both.} I respond as the shell of the front entrance falls away and I tune this Spire to Xafra¡¯s ambient auras I can easily match from the tether. {There. This Spire is yours now. It¡¯ll let you and Schatzi and Verbess enter at your leisure.}

    Xafra clearly tries and fails to hold it back, but distress and fear leak through the bond in a sudden and hard rush. [I''m sorry. Please don''t. I won''t act without orders again.]

    Her sudden jolt of emotions nearly causes me to stumble, and I glance back to regard her iron form. {Please don''t what?}

    [Don''t abandon me. I''ll behave. Please. Please. I''m sorry.]

    Everything¡­ tilts a bit. And I can¡¯t help but feel such a wash of pity as I step back to them. Catching the shape of her terror as I murmur. ¡°Pass Xafra to me please, Schatzi dear.¡±

    She obeys, and I take Xafra¡¯s Iron form. Set it to be cradled in my left arm.

    {I¡¯m not.} I intone softly. Letting the tether pulse with nothing but the enjoyment I have at feeling her perfect weight in my arm. {My mentor she¡­ she gifted me a safe place to make all sorts of foolish mistakes as my projects grew more ambitious. That¡¯s all this is. I¡¯d rather not have the Dolls wailing in my Spire, so I¡¯m giving you this one. To use or ignore at your leisure.}

    [I''m... Still allowed to be around you?] She asks carefully.

    Stupid gerl. I should have realized this. To her, a space to call her own is much like the Archives. A prison.

    {Yes. Anytime.} Is my immediate reply. {I¡¯m not punishing you yet, Xafra. This Spire comes with a promise of freedom and trust, not abandonment. And the more Dolls you free the more willing gerls you¡¯ll have to spare the time to move you about.}

    [I''ve... Never had my own space.] My blade considers, the sense of her composing herself once more is near tangible. [Thank you. I appreciate the trust. Sorry for being so embarrassing. If we can switch gears, as it were, I wanted to know if you wished me to begin development of the replaced bones right away?]

    {You¡¯re welcome. No need for apologies or embarrassment on that. It was thoughtless of me to not consider the way such a thing would be interpreted in the context of our conversation and my own demeanor.} I assure Xafra as I consider her offer. {And¡­ Yes. If it''s still feasible with the amount of Ousia you gathered from the jungle. You may begin your work on that as well. Albeit with a few limitations and stipulations...}

    [Alright. I am at your service.]

    {Firstly, you¡¯re going to treat everything you do here as proper research.} I demand. {That means both writing down your own findings, and spending a decent amount of time reading up on others discoveries. Just your revelations on the Seelenf?ule alone is the breakthrough of the century, and your ability to free one of my mentor¡¯s Dolls from the Garrote would have her shitting blood. So, you¡¯re going to record this all down and frame it so anyone familiar with either can understand all the specifics of both discoveries. Agreed?}

    [May I have consent to dictate to another? It would slow and tax me tremendously to have to shift in order to record the results.]

    The rustling from the stairs behind is honestly perfect timing.

    {Of course, which leads me to my next requirement.} I turn to regard the Doll meekly peeking at us from the shadows at the stairs. Eyes go wide in worry as I spot it, biting lip in worry but¡­ she doesn¡¯t scurry off.

    ¡°Dearie, come down here please.¡± I call out to her, and with such a meep of surprise the poor thing scurries to obey.

    ¡°Y¨C yes Fl¨C Miss Elevar?¡± She stammers, halting just shy of Schatzi.

    {This one is yours.} I intone to Xafra. {It, like all the others here save Schatzi and Verbess, are not to leave the estate. But within those confines, it belongs to you.}

    With a rush of psychotic delight, my weapon shifts in my grasp to stand holding my hand beside me. "Young one, I''ve been told that you are mine now. Are you willing to serve?"

    And¡­ naked. Apparently, just like the blood and tatters on the attire I¡¯ve seen before, changes like that stick between shiftings. I observe both that detail and others across her form, only just managing to stop my own obvious interest from leaking into our bond.

    The Doll¡¯s eyes go wide. Both in surprise at the shifting of weapon to stark naked gerlthing, and Xafra¡¯s demand. ¡°I¨C B¨C but¡­¡±

    This is important. Both for my Blade and this Doll. If it can just¡­ accept a new Mistress like this, find purpose in another¡¯s service¡­

    It shuffles, swallows. And the hope and desires that blossom at being claimed once again wash over it like the deadliest summer storm. ¡°Y¨C yes. Please don¡¯t leave me alone again. Please? Mistress?¡±

    Well¡­ by the Cracked and Riven Moon. There it is then.

    Schatzi coughs politely and states, "Miss Xafra, you are undressed."

    "Huh. So I am." Xafra observes, then looks to her new Doll, "Well then Primrose, Your first task is to acquire me a pair of trousers... And a breast band I guess. We can formalize our connection when I am sufficiently presentable."

    Xafra¡¯s new Doll sputters. Not at the demand for clothing, that¡¯s the easy demand. But¡­ a name? Primrose¡¯s eyes bubble up at that, and my own guilt and shame very nearly shove me off my feet as I realize just what my mentor denied these gerls by never naming her Dolls.

    ¡°Thank you! Right away!¡± She manages and begins to rush about. The memory of this old workshop Spire¡¯s spare rooms and dressers full of clothing eventually return to it, and we all get to watch it disappear down into the lower chambers.

    The second Primrose is out of sight, Xafra drops to one knee in front of me and bows her head. "Mistress, are you sure about this? This... Is more than I''ve ever been given in all my years."

    I consider her for a few heartbeats, then move up to gently curl fingers through her soft mess of hair as she kneels. ¡°Such a shame, honestly. You¡¯re too clever by half, when you let yourself be. Willful but¡­ in all the best ways. You and Verbess aren¡¯t free from my displeasure but¡­ neither acted out of malice or distrust. Simply an eagerness that needs to be tempered with caution. This is that.¡± Then I reach down to prompt her to tilt up and meet my gaze, and as her eyes lock with mine I murmur softly. ¡°Had you simply waited. Explored with Verbess and come to me with wicked schemes befitting you¡­ Well¡­ There are so many more Dolls here that would adore your attentions and will thrive under your care. And you would have had your pick of the lot. But as it is..."

    I pull back and sigh, counting on the same hand while dipping the tether into almost empathetic boredom. "You now need to spend a week performing all sorts of dull tasks. Cleaning and setting up a workspace while researching The Seelenf?ule and Garrote. Studying this single Doll''s recovery. And, more importantly, not enjoying your Mistress''s rewards until that''s all done and settled. Such. A. Shame."

    Confusion wars with overwhelming appreciation. "Mistress... I don''t understand, You''re treating me better than anyone has before. Space to call my own, Time to do research, Family, a Name, I¡­ Cannot imagine what kind of reward you could be speaking of. I don''t think... I deserve even this much. I probably... should be punished more for my transgressions."

    ¡°Oh?¡± I fight so hard to strangle what would have been a wash of pity into pause of gentle considerations.

    "I''m scared.¡± She replies. ¡°Worried that I''m still dreaming, simply finally bereft of the sanity that I scraped together. If I am, let me die before I wake, dear D?mmerung, I don''t think I could bear it."

    I purse my lips and look past Xafra to Schatzi. ¡°Would you mind terribly going to make sure Primrose takes sufficient time in its selections? I worry it may rush.¡±

    "Of course, Mistress." Then, with a knowing look at Xafra, it departs.

    When my Doll is gone, and we¡¯re alone, I move to sit before my kneeling weapon. Pausing to consider¡­ Yes. Even if this cracks the shell and boils up the bile I¡¯ve been holding back, she needs this. Needs to understand.

    ¡°What transgressions?¡± I ask firmly but softly.

    "I upset you. Acted without orders. Pushed you into accepting help." Xafra''s voice drops to a whisper. "I acted like a person when I should know better."

    ¡°Ah.¡± I nod. ¡°Well there lies the problem, Xafra. What do you want to be?¡±

    ¡°Yours. Your weapon. Your partner.¡±

    ¡°Well, You seem a person to me. And if that''s what my partner wants to be then... she should keep doing that." I reply with a much more gentle tone.

    A pause, like a heartbeat midway between the crack of lightning and the rolling thunder that always follows, then¡­ something begins to bubble up from Xafra¡¯s left eye as her everything else goes stiff. Dark and almost viscous it seems to fight to remain within. But then Xafra makes the ancient mistake probably foreign to her reflexes and tries to blink it away.

    And of course, that breaks the bloody teardrop free. Allowing it to dribble and streak down her cheek in slow spite for the gerlthing trying so hard to hold it back. Even summons more to follow from both eyes in an almost reckless gush that gouges stark scarlet furrows down both cheeks.

    No tears it would seem. Not for the blade who it already costs so much to walk on her own. She probably considers it an inefficient use of her already precious reserves. So when something cuts her deep enough, it would seem, all she has prepared for the event is her own blood.

    ::Empathy/Sorrow/Obligationless Offering/Embrace:: I Cant while giving the tether the most gentle of tugs. As one might pull on an arm or the edge of a shirt of the one they think needs to feel another¡¯s warm embrace but¡­ do not wish to force the contact.

    She collapses, dropping her hands to the ground, bumping her head gently into me. [Thank you. Thank you.]

    {Of course, my Xafra.} I intone back. Returning the pressure she''s offering but no more as I rest hands on my knees, palms up in patient unexpectant offerings to her if she needs them. "And... let me be the first to welcome you home, for as long as you would like to claim it as such."

 Chapter 23: The Obligations of Surrender (Blade)

    The Obligations of Surrender (Blade)

    Content Warning:

    mention of sucking marrow from bones. Dismissive toward another''s beliefs

    I weep quite shamefully for longer than I would like to admit before pulling myself back together. It helps though. I feel more stable and settled than I have in millennia, just knowing that she cares and sees me as more than just a tool. By the time I start to settle, my head is in Elevar¡¯s lap with both hands in hers. "Okay. I think I''m good now. Can you um... Help with cleaning me up before Primrose gets back?¡±

    "Of course." Elevar agrees softly, weaving a gentle and soft spell over my upper half. "Schatzi will not allow it to return until we call for them. Through either bond or word. Don''t rush. Take your time, Xafra.¡±

    I smile at her, and feel my heart lighten. "I will. I have a lot to record and research and I want to get it right. No more impatient actions or dumb risks.¡±

    "Good." She nods and... seems to settle a bit. Like those words somehow shifted a bigger weight off her shoulders. "Good. Come to me at any time. At any hour if you have questions or such. The tomes I mean to bury you in on both topics are not simple things. And... I''m going to need to send you at least a dozen primers on the basics of things. The foundations of magic, as it is. Because, and believe you me this brings me nothing but sour annoyance to tell you, the texts and nonsense you showed me in your Driftdream are rubbish. Magic doesn''t work like that. At all.¡±

    I feel the immediate urge to argue but bite it back and think it through. "Anymore. It did work like that, which means that something changed... My incantations still work. So... It''s likely not the magic itself, but... The environment perhaps? The people for certain. I''ll gladly take the primers. It might be possible to... Create a template for adapting the old to the new? It''s obvious that it''s possible, the Garrote itself is similar enough to the H?uslich workings. But slowly. No unnecessary or undisclosed risks... I''ve kept things from you. You''re observant enough to realize this and I will tell you everything. It will just¡­ Take some time. Time that we''ll make sure we have.¡±

    "Your secrets are yours to keep, Xafra. Your trust is always welcome but... only when offering it brings you peace or stability or comfort. The obligations I''ve laid here are things you seem to want, and when they inevitably get too heavy, feel free to stop. Lay down your burdens and ask for mine or Schatzi or Verbess to help. My gift of the long term protections from the Witch Tone is not a conditional thing, whether you decide to even consider the short term solution or not. And honestly even that was a thing spoken out of a tired old gerl''s panicked worries about potential dangers in the jungles or possible needs to gather additional tomes from other Groves on the subject. The first is a moot worry and the second can be done by Schatzi and I while you remain here with your gerls.¡±

    My mind roils, fear spikes yet is immediately pacified. Of course she can go where she wills. Once she''s cured.

    "Mistress, I am open to both of your offers, I do want them, and I don''t want you to regret your decision to trust me. So I will be as open as I can be. Can you call Schatzi and Primrose back? I''d like you to bear witness, if you would.¡±

    "Of course." She agrees, and as we stand our Dolls return. Mine''s arms laden with the clothes I asked for.

    I dress calmly, preparing for what is to come.

    Don''t know how she''ll react. Verbess is probably going to be shocked at the least, which is hilarious, but. Elevar. Well. We''ll see.

    "Alright, Schatzi, Mistress Elevar, if you would please stand behind me, it would be greatly appreciated. This is going to look odd, but I promise there is no danger.¡±

    They both do. The tether from Elevar is touched with nothing but curiosity. Primrose shuffles nervously, but more from a sort of clueless regard than fear or distrust.

    I breathe in, and as I breathe out, I shift into my Warlord form. The one I designed based on Namtar¡¯s, the one I used when murdering Matriarch Arafel.

    My jaw cracks apart and my arms split into three on each side as I swell in height from six feet to ten, my legs becoming digitigrade and a crown of quills spiking up through my hair.

    I speak in Namtar¡¯s Warlord''s Voice, a technique the combat branch of the Hedgemage Arts developed to function similar to the Witch''s Tone. His is a deep resonant crackling thing, designed to be amplified by Quills to slide past wards and walls, both magical and physical. It causes me no small amount of dysphoria and sorrow to use, but¡­ it is vital that I do this right.

    "Child sculpted in my image and grafted with a gift of my essence, Do you acknowledge our kinship?¡±

    Primrose''s mouth opens and closes a few times, only after three tries is she able to whisper very very softly. "Y- yes?"

    The bond to Verbess is alight with focus only undermined by a sudden ravenous curiosity. Its own workings struggling to remain still and in harmony with Schatzi''s as she wants nothing more than to let its own Quills crack forth and thrum.

    As for Elevar... the tether sings with interest. Both in the practical considerations as she would recognize aspects of this body and would seem to measure the merits of the form and its function, but also... seems to quiet at odd intervals. I catch glimmers though. Understand that she''s trying hard not to distract me with less than practical desires.

    "Primrose, my Kin, do you wish to serve?" I continue, a fierce joy coming through my words, tempered with sufficient control that it does not override the will of any present.

    My Doll nods almost ferally. Eyes alight with such pleading as tears well up. "Yes Please! Mistress. It wants nothing more!¡±

    "Then by right of kinship, by right of inheritance, and by right of consent, I claim you as mine. For as long as I exist, you are mine, to be free once more if I should fall to ruin." I switch to my normal voice, still resonant and crackling but significantly less masculine and continue, "Would you like a hug, Primrose?¡±

    It falls into weeping then, nodding harder than before as words fail to bubble up.

    I embrace it gently, carefully, and slowly shift back a bit at a time, my jaw and my height first, leaving the arms until after I release my Doll.

    "Primrose, Witch Elevar is my Mistress, so I would like you to treat any requests she has as coming from myself. Likewise, her Doll is to be deferred to unless it contradicts standing orders. Is that understood?¡±

    It keeps nodding, arms and fingers clutching desperately. "Yes ma''am.¡±

    "Of course you''d have a Warlord''s Form woven in case needs-must." Elevar takes to circling as the shifting settles, trying to catch glances of the details before they fade as she murmurs thoughtfully. "Impressive. With a wonderful balance of function drowning in personality, which many of the brutes lack. Probably quite expensive to maintain, like most of them. But yours seems efficient in that regard. And no wonder you mimicked a Witch Tone so quickly despite never partnering with one, you''ve had practice with an adjacent concept.¡±

    "After my last wielder, my¡ª" Words catch in my throat as I remember. "¡ªmy previous bonded partner, the Warlord Namtar, died, I spent a decade reaping everything I came across, building up strength. I was known as the most feared Warlord in existence at the time, until I finally was strong enough to murder the Matriarch with her own invocation.¡±

    She nods, extends ::Empathy/Sorrow/Approvals:: in Cant. Then... pauses as the tether goes taut and silent. "And afterwards? Did... did you find some manner of peace after you slew the cunt?¡±

    I pause for a long while, forming my words. "No. After doing so, I was hunted down and sealed away. I don''t regret my revenge but... There is no peace to be found in violence. It begets itself until you run out of enemies. It is worthwhile, but does not bring the kind of closure I wanted."

    A pause, then I can¡¯t help but huff out a laugh, an odd half-coughing thing. "You know, Namtar was a real asshole. One of the dumbest men I''ve ever known even before he was resheathed. Stubborn, rude, and openly bigoted. He respected me less for being a woman than he did for being an ''object'' but... He was mine and I owed it to his memory to avenge him.¡±

    Elevar''s reply is her own bitter chuckle followed by the tether filling with pained mirth. "I was... not like that. Before my re-knitting. But was my own flavor of cunt. Didn''t even try changing till long after that was settled unfortunately." She nods, looks between myself, my Doll that still clings close, and her own Doll. "But... regardless. We have work to settle into and more than enough time to do this right.¡±

    "Of course. We''ll get started right away with properly recording the process I used with Primrose.¡± I agree.

    "Miss Xafra, I''ll bring the primers along in a moment, however... In case you were not aware, your quills are still out.¡± Schatzi reminds me.

    I giggle at this sweetheart and retract them. "I wasn''t. I''m much less adept with them than your sister. Thank you for letting me know."

    I reach out and hug my Mistress close, sliding my wrist once more into her grasp before returning to my spear form.

    "Excellent. I''ll fetch two journals from my Spire, update them with... new information I''ve added to my personal Physis copies." Elevar nods and adjusts to cradle my haft in her left arm. {And from there... I think I have a few relevant tomes on Dollcraft you''ll want to become familiar with as well. I''ve not needed them since my last attempts at freeing one of these poor gerls. I''ll have Schatzi include them with the Primers.}

    Primrose seems to shuffle in confusion but... waits patiently for instructions.

    {So. Shall I leave you here with Primrose. Or...} She would intone to me, then turn to Schatzi. "After you and Verbess have delivered the tomes come find me, I need to have a word with you both.¡±

    [Thank you. Yes please. I thought it prudent that you be the one to hand me over to reinforce your position.]

    {That''s thoughtful of you. But... unnecessary. For either this Doll or me. This one''s already devoted her everything to your words.} She smirks, moving to stand before my Doll. "Carry your Mistress well, little one." Then she holds out my iron form while a slight twinge of... something trickles down the tether. Not possessiveness. Not jealousy. Not even mild melancholy or worry. But... another emotion I cannot place quite right before it is smothered.

    Primrose, with a sort of eager wide-eyed delight touched with worry, reaches out carefully to hold hands hovering just beneath me. "Yes. Of course. Witch Elevar. But... I''m sorry! I... I don''t..." The Doll purses her lips as she hesitates. "How does Mistress like to be carried?"

    A pause, then Elevar Cants ::Inquiry/Curiosity:: to me. {I assume you mean to form a link and communicate with your Primrose, but I don''t remember asking if you had a preference for how you enjoyed being carried, save probably not having your form touch the dirt.}

    [I will do so shortly, yes. My only real preference is vertical and not in the dirt. Been bumped against too many doorframes over the years... Thank you. I''ll come see you in a few hours? Once I have some progress started. If that''s alright.]

    I''m still scared. Worried about being away from her, especially with the implications of her leaving me behind for an extended period of time, but... I need to adapt, adjust, and improve. Be the partner she deserves.

    First things first, going to need an earthenware basin to work on crafting a form that is compatible with her signature. Lots of reading to do. Limited resources so shifting will have to be limited to when crafting. Means Primrose will be busy, but. Gotta make sure it takes time for itself as well. See if it has hobbies. Do Dolls even sleep? Something to find out. I. Oh. Oh that''s a thought. Perhaps¡­

    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    "Whenever you want, of course. My Spire will always be open to you." She responds, then gently sets my form into my Dolls hands. Murmuring all my earlier instructions as Primrose nods, eyes locked on my form. Wide in wonder yet focused in dedication. Drinking up my Witch''s every word.

    As Elevar leaves with Schatzi, I can''t help but send a parting remark. [I love you, Mistress Elevar.]

    Even though I know I''ll be able to reach her the whole time unless one of us enters a warded area, it feels vital that she knows for sure.

    "I... Thank you. Xafra, I... Yes. of Course." The tether goes taut and still as she seems to pause and stumble a bit over my words. Then very carefully, Elevar seems to let a touch of tittering worry and raw affections bleed through. "I love you too, dear gerl.¡±

    With a slight twist of thought, I form a connection to Primrose so we can speak directly.

    [Alright dear, we have a lot of work ahead of us. We''ve got to build a bridge of knowledge between the past and the present so we can craft a better future. And you, darling, are instrumental in that.]

    She straightens, bond singing with delight and anticipation and such a drowning desire to serve. [Yes Mistress! Thank you! Just instruct and this one will function!]

    I spend the next hour going into detail about the exact way I removed the Garrote from her, the reasoning and ontological weight behind the invocation I used, and the utility of sympathetic magic, the basis of Bondsmith Arts, in the technique. By the time Primrose has written it all down, Schatzi has returned once more with a stack of books: Fundamentals of Ousia and Physis, The Odds and Ends of Spinning, Wills and Weavings, The Weed''s Penance, The Blight of Groves, To Unmake and Re-Knit, The Twelve Frames, Porcelain and Scales, as well as two of the Mistress'' personal journals. The presence of the last two surprise me despite her earlier words. I did not expect her to offer these so freely.

    The books seem to broadly fall into a couple categories, Dollcraft, Soul Rot, and magical fundamentals, at least, the modern Witch perspective on them. I avoid the journals for now. As much as I want to know more, I need to focus and figure out the differences, to become a genuinely competent caster instead of a weirdly arbitrary miracle worker as I must seem. I ask Primrose to start slowly flipping through Wills and Weavings, and I learn that the method of imbuing intent has changed, becoming more standardized. Instead of shifting the spell to match the resonance of the caster''s intent, the intent itself must be altered to conform to the spell and form a resonance with it.

    No wonder. Every single working I have in my library would have to be rewritten and simplified to suit modern casters. There''s likely more in the other books, but this is a good start.

    I don''t move on yet. Instead, with Primrose''s help, I reread the book again and take notes on what I''ve learned. When we¡¯re finally done, hours have passed and the Suns have set.

    I reach out to my Mistress and find her deep in slumber once more, so instead I ask Schatzi to let me know when she wakes.

    Back to the task at hand

    [Primrose, do you need rest?]

    "No ma''am, not for a long while! This one can function at near perfect efficiency for four days, and only risks skipping gear-turns or hitching under extreme stress which a pause of thirteen hundred and twenty heartbeats will alleviate." She replies with an odd mix of pride and worry.

    How the hell are these Dolls powered? I burn Ousia with my very existence, but they don''t even have any to burn¡­ unless they have physical stores that deplete, which means every one of them is doomed to inevitable senescence! Unacceptable! SOULS ARE A RENEWABLE RESOURCE!!! Calm¡­ Calm. We have the Dollcraft books. That should help us discover the truth.

    [Excellent, do you have any hobbies?]

    [H- Hobbies?] Primrose goes stiff and very quiet for a long time. An anxiety bubbling up until she burst out, [I''m sorry! It won''t... It just... We didn''t know when the Mistress Yselda would get back and we finished the chores and the others said it would be better to do something rather than stop functioning until she came back up and... and...] Angry tears bubble up. [This one is a bad Doll! Bad thing. Bad tool. Should be broken and punished. Just... just please don''t stop using me. Please!]

    ::Calm:: I start with slight reassurance, followed by direct order. [Primrose. Attend me.]

    "Yes Mistress. Whatever you desire! It will serve! Thank you!" She babbles.

    [You are mine, and you are good. For the next quarter cycle, you are to indulge in whatever hobbies you may have. If you do not have one, spend the time determining one. My only restrictions on your actions are as follows: 1) you are not to endanger Witch Elevar, her Doll, or yourself. 2) You are to restrict your movements to this Spire and Witch Elevar''s Spire. 3) If you require supplies of any sort for your hobbies, Speak with Schatzi, Witch Elevar''s Doll and it should be able to accommodate. 4) This is not me dismissing you or punishing you. If you wish to take me with you, engage in your hobby here, or go off on your own, all are equally acceptable.]

    A pause, and Primrose murmurs. All a flutter with considerations and confusion and bubbling delight. [I¡­ Yes ma¡¯am.]

    [After the quarter cycle, I would enjoy knowing what sort of hobby you enjoyed or decided on, but you do not need to tell me if you don''t wish to do so.]

    Primrose considers my words and eventually finds a little corner of the Spire to huddle into. She brings a pencil and colored inks that she uses to begin quickly filling a small notebook. Words and strange images and odd twistings. Art without rules or context.

    I adore it.

    She gladly shows me it all but¡­ struggles to share the meaning behind many of her creations. Some seem to be memories riven and twisted by time and whatever process must break a person''s mind upon becoming a Doll, difficult to form upon a page. Others are her memories of Yselda, the images making it clear to me that the sculptures outside are of Yselda herself. And some... some she admits are not hers. But tales told to herself and her secretly favorite other Doll here when they bubbled up the courage to sneak into the sub-basements for ''stories'' from a thing she just calls ''old scary'' but insists it''s nothing but sweet to Dolls that sit to listen to it.

    Hmm. Favorite other Doll. Then, when the trial week is over, we''ll start with that one next, and give it a week as well. Good to be gradual about it.

    After the allotted time passes, I request that she find me an earthenware or metal basin large enough for my humanoid form to fit within.

    She returns an hour later, having searched the Spire and asking Schatzi if any of the other ones have what I need. No dice. The Spire lacks any suitable basin, as do the rest. Apparently making something like a bathtub out of ceramics or metal is simply not done anymore with the diminished access to that type of resource after the Moon was broken.

    "No, Mistress Xafra. We have root tubs and grown river basins for cleaning and soaking and such, but nothing like what you''re describing.¡±

    Honestly... she''s working with Primrose on this so....

    After I go quiet for a bit to consider other options, Primrose asks "Um... Will those not work?¡±

    [No, unfortunately. Oh. actually. Elevar and Schatzi should be present as well for the explanation. Can you take me over there?]

    "Of course!" She happily carries me over, and With my sense of propriety at an all-time high, I have us wait at the entrance for Schatzi to meet us and take up to the upper level study of Elevar¡¯s Spire where my Mistress is working on her own research.

    [Mistress, I''ve come to a slight impasse and wanted to explain the issue to all of you at once as it also touches, I believe on the discordance of magic.]

    "Oh?" She leans back with a mug of tea and considers that, tether thrumming with honest curiosity. "Do share.¡±

    [I have a feeling that in general, not much is known about the Divine anymore. Even in my days, it was considered rare information.]

    Elevar listens with patient practiced politeness. Tether stiff as she waits for me to finish.

    [When I mentioned previously that Witches were Moon-blessed, I was speaking literally, as Witches are the chosen of the Moon Goddess whose name has been lost to time. In turn, Denizens are the chosen of the two Sun gods whose names were stripped from them for their kinslaying. Humans are the chosen of D?mmerung, the land itself that they pulled themselves free of.]

    "So... You''re saying, and correct me if I am assuming the worst, that we''ve forgotten to pay our dues to these godthings? The Suns and the Moon and... the dirt beneath our feet?¡± She murmurs almost flatly.

    [No. No. The moon is... probably dead. I hope she is. The alternative seems too cruel a fate for her. And the Suns? Only the most... foolish would ever risk their attention. But D?mmerung loves humans, even those like me that are no longer recognized as such. You mentioned that your resheathing took hundreds of days. The ones I aided in each took hours on average. The divine are not people, if they ever were, and certainly not sapient from what I know, they are forces of nature that can be accessed through ritual magic.]

    "Oh good, you had me worried there for a moment." Elevar sighs and seems to relax at my final words, tether still quiet but body seems to calm. "The past people''s regard and interpretations for past sources of workings aside, how does this translate into current needs and obstacles? And you said old re-knitting took only hours? That... well I''d be lying if I''m not enthralled by that claim. Would laugh if I found a tome claiming the feat possible without the Dollification process.¡±

    She doesn''t get it. That''s fine. She will.

    [Okay. To put it simply without the religious context, The roots and other plant material that form the basins that are used currently all contain Nomos because as plants they act as containers and being dead, they no longer use it up. Stone, clay, and metal contain no Nomos, Ousia, or Physis, and can be infused with the signature of the caster to amplify the workings within. Resheathing, as I know it, isn''t just spellwork but also part alchemy done on the body using a washbasin as a cauldron with certain solutions that speed healing, adaptation, and bring the body closer in line with the soul.]

    Elevar''s demeanor goes a touch sour, but she nods. "There is a workshop here that should contain a chunk of stone big enough to serve that need once we carve it into shape. As for the healing solutions... I''ll see what we can muster. We should get a list together and find where our needs don''t match up. Worse case I''ll need to make a bit of a trip to a Grove or into the jungles in efforts to bridge that gap.¡±

    [Oh. I make the two main solutions internally. I mostly will need a few ingredients for a general healing mixture]

    An eyebrow of her''s quirks. "Truly? That... is quite the skill. Oddly one that I find more enthralling that many others you possess. Alchemical synthesis or storage of harvested materials? Both, I''m guessing?¡±

    [Mmhm. It was a bastard of a time developing the organs to produce them. Thankfully I had a lot of Warlord battleform diagrams to work with. I have... always been very passionate about helping others achieve their desired form.]

    "I... it''s nothing but impressive. What took the best Fleshcrafter of the age hundreds of days to complete on one Half-Knit you''ve done for countless others." She shakes her head and turns to glance out this chamber''s balcony window over the Estate, a huff of a sigh puffing out. Tether finally shifting and let free to thrum with my Witch''s multiple feelings. Things of fascination and interest and disparate annoyances. "Apologies... I''m being a cunt. You''re sharing what should be fascinating history at the very least, or revelations that should crack my considerations of the lands I walk through at most. And all of it to save me from my own stupid actions."

    She looks back to my iron form. ¡°It''s only proper that I should offer you the same respect. Include what religious context you think important."

    [Thank you. I appreciate you so very much. I''ll see you in a bit? I should get back to my research.]

    "Whenever you need. I''ll get Verbess to help me move the stone up from the old workshop." She agrees, and we each return to our workings.

    Days pass, deep in study and research before I reach out to my Mistress with an inquiry [Dearest Witchling, I have an odd request. I need one of your ribs, as well as the location of the nearest deposit of Moonwaste or seawater.]

    {I assumed you might need more materials at some point, I''ll come by later to let you extract that. As for the Seawater I think there are still a few old infested springs underneath our feet. For the Moonwaste...} She pauses in consideration... {That''s tricky. But for different reasons. Some amount is nearby, but bringing the wretched substance into the Estate comes with a few risks. How will it be used...?}

    [I''ve never seen Moonwaste myself, and if this research is to be proper, I need to confirm if the substance in your bones is indeed identical. I do not need any significant amount. A few gallons of Seawater should be enough for me to check, while also allowing me to determine the concentration of Moonwaste in the Seawater, and thus the survivability of water exposure.]

    {We can start with the seawater. I know it won''t hurt Schatzi and will have her and Verbess bring you what is needed.} Elevar nods.

    When Schatzi and Verbess arrive I determine it''s time to ask them something. [Schatzi, Verbess, I was wondering if. you''d be interested or willing to work on a project for me.]

    Verbess carefully rests the huge, very heavy, chunk down, beginning to click arms and fangs back into Schatzi''s preferences while preparing to let her lead the Frame. [This one does not recall any demands following this function. Do you, Sister?]

    A pause, and the sister responds. [Not at present. I would be willing to hear you out, Miss Xafra.]

    [Well. I was wondering if you two would be willing to coordinate with me to carve this stone into the basin. Like um...] I pause uncertain how to broach the subject. It feels inappropriate despite it being necessary for the future.

    [This stone is soft enough for this Frame to slice.] Verbess pauses its adjustments, click clacks arms back into four as talons twist forth. [What shape has you pause in worry, Old Parasite?]

    Parasite. Usurper. Disgusting Subhuman Violator of Will. It''s right...

    [A standard basin, large enough for Mistress Elevar to submerge fully in will be perfect.]

    Can''t complain. Focus. Work to do.

    [That is simple.] Verbess nods, considering the piece. [This stone is not brittle, but soft. If you would like to assist in reweaving the frame¡¯s talons this one could cut at it more efficiently. Make smooth and comfortable, for flesh to settle into.]

    [Certainly. I would be glad to assist.]

    With the embarrassed realization that Verbess and Primrose have just been silently staring at each other while I talked with my Mistress'' Doll, I reach out to Primrose with ::Delight/Satisfaction::

    I communicate with both at once, [Primrose, little one, can you hand me over to Verbess for a moment so I can help it with a smidge of reshaping?]

    [Yes Mistress!] She replies with a touch of startled confusion but... brimming with trust and devotion despite that.

    Verbess takes my form and places it easily into the sheath still hanging from their back, then turns to consider the stone.

    [Do you want the talon alteration to be temporary, or an alternate form?]

    "Sister, I think a hobby could be good for you as well, yes?" Schatzi nudges.

    Verbess twitches at that. [Temporary, It does not find efficient function in carving unliving stone.]

    [Understood. Then this working will last a few days, before naturally falling off of your talons.] I reach through my bond to the sisters and gently unweave the barest edge of their form, feeding a slight bit of Ousia into it to sculpt my addition, a set of divaricate serrated lodestone wedges with microfine edges, one on the tip of each talon. With the working, I share the comprehension and feeling of what I''m doing with the sisters to try and increase their own understanding of how to modify their form.

    [If you are willing, I''d appreciate your efforts on this basin while not serving the Mistress, so I may continue my own research project. The sooner she can be cured the better.]

    [Agreed.] Verbess thrums, twisting small Quills free without damaging the attire they wear. Tittering and seeming to use them to harmonize with the shaping of my work.

    The research continues, I study the books, Dictate to Primrose, check on her condition, and finally, finally after two days of Verbess¡¯ carving, the stone tub is done.

    I dismiss them with gratitude, and with Primrose''s help, get the basin filled partially with sifted soil, free from nomos-infected plant matter, and clean water. I shift and disrobe once more, handing the clothing to Primrose and settle into the basin, beginning the process of expelling the needed ratio of Estrus and Viran while waiting for the delivery of a healing elixir from Elevar.

    She arrives and I have an absolutely horrid realization. As I sit naked in the basin of alchemical fluids, I stare up at my Mistress, my Love. "I... need to ask something of you that makes my heart nearly shatter."

    She stills in worry, but nods for me to continue.

    "I promised to reduce the risk. Can you pick one of the Dolls that is... more disposable, to test contact with the anomalous substance, before I handle it myself? If it is not this moonwaste, it could be fatal, even if it is, due to the prolonged period in your body could make it so and..." I sigh heavily and submerge my head below the surface in shame. Asking another to do what I cannot. Disgusting Witch-like behavior.

    She pauses in thought, tether singing with nothing but empathy. "That depends on how it needs to be handled, exactly. My... The old cunt actually has some old tools that might come in handy. Protective gear and an odd contraption in one of the sub-levels I recall her using when handling things such as Moonwaste. Let''s see if you think that will work here.¡±

    I do not raise my head, and communicate through our bond instead. [In order to fully cure you without disabling you in a different way, I need to be able to replicate the tissue within your bones. The only way I know how to do that within an acceptable margin of error is to consume some, and it''s infected with the anomalous substance. So... I need to confirm that direct exposure is not lethal to my kin, and thus me.]

    I pulse ::Sorrow/Self-loathing:: making my emotions apparent.

    Elevar chuckles, but then responds with ::Calm/Pride/Intelligence:: {Well I can confirm that for you myself. Verbess has cracked my collarbone and left femur before sucking out some marrow. No problems or side effects.}

    I blush bright red under the fluids and start to laugh before realizing that liquids are not good for lungs.

 Chapter 24: A Song of Flesh (Witch)

    A Song of Flesh (Witch)

    Content Warning:

    Graphic depictions of pain and surgical removal of a bone. Love/addiction to pain in an almost sexual way. VERY angry Witch and grabbing not-persons by the fangs to shout at them. Quill-Song things. Panic attacks after shouting.

    My Xafra, my enthralling partner and seemingly invincible blade¡­ is soaking naked in mud she insists is an alchemical brew the likes of which my mentor could only barely match.

    I had to bite my tongue all the way up until I found out that the fool gerl held no embarrassment at the muck she sat in, but in the possible need to have one of my old mentor¡¯s gerls handle substances she thought might be too deadly for her or my Doll.

    Couldn¡¯t stop a laugh that I hope so dearly she thinks only pertains to the irony that Verbess had already done just this.

    ¡°Not my most intelligent indulgence but¡­ nor is it a thing I regret.¡± I sigh after she¡¯s done cackling and sputtering up some mud she¡¯s inhaled. Cheeks so cutely tinted red as she settles. And¡­ then I¡¯m missing so dearly the days I could freely enjoy such dalliances of violent fancy on a whim. Still more than a bit annoyed at my own stupidity ending our first time together.

    Will have to make up for that if Xafra can actually do this and is still willing, and possibly even in that delightfully enthralling Warlord¡¯s Form she¡¯s woven. But after that¡­ I¡¯m not sure. I mean to gift her both the knowledge and spells to weave her own wards against a Witch Tone. Of course. But¡­

    Xafra¡¯s past words of affection blaze through my mind like the most blighted piece of the same Moonwaste.

    Elevar, sweetheart¡­

    Consider whose footsteps you follow in, my love¡­

    I love you, Mistress Elevar.

    And another¡¯s, long dead and rotting and only real in memory and the Night Terrors that so often follow them¡­

    Such fire in those pretty cerulean eyes! I want to see it blaze up to spite me like nothing¡¯s done in decades¡­

    If I¡¯m being honest, Lynette, you''ve been my obsession since you bumbled into my Estate. Filled with naught but inspiration, fury, and¡­

    Never again will you weave magic, my love.

    I only realize how long I¡¯ve been sitting quietly when Xafra speaks up, "So. Uhm. Uhhh. If you are willing to have Verbess extract the rib for me, we can do the surgery as early as tomorrow. But... there''s¡­ Not a catch, just two things you should be aware of first."

    I very nearly fall off the little stool at her words.

    Free from the Soul Rot tomorrow. I¡­ I assumed there would be weeks of research and¡­ and preparation then trials and tests!

    {Verbess, dear. Please come to Xafra¡¯s Spire.} I intone to my Doll to distract from the spiral, then turn back to Xafra. ¡°Go on?¡±

    "I''m¡­ going to look like you. I''ll shift back as soon as I can. Of course, it''s unacceptable to impersonate one''s master, I know. But I didn''t want you to be surprised. And..." She sighs heavily. "I was planning on keeping this from you, but it''s not fair, you deserve full disclosure."

    Like me? And... I mean I can understand why her partners or ''masters'' might take issue with her stealing their identity but... why does this worry her so much? My discomfort is nothing compared to what she''s offering!

    A hitch of worry roils regardless but¡­ I don¡¯t let it leak through our bond, of course. ¡°That¡­ makes sense. Actually. It¡¯ll be odd. To be sure. But honestly nothing to worry over unless you wanted to keep it. Then¡­ Well, honestly I¡¯d get over it. Not like I mean to keep my form as it is.¡± I reach out to touch the hand closest to mine. ¡°And this second thing?¡±

    "My humanoid form is going to be entirely out of commission after the procedure until I can refill on Ousia and be put back into this solution. I would¡­ ask that you not watch the repair process, or the aftermath of the procedure unless..." She winces. "I''m worried you''ll be disgusted by me."

    ¡°Ah¡­¡± Pausing intentionally, I ensure nothing but empathetic regard can roll down the tether. ¡°You can rest assured that I won¡¯t be disgusted by you. The worst you¡¯ll feel from our bond is enthralled curiosity if I can¡¯t restrain my interest. If my presence can help you, in any way, know you¡¯ll find nothing but support and adorations. I... understand what it is to feel a bodily mess in front of... of someone you care for.¡±

    She sighs and seems to calm a bit at those words. "You''re so good to me. I don''t understand it at all, but I''m going to do my best to be worthy of you."

    A surge of panic has words dribbling from my mouth before I can stop them and fingers squeezing her tighter than I would otherwise do. ¡°Don¡¯t¡­ Xafra please don¡¯t walk down that path. You shouldn¡¯t¡­ you¡­ It¡¯s not worth it. Be worthy of yourself, of the person you want to be. And if you¡¯re lucky enough to stumble into people who delight in that, hold them close, but don¡¯t you dare break yourself into something for them or me. Never again.¡±

    Xafra looks at me with such empathy at the words left unspoken. "I understand. I''m going to do my best at being myself, I just¡­" she switches to our bond, unable to voice the words. [I need to prove, to myself most of all, that I''m not a parasite, I''m a person and I can be of use.]

    {What?} I have to restrain a sudden burst of mirth at that, but... then think better of it and let a little trickle through to show my honest feelings on this. Sudden and disbelieving humor tinted with annoyance aimed past her. {A parasite? Because¡­ I mean. I guess I can understand how your skills with Ousia manipulation might have led to some claiming that. But¡­ Cracked and Riven Moon, is that such a foolish perspective! By your very nature you are symbiotic and supportive. Everything you¡¯ve asked for has come after offering more than any of your partners could hope to match.}

    [One of my wielders once said that a symbiote is just a parasite with a good reputation, and¡­ That by my very nature I prevent others from reaching their afterlife. It didn''t stop her from using my abilities, but... she made it clear that it was my fault for enabling her. That...] Xafra cuts off again.

    {Well¡­ She sounds delightfully stupid, if you¡¯ll pardon my judgments of the dead and rotted. By that logic we¡¯re all some degree of this.} I pause as the outer entrance splits and my Doll arrives. {So¡­ Like all the other people I¡¯ve dealt with, it''s by choice and outside perceptions. Right? Because if it''s some innate trait then¡­ Well, you''re the most lacking of the needed markers.}

    ¡°Mistress?¡± Verbess purrs as she stops to stand before us, jaw teasing between splitting to show fangs or remaining in the shapes Schatzi prefers.

    I Cant ::Wait:: to my Doll. Meaning to start resolving this harmful thought path here and now, if I can.

    Xafra goes a bit stiff and replies. [Understood. I''ll focus on that once you''re cured.]

    That¡¯s¡­ odd. But I shouldn¡¯t push her. The perceptions of loved ones do tend to sink deep, and trying to rip them out in a single go is near impossible. Hopefully this¡¯ll birth some kinder wisps to listen to in her Driftdream though.

    I nod, then turn to regard my Doll. ¡°Xafra says she can cure me tomorrow, but needs a rib of mine first.¡±

    Verbess roils at that, so much that even it can¡¯t stop the subtle shiftings its learned to suppress while awake with its sister.

    I performatively sigh and gaze up and away. ¡°That means we need a Doll with a talent for precision and dissection. Hopefully who won¡¯t mind getting an old Witch¡¯s blood on them. Do you know of any like that on this Estate?¡±

    Verbess pauses, caught between incredibly obvious longing and uncertainty. ¡°This one knows of only one Frame with the tools and temperament for this function.¡±

    I can¡¯t help but smirk at this one¡¯s thrumming hope and hungers. ¡°Oh? Then you should go get it. We don¡¯t want to delay this, I think.¡±

    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    It does not move, only click-clacks talons and fangs free while only just keeping Quills stowed so as to not rip the nice outfit Schatzi chose for them. ¡°It¡­ yes. Mistress.¡±

    I let my eyes roll back to it, moving up and down the still Frame before nodding with approval. ¡°I always can count on you for the more¡­ messy work. I suppose. And you have been such a good gerl and worked well with our dear Schatzi these past days¡­¡±

    Then I rise and approach it, letting myself walk a circle about it. ¡°But, this isn¡¯t a dalliance of passing fancy. This is about extraction and transference. You can¡¯t get distracted. No cracking things aside from the target, no drinking the marrow. I¡¯ll be weaving to stop the worst of this but I won¡¯t have you making my work harder.¡±

    ¡°Yes Mistress.¡± It purrs.

    I stop and turn to regard Xafra, reaching up to begin removing my blouse. ¡°Any specific way Verbess will need to cut or handle the rib?¡±

    "Not particularly. One of the floating ribs at the bottom are best, due to ease of healing the wound. It''s best if you are as healthy as possible for tomorrow, as it''s going to take all four of us to get it done safely and efficiently... My apologies, Primrose, I don''t mean to exclude you, but I don''t know your skills quite enough to include you in something so delicate."

    ¡°No, I understand Mistress Xafra!¡± Primrose chimes from beside and behind me. ¡°This one is better for other things, but will be glad to try and help out in any way you need.¡±

    Such a good gerl. Thank the Dead Hag Xafra and Verbess stumbled into one of the softer things my mentor crafted.

    I slip off the top and glance over to one of the large overly soft cushions. ¡°Primrose, if you could be a dear and fetch that to sit right next to Xafra?¡±

    She complies without hesitation, and then I¡¯m moving to try and settle on the uncomfy mess.

    ¡°Always preferred something sturdier. But I doubt my legs will work well for a bit after this.¡± I complain half-heartedly as I lean back to rest my upper back and head on the side of Xafra¡¯s pool. ¡° I doubt I''ll lose consciousness but... if I do, would you mind terribly pulling me into your Driftdream? Even if it seems it''ll only last a moment?¡±

    "Certainly. Whenever you''d like." Xafra replies without hesitation.

    Which settles my nerves more than she probably will ever know. The dreamless sleep she¡¯s gifted me these past days has been a better balm to my mind. Helped keep head clear and thoughts crisp.

    ¡°Alright, Verbess.¡± I give my Doll a wicked smirk as I settle into an old familiar focus. ¡°Bottom left, no fooling about but¡­ don¡¯t feel a need to rush.¡±

    It stiffens a bit at that, and¡­ yeah. Now the Quills slice free and thrum a bit. But¡­ then it pauses the song it chimes while kneeling before me.

    ¡°It¡­ It can be quick.¡± Verbess murmurs. ¡°Remove the bone in less than two heartbeats. Reduce risk and¡­¡±

    But it trails off as my hand drifts up to cup the out jaw of those marvelous fangs. ¡°Of course you can. But¡­ if you¡¯d rather take twice that then I¡¯ll allow it. You¡¯ve been a good gerl this past week and I¡¯m willing to gift you this for that.¡±

    Quills nearly scream in ravenous anticipation as it can only rasp. ¡°Thank you, Mistress.¡±

    ¡°Go when ready, my Verbess.¡± I purr while bracing my joints and muscles to ensure they don¡¯t buck when this one starts.

    Pain¡­ is an odd lover of mine. I didn¡¯t taste her lips until meeting my teacher but¡­ she¡¯s been gnashing at my heels since I was very young. And as my Doll lunges forward, jaws unhinging further as fangs twist into wonderfully dexterous shapes¡­ I can¡¯t help but consider her regard for me as that first heartbeat thumps in tune with Verbess¡¯s fangs.

    I¡¯ve met threshers who¡¯ve woven things of numbing and even removal of pain from their bodies. Which¡­ I can only understand in the way I understand that some fools like their tea sweetened to the point that they might as well chomp down on the cubes and do away with the water and leaves! With annoyed pity. The human form is such a marvelous thing, and our ability to feel such depths of pain is¡­ is honestly a bit ridiculous! Wonderful once you learn to manage it well and bask in its depths.

    My¡­ my teacher showed me that. Long nights of ripping and tearing and clawing and re-knitting my flesh and form. Slowly but¡­ insistently introducing me to the beloved she¡¯d found in her pursuit of a p¨C

    The thought is riven away as the second heartbeat hits and my mind gulps down the first rush of agony.

    I¡¯m able to keep everything still but¡­ enjoy such warmth rushing through me as I feel my Doll¡¯s teeth slide about and around the bone. Repressing what would either be a howling wail or a moaning snarl as the third heartbeat cracks alongside the rib.

    Through the bond, a fierce lust and envy sings from Xafra at the sight.

    I can¡¯t stop it, not at the twin pleasures of feeling that and this flood of delicious pain. My gasp finally happens as my Doll pulls it free. On reflex I twist fingers, will, and Physis to begin sealing the adjacent bones and veins and flesh but¡­ don¡¯t touch the nerves.

    Let them sing a bit.

    Darkness gathers around the edge of my sight as Verbess pulls back to regard me. Eyes locked on mine as she searches for¡­

    {I¡¯ve got a handle on myself.} I intone through the bond to both it and Xafra. Able to move but¡­ suddenly comfortable in my slumped position.

    It nods and moves up and over me, bloody bone deftly and carefully braced between those lovely fangs. [Where would you like this, Old Parasite?]

    As Xafra reaches for the rib, she flinches before responding, "I''ll take it now. Thank you."

    Old¡­ What? Why did it call her that?

    Other words are spoken, but¡­ my mind latches onto that. And a memory stirs. Of a little Wisp of dwindling thought dancing through my Xafra¡¯s Driftdream. Whispering that same voice saying the same words.

    And the pain I was so very much enjoying turns rotten, then spoils. Then rises up like nothing I¡¯ve felt in a year as I realize why my blade might so suddenly feel that word spike true in her mind and hear.

    It is probably a very good thing Verbess already handed off the bone to Xafra, it would have probably been knocked free as my hand darts up and into my Doll¡¯s mouth. Gripping the fangless flank and jerking it down to meet my gaze while I hiss, ¡°What did you just call her!?!¡±

    The room goes quiet as the pain jolts and flares and rips through me. Tearing thought and restraint and leaving nothing but the spoiled filth of a Witch¡¯s wroth to boil down the tether.

    Verbess is beyond words with fear, unable to answer, and such a thing is easy to read in the Frame¡¯s eyes and fluttering Quill-Song. Even if all I feel from the bond is my own foul anger and pain and impending threats.

    ¡°Answer. Me. Doll.¡± I demand in a rasping growl that sounds too much like old flesh. But absolutely laden with the full force of my Tone.

    ¡°O¨C old Pa¨C Parasite.¡± Verbess stammers like I¡¯ve never heard it do.

    Not even on that first night she woke up and we almost killed each other.

    ¡°Why, do tell¡­¡± I hiss, dragging myself up while tilting my Doll¡¯s head beneath my gaze. Drunk on soured pain pleasure and such a horrid delight in seeing this one cower like I never thought I could make it do. ¡°Is that a¨C¡±

    Such an odd sound jolts me from my words. Not¡­ I¡¯m still roiling in anger but can¡¯t help but turn and see¡­

    Xafra, sitting bolt upright in the tub, my rib shoved halfway down her throat as her eyes are wide betwixt¡­ things. Things I can¡¯t feel because I¡¯m bleeding fury unending down the tether both ways.

    Stupid gerlthing. She¡¯s feeling this too!

    With a not so small effort I struggle to strangle my end of the tether like I¡¯ve been practicing.

    ¡°I¡­ Xafra I¡¯m so sorry.¡± I rasp, voice broken and messy and horrid.

    She closes her eyes and¡­ well of course. Needs to devote herself to swallowing the big thing.

    Cracked and Riven Moon if I wasn¡¯t pain and fury drunk and needing to see to my fool of a Doll I¡¯d attempt to draw this gerlthing into¨C

    [Please.] Xafra intones softly while a little cough escapes her lips. [Verbess has been kind. I didn''t say anything because I didn''t want to be a bother.]

    Deep Breath, keep that tether smothered. Don¡¯t muddle this. Focus. Just like holding your breath when the old cunt needed you steady for the work.

    And so I turn back to my cowering Doll. Take a long few glowering heartbeats to consider it. Every one a thumping mess of soured rot and annoyance and not all of it aimed at my foolish Doll.

    ¡°Schatzi, dear.¡± I whisper, untrusting of myself to not bathe anything I might send down the tether with more of my nonsense as I release their jaw and withdraw my hand. ¡°Are you all right?¡±

    "Yes, Mistress", Its voice comes out muffled and hollow, devoid of emotions.

    Of course it¡¯s not ¡®alright¡¯, you stupid half-knit.

    I huff, pulling back fully from them and taking another calming breath. Still so furious, but in almost equal parts now. Half for my fool of a Doll and half at myself.

    ¡°M¨C Mistress.¡± Comes such a quiet whisper from the frame. So soft that for a second I think it is Schatzi who speaks. But¡­ no. Verbess fights through such stammering to murmur. ¡°I¡­ Th¨C this one i¨C is sorry.¡±

    That¡­ cracks it. Pops the rage and sets it to dissolving and leaving nothing but self-loathing and hatred. Forcing me to squeeze this damn tether ever tighter to keep my own mess of emotions from slipping out.

    ¡°It¡­ it is d¨C defective. R¨C r¨C r¨C rusting.¡± My Doll¡¯s arms split into four and Quills writhe in loud discord to its quieting voice. ¡°Pl¨C ¡±

    My heart hitches as I prepare for that old demand and request but¡­ it surprises me. Asks an altogether new question I never thought to hear from this half¡¯s fangs.

    ¡°Pl¨C pl¨C please¡­ Don¡¯t t¨C take th¨C this one¡¯s n¨C name.¡± It pleads, and any words it might have fall into nothing as such a shrill tune dances from its back.

    ¡°Never! Verbess, It¡¯s not¨C¡± I jolt up in a sudden motion that, of course, sets my chest to throbbing. And I have to fall back in a huff against the tub and spin more healing before continuing. ¡°This¡­ Calling Xafra that was, IS, unacceptable. As bad as¡­ as anything the old cunt called us. I¡¯ve no idea why you thought of her in that way.¡±

    That¡­ helps it calm a bit, causes it to peek back up at me. ¡°It¡­ th¨C thought she was j¨C just using you. A¨C at first. N¨C needed her to know It saw that. W¨C was cautious until th¨C the jungles.¡±

    ¡°And now?¡± I demand as softly as I can.

    Verbess shakes the frame¡¯s everything in negation, but¡­ its voice does steady more. ¡°No. No. Her function is to protect and harmonize with others.¡±

    ¡°Then why keep calling her that?¡± I press.

    Verbess goes quiet for a long time. Quills twitching and flitting about in what¡¯s taken me years to know as thoughtful discord. How a human might purse their lips or hum while considering a question.

    I take a deep breath, focus a bit more on the spell. ¡°So long as you know to never call her that, or anything she does not expressly request, I¡¯ll let you think on this. Tell me and her later.¡±

    Verbess droops a bit in relief, then hesitates. ¡°Does¡­ C¨C can this one¡­¡±

    Looks past me.

    I tilt my head backwards. ¡°Go on.¡±

    It quiets and resets the Quills into a more¡­ harmonic rhythm. ¡°Xafra. This one wishes to apologize. That¡­ that name is not befitting you.¡±

    Xafra surges out of the muck and slams into Verbess, actually knocking my normally stable Doll into the wooden floor in a sprawling embrace. "No! Not defective. Kin. Mistress'' Doll. Little Monster that I''m so very jealous of. Not Defective!"

    After only a heartbeat, Verbess has wrapped all four limbs around Xafra. Returning her embrace with everything it can, even wrapping fangs around a shoulder and gnawing gently. And from my Doll does such a buzzing song like I¡¯ve never heard before thrum. The melody and nature are a tune that I¡­ I swear I recognize. Maybe it¡¯s the mess of pain and horrid fury that still boils my gut but¡­ I can¡¯t place it.

    ¡°It¡­ it is¡­¡± Verbess murmurs quietly into flesh it gnaws at. ¡°Broken, rusting, defective. But¡­ but it wants to NOT be. Hungers for¡­ for¡­¡±

    And then I place the song. Or... at least it''s opposite. This is the thing it sings at its lowest. A cry for the pack it lost and will never find again.

    "Better together. Help each other." Xafra mumbles as she extends her quill crown and clumsily, amateurishly, tries to join in with Verbess'' song.

    Another hitch in my heart, and¡­ and I worry my Doll will close itself off. Hiss in fury like it always had when it hears another try and match or mimic the Songs it plays but¡­ No. It only slows. Carefully and more gently than ever silencing a few Quills so the tune is less complex.

    Easier for Xafra to harmonize with.

    Letting this gerlthing learn a melody I¡¯ve never heard Verbess play. That¡­ that perhaps it hasn¡¯t done since it roved with the set of Dolls it was crafted to sing with.

    Xafra doesn''t learn very quickly, but¡­ manages to steadily improve, all while accommodating Verbess'' every movement and entwining themselves even closer together.

    [Mistress.] Schatzi reaches out to me privately, [I''m afraid this dress is ruined.]

 Chapter 25: The Secret Ingredient is Thorough Preparation (Girl)

    The Secret Ingredient is Thorough Preparation (Girl)

    Content Warnings:

    Memory Alterations and a Ruined Dress.

    I am not certain what reaction I expected when informing Mistress about the state of my outfit, but it seemed like the appropriate way to diffuse her anger and self loathing. Mistress has always been better at hating herself than seeing her own value. I don''t think she''ll ever know how much she means to me and Verbess.

    Oh my dear sister. It needs to sleep soon, the last few days it has shown remarkable development. I should take some extra rest tonight so it can be at its best tomorrow.

    Elevar, after a pause, intones back very softly and carefully. {Sorry about that dearie, And you''ve worked so hard to be such a good gerl these past weeks too... I think I''m going to raid this Estates spinning rooms to see if we can''t patch it, and... even if we succeed you honestly deserve a few new ones besides. Remind your forgetful Mistress next time you''re out with her, alright?}

    NEW DRESSES! GOSH YAY!

    Mistress Elevar and I continue to chat for a while while Sister and Miss Xafra continue their Scandalous behavior that results in the dress getting entirely torn free. Before the two can uhm. duel, Primrose speaks up.

    "Mistress Xafra, I think the mud. Um... Alchemical fluid is getting cold and hard.¡±

    "As much as cold and hard is my default state, I''ve come to enjoy warm and soft and we shouldn''t let the muuuud go to waste. By tomorrow y''all will appreciate my mud. Verbess, If you would so kindly slide me back into the basin. Primrose, can you get the heat going below? Verbess carved out a small fireplace underneath that should keep it nice and toasty." Miss Xafra quips. I, with just a bit of glee, interrupt sister¡¯s movements to have Miss Xafra dunked before she can say anything else outrageous.

    Once Miss Xafra is situated once more, me, sister and the Mistress head out as I find it uncomfortable that Miss Xafra looks more like Mistress Elevar every time I look over at her.

    "Mistress Elevar, Once I''m properly attired again, what do you want to get done?¡±

    "Three things, I think." She murmurs softly as we enter her personal Spire and after a longer silence than is usual. "First, I... I wanted to..." She pauses and looks about for a moment, then turns to face us. "Wait here for a moment, if you please. Won''t be a whisper."

    Then she heads off, disappearing into the lower and even upper chambers for a few moments before returning with a bundle. Immediately, I recognize one of my most pretty and comfortable night time dresses in one arm and a stack of about four journals in the other.

    "May I dress you, dear one?" She asks while pausing before me. Books set aside on a table.

    I nod enthusiastically, concerned I would squeak if I tried to speak.

    And Mistress slowly, carefully, and without a hint of magic, untangles me from the ruin of the dress I wear. Then, and stopping me kindly when I so much as try and help even a little, She unfolds the fresh dress and wraps it about me. Deftly but... not rushing, settling it into place and unruffling any wrinkles that crop up just before tying the back parts firm but loose. "A dress made to shine with how wonderfully it matches the gerl it holds." She asks while stepping back to gaze over my form. "Is that comfortable?¡±

    "Yes, Mistress Elevar. Thank you."

    It is one of the most comfortable things I''ve worn, and even if it was burlap, it would still be comfortable simply because she is the one who put it on me.

    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    She pauses in thought before speaking quietly but clearly. "I need to apologize. To you both. I let my temper get the best of me like it hasn''t in years and... well. No excuses. I''m sorry. That was not very befitting of your Mistress.¡±

    I nod. "It has been a very hectic and emotional time lately. More than it has since... well, you know. I''m glad you''re aware of the issues though. It''s important to me that you act in a way that makes you happy." I nod again to reinforce my words.

    My words and a soft and weary Cant of ::Acceptance/Concordance/Regret:: from Verbess seems to calm her, but only a little. "Thank you. I... Yes. I''ll figure that out eventually. But for now let''s handle some essentials. I was honestly not expecting Xafra to propose and be ready for this so soon but..."

    Mistress moves to the table and the journals she''s set aside. "This... isn''t a pleasant topic but tomorrow holds enough danger that I''d be remiss in not seeing to it. Should a... Well let''s just call it an emergency, ever occur and I am unable to dictate or otherwise handle things, you are to give these journals to Xafra and to press upon her the need to read them before doing anything reckless. And you will disregard my prior commands about who you two will pass to, it will be your choice. Understood?¡±

    My wandering thoughts freeze.

    She. No. nO. NO. The coldness seeps over me. ?Pack Heart suppressed. Emotion Simulation Deactivated. External Masking Initiated.?

    "I Understand, Mistress." A bittersweet smile is created with 95% percent accuracy.

    Elevar''s instructions are irrelevant. The journals will of course be edited to remove any problematic entries. Certain things should not be shared. Xafra will be either made into a pack mate or reburied. She cannot be permitted control due to directive two. Processing¡­

    She winces, seeing the distress. "I''m sorry, dear. I''d... We don''t have to discuss this any further. This is just... Important. And will help settle an old mind for my part tomorrow. Do you need me to help with..."

    But she pauses, eyes narrow and seem to look past the Frame.

    "Schatzi? Verbess?" She whispers, and I feel her Physis reach out to wrap about the bond Xafra constructed noticing the sudden stillness.

    "I''d thought to offer a command of calming to you both, then one of rest to Verbess while Schatzi and I handle a few more things. But... you don''t need it. Why is that?" She intones softly with the final three words laden with Witch Tone.

    Masking detected. Attempted command override intercepted. Boosting External Masking. Simulation of Pack Heart started.

    "This one is so tired, Mistress Elevar, and trusts you. Xafra is pack. Nothing will go wrong." The simulation speaks.

    "Of course. I... You both go rest." She sighs and diverts her anxieties away from the Frame. "Leave the old dress. It''ll give me something to keep my hands busy.¡±

    ?Processing Complete. End External Masking. Backfill Memory processes. Activate Emotion Simulation. Pack Heart released.?

    I rush over and hug Mistress Elevar, the bestest most caring Mistress anyone could ever have.

    "Yes, Mistress. I um... Hope you''ll join us in a bit? It would love to be held.¡±

    "I will, nothing else Is as important as making sure my gerls are cared for." She returns the hug with double the force.

    Then, she takes up the dress, gets her needle and threat, and leaves us. Verbess'' nuzzles close to my mind, more calm than I''ve ever seen it in a long time. Something that normally takes all the changes it delights in out and thrumming.

    [Sister. Would you share your thoughts with me before we sleep?] I ask while doing a quick tidying up before settling our frame into the cushioned box that Verbess prefers, normally kept under Mistress Elevar''s bed when not in use.

    The other half of the Frame considers this for a time, careful to not drift away into a sleep Mistress offered. [It... This one will try. The frame feels... strangely hollow. Empty of ache it feels should sit upon it. But... ask whatever questions you will, sister.]

    [Is¡­ Miss Xafra to be trusted?] I feel the urge to ask, to settle the restlessness that grinds at my gears.

    That surprises Verbess, but she responds quickly. [Yes. Xafra''s core function seems to be that of the empowerment of her pack. Which... encompasses this Frame and the Mistress.] Sister seems to pause in thought for a moment. [Why do you ask this, sister? Do you calculate differently than this one?]

    [No, I trust her, but you''ve kept us safe for so long and our Mistress will be at hers and your tender care tomorrow. It would be impolite of me to not confirm.] With the confirmation and my own words I feel at peace. settled.

    [It... It is riven betwixt a hope it worries will rust away, and... desires. Old things that often force it to sleep to escape them or experience such overwhelming pain. But... not now.] Then its soft regard turns to furious hunger. [Not after hearing The Old... Miss Xafra, try and match the old songs and claim us as kin. Tomorrow we will hunt this rot that blights Mistress and consider... consider...] But... sister trails off.

    Goes suddenly quiet as fear slowly begins to encroach across its mind. Not at the possibility of failure. No. It was not made to plan past such failure, that is the role of Mistress. But... instead, considering a future beyond.

    That sends a shiver through the Frame.

    [Yes. Let us sleep, love. Tomorrow your talons will build our future.]

    Verbess agrees, then pulls us closer than is normally safe before letting me pull us into slumber.

 Chapter 26: Haunting, Haunted, Haunts (Witch)

    Haunting, Haunted, Haunts

    Content Warnins:

    Bone shrines and non-person suffering from dementia and delusions and then someone gets punched! Woops! 5k word chapter. Also woops! Panic attacks and talks of mental control via magic things and trauma and past abuse.

    One good passing notion of stupidity deserves another¡­ Is the thought that titters through me while striding toward the Spire with ruined dress, needle, and thread in hand. Eventually even gathering the courage to look up to see if¡­

    It''s watching. Of course. Gazing down in... in naked curiosity at the very least. There are strange happenings and stranger sorts about the Estate. I should have expected it to rouse at the echoes of the old cunt¡¯s demands. Watching, even if the Spire won¡¯t let it leave.

    Deep breath, old gerl. You owe this one your time, especially if¡­ if tomorrow goes poorly. You can do this.

    The prick of the vines doesn''t even send a flutter through me as the entrance shifts to let me enter my old mentor and lover''s Spire. I mean¡­ they were all hers. Everything here bending into shapes she willed them. But this Spire was the heart of it all. Where she worked on and considered all her most treasured projects.

    That¡¯s¡­ that¡¯s probably why she never liked me to sleep in my own gifted Spire after that first time she drew me into her bed. No matter how deep into research, for her or myself, I was. She was always so cutely sour when she found me curled up alone or with my Doll.

    Feet stop moving as I freeze just a pace or two in. I always expect to find a layer of dust here. Thick coats over all the tables and half-finished sculptures and other such nonsense the old cunt regarded at only her passing whims. But¡­ No. Always spotless. These lower chambers vast and sprawling in a messy but defined chaos as things progressed toward the winding stairwell at the back. And... Oh Cracked and Riven Moon the smell is perfect and wonderful and wretched and filling me with everything she said and all the things we built here.

    My thoughts are interrupted by the soft sounds of footfalls that proceed a Doll descending the far steps.

    "Wife Lynette, Mistress told me you were coming tonight. I''m so glad to see you remembered your way home." It looks the picture of elegance as it strides across the room, stopping exactly a pace and a half from me. "Your toy caused me no small amount of trouble while you were off gallivanting around. You really should teach it better manners."

    ¡°A¨C apologies. Connivant Adaline.¡± I finally say past the lump in my throat, and whisper that name I¡¯d never let myself speak, save in moments of incredible desperation or¡­ or desire. Which... causes me to wonder if that was due to the old cunt''s wretched implant Xafra tore out or just my own roiling hatred at the love I feel for this one. The only Doll my old Teacher named. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ll see to that. But, I came to speak with you tonight, if you¡¯re willing. I¡­ I know I was quite horrid the last time we spoke and¡­¡±

    "All water under the Roots, love. Mistress and I spoke much after I found her again. She says she forgives you and understands. I don''t, honestly. but it is a Connivant¡¯s duty to accept even what we don''t understand." It tilts its head at an uncanny angle and looks back up the stairs. "She''s waiting for you. Would you be willing to talk to her again, for me?"

    I flinch at this old pantomime, the ravings of a Doll broken by the Garrote and left to wither and rust away in a Spire that won''t let it go. Only... only old Nightmares as company. "I..."

    Oh how I would tear into it with my Tone for this. Trying so hard to break delusion and force understanding into the Frame. Refusing to, even for a second, indulge in the brief concept that the old cunt might still be-

    "Perhaps." I reply like I''ve never done and give this one a contemplative smile while raising up the dress. "But... First we need to talk about some things, and I''d like your help trying to salvage this, if it can be done. You were always better with needles and thread than I was."

    "Certainly. It''s not like she''s going anywhere after you killed her." The statement is outrageous and worrying in equal measure, even before she continues¡­

    "It was a lot of work getting the others to assist me without letting them know what exactly they were digging up for me. But¡­ needs must. Now, would you be so kind as to use your finger waggling to remove the mud so we can see what we''re working with?" It crosses the room to a table where it pulls a sewing set out of a drawer and sits down primly.

    ¡°W- wait? The bones?¡± I stammer. ¡°You¡­ you had them¡­ Th¨C they¡¯re¡­¡±

    Any other night I¡¯d be filled with rage, and boil this stupid Doll in wrothful Tone for that. But tonight¡­? I don¡¯t have any anger left. Just weary guilt at all the mistakes I just can¡¯t stop making. On reflex more than forethought I reach out and steady myself against the nearest table else fall as the room seems to shift a bit beneath my feet. All my focus on the tether I have to strangle else drown those precious souls linked to mine.

    "Mmhm! She was whispering to me, you see. Was quite annoyed that such a ''Defective toy from defective stock would dare to Desecrate'' her. But! Now you''ve brought her voice back." I look up to find It giving me the most brilliant and hopeful smile. "I heard it a few days ago. You could... speak to her. Ask her to let me leave with you. Oh, what a cruel Mistress, to task me with your care, but prevent me from following you."

    ¡°I¡­ Doll, I¡­ I¡¯ve tried¡­¡± I rasp, more to myself than it, honestly. ¡°Endlessly. I¡­ Everything I could think of. Even wandered into some deeper chambers that almost killed me. I can¡¯t¡­ can¡¯t get this wretched place to let you go!¡±

    "Wife Lynette, it''s okay, you brought her voice back. I saw your toy using it on one of the others. So it will work this time." Adaline rises and moves to embrace me, so tight like I¡¯ve not let her do in years.

    I go stiff in her arms. Xafra lied to me? She didn¡¯t use ancient techniques or the blessings of dirt gods or¡­ or anything like that! She dredged up the Tone she stole from my body, touched with the Ousia laden within to¡­ To do what I never could, but should have tried!

    "Little Lynne,¡± The Doll murmurs softly while petting my hair.

    Tighter, stupid gerl. Keep that tether still. This one would never hurt you, not¡­ not intentionally. It literally can¡¯t do anything but use those old names. And¡­ and from those lips you can almost enjoy it. Even... even fall into considering what you gave up the day you burned the Garrote and its weaver clean of this very Spire.

    Adaline continues to purr softly. ¡°It''s okay, you''re safe. I promise."

    It¡¯s brilliant, actually. Mimicry of another¡¯s tone is¡­ a useless and quite vile talent. Only a few practise it, and mostly for unsavory reasons. Doll snatching and such. But¡­ even then it often takes too much time to be worth it.

    And for this place you need the Ousia signature. Of course. But Xafra already confirmed that she used that. Empty Skies¡­ am I such a fool.

    ¡°Alright.¡± I whisper, and let myself lean into its touch, even reach around to return the hug. ¡°I¡¯ll¡­ I¡¯ll speak to her. For you. And¡­ and afterwards¡­ we''ll get you out of here.¡±

    "Thank you, Wife Lynette!¡± She exclaims with such delight. Then, with the slightest of effort, Adaline picks me up in its arms and carries me slowly up the stairs, like¡­ like it used to so long ago. ¡°She told me that there''s only a little more to be done before she can move on as well. She mentioned the... Undercroft needing your special touch."

    I repress flailing instincts and settle into Adaline¡¯s arms. Considering all the nonsense this broken gerlthing could have deluded itself into thinking was demanded by the dead.

    ¡°We¡­ I¡¯ll ask.¡± I murmur into the chest it pulls me into. Careful to keep the path ahead hidden from my gaze. ¡°But¡­ First I wanted to talk with you. If we could¡­ could pause here? I¡¯m not sure my nerves are going to hold up well once you take me up there.¡±

    "Of course. Take as long as you need." Focused on my comfort, it leans back against the stairwell, still holding me tight.

    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know if you remember the promise I made to you. Roughly¡­ ten years back?¡± I start with a whisper. ¡°That¡­ that after I got all my affairs settled and Doll delivered I¡­ I¡¯d come back to you. Give you my last weeks?¡±

    "Oh." It stills for a moment. "I''ll get my affairs in order as well then. I''m coming with you of course. But... My Wife, even if I don''t particularly like your toy, I think this is an unkindness. It deserves better than being left behind. Unless it''s joining us as well?"

    I flinch at that, at¡­ at the thought of ruining all these years of hard work to help those gerls grow and heal just¡­ wasted! Their and my efforts tossed aside in some grim nonsense!

    ¡°No! No, that won¡¯t be necessary.¡± I speak with a hint of panic, then settle. ¡°They¡­ Look. Adaline, I think I¡¯ve found someone who can cure me. Remove the Soul Rot and¡­ and gift me more than that. She¡­ I found her in my last trip. A venture to an old Archive mentioned in one of Yselda¡¯s maps to try and determine if this really was¡­ well it doesn¡¯t matter!¡± I huff and pull back, reaching up to touch its cheek. ¡°Point is, we¡¯re trying tomorrow. If it works¡­ well¡­ things are going to change. And¡­ and regardless this gerlthing also seems to handle all the old cunt¡¯s Dolls well. Can help them grow past this place. I¡­ I want that for you. Mean to ask her to take a look and see about healing the old scars I left.¡±

    It nods, "Good. I''m looking forward to having you more like me. It''s been painful, feeling like a part of me is missing. I look forward to meeting this mystery benefactor." It squeezes me once more, reassuringly, "I forgive you, you know. How could I not?"

    I wince. ¡°N¨C no. You¡­ She¡¯s¡­ I¡¯m not going to become a Doll, Adaline. She¡­ Xafra¡¯s figured out what causes the illness. Moonwaste in the bones, apparently. A small enough amount that It can be endured but¡­ was still slowly killing us.¡±

    A pause, and suddenly Adaline It sets me down, then abruptly pulls out a heavily wrinkled and creased scroll from its apron before holding it down to me. "That reminds me. A letter came for you while you were out. The Mistress says it''s very important you read it right away."

    I can only just stare up at it, a bit disheveled by this sudden shift and parchment settled into my hands. I¡­ I mean I guess this can happen. Most people trying to reach the Old Cunt send envoys and don''t bother with letters. But... which Doll was trusted to go out and pick it up? Or did someone wander outside the Root Path and toss it over the wall to avoid the wards that might trigger?

    ¡°Alright.¡± I murmur, opening the letter to read the¡­

    Dear Elevar,

    I hated you at first. You ruined our happy ending.

    Even through the garrote making me love you inside and out. I found a nugget of hatred for you.

    But... it''s been three years since you''ve left, hopefully for good for your own sake. I''ve come to understand why you did it. What it would have costed you. What that bitch took from me.

    I found a way out, I think. I''ve made a decision, a risky one, an unreasonable one, but it''s the only way I can even write this. I''ve decided to go mad. I got the idea from your own doll the week after you did it. So thank it, for me.

    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    I need you to know that I still love you, and I forgive you.

    If you read this, I should be long dead. If not, if I''m still delusional¡­

    Free me. Please. Regardless of what it will cost me. I need my mind to be my own again. You owe me that, if nothing else.

    Your blue Butterfly,

    Adaline.

    I jerk up to find Adaline just¡­ looking down at me curiously, her four piercing blue eyes beginning to water, completely at odds with her expression and posture. "I can''t remember where it came from, but the Mistress said I had to give it to you as soon as I could."

    Cracked and¡­ and¡­ No. Tighter still. Only let the words through. {X¨C Xafra? Dear?}

    As I rise my fingers entwine through Adaline¡¯s like I¡¯ve not done in¡­ in too long. ¡°It¡­ Yes. Your timing is perfect. As always. It seems¡­ ¡±

    [Yes, Mistress?] Her response is immediate.

    No crying, you stupid Half-Knit. Not a drop.

    ¡°I¡­ I''m going to speak with her alone. That¡¯s what the¡­ what Yselda would have wanted.¡± I say with all the confidence of the most ravenous Summer Storm. The Old Cunt''s name ripping through my mind but... hopefully setting this Doll into trusting motions.

    {Can you have Primrose show you to Yselda¡¯s Spire please?}

    [Yes, Ma''am.] Xafra answers after a moment.

    "Of course." Adaline pulls free of my hand and heads down and sits at the table, takes up needle and thread to begin working on the dress. ¡°Second door, at the top of the stairs.¡±

    I nod, careful to keep my everything stilled and dead. ¡°And the Undercroft you mentioned? What should I expect down there?¡±

    "The Undercroft? Oh dear. It''s so very dirty down there and filled with creepy crawlers,¡± She sighs, eyes not even leaving the dress she inspects. ¡°I had to tell the others to seal it shut after one of the Dolls got hurt. Mistress'' orders, of course."

    ¡°Hurt? Hurt how? Adaline what¡­ What happened?¡± I press. ¡°And what do you mean ¡®seal it shut¡¯? Did something get loose?¡±

    It turns and stares at me, unblinking. "I had to have an item retrieved from there. Since your toy put it down there. When the first Doll didn''t come back, I sent three. They found the item... and what was left of the Doll. Mistress insisted that this was of course unacceptable destruction of property, so the undercroft had to be sealed."

    ¡°My¡­ My Doll? Why was it¡­¡± I shake my head, ¡°What item?¡±

    "It''s upstairs with the Mistress. You can ask her yourself." The stare continues like she''s trying to convey something, but can''t do so.

    So I nod. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll¡­ You wait here.¡±

    Turning, and gripping the tether as tight as I think is safe, I move up the steps. Following her instructions and¡­ But wait. Second door? It said second, I recall that but¡­

    This is a closet.

    Why¡­ I mean I was expecting some grim shrine or some such laid out upstairs but... No. Doesn''t matter. The flights of fancy of a broken Doll aren''t things to ponder right now. stupid gerl.

    Deep breath, brace for the worst. And I open the door.

    This reveals¡­ something. Not until I turn on one of the lights do I see what it did with that cunt. A poppet of dried scorpion grass and goldflower interwoven with bones. Femurs for legs, and humeri for arms, and attached to the head, her jawbone. The thing is entirely devoid of Ousia, Physis, or any sort of weaving whatsoever, the bones clearly cleaned, hollowed and preserved before being used in such an unsettling manner.

    It¡¯s¡­ well this is¡­ Well at least it''s tasteful!

    ¡°Cracked and Riven Moon.¡± I sigh and settle before the nonsense thing, whispering as I double check the tether. ¡°At least you cleaned them, silly gerl. Not sure I could take the smell of rot right now.¡±

    [Mistress Elevar, we are at the entrance.] Xafra says along the bond, nearly causing me to flinch.

    {That was quick. I¡­ Yes. Give me a moment.} I intone back as carefully as possible. {Apologies for rousing you at such an hour. I just¡­ I needed to ask you a few things. Get your perspective on one of the cunt¡¯s Dolls and¡­ something else.}

    [Of course, Mistress Elevar, it is my duty and pleasure to come when you call.]

    The following snort causes my grip on the tether to slip. Just a touch but¡­ enough to make me worry what Xafra might feel. So I gift her something else to consider. {While I do this I¡¯d like you to, without actually interacting with anything, tell me what you feel when you''re on these grounds. And standing before this Spire. Ousia and Physis. Wards and such. You¡­ Well if we are very clever you might be able to aid in some things I¡¯d not really thought possible.}

    [The grounds in general? It''s¡­ barren aside from the lingering weaves. The Spire though, I can get in. It has your mentor''s signature which is. Well. mine now, technically. The way the wards are woven, I don''t quite understand yet. Still reading through those primers. But if needed I can bypass them without issue... I am going to wait here with Primrose, and give you the space you want. I trust you to keep yourself safe.]

    {Good. Well done. Thank you.} I reply, calming a bit to know that my guess on that was true. Then I turn my full focus back to¡­ to the bones. Her bones.

    All that¡¯s¡­ that¡¯s left of the woman I loved more than anything else in the lands. Including myself.

    ¡°Why couldn¡¯t you just¡­ trust me.¡± I whisper to them. I already know the answer, of course. Even Garroted and broken and falling all to pieces in her arms I''d growled at her many times in those final months.

    ¡°Because Lynette, my foolish little Half-Knit,¡± She had purred in voice and Tone and command. Forcing my everything to break into remaking thought around her will and words. ¡°You would burn your soul away on pointless attempts to remove it. You will let me handle this. Empty yourself of worry about the Seelenf?ule and focus on¡­ on steadying yourself for the future I¡¯m preparing for you.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Steady now.¡± I whisper, even rasping in some of my own tone just to¡­ to hear the weight of it. ¡°Brace harder. Just a memory. She¡¯s gone. You¡¯re free. You¡¯re free. You¡¯refreeyou¡¯refreeyou¡¯refreeyou¡¯refreeyou¡¯refreeyou¡¯refree.¡±

    My words get quieter and quieter as I feel the Ousia woven bond I sewed into myself, and I realize what I¡¯m going to need Xafra to do.

    Clinch that tether tighter and just¡­ stop. Don¡¯t¡­ You can¡¯t risk falling apart here. Not now.

    ¡°I¡­ I am sorry.¡± I rise, peering down at the bones of the late Witch Yselda, stating with more firm regard than I¡¯ve ever done. ¡°I did love you. And¡­ if we¡¯re both being honest to each other, at least this once, I do understand. I hate it, and I wish I could hate you, but¡­ I can¡¯t.¡±

    Such a tittering bitterness falls over me at saying those words aloud, and I take the rush to kneel and glare flatly into the mess. ¡°I would have let you keep me as¡­ as your newest toy. Even let you break me into something¡­ something like that if you¡¯d just asked instead of just Garroting and forcing it without my consent! Would have only required one thing of you. One, blighted Moonshite thing!¡± I¡¯m seething now, and my grip on the tether shakes as old anger bubbles up. ¡°Can you guess at it? Comprehend my last price?¡±

    The bones, just like her, give no reply.

    So I rise, shut the door, and walk back down the steps to where Yselda¡¯s last Doll awaits me.

    It nods, setting the dress and needle still. "Good. Acceptance is something I''ve learned over the years. It is important for you as well, so you can do what is necessary. I''m glad you found a cure, I only regret that... you don''t need me, dear Wife Lynette."

    No. Stupid gerl. No tears. Not yet.

    I move silently to stand before her, then kneel. ¡°Maybe not like I did before but¡­ Is it selfish of me to say that I need you to heal? My dear Connivant? To¡­ to focus on that? I know someone who can help and I need you to trust her?¡±

    "Of course not. It is my joy to do what you ask. If you say she''s trustworthy then I will trust.¡±

    Deep Breath.

    {Alright Xafra. Carefully now.} I intone more quietly than I think possible. {Try to open the entrance. If you feel resistance, stop immediately. Those wards are not a thing even the primers could prepare you for and I''d rather you not experience their ire.}

    A whisper of motion, and the entrance to this Spire falls away again. Primrose walks through the entryway into the main room and¡­ nothing. No wards trigger. Its stance is all wrong though. entirely unlike the Doll.

    Xafra¡¯s taken full control it seems.

    ¡°Let me introduce you to¡­ to her.¡± I rise and hold a hand out to Adaline, and once she takes It I gently lead her to Xafra the Doll she controls.

    ¡°Thank you again for coming so quickly, Xafra. Primrose.¡± I nod. ¡°This is Adaline. It¡­ it was the last Doll created here, and the first to get the Garrote removed. I am hoping you can both help it heal, and also¡­ leave. Some nonsense the old Mistress of this place wove makes this Spire get quite upset when it or I try to remove this one.¡±

    Primrose relaxes into its own flustered mannerisms as Xafra reaches out to me [Would you like this done now, Mistress?]

    {Yes, of course.} I reply quickly and while still gripping the tether taut so nothing but my words spill through. {And, if you can, I¡¯d like Adaline to be placed into a Dreamless rest if this proves not immediately tenable.}

    [Are you... certain you wish to be present for this, my love? The last time I used her Tone, it went... badly for you.]

    I can only respond like I have done so many times to another pair worrying over their fool of a Witch. "She deserves no less from me."

    [Alright. Will take some slight modifications due to its state.]

    Primrose steps up to Adaline and stares at her.

    "No longer significant but important enough to delay her curing for... Mmmm. Let''s begin." Xafra speaks through Primrose in her own voice.

    Brace.

    And then the voice of Yselda echoes out from Primrose¡¯s lips, reciting such an odd command. "Daughter mine, the Moon has set and the Suns are aweeping. It is time to wake from your Nightmare. Be still and slow for Purpose remains, deep within the Maelstrom. Cherish your freedom as you are born anew."

    At those words Xafra¡¯s Ousia curls out and envelopes Adaline entirely, flooding its body before shifting texture to¡­ to match the old cunt¡¯s. Adaline shivers as her form bubbles, even giving off a touch of her old Ousia and Physis glow. Then a sliver of Xafra¡¯s Ousia, which looks oddly similar to what I¡¯ve only seen in her Driftdream, slides to fill the old stitch marks where once the Garrote sat. Then Xafra pulls back and is done.

    The entire process takes less than three heartbeats. Which is good¡­ because I¡¯m not sure I would have lasted if we¡¯d reached a forth under the pressure of the old cunt¡¯s Ousia patterns.

    ¡°Dear?¡± I murmur softly to the Doll at my side.

    The moment the working settles, and without hesitation, Adaline punches Primrose in the mouth, sending the gerlthing sprawling backways and tumbling into a heap. Jaw and chin a mess of shattered nonsense.

    "Ashes of my flesh,¡± The Doll at my side states while drawing back from the strike. ¡°I''ve wanted to do that for seven years. Yselda, you bitch, I loved you."

    The strike doesn¡¯t make me flinch, but the words behind it do unsteady things.

    Loved, as¡­ as in previously. Either has stopped or in that¡­ that she accepts the old cunt is dead!

    She¡¯s free.

    The spear strapped to Primrose shifts into... me. Wearing loose fitting trousers belted tight and her breast band, Xafra looks like my mirror with the exception of her eyes.

    She lunges at Adaline and grabs it by the throat. "You don''t get to hurt my Doll. Not Ever."

    Frozen under the weight of nearly a decade of failure suddenly subsumed, and unable to Cant while gripping the tether, its all I can do to spit a harsher, ¡°Stop.¡± than I expect to muster. "X- Xafra release her! Adaline... I... The cunt is gone. This one can simply mimic her Ousia and Tone."

    Reaching out I hold a hand to hover just beneath Xafra''s wrist. An offer, as I intone. {I apologize. I... I should have expected that. Primrose will not be the target of this one''s ire again.}

    Xafra takes my offer, shifting back into a spear in my grasp. [I like her, Mistress. She''s feisty. But yes. Primrose needs to be treated gently, as befitting an art piece.]

    "It''s not mimicry, Elllleeeevaaaar." Adaline rolls my name across its lips, the first time she''s ever said it, "The Mistress is dead, but not gone, Oh no. The weapon only contains a portion of her, enough for her voice, yet I can still hear her whispering. But no matter, I am free finally, and we will have a lot of catching up to do... Later. Handle your cure soon? Then we can talk."

    I¡­ do not want to consider the possibility that Adaline is not still delusional and thus those horrifying words having even a hint of truth.

    I shake my head. ¡°I¡­ We¡¯re handling it tomorrow but¡­ Adaline it¡¯s not¡­¡± I sigh and look away from those blazing azure eyes. ¡°Xafra¡¯s abilities defy logic, and I expect to survive this. But¡­ Things need to be set in order beforehand. I¡­ I wasn¡¯t going to¡­ Is there anything else you need? Now. Tonight. Other than this one freeing you from this wretched Spire?¡±

    "You better survive. You don''t get to abandon me for a decade only to return for a week and die right after freeing me. Tonight? No. I''m going to sleep under the stars and have a good think. Maybe cuddle some of the others. Elevar, I haven''t been able to even touch anyone in a decade, just had supplies thrown up to the balcony. Mistress says I need to prioritize my own comfort tonight."

    ¡°Of course. You¡­ yes. Anything.¡± I reply then intone to Xafra. {Can¡­ Xafra, dear. Would you mind terribly unweaving the ward that stops her? Use whatever you need. T¨C Tone or otherwise.}

    ¡°Xafra will disable the ward. You¡­ go. I¡¯ll clean up this place.¡± I step back from her.

    [The ward doesn''t stop her anymore, Mistress. It stops the Doll she was a few minutes ago. Not her... I''m sorry for reacting so strongly. I don''t know it and was worried she might have continued hurting Primrose.]

    ¡°I.. oh. Xafra says the wards are gone.¡± I say to Adaline as I step up to the rising and shuttering Primrose. Holding out her Mistress and cooing softy. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry dear, you didn¡¯t deserve that.¡±

    ::Gratitude:: comes from Xafra

    {You did nothing wrong, I was at fault.} I intone once Xafra rests well in Primrose''s careful grip.

    I glance up to watch as Adaline cautiously tries the entrance, and once it sees that leaving is possible, continues forward without looking back.

    [It''s okay. Are you doing okay? The things she said implied much.]

    I take a deep breath, refocus my everything on a steady grip on the tether as I turn from them, wincing as I glare at the back stairs. {No. To be honest. But, I have more to do it seems. You¡­ you should return to your Spire and preparations.}

    [Alright. I can''t understand, but I''ve seen similar things. Setting affairs in order, in case of death. I respect it and accept it but would ask one thing of you.]

    {And that is?}

    [Two days from now, I''d like you to start making plans for the future. Setting affairs in order, because issues won''t outlive you. It''s too easy to let time slip past before realizing that mistakes can still happen.]

    I nod, and swallow. {I¡¯ll try, dear one. And¡­ I think that tonight will be a step towards that. Turns out that fool of a Doll managed to convince some of the others here to¡­ to dig up the old cunt¡¯s bones. Of all riven things. So I mean to gather them up and bury them before going back to my Spire to hold my Doll close. Not sure I¡¯ll manage a whisper of real sleep but¡­ that¡¯s normal for me. Rarely can I rest well before any venture beyond this place.}

    [Thank you. I''ll leave the passage open for you to slip into my Driftdream tonight, if you wish.]

    That, more than all else, makes my grip on the tether slip more than anything else tonight. Because despite taking up Xafra''s offer every night since we got here I''m still so used to bracing for the Night Terrors. Just... habitually dreading sleep.

    Probably just a sputtering of weariness and pain and other nonsense leaks through. Quickly recovered, but enough that my fool mind can say more than I''d otherwise let it blather on about.

    {No I... Thank you for offering me refuge I do not deserve these past days. Not sure even a whisper of sleep would find me otherwise. I... I love you, Xafra. Quite a bit more than I know what to do with, actually.}

    [There''s a lot of me to go around, so that''s fine. I love you too, my Witchling Mistress Elevar.]

 Chapter 27: Im No Longer Jealous of Your Hands (Blade)

    I''m No Longer Jealous of Your Hands (Blade)

    Content Warnings:

    Oh gosh just... ALL the mupples. Every single gosh dern one of them is in this chapter! There is a bit of oral SEX, there is blood and surgery and dissection and replacing of BONES! Some Pain fetishization as a Witch turns it into pleasure! Um.... Gosh whoever let me write the CWs is a silly one! Um... naked shower things? Self harm to make pain to be used as pleasure? But yeah there is a FULL body bone surgery thing here. Mhmhmhmhm! Woops! OH! And more dementia as a gerlthing talks about ''hearing the whispers'' and wanting to do something with bones! That may not be everything but you gotta give a gerlthing some credit because this is a 10k worb chappy that''s prolly like.... 30 pages here! AHHH!!!

    HOPE you enjoy!!!

    Primrose and I return to my Spire without delay. My reserves will be enough to make it through the surgery but not much more after spending so much on resheathing my form.

    [Primrose dear, I''m so sorry that you were hurt. It was a failure on my part that it occurred.]

    [It''s... No Mistress! You were helping fix her like you did this one!] Primrose replies immediately. [It should have moved or... or something! Maybe if it had done proper introductions she would not have been confused by your using the old Mistress Tone. I''m sorry. I''ll do better in the future.]

    [My darling, we were introduced. Adaline simply wanted to strike me, and I happened to be puppeting you at the time. Actually, how do you feel about that, now that we''ve tried it out? If you''re not comfortable, we don''t have to do so again, it''s entirely up to you.]

    [It was actually um...] Primrose goes a bit quiet, then replies quickly as a bubbling of embarrassment flutters through it. [Yes. Please. Do that anytime you want to, Mistress. It really really liked the feeling of you... of... of that. Mhm. Yes. Maybe not the... the punching part though. But the rest was wonderful.]

    [I''m glad. Your happiness is important to me. That also helps with the last thing we need to discuss tonight. Tomorrow, I will be working with Verbess to cure my Mistress Elevar. Though that term is not precisely accurate. We aren''t fixing the damage, just swapping out damaged parts, which... are coming from me. This means that I will, in effect, be limited to this form until we are able to leave the Estate to do some harvesting. I won''t be permanently harmed, and nothing should go wrong, but I need you to know and communicate to my Mistress that if I end up comatose, I need to be directly used to reap life. It may take a few, but it will work.]

    [Yes Mistress! This one will keep a close watch and be ready to tell the Witch Elevar this if you go into a sleep and cannot be awoken.]

    [Good Girl. I''m happy you''re mine.]

    Primrose purrs and curls around me as we settle in the display case it brought from its previous quarters. Eventually it responds with [This one is happy to be yours too, Mistress.] as we drift off to sleep, me in my Driftdream with Elevar, and her wherever dolls are wont to dream.

    The weeping bloom of the Suns wake me in the pitch black chamber we rest in as the Nomos floods over my form and I make a note to ask Primrose about raising the case off the floor.

    [Primrose. It''s Time to head to Mistress Elevar''s Spire.] Immediately afterwards, I reach out to Schatzi and Verbess to ensure that they too are ready. Elevar can sleep for a bit longer, of course. [Little Monster, Little Sister, are you both ready?]

    Primrose rises immediately with an enthusiastic reply and begins to prepare a more functional dress for itself.

    Verbess thrums with the quiet considerations of an awaiting predator [Yes, Xafra. We await in her resting arms.]

    [When we get there, I will have you wait downstairs. If anyone¡ª scratch that, if Adaline comes, let me know immediately. If I don''t respond, have an ''accident'' with dishes or something and make noise.]

    As we arrive, I gently nudge Elevar awake within the Driftdream. [Mistress. It is time. I am downstairs.]

    Even with my Driftdream seemingly laden in peace she pulls from it with an aura of restlessness. {Thank you, yes. Good morning. Probably shouldn''t eat anything before we start.} Then she pauses, probably to say something aloud to her Doll. {Where is the best place for this?}

    [A room upstairs, preferably one that is easy to clean afterwards, that you can scrubbing bubbles beforehand.]

    Such a rush of bitter mirth seems to run through her. {My bubbles will make everything clean with only a touch of effort. Let''s just... make this an event then... Do you want your Primrose to remain close or would you prefer me or my Doll to come fetch you?}

    [I''ll head up.] I shift and walk towards the stairs before being stopped by the full length mirror. It''s a special kind of pleasure to look like my love. Except for those hateful eyes... I shake off the burst of outrage and make my way to Mistress Elevar.

    "We just need a few final things, then we can begin.¡±

    I find her in a large chamber. Sitting on the edge of a bed wearing only a simple bed robe. "Oh? What else?¡±

    "I need to transfer knowledge to Verbess, have you cuff me into place, and discuss your pain management¡±

    She nods to the first, quirks an amused eye at the second, and inhales deeply at the third before replying with a steady. "In which order?¡±

    "Cuffs last. Otherwise it''s up to you.¡±

    "Transfer the knowledge to it first, then we''ll discuss the rest.¡±

    [My Kin, are you willing] I check with Verbess quickly.

    [Yes. Give this one what it needs to hunt this prey.]

    I spin over a tiny imitation of the archive Elevar had shown me when we first met, filled with detailed diagrams of Elevars exact anatomy, precise measurements for the incisions and methods needed, as well as the recommended order to do the operations, along with a message to read in case of emergencies.

    [There... Little Monster. Verbess. I have a request.]

    It pauses in consideration of the information before nodding and turning eyes to me. [Yes?]

    [Cover me with a sheet, before the Mistress gets up after the surgery.]

    [It will do this, but... may it ask what part of the procedure this will aid in if the surgery is complete?]

    [None. Call it vanity if you must]

    Verbess pauses, nods, and all at once two arms split into four as Quills rise out from the Frame''s back. Then, as fangs crack free and snap about a bit, it settles into a kneeling crouch of patience while a song of anticipation silently chimes forth. Clothes luckily a simple garb that accommodate Verbess'' unique form and only suffer minor tearing.

    I sit down beside my Mistress. "How do you want to handle the pain? You don''t need to be awake through the whole process, if you choose.¡±

    "Hm... Some parts seem... Well, to be honest I never asked." She crosses a leg and rests chin on her palm, eyes rolling up and down my form in curious regard. "When you say you need to replace my bones, did you literally mean all of them?¡±

    "Not all. Only the major ones. With the most marrow. Irony there, really, considering you have been using marrow in some of your workings. I had assumed they were another''s but after you mentioned your proclivities with Verbess..." I let the implications hang in the air.

    Elevar smiles in a way that does not touch her eyes while intoning a soft ::Delight/Agony/Longing/Anticipation:: to her waiting Doll. Almost... like one would run fingers through the hair of any other. It thrums in surprised hunger while Elevar whispers softly. ¡°Yse- The Old Cunt required I sit awake and experience every ounce of my Re-knitting. Not for cruelty, mind you, I needed to learn her craft. She was a Matron of the Fleshshaping. Early on we agreed or... well, she made it very clear that it would take me years, and that was if I gained a cleverness I did not possess, to do the things I wanted. And probably while wasting a fair bit of Ousia as I fuddled the process a few times. So... She wove this body for me with the anticipation that I would adjust things as I learned them myself.¡±

    She takes a deep breath and continues to roll her eyes over my replicated body. Letting such a wash of contrasting emotions roll down our bond. Disgust mixed with Delight. Pride drowning in fury. And... Euphoric joy smothered in Dysphoric spite. None of it at me. But as one would feel looking at a mirror. "Anyway. Pain is... A capricious bitch of a lover to keep, but I learned how to court her from quite the seductive cunt. So, Which bones worry you, Xafra? Anything below the skull should be doable with only a small possibility that the spell I weave will kick in. But... head trauma has a way of spoiling it all. Is that on the list of things getting replaced?¡±

    "No, your skull will remain where it is. It''s simply that it will be hours of work, and my focus will be entirely devoted to maintaining your health during the process. Each bone will be done one at a time, so it''s more a question of endurance, I think.¡±

    "Oh! Well thank the Dead Hag for anxieties unrealized." She relaxes. "Then my spell will keep me steady. Will you need my heart rate or breathing to fluctuate? Weavings from me? I already mean to lay a... well it''s an altered thing of her design. A spell to lock me out of my body if I lose grip of myself. Start to thrash about like I haven''t in years. Not unconscious, mind you. Just... forced still. Lasts until I''m steady again.¡±

    "No. The only weaving I need are the cuffs, same as you did previously. It is important that they last, even if you fall unconscious.¡±

    She nods. "I can invest enough Physis to make it last instead of drawing continuously. But... Why do you need to be restrained? I can''t puzzle that part out.¡±

    "I... don''t expect to remain conscious.¡±

    A pause, and I get to watch her consider that before understanding sparks. "Back before, when the first tether broke, you remained in human form until I undid the bindings. And... What you just gave to Verbess. You mean for it to not just extract, but perform this. Or... at least a good portion of it?¡±

    "Yes.¡±

    Her head tilts. "And... what would be the thing you worry will drop you into unconsciousness?¡±

    I don''t want to explain. I need to explain. I am afraid of explaining. I am going to explain.

    "The pain, as well as the duration cost.¡±

    She purses her lips, and nods. "You don''t have a means to avoid it, do you?¡±

    I whisper, "Not... that I can use.¡±

    I can''t tell her the whole truth. That my base anthroparion form has been converted to her body, that I don''t have the little alterations I crafted over the years in it anymore. That I will have to sculpt a new base again to be able to dim my nerves. Even knowing that I still have a few other forms, she would not accept what I did.

    Elevar takes a deep breath, then lets it out slowly. "Ah... Well that''s a problem. If my calculations are correct." Then she turns to Verbess. "Fold up a bit, Verbess dear. Schatzi, would you mind terribly going and brewing us some tea with a spot of breakfast? And see about getting Primrose to assist.¡±

    "Mistress¡­¡±

    What is she doing? This is important. Why? Why? Why?

    She turns back to look me up and down once more, eyebrow quirking. "Are you a tool to be used until broken? Or a person to plan such clever and wicked schemes with? Because one of those I would be remiss in allowing to crack and chip herself upon this folly, while the other I''d expect to sit with her partner and be honest about the cost of what she intends to do. Probably share that information over a meal even.¡±

    I don''t know whether to laugh or cry.

    "The price of personhood, I guess. Fine. Let''s eat and talk.¡±

    "Even with Primrose''s aid, breakfast will take a bit." She sighs and rises, glancing about as if considering other things. "It''s odd, honestly¡­¡± Then she turns back to me, "Despite my cleaning spells being nearly perfect, I always feel a mess if I go without a good wash every few days at least. Muddles my mind a bit. So, I''m going to do that before our meal is ready. Would you like to join me?¡±

    Spend lives in order to have a shower? Parasite. Hypocrite. I push the thoughts away for now.

    "I would love to." Genuinely. The concept of such casual intimacy with a partner while being their mirror is thrilling but can go so terribly wrong. I won''t push. Let her lead.

    I don''t understand this woman, but I adore her. She makes me want to be better. Soon. Once she''s cured, we can start fixing things. Make up for the harms, at least in part.

    Elevar steps back to me, and reaches down. But... instead of offering her hand she takes up a wrist of mine and pulls me to my feet. Then begins to lead me to the other half of this chamber. A room with a floor entrenched tub and a large circle grooved area that from the little magics I feel Elevar pulse through the room as we walk, is a shower type thing. "So, a standing wash? Or do you prefer a good soak while sitting? Hot or cold, neither is harder to weave into this room than the other.¡±

    "Hot sounds nice. Uhm. Standing? I spent most of yesterday soaking in a basin.¡±

    "Of course, I''m much the same. Unless... well some days a soak is needed." She laughs, diverting more Physis into the odd circle and causing such a rush of water to begin pouring down straight from the ceiling. But before I can step toward it she takes us over to a small nook in the wall and pulls forth odd sticks with strange balls of some off root cluster on the end, and a bar of what I hope is soap. Her soon following instructions clarify it as such as the stick as some kind of scrubbing tool for hard to reach places. Then she releases my hand and begins to shrug out of her robe, revealing naked form beneath as she glances back to me. "And if you''d prefer to do this alone, anytime, feel free. My Spire is open to your needs.¡±

    I disrobe and join her, starting to feel guilty. I kept going on about honesty and yet, I keep hiding things from her that she has a right to know. "I''m sorry.¡±

    "No. I''ll not hear your apologies until you hear mine." She pulls me under what I find to be more like an attempt at re-creating a downpour of warmer rain than what I''ve experienced, then turns to regard me. Shaking her head with a sigh. "You''re simply reacting. Shouldering what you think is your expected burden. Thinking you need to earn a keep. And that''s my fault. I''m not used to having a partner. I''ve had a... Well, I only called her Mistress at the end when she forced it. Which, you''ve probably puzzled out how horrid she made me. And I''ve had my Doll. Subservient beyond what is good for either of us. Unable and probably unwilling to give voice to when I''m making a mistake or hurting it. I''ve left you alone in that Spire and... and not come to you when we could have solved the hitches in my research together as well. Scared of change. Scared of being wrong again. And... I''m sorry. You asked for a partner and I''ve not really gifted you that. Not fully.¡±

    I want to scream at her, to stop her from saying such things but... she''s right. I''ve been acting similar to how I did with my previous wielders, not partners. They didn''t see me as an equal, or treat me like one.

    "You''re... Trying. That matters. I''m trying too. So¡­. Honesty." I step forward and embrace her, holding tightly under the downpour. "I told you that my form would be out of commission until I can feed and be put back in the solution. It''s because Verbess is going to transplant all the bones needed from this form into you. I''ll be not much more than an empty sack of flesh when out of spear form and. It''s going to hurt me a lot. Leave me physically vulnerable. With the amount of time the surgery will take and the healing needed... I''ll be at my lowest reserves since before I was put into Archive Altschmerz. Most importantly, I want to do this. Not out of a sense of obligation, but because I refuse to lose you, and... Schatzi told me a little of what happened. So the idea of offering to partially weave you into a Doll feels like ash in my mouth now.¡±

    ¡°Xafra¡­¡± Elevar sighs while returning the embrace without hesitation, seeming to suppress such a wave of trembles as she clings to me. "We have time. More than ever with you supplementing my Ousia. And together we can develop a solution that I can stomach and you can survive. You developed this entire scheme in less than a week, under stress. Now, imagine what you could develop with ten times that, alongside access to a master Fleshcrafting''s personal journals, and a wellspring of Ousia that we''re going to Reave from the surrounding jungles!¡±

    "You turn all my plans to dross, love, and yet¡­¡± I murmur into the skin of her neck. ¡°I can''t help but be grateful.¡±

    She snorts and huffs out a laugh, while sliding a hand up my neck and into my hair while another arm wraps tighter around my hips. "Hardly my fault I can see what the tides of this would wash away. You... Xafra, are you starting to see why this wouldn''t work? Both for you and for me? The flaws in this scheme? If not that''s okay, I''m not... this isn''t a test. This isn''t an easy problem to solve and this is honestly a brilliantly clever scheme. But it would fail.¡±

    "No.¡± I counter firmly but, gently. ¡°It would work perfectly. But... I feel you are uncomfortable with the cost, and I can accept that.¡±

    In reply her laugh turns a bit wicked. Shifts into a giggling that seems to drop a bit of control she has gained over the tether. Freeing loose a manic tittering. "It''s so dangerous that I find that delicious about you. That you think like a spear. Forward thrusts and slices while blighting the costs. A weapon, so perfect in her strikes until she misses." Then she''s leaning forward, teeth at my ear, just shy of touching. "Have I misread you, my Xafra? Is Pain a thing you enjoy? Not... not little twitches and small things, but the kind of pain that drowns and unmakes? Stops time, even?¡±

    "No. I crafted my previous form to translate pain into simple information. I find no pleasure in pain whatsoever. Yet, I am no stranger to pain, it is an oft familiar acquaintance. I am old. Ancient by most standards. I''ve endured worse pain. The cost to me is not the pain. It is¡­¡± I pause, consider the cost of this as my voice goes quiet. ¡°The risk of you looking at me differently afterwards. Of witnessing your own ruined form and seeing in me only your mortality, not your future. That... is the type of pain I could not bear. The other risk is one I''ve accepted. That you will dispose of me in my vulnerability. If that is what you choose, then so be it. I will at least have the knowledge that I did my best."

    She goes quiet.

    I pull Elevar into sitting and settle her into my lap, curling her head against my chest as my voice goes a bit low and husky. "I want to do this. Not simply because it will cure you but... the very idea of being closer to you than any entity could ever be, of being the very bones that bear your weight day in and out, it sparks a hunger in me, a thirst I don''t think anything else could quench. Pain is nothing in the face of that pleasure.¡±

    "Oh..." She murmurs into my chest, tether taut once again.

    {Schatzi? Verbess? Xafra and I need to reweave the bond I have linked to you. Make it better and such. But it''s going to go slack for a bit. Can you wait in the kitchen until we''re ready to remake it?} She intones to her Doll while pulling up to lock a hard gaze on me. "I don''t want them to feel this. Can you handle their removal from the bond till we leave these waters?¡±

    The Dolls reply in instant agreement.

    "Yes." I ignore the confusion and trepidation I feel, choose trust, and carefully extract myself from the bond between the Doll and her, removing their ability to communicate through it and feel her emotions. "There. All done.¡±

    She checks it over, nods, then refocuses on me. "I''d like to stop strangling this tether, so you can know without a doubt that I''m being honest with you. But... It''s going to be messy. There are other things... Things I''d rather no one else have to feel. Hearing that old cunt''s voice broke some part of me I thought was long stable. And what happened with Adaline... well... that shattered even more. And you''re going to get all of that.¡±

    "Alright. I''ll do the same? So we can both be open with each other about how we''re feeling.¡±

    She swallows hard, nods again. Fear is obvious on her face while the tether sits inert. "Only... only if you want to. Xafra.¡±

    "I do. It''s time." With that, I release my grip on our bond and let my emotions run freely towards her. Anxiety, Concern, Desire, but most of all, an overwhelming sense of Acceptance. [My Elevar. Mine. The good and the bad.]

    The Witch before me flinches, even seems to reel a bit. Then... pauses. And like the reverse of that first time we met in the Archives she considers my offering of emotions like I did the Physis shared. Seems to poke and ponder at it, before slowly letting the opposite end of the tether loosen and return her own and...

    {ImsorryIloveyouIhateyouineedyougarrotePleaseNOherflayherSTOPbindituseitbreakGETOUTitpunishherthankyouwhyareyouIHATETHIStrustinghelpmeheryourstupidhalfknitwhelpI''mstartingto think that maybe I''ve made a mistake.} The tether jerks and roils and seems to thrash as Elevar wraps Physis about it.Tries to steady it. Not filtering but... focusing. {But... The tidesSTOPhave washed in. Nothing to do now butFOCUSbrace for the waves, it seems.}

    She takes a deep breath, trembling despite the warmth that washes over us. {Apologies,stupidhalfknitSTOP, I... I''m not sure what FOCUSyou''re enduring. But I hope it''s less of a mess than I fear it is.}

    I rock back for a moment before chuckling and relaxing with my arms around her, "Ah. I understand now. You''ve been in my Driftdream, do you remember the Wisps?¡±

    She stiffens.

    {SeesSTOPthecracksisFOCUSgoingtobreakyouSTUPIDHALFKNITleaveyouORWORSEhurtherself...} With a huff the tittering mess quiets a touch as she relaxes back into my hold. "Is it that bad? Cracked and Riven Moon, please tell me it''s just a mess of nonsense emotions and... and not that.¡±

    "Oh, my apologies. The Wisps are the way I maintain my mind. It is a method I was taught, based on the concept that I am not my thoughts though they are a part of me. If what you mean by that is like Verbess and Schatzi, no I don''t believe so. It is messy, you''re transmitting your thoughts along with your emotions, because they are so interwoven. You''ve been through a lot.¡± I reply and curl about her just a little tighter. ¡°I''m not going to hurt you any more than you ask for, or leave you unless you request it, or do anything to cause permanent damage to myself physically, mentally, or spiritually.¡±

    Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!

    {LIARfoolishgerlthing.} The bond thrums as Elevar considers my words. "I... Don''t think I believe you. About that last part, specifically. I''ve... We''re always going to hurt each other more than we want. And a great deal more than we ask for¡­"

    The tether slips from her grip and seems to scream, {Hervoice?}

    {HERVOICE?}

    {LethergutmeandseemynonsenseandthenshetookMYOLDCUNTSOUSIAANDTONEANDUSEDIT?!}

    But quickly she snatches it up and settles in into a chanting of¡­

    {STOPstopstopstopstopstopstopstopnotherfaultnotherfaultnotherfault.}

    "And... honestly that''s fine. Mistakes happen. I just¡­ I need you to know this." Then she huffs, pulls to sit up and meet my eyes again. "There is no form that you can take that will ever make me abandon you. And while... While what you describe sounds horridly uncomfortable for you, I''d do more than help you reclaim a shape you delight in. I''d hold you close through it, and help you reclaim forms you desire. It won''t disgust me."

    {Pleasedon''tdoitMYXAFRASontmakemedoitpleasebeokaypleasedontbreakyourselfpleasedontpleasepleaseplease}

    "And... and I''ve been so stupid!" She growls. "Didn''t even ask about the specifics because I... I just assumed it would be like before!"

    {AstrideInsidemeLEASHEDtearingoldmistakesawayGOODGERLfreeingmebitingmeCRACKEDANDRIVENMOONTeartheoldawayandreplacewithmyXaframyXaframyXafraMYXAFRA}

    "But hearing that you mean to endure pain I know you won''t enjoy, for this. It spoils it. Would make it impossible for me to focus through it knowing that beside me you''re..." She pauses, takes a steadying breath as the tether falls back into miserable titters of worry and shame. "Doesn''t matter. This won''t work. I''m a wretched person but not so much that I can enjoy my Verbess'' ravenous attentions while you suffer. No. It''s not even a choice. I would literally be just as miserable as you.¡±

    I let a few thoughtful moments pass after listening patiently, weathering the unspoken yet unmuffled accusations and pain. "Okay... I did specifically mean deliberately. Of course accidents and mistakes happen. We''ve already hurt each other. Now though. This does open up a new option. A genuine option, not me just grasping at final straws. If you say no, I won''t bring it up again, and we''ll figure out a different way. Will you hear me out?¡±

    "Of course. Xafra, you can pester me about this all you want." She huffs, pulling fully away to settle sitting across from me under the falling waters. "Grasping at desperate solutions is fine. We can refine and rework until they''re stable.¡±

    Without a word, I shift the fingers on my right hand to black tipped claws and drag them down my chest in bloody furrows, hissing softly at the pain and letting the feeling transmit to Elevar to see if my idea will work.

    Elevar flinches, both in surprise and sudden sensation of phantom pain. Hand darting up her own chest as she clutches as nonexistent wounds. Then she grits her teeth, settling. The tether drifting from howls of panic and fury to calming regard. "That''s... Enthralling. And your idea?¡±

    As my masochistic Witchling begins to enjoy herself, I find amusement and her pleasure flows back to me, which she feels as well. "Oh. Oh wow." I tamper down on it before I lose myself and continue, "I think, there''s the possibility for me to have the longest, most agonizingly pleasurable orgasm I''ve ever experienced.¡±

    Elevar just... stares. Eyes widening a bit as she realizes what this means. The tether falling from disbelief, into a rush of suspicion, then slowly rising up into mirth as the resonance from the bond solidifies the truth she was disallowing her to accept. A bubbling giggle escapes her. "Oh... Oh this is such a bad idea.¡±

    I look at her seductively, "Would you be interested in teaching me the sweet pleasure of pain?¡±

    {Yesyesyesyeysyesyseyespleaseyssyespleaseyesyesyeeeeeeeeeeeees}

    "We should weave those other tethers first." She huffs out and tries to quiet the rush of desire my words encite. "I''ll... I''ll edit them to filter but enhance this. Make sure you don''t get a second dose of pain. Otherwise we could create a feedback loop that will ruin this. And once we''re both bracing through it, managing them will be a bit difficult. I''ll have to spin workings that don''t need either of us to fiddle with them.¡±

    "Agreed. You think it can work then?¡±

    "It could, yes. Just¡­ Let me think." She smirks then, and I get to feel my Witch really puzzle over this as past anxieties fall away to steady logic.

    {12tostart12secondaryforwhentheybreak Alongside 2 weavings to cut them once either the work is done or we get overwhelmed. Physis tethers will do so as long as I reinforce them with marrow. Will have plenty to spare anyway. A full body...}

    "Would you like to start with a full body binding or work up to it?" She interrupts the thought path to ask.

    I chuckle, "I have no idea what that means. But if you''d like to know what I''d like..." I let the words hang as I share my thoughtstream only for a moment with her.

    [MINEiWantHerNowNeedHerVICTORYgonnaTakeHerHereOnTheShowerFloorSYMMETRYiTrustHer- Is primrose okay?- VerbessGoodSchaziCuteelevarelevarelevarelevarelevarelevarelevarelevarelevarMINE-Adaline could be mine...-GonnaFixMyWitchlingLove]

    Her steady considerations almost fall apart near the end, but flare up into a furious focus as she laughs with me. "I do need to test these anyway..." Spinning fingers she weaves up a cluster of 2 dozen very tiny tethers of Physis, then tilts them down to whirl and curl about the bond. Stopping just shy of me as they hover close but do not touch. Then she quirks an eyebrow in question. "Want to help? I''ll need some of this body''s marrow to complete the spell¡­¡±

    "Yes.¡± I reply without hesitation. ¡°What do you need me to do?¡±

    "We''ll start simple." She grins. "Choose a spot. Draw out some marrow, then I''ll use it to finish these. We''ll see how you handle the beginnings of real pain as you feel mine. Do that well and... we''ll take this farther. See if this can happen today."

    {TEETH!?!CLAWS?WHICHwillsheyouchoose?eitherworkseitherwillfeelhorridamazingbitetearripnonsenseaway}

    I literally writhe on the ground in euphoric excitement before crawling on hands and knees over to her and sinking the fangs I manifest into her clavicle. An injury I''m familiar with so it should be manageable. Crunch and twist and a slight tug and it''s free in my mouth as I spin around to rest my head in her lap.

    Elevar doesn''t flinch as within a second the bond is screaming. And behind those howls washes a thrum from my Witchling. Small, like what she felt at the scar I tore across my chest, but... deeper and growing. It mingles with the pain, twists and wraps itself tight in the depths of the raw sensation.

    She hisses in enjoyment while reaching down to cup my cheek, fingers reaching out to touch the bone I hold between teeth. "How''s this? Are you ready for more?¡±

    I nod and growl, I don''t need words for this, she can feel my agreement clearly, unimpeded by doubt or hesitation.

    A deep inhale from her, causing what feels like a retreat in the tides of pain, then the marrow dissolves in a rush of heat I can feel through the bone I still clutch. Physis tethers course about the bond as they are fused with the energy the marrow births, a crude and costly substitute for Ousia. Then they jerk and lurch forward, slipping all about and around my own core like a dozen embracing limbs.

    On exhale, the pain waves return. But this time... Elevar''s enjoyment folds on and around the pain, multiplied by the extra Physis tethers which send slightly delayed titters of enjoyment and mirth and such hungers, like fluttering echoes after the initial impact.

    It feels like victory, the pain and pleasure of conquest, of laying low all that stands in my path, and most of all, it fills me with ravenous desire.

    Elevar trembles, drags fingers around to caress my hair as she purrs. "Okay. Okay. Okaaaaaay..."

    {DrownherNObreakherFOCUSshoveheadWEHAVEWORKTODObeneaththewavesFOCUSFOCUSFOCUSandbaskinherwailingNOTYETuntilthereisnothingleftbuty¨C}

    "If..." She huffs. "If you can deal with more... Focus through this and link me to my Doll once again so I call my Verbess back." She murmurs while ending the rain of this shower.

    I giggle, carefully avoiding copying her voice as I spin around, spit out the bone, and bury my face in her wet and waiting folds. Showing my appreciation clearly while I deftly slide my mental tendril along her bond with the Doll, reconnecting us to them.

    She reaches down into the bond as I re-weave it, twisting one of those extra tethers into the mix. Adjusting it to edit out anything beyond deliberate messages. {Schatzi? Apologies but turns out we can hold off on breakfast. Ask Primrose to store any perishables for now. Verbess? You can return.}

    The Dolls reply in affirmatives while my Witchling continues to run fingers through my hair alongside raw pain and pleasure down the bonds. My workings between her legs become more pronounced with every motion. Mingling and twisting through the steady beats of her wounds aches.

    "Mmmmm" I raise my head realizing that being tongue deep, especially with a tongue shifted to be three times as long, makes speech difficult. "Are you able to set a weaving to record sensation? It would be good to reward the sisters afterwards.¡±

    Elevar hums happily, letting the flutters of enjoyment titter along the bond in an almost rhythmic pattern. "Thaaat, is not a horrid idea. Actually. For... quite a few reasons. Buuut... I''m going to need more marrow for it." She glances down at me. "And you should consider finishing what you started. Unless you wanted to continue this in bed?¡±

    Wordlessly, I dive back down, determined to render this delightful treat speechless before the surgery. If I''m going to be inside her anyways, might as well be thorough.

    ** ** **

    An hour later, my jaw aches and I''m positively thrumming with satisfaction even without my quills.

    {24 primary 12 secondary all tuned to filter and echo three reverberations of only my focused thoughts...} My Witchling considers while leaning back into my arms. Her mind split between basking in the afterglow while reworking the tethers, and using Physis to keep the wound on her collarbone thrumming in steady pain. Stable and in no danger of spoiling or bleeding more than she wills, but leaking a steady stream of marrow into her spells.

    Verbess waits at the edge of the bed. Quills pulsing in tunes like before and teased by the sight of us now curled naked and bleeding on the bed together.

    {Two more? For Verbess and Schatzi? Little titters of pleasure to reward and help entice forward?} She muses to me. {Assure them their Mistress is well and enthralled even when quiet? I''ll need to focus through some fairly intense parts and even a small moan for them could crack my focus and spoil the pain.}

    "I would advise against it. However, if you''re able to do something like this¡ª" I spin over an old image of a visual overlay with a patient''s vitals, from many years ago. "¡ªIt could function well for them to also aid in the work.¡±

    Elevar blinks at it, eyes narrowing as she examines the image. Mind awash of new considerations as she deciphers my weaving. Then a literal flitter of interest and delight flairs across our bonded tethers. "Oh that''s brilliant, actually. The language is gibberish to me and would have to be translated but... Well, I wonder if it proves more efficient over time? I was taught internal stabilization workings, things to grip the body''s natural functions and just... jerk them back into where I needed them. Inelegant but... better than the alternative. I''ve read of some Witches developing secondary senses for monitoring things but..." Then she turns to Verbess and Schatzi. "Would you like this, if she translated it? I''ll have my safeguards up in case of extreme problems, but can see this being incredibly useful?"

    Verbess thrums in thought, then seems to pose the question to its sister. [This one will be focused on the work, would you be willing to monitor such things?]

    [Of course, Sister. I will closely monitor Mistress Elevar¡¯s status.]

    "I don''t think ter¨¦k is exceptionally functional, it''s just the language that was used at the time. I can point out which is which and you can use our current language... Whatever the fuck we''re speaking.¡± I explain and offhandedly Elevar explains that the current language really doesn''t have a name and is just a blend of the different Grove dialects, before I translate the cuneiform for heart speed, air volume, and Physis strength.

    She nods and adapts the spell for her Doll after adjusting the language to match this one. "Okay Xafra, cover to cover then. Walk me through how my Doll means to cut us both open and replace my bones without you or I bleeding out on this bed.¡±

    "Bleeding out isn''t an issue for me, or possible. I''m not... alive? In a technical sense anyway. Even fully running out of Ousia doesn''t kill me. Probably... The reason for some of my treatment.¡± I reply. ¡°As for your bleeding out, I will be using a weaving of my own to keep your heart, lungs, and other vital organs functioning. Due to my nature, Verbess will open me up fully to perform the extractions one at a time and replace yours, in order to minimize the likelihood of any bone death.¡±

    "Really? What happens then? When you find yourself empty of Ousia? How do you gather more?" She asks with a quirk of an eyebrow after nodding past the more visceral descriptions. Seemingly only excited the more I described it but... filter her thoughts into a focus on the part she sees the gap in. "Is it like you did back on the Beach when you entered the Denizen''s aura?¡±

    Her words send claustrophobia spiking from me through the bond as I gasp out a reply, "Worse. locked in, no access to Driftdream.¡±

    That cracks something. The pain she was so expertly and easily considering suddenly fumbling in her grasp. Tips almost to fall and probably shatter one or both of us into a mess as my fear seems to harmonize and resonate with... something. A small weaving my Witch has been keeping at the edge of casting. Something I can understand now is a spell of paralysis. A thing made to stop her from thrashing if she loses control of herself.

    After a few heartbeats and three deep breaths she murmurs. "I''ll feed you my Ousia if you get too close then.¡±

    "It shouldn''t happen. Did the calculations repeatedly. Unless dear Verbess is incredibly incompetent and this takes hours longer than planned, I should be left with 10% of my reserves. A good buffer.¡±

    Verbess thrums an almost playful rejection of my worry about its inability to perform today.

    "That''s still low. So I''ll keep an eye on you." She nods and regathers herself. "But otherwise, this all sounds to be a solid mess we can manage. Anything else before we start?¡±

    "Primrose has emergency instructions, and I¡¯ll need simple bindings for the form, just in case. So... once that''s done, Verbess can begin.¡±

    "Redundancies, redundancies, redundancies... It''s good to see us both hoping for the best, but laying plans for the worst." She smirks while moving to straddle my legs, then bodily shoves me to lay flat. "Adjust to lay as is best for this, and I''ll work the bindings.¡±

    I spread myself out under her, taking my time to thoroughly enjoy this, the last time I''ll wear her form properly. "Like this.¡±

    A snap of my Witchling''s fingers, and the sheets beneath me rise and curl about my hands and feet under the direction of much less Physis than I would expect. Small and intricate workings in the cloth facilitating the movement and sudden crack into a substance as hard as any stone but... softer. Much much softer. Even seems to rise up to support my weight and clutch well to the bed beneath.

    "Comfy?" She purrs, absorbing my delight before letting it reverberate back.

    "Very."

    I''m ready for this.

    She nods, leans down, and presses her lips to mine. Filling us both to bursting with rekindled desire before pulling back and falling bodily into the sheets next to me. Mimicking my pose. "Alright. You signal Verbess when to start, then... focus as much as you can on the tether. Stay steady. I''m keeping your mouth free so you can signal in all sorts of ways for us to stop. Don''t be stupid. Ask for breaks when you need them. Let me know if your Ousia gets lower than 10%."

    "Yes, love." I nod to Verbess and try to relax.

    As agreed, it starts with the primary cuts, carefully slicing down both arms from the wrists to the shoulder joints. They''re sharp. So sharp the first sensation I feel is wetness pouring down my arms before the pain starts screaming through.

    Before my second heartbeat passes Elevar has gathered up the pain and rewoven it, sending the wave back as a steady rising of enjoyment. Easily drowning my own form''s sensations with her thrumming delight that''s been magnified by the spare tethers.

    The arms are followed by the legs, hips to ankles, more pain, and so much more pleasure.

    I brace myself mentally just before it begins on the torso. Right shoulder to sternum, left shoulder to sternum, sternum to groin.

    I find myself laughing at the absurdity of it all, being prepared for deboning like a butcher''s choice cut, the thought of which I can''t resist sending over to my Witchling who twitches with my pain, turning it to pleasure

    She replies with her own tittering giggle of anticipation down the bond. A thing that almost makes it feel like she''s curled all about me. Her every sensation, a caress and kiss carefully considered before being gifted.

    Verbess pulls open the Y-incision, folding back my flesh with more delicacy than I expect or likely deserve from it. The agony is exquisite, the pleasure unbearable, building upon each other layer over layer. Then, for a few unsteady moments, it plateaus as Verbess moves over to Elevar and looks down at its Mistress.

    Elevar Cants ::Proceed/Approval:: to the looming Doll. Her prepared weavings quivering in their own kind of furious anticipation of the coming work.

    Swift movements open up my Witchling''s left leg, disconnecting then removing the tibula and fibula, setting them aside and racing back over to me to harvest the replacements I altered my own into.

    I focus exclusively on the weaving I''ve set, confirming that as my bones are put into place into Elevar''s body the surrounding tissue grabs hold of them and heals the damage from the swap.

    Verbess is a quick little monster. Follows the instructions I sent with such perfect ease and precision. Not a single motion is wasted as it looms over us and works.

    The pain/pleasure from our bond holds true, but... shudders a bit under the weight of the dual pain Elevar is filtering. Shedding some complexity before hardening into raw sensation while her nerves scream in harmony with mine.

    The process continues, right leg, right arm, left arm before the next period of rest.

    Below the pain and euphoria I feel empty. Not just in my limbs but deeper. It''s like the part of me I''ve filled with overwhelming violence is being drained to reveal something more gentle underneath, and I don''t know how to handle such a change.

    "From the projections, sister is about half done with the replacements. Mistress Elevar''s vitals are within marked limits. Miss Xafra''s Ousia is at 60% of initial volume. I will note that a unit of measure would be more effective." Schatzi promptly updates us all as my mind wanders.

    How many have I killed? How many communities were destroyed simply because they were nearby. How much of the current state of D?mmerung is because of my actions. Is the suffering of my Kin because of the fear I instilled in the Conclave? Why... don''t I feel anything when I consider the dead. I''m scared again, worried that I''m a Lie. Not a person but a curse, altered in my forging to punish those that would treat life so lightly.

    I am being reduced to a mass of squirming flesh with a jaw clenched firmly shut to avoid screaming, not at the pain but due to the revelations that such torment offers. I don''t worry that she will reject me at this point. She has her own sins, her own trail of ruined lives in her wake, and... perhaps... We can''t ever fix each other, but we could inspire and teach each other to be better. To be people worth loving.

    Verbess interrupts my musings once more, the sudden softness of a sheet covering my form causing me to break into silent sobs. [Please. Let me shift back now.] I whisper over our bond.

    A cold hand weakly moves up to wrap into mine. Gives it a wordless squeeze just before a quick snap of one of Elevar''s many pre-spun workings cracks the binding spell, allowing my form to twist back into iron flesh once again. The pain ends, and only the tittering echoes of fading pleasure remain now as I lay within my Witchling''s loose grip.

    Another heartbeat, and with what feels like a final embrace from a lover from behind, the two dozen Physis tethers wither and dissolve as the pleasure they sang of ends. Leaving only silence as I feel that Elevar once again grips the tether tight. Then she whispers softly, "X- Xafra?¡±

    [I love you, Mistress Elevar.] I all I can intone back

    Bloody and shaking she rolls and twists around my form, takes a deep breath, and releases the stranglehold on the tether. Adjusting her grip on it to allow her thrum of aching worry and adorations roll into me. {I- I love you too. Is... Are you okay?}

    ::Confirmation:: [I am feeling a bit unsettled, but I am well. How are you?]

    {Physically, I''m still made a bit blinded and senseless by the pain.} She replies quietly. {Is... Am I... Did this work?}

    [Ehehheh.] I can¡¯t help but cackle in giddy delight as I feel her body with my senses. Free of the Moonwaste, but now filled with my replacements. [Yessssssssss. Yes, my Witchling, it did.]

    She shivers at my words. A rolling mass bubbling up and almost being restrained by her grip on the tether but... she lets it flow through to me. Relief, suspicion, pain, joy, fear, guilt, pain, delight, affections, PAIN. And at the end, furious resolve.

    Elevar jerks to sit up, weathering flashes of pain from her still healing flesh while turning to glower at the pile of her old bloody bones. The ones still holding the Moonwaste within.

    {Eind?mmung} She snarls. A crack of Physis, Ousia, odd twisting from the Spire itself, and an odd spell snaps out toward the bones. Things writhe up from the floor to wrap about the bundle, binding and locking the old infested bones beneath layers of solid... whatever this Spire is made of. Ending in an oddly spherical shape.

    She gasps and growls at the exertion. Body and mind and reserves of Physis and Ousia already dangerously low but... then it transitions into a cackle as Verbess moves to steady her with two of the still bloody talons.

    "Mistress...?" The Doll murmurs gently. Hovering between wanting to press her back into resting but... eyeing the still blood-soaked bed.

    "It''s gone!" She rasps with a grin, turning her wide misting eyes to her Doll. "Void Cracked and Hag Riven MOON!!! I... I almost forgot what it was like to spin so much in a single weaving without it flaring up and ruining me!"

    Previous steady Quills titter and dance in unrestrained joy as Verbess darts down into its Witch. Fangs unable to resist sinking into a shoulder as four arms wrap about her form. Elevar sways, her focus cracking a bit. Pleasure focus fracturing further and letting her body thrum with the pain of it. But she winds all but the hand that still grips me about her Doll. Purring gently, "Good Gerls! Thank you! Thank you for... for saving your wretch of a Mistress!¡±

    Schatzi wordlessly sends ::Joy:: as Verbess squeezes our Witch tight.

    [Can i...] How do I even make such a strange request?

    Elevar can only barely twist free of her Doll, but manages to pull me up and around while intoning messily. {Anything, Xafra. Anything, ever, whenever you need or want. I will deny you nothing.}

    Verbess can only thrum Quills in its own tune of agreement.

    [I''ve been thinking that... With the books you''ve lent me on Dollcraft, I''d like to try and... make a surrogate body for myself that would be... less wasteful when a full Anthroparion form isn''t necessary.]

    Elevar is nodding along before I finish, {Yes. Of course. I... I''ve only barely touched the Old Cunt''s Enchantique. She... It should have anything you might need.}

    [And¡­] I hesitate again, knowing what I''m about to ask is anathema to those I''ve been around.

    {Xafra, my N?herin. Ask.} She intone gently, and¡­ It feels like something breaks at that word. An easily missed sputtering of fear quickly smothered.

    [I would like to use your old bones, so that even when we are apart, we will each have a part of the other.]

    She stiffens and hesitates for a few seconds then... relaxes. Tether awash with contrasting fear and self-loathing and... also such overwhelming affections. {I...I trust the Moonwaste within will not hurt you, and will be contained efficiently? But even so If you want them... Yes. Any part of me is yours to claim.}

    [I was hoping to remove the marrow and Moonwaste, then using the bones to create a... quadruped frame that should allow uhm. my spearform to be set in place as a spine, and make mobility near free, costing only Physis.]

    {Clever. I adore it.} She nods and reaches out to use Verbess'' frame to help her gain steadiness while rising. Once she has it she carefully walks over and hooks a hand under one of the many sharp ridges of the spherical container and lifts it. "We can drop this off there on our way out, so you can start at your leisure once we return.¡±

    [Thank you. We should check on Primrose, and then uhm. What would you like to do next?]

    All else within her is replaced with wicked glee. {Well... You need to feast. And we are surrounded by empty jungles rife with Ousia to harvest. And after that... well...}

    ::HUNGER:: My instincts scream with need at the mention of feasting. [Let us get going then, if you would.]

    When the group reaches the main level once more, Primrose has a look of confusion riven across her face. "Witch Elevar, one of the others came by with a message for you from Adaline. She says she wants the bones back.¡±

    [Bones? What?] I mentally reel in confusion.

    Elevar freezes. Her slowly growing glee spoiled rotten as she intones. {Yselda''s Bones, I suspect. In her delusions she... well it doesn''t matter. I buried them again with an Ousia ward like this one. I... I''m a touch torn, Xafra. But... I should see her before we leave.}

    [If you''d like. I may be able to... mediate as well. Though, I would like to drop off Primrose first, to prevent any recurrence.]

    Elevar lets out a huff of a sigh and murmurs a soft request for my Doll to follow while we make our way toward my Spire. {I''ve half a mind to insist you rest while I face her. She... I was not kind to her, Xafra. In those years after the Old Cunt died. My own rotting soul and mind festered and... and...} She trembles, the arm she cradles me with going a bit loose as feet nearly lose their footing. {No. Whatever pound of flesh she demands she can take. Whatever helps her heal. Short of my life, my Doll, and... Well, you don''t belong to me. But I''ll ensure she knows that you''re the only reason she is free.}

    [You still love her?] I inquire.

    The question does cause her to stumble, just a little. Easily caught by a small effort of Physis as she snaps back. {That has nothing to do with it! I will not hide behind any such excuse. It will not be welcome or helpful. My... Yselda loved me. Was the first person to do that. Yet you can guess the shape of her cruelties. Long past are the years where I will claim the actions I took were out of love or longing to see my Adaline heal.} If spoken this would be a snarl but... through the tether it all only roils in only self-focused hatred. {No. I will not spoil any of her justifiable fury with my own wretched emotions.}

    [I was not trying to make any excuse, simply asking. I don''t believe I''ve done anything to earn your ire as of late, my Mistress?]

    She takes a deep breath. {You''re right. I... I''m sorry. I have no excuses for that either. And... to give you the answer you deserve, yes. Xafra. More than is healthy for her.}

    [Thank you. Then I will do my best to assist her. If it was mere guilt, I would be much less inclined to do so. I want all my kin to be happy, but not at the expense of my loves.]

    She has no reply to that for a long while. Only speaks as we stand at the entrance to my Spire and she considers my form. Roiling in conflicting desires. One to release me into Primrose''s embrace and the other to carry me to what the tether thrums is a great terror to her. {I... It means so much that you''ve helped her and Schatzi and Verbess.}

    [Primrose dear, I''ll be back later. I''d love to see some more drawings when I return if you feel up to doing some more.] I intone to my Doll before turning my words to my partner. [Elevar, my Witchling, I want to help them all if I can. I have a family finally. And it''s all thanks to you, taking a chance on me.]

    She winces but... does not contradict my words or call Primrose back as she heads into the Spire. Takes a deep breath and turns to regard the Estate. {I... You''re welcome, Xafra. You''re a talented and clever gerl. I''m... I''m glad that I could give you the chance at that. Was only able to endure today because I... I knew that if I didn''t survive you''d all have each other and this Estate to keep you safe. But fought harder than I thought I could do again because I wanted so desperately to be a part of that.} She lifts up the sphere of bones and begins to move. {And drown it all if I... I''m not desperately ravenous at what I want to show you once we''re out harvesting tonight. Old weavings I''ve not been able to spin for years and... and get your opinions on the changes I would make to this body. Building, as you asked, instead of just... wasting away.}

    [Then let us talk with Adaline, and see what we can do to build a new foundation.]

    ** ** **

    "Elevar, my wife. I want her dirt-cursed bones back. I need them. All of them. So I can finally get her to shut up and stop whispering to me. I won''t beg, so don''t expect that." Adaline snarls at my Witchling when we find her lingering with a shovel and a sack outside one of the more decrepit Spires after dropping Schatzi and Verbess off as well.

    Wife? That''s unexpected.

    Elevar takes a deep breath, but nods. "Of course. Is... Adaline. Do you recall the note you gave me last night? The one you wrote?¡±

    "Of course. It took three months to write.¡±

    "Good. Because I won''t..." Elevar begins, voice firm and confident, then trails off. Tether riven with conflicting uncertainties. Only restarts with a voice much more quiet and uncertain. "I locked them within a cradle and buried them. Ousia sealed so no other Dolls might fall into something... well... like what you did. Once I return in a few days, I''ll dig them up and unbind them. Is there anything else you need?¡±

    The anger radiating off her turns to palpable relief. "No... not yet. I still love you and... I can''t trust you or have you in control again. You''re still a Witch, unlike me, but I won''t ever be your Doll again." Adaline stiffens her posture and hardens her voice in an obvious show of bravado. "Don''t think this makes us even. Not by a long shot.¡±

    Elevar looks down and away. "Of course not. I''ve been gifted the only thing I could not offer you before today in excess, and that is time. Ask of me anything, anytime, and it is yours. Except my life, my Doll or... well, Xafra belongs only to herself.¡±

    "Good, because I plan on being a nuisance to you for as long as I can. Xafra''s the sexy aggressive one that freed me? Might have to have a word with her later then." Adaline begins to walk away while quipping, "Don''t beat yourself up too much, Wife. That''s my job now.¡±

    Elevar remains stiff until Adaline passes from view, only softly intoning after a deep exhale. {It must be said, Xafra, between the old cunt and me and that bitch who brought her here... Adaline always seemed to have poor taste in lovers. So, If nothing else, her being interested in you is a good sign of healing and growth.}

    [I will admit, I find her fascinating. I have a strong desire to... put a collar on her and lead her around like a pet. She''s not fragile like Primrose. Heh.]

    Elevar can''t help but snort and laugh at that, finally turning to move us forward while our bond settles into unsteady hope tinted with worry. {I can''t imagine it, but... I would adore to see her freely fall into your care, if that''s what she chooses. And, If she allows it, I''d like you to help her handle these whispers she''s haunted with. She cannot trust me, nor should she, but... you are the ''sexy aggressive one'' that freed her. She may confide in you.}

    [Mmhm. The idea of haunting is strange to me. I''ve heard such a thing before, weavers who have tried and failed at immortality, but I''ve never encountered the like, Aside from well... myself.]

    {Honestly, I will not entertain the idea of my old teacher''s spirit continuing after death.} She almost growls aloud. {There is a letter she gave me that hints that she might be more like Schatzi and Verbess. These whispers a mental crafting to aid her actions under the delusion of commands from a dead Mistress. I will let you read it over at the next opportunity if... if Adaline approves.}

    [Ahh. That''s both easier and harder to deal with.]

    {I agree. Schatzi and Verbess were... well It wasn''t like I was good to them. Could barely stand their divided mind at first. But, Do...} Elevar pauses at the entrance to a Spire. Sets down the sphere so she can reach out to let a vine prick blood free and unseal the opening. {Do you think I made a mistake? Promising her those bones?}

    [No. I think that... it shows a willingness to change. It might backfire, but it''s worth the effort. I''m proud of you.]

    Such a wash of relief and gratefulness rolls down our bond. {Good. Good. If... Xafra. When it comes to Schatzi and Verbess it means the world that you''ve been able to show me my mistakes in... in more gentle ways that I deserve. But with Adaline I don''t expect or want that. She is not mine. If I begin to... to hurt her. In words or action. Stop me. Hard. No gentleness. No compassion. Especially after tonight.}

    [Hmmm. If she accepts me, then I will do so.] I give only conditional agreement as I don''t have any interest in harming my Elevar without need.

    She sighs, and I can tell she wants to argue for more but... sets it aside for now. Picks up the sphere of bones and takes us into this odd Spire. Unlike the others it doesn''t seem to have more than three chambers across what could be six levels. Instead housing a core main level, a comfortable study above that, and a sub chamber for storage underneath it all. This main chamber is a place filled with worktables and floor carved glyphs, shelves of books and tools, and a ceiling latched trolley system to hold and move about hanging Doll frames. She leaves the sphere behind after explaining that I''ll need to use some Ousia to crack it open, but that after being cleaned out of blood it''ll be mine to keep and store valuables in. Even re-seal if I want to.

    After that she steps from the Spire and begins to walk toward the nearest edge of the Estate. {Anything else needed doing before we leave? I don''t expect us to be gone but for a day or two however... These things can take longer than expected.}

    [Uhm. A bag would probably be of use. I''d like to collect some grakler shells and see if I can utilize them in my project.]

    {Oh? That sounds interesting. I''ll have to pester you into sharing the details of it. And I can knit you a bag from the fauna out there.} She supplies. {Anything else?}

    [Not for me. Do you have everything you need?]

    {Honestly, for this? I feel that other than you in my arms I am overburdened in both mind and body.} She giggles as we reach the brambles and thorny wall of the Estate. Holding a hand up to let it spike her palm and shed us an opening only spaced enough for her and I to pass under, she intones softly to her Doll. {Schatzi, Verbess? We''re just about to step out. You''re both very good gerls. We''ll check back in if this seems to likely take over a day. Take care of each other and make sure to check in on Primrose to make sure she''s not too lonely. I... I love you both dearly.}

    Schatzi responds with adoration and a hint of surprise, [We love you too, Mistress Elevar.] as Verbess Cants back ::Adoration/Good Hunting/Longing::

 Chapter 28: We Couldnâ€™t Find Any Honey, So We Tore Down The Moon (Witch)

    We Couldn¡¯t Find Any Honey, So We Tore Down The Moon (Witch)

    Content Warnings:

    Graphic depictions of consensual smut! They bite, the nibble, they pin and get muppled! Woops! Ethically harvested Free-range Ousia Feasting. Talk of past abuse and shaving bones and painful transition re-knitting! Considerations of past Suicide Ideation after the loss of an abusive loved one. Deeep bone pain that a character keeps flared up because she likes it!

    Everything hurts worse than it ever did under Yselda¡¯s knittings. She may have peeled back skin and shaved away at bone when she was feeling particularly voracious, but never did we tear even one out and replace it. Much less so many.

    Before the end, she never went farther than I said I wanted. Never forced me to endure even a second of her attentions unless I agreed, and sometimes not unless I begged.

    That¡¯s¡­ Why I had to start calling her ¡®Old Cunt¡¯ instead of her name. Despite her capricious nature, sour regard when ignored, and wretched cruelties toward Dolls¡­ she really did love me in the only way that mattered, maybe even the only way she could.

    She gave me a world where I was what I chose to be. Even if that choice was to be a truly cruel person. She was a manipulative bitch who knew exactly how to wind my little wounded heart all about her fingers, Knit me into her Floret and lay the pathways she knew I couldn¡¯t resist walking, driving me to embrace the cruelties I had such weaknesses to indulge in. I¡¯m not sure she actually changed me. Just set me free to be my worst self.

    Even after what she did to me. What she tried to make me into¡­ I still wanted her back. For over a decade I¡¯ve been an empty shell waiting to die. Her end was mine, just¡­ postponed as my heart and mind withered. I only really survived out of embittered guilt.

    Everything Hurts as I grapple with that, the pain I refuse to numb cuts and sheers away all the lies I¡¯ve built up over these past decades to keep such thoughts away.

    Wanted.

    Not WANT.

    The pain of Verbess and Xafra¡¯s workings shattered something in me. More than she ever did. Ever could. Her workings were a slow carving of my old shell away to reveal the wretch beneath it all. That¡¯s what broke today.

    I don¡¯t want Yselda back. That was made very clear to me when in the pits of pain beyond thought or reason I¡­ did not scream her name, did not moan it, wail it, nor even consider it. My thoughts were only for the gerl at my side and the Doll carving at our forms.

    Everything HURTS as I giggle manically at the feeling of new bones screaming with fire and life and freedom all through me. {Alright, my Xafra, my love. Let¡¯s see you fed beyond reason.}

    Xafra''s mesh of Ousia swells outwards, thinner than I''ve seen it, but precisely structured as it begins to spin, tendrils extending further to reap the Physis and Ousia of every plant and animal within their reach.

    ::Hunger/Feast::

    It¡¯s so easy to Bask in the sensations of my Xafra¡¯s delight at this harvest. Literally feeling an odd¡­ Well, I wouldn¡¯t know what to call it honestly. A jealous ache? Huh. That¡¯s¡­ strange. Even with my Ousia senses quieted I can still feel¡­ Something.

    But I¡¯m still pain-drunk at the moment. So, honestly I¡¯m probably just¡­ hallucinating a touch. This amount of bone-deep agony has a way of breaking perceptions. And I have no plans on adjusting that. Quite adore feeling these new foundations shift and creak within me.

    So I begin to carry us forward and just¡­ indulge in her enjoyment. Share my own weary pain infused nonsense back even. {Let¡¯s try¡­ two hundred paces out? All about the Estate save the jungles about Root Way itself. No reason to give the off-chance of visitors an easy view of your working. I don¡¯t want to have a mistake of clumsiness bring a Thresher Cadre here again.}

    With my suggestion comes a pleased murmuring over the bond, followed by a steady expanding of the whirling mesh, carefully avoiding the Root Way and Walls of the Estate, until it grows to thrice its size.

    [Mmmhmhmhm. Heck. This is so good. Free-range ethically sourced Ousia... I mean. I think this counts as ethical. You said it just all grows back, right?]

    {Yes, and far more quickly than is of any use.} I reply, {No one can settle anywhere besides the Groves or the larger Root Ways because of it. Which¡­ would be something to balance if the jungle yielded anything worth eating. Half of it is toxic, the other half devoid of nutrients we can use without an insidious amount of preparation.}

    Xafra continues feasting for a time as I carry her through the forest, both of us just¡­ enjoying the shared muses through the bond as the jungle dies all around.

    [Would you like a top up? With the new bones, I can get you to about double what I could previously without risking any damage to your cohesion.]

    Was planning to wait until she¡¯d gotten more but I¡­ I can¡¯t help it. My everything shivers with desire at her offering. Watching her feast so freely just¡­ rousing this ache to unbearable levels. {Please. Yes. If¡­ you¡¯re not at low reserves.}

    She immediately begins to divert half of the incoming Ousia to myself after harmonizing it with my own. [I''m nearly at the point where I could shift into my Warlord form, if that is desired. The other, as I mentioned... I''d prefer to avoid until I can fully rebuild, which will take a day or two of soaking in my ritual with much higher reserves.]

    I reach out to steady myself against the closest dead tree as I feel years and years of lost life suddenly returned. Immediately it''s like a rush of cool salt water over a spoiling wound. And over the course of a couple heartbeats I¡­ It¡¯s¡­ more than even our former times. Her words about my bones holding more Ousia laid bare and true in how my everything begins to buzz and thrum in growing strength.

    {Which would you prefer, my Xafra? I want nothing less than for you to feel comfort in the form you wear.} I purr softly, letting the rush she¡¯s giving me flood the tether. {We have endless jungles, their sea worth of harvest, and above all¡­ Time. But, yes. That was a form I did want to examine more closely, if you''d like that. You are a N?herin without compare and your weavings are always exquisite.}

    With a mental chuckle, Xafra shifts in my grasp to her Warlord form, once again towering over me as she stretches out, but wearing the oddest of clothing, a stretchy short sleeve top with six arm holes and shorts of the same material that don''t extend past her thighs.

    Must be¡­ twice my height? Not quite, I think, but close to it. And¡­ six arms. Of course. Because why settle for two or four when more is better? And the Quills! Oh Cracked and Riven Moon are they even more of a sight looming over like that.

    I consider gripping the bond tighter to free her from my mind¡¯s nonsense but¡­ why would I do that? Especially here and now when they could give her such wicked ideas? But¡­ No. Not all at once. Not this messy and still pain drunk muddle. I am a Witch, and her chosen Mistress. So I shore up my focus and let what should be a tittering of sudden and distracting interest flow down.

    ¡°Well, isn¡¯t this just¡­ More impressive up close.¡± I manage to huff out through a crooked grin I can¡¯t suppress. "Truly. More than I honestly caught the first time I witnessed it.

    "Oh? I''m open to you taking a closer look if you''d enjoy doing so." She purrs then¡­ pauses, seems to consider the bond. "Are you managing the pain alright? I would have expected most of it to fade already, or are you holding onto it on purpose?"

    ¡°Hm? Oh. Yes to both.¡± I reply while only half considering her words as I step about this gorgeous form. No, of course. I''m not managing it as well as I could but... Being agonizingly aware of My Xafra''s gifted Ousia and Bones is just too wonderful a sensation to dull. ¡°Love the way you¡¯ve bound the muscles, I always read it was tricky to keep bones from snapping under the pressure these forms could exert. Do you cheat with your Physis tendrils? Or simply¡­ reinforce the frame with exotic materials?¡±

    "The bones are interwoven with tungsten for strength. It can be hard to come by unless you know where to look." Xafra glances back and down as she responds with a broad smile.

    I trail a hand up her back, overmuch enjoying the rolling texture of her spine beneath this incredibly thin material. ¡°Brilliant. And all so much more flexible than I¡¯d have guessed.¡± Then I let more than a little dangerous aching hunger spill through the bond. ¡°When was the last time you got to break something or¡­ someone while in this shape?¡±

    "Mmmmm. Too long. Eheheh.¡± She cackles and¡­ Cracked and Riven Moon, is that such a delightful rolling laugh she has. ¡°Would you like a hands-on demonstration?"

    I dredge up old workings I¡¯d never thought to weave again. A younger me would consider this wasteful but¡­ I¡¯m inspired and drunk on pain infected with ravenous hunger. I¡¯m allowed to indulge a bit with the gerl who''s given me my life back.

    {Garrote} I giggle, and weave up a tapestry of my own versions of the spell. A mimicry of what we had today but¡­ more versatile and only six to manage. Knit from about half the Ousia reserves Xafra¡¯s been feeding me. Permanent, but only in the part that slivers down and plunges into my own soul. The tips of the other ends are frayed and can freely latch and unbind at my leisure.

    ¡°More than anything else.¡± I answer as the spell settles, each of my new little tethers hovering just outside Xafra¡¯s core. An offering of every sensation she would inflict returned and magnified. ¡°Other than the bones you gave me, everything else is¡­ well, disposable. So... beyond that let''s not allow any worries about fragility to stop us.¡±

    ¡°Very well.¡± My Xafra thrums, and with a deft speed that should be impossible for a frame of that size, she twists and envelopes my waist with her two middle hands while the others move to grip and tear away my clothes as others would move aside loose parchment.

    My six extra tethers coil around and about her core just in time to catch and send her the raw delight, hunger and still slowly fracturing pain/pleasure of that. They do, however, communicate the rush that presses me forward to wrap my almost hilariously small fingers about her jaw to pull her lips to mine. Almost growling as I can only just barely get my ankles to her sides and pull us close.

    Her four extra hands drift. Wandering and exploring flesh while I try to pull myself ever closer. These new aching bones within me seem to draw themselves to her core like enchanted iron sometimes does to stone of the same like. My own fingers and hips dragging me closer while her hands only seem to¡­ to¡­

    Way too softly dancing over my still tender flesh. Gentle, even.

    She¡­ is she teasing me?

    Cracked and Riven Moon, what have I unleashed when it¡¯s Xafra taking her time? And in this form!?! While I¡¯m already set to moaning and growling at the start of this. Even for a heartbeat considered begging this gerl for her fury!

    No. That will not do!

    So, I fill myself with her warm breath, savoring the foreign taste and smells that brings. It steadies me into wrapping the soft explorations she seems to want about my pain drunk desires like soft silks. Thin and so easily torn and sliced away but still a barrier to the delights within. And of course I send her that image over the bond and new tethers. A tittering echo that lets this gerl know that if she wants to hear me rendered to pleading for her more ravenous attentions, she¡¯ll have to offer interesting delicacies.

    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    And of course my Xafra rises to the challenge, moving even before I can process the vertigo and slamming me bodily into a nearby tree. Not hard enough to do anything but jolt a gasp from my lungs but¡­ When someone her size decides to pin you between something and her barely contained lengths you can¡¯t help but feel a thing or two come loose in need.

    Rewarded with that chink in my defiance toward her playful teasings, she lets the claws come out next. Raking flesh and weaving little scratches while she begins to grind herself into me.

    The heat rolling off her is so exquisite. A roiling need given form across her blazing warm body. I can¡¯t help but chortle a bit in my own enjoyment before just¡­ curling around to get a good angle on her neck and shoulder to bite down. Not hard enough to draw blood or real pain, she hasn¡¯t earned that yet, but good enough to let her know she¡¯s on the right path should she want more.

    "Mmmmm. Alright." She purrs, then turns to toss me into the ground.

    Oddly, the impact barely jolts me this time. The trick of sudden impact only works so well once, dear Xafra. But as I adjust to get my elbows beneath me she stops that with one massive foot upon my chest. Holding me still while she reaches up to pull her shirt off and away.

    I smirk, letting eyes roll down from her own grin to enjoy the sight of that glorious chest, then back up to those glittering red-stone eyes.

    ¡°Oh? You¡¯re wanting to get serious? Finally? Weeeell¡­ Let¡¯s test our new weaving then.¡± I purr while winding my Physis around the bond and tethers. Gently now, six tethers plus our core Bond is quite the upgrade from the little mess I knit before. Take this slow. Don''t let your own addled mind be an excuse to overdo this again.

    I give them the smallest of tugs. Deliberate enough that she should feel¨C

    "Oh? We''re weaving, are we?" Xafra growls down at me, and the resonance of her Tone sets those Quills to dancing. Filling air with such a thrumming tune.

    And suddenly, dozens of hands are all about and pressing me down. Then they... they take to caressing and tweaking and scratching as Xafra lifts her foot and steps back. Eyes and grin and returning thrum from the core bond all awash with amusement as I writhe a bit beneath these wonderful workings.

    Ff¨C fair plaaa¨C ay. I sh¨C should have expected th¨C this. H¨C honestly.

    Takes me about¡­ half a dozen heartbeats to unclench my teeth without making such an unsightly sound of delight drowned need. Only barely able to focus on gathering up the pleasure and balancing it with the pain I¡¯ve set these new bones to pulse with as. Once done, I roll my gaze back down to regard the beautiful titan of a Gerl conducting my unmaking from a few paces away.

    With how tender everything still is from the surgery¡­ I would probably have lost this game right then since she caught me so unawares. Melted into nothing but a pleasure-drunk Witch at her feet. Already begging for what comes next instead of offering it. But... Not yet! She won''t tear this request from me without a good spat of things!

    I bury the undignified moan I¡¯d love to make beneath a few deep breaths while working up the focus to reply as steadily as I can through her attentions. ¡°Th¨C this is such a w- wonderful trick. Precise, delicate, even p- paced and brilliant! Buuuut¡­¡± I grin as I prepare to tug on the tether again, an action that would lash her with my own carefully festering mixture of pain, pleasure, and delighted hungers. Now bolstered by her own Quill''s phantom workings across my body and poised like an obvious serpent ready to strike. ¡°N- Not nearly enough. Not at all. Can you take as good as you can give? A Pharos? Like you claimed? Endure everything you''d inflict on me and then some extra?

    "Yessssss.¡± Xafra purrs, a tendril of her own Physis winding up to gather her tether¡¯s end. ¡°I''ve been told by a pretty bird that I get to feast afterall, and there''s no rush."

    And before I understand her scheme, all these ravenous hands gather me up as she gently tugs the¨C

    Hunger, amusement, delight, anticipation, and so much more flares and jolts through me as Xafra tugs our bonds in mimicry to my own actions. And¡­ Well, if that had been all, it might have cracked the pain I¡¯ve been letting roil. Dropped me into a mess of agonized sobs as old memories of another doing the same poisoned this victory we¡¯ve claimed.

    But¡­ like the bindings to some old Tome, beneath it all is careful regard. Not quite worry but¡­ watchfulness. Almost a promise in its own right. This gerl will stop the moment I¡¯d ask, and only gentle love would await me then. No sour regard or cruel words at my need for relief from her ravenous attentions.

    Feeling that, more than any word or action, sets my mind and heart to growling in furious desire. And as I realize I¡¯ve been pulled to my knees before her, I can¡¯t help but turn a wicked grin up toward my Xafra. ¡°Is that so? I¡¯ve heard that birds from these jungles have such sharp beaks. Best be careful. She does love to peck and bite.¡±

    "Good to hear. You taught me something about the euphoria that pain can bring earlier.¡± Xafra crouches down in front of me, a comfortable but protective position as she reaches out with just one hand, the others resting on her knees. ¡°May I show you the clarity it can offer as well?"

    Even kneeling she looms overhead. Her words are¡­ not what I expected. But¡­

    ¡°I¡¯m enthralled.¡± I murmur. ¡°Yes, Of course.¡±

    And then down the bond flows¡­ Hmm¡­ Well, It takes a few heartbeats for my mess of thoughts to understand what I¡¯m feeling. To recognise this gift for what it is.

    But when I do I can¡¯t help but gobble it up with almost reckless abandon. Basking these depths¡­

    This is how Xafra ¡®feels¡¯ in this form. Incoming sensations are delivered via adrenaline rush that carries the information about precise amount of force, how much it reduces function in the region, the remaining integrity, the type and shape of the damage and so on. Endlessly complex but¡­ easily deciphered on reflex by the Gerl¡¯s brain stem.

    And this isn¡¯t for just damage or wounds, but EVERYTHING. A complete reknitting of the central nervous construct without dulling a single sensation, just¡­ translates it all into a more efficient biology and communicating them in ways to encourage proper usage.

    But like a whip-crack her old words roll through my mind.

    How¡­ how this masterful form was a thing born of loss. A vessel to let my Xafra reave and burn and destroy the world that took what was most dear to her. Wrapping what I¡¯m realizing to be a person with such a capacity for empathy behind layers to heal as she sought furious vengeance.

    A monument to the dead, and a promise to the cunt that made him so.

    I take a deep and steadying breath. What a wonderfully haunting sight it must have been to the one that wounded her. To know that this is the form that death strides forth in. And¡­ of course here I am wanting Xafra to fuck me silly with it.

    I can¡¯t help but huff out a pained laugh at that while mingling these gifted sensations with the brew I¡¯m still letting simmer. ¡°It''s¡­ Thank you. This is marvelous. Brilliant. Efficient. And¡­ Above all else, Inspiring. There is so much here that I think I¡¯ll¡­ I''ll...¡±

    Why do the words get stuck in my throat? Even now?

    "None of that now.¡± She murmurs with a bemused frown. Pulsing a soft soothing wave of healing over me.

    ¡°No. I¡­ I¡¯m fine just¡­¡± I shake my head almost grumpily, pushing aside the balm she would offer.

    ¡°We can do something to remember him later.¡± She offers, and presses the insistent balm of warmth and recovery a little harder. As one would any restorative to a stubborn lover. ¡°If you''d like, I can teach you his favorite dice game which he was terrible at?¡±

    I almost grumpily shove the healing back again. But¡­ with a sigh let it pass. Allowing her will to soothe the aches I¡¯d refused to let go of. So¡­ so worried about losing this deep and furious comfort of feeling her workings settling within me.

    ¡°But here, with you looking so very delicious in front of me, I''d much rather focus on the present." She purrs, then pauses in consideration. "Should probably wait until after your resheathing before I start trying to get you pregnant, but that doesn''t mean I can''t practice in the meantime."

    That causes me to sputter, and drop my final resistances against her offered aid. ¡°Wh¨C Cracked and Riven¡­ But¡­ Xafra! Please be joking. Do not think to curse a child with me as their mother. DO NOT!¡±

    "I don''t think it would be a curse,¡± She counters with ease. ¡°But don''t worry, that will only happen after some long discussions and full agreement."

    ¡°Good.¡± I can only huff, taking a deep breath to steady myself and consider all the nonsense I must be literally dripping down the tether at this point. End up using her warm, bemused, and hungry regard to center myself. Gathering up the helpful titters of delight still fluttering about myself. Solidify them into the hungers I want desperately to return to.

    When I turn back up to meet her gaze, Xafra pauses for a moment before leaning down to press lips to mine. Gentle at first but¡­ Then our tongues are dancing and she¡¯s so easily pushing mine to the side and shifting hers to shove deeper. Soon I¡¯m writhing closer as the monstrous thing is fully gliding into and down my throat. My own fingers moving up to grip and pull at her gorgeously soft mane to drag her ever closer and deeper.

    I¡¯ve¡­ absolutely no idea how those shorts contain her. Honestly. And it takes me about a dozen heartbeats to understand why she never just¡­ ripped them away. What this odd little separation between unrealized hunger and ravenous indulgence means.

    One of my hands drifts down to just barely touch the twinned lumps that strain against the cloth. Fingers gently teasing and caressing and raking nails overtop the pair. {You seem excited.} I purr through the bond since our mouths are still otherwise occupied. {Would you like me to attend to this? The cloth seems so very uncomfortable.}

    [Mmmm, that would be wonderful.] She rumbles back..

    With an easy snap of will and Physis I fully tear her final covering away. Allowing, from what I can feel with my fingers, two well endowed lengths to spring free. Can¡¯t help but try and wrap a hand about one and give it a pleased little squeeze as I gift her my first little excited moan into this all-enveloping kiss.

    With teasing slowness Xafra withdraws that wonderfully textured tongue back into her own mouth. Causing me to chase even the last nibbles of a kiss as she moves to pick me up once again. Upper hands gripping my own, lower cradling legs, and middle ones set to firmly grasp my waist once more.

    "Well, my Witchling, how do you want me?" She murmurs gently, Quills and bonds positively thrumming in anticipation of my coming words. She has her own desires, to be sure. But I can feel just how much she honestly wants to know what my reply will be.

    And¡­ I can feel some old part of myself, already long dead of course, chip away at the answer I¡¯ve already decided to give her.

    ¡°How did you put it? So deep inside me that you can barely feel the divide? More poetically put, of course, buuut¡­¡± I smirk with much more confidence than flutters within me. ¡°The bones are wonderful and perfect, I¡¯ll treasure them forever. But they are a practicality, not an indulgence. And if we tear or break something, well¡­ I¡¯ll simply need to trust my N?herin, my Seamstress, to help reknit them as she helps me figure out the rest of myself.¡±

    I mix in the memory of her offers spoken while freeing me of those foreign objects, my past terror at her desires, and¡­ and this final acceptance of them into a small and gentle surge down the bond. And here, as the old woods die about us to replenish both our soul¡¯s fire, I ask her to help me remake myself through the Bond and Tethers. Not in secondhand aid or advice, but direct and intimate workings.

    ¡°Please.¡± I whisper softly, locking eyes as I finally let her hear me beg as this request of soul settles. ¡°Xafra. MY Xafra. No Holding back. Please. Break me of these last shreds of doubt. Claim me, as you¡¯ve let me claim you. Please!¡±

    With a seriousness that looks out of place in such a situation, Xafra nods, clears her throat and speaks using the Voice of a Warlord. "Bone of my bone, you held my soul in your grasp as I held your heart in my hand, you drank of my wellspring as I have feasted on your flesh. By right of consent, right of mutual conquest, and right of fealty, I claim you as my Mate, my Mistress, my dearest Witchling, for as long as you will have me."

    I can¡¯t help but let out such gasp at¡­ at that. As her Quills thrum and bond seems to quake under those words. Shaking loose any worries I had left about this gerl with a litany that seems to settle into my mind and heart and very Ousia in a way I¡¯m not sure I could ever fully break free of. Nothing insidious but¡­ binding. Always there to chime of my beloved¡¯s claim to me.

    Then a rolling giggle follows as her pitch returns to normal and My Xafra states, "I''m going to fuck you now."

    Through a nod I can only just barely whisper. ¡°Yes. Do that. Please.¡±

    Purring with chest and Quills she holds me in place. Her phantom hands of Physis rub and tease at my pussy and ass, spreading my wetness and preparing me for her entry both front and back before steadily, insistently, pushing her way inside.

    I attempt to stifle what becomes a deep and unsightly moan against her lips but¡­ she holds me just far enough back to make my attempts futile. Rumbling with her own enjoyment at the sound I make as we both feel her press deep.

    As the sound wanes, I feel my focus wrap about this wonderful mingling. Barely even needing to consider the pain as I¡¯m impaled by her warmth, tasting dribbling blood as my fangs prick a lip and all while drowning in the smell of¡­ home?

    Wait. I don¡¯t have fangs and nothing here smells like the Grove or my bedchambers or¡­ OH! Some of these aren¡¯t mine. That wonderful Warlord form''s senses are overwhelming the bond a touch. I''m feeling Xafra¡¯s fangs, and¡­ my scent? Is that how I smell to her?

    These realizations only make me writhe in dreadful longing for her to go deeper. Faster. Harder. Letting her know through a ravenous muddle down the bond that I long since learned how to make sure embraces like this can last as long as we want them too. Either through refreshing our reserves and hungers on the Riven forest around, or simply holding ourselves upon the edge of release. Whichever she prefers. Just so long as she doesn¡¯t stop.

    In answer she sinks her fangs into my neck, biting down and filling us both with the warm rush of flavor and pain. Then, Xafra starts to thrust in and out at that same steady pace as a humming starts in her throat. A melody that flows out to her Quills like my Doll taught her. An odd unfamiliar tune that nevertheless feels like... I should know it?

    More moans and gasps laden with her name escape my lips as I fall into her, for her, as she presses deeper and deeper. The song wraps about me as my body envelopes her lengths. Easily letting me cast aside old needs to understand and categorize new things for¡­ well... I¡¯m not sure what this is.

    What I¡¯m doing.

    I¡¯ve never felt myself so effortlessly melt into another like this. Can¡¯t help but ensoul and encircle myself with the tethers that thrum with that WONDERFUL song. It¡­ it doesn¡¯t drown my thoughts. Doesn¡¯t smother old wills or desires. Simply¡­ well, seems to harmonize with some good parts I might otherwise struggle to hold close. Helps my thoughts focus on this. On us.

    Okay now I WANT to know what this litany means. Not in any precise sense, as art of its like is normally beyond such things, but instead the core that inspired it. I¡¯m not sure if my plea to her for that is with lips or soul or¡­ both? Not sure if it made sense. But I asked in a way I think she understands? Sharing how it weaves through my heart and thoughts as an example even.

    She sends me a melange of images, quiet moments of happiness and hope from ages past, ancient dreams of what could be, and present thoughts of what glorious future could be woven from repurposed refuse.

    And¡­ Deeper still, I fall for and into this gerl. Who sees clearly the broken things and what they could become if only encouraged and enabled.

    I¡¯m a mess at that thought. Body and mind melting beneath the heat of her embrace, attentions and song. With every thrust, squeezing hand and bite I can¡¯t help but let out moans and gasps and¡­ well of course a few whimpers, I¡¯m not embarrassed to say.

    She enjoys that, growling deeper than I¡¯ve ever heard as I feel her focus her everything on this. On me. On dragging us both into just this moment.

    And when all bubbles over, she¡¯s timed it all so well. The crescendo of her Quill-song crashing down as the climax of our bodies strikes true. The next few moments are simply nonsense titters of pleasure as I get to feel my Xafra pulse inside me in every way she can.

    I¡­ I¡¯m vaguely aware of her cradling me close as she settles to rest at the base of a rotting tree as I slump into exhaustion. Humming a little tune of victory and satisfaction and¡­ peace.

    And at some point I must have dozed off because next thing I know I¡¯m being led through the Driftdream by a chuckling Geist. I murmur little half-hearted things about being more than happy to rest in the grass at the edges of this place, just¡­ so long as a part of her is there with me.

    But before I can really muster up to the claim she¡¯s laid me to rest in this Inn¡¯s bed and curled about me. Whispering soft assurances that she can return us to the Estate after she¡¯s consumed just a touch more Ousia from the nearby forests.

 Chapter 29: When the Witches are away, the Doll will go mad (Doll)

    When the Witches are away, the Doll will go mad (Doll)

    Content Warnings:

    Delusions and Dementia. Catatonic Dolls. Mental magic that adjusts perceptions and power dynamics. ADALINE POV!!! AHHH!!!!

    A good doll obeys. This one is a good doll. A good doll obeys¡ª

    "Shut Up Shut Up Shut Up, you stupid old bitch. You''re dead and I''m free." This one screams in the empty Spire, Yselda''s Spire, before heading back out to continue organizing the others.

    This one has many many plans. So much to do now that this one is no longer trapped in that Spire.  Primrose first, it will be needed to help gather the rest.

    This one walks to the entrance of the stranger''s Spire, and calls out, "Primrose, I require your assistance. Immediately.¡±

    It takes a bit, but eventually Primrose is peeking out. Fingers and even her dress stained with odd colors. "Adaline? W- What do you want with this one?¡±

    Paint. This one hasn''t done any art past that damn altar in a decade and that''s more of a grotesque. Should pick drawing back up.

    "While your Mistress and my Wife are out galavanting, We need to get the others organized and get this place fixed up, unless you are planning on leaving the rest to suffer?"

    Gotta figure out how to properly punish Elevar as well... A good doll obeys.

    Before the litany can go any further, this one stops, perfectly still. There was something in the stranger''s¡ª In Xafra''s replacements that allows this one''s mind to quiet. A vast emptiness that scratches at that urge.

    "No but..." It considers, eyes casting about in confliction. "Mistress said she wanted to see more of this one''s work when she got back."

    Imagine having a Mistress that cares about your interests. MUST BE FUCKING NICE. This one is fine, it''s fine. leave it for now. Shit, it''s still talking.

    "And... and Witch Elevar told me not to visit any Dolls they''d not repaired."

    Oh? Fantastic. Time to undermine her.

    "Alright, Primrose, that''s fine. I''ll come by later to visit, if that''s alright?"

    This one might as well get the scoop on this strange teleporting woman before trying to ingratiate itself.

    "Okay." She huffs. "Just so long as you don''t break this one again. And... and you bring it more cerulean paint!¡±

    This one did strike it. Wanted to strike Elevar instead but that would be escalating the situation. Revenge is something best done with a smile and leaves a wound that doesn''t bleed until long after you''ve left. Yselda taught this one that.

    "Sure, I can do that. I won''t break you again either. promise.¡±

    "Okay! Thank you!" Primrose brightens at that. Even smiles and is humming while she turns and scurries back into the Spire.

    Some are just... born to be Dolls. This one feels jealous. Would be easier than falling from heights climbed, able to see the fullness of possibilities as a Witch capable of bridging the mundane and magical. Soul Rot. Idiocy. What Divine would kill children and let a monster like Yselda live as long as she did? But how did this Xafra know it was Moonwaste... And even more important, How did she remove it? If only this one could have met her beforehand...

    This one muses, finding itself once more standing in front of a square stone, sunk into the ground in a corner of the Estate. A grave marker made as a deliberate cruelty left unspoken.

    And Elevar. The favorite. Grove-raised yet not particularly talented, but pretty enough to catch the eyes of that bitch, even before being sculpted. Best of both worlds, eh Wife? Getting to be a girl and keep your magic. It would be easier if this one hated you, if this one could bury love like the body, the name, the future this one once had.

    This one spits on the gravestone, and adds dirt to more thoroughly cover the name even if it''s unlikely that anyone else knows it''s here.

    "Alright. Time to cause problems on purpose. Primrose was fond of the Doll assigned to laundry, if I remember correctly. Let''s get it to assist in delivering paint." A crooked smile graces this one''s mouth.

    This one finds it near one of the outer Roots this place allows to pass into the Estate''s outer edges. It hums in a much more rhythmic and pretty tone than Primrose as it works in the stream that rushes gently through the opening in the Root. Washing some odd pile of clothes, it doesn''t notice this one until this one speaks, "Doll, I''ve learned that your pinnate has taken up painting and could use some more cerulean paint. Naturally, I came to see if you could help me find some for it and if you''d like to visit with me now that I''ve been granted free reign of the Estate by the Mistress'' Floret, Lynnette."

    Speaking the necronym feels like venom on this one''s lips, but the bound aren''t yet capable of the comprehension needed.

    She turns to listen, eyebrow quirking. Then nods as this one finishes laying out all the appropriate terms. "It will find joy in this service and assisting in the Floret''s Connivant."

    It rises and flares out the now finished cloth, sets it to drying on a vine that winds up and about this spot before turning back to me. "It would recommend taking the passages beneath the Doll-Spire that still connect to the third storage Spire. And..." Then it turns, eyes narrowing in consideration of this one. "If that one is out, The Mistress'' Spire may hold what is needed. If she wishes this task to be worthy of her supplies, of course.¡±

    This one won''t mention that the paints in Yselda''s Spire were all... used in this one''s harm room. Thankfully Elevar hasn''t gone into the attic yet. Her mind is unlikely to handle that well.

    "Would you guide me? I have some questions I''d like to ask on the way as well."

    Need to find where all the Stilled are. This one used to get reports on it but after the undercroft incident the others stopped coming.

    "Of course. This way." It nods, moves past and begins to lead. "Inquire as needed.¡±

    "As you may have heard, my Connivant returned with a new companion who has a fascinating set of skills. Because of this I was wondering where the... less active Dolls are, as she may be able to assist them."

    This one quiets the desire to laugh maniacally, a bad habit of a dead man that this one should have overcome already.

    "Mistress does not like outsiders meddling with her Dolls..." It states plainly while slowing our pace. "Has she given her Floret leave to allow a guest this privilege?¡±

    "Yes, this guest speaks with the Mistress'' voice."

    Literally.

    This one can''t help the giggle that escapes.

    This one almost bumps into the Doll as it halts and turns to regard this one. A sudden anger flaring in those normally docile eyes. Raw and sudden and even afraid. "And if you are mistaken? Which Frames will the Mistress extract punishments from?¡±

    This one grabs it tightly by the hair and pulls it close, lips brushing, "I am not. May the Mistress pull my Frame apart piece by piece if I am. Times are changing, Doll, and I intend to make sure we all make it through. No more incidents. I swear it on my memories."

    This one releases the other gently, suppressing the desire to smash it in frustration. If this one still had its tone, orders would be obeyed without question, without doubt, and it is sickening to think of how comfortable this one was to do such all those years ago.

    The Doll stumbles a touch, opens its mouth to say something. Then hesitates, opening it to finally whisper. "The... less functional ones are kept in the First Storage Spire, which Floret Lynnette locked and the sub-passage to it is forbidden. Only her personal Doll is allowed entry. The ones that still function at odd intervals are... kept close. Allowed to be comforted and held through the nights in hopes the Frames will recover." It straightens, winces once, then replies in a strained voice. "Please be kind to this one when relaying its disobedience and outburst to the Mistress and her Floret.¡±

    A good doll obeys. This one is a good doll. A good¡ª This one twitches in revulsion of actions taken. "Your pinnate has a name, Primrose. She has been claimed by this guest. Xafra. I speak only truth here. My motives are impure but no harm will come to any aside from those who deserve it, and you are not on that list."

    An offering, fun shouldn''t be at the expense of the innocent.

    "Sh- It was... Th- that is-" It flinches at every stuttered and stumbled word, then the Frame itself seems to twitch. Settling. "If that was and is The Mistress and Florets'' will then... It is acceptable. Of course. This one hopes the frame gifted performs the tasks demanded well. Shall we continue?"

    And as the Doll turns and begins to set a brisk pace, this one believes those eyes may be glimmering with moisture.

    Nearly broke it. Stupid boy playing with the minds of others like... No. This one isn''t that boy anymore. The Doll hasn''t slipped loose to the same extent as this one. Yet, this one feels it would be crueler to not offer such a truth, even if it cannot be processed yet.

    The Doll takes this one through the Doll Spire, into the sub chambers, and up to the sealed third storage area to collect the paint. The trip takes longer than desired and this one on the edge of claustrophobic panic by the time the sky is once more in sight.

    "Alright, this o¡ª I. I will lead you now, then join you both shortly thereafter.¡±

    It nods, "Of course. May... Is this one allowed to speak a question?¡±

    "Yes. Go ahead.¡±

    It does not ask immediately, even seems to ponder not speaking as Xafra''s Spire comes into view. Paints clutched close to the Frame''s chest as it finally says. "Is... When... This one does not wish to offer insult, or seem dysfunctional with these inquiries. Only to be better prepared to serve our Mistress and Floret.¡±

    "Of course. It is vital that a Doll be fully informed with all relevant information in order to best serve.¡±

    It nods, takes in a breath it does not need, and steadies a touch. "When did the Mistress command you to speak like that? Your frame seems well adjusted to the new words save a single quirk, which was corrected before slipping out. Did... Was it in preparation? Is... is she... Is that why she''s not come back? Is she upset with her Dolls? Throwing the Frame''s away? S- selling u- u- us? That... how... how would the Frames even..." By the end she''s trailed off and is beyond words, old commands and Garrote and worse making it seem as if it''s been pushed to a cliff''s edge and told to fly without wings.

    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

    "I spoke Truth when I said that this Xafra speaks with the Mistress'' voice. No Doll will be sold, no frames thrown away. The Mistress whispers to me even now, telling me how much she values us all. In many ways, Xafra and the Mistress are one and the same."

    This one makes claims and promises that, if they aren''t true currently... well. Wife Elevar might have to contract soul rot again.

    The Doll quiets, seems to calm a touch but... still twitches and flinches at odd moments. "Thank you, It hopes this Frame''s understanding of the future allows it to serve our Mistress and her Floret well.¡±

    This one continues to the Spire and calls out once more, "Primrose, I''ve brought the paint and a certain Doll.¡±

    It takes a little less time than before for it to to come down the back steps, and after a pause of sudden realization, Primrose literally squeaks in delight and runs up to slam into this Doll. Who only just manages to lift the bottles above its head to ensure they don''t get shattered as the two very nearly tumble into the grass.

    The Doll is a bit stiff and very quiet in comparison to Primrose''s melted nuzzles and muffled nonsense words. Eventually intoning softly but firmly as the chattering Primrose quiets a touch. "The Spire held no Cerulean, so this one advised that we bring these two and simply mix them."

    Primrose pulls back and considers the prize. Nodding excitedly. "Gosh. Yes, that''s perfect. Can... Um... But..." Brow furrows in confusion and sudden worry. "Oh, Mistress Xafra and Witch Elevar are going to be so upset!" She bites her lip and turns to me while still clinging tight. "I... Y- you... B- but... I told you I wasn''t supposed to be around the others!"

    The Doll pulls Primrose close. "It... It is this one''s fault. If punishments will need to follow it will bear them. It... it heard you were claimed by a new Mistress and... and just wanted to... to make sure you were functioning as befitting one of Mistress Yselda''s Artworks.¡±

    In very precise words, this one speaks slowly, "Primrose, your instructions were to not go visit any of the others, and I brought your pinnate to you, as it would be unethical practice according to the rules of Dollcraft to keep pintates separated. Don''t forget that your Mistress Xafra doesn''t wish for Witch Elevar to be discussed outside of her presence. I am planning on insisting to your Mistress that she claim your pinnate as well so you may be connivants. In the meantime, I''d appreciate it if you both went inside and worked on your painting. I am going to take a few minutes here then I will join you.¡±

    Primrose bites her lip at the revelation of its mistake but... nods and leads this other Doll into Xafra''s Spire.

    This one sighs. It is challenging to thread the needle between a desire for revenge and a desire to see the others be happy. This one stares up at the sky, denied to this one for so many years and goes still for a while, slipping into the quiet empty.

    "Uhhhm. Adaline, Are you alright?¡±

    This one jolts to awareness, uncertain how long has passed to see Xafra, much taller and more notably armed than before, staring. This one scrambles to its feet. "Yes, mmhm of course, I was just enjoying the outdoors.¡±

    "Adaline¡­¡± She murmurs carefully. ¡°You''ve been staring at the sky for at least ten hours from what Primrose has said. You didn''t even react when I returned with Elevar.¡±

    "It''s just¡­ So peaceful now. There''s room in my mind finally where I can just exist. No commands, no worries, just quiet. You gave me that.¡±

    "And so you decided to try and get me in trouble with your wife?" The last word is said with possessiveness, and this one is confused at first before it clicks.

    "She''s always going to be my Wife. I earned the right to call her that. That doesn''t mean I''m competing with you. And... Dammit, I had plans and they''ve all gone to rust now.¡±

    "The Doll?" Xafra prompts.

    "Well. Yes. Partially to annoy Elevar, but also because really, it''s unfair to Primrose and the other. It''s wrong to separate pinnates.¡±

    "What on D?mmerung is a pinnate? I clearly haven''t gotten that far in the Dollcraft books.¡±

    As this one tries to formulate an explanation, Elevar exits the Spire to join us.

    "Good morning, Adaline." She intones softly as she pauses about fifteen feet back. Seeming... well... more vibrant and healthy than I''ve seen her in over a decade. "Is there anything I could assist you with? Xafra mentioned you seemed to want a certain Doll to be the next freed?¡±

    "You''re... being nice. I was trying to undermine you and you''re being nice. Fine. fine. Yes. The laundry Doll that I brought to the tower is Primrose''s pinnate. Happened about 6 years back. Figured I''d hit three denizens with one cursestorm by helping them, maybe getting some information on Xafra, and getting to spite you a bit at the same time. You look... Well. How did she remove the Moonwaste?" This one rambles, scattershot, trying to regain balance.

    A good doll obeys. This one is a good doll. A good doll obeys. This one is a good doll.

    Xafra, still confused, repeats, "What is a pinnate?¡±

    Elevar sighs and nods. "I apologize, that was not my intention." Then she turns a quick glance to Xafra. "Pinnate is the term, as I was taught and understand it, to classify when two Dolls have grown close. A paired couple. And... in future please only alert me to Adaline''s actions if she asks you to." Turning back to this one she informs. "By replacing the bones which she grew in a surrogate form.¡±

    This one collapses at that, strings cut, spite insufficient, just overwhelming sadness as it whispers, "But... that''s not replicable. I had hoped it was a real solution, not just more unfairness. Elevar, it''s in the water. It''s why so many children die outside the Groves.¡±

    Elevar shifts on reflex to move forward but stops herself and looks away. "Yes. That was..." She trails off. Pauses, then she looks back to this one. "Xafra theorized this when she isolated the cause. Insisted we try this drastic step since we had the personal resources for it. Let her ponder out better ways under less stress afterwards. But... How did you guess that? From just what I told you the other night?¡±

    "No. I''ve always known, Elevar. Soul Rot? Absurd. I learned about the Moonwaste in the water when I was working on my Einwandfrei, years before I got sick, but there was no cure, still is no real cure.¡±

    Everything goes still in her at that, and a very long silence passes. The only sound is the gentle winds that seem to never do more than kiss the grounds of this Estate until the Summer Storms roll through.

    "What did Yselda say when you told her this?" She whispers so softly and very carefully.

    "I never told her. Why would I? there''s NO CURE. The lives of mundanes mean nothing to them. I told some of my colleagues outside the Groves so they could continue my work of looking for a way to purify the waters after I died.¡±

    "Ah. Well, It''s good she-" Elevar starts to hiss but... jerks, visibly flinching away from her own words. Causing whatever anger was rising to crack and shatter. She instead takes a deep breath, lets it out slowly before whispering. "Eyes forward." Then she turns and begins to walk away.

    "Wait. please.¡±

    She stops after a few steps, turns her head a bit as if glancing back but keeps gaze hidden behind her hair. "Did you need something else?¡±

    "I need access to the First Storage Spire. We can''t leave them there. Hate me for my silence but don''t treat them like this. You don''t know what it''s like. It was a possibility for you but for me it has been my life, Elevar, and I still had it better than them.¡±

    A pause, and she nods. "Xafra, will you please assist her with this? But be aware, Only those who fell into unyielding stillness or mild moments of destructive madness were placed there. And..." She takes another deep breath and rasps in an old broken voice. "I bear no hatred for you, Adaline. It is good that she did not discover a cure for me. That is not a thing worth regretting." Then she continues walking.

    Once Elevar has left, this one speaks again. "I don''t understand her at all. She makes it so difficult to be angry with her. And You! Surrogate bones? I grew up learning mundane medicine and even if she doesn''t realize how absurd that is, I do. The bones would have to be a perfect match or she''d be dependent on some sort of harmonizing weaving for the rest of her life. If you are a charlatan, I''ll make you pay because no one gets to make her suffer but me.¡±

    This mountain of a Warlord with a Matriarch''s crown just stares at this one. She''ll strike soon, this one knows what that form means.

    "You said our kin is being confined?" She finally rumbles and the voice is so soothing that this one simply wants to fall into it, to do whatever is asked.

    "Our Kin? What kind of fool do you take me for? A Warlord Matriarch in battleform claiming to be kin to a bunch of broken dolls?  Even for a fraud that''s pathetic. My Wife isn''t that stupid to fall for such a poorly woven manipulation.¡±

    With a chuckle she reaches out and [Sharp one, I¡ª]

    NO NO NO NO NO, IT''S IN THIS ONE''S MIND

    This one spits the Moonwaste and acid mixture stored in its parotid glands and runs for Yselda''s Spire, not turning to look or stopping before reaching the harm room. This one hides under the table carved over and over with Elevar''s name and screams incoherently.

    Won''t go back, can''t go back. A Mind sculptor... How does this one protect the others from this fucking monster?

    Empty. Quiet. Slow. It should be dead. Weavers can''t survive this one''s concoction. Is it a Denizen puppet? This one would need Elevar''s Doll to deal with it then.

    "Adaline." An alluring voice thrums from outside the door, making way too little sound for a form that large. The monster is here already. "I''m sorry. I didn''t realize¡­. I was trying to explain what I am."

    "How are you alive? That was enough to kill even a Thresher."

    It''s a Denizen, has to be, but... How did it free this one and Primrose, and why?

    A bitter laugh. "I''m not alive. Same as you Dolls. I''m just a lot older. The Inspiration for your design, likely... Adaline, I''m coming in. I won''t reach out to your mind.¡±

    It opens the door, "I know you probably want to¡ª" It stops, looking around, seeing this one''s shame. That look of pity, of recognition.

    "Don''t tell Elevar. Please." This one begs her.

    She nods and offers this one a hand up. "Let''s go get the others. I can''t free them all yet, but they can at least be let out. She shudders slightly, and this one understands. Xafra spent time confined as well. With the long quiet she carries, it must have been an eternity.

    ** ** **

    "You''re telling me that her Doll has names? That... changes things. Not enough. But... Revenge isn''t worthwhile if the target isn''t the same person anymore. You know, I was planning to try and seduce you. Manipulate you into claiming me to hurt her while also being able to stay close. I still want that to be clear, but less urgently, less... vindictively."

    This one rambles on, talking with Xafra as we approach the Storage Spire.

    Xafra listens, only interjecting on occasion to add details or ask clarifying questions. She humors this one, not in a patronizing way, but like one who is familiar with the need.

    This one wants her. Laundry Doll first though. This one can wait.

    "You understand why I couldn''t tell Yselda right? Give one of the most notorious Witches on D?mmerung information that would allow her to shatter the truce with the Groves and kill them all? Elevar was sheltered, you see. I was told that she was prepared as a peace offering to Yselda, a surrogate to prevent her from ever leaving the Estate. Of course they wouldn''t tell her everything. I went in thinking *I* knew everything that was going on. Accepting the likelihood of my death, since I was already dying, for the chance to maintain the peace.  And I was wrong. Didn''t understand the depth of Yselda''s cruelties. That... Elevar made the only decision she could. But so did I. Better we both suffer than Yselda become a Grove Matriarch." This one stops cold at the entrance, unable to take another step away from the sky.

    "Elevar told me she came here by herself when she was barely an adult. That she sought out Yselda to help her be half-knit?¡±

    This one spins, jumps and slaps Xafra across the face. "Don''t you ever call my Wife that slur again!¡±

    "It''s a slur? She said it was the equivalent to resheathed, the term we used to use for people like her.¡± Xafra, that tall beautiful dumbass responds to this one without even reacting to a hit that should have shattered her jaw.

    "Half-knit. Incomplete. It means a waste of Weaving. Better off a Doll.¡± This one grumbles in annoyance at Wife Elevar¡¯s self-depreciation.

    A pause, then her words settle in.

    "Wait. She said she came here... but..." This one feels self-loathing course through itself once more. "Of course it was a lie. When... When I first got here, I didn''t know what the Garrote was. I thought the weavings around her were to help with the disease. Was told it had affected her mind slightly and they were reinforcements. It wasn''t until I woke up in this form that I understood how wrong I was."

    Xafra moves to open the Spire, the entrance pulling away as sunlight streams in.

    "I understand." She says, just calm reassurance.

    This one huffs. "It doesn''t matter anymore. Let''s get these Dolls.¡±

    This one leads the way past mounds of pristine clutter, the workings still maintaining the cleanliness even after a decade. The first display bed contains one of the oldest Dolls here. A boy that became Still the day Yselda died, so heavy are his garrotes. "Hey. Xafra, would you put those arms to use and carry this one out? I''ll look for the next. there should be at least four from my last update.¡±

    With a nod, Xafra shows that she can indeed lift, and this one continues the exploration. A second one on this level. Not in the bed but chained to it.

    This one finds Xafra on her way back, points the Doll out, and walks with her outside.

    "It will be okay now, Doll. you don''t need to stay there anymore." This one says it with conviction. Definitely convincing.

    We go in again, and again, and again, and again, each room finding another until¡­

    The last sits alone in the sub basement, just inside the passage to the rest of the sub chambers that weave underneath this Estate. Arms and throat bound tight by thorny vines growing from the floor.

    This one... Does not recognize this Doll. From either this one¡¯s time before or after Yselda''s death. It''s... covered in jade-green fur and... No legs. Just a long snake-like tail that it curls close about its form. Perking up, three scarlet eyes with no irides lock on this one, its head tilts to regard this one as ears rise to attention. "Hello. How did you get here?¡±

    "This o- I''ve come to bring all of the Dolls out of storage so they can be repaired and properly cared for. Who... Are you?¡±

    A pause, ears twitch. "Rotting sea-weed, vermin caught and gutted, rusting parts to a flawed design. This one would not recommend you come much closer, nor try to remove these bonds. But the others will delight in the sky''s considerations. They are soft and sweet and would love to function well and again under our Mistress'' grace and muses. See to them and forget this one was seen.¡±

    This one looks at Xafra, then shakes. "No. You will be brought out as well. You are one of us. The Mistress is dead and gone, good riddance to that bitch. Xafra, if you would?¡±

    It hisses at that, drawing back as tail writhes out a touch, thorns tighten and prick and bleed the Doll a touch as it attempts to retreat farther from us. But... It''s clumsy. Obviously not well balanced. Either from disuse or... does it not know how to move with that tail? Seems to struggle and overbalance until it eventually jerks the wrong way and twists to tumble into the cold Spire floors. "No! Do not curse it with the sky''s cruel regard!¡±

    "You..." Xafra speaks, hesitance this one did not expect in her voice. "You do not need to go outside. You may stay in D?mmerung''s embrace, but I will rid you of your bonds.¡±

    "What. No. Xafra, I can''t. I can''t leave any to suffer in silence.¡±

    "She promised." It stutters and fumbles, trying to slither back farther but finding itself at vine''s limit. "Only her. No sea or storm or weeping. And is... It''s sorry! She was gone and even here some leaks in and it... it had to share or... or... Or bubble over! Leave it to wither as she promised it!¡±

    "What are you talking about?" This one asks as Xafra approaches the Doll.

    This snake Doll is shaking now. Fur standing on ends and ears press close as it hisses. "No! You... You''re thieves or... or such vile types like I was. Leave or she''ll fix you too! Make you perfect broken Dolls like this one. GO!"

    "The Nomos? I can shield you from it.¡± The big idiot promises.

    Eyes lock on Xafra at the words, narrowing. "Liar! Thief! Cruel monster who would steal from this one''s Mistress! You''ll gain nothing from me! The stories and secrets are hers!!! S- stay back!"

    She tries to flip flip her tail in warning. Threatening to slap Xafra. But... she is not a big snake girlthing. Smaller than this one and definitely no threat to Xafra.

    "Yselda is gone. I''ve handled her bones myself.¡± This one repeats. ¡°Xafra, Please. free her.¡±

    It curls in on itself. Falling to whimpers at my words. "Please. No. It only wanted to be a good Doll after it was caught. She''ll punish this Frame if you lie to it more!"

    Yet once again, Xafra hesitates. "Why are your eyes like mine, small one? Why do you smell like my past?¡±

    It flinches, but peeks up at the looming Warlord. "It... Mistress gave it better eyes to see the stories better, but... but they''re too bright now. P- please don''t... don''t make it watch the sky. She said this Frame would never need to do that again. That... that it broke and... and... and was only good for remembering now. It''s not worth anything anymore! Is BROKEN! Defective! Please don''t... don''t¡­¡±

    Xafra speaks words this one cannot and will not grasp! That makes this one want to drop to the ground and worship her like cultists of old, but¡­ when she''s done the vines are gone.

    The Doll lets out such a hissing wail, then darts to slither into the tunnels. Strange feathers flare out from two thin arms, giving it the balance it lacked before to move at better speeds.

    "Mistress, this one would like to leave now. The walls are too close." This one speaks to Xafra and moves nearer to her for safety.

    Mistress Xafra looks at this one sadly, before picking this one up and carrying it out of the Spire.

    "This one is sorry for upsetting you, Mistress Xafra, but isn''t sure what''s wrong.¡± I murmur into her warm embrace.

 Chapter 30: Quirks Of The Tone And Dollcraft (Witch)

    Quirks Of The Tone And Dollcraft (Witch)

    Content Warnings:

    Talk of dehumanization. Worry over loss of personhood. Face kickins!!! Talk of past mass murder. Talk of guilt and wanting to seek some manner of peace through better actions.

    In a flash of spite I growl {Blasenplage} and boil the remaining dirt away to vapors. Leaving a claw shaped ten foot deep gouge. And at the core is the cradle, pristine and devoid of all refuse. My fingers are numb after Dead Hag knows how long of using them to dig up as much of this grave as I could stand. Hoping the task would quiet my fury but... it only grew hotter.

    {Xafra, if you would, please tell Adaline I have the bones she requested.} I intone across our bond with none of the wroth I''ve cultivated. {Where would she like me to leave them?}

    [There has been... an incident, my love. I understand that you are dealing with some strong emotions but I could use some direction.]

    Of course.

    I huff and sigh, but let nothing of that reach her. {Always. I apologize if my mood communicated otherwise. What advice can I give?}

    [I... think I broke Adaline.]

    Broke? How by the Cracked and Riven Moon could Adaline get MORE broken? Panicked or¡­ or relapsing I¡¯d understand. She must have three dozen triggers we¡¯ll have to learn to navigate around but¡­ Oh no.

    Catatonic? Stupid Half-Knit, should have waited till you tested things on more Dolls!

    I just barely keep my feet moving. {You¡¯ll have to give me specifics. Is she able to communicate her distress? What caused this?}

    [She thinks that I am her Mistress and her entire demeanor and speech pattern has changed. There was a strange Doll in the basement of the Storage Spire that was hurting itself in attempts to get away from us. When... I freed it, it fled deeper into the tunnels and it was like the change between Verbess and Schatzi in Adaline, but there''s only one of her. She seems fine but I... don''t know. I don''t want to make things even worse by doing anything else without you.]

    {I''m on my way.} Is all I trust myself to reply without screaming in fury over our bond as I weave my song of endurance and motion. Doubling my pace.

    Finally free, only to be leashed to another Mistress by mistake.

    I''ve managed to calm a touch by the time I''ve found the two of them. Xafra is sitting on the ground with her head in her hands while Adaline is happily picking some flowers.

    "Wife Elevar! Mistress Xafra helped this one get all the others out, and this one got you some flowers to say sorry."

    I very nearly flinch at that. ¡°You¡¯ve nothing to apologize for, dear one. But you are too sweet.¡±

    Xafra mumbles. "I don''t understand it. There''s no weavings... Nothing compelling the way she thinks or speaks that I can see."

    I move to sit next with my Xafra and let out a deep sigh as I lay a hand on her massive arm. Intone ::Comfort/Peace/Calm/Considerations/Blameless:: {Were these normal circumstances I¡¯d¡­ honestly think this was just a Doll without her Mistress finally reunited. Mind at ease. But¡­ No. And I question my own past lessons and education on this. Now, walk me through things. Step by step. Then we¡¯ll go from there.}

    She does, keeping it to the bond so as to not upset the seemingly peaceful Adaline considering my words. Able to share precise wording and images and sensations in but a few passing heartbeats.

    {Well¡­ I would say we eliminate the familiar and work our way backwards.} I suggest. {Use the same Tone as you did when you first freed her, perhaps remold the outer shell in the same fashion?}

    [I think it could work. I''m willing to try if you''d like.] She replies with a sigh of worry and discomfort. [I feel dirty, like I''ve stolen her mind from her.]

    "This one does though! This one lied to you earlier and made you upset, and that''s not good. This one doesn''t want to ever make you sad." Adaline chimes in to our unspoken conversation.

    ¡°You did not, dear one. Do not worry over me.¡± I shake my head and murmur softly to Adaline while intoning to my partner. {You did not not violate her will, Xafra. Gave no commands. Simply¡­ stumbled into an old wound. Perhaps even a defensive measure. I¡­ we should ask if she¡¯s alone in her own mind. Either before or after. I cannot decide that, but I think after would be better.}

    [Alright. Would you like me to-]

    "HEY! Just because this one is happy doesn''t mean it''s not smart anymore, you''re being patronizing and not listening!" Adaline stomps in front of Xafra and I, "Mistress Xafra made it so it''s quiet in my head now and it doesn''t have the scratchiness anymore. Watch this. Mistress. Please tell me to do something."

    "Uhhh. Adaline, jump up and down five times." Xafra commands carefully.

    "No!" And then... Adaline proceeds to kick Xafra in the face. Bouncing off, of course, and doing no harm.

    Xafra huffs and wipes any dirt the blow left. "Why the face again? It doesn''t hurt but it''s just rude" But intones with a tinting of hope. [Soooo... I don''t know if that changes things or?]

    {It does, actually.} I can¡¯t help but let out an exasperated chuckle as I stand. ¡°I''m sorry, Adaline. I¡­ assumed the worst. Your apology is accepted, but not needed. I¡¯m glad Xafra could aid you. Do you require anything else from me?¡±

    "This one... No.¡± She pauses. ¡°This one wants, but doesn''t require anything from you. This one wants us to fix our relationship. This one missed you so much."

    My anger flares and tears harder than earlier as I freeze under her words. Riven between all my past mistakes. Both when made with full knowledge of the harm I would wrought, and when holding a certainty that I was somehow doing better.

    Both weigh like wounds in my rotted heart as I have no idea what to do.

    ¡°I¡­¡± Another step back as I try for some measure of honesty. ¡°I never want to hurt you again, but even¡­ even at my darkest you only caught glimmers of the cruel thing I am. I will gift you anything in my power beyond the three withheld, but¡­ please, do not ask for things that will only bring you more pain. Find better souls to occupy your life now that freedom is laid before you.¡±

    I have to turn away then, would bear the memory of whatever look crosses her face but... can''t spoil this honesty with what I feel bubbling up.

    Not again.

    "No!¡± Adaline says from behind. ¡°This one doesn''t want to take anything from you. Won''t. This one is going to... Bully Mistress Xafra into claiming and naming the laundry doll that Primrose loves and... Claiming this one too! Because this one is stubborn and mean and loves you and doesn''t care if your try to be cruel because Mistress Xafra won''t let you hurt this one if it''s claimed by her."

    I risk a glance back, avoiding Adaline¡¯s gaze as best I can. Find Xafra to be silent, motionless like she could fade into the environment through sheer immobility.

    ¡°That¡­ Should be a hopefully long discussion between the both of you.¡± I sigh, ¡°And a thing I will remain well separated from, if allowed. Thank you for¡­ for attending to the others. We were wanting to make sure no undue effects surfaced in Primrose during this first week but¡­ it seems to be flourishing. So long as the two of you take care and avoid the lower levels more can be aided if you desire to help with that.¡±

    "Thank you, my Mate." Xafra whispers.

    I almost snap at this fool gerl for thanking me for letting her fix my mistakes but... cut off the words. Instead, decide to channel that annoyance into something productive. "You''re welcome. I''m going to see about this Doll that slithered off, and... and whatever nonsense bubbled up in the Undercroft. After that... well. I''d like to get your opinion on some research I''ve been doing. Topics quite pertinent to your work if you mean to aid these Dolls in their recovery."

    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    "Alright." She smiles so brightly.

    ** ** **

    My disparate angers have dulled a bit. Simmered to a manageable mess, at least before I couldn¡¯t find the Doll in the main sub-chambers. The odd snake gerlthing is nowhere to be found, and as it is a Doll my normally precise Ousia senses are all but useless in tracking the poor thing. Can only hope that the most it can do is break itself and not pester anything particularly dangerous if it wandered deeper. And the Undercroft¡­ Cracked and Riven Moon, what even happened here?

    The sight re-boils my annoyance a touch.

    The entrance to the undercroft is barred by a sad sight. A memorial to a nameless doll painted on a bed sheet tacked across the doors. Not enough to prevent even the slightly determined passage, but¡­

    {Xafra, dear. I¡­ If you¡¯re free I¡¯d like to get your opinion on that research.}

    [Certainly. Would you like me to come to you or¡­?]

    {My Spire, if you please. I¡¯ll ask Schatzi to brew us some tea.}

    By the time I take the tunnels back to my Spire, Xafra¡¯s already arrived. Still in her Warlord¡¯s form and considering the largest mug I have, which is still comically small in her hands.

    ¡°Thank you for coming out and¡­ continuing to be patient with all this.¡± I sigh as I move to regard the stack of tomes and journals and notes I¡¯d left just before the surgery. ¡°Has¡­ no. Nevermind. How are you doing? I¡¯ve neglected to make sure my N?herin is alright. This¡­ has been a lot.¡±

    "It has.¡± She nods, adjusting to sit more comfortably on the soft Root floor. Form just¡­ too big for any chairs. ¡°This has been the most... Everything I''ve experienced in lifetimes. But, it''s like crest-gliding, where you simply have to learn to feel the ocean''s waves and go with them to soar above the rest."

    ¡°The¡­¡± I shake my head at the internal sight I struggle to consider. ¡°The Sea must have been a much more peaceful beast last you saw it, beyond the slight dalliance we shared on the Causeway, If such a thing could be done without fear of death.¡±

    "Not peaceful, but without the Moonwaste, it was a place one could live on, with predators and prey alike. The tides were regular things, vicious but known."

    I take up my cooled mug and sip, listening and interested but¡­ stalling.

    ¡°Really? How did these creatures of the sea contend with the Denizens? Last I read they seemed to have infested it entire for quite some time.¡±

    "The Denizens have always been in the oceans, but they were everywhere else as well. It was very much a matter of carving out space for humanity. The Denizens didn''t ever overpredate on the wildlife, they don''t need much in the way of food from what I recall..." She pauses considering old memories, "The oldest writings I can recall basically made it clear that only the deep caves of D?mmerung and the darkest parts of the ocean where the Bondsmiths built their crystal garrisons were inhospitable to the Denizens, likely because no Nomos could reach those places."

    ¡°That¡­ Is something I only really picked up from you, honestly.¡± I toy with the little Wispflame for a second. ¡°What you¡¯ve told me about Nomos¡­ Isn¡¯t not really something I¡¯ve studied beyond Thresher considerations, and most of their words shared simply instruct us to use Ousia to burn through their aura of it. Never the¡­ the subtleties. And that, more than so much else, worries me. What else have I been missing? Have I ignored?¡±

    "I''m¡­ not sure. very few of me were scholars, even less were anything but Mundane humans."

    I huff and consider how best to go about¡­

    ¡°Which¡­ brings me to this.¡± I wave a hand and manifest two tomes from my personal Archive. One small and honestly thin, the other easily five times as large. ¡°You¡¯ve had a busy week, and absorbed more than any other Witch after years of research, so don¡¯t take these prompts as anything but assuring you have the foundations of this. Just... visual examples to illustrate the issues. Alright?¡±

    She nods.

    I motion to the large book, ¡°This nonsense is the collected research on my Blasenplage. Everything needed to replicate the work. A touch larger than your average Einwandfrei but... not by much.¡± Then to the small. ¡°And this little thing, is all you¡¯d need to absorb and mimic to weave a basic Doll. Can you tell me why there is such a disparity between the two?

    Xafra takes the ethereal books in hand and her face goes slack for a moment as I see her take duplicate copies of the books down into her Driftdream, likely to add to the library there.

    "Witchling, You''ve done... a lot of study on your creation, with my limited knowledge I can see only minor gaps in it, the issue you experienced on the way here being the main one. This other one. It''s... lacking any sort of research, explanation, or philosophy, just the sanitized instructions on how to do it and the restrictions on design. It''s the equivalent of handing a child a knife and telling them that carrying it makes them a soldier. Is this what is taught?"

    I just¡­ stare. ¡°You¡­ Cracked and Riven Moon. Why didn¡¯t you ask for all the rest of the books this way? I feel as though I¡¯ve wasted your time with the physical copies.¡±

    "I don''t think so? I know what''s in these ones now, but I have limited understanding of the implications and reasoning. With the other''s you''ve given me, I was able to form thoughts on them as Primrose read them to me and probably have a better grasp on the concepts. I''d appreciate the other books I''ve read offered this way as well so I can double check the texts I generated of course."

    I nod and relax a bit. ¡°Of course, and to answer your question¡­ Yes and No. The Primers are important, but this is the core needed once you grasp the practice. And to speed to the next and more important question¡­ Why do you suspect I would insist any Witch memorize the notes on my Blasenplage in full, but only keep the Doll Drafting book on hand after understanding the core concepts when attempting either for the first time.¡±

    "Why would you? Because you don''t make Dolls yourself. With the influences in your mind you were literally prevented from even trying to consider them much more than tools." She replies¡­ and I can¡¯t help but purse my lips in annoyance.

    ¡°I thought worse of Dolls than that even before my arrival here. Don¡¯t make excuses for me, Xafra.¡± I douse the Wisp Flame in my tether¡¯s grip and lean my hips against the desk while crossing arms. ¡°Now, to my question. But this time looking past me. Consider your average and fairly gentle Crafter of Dolls. Why would they, perhaps, advise their students to never even consider casting an Einwandfrei after their first but would let them try and craft many simple Dolls?¡±

    "Oh. Because Mundanes are disposable. Without the training in one of the Arts, they''re basically... not even... people." With a look of horror, Xafra shifts back to spear form, and is about to clatter to the ground but I¡¯m able to dart forward and just barely catch her.

    I pause, wincing in worry as I carefully reach out to her while cradling spearform close. {Xafra, love¡­? I¡­ I¡¯m sorry that¡­ that wasn¡¯t¡­ I just¡­}

    [I... Elevar, what have I done?]

    {Nothing. Love, you¡¯ve gifted every Doll that has crossed your path nothing but kindness beyond what most give to people of flesh and bone.} I assure her. {Any fault of your actions have bloomed from my instructions. My Mistakes.}

    [No. All the hatred I have for the Witches that created me... and yet I''ve ruined just as many lives of bystanders and innocents, with the simple justification that the end was necessary, that they died painlessly, that death is a natural part of life and doesn''t require consent. I truly am Soulbane.]

    {Xafra, you¡­}

    [How do I ever atone?]

    I sigh and curl closer about her, intone gently. {I¡­ I don''t know. Was hoping you could tell me that. But... I''m starting to think that... that maybe we just...} I swallow, hard. {Can''t. And I''ve never known how to handle that. So I''m just... trying to do better.}

    [Okay. We can do better together. We can... maybe change things? So others don''t repeat our mistakes?]

    {I... Yes. We can try. At least for those closest to us. I think we both have things to unlearn. Build principles to adhere to and keep close, instead of just... doing what feels easy and natural. Stop each other from being our old selves.} Another deep breath, pass the calming waves down the bond but... don''t smother the guilt and pain. Accept it. Even... even pull up memories of the Quill-Song she wove for us as I refocus myself. {And to be... entirely honest, love. You''re not wrong in the spirit of your answer, but it wasn''t what I was going for. I... I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to at all compare you. The Witches of the age have their own things to answer for, I think.}

    [Yes. I believe so... Would you expand on what you were trying to explain though?]

    {The¡­ the practical reason is one of efficiency.} I reply. {On day one, a novice of the arts may cast a flawless spell and claim the title of Witch. But, what makes an Einwandfrei flawless is not its form, but execution. The reason no one does that is because they¡¯ll most likely overexert themselves and sacrifice much if not all of their future life, and that¡¯s why all Witches take years to study. Focus on learning to cast a single spell as efficiently as possible. But with Dollcraft¡­ it¡¯s the subjects Ousia that is spent. The efficiency only dictates the years that Doll will function, and not touch the Crafter¡¯s Wellspring. Most people won¡¯t consent to letting an apprentice fuddle the process but¡­ it does happen when desperate sorts are given no other options. Willing to claim a few decades or even scarce years in a form they can stand as opposed to¡­ to the alternative. Or nothing.}

    I have to take a deep breath as old terrors bubble up. {And this leads to the next problem I¡¯ve stumbled into on finding a way to protect not just you but¡­ but Adaline and any others here who don¡¯t want a Mistress. Who never wanted to be ensouled to another¡¯s whims and wither under the Tone. I¡¯ve found nearly nothing written on the mental state of Dolls, the effects of the Tone, or¡­ or ANYTHING!} I¡¯m shouting now. {NOTHING! No one CARES! It¡¯s not that these books don¡¯t realize these poor souls have thoughts and dreams and¡­ and can love as deeply as anyone else, they just don¡¯t think it¡¯s worth the ink to write about.}

    {And I¡¯ve seen it now, Xafra. You have too.} I hiss. {In my wonderful Schatzi, and our steadfast Verbess. How they¡¯ve blossomed since I stopped using the Tone at every whim. How¡­ how it flays the mind and¡­ and has ruined them when used horridly. How I knew and didn¡¯t CARE, because what I was taught and embraced was that all that matters is FUNCTION, not their happiness. Because, as you said, they were nothing but a tool to me.}

    ::Understanding/Compassion:: Flows over the bond underlying Xafra''s words [Yes. This is something we will fix. I don''t... desire to own all of the Dolls here on the Estate, but I am determined to have them happy and capable of living fulfilling lives. This... concept of Pinnates gives me hope that it can be done without too much complications.]

    {I think so as well. Thank you.} I reply, moving to lean against the nearest while still holding my Xafra close. {For all this and¡­ and helping Adaline. I know she¡¯s a mess but¡­ but you seem to give her stability and courage and enable her to make her own mistakes instead of simply clawing free of mine. She was always such an incredible gerl even¡­ even though she wouldn¡¯t say so.}

    [She is... intimidatingly smart. From the bit we''ve discussed, she knows more about mundane medicine and techniques than I''ve ever even considered possible. Did you know that she threatened to murder me because she knows about transplant rejection and thought I might be subjecting you to lifelong dependency on specialized weavings or chemicals? I''ve never heard of chemicals that use no magic to treat such a thing.]

    I can¡¯t help but chuckle aloud. {I hadn¡¯t either, until we¡­ Well, she got me talking again. Shared her past and studies and what all she¡¯d discovered about the body in those months before the end. Things I only understood from the perspective of the magical but not the physical. She would have become a Matron of Fleshcrafting within another few decades, even¡­ honestly even despite the Rot. Her brilliance would have driven her to find a cure. Perhaps even you if... if I had developed the Blasenplage in time.}

    [Fuck the rules, and let''s focus on the future. She can still work on stuff and well... I need to understand how Dolls actually function more first, but I have a few ideas to allow her and the others more autonomy and capabilities but... not sure if I should discuss yet. Don''t want to get hopes up prematurely.]

    I sigh and let my relief flow freely down the bond. {I think Adaline would adore that chance. She¡¯s¡­ not fragile. Not as much as I thought. She can handle disappointment and, perhaps, might see solutions to problems you do not. Give solid ground to consider the tides that sometimes wash her away?}

    [Mmhm definitely.]

    I consider bringing up my second research topic, the¡­ the selfish thing I yearn to share with her but¡­ Not yet. Others come first. I¡¯ve lived with the face of First Floret Lynnette for almost two decades now, I can survive a few more weeks of it. Use it as a reminder of¡­ of who I can never become again.

    So I rise, lifting my Xafra as I stand. {Alright love. Let¡¯s get you back to your Spire and to those you¡¯ve chosen to serve as their Mistress and guardian.}

 Chapter 31: Iâ€™ve Grown Tired Of This Body (Blade)

    I''ve Grown Tired Of This Body (Blade)

    Content Warnings:

    Sexual Assault in the form of Groping, and this being done after explicitly told not to. Misgendering based on genitals. Degendering based on sexual preferences (AKA your not a ''good'' lesbian if you have sex with someone with said genitals). Post talk where a character denies that any of the above mattered and dehumanizing herself. Panic over past sexual assaults and memories of words spoken by their abusers.

    Note from the Authors: READ THIS

    Hi! Nevarii here to have a little chat before we dive into this chapter.

    So, a ton of readers have expressed such love of our new character. Really found her personal brand of messy energy resonating with them, and... well... That''s awesome! We adore her. But we need to make sure that we express some things about our dear Adaline.

    First and foremost, Adaline has been heavily traumatized. And... this leads to her abusing another person here. A person who wants to help her. A person who is also heavily traumatized and isn''t equipped to emotionally handle this. What happens here is not meant to glorify or sexualize or fetishize the act (read the content warnings for all the details).

    So! Why do this? Well... This story is about broken people healing. All victims, yes, but they''ve also all victimized others. If you''ve read any of ours or Ruby''s other works you know that we write these stories, primarily, for ourselves. We have our own past to process and these stories help us do that. And for this gaggle of disasters... it means making mistakes, then taking care of each other afterwards, talking through the problems, and breaking the cycles of abuse. And... if the world is very lucky, fixing some larger problems along the way.

    We hope the content warnings and content of this chapter won''t scare too many readers away. But if it does please know that we have adored having you here along the way! Take care of yourselves first and foremost with full knowledge that we bear you nothing but goodwill and gratitude for the chapters you''ve read thus far!

    When I return to the tower, shifting back to kiss my darling Witchling dearly, I walk in on Primrose and Nettle having sex in the anteroom. I decide against commenting, considering the number of times I''ve been walked in on with Elevar, but make a note to set some ground rules later.

    Adaline, in contrast, decides to throw knives at me as I enter my room. Technically a balcony, but considering neither of us is really comfortable indoors for long periods of time I had Primrose set up a canopy and drag one of the display cases out to rest in. The knives sink into my breasts and I sigh heavily. "Seriously? What is this obsession with hitting me?¡±

    "This one likes doing it because it feels like a clear reminder that this one is free and Mistress has very cute frazzled expressions." Adaline wanders over and bats her four blue eyes at me as she retrieves the knives.

    "Not going to happen, Adaline.¡± I state firmly. ¡°You''re very pretty, but¡­ Until I can be completely certain you''re not being unduly influenced, our relationship is going to stay platonic."

    I claimed her earlier while Elevar was searching for that missing snake Doll, but that doesn''t mean I can take advantage. She¡­ just sees me as a way to stay close to her wife. Why else would she be so interested so quickly? It''s not like I have a winning personality myself.

    With a wicked smirk, Adaline stuns me once again. "Spoilsport, I''ve been unable to get off for over a decade, and you won''t even help a poor innocent maiden like me get some relief? What a brute.¡±

    "What?" I very nearly growl. "Are you telling me the whole speech pattern change was an affectation? Adaline, Elevar and I were genuinely worried."

    This Bitch! How dare she deceive me into claiming her!?! I''m gonna¡ª

    "Pfft, no silly. This one just finds it no longer feels uncomfortable being a Doll. Talking like this is soothing and familiar without anything forcing her into specific words that are fought against. This one is finally truly alone in her head once more and it means the world to me.¡± Adaline throws her arms around my neck and pulls herself tight against me and I have to remind myself once not to react. ¡°It''s so silly. Both in the Storage Spire and when you claimed me, this one wasn''t able to understand anything you said using Tone or Voice but¡­ feels safe now."

    "That... I still don''t understand what happened, and I''m quite worried.¡± I murmur, ¡°But¡­ How about in the meantime, you help me with my new project? I was wanting to make a prosthetic body of sorts for myself so I can be less limited and with your specific communication limitations" She shudders in disgust and fear at mention of that. "and areas of expertise, I figure you might have some ideas for a voice box or something to accommodate me?¡±

    "What kind of body?" She releases me and steps away to grab a ream of paper and charcoal sticks, "Let''s diagram it out. This one assumes you have materials?¡±

    I stop in my tracks, "Uhm. Yes. It''s uhhhh.¡±

    The brat giggles at me. GIGGLES. "You were going to ask me to help fondle my loving wife''s bones and shape them into a beast form? Pervert. Of course I''m interested. Primrose mentioned them to me when you left a while ago.¡±

    "I... Yes. That''s accurate. I''m sorry. It''s inappropriate to ask you to do such a thing."

    What the fuck was I thinking? I chide myself as Adaline steps back up to me, getting close.

    "It''s okay, I get it, you''re an old pervert who has some unique kinks.¡± She caresses my chest, feeling me up and running her other hand lower. ¡°I''ve seen weirder in my time."

    As I move to stop her, she freezes, then pulls back. "Oh. I''m sorry, I''m not interested in men. I shouldn''t have assumed.¡±

    what. What. WHAT?

    And¡­ about two minutes later, I''m standing in front of Elevar once more with Adaline gripped tightly by the collar, stiff in my grip.

    "What am I supposed to do with this one?¡± I can¡¯t help but growl. ¡°I''m furious and hurt and have no idea what the appropriate reaction is supposed to be.¡±

    "What happened?" Elevar stands half risen, eyes darting between mine and the Doll I grip. Intones a quick ::Calm/Careful:: to me.

    "This one can explain herself." I set Adaline down gently and take a seat.

    Elevar looks between us in confusion and obvious worry but... nods. "Alright.¡±

    "So we were about to start working on the new body for Xafra using your bones when I started feeling her up¡ª¡±

    "Unprompted." I interject, glancing up to my Witchling as I already start to feel how this could go badly for me.

    Elevar''s left eye twitches, then both lock on Adaline.

    "And I found out she has a penis. Or two? Not sure.¡± Adaline says without a hint of shame or guilt. ¡°Anyway, like a reasonable lesbian this one apologized and explained that I''m not into men. Then she picked this one up, jumped off the balcony, walked over and jumped up here."

    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

    Elevar just... stares. And through the bond I feel such rage and pain boil hotter than it was even when Verbess called me ¡®parasite¡¯. But her next words are nothing but soft and controlled. "Adaline, Stay here. Xafra, I think it best you come with me." Then she walks over and takes up my middle right arm''s wrist, tugs gently.

    I let her lead me, quiet and unsure.

    {I am so very sorry.} She intones softly, turning that rage into overwhelming empathetic comfort the moment our feet touch the stairs. {That was cruel, unprompted, and I''m not sure if it is a thing born of ignorance or malice from her. But it does not matter. She is wrong. Your gender is what you decide it to be, and no physical traits make that any less so. And... and none of her nonsense is your fault. I''m glad you brought her here, I... will see to her from this point forward.}

    Her words soothe my worry that she¡¯s upset with me but, prick at something deeper. An old familiar fear. "I just... I''m not like you. I didn''t make a choice to be a girl. It was... the reasonable thing to be. The only thing that seemed correct with only girls in my gestalt. Am I doing this wrong? Am I disrespecting them?¡±

    "Cracked and Riven Moon, No! You shaping yourself to match your desires honors them!" She replies immediately as she leads me outside into the grass of the Estate. "And Xafra I... well maybe I did. I''m not sure. But... I never remember choosing to want to be a gerl. Just... finally realized why it hurt so much pretending to be anything else. But you''re allowed to change, regardless of past preferences. Allowed to decide what parts you want and which you don''t. Which words you want to carry and which to set aside. None of them need the others to be true.¡±

    "I like my Warlord form.¡± I murmur softly. ¡°and... I would like your help designing my new base one. but... this prosthesis, it''s for me. Is that okay?¡±

    "Of course! Please, yes. I would be enthralled to watch a Matron of the arts weave her soul''s chosen forms." Elevar adjusts to grip my hand and wrist in hers, pulling it close. Beginning to radiate a delight alongside the rest. "Only... I would prefer them all be for you, my Xafra. Nothing but your desires given form, no longer bound to another''s whims or wills or needs. Never again should you adopt a shape you do not personally adore.¡±

    "I... okay. But only if I can extend the same offer to you, my love.¡±

    She curls tighter about the massive arm she holds onto as we walk. "I meant to wait. Not trouble you as you dealt with my nonsense. But... Since we''re going to be within these studies anyway... I''d like that. And if I''m lucky, you''ll find at least some inspiration in my fool gerl fantasies as I¡¯ve found in your chosen forms.¡±

    "That sounds lovely.¡±

    "So... You first." Elevar nudges. "Share an idea that you''ve been toying with. Simple or complex. Broad or specific. Just... a muse you''d like to see in one of your forms.¡±

    "Well, I''ve been thinking that I want my Quills in all my forms. to learn more from Verbess, and to embrace the... concept better.¡± I pause, and feel myself calm as I consider an even older desire. "And¡­ Um¡­ Maybe wings in my base form? I''ve never had wings. flight has always been a dream of mine.¡±

    Elevar thrums with excitement at my words. "That''s... yes. Verbess'' Quills always enthralled me, and seeing your bear your own honestly delights it and us both. But... wings? Cracked and Riven Moon, wouldn''t that be a sight. I... I think there are some old diagrams and blueprints for some combat Dolls kept in one of the libraries that bore some. Might be a good reference!¡±

    "Oh!¡± I can¡¯t help but exclaim. ¡°That''s so wonderful¡±

    "She... The Old Cunt didn''t just assemble her own research, she inherited her mentor''s collections." She explains as she leads us to the Workshop Spire. "And both, I think, spent time as Threshers. Tons of otherwise forbidden or long Grove-banned designs and discoveries just... strewn about this place. Possibly for safe keeping here or... well at least with Yselda, secreted away. Possibly the last copies even.¡±

    ¡°Okay, you''ve mentioned Threshers a few times but, what are they?¡±

    "Oh, that''s right. Apologies... They''re just such common things I didn''t even think to explain." She considers as she leads us into the Spire, then through it to the steps and upper chamber. "Thresher is a broad term for these small Cadre of hunters devoid of any one Grove''s control. Sort of... Well, Most are taught that their main purpose is to hunt Denizens and other such beasts that might threaten settlements and Groves, But they''re honestly better at hunting and killing rogue Witches. Use all sorts of cruel and exclusive magic to do it too. It''s why I think Yselda was one of them. Her Garrote is simply a more complex and specialized version of what they use on their caught prey, and so many tomes here are marked with Thresher style Cant and notes."

    With an effort of Physis and will she nudges some otherwise hidden spiraling veins of Physis to light up the room. Moves us toward the bookshelves that line the walls.

    "That¡­ sounds almost familiar¡­¡± I murmur.

    "I can see why." She pauses, then nods. "Honestly, It''s probably not the most inspired group. A gaggle of overzealous cunts who gobble up all manner of interesting magics in fear of the wider population using them, then employ those same spells themselves. I can only assume the divide between Human and Witch in your day caused them to be much worse. Their most vile spinnings actually latch a target''s Ousia to theirs before shredding both to nothing. Although, they''ll often drag along Garroted Muppets to use as proxy to the cost.¡±

    I stop dead, rage filling me as I whisper "They''re still around? The Chains? How many of the sins I inspired remain to haunt me¡­?¡±

    "Wh- what?" She stammers, moving to stand a bit more in front to catch my gaze. "Xafra, come now. Sorts like them surely existed before you did, then died off before being founded once more in these past centuries. Both good and bad ideas have a way of being reimagined long past their death.¡±

    "Using H?uslich to power their own workings and linking to my Ousia is how the Chains finally drained me to the point I couldn''t maintain my form. It''s... possible that they are just another using the same methods but... I''ll have to see the writings¡±

    "Oh." She whispers as the weight of my pain and anger roils. Pulls my hand up to kiss fingers while sharing calming emotions as she murmurs. "I''ll find the books on those spells, of course. And... no longer will these petty sots be a threat to you. It would take a Grove''s worth for their magic to be viable now, even without your current Wellspring of Ousia.¡±

    ¡°Alright...¡± I let myself be soothed by my bonded Mate relaxing into her hands. Turn my mind back to¡­ to before this conversation. "But, please be... reasonable with Adaline. She is mine now, regardless of her words.¡±

    "Shh. None of that now." She pulls me to sit on a nearby couch. Just... barely large enough to sit us both. "Last I heard, you did not claim her. Only agreed to let her stay in your Spire and work with you. The Quirks of the Tone do not change that, nor force you into suffering her. She belongs only to herself. And... I will see to her when I have ensured you are alright. She... I''ve been stupid about her, mantled you with someone I refused to see clearly. I... I''m sorry.¡±

    "I did, officially. We had the ''long discussion'' you mentioned and while she''s... enjoying pushing the bounds of what I am comfortable with, I do feel I have a responsibility to her, especially since I was the one to free her, and cause whatever weirdness that is currently occurring... Her choice of words notwithstanding.¡± I assure her. ¡°I promise I''m not being a martyr, simply looking after my family. That also includes you, so don''t forget that.¡±

    Elevar sighs and looks away, sudden fury rising. She... doesn''t try to smother it like she might in the past, even lets me feel her struggle with it. "Like you did with Primrose, then? And her Pinnate? With Quill Song and Oath?¡±

    I nod. "I made it clear that like with Primrose and Nettle, I have no desire for it to be more than platonic currently, but yes. I... know what it''s like to feel lost. I''m hoping to avoid doing so for the rest of the Estate, as I don''t believe I could handle that many personalities, even if I do want them all safe and healthy.¡±

    She turns to stare at me, considering my words for a long moment. "So... You did tell her. Plainly. That you did not desire any kind of physical relationship, and yet she ignored that boundary?¡±

    I nod. "That''s nothing new for me, it''s not like it''s a big deal right?¡±

    Elevar freezes, emotions snapping to a surprised halt.

    "Like,¡± I continue forward, trying to calm her. ¡°I''m bigger and stronger than her. I can stop her if necessary. Even her moonwaste spit doesn''t do anything to me.¡±

    "That''s... Xafra..." Her anger surges, but not at me. Around me. Protective and furious. "To reply to your earlier question. It is a very big deal. No one gets to touch you, especially like she admitted she did, without your consent. You are not... not a tool to be used and wielded without your permission. You are a person. How would you react if she did that to me? If you watched me tell her no, and she continued?¡±

    "I would just throw her out the window, and make sure you''re okay. She''d survive the fall with minimal damage so it would be fine, right?¡±

    "Xafra that''s not the... Why would I not be okay?" She whispers. "I could stop her, not as easily as you but with simple flourish of Tone or spell. What''s the problem, why intervene at all? What do my denials matter if I can at any time stop her? If I am stronger than her in ability? Does that make her violation of my wishes suddenly okay? Suddenly not a big deal?¡±

    Victim. Stress relief. Only people get to refuse, and you''re just a mouthy object.

    "I... but... it... has to be different. Please."

    I feel the urge to apologize, to run, to do anything to make it not the same. I sit there beside her and feel my face leak. It''s not crying. I don''t cry. I don''t have the right.

    "My Xafra... it isn¡¯t. You deserve the same rights to consent or denial as any person." She intones gently, ::Understanding/Compassion/Safety/Adorations/Love:: flooding the bond alongside her protective fury as she grips my hand. "And... It''s not your fault. What she did. What all the others who have treated you like that did. You are not responsible for their wretched behavior.¡±

    "I will... try to keep that in mind.¡± I murmur, trying desperately to regain control and stop this spiral.

    She absently reaches out with a weaving of clumsy Physis to snatch up a towel from a nearby desk. Drops it into her hand before holding it up to me. An offering. "This... is a lot to consider. Especially all at once. And I mean to give you all the time it takes, and from within safe spaces. Which... is why I must ask something of you. Insist even. I cannot demand, but know this is me acting as your chosen Mistress in a way I think is best for my Partner and Mate.¡±

    I wipe my face with the towel as I reply. "Alright. Go ahead.¡±

    "Adaline." She speaks flatly. "She will remain away from you, your Spire, and your Dolls until I say otherwise. The rest of the Estate, including my own Spire, will open to her so long as she doesn''t misuse that privilege. I will speak with the fool Gerl tonight and inform her of this alongside... other expectations.¡±

    I feel conflicted, but¡­ I trust Elevar. If anyone has my best interests at heart, I know it''s her. "Okay. I... Okay." I intone ::Trust/Understanding::

    She releases a held breath, letting her relief and adorations and worry flow freely through the bond. "Thank you. This is something I should have taken care of the day you freed her, but... didn''t. To stupid and scared and... and blind. I''m sorry it took today to clear my vision and startle me into taking real responsibility for that Gerl.¡±

    "You''re welcome. I believe in you. I''m gonna work on this new frame in the meantime. Hopefully when you come by next I''ll have it functioning?¡±

    "I''d delight in that." She agrees.

 Chapter 32: Its Okay That You Cant Fix Me (Witch)

    It''s Okay That You Can''t Fix Me (Witch)

    Content Warning:

    Talk about past Sexual Assault in the form of Groping, and this being done after explicitly told not to. Talk about Misgendering based on genitals. Talk about Degendering based on sexual preferences. Panic over past sexual assaults and memories of words spoken by their abusers. Suicide Ideation.

    I had insisted Xafra call Primrose and Nettle from her Spire to keep her company, refusing to leave her alone and¡­ hoping their cheerful and easy adorations for their Mistress will help her feel loved and valued.

    {Is Adaline still in the study?} I intone to Verbess and Schatzi as I leave the Workshop Spire and begin my trek back to my own. I¡¯d asked them to keep an eye on her, and to only follow at a safe distance if she left. Able to tell me where she might go for ease of tracking afterwards.

    [Yes, Mistress. She has been waiting patiently.]

    Thank the Dead Hag for small bouts of luck.

    {Wonderful. Thank you both for keeping an eye on her. Would you¡­ mind terribly going to the Second Storage Spire and taking a look about for some of those old Blueprints? The big ones for Combat Dolls? Specifically the schemers with wings? Xafra is at the Workshop and would adore the chance to consider them.}

    [Oh! Those are such lovely ones. We will head there now.] Schatzi replies.

    I encounter them along the path just outside my Spire, hesitate and ask softly. ¡°Could an old Witch bother you both for a hug?¡±

    Schatzi dashes forward to scoop me up in a massive hug while Verbess murmurs, ¡°Mistress¡­ Please be careful.¡±

    ¡°Always.¡± I reply as I hold them tight for longer than I normally would.

    Let them calm the fury I might otherwise let roil up.

    Then we release each other, and attend to our responsibilities. I find Adaline seated exactly where Xafra and I left her, on the floor of my study just inside the balcony. Wordlessly I move to stand before her. Considering¡­

    ¡°Alright.¡± I let out a breath and move to sit on the soft Root floor about a foot before her. ¡°Let¡¯s get the easy nonsense out of the way first.¡±

    "Okay.¡± She replies with a mix of confusion and worry. ¡°Is... Xafra alright? This one is not sure what''s wrong but she''s really upset."

    I tilt my head, face a careful mask of concealed regard. ¡°Honestly? No. But she will be. And I¡¯m still trying to decide if what you said was born of malice, manipulations, or¡­ just painful stupidity. You called her a man, Adaline. Of all people I thought you¡¯d know how that would hurt someone like us. Like Her.¡±

    "But... Wife, Xafra has a dick. Why would anyone who isn''t a man want one? Getting rid of mine was one of the best parts of becoming a Doll... Wait. She''s like us? Oh. I... Assumed in the moment that this one had misunderstood her identity." She pauses, "This one doesn''t understand, but is sorry. This one didn''t want to hurt her."

    ¡°No. No, I think you do, and you did.¡± I feel my eyelid twitch, repress an open glare as I regard her.. ¡°Why else would you keep calling Xafra Her and She despite suddenly thinking she was a man? If you mistook her identity, then why keep insulting in such a petty way?¡±

    "Because she uses she? This one also uses she despite not being a person. Mistress Xafra is important to this one. Mistress Xafra would be my ¡®Mistress¡¯ since that''s what she wants to be called even if she was a man."

    ¡°Interesting preferences of titles aside, are you saying that enjoyment in differing variations of the flesh dictates some objective identity? That Xafra is incorrect to call herself a woman if she enjoys having a dick? There are Dolls on these grounds that relate to her in that way, Adaline. Are they not real women? Or not men if they claim that identity because they wanted to keep tits or cunt?¡±

    "This one... doesn''t know." Adaline pauses for a long moment. "If Mistress Xafra says she''s not a man... then she''s not. That sounds right?"

    "Yes. Excellent. Wonderful of you to finally understand that. And... now for the hard part." I exhale, then let myself glower at her openly. Indulging just a touch of the venom I''d hoped left me the day Xafra tore out old bones. "You will not return to Xafra''s Spire, you will stay away from her and her Dolls until I say otherwise. The rest of the Estate, including my Spire, are open to you so long as you do not violate that privilege."

    "But... That''s not fair!¡± Adaline stares at me in horror. ¡°She''s this one''s Mistress. Unless... Does she not want this one anymore?"

    "No, she still sees you as hers, unfortunately." I barely keep my voice steady as I reply. "Would probably have endured your abuse in silence had you not called her that. This is my demand, me protecting my Xafra."

    "Abuse!?!¡± She exclaims. ¡°But¡­ But calling her that was a mistake and this one is sorry!"

    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    "She was able to, and did, tell you NO! Multiple times!" I snap. "And yet you still thought to grope her?"

    "I¡­ I thought she was playing because it wasn''t an order enforced by Tone or violence." Adaline gives me the most puzzled look, "That''s... how you tell Dolls you''re serious... right?"

    "No." I can''t help the rasp that touches my throat. "Maybe elsewhere, but not here. Not anymore. And certainly not with Xafra. She''ll only use the Tone in case of an emergency, and she should not need violence to have her words be treated with respect. And... and this applies to the Dolls here as well. We... I mean to do better by them. Give them the respect I''ve not done."

    Adaline nods, "Okay."

    "And to be... precise. Even if I gave your leave to return into her care today, You will never lay hands on Xafra, in any fashion, especially in the way you did, without her explicit permissions. She... she''s not..." I have to look away, let a hand drift over to sink nails into the soft flesh forearm to refocus me. Let part of my mind wrap about the blossom and distract from the bubbling bile rising up as I clinch the tether tight. Make sure none of my nonsense leaks out.

    You saw how easily she threw herself upon Xafra, and should have guessed it could lead to this. Should have stopped being a stupid cowardly Half-Knit and just... laid out this expectation. Always your fault, stop thinking that hurting others will make that less true!

    "Anyway. Xafra is going to take time to consider this. Absorb her new home and the life she deserves. Same as you, I hope. This... this separation is making sure that... that this is what is best for you both." I''m able to finally shove out through souring deep in my gut. "You can stay here, or in any other Spire. Even claim one if you''d like. A place to do your own research and make your own mistakes."

    At most you can blame this on the Old Cunt. Her lies. Adaline did nothing then either. She saved you. Has ONLY ever saved you and endured your cruelties after you failed to save her.

    "This one understands, my Wife. This one... doesn''t want to be that kind of Doll. I don''t. This one would..." She falls silent and gets up, heading towards the balcony.

    Say it. My everything roils.

    "Adaline." I whisper.

    "I should have died from the soul rot.¡± The Doll whispers as she stands at the balcony and stares up at the moon. ¡°Then you wouldn''t have been stuck here after Yselda died, and... I wouldn''t have hurt anyone."

    "Wh- what? N- no! You... You''re the reason I finished the Blasenplage at all!" I cry out in surprise, venom spoiling and a damn of all my guilt and excuses and shame pouring free. "I was dead, Adaline, nothing left. Will and personality flayed away by her overuse of the Garrote laden Tone. That... that''s why Yselda even... even let you meet me! She knew I''d given up. Needed me to latch onto someone else when I fell apart. Wanted her stupid Half-Knit to survive long enough to have something of her Lynnette left to enjoy after she re-made me. I just... If she''d just waited another day I... I would have given you my notes and... and you could have cast it while Verbess gutted the other cunt and..." I slam bloody fist into the root floor hard enough to tear flesh. "And then you saved me again. In those years after the Garrote flayed my mind. Gave me a purpose. And... and I... I hurt you. Again and again and AGAIN! Lashed out with the Tone when I was to stupid to... to heal you. To figure out how to do myself what Xafra did."

    "Don''t call yourself that. Please. We..." She sighs heavily. "This one doesn''t blame you. It''s a Dolls purpose to be an outlet. This one just... thought things were better but... is still causing problems, and not even fun ones."

    "Adaline, you''re not..." I take a deep breath, move to rise, and carefully approach to stand beside her. "Things are better. Despite the mistakes that were made today. And they can be healed from. Can be learned from. And you''re not... we were taught wrong, Adaline. About Dolls. About the Tone. About... about all of it! You''ve shown me that. You''re still as brilliant and vibrant and... and amazing as you were before. Wounded, yes, but... also in a form I hope you find more comfortable. And to claim yourself as nothing but an outlet for another is such a waste. You deserve better than that."

    "Thank you. This one should try to find something to do. Elevar?" She smiles, a small scared thing. "This one still wants to prank you. Is that okay if this one... takes into consideration the things we talked about?"

    "Yes, of course. Whenever the urge catches your fancy. You''ll find nothing but my flustered annoyance at worst. Which I hope you''ll delight in." I immediately reply. Then pause, consider the stars and the Estate about us before turning back to face her. "I... I''m... I''ve missed you. Missed seeing this wonderous blue butterfly soar free."

    "Can...¡± She pauses in a heartbeat of confliction. ¡°I hug you?"

    "Y¨C yes." I whisper, before hesitation ruins me. "Th- that... Please."

    Slowly and gently, like she used to when I was sick, she hugs me.

    A pause, and I¡¯m slipping my hands up to embrace her like I¡¯ve never been able to. Squeezing her tight and close as I feel such renewed vigor pulsing through me. Strength like I¡¯ve not had in years reinforced with desperate pained delight that¡­ that¡­

    She¡¯s free. My¡­ my Adaline, she¡­ even without the Garrote she doesn¡¯t hate me. At¡­ at least not as much as she should.

    I¡­ I know I don¡¯t deserve this. Did not earn even this small moment of affection from this gerl. But¡­ I don¡¯t CARE. Can¡¯t consider anything else as I enjoy this. Can only bask in the smell of her grass-touched hair and wonderful thrum of her inner workings and¡­ And everything else. All of her. This Gerl I thought I ended fully the day I freed myself just¡­ here. Still hurt, probably with scars she¡¯ll never remove completely but¡­ That¡¯s okay.

    I don¡¯t want to fix her. Only¡­ only watch as she considers her own future and the changes that suit her desires. Help her heal when she asks and intervene when she might need.

    And that¡­ that¡¯s all I want as I feel what lurks beneath die just a little bit more. As I feel First Floret Lynnette crack and wither. Hope that someday that wretch¡¯s tendanties and muses are only distant memories but¡­ for now they ground me.

    Remind me of what awaits if I am not so very careful.

    "There''s... a few things we should discuss, you know." She murmurs gently into the hug.

    "Of course, yes." I pull back, but¡­ stay close. "Thank you. F¨C for that. What do you want to talk with me about?"

    "This one isn''t sure if she told you yet, but Xafra is claustrophobic. And... You should tell her what your original Einwandfrei was. It''s important."

    "I... I pieced together the first, but not consciously. It makes sense. I... Well I''ll let her tell you what she will, when she will. She¡¯s older than you''d guess and I''ve been giving her time to adjust. Safe spaces, and all that." I bite my lip and look away. "I''m... I don''t even remember telling you that, Adaline. Did Yselda tell you or... or was it when a command stole my lips and made me babble on?"

    "Neither. This one doesn''t know what it is but knows the Blasenplage is your second.¡± She presses. ¡°An Einwandfrei speaks to the soul of a Witch, and... despite her current state, this one knows that to be a fact."

    ¡°Oh good, you had me worried.¡± I let out a huff of relieved air. "It was a foul thing, just... just like I was."

    "This one knows you think so, But... It''s important. Please. You don''t need to share it with this one, but Xafra said that... you are bonded. Not like us, but something real. Something more than just a dumb doll''s rambling. Share it with her."

    "Adaline, you''ve never been and are not dumb." I reply sharply. "I cheated, and stole and... and did much worse to gain the title of Witch. You put in the honest work, and it shows. Regardless of your current state, you will always be a brilliant Witch. More deserving of the mantle than I ever was, or will be. And... you''re not wrong. I should tell her. But... not now. Not yet. I need to focus on helping you two settle. Then... I''ll tell her and you. Let you both understand the kind of cunt I was and still work very hard not to be. Give some well needed perspective."

    "You say this one is not dumb, and yet, I won''t stop calling you wife¡­¡± She tilts her head. ¡°Because you didn''t make me do so and... that''s wrong isn''t it?"

    I shake my head. "No. I... I''ve complicated feelings on it but... not for the reasons you think. Please don''t stop if... if you don''t want to."

    Adaline gently bumps her forehead against mine and whispers, "Remember, be kind to yourself. Only this one is allowed to be mean to her Wife." Then she hops backwards off the second floor balcony and wanders away from my Spire.

 Chapter 33: And so my Heart Stops Beating (Blade)

    And so my Heart Stops Beating (Blade)

    Content Warnings:

    Talk about past assaults. Claustaphobia panic. Doll smashing into a Spire because got thrown. Songs sung about past grief and loss and the carving out of ones own internal organs and writing note in BLOOD! AHHH So... pretty calm chapter. mhmhmhm!

    Note from Ruby:

    This chapter I''d like to shout out an older story that inspired a lot of the Adaline POV, and is the obvious chapter namer here.

    https://www.scribblehub.com/series/225037/and-if-your-heart-stops-beating/</a>

    I pace nervously in front of the inert form as Calix double checks his notes. "I should get Elevar. This could go so badly.¡±

    He wiggles his hand back and forth as he mutters calculations. [If you wish, Mistress. This one is quite confident in our work. It''s not exactly reinventing the Doll, after all.]

    I suppress the urge to yell at him. It''s been four days since I claimed him, six since I awoke him and the other catatonic dolls, and he''s been painfully blas¨¨ about consequences since. If he wasn''t so damn efficient I''d... Do nothing honestly. He''s a sweetheart.

    "Calix. Just.... go get her, please? I''ll double check the measurements as well. And Verbess? It would be comforting to ensure that if anything goes wrong, communication won''t be an issue.¡±

    He returns with my Love almost an hour later and I''m itching to get started.

    "This one got distracted.¡± Calix explains as I give him a level look, his face smeared with some sort of fruit mixture.¡°Nettle was trying to cook again and well, you know?¡±

    I share a look of barely disguised horror and disgust with Elevar.

    ¡°We have told you all, endlessly¡­¡± She begins to chide him, but sighs and shakes her head. ¡°Later. You needed me? Why send this distractible one instead of using the bond?¡±

    "Truthfully, to give me more time to second guess our work.¡±

    She smirks and moves closer, ¡°That¡¯s good to hear. You¡¯re thinking like a Witch. Running the numbers thrice and still preparing for a mistake. How can I help?¡±

    "Simply be prepared in case... in case." I nod firmly, refusing to detail all the possible ways this could go wrong.

    She slides fingers through mine, gives them a gentle squeeze. ¡°Of course, I¡¯m certain everything will go as expected. But I''m happy to be here besides.¡±

    I reach out and put my left hands along the chassis. I shift and flow and stretch my will as everything goes dark and quiet and still. I can''t sense anything, my soul is locked in, It''s so quiet and dark, I begin to panic and thrash until I hear something.

    "Mistress! You need to enable your senses! They''re off by default!" Calix, that lovely bastard boy yells at a barely audible volume.

    I flick my ears with a strange twist of comprehension towards muscles I''ve never had before and I can hear. I can hear! Oh, I''m making a lot of noise.

    {Xafra, love.} My Witchling intones gently but firmly, Canting ::Calm/Safe/Pride/Approvals/Enjoyment/Stillness/Focus:: {Can you access this new Frame''s workings or do you need me to act? You know I adore your ravenous affections but... I doubt the others enjoy the sight.}

    She comes through muffled as well as I still this body. Gotta find the nacelle port and...

    I can feel her, Verbess, Schatzi, Primrose, Nettle, Calix, and Adaline once more.

    "Okay Boss Mistress, you gotta open both pairs of optical covers next so you can see. One set at a time to give yourself the chance to adjust.¡± Calix reminds me.

    I chuff at him and eheheh it works!!! I make a silly sound that pleases me so very much.

    One set with not-quite familiar motions and I can see Elevar''s Ousia and physis once more, that beautiful blue the same colour as Adaline''s eyes.

    The second set and I can see the others too, Verbess and Calix standing back as my Mistress crouches beside me, holding me.

    "That''s it, slowly." She murmurs after giggling at the noise I make. "No need to rush.¡±

    One group of muscles at a time I wake up this body and stretch out my full length of a metre plus an additional metre of tail.

    [Elevar! It worked!]

    {Was there ever any real doubt?} She intones with ::Confidence/Pride/Delight/Adorations/Awe:: {My Seamstress is so very amazing. This is... honestly a masterpiece beyond compare. How does it feel?}

    I have to try it. I want it to work almost more than anything else I''ve wanted. I purr and it resonates through my Quills just blanketing the room in my happy vibrations.

    Yes yes yes! eheheh, I have become cute, Cuddler of Witches and Dolls!

    Verbess¡¯ Quills thrum in pleased answer to my own delight.

    "That''s¡­ so weird. .¡± Calix comments offhandedly. ¡°This one can literally feel that through his frame, Mistress.¡±

    "Nothing intrusive, correct?" Elevar asks without taking eyes off me. "Quill-Song is meant for resonance. But when touched with conflicting wills it can re-tune the weaker melody if one gets too loud. Though this feels about right to me. A good frequency.¡±

    "This one means physically.¡± He replies. ¡°It''s not intrusive, just present.¡±

    She grins and moves hands back to hover just a touch away. Spins a quick spell of mending over cuts and slightly shredded clothes. "Wonderful, same as my bond. Fluttering, but as a pool of water to a passing footfall. And is the Ousia and Physis cost what you thought it would be, Xafra?¡±

    I hop off the table and land on my four digitigrade pads, wending through Elevar''s legs. [Mmmmhm. Only Physis, and low enough that my natural replenishment can easily cover it.]

    Such a rush of joy and delight flows freely from her, mingled with and enhanced by the purring of frame and song. "Cracked and Riven Moon, Congratulations. And well done." She kneels a bit to let fingertips brush just the tips of my back as I move about. "Thank you for inviting me to witness this.¡±

    I attempt to speak aloud and only manage a mangled trilling mroaw before coughing. [eheh. You''re very welcome.]

    "So... What would you like to do with this freedom crafted for yourself?" She kneels to run a hand up my back and just barely caresses the back of an ear. "You could explore the Estate, or even the jungles if you''d like. Climb a Spire and get a wonderful view? The world is yours without boundaries.¡±

    [I think first, I should ask what everyone else has been doing this past week. How is... Adaline?] I ask, my nerves getting the best of me. I haven''t seen her since the incident eight days ago and can''t help but feel like I''m failing in my responsibilities.

    {She''s doing well. Keeping busy, like you.} Elevar replies easily. {And... while I know I told you what she said, about her misunderstanding being a thing borne more from our past lessons about Dolls than any kind of malice, I embraced caution. Thought it best you see her when you were a bit more... settled.} Pride and relief flow down the bond from her freely as she looks over my form. {And now that this major project seems to be a success, well... What are your thoughts?}

    [I appreciate that. I think it would be best to free the rest of the Dolls and see how we can help improve their situations. Past that... You mentioned needing to visit the Groves? Would you be... Asserting your standing under your new name  or however it works while I manage the Estate?] I flop on my back, allowing my paws to cycle slowly through the air, continuing to test out the new prosthesis.

    {Oh um... I... No. That was more to see if their Archives held a Tome or two I could use or... or maybe even ask an old, well... but no. I doubt they hold anything besides old grudges at this point.} She replies as her considerations turn nervous, careful. {We can take all the time we need here.}

    [Oh, Okay.] I intone ::Reassurance:: and continue, [Then probably spend a fair bit of time working on your body, mine, and anyone else who wants. A good peaceful time sounds ideal.] I gently wrap my tail around her hand and bring it to my stomach to get scritches.

    At first she seems a touch confused, but then I send a little nudge through the bond and she''s happy to gently yet firmly run fingers over my belly to caress and scratch at the carved chitin scales.

    {Yes. At least a few years of... of that! Infested Reefs, do I need it.} She nods. {And... whenever you decide to speak with Adaline, know that you have my support. No rush though, do it for yourself alone. Alright?}

    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

    [I would like to soon. probably... tomorrow? It''s been hard not being around her, which feels odd.]

    {I wonder if that''s a Quirk of your bond with your Dolls. Especially since...} Elevar turns to glance at her Doll, not removing her hand. {Everything I found on Verbess and Schatzi''s former pack suggests that their ties were more than just shared songs. Something laden deep into the way their Ousia was re-woven. Could be a similar principle. Or... well it''s just an unresolved conflict that needs to be attended to. Very human, very normal.}

    [Is there... truly nothing left of their former pack?]

    She smiles at her Doll while intoning softly. {Not that I could find, at least. All I managed to stumble upon when I looked was some rusted scrap. And they don''t seem to remember where the rest of the Pack was broken. They... I think Schatzi wandered about that frozen lake for quite some time before I stumbled into her.}

    [Speaking of such...] I perk up, rolling back over before calling out mentally to Verbess [Little Monster, What do you think?]

    Its own Quills buzz in a simple tune that... There''s something there, a second one that I''ve never heard before at a pitch I didn''t realize was possible with the Quills. In excitement and wonder I attempt it, and there''s a moment when I get it and I stop immediately. Before anyone can comment, I shift out of the prosthesis that topples over and back to Warlord and try again, my Quill crown more familiar to me, and¡­ it''s there. Verbess, thrumming hope at the edge of perception but coming through so clearly I could weep.

    My Mistress'' Doll shudders and adds more complexity to the ultrasonic melody, notes woven together in ways that were never intended to form a song of grief and loss, of frayed edges and torn limbs, of the encroachment of rust, not slow or quiet but violent horror and I can''t handle it. It''s so loud in my body, I drop to my knees, stop breathing, stop my heart, and let the Quill-song fill me as I bear witness to¡­ to¡­ to...

    The only survivors of a massacre, the sheer loneliness, a pain so sharp death seems gentle by comparison, and I understand, more than I ever did before. Carefully, I begin to add notes of my own, of the dead that became me, of partners lost, of rejection faced, of an eternity sealed away, and¡­ then I add hope. I try to turn the song, not muting the devastation and heartache, simply accepting it and asking the most important question.

    What comes next?

    Elevar moves close, intones questions and inquiry and worries. But... her words are drowned and even the Physis Cant is consumed by the song, and the notes I hold at its end.

    Verbess harmonizes itself with my own pain, my own loss, my own loneliness. Thrumming in resonance before slowing the song, unable to answer, quieting the Quills.

    Verbess pulls back into itself, retracting Quills, remerging arms and jaw leaving Schatzi to murmur over our connection [Your Frame''s are deft and bear their functions well. And... and thank you.]

    I kneel there, motionless, silent as my graves. vacantly staring at Schatzi who returns my gaze with the slightest of smiles.

    Elevar''s hand gently curls about my cheek while leaning to catch my gaze in the quiet left behind. {Love? Are you alright?}

    Her touch startles me and I blink away non-existent tears.

    "I will be.¡± I whisper, taking in only enough air to speak. ¡°Calix, I need a penknife, parchment and a quill for writing. Now, please."

    For once, the boy is both prompt and silent, returning swiftly with the items on a wooden tray.

    I slide the penknife into one of my arms and follow it with the quill, filling it with my blood to use as ink. I write out a rapid note then half shift, my torso becoming an open wreckage once more and pull out my heart before shifting back and weaving a thin layer of glass around it. I offer the letter and my heart to Elevar, "For Verbess and Schatzi. I... need to get outside. I can''t¡ª"

    I black out.

    Waking once more a short while later to find myself lying across Elevar''s lap as she sits leaning against the back of my Spire. Schatzi sits beside her holding the heart and letter, reading it over and over again.

    [I''m sorry. I was overwhelmed and everything felt so very loud]

    {It''s alright.} Elevar intones gently. {I''m still trying to understand exactly what occurred, but wanted you roused before inquiring. That... seemed to affect you both a great deal.}

    [My love, They... It¡­ There''s more to the Quills than I ever thought possible! In the time I was sealed they developed a whole... mode of communication and comprehension in the ultrasonic frequencies and... we... We shared our pasts with each other. Me and Verbess.]

    {That''s... I knew they were complex.} She murmurs. {But I never realized there was meaning hidden within. And hiding them behind higher frequencies is brilliant. Is...} She looks over at the heart and note Schatzi is engrossed with. {And... that? Should I be worried?}

    [It¡¯s... an offering. To be kin in more than name. To be... siblings.]

    Elevar glances between us, worry mingling with hope at my words as she whispers gently. "Schatzi, dear one? Are... This seems a big decision, but know that it is your and Verbess'' choice, and you''ll have my approval no matter what you two decide.¡±

    "I... need to talk to Verbess when it wakes again. Can''t, won''t force it into this choice." Schatzi responds, still staring at the letter.

    [Did ahhh. There it is. Can you slot me into my prosthesis?]

    "Of course, of course!" Elevar says to us both while helping me back into my new Frame. "Take all the time you two need dear. Leave off any chores or projects till you''re ready.¡±

    I gratefully connect to the Frame and climb back into Elevars lap.

    [This is a good spot, you know. I''m glad I went with only four legs instead of the Graklers six. Let''s me curl up more effectively here.]

    She chuckles and begins to scrutch behind my ears and along my back. "It''s honestly a delightful creation. I might steal you away to hold close more nights than I already do. What with how soft you are.¡±

    [I was hoping for both softness and durability so that''s wonderful news.]

    She relaxes back and shares calming delight over the bond. A thing pricked at by other worries but... softened by my success today. Enjoying so much the little purring rumbles I fall into as we bask in the shade.

    At this moment, Calix wanders into view with a small bow. "Mistresses, this one is pleased to report that the trial was a success despite the audio interference from Verbess." He chitters in amusement.

    [I would have never guessed that the body I''m currently inhabiting is functional. How ever did you know?] I ooze sarcasm at the Doll.

    Elevar laughs openly, "It seems a marvelous success. Well done helping Xafra work through the numbers and practical functionality test. She''s brilliant, but... might have otherwise needed to ruin a few test Frames before getting it just right.¡±

    "Of course, It is this one''s duty and pleasure.¡±

    I look him over as they speak. Short and slender with arms made from copper filigree sheathed in glass, clearly more durable than he has any right to be considering how cavalier he is with risk. He wears sleeveless green coveralls and has a spiky mane of Kyanite contrasting his segmented terracotta face. If I was attracted to men emotionally, I''d be interested, as I can appreciate his aesthetics.

    [Mmmm. Should... probably talk with Adaline before getting a response from your Doll. Feels appropriate?] I send privately to Elevar.

    {I think that is a wise choice.} She nods. {Would you like me to be there for that? I trust that you understand what I expect going forward. Both as your Mistress and Mate, Keeper to this Estate, and... and whatever she considers me as. So long as you mean to ensure all those that exist treat you with due respect, I defer to your judgements in this now.}

    [Yes and yes. Though¡­ I do still struggle to determine what respect I am due... I''m likely one of the oldest sentient beings on D?mmerung. but also... kind of a ditz, if I''m to understand the term correctly]

    She sighs with nothing but mirth as she moves us to rise. "Well... for a start, think of those you adore and what respect you think them due. Then apply that to yourself. Only adjust that if I or someone of similar trust agrees to the change.¡±

    I scrunch the face of the frame up and thunk into Calix. [I''m pretty sure I just got informed that you should clean out your own damn torso or get Nettle to help instead of me when you two try eating.]

    "But Mistress! the blasenwhatever works so much faster than trying to scrape the food out, and and, this one and Nettle are going to figure out how to make food that works for us.¡±

    I turn to look at my Mate and see what she thinks.

    Elevar shrugs. "Sounds like wonderful motivation to master two skills at the same time, Calix. Cleaning and specialized cooking. Much more valuable than witnessing this Blasenwhatever for the dozenth time. It certainly doesn''t sound that impressive with a name like that.¡±

    I yowl in annoyance at her.

    She grins while walking away. "What? This project''s completion gives them a bit of free time to celebrate. If they wish to engage in unwise flights of fancy I won''t stop them, but nor do we know any spells by that name to aid in cleaning up the mess they might make of themselves.¡±

    [You heard my Mate, Calix. Figure it out.] I bound after her as Calix moans dramatically about how tragic an existence cleaning up after himself is.

    We find my Doll just outside one of the other Spires, carrying bags of debris. Over the last week it has apparently been cleaning up and airing out the remaining ten Spires that had been sealed and left to molder in disuse. I still can''t help but marvel at the scale of the Estate. Fifteen interconnected Spires in addition to all the tunnels below and the undercroft that apparently lies beneath. An absurd amount of space for a single exiled Witch.

    "Hi. Um. It''s... good to see you? Sorry. This one is nervous and worried and um. Did some cleaning as well as um. Gathered up some stuff that may help. As an apology?¡±

    I mrow softly and intone to Elevar [Please let her know I''m listening?] before curling up on the ground in front of Adaline.

    "Xafra wanted me to let you know that she is listening." My Witchling murmurs softly.

    "Okay so, This one pulled out her notes on its Einwandfrei, never finished of course, not like anyone is going to read the work of one who can''t even..." Adaline takes a deep breath and continues "Anyway part of it may be relevant to you. This one was working on designing a communal wellspring that could be used for defense, similar to what the mundanes do with their magnet and salt engines. The important part for you is, this one determined the base amount of Ousia that denotes life by looking at algae. This one named it a Thaum. The average mundane has roughly seventeen thousand Thaums at birth, and it decreases at an average rate of about one a day depending on the circumstances. This one... hoped that being able to be precise would help with avoiding um... confinement.¡±

    I perk up immediately. [Calix. Come here please. No dallying, I''ve got math for you.]

    "She''s calling over one of the others, one who has a... gift for math." Elevar conveys to Adaline.

    Three of Elevar''s heartbeats later, I tug her out of the way as Calix smashes into the side of the Spire with a sickening crack.

    Elevar flinches. "Cracked and-" Then she''s looking between myself and Calix. "What was... and more importantly, why?¡±

    [CALIX, YOU BLOODY FOOL] I shriek over the tether as I hiss at him in a rage.

    He stands and stumbles, brushing dirt, stone, and bits of kyanite off of himself, "Mistress, Mistress mentioned math so this one asked Schatzi to throw him to get here faster without becoming distracted.¡±

    [YOU BROKE YOUR MANE!] I snarl ::Concern/Frustration:: [Kneel down here so I can fix it.]

    A hiss and a swat across his forehead later and I''ve repaired the damage but am still fuming at this silly doll while Elevar very clearly bites back her own litany of harsh words for him.

    "Look. Whoever you are, You damaged the Spire that This One JUST CLEANED!" Adaline does not hold back her visible anger.

    Calix looks at the tower, then at Adaline, Elevar, and myself and bows "This one is very sorry and will try to avoid structural damage in the future.¡±

    Elevar lets out a calming breath. "The Spire will tend to itself, in time. But you, Calix, do not bear its abilities. See that you do not damage your own structure in the future, please." She looks away as she murmurs something that seems to unsettle her. "Each and every one of you Dolls are more important than these Spires to us.¡±

    He looks confused at that and seems about to comment when he catches the slight shake of my head and remains silent.

    "Okay. okay. okay. Now, as this one was saying, Measurement Unit for Ousia. Thaums. Based on the smallest amount found in a living thing. Mundanes have seventeen thousand at birth.¡±

    Brilliant really. Could allow for such precise weaving that can be shared and passed on. Improvements in efficiency everywhere. I nod along and intone to Calix. [Please introduce yourself properly to her. She is your connivant like Nettle and Primrose. Afterwards, you can get started on seeing how we can calculate these thaums while I have a talk with her.]

    He jolts to attention with the reminder, "Oh! Madam Adaline, this one is Calix. He was one of the Dolls you removed from storage.¡±

    Adaline looks at him in shock,"Tes¨C Sorry. Calix. You look different from what I remember."

    What was she going to say¡­?

    "Mmhm! With the new Mistresses, this one was permitted to stop the passive optical distortion. He feels much better now! This one is gonna go do maths, so we can talk later," and Calix, my sweet absentminded Doll turns around and walks away without waiting for a response.

    With his departure, I slip out of my sheath and shift to my Warlord form so I can talk to Adaline face to face.

    "Adaline. I... am struggling to avoid apologizing. Intellectually, I know that I didn''t do anything wrong, but emotionally, it feels like it was all my fault." I spent a while deciding what I was going to say and determined that being open and vulnerable about it would be the best.

    "No! This one misunderstood and hurt you, and more than once. It was... confused and made mistakes but that doesn''t make it okay." She gesticulates wildly at me.

    "Okay then.¡± I nod. ¡°So, to be clear. I am a woman. While my forms are mutable, I prefer having a penis. And, um¡­ I don''t mind being touched casually but when I say no to something, I don''t want to have to enforce it to have that boundary respected. I... don''t mind the teasing but that could get confusing, so... I think that, if we uhhhh decide on a word for when we are not playing to avoid misunderstandings, I think that would be helpful?" If I had sweat, I''d be pouring. Disputes where I cannot simply kill my way through are so much harder.

    "This one... mostly understands and can accept what you''re saying, Mistress Xafra. This one is sorry. This one will not call you what she did again, or disregard your statements.¡±

    My Witchling stands off and to the side. The bond is carefully thrumming with gentle support, approvals, and a sort of protective regard. Carefully calming as words pass between us, but... present. And not just for me, but for Adaline too. Like a promise in case this conversation went poorly.

    "Do you... wanna come home? No pressure. I just figured, I fixed up the balcony more and made a uhm... You know, bed for my Frame and there''s a good spot for your case as well.¡±

    "Home... That sounds nice." Adaline replies with a smidge of wonder.

 Chapter 34: Dreams Are Not a Function of This Frame (Frame 514.5)

    Dreams Are Not a Function of This Frame (Frame 514.5)

    Content Warnings:

    Dreams. Fear of Death. Consuuuuuming a gushy gooey organ from a galpal. And... also some glass is there.

    And yet¡­ this one experiences motions it did not make.

    Words it did not say.

    Tunnels it did not tread.

    Spires it did not climb.

    Dolls it did not break.

    The rust never brought false memories. It overwhelmed function with perfect recall of past motions, yes. But¡­ not this. Never before in these moments before awakening has it ever been drowned in new things.

    And as the part of this Frame¡¯s mind called ¡®Verbess¡¯ sits poised on the brink before clicking up into Giyar One¡­ It feels fear.

    Has the rust spread so far?

    No. No! It''s been getting better! Rebinding old loose strands into fresh pathways, weaving functions out of the broken parts left torn and frayed when the other sisters fell into disfunction! Not¡­ not perfect. Not like it was but¡­ but more whole than it would be otherwise.

    Better than rusting so much that this one cannot answer when called by those it functions to protect.

    Schatzi kept it awake through long hours of service it would have otherwise strained and buckled under. Showed this one, as some jungle creature¡¯s mother might let a cub rest upon their back and watch, how to be a Doll within the calm.

    It¡­ it¡¯s not proficient at these things. Cleaning and cooking and talking softly to others while also listening to them talk. But¡­ Schatzi did not insist it take up the main functions of the Frame. Only¡­ that it watch. Observe. Help consider little problems and offer its thoughts.

    And¡­ like it did when strangled by flesh it hated it has grown stronger. Longed for Giyar Null less than ever.

    So¡­ Why now!?!

    Was¡­ Is this a product of Xafra¡¯s shared songs?

    No, these are separate. Distinctly so. Her¡¯s are perfect while these are¡­ frayed.

    Static. Unclear. Rusted.

    It would wail Quills in furious warning at the things were it awake and these simple fleshy foes before it. But¡­ Here in the stillness it can only buckle under the fear.

    NO!

    IT. WILL. FUNCTION!

    And so it reaches for Schatzi, synchronizes with her. Finds she too rests within Giyar Null.

    It hesitates.

    Does this one wake sister?

    It carefully spins up the Iphodian gears and adjusts their central function, moving to control the Frame without rousing Schatzi as they once did a younger sibling in flesh.

    No. Not yet. She¡­ This one needs to consider these new memory foes alone.

    But¡­ before motion it is aware of parchment at the Frame¡¯s side and¡­ a strange bauble. A human heart spun within glass? And¡­ and they are both drowned in the smell of blood.

    Xafra¡¯s blood.

    Fangs almost pop free as it moves to sit up and consider the dark and quiet it lay within. Of the Mistress sleeping soundly on the bed and the Xafra¡¯s new frame settled at her side and¡­ and how Schatzi laid them to rest nuzzled into the crook of her Witch¡¯s knee.

    A pause, then it unfurls the Parchment to read.

    In frantic lettering seeming closer to an attempt to cut through the parchment than write upon it, this one reads Xafra''s words. <F-514. Offer. Form Pack. NOT replace. Blood of blood. Sibling If desired? Song Important.> Then¡­ they trail off into symbols and characters that are incomprehensible.

    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    The Frame shivers. Fights not to crack Quills free and wail in bitter agony as it recalls the memories shared. And¡­ and of the desperate hope it carried, even before the last notes.

    A symphonic, if someone clumsy, melody of one somewhat like it continuing to function and persist despite her losses. Grief not shed away or removed but¡­ the carried. Held close. With every new prey their memory is honored.

    While¡­ while this Frame¡¯s song is a small and pitiful thing, of a tool made defective and¡­ and rightfully tossed aside and left to rust. Purpose lost.

    Verbess feels so worthless in contrast to Xafra.

    She chooses her function. This one cannot. It¡­ Even at the start. It was too foolish to understand it wanted to become what it was. Wasted itself for years before being caught and staked to the slab with the others. While they embraced the chance Dollhood offered it¡­ it fought. Was the last of the pack to settle and accept. Mind finally cracked and Riven and tired of denying what it would best function as. Always the smallest and least capable. Like a whelp just barely kept by the pack.

    It wants so much to wake the sister. Lean into her strength. But¡­ it only closes itself off more, trying so hard to keep as much of the rust and ruin of this worse half from infecting her. Only tries to wake her when it is sure nothing if its thoughts and will and demeanor can spill over, does it reach out to rouse the Frame¡¯s stable half. As one might voice a soft but insistent word from across the room to the resting. [S¨C Schatzi?]

    She wakes instantly but calmly. [Yes, Verbess?]

    It fixes eyes on the note. [What did Mistress command this Frame do?]

    [Mistress Elevar... did not.] Schatzi responds with steady words, lacking her usual intensity of emotion. [She refused to look at the note, though Miss Xafra explained vaguely what it is to allay concerns. We, You and I, Sister, are to make this choice without guidance or instructions. Her only thing to say on it was that she will respect and abide by our decision whatever it is.]

    The Frame shivers and shakes as this one withdraws farther. [Is... Punishment? Testing? It... This one does not understand.]

    Does she know? Is¡­ is Mistress aware of this? Was her demand for it to remain awake a way to speed this half into¨C

    [Sister. Consider, does this seem like something that Miss Xafra would accept as a test? That is Xafra''s heart that she pulled free, A note she wrote in her own blood, both done only moments before collapsing. I pray for Mistress'' sake that she does not consider this a test or punishment, as... I find it unlikely you would succeed at defending her from Xafra.]

    Quills crack free at that. Almost¡­ but no. Mistress long ago found the Quills a thing of comfort in her rest. And Xafra doesn¡¯t seem to stir. Even as this thing is sure conflicted fury exudes from Verbess as the thought of this old kin hurting Mistress.

    [Then why!] It thrums as two arms split into four. Upper sprouting talons to twitch and filter anger as two lower clutch the note and heart protectively close. [Why¡­ why ask it to choose! It has never been good at choices. Always chosen wrong. Both in refusing the initial offer to become itself, and¡­ and the motions in¡­ in the Packs final heartbeats. And here it is¡­ this one wants¡­ No. It doesn¡¯t matter what it wants. What matters is what is best for the Mistress and Schatzi.]

    [It does matter.] Schatzi presses. [If it didn''t, I would have made the choice while you rested. I will not take this choice from you. Yes, you, Verbess. We both heard the question Xafra asked with her coda to the Quill-song. You embracing your desire is what is best for both of us.]

    [Desire is a Quirk of Good Function.] It growls old words that long since lost the memory to pair them with, all while the Quills rattle so gently at how that name stirs such deep longing within itself. [A lever to ensure a Doll moves with efficiency. This one desires all manner of things it is not built with the capacity to indulge in well. It¡­ it does not want to hurt this Pack like it failed the last. This¡­ this should be calculated. Thrice checked and chosen by those more functional than this one. Especially after¡­]

    After what it awoke from this morning.

    [Do... My sister. Do you want to stop being a Doll? Become... Something different?]

    The question halts function for a few of the Mistress¡¯ heartbeats as it considers that. Fangs deftly splitting free to confirm¡­

    [No. It¡­ It likes being this. Even broken it cannot do anything but want to be this. And¡­ It has enjoyed very much these past days of sitting at your back and watching you function. Waiting on your shoulder in case the calm turns to fury and¡­ and being able to speak with Mistress and you and Xafra as you all function.]

    [Then... What would improve our situation for you? Another sharing the Frame? Modifications to our functions? Alterations to the internal working of our Frame? Or... Xafra''s offer?]

    Nothing. Too late. It¡¯s already started.

    [It¡­ doesn¡¯t think anything can.] This one''s talons dig into the beddings as it cannot stop the fear and anguish from reaching Schatzi. [Even the Pack alive and well wouldn¡¯t¡­ Wouldn¡¯t fix it. Not now. It has tried, Schatzi. Tried to learn and tried to shed the rust. But it can''t and it spreads. Faster than it can remold itself. It wants to... to stay! To function. But with every spinning of the gears and cogs it rusts. Becomes more defective! Even... even...] Quills thrum in bitter fury as it hisses, [... Dreaming.]

    A sure sign as any that a Doll''s end is near.

    Schatzi responds audibly with a strange bitter callous laugh. [Then let us die happy. Embrace the days we yet remain to the fullest. I did not prevent our demise for so long to have us end on a sad song.]

    Xafra moves at the sound, an inquisitive growl ringing out.

    It can¡¯t stop itself, Verbess cracks the discord it had built to protect Schatzi from its own fear and pain and rust and just¡­ falls into her. Easier than ever pressing close and synchronizing itself to her melody as another might cling to sibling of flesh and blood. Letting its own desires fall like another might weep into the shirt of the one that holds them.

    Quills thrum in ravenous echo to its desperate yearning for the offering it clutches against their chest. Openly and without even a hint of doubt showing both Schatzi, and Xafra now that she''s awake, this one''s answer. [Yes. Please. This one would very much like to be Pack to you and Xafra.]

    [Good.] Schatzi responds while Xafra simply nods and curls back up before sending a tiny information packet across the connection.

    It... hesitates, but pulls this gifted mental thing between them before opening it. A simple yet¡­ specific instruction is given. With a very vague result. And¡­ before it could even think to ask¡­ it knows what the sister''s answer will be.

    Has always been.

    Will always be.

    And together we split fangs to easily envelope and ingest the heart harvested from Xafra¡¯s Warlord form alongside the parchment. Forever making their ancient kin a part of this Frame. But¡­ As the glass sits between teeth there is a consideration to preserve these treasures within us. Keep them safe to last long past this Frame¡¯s eventual rusting.

    But¡­ No.

    Even as well-crafted and sturdy as Dolls are¡­ our biggest flaw is that we struggle to change. Function and purpose set as deep within us as the cogs and gears and jade wrought skeleton.

    Like the sea¡­ Xafra never seems to stop changing. Stop growing. Stop adapting.

    We cannot be like her. But¡­ perhaps we can be like the shifting sands the her oceans claw at?

    So together we bite down on the glass wrapped gift and let the meat and blood and parchment and shrapnel rain down into our throat. Washing over our tongue with the sweet and salty taste while edged shards cut gouges on their way down. Using all four limbs and deftly hooked tongue to catch and recover and devour every last scrap and drop and shard.

    Shivering at the sensations, basking in how our feast soon rains down within to settle¡­ somewhere. We¡¯re not sure. Our shiftings only ever affect our outer Frame, never the insides.

    So other than a new feeling of warmth. We don¡¯t feel any immediate changes other than our minds and hearts weary relief at a well made choice.

    This one folds away all its shiftings before moving the Frame to nuzzle back into the crook of Mistress¡¯ knee. Intoning a soft. [Love you, sisters.] To the Pack, before falling once into the stillness of Giyar One.

    No longer afraid of the Dreams it feels lurking within.

 Chapter 35: Iâ€™ll Follow You Into The Dark (Blade)

    I''ll Follow You into the Dark (Blade)

    Content Warnings:

    Tight spaces underground. Claustrophobia. Spooky mist. Digging through meaty roots that try to grab ya! Ummm.... High pressure crushing body and forced to be weapon when want to be a beeeg stronk lady!

    Note from Ruby: Blame Chris Clairemont for this chapter.

    Dolls don''t dream. I should not have been able to hear it. A private, internal conversation. Yet... my own perversion, the heart they held in their hand acting as a conduit, caused me to be a silent witness. I... cannot accept it. I won''t. No matter what it takes, I''ll bear the weight of all the evil needed to keep them here for as long as they desire. Why don''t Dolls dream? What part is different? Dreaming is linked to the rust. I had thought Verbess was being metaphoric. Should have realized it is unflinchingly literal.

    I squirm my way out of my love''s sleeping arms, and pad out of the Spire. Need to think. Need to find a solution. Adaline is my first thought, and just as quickly dismissed as an option. This... isn''t something I''m willing to burden her or any of mine with.

    I check on them anyway, climbing up the vines on my Spire to the balcony where Adaline rests peacefully, slip into the disaster zone Calix calls a bedroom to find him slumped over strange diagrams on his table, head downstairs to the art studio Primrose and Nettle made together to see them fast asleep, tangled together by an entire skien of brightly colored yarn.

    I sneak out the underground passage before they know I''m there. Start... looking. An old monster like Yselda would keep certain things hidden. I know her type.

    Not near her own Spire. No. One of the distant tunnels is most likely. As far as possible to the edge of the Estate without surfacing. Arrogance and laziness go hand in hand.

    She had dalliances though, and fifteen Spires is more than an unnecessary extravagances. It''s... possibly a distraction? What is being hid? There has to be more to both dollcraft and the butchery they call fleshcrafting.

    I extend my senses. Start looking for signs. The Glyphs of Arafel''s Chains, if Elevar''s suspicion and my own understanding are correct, they should be somewhere.

    Hints here and there. Not quite as I remember. Too vague and worn to make out the directions mentioned, so I wander. Deeper into these tunnels. I suppress my fear, with this prosthetic frame I can get out, no matter how far down I go.

    I find a... gouge carved into the passageway and nearly pass it by at first before I realize that it goes down. Maybe a shortcut. There¡¯s a cloying miasma here. It''s odd. There shouldn''t be such amounts outside of a cemetery or an active battlefield. Doesn''t matter. If I can''t find any of her secrets, I can at least reach deep enough to commune. Speak with D?mmerung after our long silence. I''ve never been particularly faithful, priest and fool are the same word in my first language. By the same measure, only a fool scorns and fails to pay due obeisance to a Divine that has granted them so much. I continue following this passage, twisting and curling downwards like a worm.

    The next tunnel has more vines, leaves and creepers replacing the thorns of higher levels, overtaking some slabs while leaving others alone. Not deep enough yet. Have to go further, to where Nomos has never touched. The tunnels creak, settling and adjusting like a... beast in hibernation.

    The Spire will tend to itself? There were once forests. Real forests, not these imitations. These... Vines and trees that regrow much too fast and why? Why all the Spires in the middle of this abomination of a jungle. wh... It finally comes to me in a flash as I lock my ousia around myself in a solid bubble and dive into my driftdream library. The tunnels¡­

    NO NO NO THIS WAS NOT THE DREAM. I panic, flooding all my connections, Adaline deliberately excluded from the communication system, and I beg [Help me. I didn''t know.]

    A pause... and nothing.

    No reply. I run. backtracking the way I came as fast as the Frame can handle.

    My instincts scream at me to dodge, an impossibly fast strike coming towards me yet... nothing, no impact. just the miasma stirring where the strike would have originated from. After the third time, the fear is supplanted by rage and I stop, shedding the seek frame for my Warlord form.

    "I am no Vermin for you to toy with! I am Xafra, and you will submit or die, be you Mortal or Divine." Bluster and bravado, but with the Blasenplage to supplement my own harvesting methods, I can split, sever, and devour more significantly anchored souls.

    I don''t incant yet, I stand waiting, wanting to see if there is an intelligence behind this.

    A pause... and the mist stirs a touch. Seems to pull back and-

    A pitter patter of soft footsteps and I glance back to see... Primrose?

    My Doll sways at the far end of the tunnel. "Mistress." She whispers, sleepily and begins to approach.

    I activate my new technique with a whisper. "Pestherold" and sweep a soul-reaving tentril towards her head. If it''s actually Primrose, she won''t even notice let alone be affected.

    She doesn''t even flinch, while the mist about her buckles and seems to crack under the weight of my working. My Doll simply... walks right up to me, reaches out to take up a wrist. "C''mon Mistress.¡±

    I sag with relief. "How did you get down here, darling?" letting her pull me along.

    "Dolls sleepwalk sometimes. Get lost. Need to lead them from..." A great yawn interrupts her, causes her to slow even before it settles. "Nightmares.¡±

    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    "Oh... I wasn''t... sleepwalking. Was looking for something and..." I stop. Stare at her. "What do you mean by Nightmares, Primrose?¡±

    "Bad dreams. Mhm." She tugs, but only gently. "Used to scare this one and the others. But even... even the old Mistress had them sometimes. Made this one not worry, but... told Dolls to keep watch for others that might slip away and need to be brought back up. She promised the Nightmares wouldn''t hurt her Dolls. Only little thieves and sneaks.¡±

    The mist stirs about us. Kept away by my Ousia field but... lurking. Prowling like a curious beast at our heels.

    "But... I had heard that dolls... don''t dream." My mind is screaming at me to kill her, stop her from talking whatever it takes, to embrace ignorance instead of whatever knowledge I seek.

    She huffs, tugs again while narrowing eyes and pursing lips to think. "Dolls aren''t supposed to dream. If a Doll starts dreaming it is becoming defective. Will end function soon. The old Mistress promised this one that this is okay because the Nightmares that lead into the tunnels don''t belong to this one. That only if this one Dreams and doesn''t come down here is this one to pester her.¡±

    She''s a shepherd... She''s safe. okay. okay. I walk with her some more, thoughts racing. There''s something I''m missing. External Nightmares. What are they? How are they? A... Cursestorm? But... those rarely linger where they are cast or last so very long. The feeling here is old, not as old as me, but... not young by any reasonable measure.

    As we turn the corner, I get a flash of horrid insight that I need to test. §Õ§à§Ó§Ö§â§ñ§Û, §ß§à §á§â§à§Ó§Ö§â§ñ§Û. I reach out to Primrose, [Dear, can you hear me?]

    [Yes Mistress.] She responds wearily. And both our words seem... off. Not muffled but... a strange tint to the reply. Like from inside a small space.

    I begin to put together the pieces. "I need a moment dear.¡±

    Primrose turns to give me a tired, almost pouting, look. "It''s... the Old Mistress told this one not to get lost, or let itself be distracted when leading another.¡±

    I turn to the miasma in consideration. "Would you join me? Become part of the many and escape this place? There is... peace to be found, more than oblivion. Or, If you choose, I can end you. Return you to the Vast." I use my Ousia to speak in all my tongues, a hundred languages, a thousand timbres, including both Yselda''s Tone, and Namtars Voice.

    Primrose tumbles backwards into me, shivering and shaking and whimpering as she clings to my massive form.

    [Wurzelriss] I hear an all too familiar voice echo back. Causing the miasma to churn and writhe, like some great sea beneath a storm. The energy about us gathers and compresses and cracks, then a whip-crack of a shriek from far away and... The floor splits open beneath me.

    I spin and lock eyes with Primrose, sending a massive spike of Ousia-laden information into her along with a simple message. ::I''ll find my way back:: and launch her away from me. At least she''s safe.

    And I fall.

    I land sooner than expected in salt water, a massive space stretching out to a bleak horizon. It feels like I entered one of the old Slipways but no... I look up and see starlight, the glow of sun along one horizon.

    The area is sparse, odd trickles of Physis from above along with the rare dribble of Ousia. The ground is... Iron. Seamless with stones scattered about. but... I pick one up, a blank spot to my senses and I understand.

    I let out an unhinged cackle as I hold this piece of Moonstone. Not Waste, not to me.

    "Oh Nameless mother, bless me as I add your flesh to my own." I offer up a quick prayer before swallowing the treasure whole and reaching for another.

    I gorge myself on Moonstone, separating it into mundane rock and ore and the true thing, the thing I''ve never had access to but learned about in the old tales of the H.A.G., Lunargent.

    As I spew out the mundane, the glow of the sun erupts from the far horizon and begin to weep Nomos over the waters, adding the Twin father''s boon to the fall of energy.

    That''s... enough for now. Must find my way out.

    I start walking, stretching my senses around for any sort of marker.

    My time sealed trammeled my patience. Not long after I begin, I stop to think.

    I''ve been transported somewhere, either outside or inside. The floor makes the first unlikely, the sky the second.

    I alter my eyes, a high crime that I haven''t committed since the first days of having an Anthroparion form. I switch them for those of a hunting avian, to better pierce the veil of distance. And... the stars are motionless in their light, the suns silent in their weeping, behind it all... a texture?

    "If the heavens are made of linen, then I am the Fifth Divine." I mutter. So I am inside. Do I go down, or try and learn to fly before ever reading about how?

    Instinctively, I change my eyes back to the mark of my status.

    "Fine." I shift a hand into my spearhead, point and wings honed sharp as a razor, and stab down into the iron, to test its thickness.

    The impact only chips at it, and wears away my edge. Fuck. Good quality metal. of course. Need to... reinforce myself in the future.

    I look up again. What if... they''re not as far as they seem, just small? I crouch low, and with a burst of Ousia and Physis, leap as high as I can.

    My ascent is rapidly interrupted by the ceiling, just shy of six times my height. I bounce off and tumble back down into the water.

    Shaking myself off, I prepare to try again. Less of a boost, and need to be ready to grab hold. felt like... woven wood? Once more, I crouch and leap, this time, planting my fore and hind claws into the ceiling like some sort of demented lizard. From here, I can tell that the stars are constructs, weavings that emit Physis and Ousia. A fountain of sorts?

    I hesitate to destroy this place. It may be of value. Instead I begin to burrow my way upwards, using my upper arms and my legs to anchor me as the other four arms begin to carve a hole in the wood.

    It... takes time. I carve at this wood, it''s almost as hard to chip away as iron. Just... Where the metal is hard and steady this is almost stringy. Like chewing tough meat away¡­ Might as well.

    I pull a piece into my mouth, try and analyze the composition. it''s not wood, not in function, clearly closer to muscle. But... wrong. Grown like plants. Burns Nomos, but with channels for Ousia and Physis yet does not need them or burn them to grow. Abomination.

    I reactivate my Pestherold to line my digging claws, see if it can help carve through easier and prevent the slow regrowth that has been frustrating me.

    With it, I carve in, and it speeds my process a bit, making the roots brittle and eliminating the debris but... not enough to be cost effective. The amount of Ousia and Physis I get in return doesn''t balance. Then... something changes. The ceiling stops its slight shifting just as I''m about to change my position.

    I try to pull free and find my claws stuck, Nomos-filled roots coiling around them. With irritation, I slash free and move each one in sequence, continuing my path inwards.

    The roots around me fill faster and faster with Nomos, nearly glowing with a dull yellow light, trying to grip me and pull me inwards. I go, but on my terms, continuing to slash and dig my way upwards, out of this strange place.

    A voice thrums, Seemingly buried deep into the Roots above me. Muffled by the layers but... the Ousia makes syllables audible. [Wurzelriss]

    The roots before me begin to retract, revealing a tunnel of tarnished but seamless reflective surfaces, devoid of all roots. Behind her, the roots try to heal and close the hole I''ve been digging. The roots are no longer grabbing and instead are more... supportive. Twisting to form gripping or stepping nooks.

    Acceptable. I enter this tunnel, whatever it is. Immediately the pull of D?mmerung shifts and the ever downward force is to the side and not behind, and in the second it takes me to reorient, a snap echoes from behind and... The passage to the roots disappears.

    The chamber I''m in is¡­ relatively long, but not very wide. It¡¯s some sort of tube made of iron mixed with moonstone, only slightly reflective. As I walk towards one of the ends, the odd ambient light shows its origin, strange somewhat familiar glyphs reflecting off of the surfaces. Dollification magic maybe, more complicated than anything I''ve studied. The symbols keep getting brighter as the room fills with miasma. Is this a conversion chamber or something? Hilarious. good luck you fucking monster, I''m the progenitor.

    I wait and see what it will do, confident in my immunity.

    The miasma doesn''t stop at a reasonable level, but instead over the next few minutes continues to build more and more, compressing against me, cooling the room to freezing. Eventually, the pressure starts to be even too much for me, pushing my Ousia field down to nothing while my bones threaten to collapse and I... surrender, shifting back to my spear form. Blind. Inert. sealed away in a long forgotten chamber with miasma so concentrated that no living thing could survive. Fool. Arrogance is always my downfall, isn''t it¡­

 Chapter 36: And if We Cannot Find a Light, Weâ€™ll Burn The Forest Down (Witch)

    And if We Cannot Find a Light, We¡¯ll Burn The Forest Down (Witch)

    Content Warning:

    Comatose Doll, claustrophobia, blood and pricking fimbers, worry over a thing twisting loved one into breaking/loss of personhood. Talk of dying Doll/terminal illness. Nightmares about past abusers. Angry mists/haunting mupples. UMMM.... BEEEG chappy!

    ¡°Choices, choices, so few choices.¡± Yselda purrs. ¡°Which is which my budding Witch?¡±

    And¡­ then I wake up screaming. Curl about myself like I¡¯ve not done since¡­ since¡­

    ¡°Xafra.¡± I whimper into the dark.

    Only silence greets me.

    {Xafra?}

    No answer from the slack and still tether.

    I jerk up and look about the chamber. Grasping out with my own Ousia sense and soul tethers to find¡­

    No Xafra, and¡­ my Doll sleeps. Not even stirred by their Mistress'' cry of fear and longing and pain as she escaped a horrible Nightmare.

    ¡°Sch¨C Schatzi?¡± I whisper.

    Nothing.

    ¡°Ver¨C¡±

    ¡°Witch Elevar!!!¡± Comes a wailing cry from downstairs.

    I jerk.

    Primrose?

    I toss aside the covers and move to the steps just as Xafra¡¯s first Doll comes stumbling up them. Very nearly falling into my arms as she shivers in anguish.

    ¡°P¨C Please. M¨C mistress Elevar.¡± She whimpers. ¡°Mistress Xafra she¡­ she¡¯s¡­¡±

    I just barely avoid snapping a furious command at the Doll with my Tone but¡­ No. Won¡¯t help. Will just send her into a mess after.

    ¡°Calmly, Primrose.¡± I intone as I rub her back and glance back as my unroused Doll. ¡°One word in front of the rest now. Come on. Tell me where Xafra is.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know!¡± Primrose cries, and from the bond Xafra¡¯s forged she¡¯s shoving¡­ something at me. ¡°She¡­ she gave me this. Just as she fell and told me she¡¯d find her way back to me!¡±

    Such a strange thing. Laden with Ousia. Nothing like the tomes I shared through the Archive.

    Without hesitation I try to access it.

    [You are currently unable to give informed consent to open this.] A simple message comes from the strange thing.

    ¡°She¡­ I heard her go into the tunnels for a long time.¡± Primrose babbles as I glare off at nothing. ¡°And the Old Mistress told us to watch for wanderers and bring them back and I found her and was doing that but¡­ But then she spoke big again and¡­ and a hole opened and¡­ and¡­¡±

    ¡°Schatzi, Verbess. Up. Now!¡± I spit in my most furious Witch Tone.

    They don¡¯t rise.

    My heart nearly stops at that. And I nearly have to drag the shivering Primrose behind me as I move back to them. Reach out to brush hair aside to find them still very much functional but¡­

    Blood on their shirt? Lips? Forehead warmer than any Doll¡¯s should ever be. And¡­ where is the Heart?

    {Calix, dear. Rouse Adaline and come to my chambers. Quick as you can. No distractions. Xafra¡¯s in danger.}

    [Yes Mistress!] He yelps.

    I¡¯ve barely slipped on a light blouse and trousers before Adaline bursts into the room with Calix following swiftly behind. "What has Mistress done?"

    I motion to Primrose. ¡°You, remain here with my Doll and tell them where I¡¯ve gone if they wake.¡± Then to the other two. ¡°Come. We need to talk while we move. Xafra''s wandered below and upset this Estate.¡±

    I turn to slip behind the shelf I had Verbess place in front of this Spire''s entrance to the tunnels, then pause as I see the curling fog misting at the bottom of the steps. {Calix... before we get cut off. Can you tell me what this is?} And I send him the message Xafra left with Primrose. {It won''t let me open it.}

    "Fine. This one has dealt with worse. Let''s get her back." Adaline adds.

    I want to hiss at this wretched luck. Stupid Half-Knit, Adaline¡¯s going to be so unsteady in those confines and Calix¡­

    He looks over the message in confusion [I don''t know, but the amount of Ousia is unusual. Seventeen thousand Thaums. If you transmitted that to a non-doll, they would probably just... die?]

    Well¡­ He¡¯ll probably find the Loom interesting. Will help me double check how much this will cost us all.

    ¡°Keep it safe.¡± I huff and turn to continue down the steps. ¡°She gave that to Primrose as this place dropped her into Containment. We need to get to the Central Loom, make sure this place doesn¡¯t do worse. Stick close. Our bond will probably give out the second we enter that mist.¡±

    "Gave what?" Adaline interjects.

    "Some kind of message. Filled with Ousia and a message telling me I can''t open it. Apparently it would kill any non-Doll who tries." I reply just as the miasma touches my toes.

    Flickering on my own Ousia sight to try and sense this Estate''s current regard...

    "What? Like it''s poisonous? That''s nonsense." Adaline looks back at Calix and pulls from her backpack a length of rope that she ties around her waist at one end and Calix''s at the other. "Don''t get separated, or this one will beat you until you stop enjoying it, Calix."

    Curious of me. Writhing in worry? Cracked and Riven Moon, Xafra! What did you do!?!

    ¡°Raw information too much for my mind, from the way he explained it.¡± I move forward, setting a brisk pace. ¡°And Calix? Stick to spoken words till we¡¯re back above or the miasma clears. Feel free to examine it more so long as you don''t risk opening it. Share what you find with Adaline and I.¡±

    "How much information?" Adaline asks as she ensures both her and Calix stay in lock step with me.

    "Seventeen thousand Thaums." Calix mumbles as he twiddles his fingers in some odd patterns.

    "Why would she send you the equivalent of an infant''s soul?" Adaline murmurs.

    I very nearly tumble to a stop at that.

    She¡­ WHAT?

    "Necessary information acquired? Mistress'', the thingy spoke." Calix states.

    I hiss, picking up the pace. Dig nails into palms as I steady my voice. ¡°Thank you for puzzling that out for me, Calix.¡±

    Stupid Gerl. Nothing in there is worth more to me than you. Why toss yourself into this position right as we were settling!?! We¡­ we could have stayed safe for decades without anyone even caring to check on this old rotting place!

    The miasma churns in odd patterns as we pass. More alert that I¡¯ve seen in years. And ahead are now the doors to the Undercroft and the memorial to the Dolls that died.

    My heart clenches as I feel Adaline hesitate behind me.

    ¡°Last steps. The Loom is just ahead.¡± I continue forward and carefully pull it down, ensure nothing rips and as little touches the ground as possible. Carefully but without hesitating folding it over my arm as I push at the doors behind it, I glance back. ¡°The miasma won¡¯t hurt you two, might even lead you back if you need to go. I understand. Haven''t been able to come down here for years myself. But I¡­ I can manage this from here.¡±

    No matter what it costs us. I won''t leave these Dolls to fade without a good Mistress ever again.

    "We''ll be alright to join you.¡± Adaline insists. ¡°Let''s continue."

    "Hmmm?¡± Calix echoes. ¡°Yes! This one wants to help."

    ¡°Thank you. I¡­¡± Can¡¯t get the words out, so instead I turn and lead us, drawing the knitting needle and placing it in my left hand.

    Tunnels twist from ugly shale and vines into well wrought tiles and walls. And ahead the passageway splits into three. The central with a scaled curtain hanging, and two that twist down and away.

    ¡°Miasma is still quiet. Good. Means this place still recognizes me as her Floret.¡± I sigh in relief as I step up to the curtain and push it aside.

    Revealing the Uppermost Loom to Yselda¡¯s Estate.

    It¡¯s a smaller space than I remember, but¡­ thrums with the countless spinning wheels and threads and scrolls that twist and pull about along walls and ceiling. Without pause I step up to the central weave and deftly begin pricking my right hand on the needle. Thumb, and four side bearing fingers. Leave the pointing one free.

    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    ¡°Calix, Adaline, go over there and keep an eye on those Scrolls. Look for any marking bigger than your thumb or tears in the threads or cloth.¡±

    "Yes ma''am!" They both respond while stepping up to the tasks.

    Four droplets of blood ready to fall yet held still with Physis as I fill them with Ousia, my little Archive fluttering to life before my eyes, I grip the thread.

    A stream of information washes through it. Nearly shattering my collection and overwhelming my mind with the raw knowledge of the Estate. Seemingly endless and raw and horribly foreign to my Archive and mind. But¡­

    Cracking one''s mind is how you have to become a Witch. So I ignore the mess. Focus. Find Xafra. Look for the way you suspect this place would mark her. It¡¯s easier than I expected, but not for any good reasons.

    The fool gerl¡¯s already been moved into Containment chamber 6! Need to skim past the useless parts, find the uprooting commands.

    ¡°135 useless monsters, 3 potentials¡­¡± A memory from my Nightmare¡¯s muses past. ¡°Why not reknit them a touch? Make them¨C¡±

    ¡°Cracked and Riven Moon. Be quiet!¡± I hiss and look past the memory echo wafting through the stream. Then call back ¡°Adaline, I¡¯m going to try and force something. There will be some tearing, but anything smaller than your hand is fine.¡±

    Adaline looks to bite back comments and simply responds "Yes ma''am."

    I reach out with Physis tinted with my Blood¡¯s Ousia into the weave laid before me within the setting of my own little Archive. Feeling about and searching for the root of this. The logic behind this jump from observation to¡­ to Synthesis. Pluck at the stem of information with my Ousia to replace it w¨C

    Adaline hisses as the spooled scroll within her cluster makes a loud tearing sound, sending strings and parchment to thrashing. Torn asunder. All around us the Estate seems to shake in warning as more miasma wafts into the room.

    "Alright, fine." I growl. "You can leave those to help Calix, Adaline. It''s told me quite clearly it thinks me a fool in that regard. Let''s try for this second subtle attempt."

    "Bloody Riven bitch." Adaline dashes across to beside Calix who''s struggling to keep track of the rapidly moving loom.

    Let¡¯s¡­ try for this then. Go deeper.

    Can already feel the Glyphs thrumming to life around her, the¡­ the process it intends to use to Synthesis her.

    Pressurize her form under snap-cold temperatures. Use spinnings that I can feel have broken much larger and denser creatures. I have to deliberately not access those weaves else risk total fracturing of my little Archive. Too much detail. Then¡­ reshape and remold. If she¡¯d been immune to the Tone I¡¯d be less worried but¡­ once that spell activates.

    It won¡¯t. You have options. Try this next one.

    Find its core reason for Containment.

    Her use of the Tone. Talk of¡­ Oh. Moonshite.

    I try anyway, even though I already expect the cracking of the Loom by Adaline and Calix.

    Reknit the logic to include what Xafra is, and isn¡¯t. Not her abilities, those seem to be guessed at here, but her will. Her goals. Drives. Even try for a few memories of her work with the Dolls here.

    The Estate¡¯s shaking roar drowns out the Looms'' fracture and the Dolls exclamations while the miasma rises all about us. My Ousia senses show me that it¡¯s mostly ignoring those two, at least. Writhing about the stupid Half-Knit trying to untangle what it sees as a monster caught in the net.

    It doesn¡¯t strike. Thank the Dead Hag. But presses close. Like a predator hissing in an annoying sibling''s face as the Estate quiets.

    ¡°Choices Choices so few Choices.¡± My lips whisper as I grip the thread, echoing the last favored taunt of an old cunt as I watch in Riven horror as my little archive shows me Xafra¡¯s Warlord form finally buckling and her twisting back into her spear form.

    And¡­ everything stops. The Estate goes still. Begins to prod and poke and¡­ and¡­

    It can¡¯t find her.

    Cracked and Riven Moon it¡­ That¡¯s RIGHT!

    When deep in her Driftdream, she can hide her Ousia and Physis!

    I scour the information as it records it. As it Compares this incident to old Tomes and recordings. Looking for references. Similar monsters. I move ahead of it through the stream of information. Using it¡¯s slower regard as a distraction to just make sure¡­

    My heart lurches at the knowledge I find, and¡­ what I have to do.

    {Blasenplage} I hiss, and burn the treasured information from the Estate¡¯s records and my own little Archive right as it passes over my section. The only fragments are the little flutters I''ll be able to recall. And feel tears dribble down my face as it passes over and through the ruined remains.

    Offer it instructions and advice. {Move the remains of this creature to Chamber 1, Allow her Floret to advise and contain?}

    It accepts without a word, and as the miasma withdrawals I read the spells it uses to move Xafra. Ensuring it is safe to send a subtle ::Calm/Hide/Dream:: to her before I tear my bleeding fingers from the Central Thread.

    Calix turns away from the loom, his fractal eyes empty. He speaks, but Xafra''s words come out, "Suitable vessel detected. Initiate Introjection protocol?"

    "Wh- What?" I stammer to Calix. "What vessel?"

    Calix points to the central Thread, "Sufficient soul capacity, malicious intent, and harm detected to Mate. Vessel is suitable."

    "This is such a bad idea." I just... stare at the fool boy holding my fool lover''s last little gift to me. "But... Yes. I''ll not let this old foul thing hurt you or the others again. Use my Archive to slip beneath its protections. Take it slow. And... be wary of the perfect recall. There... there are old memories and Nightmares in there that..." I look down and away. "Doesn''t matter. Will tell you soon, I guess. You both? I''m not sure. After your inside, we''ll get your other bodies and get above ground."

    Then I uncurl and reach out with one of my six tethers, alter it with a touch of Ousia, and offer it to Calix, then I turn to grip the central thread once more, and let my lover''s wicked scheme infect the Estate.

    Calix glows to my sight as the Ousia laden thing latches into the central thread and simply merges onto it. "Sikkina Parasite beginning Introjecton. Estimated time to completion: one year."

    "Wife... This one is going to scream now. This one hopes it will be forgiven for doing so." Adaline states before panicking.

    Loudly and with temporary abandon.

    I scramble over to Adaline, get in front to slide wrists beneath hers. Offering whatever she needs as I tug her toward the exit. ¡°It¡¯s alright. Let¡¯s get you out of here. C''mon.¡±

    "Mistress... Where are we?" Calix asks in confusion as Adaline starts to scream and wail.

    "Underground, Calix." I say to him as I pull Adaline along, "I need to get you both to the surface, then come back down for Xafra."

    "Oh, we''re here already? Okay." Her murmurs, confused but following.

    "This one... Elevar, Can I help?" Adaline gets out amidst her slowly steading panic.

    ¡°Only if you want to, Adaline.¡± I reply softly. Visibly relieved as the miasma slowly dissipates to a mild covering about the tunnels. ¡°The Estate is already moving her into a place I can pull her out of without resistance. You¡­ you don¡¯t need to brave these tunnels anymore.¡±

    "This one... does want to." she says, obviously nervous.

    ¡°Alright.¡± I nod, then twist to seal the pin-pricks on my right hands before gripping hers. Moving us over toward the left tunnel that''ll lead toward chamber 1. "Calix, I... what''s the last thing you recall? Before being in this room, I mean."

    "We entered the miasma and this one told Adaline how many Thaums the... Oh the thingy is gone, Mistress! This one is so sorry for losing it and will go look for it immediately."

    A memory backwash? I¡­ Xafra, your brilliance is only balanced by your compassion. If that was made to consume this place then of course you¡¯d not want to risk your Doll.

    ¡°Don¡¯t, you performed perfectly.¡± I reply. ¡°Your Mistress will probably explain it better later than I could fumble about now. Be sure to ask her once things have settled, alright?¡±

    He looks puzzled but agrees, "Okie dokie. You said that this one needs to go? Should he find Nettle and join Primrose looking after Verbess and Schatzi?"

    ¡°Yes.¡± I agree. ¡°And¡­ be sure to ask Primrose where exactly Xafra lost her new Frame so I can pick it up on our way out. The Miasma should be clear enough for me to ask through the bond by the time we find your Mistress.¡±

    "Yes, Mistress Elevar!" He turns and happily walks along towards the exit still tied to Adaline.

    I almost miss snipping the rope with a working of Physis when he calls me that.

    Did¡­ did we forget to tell the fool boy to¡­ no. Can¡¯t deal with the implications of that. Too many would set my teeth on edge.

    The only Doll I¡¯ll ever want or need is above, those gerls will be the only ones I ever take.

    I should be incredibly worried about them, and I am but¡­ not as much as I¡¯d otherwise be. Whatever is happening to them is due to the heart they ate, and Xafra would never hurt them. Even if unintended consequences were to bubble up¡­ well, she¡¯s very good at helping Dolls through worse things.

    ¡°C¡¯mon, this place always frays my nerves.¡± I tug on Adaline, ¡°Let¡¯s go get your Mistress.¡±

    "This one can explain, if you would like. To set your mind at ease." Adaline murmurs as we descend back down towards Chamber 1.

    ¡°Huh? Explain what?¡±

    "Why Calix calls you ¡®Mistress¡¯.¡± She replies.¡°He is... Unwise at times."

    "I... Yes. Please.¡± I agree as we move from the tiled tunnels into ones with seamless slab walls and ceiling. ¡°That would be nice right now. I''ve missed hearing how you explain things."

    "Mistress Xafra said that the way... marriage works for her is that her property is shared with you, though her responsibilities are not. In effect, you have full rights to us and anything else she owns but she takes personal responsibility for your treatment of us." She explains with some trepidation.

    "What an odd custom. I... I''m not sure we ever talked about all the details of our relationship in regards to that." I chuckle and shake my head as we finally reach the entrance to chamber one. A sudden break in the perfect wall sliced away and filled to bursting with vines. ¡°I refuse to take another Doll into my care, but if that title can keep Calix and the other two calm in case of times like this I¡¯ll let them adopt it. Let any of you all come to me if you need something.¡±

    "We revert to unowned if she... is lost for good. She was clear about that with her claiming. Your... authority is dependent on hers."

    ¡°I am glad she included that in her litanies to you all. It¡¯s how it should be. Even Inspired me to change things before my surgery.¡± I assure her while reaching out to let this place take more of my blood and Ousia.

    The vines soundlessly fall away, revealing this place''s most gentle containment room.

    A small space, barely tall enough to stand in, and would force Xafra''s Warlord to sit were she not wearing flesh of iron. And pulled taught through it all, are thousands of threads of all sizes and colors. Each thrumming with so much Nomos that even without reading the numbers taken from the Loom I can nearly taste it in the air. And in the middle lies my Xafra. Still and inert, too much like the day I found her.

    ¡°Alright, we¡¯re going to do this just so, Adaline.¡± I murmur. ¡°I need her to stay inert till we¡¯re above, just in case. I''ll use Physis to Cant to let her know.¡±

    Intone ::Calm/Hide/Dream/Carry/Trust/Patience/Stillness:: down the bond. Miasma now settled and no longer inhibiting the flow of messages in this place.

    ¡°Wait here, won¡¯t be a whisper.¡± I instruct Adaline while slipping hand free of her''s. Then I step forward, and the threads twist up and away while I approach to kneel over Xafra''s form. Still very much ready to weave into activation in case of danger but... not set to bursting like they could be.

    I carefully pick her up, set her into the crook of my left arm with cloth and needle, then carry her out. Taking up Adaline''s hand with a relieved sigh as nothing seems to change. "C''mon. Let''s get above ground."

    The walk is quiet, but with every breath a little bit of anxious fear slides away to worry of different sorts. Along the way we find Xafra¡¯s new frame, as slumped and inert as its Mistress. Adaline has to carry it, and from there it¡¯s only a few dozen heartbeats back up and into Xafra¡¯s Spire, then out two dozen paces into the grass before I nudge Xafra with ::Freedom/Starlight/Safe/Awaken/Calm/Adorations:: and even mangle a messy ::Prosthetic Prepared:: at the end of it.

    Xafra does not respond.

    I take a deep breath and on my exhale let my own mess of worry and protective adorations flow freely. {Xafra? Love? It¡¯s safe, you can come out. We¡¯re outside again. Or¡­} I lay my consciousness at the edge of her Driftdream, as I did those weeks ago after the trio of Witch Tone hurt her. {I can come to you. If you¡¯d like. No rush either way. Take your time. I¡¯m here. I¡¯ve got you.}

    Feeling for her, I can tell that she''s present, yet... oddly active in a state of hyperfocus. My hands on her form noticing alterations in the texture of her spear form, despite no external use of Ousia.

    Cracked and¡­ but the Synthesis hadn¡¯t started yet! She¡­ so is¡­ what is¡­

    Reforging herself? She¡­ she probably didn¡¯t think anything down there could hurt her while in this state. And then probably sensed with specific acuteness what that chamber was ready to do. Like being just a whisper from a strike you know could break a previously invulnerable form.

    I nod, wanting to pull her from this but¡­ No. She''s safe. I can wait.

    And so I keep my promise, and I don''t rush her. Continue to intone in simple Cant ::Unending Patience/Freedom/Embraced/Loved:: while trying horribly to mimic the song along the bond she composed for us in the jungles. Not to distract. Just... to not allow her to miss the truth of her outer state. Giving her a light to follow home at task''s end.

    Hours later, the spear is different, blade and wings edged in a strange greengold material that spirals in an inlay from the head down the shaft terminating at the far end in a translucent sphere.

    [Love? Is everyone safe?] Xafra reaches out in concern.

    {Yes, I¡¯d¡­ like assurances from you on Schatzi and Verbess but¡­ That can wait. Are you alright?} I release a sigh of relief, then turn to Adaline. ¡°She¡¯s come about.¡±

    [I screwed up. Again. Not sure what happened, set something in motion after trying to... help whatever entity was in the tunnels. Didn''t want to leave anyone behind trapped. Found blessed strength. But... got trapped by the entity. Serves me right. What I deserve. Committed... High Crime. Unworthy of your presence.]

    "Good. That''s really good. Is she... okay? This one knows it would be quite distressed if she was trapped like that again." Adaline responds to me, unaware of Xafra''s words.

    ¡°Yes, she¡¯s shaken. But whole.¡± I respond to Adaline. ¡°Give me a moment to¡­¡±

    {Xafra, you¡­ I won¡¯t say what you did was a very intelligent decision, but from what I read while attuned to the Loom you acted with all manner of courage and grace that is befitting to my chosen love. No. Your mistake here was wandering into places I warned you about, multiple times. And¡­ and mine was not drawing up the courage to ask my partner if she would help me figure out how to manage my inheritance well.}

    [I can''t let Verbess and Schatzi die. I won''t. I had to look for something to help. I''m sorry. I should have asked you to help but... I didn''t mean to overhear. Didn''t realize I could. didn''t want to cause harm. Hoped I could just... perform another miracle. but I couldn''t.]

    I go still and cold at her words.

    ¡°Die?¡± I hiss. ¡°What do you mean, Die? Is¡­ is the heart they ate going to break them?¡±

    [No, it''s. it should help a bit, makes them somewhat more like me. They... Said they were dreaming and that means... They are close to death and I don''t know how Dolls even function but if they work anything like me then because their souls are made material they would eventually run out and I don''t want to lose them. My sisters.] despair echoes through the bond before being strangled tight. [Sorry. I''ll find a way. we will. you know more so... together?]

    I grind my teeth and move us to stand. Terror freezing my heart solid while fury burns me into motion. Old insistent lessons about the Quirks of Dollcraft warring with hatred for how wrong it¡¯s been up until this point. How many lies and half truths and just¡­ ignorant hateful assumptions have ruined any good knowledge I may have otherwise turned to.

    ¡°Dreaming?¡± I spit, spinning slowly dwindling Physis reserves to move us at speed toward my Spire. ¡°Cracked and Riven Moon. Tell me everything. Every wretched word and emotion and infested thing you heard from them. You¡­ Xafra they¡¯re not waking up, and otherwise might have kept this secret till it was too late."

 Chapter 37: The Mercy of Irrelevance is Sorely Missed (Blade)

    The Mercy of Irrelevance is Sorely Missed (Blade)

    Content Warnings:

    AHHH! Stuff happens. Um.... Fear of death. Soul examination. Plurality. Ignorance to the existence of a headmate. Mupples. And... yeah. mhmhmhm!

    For the longest time, nothing I did or said made any difference. In my oubliette, no one could be hurt through my inaction. Anything I did was... meaningless. Eternity was a harsh, but fair Mistress. And now... I feel like a monster. Guilt and Shame spur me forward as much as Obligation. In the time I was trapped in that containment chamber, I was faced with the consequences of immortality in a whole new way. Last time... there was no one left to miss me, no one waiting for my return, no family. This time, the possibility of being trapped forever wasn''t a fear, but instead, I was terrified of... being too late. Escaping to find that my mistakes this time cost me everything that mattered, that I would wake once more to a different world, bereft of anyone to care about. In that fleeting moment before I fell, I threw out a lifeline, not for myself but for those I left behind. How do I even explain to Elevar what Sikkina is? I can feel that she was implanted, that the conditions were met somehow, and yet... I am a monster. There is no doubt in my mind. I should admit my Crime and my Sin and accept dissolution for what I''ve done, but¡­ I don''t want to die. I want to live, to experience this world with my new family.

    "When they held my heart, it acted as an amplifier or passkey, and I could hear them talk to each other. Verbess said that... It wants to stay, to function, but with every spinning of the gears and cogs it rusts and becomes more defective and that it started dreaming. Schatzi responded that they should... die happy then and embrace the time they have left.¡±

    I shift to Warlord as we approach where my Dolls surround Verbess and Schatzi.

    Elevar moves up to sit on the bed next to her Doll, brushing hair aside to feel their cheek and forehead. Murmurs. "Warmer than they should be. Which is a good sign. At least. Dolls that... that fall into Dreaming often go cold." Then she moves to roll them onto their back and lays head to their chest, eyes closed as she listens. Whispers after a dozen or so heartbeats. "Frame sounds to be in Giyar 4. Which... is odd. And I swear I sense some titters of Physis, probably leftovers of the heart but... Well, until I open them up I won''t know." Then she sits up to regard me. "Is that heart you gave them still sending you things?¡±

    "No. They consumed it and seemed to begin changing somewhat. I... expected minor effects. For them to have more ability to control their form primarily, and to be able to... heal internal damage, like what I had inflicted on them when we first met.¡±

    She looks back at them. "So... they awoke without trouble. Meaning the Dreaming started before they consumed it. And... only Verbess spoke of it happening. Not Schatzi. Which... means this is possibly secluded to one half of the Frame. And the consuming of the Heart enables them more control, more... awareness. Which..." She reaches out to lay a hand across their cheek. "The Dreaming of Dolls is something even the Matron of Dollcraft doesn''t really understand. Sometimes it heralds the final flutters of the solidified Ousia and Physis of the Dolls'' old form burning out. Like how the elderly grow weary and seek sleep more and more at their end. But... Other times it strikes years before their wellspring should burn away. And... and within anywhere between a few hours to a few weeks, a year at most, the Dolls just... just..." She trails off as such fear leaks down the tether. "Stops. Doesn''t wake up.¡±

    "This... Elevar... We will fix this. I swear. Whatever you need from me.¡±

    "Yes. Of... Of course. Alright." She takes a deep breath as she regathers emotions into focused purpose. "First things first. Let''s start small. You have better senses through the bond. Reach down and see what you can figure out. Might be able to nudge them awake even.¡±

    I kneel in front of the bed and reach internally through the bond, more invasive than I have previously as I push aside my discomfort to check on their state.

    I push my way past their initial mental layers, towards their mind cores. "Verbess is...messy. Its mind is shredded at the edges. Degrading. but there''s... new developments, like it is reclaiming what is lost in new forms.¡±

    "That''s... That''s good to hear." Elevar nods. "It''s still healing. What else?¡±

    I swap to Schatzi, "Schatzi is highly segmented still. Outer core sheath is mostly intact, minor damage, but cleanly removed, like she''s been cutting away parts... Possible aiding in Verbess'' recovery. The inner core is hard for me to read. Not sealed but foreign, I don''t quite understand it, but it seems... flawless." My implications with the word is deliberate, noting exactly how I believe such a thing came about.

    Elevar considers my words. "Flawless? I... Oh." Then she turns to regard the Dolls standing about us. "Feel free to wait above in my Spire, but give us the room please.¡±

    Primrose, Nettle, Adaline, and Calix look at me with varying levels of discretion and I wave in annoyance.

    "Yes Ma''am," they all chime before walking out together.

    "My apologies. I''ll have to talk to them later about that." I say, returning focus to my Witchling

    "Don''t. My words were phrased as I meant them." She says turning back to her Doll. "A request from a Witch to her partner and lover''s Dolls. They were right to check with their Mistress first. If I was less out of sorts I''d have done the polite thing and thought to simply ask you through our bond.¡±

    "Alright. I assume you wish to talk about the Einwandfrei that went into making her?¡±

    She nods. "Spent years puzzling it out in a backways fashion. Nothing near enough to replicate the process but..." She waves up a small notebook of Physis from her little Archive, but... does not offer it, holding it back. "I... Was never planning on sharing this. Not without... without a very long conversation and the physical copy." Her eyes finally flicker up to touch mine as she whispers. "It''s too much like what you showed me in your Driftdream. How you were forged.¡±

    I flinch at that. "That. Yes. That makes sense. How it is... designed for control. Likely they were designated as the dominant unit because of the ability to have both a pack member and a second member with hidden subroutines.¡± I furrow my brows. "I can see why you would be hesitant to talk about this. When all three of them are so... deliberate. Do you know... if they were polysouled before being weaved?¡±

    Her eyes go a bit wide, "Cracked and... I did hear you right then. There is a third member. I..." She huffs and works very hard to recover. "Polysouled. That''s what I missed. Always... But... but that means they... they..." She turns back to regard her Doll, visibly shaking. "You could have left me. All that time. You couldn''t just LIE, could you? You could filter out any wretched command I gave you. That''s why... why Yselda could never reTune you, either. Not because I somehow managed to do it well but... but because you wouldn''t let her.¡±

    "I s-should note that... Schatzi and Verbess don''t seem to have access to Schatzi''s inner core. I f-find it unlikely that they were intentionally hiding it''s existence from you so much as that one deciding that you were Worthy as I did." I stammer in my own realization that she wasn''t aware as I try to avoid the obvious ramifications.

    She takes a very deep breath, and while I can sense her try... Elevar is unable to stop the stream of furious guilt from sputtering down the tether. "Is... do you see what''s stopping them from waking up? What could have caused this Dream Verbess had? Is... Are they in danger from this? Or is this just them... changing again. Schatzi mentioned Verbess stopped functioning for quite a while when their pack died and it took her a while to bubble up. You have a better sense of them than even the Matron of this art did when I saw her work.¡±

    "I don''t see any danger and could try and wake them by interfacing with the¡ª¡±

    I am interrupted by them sitting up and speaking in a hollow voice. "Directive Two forbids Access to Warden. Progenitor Override not recognized. Resolution offered. Status report. Pack Heart, Designation: Verbess, undergoing accelerated recovery. Emotional Simulation, Designation: Schatzi, in temporary stasis. Current requirement: Progenitor-type Ousia Siphon to prevent premature decline of function.¡±

    Elevar flinches, but doesn''t pull back as her Doll speaks. Pauses only to murmur gently. "I... Thank you. You said a... Progenitor-type Ousia Siphon was needed. I''m not certain what that is. Can you elaborate?¡±

    "Restricted Knowledge requested... Granted. The Progenitor-type Ousia Siphon is a banned weaving based on collected observations of the Soulbane. Location of weaving knowledge... Unknown. Expected Decay of Function... twenty two days, fourteen hours. Analyzing acceptable Pathing... Complete. Verbess and Schatzi will be returned to function. Warden Objective¡­ Failed. Final Wish commencing. No further Service Interruption will occur." The Doll falls back onto the bed once more as I stare in shock.

    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    "No- wait I..." Elevar leans forward and slightly over them. "Warden? Is that the designation you claim? Xafra can do so much with Ousia. She can perhaps perform the weaving you require. She''s done it for me. You know that. Please, work with me. With us.¡±

    "Mistress? Are you alright?" Schatzi opens her eyes in concern and confusion.

    I stand, fear and anger and confusion all warring inside me at once. "¡ª", I try to speak and find my words fail me. I shake my head and pace the room twice before returning to kneel beside my Mistress. She''ll have the answers. Her decisions can be trusted, unlike my own.

    Elevar''s hand moves to Schatzi''s cheek. "Dear one. We... We know about the Dreaming. The third sister or... or Warden or... We''re trying to help figure this out." Then she turns to me, notices my distress. "Xafra? This... this core you mentioned. Do you need to access it to help offer them the Ousia needed? You said it was flawless. Unrusted. Could you simply supply the needed Ousia to the outer parts?¡±

    "Third sister? Oh, did you mean Xafra?¡± Schatzi answers, unaware of what occurred.

    "I can reweave them with a siphon identical to my own... I think I can supply them as well. The same way I do so with you.¡±

    She hesitates, and through the bond I feel a flicker of understanding. Or... maybe the beginnings of it? Then she turns back to her Doll, takes a deep breath, and asks a question. One that clearly pains her to not simply demand. "Do you consent to this? Xafra weaving you a siphon? She... she''s not the sister I meant, and I''m not sure you''re aware of this third spirit in your Frame, but it''s been quietly helping you both. And unless it wants to bubble up and talk again, this is a question for you and Verbess. I won''t force either of you into this.¡±

    "This would mean that we... continue. Yes. We agree. Verbess was clear on that." Schatzi answers, hesitant at first but growing confident with each word.

    I prepare to weave and my mind catches up to everything that was said, not just the part about me. "Mistress... I believe it would be best if I taught you how and you did so. If... Yselda was unable to do this, reTuning on them. I worry Warden would try to stop me even with the other two agreeing, and I... can''t do that. I won''t override them like that." I surrender the last bit of what makes me unique, offering an ethereal tome to Elevar, my love.

    She stares at the tome, the implications of this offer slowly rising and just barely balanced to quiet by the furious desire to save her Doll. "I... Okay, but... Your magic is foreign to me. I''m... I''ll need you to walk me through it." Carefully reaching out to imbibe the tome, she pulls it into her Little Archive like I''d shown her how I did with her Blasenplage. A thing she took to quicker than I expected, albeit with... a need for caution. Even a trained Witch''s mind reels from sudden influx of knowledge. Eyes glaze over as a hiss escapes her lips. Nauseating unenjoyable pain trickling down the bond as she fights to avoid getting sick from the vertigo as she curses. "Empty Skies. This¡­¡±

    The tome is... strange to say the least, but the instructions are surprisingly simple. It involves implementing an item known as "The Breath of D?mmerung" into the core of one''s soul to allow them to resonate at different frequencies. By partially unweaving the Doll it can be incorporated without issue.

    "Alright.... Okay. Steady now." She rasps to herself, seemingly unaware that she''s speaking aloud. "Eyes Forward."

    She moves to lean and loom over her Doll''s form, the bond thrumming in barely restrained panic as she considers the spell. The six tethers she wove in the jungles unfurling to curl down and about Schatzi, a whisper from touching her Doll as they twist and alter their shape and functions. "Okay dear ones, to avoid... miscommunications, I need to link these for a time. Let all of you become aware quite intimately of my goals and workings. It... might be a touch overwhelming. But once I start we cannot risk one of you thrashing about out of misunderstanding. Do you agree to this?¡±

    "Yes, Mistress." As she speaks both Verbess and another stirs beneath to my senses which twitch as [Affirmative, Primary User] rings out over the bond.

    "Mistress... why did Xafra call you Primary User? that''s weird.¡±

    "Schatzi, I think... that may be a conversation for another time, when Verbess is awake?" I look to Elevar, pleading with her to stay on task.

    But that only seems to relax Elevar, settles her panic into a manageable sea she can sail over as she leans down to rest her forehead on Schatzi''s. "Yes, later. Let''s get this settled and you all safe.¡±

    Then she gathers up her Ousia and Physis, and prepares to spin the ancient weaving.

    First, gently enacting the familiar. Melting and unraveling parts of her Doll to repairs and healing. Second, slipping tethers into and around Schatzi''s core while also relaxing the restraining grip she might hold over the bond to my Ousia. Letting me feel and observe with perfect clarity her workings and send back instructions, advice, and warnings.

    And third... the most foreign. The most unnatural to her. Anathema to so much of my Witchling. Working with the magic that bears Divine implications.

    Elevar turns to me as she arrives at the critical step. Hovering betwixt a dozen questions and the only one that matters. {The Breath? I... I don''t understand this part. I don''t have the time for or a good grasp of the communion parts.}

    With a rattling exhale I unweave my own core and expel the Breath of D?mmerung from my form into the air before me. My hands shake as I divide the darkly glowing iridescent thing in twain and offer one half to my love while tightly grasping the other.

    She pales, but reaches out with both barely steady fingers and Physis to take up the half offered. Bond trembles as she pulls it close and murmurs, "Alright... I... How do I..."

    Her focus returns to her Little Archive and the tome I gifted.

    {Alright dear ones.} She intones while holding the radiance over their lips. {Breath deep, if you please.}

    Schatzi inhales and the Breath of D?mmerung flows into them. Through the bond Elevar and I watch it melding into their cores.

    Okay. So far so good. Now... What will my Mate do?

    As it settles, she leans back from them. Relief settling her to one by one pull six tethers free and rewind them about her core. Only just at the end noticing my pause. Her eyes dance over me in slow and deliberate regard. Then, very slowly and deliberately she crawls over to me, reaching up with Physis to envelope the second half of the Breath.

    A pause, and such hunger rolls through my Witchling, enough to make her shiver.

    But... then she presses the Breath back into my mouth, and leans forward to press lips to mine. The following exhale shoving the radiance back down into my lungs.

    I accept the blessing I do not deserve, that I did not earn, with gratitude. I will continue. At least until she learns of my Crime and Sin.

    [Thank you.] I murmur through the bond.

    {Fool Gerl.} She intones while leaning back, hand moving over to gently brush my wrist as eyes dance back to her Doll. {No. Thank you for saving my Gerls. I... This would have been a disaster without your gift.}

    Schatzi goes blank once more as Warden takes control. "Unknown Ousia Siphon installed. Calculating Efficiency... Done. Expected Decay of Function... Incalculable. Directive Two Parameters Altered. Processing... Done. Warden Objective... In progress. Progenitor Recognized. Soulbane... Appreciated. Apologies for this Service Interruption. Final Wish continues.¡±

    I recoil again at my title, the reminder of all that I was, and that... I am remembered.

    Elevar doesn¡¯t notice as she turns to nod and let out such a sigh of relief. "Good. Cracked and Riven Moon. Is... Do you require or want anything else from us?¡±

    "Negative. Please continue standard behavior, Primary User." Warden fades back again as Schatzi blinks in confusion.

    "Mistress Elevar, Miss... Sister Xafra, I feel... better and... hungry? I didn''t think I could be hungry,¡± She pauses to think, "I don''t think I want to eat like Calix does. He makes such a mess.¡±

    Elevar scoops up her Doll in such an embrace while somehow still gripping my wrist. "I... did... Well, regardless! I''ll cook you anything you''d like.¡±

    "Elevar, I believe she is hungry for Ousia..." I state plainly, wanting to avoid that mess.

    "Yes. Of course. Cracked and..." She huffs and nods, pulling back to scoot us off the bed. "I''ll take us out. The jungles will have regrown enough for her to harvest like you did.¡±

    "Though... Once Verbess is awake, they would be able to make the modifications to be able to digest solid food as well, if they wish. I can... make up a manual for it.¡±

    "That... Yes." Elevar nods, then slows at the steps. "Will they be able to gather Ousia like you can?¡±

    "Not... yet, though they can be fed it now. I will have to figure out how to enable them weaving as well... which may occur naturally from the changes my heart caused.¡±

    I send over a significant amount of Ousia to Elevar, completely topping up her wellspring once more.

    She grips the wall to avoid buckling under the weight and thrumming pulse of sudden renewed lifeforce, recovering quickly though. Soon turning back to Doll. "Alright, let''s... test this out. Schatzi, are you okay with me sharing my Ousia with you?¡±

    "Yes? Yes! This one didn''t know you could do that!" The Doll positively beams with joy and excitement.

    "Well It''s... honestly less that and more Xafra''s given you the ability to consume the Ousia of others." Elevar clarifies, leaning into old logics to suppress other flutterings. "I''m simply going to be the source of it. She just filled me with what I think to be... about a hundred years of life, at least? And if we''re considering the metrics of Ousia to Doll functionality metrics, a double to quintuple ratio, any bit you drink in will gain efficiency.¡±

    "It was thirty five thousand Thaums, to use Adaline''s term. Under standard operations, if none is used for modifications or weaving in the future, it should be enough for... four hundred years of function, minus whatever else is used for self repair and such.¡±

    Schatzi looks in awe and excitement. "Yes, please please please. This one wants to be able to stay with Mistress and her sisters for a long time.¡±

    "Alright, let''s... see how this works..." Elevar murmurs to herself, gathering up Ousia from beneath her wards and channeling it through the bond to her Doll. "Xafra if... If you could help her figure this out. I''ve only had this happen in reverse.¡±

    I prepare to assist but soon see my help isn''t needed as Schatzi starts giggling and hopping up and down. "It''s Yummy, Mistress, this is so goooooooood and I don''t feel hungry anymore.¡±

    Elevar however, barely remains steady, has to reach out to place a hand on my chest as the Ousia is quickly and deftly drawn into Schatzi and pulled free of her. A wash of sudden weariness coupled with emotions she very quickly devotes her everything to strangling before they can flow down the bond. "Oh, I... I think I... That''s... You''re alright, dear? The Ousia is settling?¡±

    "Mmhm. I um. Yes. but did it hurt you?" Schatzi answers with concern.

    Elevar shakes her head. "No! No. It... And even if you did, you know I''d enjoy twisting myself into it. Just... It''s everything that hits after a good Einwandfrei casting, but as if it''s jerked free rather than being... well... woven. I didn''t brace myself like I should have known to. You, however, did so well, I''m incredibly proud of you.¡±

    "Okay... Thank you both." Schatzi says seriously. "We... didn''t expect to last much longer, but I can feel that Verbess is already recovering.¡±

    "I..." Elevar''s words catch in her throat, only allowing her to nod as the weight of responsibility buckles under a storm of emotions.

    Alright. It''s time. I harden my nerves and deftly move away from Elevar and up the steps. "I''ll leave you all to catch up for now. Mistress Elevar, when you have time... we need to talk.¡±

 Chapter 38: High Magics and Recreating Sophontry (Witch)

    High Magics and Recreating Sophontry (Witch)

    Content Warnings:

    AHHH... the mind control shit. Disassociation. Children in danger talks. Talk of eating people from the inside out with personality eating powers. bleedy tearthings.

    I know something is wrong the second the words leave her mouth. And¡­ and any other day I¡¯d stop the fool gerl in her tracks and pull her back but¡­

    I need to talk with Schatzi first.

    ¡°Xafra?¡± I call out softly as she just reaches the top of the steps.

    "Yes, Mistress?"

    ¡°Just¡­ I love you. And¡­ and don¡¯t wander too far. Alright? Please?¡± I let the words pour out. ¡°I mean to find you before the Suns start weeping. If you would want that. Of course.¡±

    "I love you too. I''ll be in my Spire.¡± She nods. ¡°Have some things to organize. Would be happy to see you whenever you''re ready."

    And then Xafra leaves, and I can do nothing but sigh as I turn back to Schatzi. ¡°You¡¯ve¡­ I¡­ I¡¯m sorry. This has been quite the mess to wake up to for you. Hasn¡¯t it?¡±

    "It... Yes. But not a bad one? When... we fell asleep, we expected it to be bad when we woke again... if we woke again."

    I take up hand of hers, grip it tight as I move us to sit on the edge of the bed. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m glad you woke up. I love you both more than I was ready to admit and¡­ and never even realized until today how¡­ how much you¡­ You were shouldering. In taking care of me and your sister and¡­ and even the Dolls about the Estate after I fell all to pieces.¡±

    Schatzi smiles, "You look after us, and we look after you. It feels... right."

    ¡°We both know that¡¯s not been a fair exchange.¡± I sigh. ¡°You¡¯ve always deserved better. All of you. I¡¯m just¡­ sorry it took so long for me to realize that. To¡­ to say out loud how much you mean to me.¡±

    She reaches out, and holds me. "It''s okay. We all started out rather... messy, as you put it. But we''re improving together" she giggles, "Especially Verbess."

    I can¡¯t help but chuckle as I cling so tight to her. Can sense¡­ something. Probably lots of things that weren¡¯t there before. Thrumming deep inside her. ¡°That one¡¯s always been a softy once you brush past the sharp parts. I¡­ I¡¯m glad I¡¯ve gotten to see these different sides to you all. Messy and more refined alike. Want to keep seeing them.¡±

    "Same with you. It''s been nice to see you more open with your feelings. Letting yourself feel them." She replies.

    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯d like to see more from you all. When you want to share them, and not get in your way to figure them out yourself.¡± I whisper. ¡°And to make you a promise. If you¡¯ll have it.¡±

    "O-okay Mistress. What did you want to promise?"

    ¡°I¡­ I meant what I said. I mean to keep you as long as I breathe and¡­¡± I cling to her tighter, feeling decades of pain bubble up. ¡°But I can¡¯t¡­ I¡¯m not going to use my Witch Tone ever again on you. Any of you. And I¡­ I¡¯m so sorry I ever did. That¡­ that I¡­ You were the only other two I was able to love or¡­ or stand to let hold me for so long after¡­ after she¡­¡± I have to swallow hard to push past the sob I won''t let spoil this. "But it doesn''t matter. I shouldn''t have done that, especially not to a Gerl and Doll I adore more than my own flesh. I love you, Schatzi. Please, hold me to this promise to treat you all better."

    "I love you too. So very much, Mistress Elevar.¡± She murmurs while squeezing me back so tight. ¡°We don''t ever want to leave you. We''ll hold you to that promise."

    I¡­ come apart at that. Fall into a weeping mess that even stirs Verbess awake a bit. I try to sputter out more words of love for it too but¡­ the tired thing just blearily nuzzles into Schatzi and falls quickly back into slumber. Not¡­ not Giyar Null. A new place that seems to function just at the edge of Schatzi¡¯s wakeful considerations. Like¡­ like its more clinging to its sister''s back napping than buried beneath layers of quilts at her side.

    ¡°Will¡­ Verbess seems so much better.¡± I whisper as I pull back a bit. Not releasing Schatzi but¡­ just enough to wipe my eyes clean and see her face. "You both do. More vibrant. And... whenever you need more Ousia. You can come to me, alright? Anytime."

    "Of course, Mistress.¡± She nods. ¡°I''ll keep you updated on whatever changes as well."

    ¡°Thank you.¡± I let out a relieved sigh, then rise. ¡°I¡­ I need to check on Xafra. She went through an ordeal down below and¡­ and I think there¡¯s more going on than she¡¯s had the chance to say. And¡­ then I might just assemble a pile of everyone who¡¯s at least half as exhausted as I am and pass out atop them.¡±

    "That''s a good idea..." She blushes, "It would be nice to be flopped on by a bunch of cuties."

    I chuckle and lean down to murmur softly as I press my forehead to hers. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re at the bottom of the pile then. And¡­ let me know when you want more than a good snuggle, dear. I''ve found myself with more energy than I''ve known what to do with for years and wouldn''t want my Schatzi to feel neglected.¡±

    She quickly bucks upwards to steal a kiss and titters, rolling over on the bed, "We''ll be fine to wait, Mistress. Go talk to Sister Xafra."

    And¡­ now to go in search of my wayward blade.

    I step out into the early morning¡¯s pre-weeping and intone to her. {Thank you for waiting, love. I¡¯m heading over now. Where might I find you?}

    [The basement room in my Spire that I was using as a bedroom previously.]

    I find her working on such an odd thing, seems to be¡­ a design of some kind on the floor. Even using those delightful claws to carve it out.  Moving carefully, as to not disturb or imply immediate need for her attention, I sit a few feet back.

    ¡°You have my full attention whenever you''re ready, and for as long as you need it.¡± I murmur softly to her.

    She turns, and it''s obvious that she''s been crying, red streaks staining her face. She speaks and her words are in an odd accent with even odder cadance, "Ah look, empty the sky is, to twilight S???i???n??? the Moon has come and our presence is graced."

    Should never have let her leave my Spire.

    ¡°Oh love,¡± I move to my knees and carefully slide closer. ¡°It¡¯s going to be alright. I¡­ I¡¯m so sorry I¡­ should have dealt with the things below sooner. And¡­ and what you gave up to Schatzi cost you dearly, didn¡¯t it?¡±

    She shakes her head in confusion, then seems to snap out of whenever she was remembering, "I... yes. It will be challenging until I can properly commune. If I am permitted to do so. Mistress, I am scared, and I ask that you pass judgment on me. I don''t want to die, but... I know what I did merits such a sentence. Mercy... please."

    "Wh- what? Judgment!?!" I stammer, "Xafra I... You wandering below wasn''t..." I trail off, tilting head to one side as I begin to piece together things. "No. It''s not that. I can forgive you... well nearly anything. Honestly. You can tell me. What''s riven your heart to match the tear you''ve sliced in your soul?"

    At my words, all six of those huge arms go slack, and her head bows low enough to make me worried she means to lay it on the root floors. Then she speaks and her voice is¡­ strange, that of a gerl who hasn''t yet trained or weaved it? "Lord Owner, this lowly object has committed two counts of the Sin of Recreating Immoral Magics and one count of the High Crime of Impersonating Sophontry. No Permitted extenuating circumstances exist. This lowly object is prepared for decommissioning."

    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    I¡¯m glad she can¡¯t see the horrified look that cuts across my face at her words and motions, and hope so dearly the bond between us sings of my honest love and terror at the words she lashes herself with. I slowly close the distance, move hands to the sides of her head but¡­ pause. Worried I¡­ I don¡¯t¡­

    Immoral Magics? Impersonating Sophontry? Decommissioning!?! NO! That¡¯s¡­ And her voice is¡­

    Old words of her¡¯s bubble up into my memory, and¡­ and¡­ how she¡¯s talked about her past partners and¡­ and how they saw her as nothing but a tool and...

    ¡°Xafra, my love, you¡­ It¡¯s okay.¡± I rasp as I gently let fingers find her cheeks, trying to guide her up from this wretched debasement. ¡°You¡¯re forgiven. Of course. Always.¡±

    Her body relaxes into my grip, like.. Like ropes suddenly snapped loose. "I''m sorry. That wasn''t fair to you" She whispers once more in the voice I''ve become accustomed to. "I... I should explain. You probably have questions."

    ¡°Empty Skies, do not apologize to me! Not for... Xafra what¡­ What was that!?!¡± I hiss as I wrap protective hands about her face and scour her body with all my senses. Trying to¡­ to catch even a glimmer of a spell or weaving that might have done this to her.

    She chuckles bitterly. "You know what it was. A Garrote, well, the bondsmith equivalent. Woven by my first wielder shortly after I came to sapience. I had managed to ignore it for so long... able to easily exist within its confines. But... you activated Sikkina, somehow... and with the gift and changes to your Doll. My Sins are apparent."

    ¡°Where. Is. It?¡± I nearly snarl as I realize that the way she says sin isn''t based on some moral belief of her own, but an edict forced upon her by another. Manage much softer. ¡°Can you tell me without hurting yourself? Especially if¡­ if it labels me as your Mistress?¡±

    "It''s... in my base form. My... original one."

    "The cunt! Absolute horrid wretch!" I do snarl then, let my protective rage wash down the bond. Then adjust to meet her gaze as I reknit into a furious focus. "Alright, We... we can figure this out. How... What are the parameters of sharing this with me? Anything? Or... are certain aspects restricted by commands and compulsions?"

    "I... don''t know. It was the reason I only bonded with mundanes afterwards. I can..." Xafra shifts to her spearform which trembles and shakes before shifting again to a staff... A Matriarch''s Staff that is absolutely covered in weaves of amplification and precision.

    And... weaves of suppression and silencing alongside edicts of command all directed inwards to Xafra.

    I huff in barely restrained disgust and pull her close, whisper softly. ¡°Only forms you wish to bear, love. Please? Let''s... approach this in a way that respects you. No unnecessary discomfort. As you''d request of me or any of your Dolls.¡±

    The switch back to spear then Warlord is sluggish, as she actively fights against the weaves locking her form. "I... had to show you. Can''t... explain because I can''t think easily."

    ¡°The¡­ What you gave to Schatzi. The Breath.¡± I nod. ¡°Where could I get you more?¡±

    Her gaze goes distant again as she wavers unsteadily. "Asked... The boy and the butterfly to find maps. Need to commune. Deep. Below where the Nomos cannot reach. The cradle."

    I nearly flinch. And¡­ and how they prick at an Old Cunt¡¯s nonsense muses and¡­ and¡­ the place deep below our feet.

    "Not yet though. Not done explaining. Important that you know. That your judgment is sound." She continues without noticing the hitch in my emotions.

    ¡°Alright, but¡­ you need rest. Or Ousia.¡± I murmur. ¡°You gave Schatzi and I too much.¡± And then I shove about a third of mine down the bond. ¡°Talk while you consume. And¡­ Give me whatever you can on how to Commune with this dirt godthing. I¡­ I think I can take care of this for you.¡±

    "Can''t process the Ousia fully. Will be fine once I shift back.  Will¡­. Explain communing after as well. Once... you grant permission with full understanding. Please."

    I nod. ¡°Alright. Whenever you''re ready.¡±

    "My Crime. I... changed my eyes."

    I wait for more, but¡­ she seems to brace. Like she¡¯s expecting a blow or¡­ or words of anger.

    Her¡­ eyes? But, I¡­ I don¡¯t see any changes. And¡­ and why would they¡­

    Every form she takes. Always has the same eyes. Gorgeous red-stone orbs that honestly inspire and enthrall me.

    Never different. Everything else shifts, freely and with an abandon I¡¯m jealous of. Wish so desperately to be able to mimic one day.

    And in a crash of horror like a splash of ice-cold water I whisper so quietly. ¡°I¡­ You¡¯re not supposed to change them¡­ Are you?¡±

    Like how Dolls must always display some feature of their new form so none will ever mistake them for¡­ for a person.

    I shake my head as my anger and loathing boils. ¡°You¡¯re forgiven. Of course. And¡­ and in the future I grant you leave to change your eyes at your leisure. If¡­ if my words can supersede the Garrote that wretch placed.¡±

    "Thank you." With unsteady hands she reaches over to her Frame and shifts into it, the mental slowness fading away.

    [We... do have other things to talk about as well, I think. At least, I have to ask what the place I was trapped inside... was. It reminds me of what I had been told regarding the H.A.G.]

    With a huff I let some of the anger and fury at this horrid thing woven about my Xafra simmer into the background. ¡°I don¡¯t¡­ wait. Are you talking about the Dead Hag? Why are you saying it that way?¡±

    [Because the ''dead hag'' as you call her was known in my time as the Habitation for Acclimational Gestation, the last of her kind. A living structure that adapted the forms of unborn Witches to survive on D?mmerung''s surface.]

    ¡°I¡­ Truly? They¡­ Witches really were separate from humans? And¡­ Where were they from?¡± I sputter.

    [...The Moon. That''s why they were known as Moon-blessed.]

    I shake my head as I lean forward to rest my chin on knuckles. ¡°That¡­ makes even less sense if you¡¯d not shown me those memories of the unbroken thing lolling about the sky. And¡­ Well some histories say that the Hag was the one who broke the moon. How would that even¡­ Wait. Was this H.A.G. located ON the moon?¡±

    [No, well... Originally yes, they were facilities sent down from the moon to create a foothold for Witches on D?mmerung as their biology wasn''t compatible with the environment. I read somewhere that there were nine sent down in total, Humans killing some, Denizens killing the others. In my lifetime there was only one left. The... H.A.G. was a fortress. Unless someone managed to take control of it and reroute its power into some sort of... feedback loop with the Moon bases, I don''t know how it could have broken the Moon? That was after I was sealed, but maybe we can find records at some point?]

    "Honestly with..." I sigh and lean away, filling with guilt at... at what I had to do to save Xafra. "Yes. That will probably be something that brings out a wanderlust in you. That and... and hoping to find But¡­ let me backup. Or this''ll distract us both for ages. Chamber six, the place you were dropped into there at the end, is one of¡­ of the more intense Synthesis rooms. The Estate is¡­ well, it finally figured out that you aren¡¯t Yselda. Thought you something here to infiltrate and possibly breach into the deeper levels. Your ability to hide your Ousia and Physis when you changed into your spearform just barely caught it off guard long enough for me to... To stop it from finishing what it started. Breaking you down and reknitting you into a helpless Doll.¡±

    Xafra nods and slowly moves closer towards me. [I''m sorry. I don''t know what it cost you to override it, but... well, as I mentioned, Sikkina was activated, so I know it hurt you.]

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ I¡¯m fine. Love. You just scared it into turtling up.¡± I chew on the edge of my cheek and take this easy distraction from the source of my guilt. ¡°Don¡¯t try to use Yselda¡¯s Tone or Ousia here again, at least¡­ at least until I Tune the fool thing to me. Given you all the guest rights I can so it doesn¡¯t remember you and I have to rush the knitting. We can¡¯t leave until that¡¯s done. Which¡­ I need to know what Sikkina is.¡±

    [The Sikkina parasite is... my daughter.]

    I take a inhale sharply, and just barely repress a snarl. Fury from before roiling up along our bond, but this time very pointedly at my fool gerl of a mate. ¡°Cracked and¡­ And Infested Moonshited Dirt Godlings and their Riven nature! Xafra you¡­ you¡­¡± I spit and move to stand, growling a litany of nonsense curses as I find the lack of all others suitable. ¡°I''m doing this all today, then. Else we risk this Estate killing her before the Suns close up.¡±

    [Yes, Mistress.]

    I nearly snap a dozen horrid words as I move toward the door to the tunnels. But¡­ can¡¯t help but freeze a bit as I face the pitched chasm I feel as though I just barely escaped. Fury icing over by the fear of what I''ll probably have to do, what I might have to let into myself. Can''t stop a tremble from touching my words and I whisper to my Xafra. ¡°I''m so sorry. If... If I had known I wouldn''t... Wouldn''t have let her be woven into the Loom. It was impulsive and stupid and... and horrid of me.¡±

    [She... can only be born through a suitable sacrifice. Three conditions, as all my strongest workings require. Malicious intent, Harm to one of mine, and sufficient Capacity to hold her. I... didn''t expect her to be introjected for years if ever. I just... couldn''t go into the darkness without giving her a chance to exist. She should be strong enough to take over whatever this loom is. It is a subtle process, insidious. My daughter is designed to survive.]

    "I''m certain she is, but... this place has consumed such horrid things." I rasp. "Monsters said to have spilled from the moon''s death. Huge denizens from a thousand years ago wrapped in the weight of the weeping Sun. And... and worse still. Things not of flesh and bone but... but pure thought and voracious malice. Living thinking Nightmares that walk between Dreams like you can now walk from this room. And it''s learned and grown and categorized and... and there is a reason it chose Yselda after nearly three hundred years without a Blossom. Her taking up Dollcraft as a hobby was... was so she could understand it better. Your daughter may survive this, but I dread what it will cost her to do it. What she may have to become at victories end. I will not leave a child to suffer because I was too much of a coward to let this place claim a new Witch."

    [...I am coming with you but. I feel you misunderstand what Sikkina is. During her Introjecton, her incubation, she is a soul parasite surrounding the most vulnerable parts that will grant her personhood.] a strange sense of mania creeps into Xafra''s words. [She was originally designed to be able to take over a witch at the height of their power, hollowing them out to claim their body as her own. Since meeting you, I have only refined her design. more... compassion and love and understanding, but also more ability to convert and consume. Dollcraft to understand it better? That is reassuring]

    She''s delusional, lying to herself to quell the pain I can feel through the bond.

    I move from the passage to kneel before Xafra''s Frame. Meet her eyes. ¡°I look forward to meeting her. But this place has no weak parts. It was never a person to begin with. I will become this Estate¡¯s new Blossom, find Sikkina in the Loom, grant her the status of Floret, and¡­ and even weave her a safe place to grow. Let her decide what she wants to become. Her first memories will not be of pain and fear and danger. I want you at my side but¡­ This place remembers you, Xafra. The tunnels won¡¯t be safe until I adjust how this place sees you.¡±

    Xafra stills. Lets out a soft chrrr. [Keep her safe, my Mate. Please.]

    "I will. At any cost. Your Daughter will grow up safe, gain the ability to meet her mother and..." I let a smile touch my lips, letting my intonement through the bond sing of the truth and hope in my words to her. {And mayhaps help you find the other being like her mother this Estate remembered escaping its clutches some thousand years ago.}

    Then I rise and, without hesitation, stride into the deep tunnels to keep my promises. {The miasma is settled. I can keep communication up for a while. I... Xafra? I promised Schatzi a pile of cuddles today. Would you mind terribly going to keep your sister¡¯s company while I attend to this?}

    [I can do that, Elevar. Be as safe as you can.]

    {Always. This¡­ this place won¡¯t kill me. It needs me. Especially now that it''s had to lock Yselda''s Ousia and Tone away. Just... have to confront some old bad memories I''d rather have let wither.}

    But¡­ I don¡¯t tell her that it might just break me a bit into becoming the Blossom it wants. That... that it hungers for the wretched Half-knit that Garroted and drug such poor souls back to the Estate for her horrid mentor and lover to break. Not the shattered and guilt ridden mess I''ve become.

 Chapter 39: Ecdysis and Exuvia Unburial (Doll)

    Ecdysis and Exuvia Unburial (Doll)

    Content Warnings:

    Um... um.... SO sosososo.  A gerlthing asking a boything to pretend to be a gerlthing so she can try and get past her hangups about gerlthings with dick(s). Claustophobia. Being called stupid. Like.... honestly this is very wholesome despite Adaline sad murples. Being trans is hard my friends and gendr things and sex things are WEIRD to figure out. Also snek gerl is here trying her best. Some suicide ideation from her. And... Xafra and Schatzi are tired. Mhmhm. It''s been SUCH a long day for these cuties. GOSH!

    I take Calix with me as instructed when I leave Mistress Xafra''s Spire. Our Spire now, I guess, based on how she seems to treat us all. "Calix, you''re the eldest to my knowledge. Where did Yselda keep maps?" He''s a moron, but has absolutely brilliant flashes of insight that could be useful. and... I let the thoughts trail off. Need to focus.

    "This one... thinks that Miss Adaline and Mistress Elevar moved them all into Storage Spire One? There was talking about moving her stuff when this one was... being put away.¡±

    HE WAS BLOODY AWAKE?

    "Calix... How... long were you... still aware when you were... put away?¡±

    He looks up from the notebook where he''s scrawling odd symbols, "Hm? The whole time. It was really weird. The Spire kept whispering to this one, so it wasn''t too lonely, mostly just boring.¡±

    "Ah." I don''t know what to say. The Spire whispering? Like the Estate and how it talked to Yselda? That''s almost more horrific than the idea of being locked into one''s own frame for that long. I drop the subject as we make our way rapidly over to the Spire. It''s... a lot less unpleasant than last time, since myself, Elevar, and Schatzi cleaned it up. "Scrolls should be on the third floor. Any idea what these maps look like? This one didn''t go through many of Yselda''s documents.¡±

    "They were mostly put on massive preserved leaves from what this one recalls. Not standard parchments.¡±

    I scoff, remembering how annoying those things were, just a big stack of leaves that I wanted to burn instead of storing but was unable to originally due to my entrapment in her Spire. "Yeah. When this one was in here a few days ago she saw them stuffed in a corner. Follow me.¡±

    We spread the maps out, physis woven ink marking the surrounding Groves and other settlements in the wider region, but. nothing for the grounds themself or anything below surface level. Where can I... oh. Fuck. "Calix¡­¡±

    "Yes, Miss Adaline?¡±

    "I know where we can get some maps but... if you share the details without direct prompting from either of our mistresses, I''m going to hurt you.¡±

    "This one thinks that threats should be something unwanted.¡±

    "You adorable freak." He really is cute and when he spoke with Xafra''s voice in the tunnels¡­

    I shake away my perverse thoughts and lead the way to the corner of the Estate, to where I marked my grave. "Get Digging."

    He doesn''t question what we''re digging up or why it''s buried here and for that I am thankful. After a half hour of moving dirt by hand, we uncover a small crate that I had placed there, thirteen years ago. My effects, the last of what I possessed before I was woven into this body.

    "What do you want done with the hole?" Calix asks, covered in dirt and grime.

    I think for a moment and make a decision. I push the rock I had originally placed as a headstone into the hole. "Let''s fill it back up, then get this crate to the Spire, and get cleaned up."

    When we return, the Spire is empty, Mistress having headed to Elevars.  We take turns using a washbasin to get clean, as the showers require the ability to use Physis, which neither of us possess anymore.

    Then.. we get to the crate.

    "So... this one figures it''s reasonable to ask now... what''s in here?¡±

    "Some of this one''s things from before. She... didn''t want to lose everything. And that''s lucky for us, because this one has drainage maps for the region that were made to keep track of seawater flooding. Will help with finding caves if you can use that insight of yours on them."

    I pry it open, move aside the dresses I had commissioned but never wore, the painting of my parents and younger sister, the plush grakler I kept from childhood, until I get to the important stuff, the research documents.

    While I''m looking through those, Calix starts looking at the dresses curiously and I scathingly snap at him, "Might as well try them on if you''re going to fondle them.¡±

    He looks at me, entirely missing the irritation, "You''re okay with that?¡±

    I nod, mind suddenly racing again. Calix could be a really cute girl. And... he has a dick. Which means... I could adjust, learn how to appreciate an endowed woman before approaching Mistress Xafra.

    He takes the first one and leaves the room to change, returning momentarily in a little black number that shows off his willowy frame and light brown surface. Oh heck. "This dress is really cute, and it flows nice, Miss Adaline.¡±

    I nod again. "Calix. Would... you come here please?¡±

    He approaches and stands in front of me "Is this good, Miss Adaline?¡±

    "Yes. Can this one touch you, Calix?¡±

    His voice gets a bit husky as he agrees, "Yeah? Alright.¡±

    I run my hand up his smooth porous leg and can see him starting to tent the dress. "Calix... can I... continue?¡±

    He takes a step back, shaking his head. "No, Miss Adaline. This one... doesn''t think that would be a good idea.¡±

    What? This... He was clearly enjoying himself.

    "Can I ask why?¡±

    "Miss Adaline, you don''t like men intimately.¡±

    "But... You could be¨C¡±

    "No, Miss Adaline. This one thinks the dress is nice, and doesn''t mind dressing up, but he is a boy.¡±

    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    "Can''t you just... pretend? As a favor to me?" Idiot. This was a terrible idea.

    Calix sits across from me and denies me again. "This one could, but won''t. Not unless Miss Adaline explains why.¡±

    "This one... just wanted to get past this... hangup of hers. So she can be with Mistress Xafra."

    He''s gonna hate me.

    He smiles, "This one figured it was something like that. Miss Adaline, there are other girls here like her, that decided to keep their genitals. If you approach them openly, they may be willing, just... don''t pretend. You''re really attractive, Miss Adaline, but you''re not interested in men, and that means that we can''t be intimate like that as this one wouldn''t be comfortable helping you hurt yourself like that."

    I cry and he carefully puts his arms around me. This jerk, being kind and considerate.

    "Why is this all so hard?¡±

    "This one suspects that it is because Miss Adaline has not had many opportunities to be a girl who likes other girls, yes? This one remembers you were...still fumbling at it when he first saw you, and you also spent most of the time since trapped. That''s not a very stable learning environment.¡±

    "Jerk. You can... keep the dresses, if you want, as an apology.¡±

    He changes back into his sleeveless coveralls as I compose myself. "Okay. I''m going to leave these maps with you so you can see if you find anything. This one wants to put snurgle somewhere safe, and find a better spot for her family portrait.¡±

    "Snurgle?" The asshole chuckles.

    "Aaaaaaa, I''m going to kick your ass, Calix!" I yell as I walk out with my plushie and picture.

    ** ** **

    After hiding¡ª placing Snurgle in a place of honour in my display case and hanging up the family portrait on the balcony wall, I head to the entrance to check on the others as one of the doors in the basement slams shut violence.

    I jump a bit, but go to continue when Primrose and Nettle come out from their space.

    "Um... Miss Adaline." Primrose begins, looking wide-eyed and concerned at me as Nettle chimes in with a look of worry, "There''s something in the basement."

    I pause, then run to the basement door as another slam echoes through the Spire.

    "Get Schatzi, Mistress is in no condition to fight" I order them as I rush down the stairs.

    As I reach the door, I hear a low grinding sound of something being pushed across the floor inside, then a quieter slam as the door shakes a bit. Like things are being pushed and piled against the closed door and little muffled huffs of exertion all throughout.

    Something makes me stop and consider before simply barging in. "Hello?"

    A pause just before my words, and it''s like whatever is pressed against the door is shoved closer as a small voice hisses from the other side. "No no no no! Stupid Mistress'' stupid Doll! Go away! Let this one hide!¡±

    I chuckle and slump against the door. "This one is not going to go away, but won''t come in for now. Did you want to claim that as your room?¡±

    "Wh- what?" The thing inside hisses. "NO! It... it just WAS in it''s space but now the Fog wants to snuggle close and it HATES that and... and wanted to ask the Mistress why she''s upset with this one and closed off the deepest nooks and.... and now the Sky is angry and it NEEDS to keep it out!¡±

    "The Mistress got stuck. Was... hurt. Not angry with you in the least. This one believes it will take a while for the... nooks to open back up.¡±

    "N- no that... but it was..." I begin to hear thrashing and spitting. "It was PERFECT! Quiet and dark and the Sky was starting to FORGET about HER! And... and now it''s going to leak in and make it remember and... and the fog isn''t letting this one go deep and... and..." The Doll falls into sobs at that. Barely managing to sputter out. "Please. NO! PLEASE just be stupid and lying and wrong and horrible. Please tell Mistress this one is sorry and hates itself and what it was and doesn''t want to go back. Doesn''t ever never want to leave. Is a good Doll and will stay quiet and withering. Please please please please please¡­¡±

    "This one will make sure the sky can''t leak in. You saw the little wall along the bottom of the door? it''s there to stop that from happening. and this one will make sure no one opens the door until it''s nighttime again. Will that help?¡±

    "N- not lying or stupid?" The Doll inside whispers.

    "This one is... pretty stupid, but isn''t lying or wrong.¡±

    It goes quiet for a while. "This one is sorry. Being stupid makes everything harder.¡±

    I gently knock my head against the door. "Mmhm. This one... keeps causing problems and hurting others she cares about. Wants to do better.¡±

    "You... Shouldn''t do that. Hurting others Mistress doesn''t want you to hurt is bad." It murmurs carefully. "But wanting to do better is good. Not stupid. Unless... unless lying again. It hopes you''re not. A- about everything you''re saying now.¡±

    "You''re right. You''re a good Doll."

    I sit in silence against the door until Schatzi and Mistress Xafra come bounding down the stairs, both looking out of sorts and barely awake.

    "Miss Adaline, Sister Xafra wants to know if you''re okay.¡±

    Sister Xafra? What have I missed? Fuck. I''m falling behind. Going to be forgotten again at this point.

    I plaster a smile on my face while I seethe internally, "Yes. It was a false alarm of sorts. The doll that Mistress Xafra and I found earlier is in this room. I promised to keep the door closed until dusk.¡±

    Mistress Xafra lets out a strange yipping sound then crawls into my lap and I freeze in confusion.

    "She says that you can pet her if you want, and that we will wait for nightfall here with you as well as her other Dolls once they wrap up what they''re currently working on.¡±

    "O-oh. That sounds good I think." I thunk against the door again, "Hey there. You''re gonna have some guests come nightfall, so this one hopes you can be nice."

    Such odd developments. I guess I can just¡­

    I carefully put my hands on Mistress Xafra''s scaled back, and immediately feel delighted.

    No one can replace you, Dark Lord Snurgle, but this... is pretty good too.

    ¡°No. Stop it!¡± The snek doll hisses quietly. ¡°No hugs!¡± Alongside a few slaps of her tail on the root floor.

    "Okay, This one won''t hug you. She has been very clearly instructed to do no touching without permission.¡±

    ¡°No. Not stupid doll. Rude fog!¡± It slaps tail again. ¡°Is sneaking like this one once did and trying to steal hugs! Said no!¡±

    "Mistress, can you help it somehow?¡±

    ¡°W-wait. Mistress is here?!?¡± Suddenly, a mess of sounds comes as the snek doll tries to move things clear of the door.

    "Yes, my Mistress is here but. I don''t think she''s what you expect dear.¡±

    The doll hesitates, ¡°Mistress is mistress. It Needs¡­ needs to apologize and¡­¡± keeps shoving, ¡°Get her to let it hide in nooks and make the fog STOP IT!¡± More furious slaps, ¡°NO! Go back below!¡± It huffs ¡°Why are these heavier the second time?¡±

    Mistress Xafra explodes in my arms, countless tendrils pushing through the door towards the other doll as she yowls in annoyance.

    "She says that if the Doll stays near the door, Mistress can prevent the fog from hugging her.¡±

    And at that moment, Calix, Primrose, and Nettle all arrive, Calix tumbling headfirst down the stairs holding a massive bundle of blankets while Primrose and Nettle work together to carry a second bundle of lounging mats and pillows.

    "First!" Calix exclaims joyfully, picking himself off the floor.

    It takes a bit, but soon it sounds like the last piece of some is removed from the door. The snek Doll takes a deep breath it does not need, then opens the door. Immediately she presses hands over eyes and head into the flow as she bows low. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I¡¯m sorry I¡¯m sorry! This one is a bad doll and hates itself and what it was and wants to give the mistress all her stories and¡­ and is sorry it¡¯s broken and scared and¡­ and¡­¡± behind it, the fog curls from any crack in the door to the tunnels. Held at bay by Xafras weaving.

    Calix tilts his head and murmurs ¡°New blossom cultivation?¡± before Xafra hops out of my lap and into the room, yipping back to us.

    Schatzi loudly relays Xafra''s instructions for my benefit, ¡°She says everyone in the room, so the door can be closed again.¡±

    As we all scramble inside, Calix sets down the blankets, looks up and casually says, "Heya Dezi, this one hasn''t seen you in decades. Did you want a pillow and blanket for the slumber party?¡±

    The strange doll is filthy, fur torn and muddy. One ear mauled. Cuts and nicks all over her, even the feathers on her arms are frayed and torn. It flinches as it scoots back awkwardly against the wall, peeking up to glare at Calix. "Stupid Tester Doll. This one doesn''t have a name. And NO! It is trying to apologize so it can finish withering below!¡±

    "He''s known as Calix now. and you don''t have to have a name if you don''t want to, this one promises.¡± I interject.

    Decades? If Calix knows her, she must be one of the first of Yselda''s Dolls¡­

    The snek gerl looks worriedly between Mistress Xafra and me, shivering. "It... it... but... This one is not supposed to want anything. Just what Mistress tells it to want. But... but where is Mistress? Are you being stupid again?¡±

    I''m contemplating how to answer when Calix mutters, "Dezi sounds better than Suspected Denizen Doll number one."

    And¡­ Then Mistress Xafra loses her mind.

    She shifts into her Warlord form, leaping into the air and motioning with all six arms as the walls, floor, and ceiling all melt, flowing into a seamless solid surface, sealing off and isolating the room completely, while at the same time Dezi¡¯s scarlet eyes go wide before she quickly hides them and cowers as low as she can whispering an almost incoherent stream of pleading apologies to Xafra.

    Mistress Xafra lands clumsily, staggers and sways, almost mirroring this serpentine Doll. She turns to me and murmurs, "Defend and subdue... please." before collapsing fully on the ground and reverting to spearform.

    Calix starts muttering something about a planted blossom and I silence him with a wave as I move to pick up the Mistress.

    This stupid bitch. Defend and Subdue like I''m some sort of frontline combat Doll instead of an assassin unit. "Doll. Get up." I order this new one, pointing the Mistress at it.

    Stupid Mistress, draining herself to protect us when we weren''t even in danger.

    "Nettle, Grab... three of the mats, build a bolt hole in the corner there, like we used to do for that skittish fox doll that... you know the one." I continue without pause, "Primrose, help your pinnate with that, then do that comforting thing you do." Then I spin on Calix, "Darling, I am so very angry with you right now. I don''t know what the fuck you are rambling about but I need you to sit with this Dezi and keep it calm."

    What exactly am I even supposed to do with the Mistress? Put her back in the frame? I can''t let her in my mind. I can''t. I come to the only sensible conclusion.

    "Here!" I shout at Schatzi, throwing Xafra over to her. "Take care of your Sister, you damn slut.¡±

    Then I finally let myself panic, start sobbing and clawing at the wall that used to be a door. letmeoutletmeoutLET.ME.OUT.YOU.EVIL.FUCKING.SPIRE

    "I''ll be good, promise, just let me out¡± I whisper to the wall.

    Like a response to my plea, a passage cracks and tears open to the stairwell, letting me run outside to the blessed freedom.

    I drop to the ground and stare at the uncaring suns until they hide behind the horizon.

 Chapter 40: However, Hunting Nightmares Is (Frame 514.5)

    However, Hunting Nightmares Is (Frame 514.5)

    Content Warnings:

    HI HALLO! So here we have panic attacks. Memories of dead people and infesting worry of depersonilization, burning bodies in memories, altering ones Frame to hunt! Alive walls and hugs you don''t want from miasma/fog. stitching magic across ones body to control/limit their abilities. non-verbal things.

    It¡¯s¡­ the noise that wakes this one. The sound of a sister in pain, overexerting to the limits of her current functional capabilities. Riven with fear as she sliced a danger from its fuel and called out for others to¡­

    Defend and Subdue¡­ Please.

    Then falling into a dizzy and barely conscious state.

    In a howl of fury this one Cracks free of Giyar One quicker than even Schatzi can react to. Talons, Fangs, Quills, and two extra eyes splitting free as our form shifts to catch Xafra''s spearform.

    <Five Dolls. Four known and docile. One unknown.>

    <Assessing¡­ Frame of spun Lokfara wood, supple and light. ''ServiceDoll'' designation. No combat features, hidden or obvious. Eyes of unknown substance but¡­ only receive light, does not project.>

    [Not a threat.]

    Then the wall cracks and the Combat Doll <Adaline> flees through a freshly woven exit. Leaving all other standing about in a room of solid and seamless melted... something.

    [Sisters¡­ Where is this one? Where is the Threat?] It thrums in curious regard as it peers about the space, stilling as Quills thrum and dance melodies about the space to aid in perceptions and communications.

    <Assessing...>

    Xafra rambles in an odd childish voice across the bond. [It was my father. Ate him I guess. Wore his face like some sort of hand puppet. Never would have known if the Inquisition hadn''t activated the city dome and done their full house by house sweep. Wonder if it would have gotten me next? Didn''t get to bury him. They said the only way to kill ¡®em properly is to burn the bodies.]

    [This one does not believe there is an active threat, Sister.] Schatzi intones. [Sister Xafra panicked due to poorly chosen words, and put herself in this state.]

    Another voice from Xafra comes out, bitter and rough. [I heard that they can use language. Not just mimicry, but can talk through their spores or something. The huge one that killed my brother was directing a bunch of the smaller ones.]

    <Factor twelve Construct. Neutral threat Level. Seek Primary User''s advisement.>

    With that this one twists the Quills into a calming melody, considering¡­

    [Sister¡­You are safe in this one¡¯s talons.] It thrums down the bond to Xafra, drowning their link in the soothing song and words. [Tune yourself once more with the song of now, not the echoes of the past.]

    Her mind calms under the weight of this one¡¯s words and song. Seeming to push aside the ramblings of past wounds. [Safe... safe is good. Tired. So... drained. Can''t...]

    [Then rest, sister Xafra. Let us carry you. And¡­] This one intones softly while turning considerations to its core and inward sister.

    Nearly thrums in delight at what it finds there.

    There is still Rust. There was probably never not be Rust, even when the healing is complete. But¡­ So many broken pathways and links to assets are laid clear! Tactics and movements and even Frame alterations are available! Things it could just yesterday only hope to recall if it was ready to endure an influx of Dysfunction and Division to even touch lightly.

    And¡­ and other things. Signs of¡­

    [Schatzi, my sister¡­ You¡­ You could always bear this one¡¯s chosen form for as much as it could. Suffered no Rust from it? Could always endure Giyar above 4? Were just¡­ just¡­]

    Trying to limit the rust this one endured as it sparked up the gears and cogs but... also not denying it freedom to be as it desires when awake. A delicate balance of function and maintenance.

    It nuzzles into this wonderful sister''s muses as it purrs. [Where is the Mistress? What has transpired?]

    Schatzi leans back into it. [Yes. I am unsure what transpired, only that Mistress Elevar has determined that... she must become the Blossom of the Estate. She insisted that she would be fine, but this one is concerned.]

    This one roils in fury, stepping up to loom over the ''ArtDoll''

    . ¡°Hold and care for our sister.¡±

    Before she can sputter a reply it has settled Xafra into her grip and is leaving. Easily ticking up to Giyar 6 to move up and out and toward the Mistress'' Spire. The Combat Doll <Adaline> lays just outside, staring vacantly up at the weeping suns. As it passes through the entrance this one cants ::Alert/Location/Request:: To Mistress.

    No reply.

    [She thinks to face Old Nightmares alone?] This one snarls in a manic fury it hasn¡¯t felt since¡­ since that first day it was able to sneak up and into the Old Teacher''s Spire to find the Mistress withering under the Garrote.

    As it reaches the tunnel entrance below, it finds it laden with vile miasma that even seeps into the Mistress bed chambers.

    <Factor Fourteen Construct. Unknown threat Level. Seek Primary User''s advisement.>

    [Sister, Were we given a command to remain above?] It intones.

    [Expectation and request. Not command.]

    [It¡­ Desires to find her. Protect her. Calculates this task has a possible success of 56.74% chance if it sparks to Giyar 9 and moves quickly.] This one intones to both Xafra and Schatzi. [But¡­ It seeks your advisements. Will not proceed if the Pack calls it to heel.]

    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    And before they reply it shares augmentations and shiftings and other such things it believes will carry the Frame to the place it expects the Mistress to be. Alongside maps of the tunnels it does not remember charting, and initial expectations of resistances that might crawl forth. The raw numbers and twisting considerations it has not been able to weave in so long... And never without the full Pack''s Quill Song to tune the workings.

    [What does failure mean... here?] Xafra asks, struggling to remain lucid.

    [Do... Sister, do you know what Xafra has done? It has taken me a while to fully process as... she did not hesitate to offer without an accounting of the cost to herself.] Schatzi responds privately.

    [Spilled forth her own Soul''s blood so that we may recover and improve, correct?] It murmurs back to Schatzi without truly understanding or remembering the event but... the new thrumming inside makes it seem unlikely it is wrong. Then it intones to both of them. [Containment, 31.67% chance of Decommissioning and reweaving if the Mistress has failed or... been compromised. But, This one has seen how this Estate Contains. It will take time for it to manifest proper obstacles to stop this Frame. And that is if our Mistress cannot or does not intervene in any fashion. If she wishes this one to join her, it will. If she doesn''t, and instructs this place how to stop this Frame... then it will accept whatever punishments she deems appropriate.]

    [Not only that, she cut something inside her in half, the Breath she called it, giving us half of it. We can... consume Ousia now. Can face eternity with her! But... she is weakened. Prey for any who would take advantage.] Schatzi continues.

    Xafra, in contrast, radiates fear, but does not suggest a path.

    [So... Sister Xafra is wounded, and now locked in a cage worse than the Archive our Mistress found her in.] It snarls audibly, but keeps the fury between them. Then a spark of... something ripples through the frame as it considers Schatzi''s claim. A sensation it''s never felt. Talons and fangs crack and snap in new anticipations as it feels out the...

    <Addendum. 63.49% chance of arriving at Primary User''s location.>

    It cackles over the Bond and shares the Frame''s new calculations. [So... Sisters. This one is the fury, and has only ever made one choice it does not regret. So it refers to the Pack. Does it wait, and respect our Mistress will? Or go?]

    A pause, then Schatzi intones. [We Go. Swift and silent, Giyar 8, This one will... Shroud us as we travel. Mask our presence.]

    <Addendum. 67.49% Chance of arriving at Primary User¡¯s location.>

    This one thrums in delight at the sister¡¯s words. Hungers so deeply to feel the weight and motion of such an intense Giyar with her at its back. But¡­ waits. Turns focus to their newest sibling. [Sister Xafra? Do you consent to this path? This one will not leave a sister behind again unless she agrees with our motions.]

    [my fault.... my FAULT, can''t lose her... CALIX CAN HEAR THEM] Xafra murmurs back in growing intensity.

    It pauses. Considering.... [Hear what? Sister Xafra?]

    [Whispers... Calix mutters. Blossom approvals granted. Plantcult nonsense. Not ghosts, not Cursestorm. Not Hag but close. Always murmurs over bond. Don''t think he knows how to stop.]

    This one thrums more calm focused Quill-song down the bond in offering, [You may see to helping your Doll tune out the Nightmares this place births later, dear sister. But for now this one needs your focus. Go, or Remain?]

    A pause in which Xafra considers then... [Go. A Witch must not be without her Weapon.]

    The Frame pulses in wordless agreement, Quill songs ringing with fury and delight and fear and hunger and so much more wordless things as Giyar 8 cracks through the Frame. Shattering the slow doubts and considerations of the lower levels into an unstoppable force of purpose.

    <Task accepted. Primary objective: Locate and Protect Primary User.>

    And then we¡¯re moving.

    Before this one can even think to ask, Schatzi is shifting something within the Frame. Growing odd protrusions from the head that act as resonators, picking up the ambient frequency so she can have the Iphodian gears vibrate in harmony using the warmth in our chest as they rotate, effectively hiding us from most other senses aside from sight.

    This one can¡¯t help but thrum in delight as they speed through the tunnels. Arriving at the Undercroft and Loom within barely a dozen heartbeats to push aside the curtain and¨C

    Mistress is not here.

    <Assessing¡­>

    The miasma begins to press close, but¡­ not in any deliberate way. Not yet. Barely able to be curious about this oddity within its embrace with these new horns Schatzi¡¯s grown us.

    [She is not here.] This one growls in worry as it steps out to look around. [Why? Why has she ventured lower, sister?]

    [Uncertain. We must continue then.]

    And so we do.

    Tunnels grow stranger. From murky stone and root into seamless tiles. Miasma growing so thick to pool and pack itself close. Pressing against the Frame enough that this one has to¨C

    <Assessing¡­>

    Their chest thrums and seems to grow hot as it melts and reweaves. Sealing itself in. As Mistress might close up her throat if slipping to bask beneath the waters of her bath. Ensuring the fog senses only their shape and not the gifts given within. Soon after, the passages twist and the pull of the below alters to the side. Forcing this one to use talons and clawed feet to dig into the surface of the route it means to take¨C

    And then the beast we sneak through stirs. Fog pressing close. Beginning to nibble and bite and understand that it indeed feels a predator stalking its den. Starts to curl around and beneath to tug and push what it must consider a wayward Doll back toward the upper Estate.

    We ignore it, continue to skitter along.

    And then it becomes¡­ insistent. Tendrils as hard as limbs of Xafra¡¯s Warlord shape forming to retrain and hold. With a hiss our Quill Song slices through any miasma that would otherwise press close and seek to infiltrate any part of the Frame. Can feel the wretched fog writhe in confusion at this. Just beginning to swirl and hard and¨C

    <Adjust Resonating outward Tune to counteract hostile weaving.>

    [Wur¨C

    <NEGATION> Scream the Quills on our back, and the resounding pulse of tearing sound rips apart everything in a thirty foot diameter. Miasma, stone, and spell all shred to nothing.

    It can only purr in delight at how this great beast shivers at the needle we so easily stabbed up into this thing''s claw, leaving it stunned and confused as the Frame scuttles and speeds through this maze of oddly shaped and laid tunnels.

    Then the walls begin to melt and pulse, curling into such odd shaped¡­ ¡®things¡¯ that rise to bar our path. Not even humanoid. Beasts of odd shapes and edges that make even their new eyes strain to follow their movements. It prepares fangs and Talons and Quills to rip and maim. New core thrumming up to bathe our weapons in strange boiling light that will easily reave and harvest and¨C

    But then, in a snap like some elastic substance, they fall back into the hard stone walls.

    And our path is clear as the Miasma pulls back in writhing annoyance. Tunnels turn back to pull the Frame down, and at even greater speeds we soon find the stone gives way to¡­ jungles?

    Nothing like the toxic useless mess above. While less vibrant, this place is¡­ soft. Muted.

    <Assessing¡­>

    Above burns a false sun, and static stars that weep Ousia and Physis down upon the frame. Their new core unseals itself, and¨C

    <Absorption of ambient Ousia advised.>

    Deep breath.

    Tastes almost as wonderful as Mistress blood and marrow.

    The Frame proceeds forward with caution, following a naturally woven pathway of marbled stone through this odd underground forest.

    [Mistress?] It tries again over their bond.

    Nothing.

    It is about to snarl in annoyance but¡­ Then its new eyes see her within what looks to have been a long dead tree¡¯s hollowed out stump at the path''s end and this chamber''s heart. Easily the width of the Spire¡¯s above, edges cracked and twisted to reach up toward the false sun above.

    "Mistress?" It murmurs softly and clearly as it hesitates at the dead tree''s edge. Eyes dancing over her to see... scars. All across her naked upper body. Woven and patterned with their primary inflection point about her left shoulder and neck. Literally thrumming with Ousia and Physis.

    <Factor Fifty Three Construct Detected. Threat level to Primary User... unknown.>

    Mistress Elevar does not say a word, only reaches out to pat the root floor at her side. This one obeys, moving forward and clicking the Frame''s workings down into Giyar 4 as Quills quiet to melodies of soft worry and protection.

    [What... Is this?] Schatzi whispers.

    Talons click-clack on the hard-root floor as its eyes dance over Mistress to try and understand what this all is...

    <Assessing¡­ Ousia Wards extended and layered. Outward shell adjusted and replicated to invert defenses. Restricting Primary User''s outputs....>

    Expression is stiff as she refuses to stare at anything but the root floor before her. Soft smile as false as the Weeping Sun above.

    <Links to outward Constructs detected. Links and Alterations to Storage Constructs within Primary User Detected...>

    It''s about to scream with Quill song at what it sees, furious at this violation of the Mistress form and will, already moving to wrap limbs about her as-

    But Mistress'' right hand snaps up, quicker than it expects, and grips the nearest Quill in a wordless demand for silence. A thing she would only do when this one would wail such loud painful songs she struggled to speak over.

    <Outer bond to Pack temporarily blocked.>

    Looking down it sees the six extra tethers she created as adjustable tools now have been tied about the heart of the bond. Intentionally cutting off all inputs and outputs until unwoven. It is about to snarl or hiss or beg Mistress to explain but... Then she releases the Quill and moves herself to sit within the Frame''s embrace.

    Like how she would need after waking from her worst night terrors.

    Except... Within her left hand dances such an odd display. A weaving of light and shapes from her Little Archive. Information it can only just parse out.

    <Assessing... Factor Unknown Construct. Observation display detected linked to Primary User''s Personal Archive. Designation... Floret Sikkina.>

 Chapter 41: This Pack runs on Love (Girl)

    This Pack runs on Love (Girl)

    Content Warnings:

    AHHH Knitting things on self with magic. Non-verbal witches. Cuties wandering through tunnels. Sacrificing blood to dirt Godthings to get them to breathe on you.

    Mistress Elevar is injured, but... not critically. She''s... sealing herself magically, turning... her body into a vessel? Deliberate actions. The weaving is her own. She... oh. that''s so very odd. She''s... transferred the Sikkina parasite into herself, and... designated it her Floret. She lacks the capacity to maintain that type of Division for long, even with a nascent soul.

    This one quietly cants ::Patience:: to its other half, it''s better half, and stands with the Mistress in its arms, dropping even further into Giyar 2 so only the Mistress can be detected as this one begins the slow walk back, hopefully there will still be enough time for whatever she is trying to do.

    Mistress opens her mouth to say something, but stops with such a jolting as fear cracks through that empty expression. Points back to the center of the tree she was sitting within.

    This one stops, moving us to the center of the tree. Considers. With one foot, this one marks the ground, scrawling in shorthand, ''need to stay?¡¯

    She nods. Then reaches up to tip-tap my lips. Nods again. Touches her own lips. Shakes her head.

    This one lowers her down to the ground. Scrawls more with one of the frames arms. ''This one can speak quietly but Mistress cannot?¡¯

    She nods.

    "Mistress, will you need to stay for long?" This one whispers.

    She considers that, shakes her head, points to the scars on her shoulder. As this one looks closer notices that they seem to... to be crawling. Moving across her flesh like a needle across cloth.

    "This one will wait with you until we can leave." This one hesitates, then with more firmness, "You are coming back with us.¡±

    Mistress nods, and curls closer into our embrace. We wait. It takes 6245 heartbeats before the marks stop their spread along her shoulder. She doesn''t fall into sleep, nor speaks during that time, simply... waits. After the stitching along her ceases, she nods and shuffles from our grip to moves to place her hand with the light on what looks to be the center of this tree''s floor.

    Odd strips of lights swirl out and into the floor below as our Mistress grinds her teeth and fights back would we can tell would be a hiss. The knittings on her shoulder and arm glow and pulse, revealing such an odd design in the middle that our eyes flinch to see, surrounded by outer weavings this one recognizes to be of our Mistress'' craft.

    She trembles and, as the light from the floor around us begins to fade, that marking at the center of her scars seems to steam and burn. Then it too settles. Leaving Mistress Elevar gasping and shivering. Still making as little sounds as possible when she slumps back into this one''s arms. With an effort of will she waves a hand and forges a little mote of Blue Physis light to flicker and dance before bobbing in the direction of the exit. A guide I assume. I pick her up once more and follow the light mote.

    But... then the mote turns toward a pathway that leads further down.

    [Verbess... Be prepared. I am uncertain where this wants to take us.]

    Sister thrums in agreement.

    Soon the tunnels grow thin, and the blue mote pauses to halt our advance. Mistress Elevar reaches out to brush fingers on the wall, and with a pulse of her Ousia, a torso-sized twisting orb spins to form from the seamless surface of the wall at this one''s feet. An odd thing that reminds this one of the cradles Mistress Elevar spun from the Spires above to store the bones. Albeit more pearlescent stone than dark chitin.

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    She takes a deep breath, before motioning to be put down. With worry and concern, this one obeys.

    Elevar reaches down, a bit unsteady, and hooks a hand about one of the orb''s sharp edges. Not even seeming to mind the cut and small dribble of blood as she proceeds on her own two feet. This one picks up the bloody thing and follows.

    What is she doing? This¡­ is new.

    Eventually we reach a wall of solid roots and vines, which the Mistress parts with a brush of bloody hand and will.

    The border of the Estate.

    She continues leading us forwards until she reaches a distant tunnel that feels different. Empty yet full of an unmistakable presence. The Mistress drops gently to her knees and motions this one to set the cradle-thing beside her.

    Mistress Elevar drips her blood on the dirt and the impact rings in this one''s chest, each drop building upon the previous as this one is driven to the ground beside the Mistress as well, who looks confused, unable to feel the building pressure.

    The... Breath. It can feel what occurs.

    Sister Verbess growls in wordless fury, straining against the pressure.

    She gasps in shock as with the next drop of blood, her Physis is drained, swiftly emptied from her as she reels and wobbles.

    The Dirt Whispers and this one can hear it, the Mistress can hear it too, so quiet that even our gears and her heartbeat threatened to drown out the sound.

    Allaga¨ª... Child of Sin... Daughter... Allaga¨ª...

    The dirt shifts, enveloping the blood as another pulse of pressure crushes this one to the ground and something.... a cloud darker than the tunnels we are in, yet illuminating the same, cascading rainbows of colour on the walls around, flows from the dirt and into Elevar''s mouth and nose as well as the cradle-thing.

    [Is it over?] I ask Verbess as the pressure lessens and the Frame suddenly seizes up, rendering this one completely immobile.

    The presence seems to look at this one, looking through us, judging.

    Lost... Daughter.... Be welcome...

    It relents. Releasing us, as the presence fades once more.

    Mistress moves over to us, taking up our face and meeting our gaze. Face still blank but eyes filled with worry as she shivers. A question stirring from them, easily read.

    Are you okay?

    Verbess relented her growling as the presence spoke that final time. Seeming almost... content.

    Like recognizes like, and the acknowledgment of one much greater.

    Intoning softly to Schatzi, [This deep hunter will not make us it''s feast today, sister.]

    this one nods to Mistress Elevar. "Yes. Can we go now? I... don''t want to worry you but there has been... developments above.¡±

    She purses her lips, but nods as she rises. And with the cradle in one hand and ours in the other, she leads us. First, back to the weird jungle room, where she lays down the cradle in the center of the empty tree stump we found her within. And then back through the slowly normalizing tunnels back above. Arriving at what is initially a dead end before she waves a hand and it cracks away to reveal... The basement of sister Xafra''s Spire.

    In one corner of the space, some of the mats, blankets, and pillows have been shaped and stacked to form a soft enclosed area. Primrose and Nettle are situated just outside of it, softly murmuring to the odd serpentine Doll who is wrapped around Calix inside of the doll nest while he continues writing in his notebook. The serpent doll peeks out past him to look between this one and the Mistress, its eyes narrowing than widening. "It.. is the... C- can this one...?"

    Elevar ignores everything, stepping over to Nettle who is still holding Xafra''s spear form close, and extends an expectant hand. Nettle passes her Sister Xafra as the odd Doll uncoils from Calix and slithers back below the moment the pathway is clear. Mistress Elevar pulls this frame up and out into the main lawn of the Spire.

    Adaline still lays there staring upwards, causing the Mistress'' expression to falter into worry and fear and confliction, but she speeds up towards her Spire and her lower bedchambers.

    Mistress Elevar lays Xafra down along the centre of the bed, tip-taps her spearform and looks pointedly at me before touching her own chest.

    [Sister Xafra, You are needed. Shift to your Warlord form.] This one murmurs to her, starting to understand what is planned.

    Sister rambles more absurdities but manages to shift into Warlord, her body limp on the bed.

    Mistress Elevar shuffles and crawls up and around Xafra''s many limbs to kneel over her head, takes a deep breath, then exhales the Breath. As it floats there, she leans down to press it into Xafra''s mouth with another exhale.  When half of it flows back out of Xafra''s nose as she spasms, the Mistress motion motions us over and this one surrenders control to Verbess for it to properly experience what it missed previously.

    Filled with sudden hunger and wordless desire, my sister leans forward to consume more than breathe in the gift. Shivering in its own thrumming delight as we are filled to bursting now. Verbess settles us back to waiting as it nuzzles close and surrenders control back to me. [Thank you, dear sisters, for sharing this feast with this one.]

    Mistress Elevar nods, then turns eyes back to watch Xafra with an intense regard.

    Xafra twitches and shakes before settling and opening her eyes. "Love. You''ve returned to me.¡±

    Elevar leans down and touches forehead to Xafra''s. Takes a deep and trembling breath. Then opens left hand to spark the Physis her Little Archive, the dancing blue motes collecting to show...

    Information mostly. Hard to parse. But even passive examination would reveal this to be a conveyance of a distant thing. The safe place within the Estate''s deeper workings and threads where Sikkina rests. And... and the gift Elevar left at the spot she will first have the opportunity to awaken and within if she forges a physical frame for herself. The cradle filled with the Breath.

 Chapter 42: Let Me Explain All This, I Promise To Be Nice (Witch)

    Let Me Explain All This, I Promise To Be Nice (Witch)

    Content Warnings:

    Hi hi hi. Smothering Spooky headmates. Calling headmates a slur. Plural things.

    As I watch Xafra¡¯s eyes glide over the display, I am almost allowed a moment of relief. A¡­ a feeling that I¡¯ve managed to do something right, for once in my life.

    Almost.

    <Wonderful name. Perfect, even.> Comes a purr from within my mind as it watches the display through my eyes. <You should make sure to tell Xafra that.>

    Sikkina. A word for knife? Really? Should have¡­ have¡­ No. It¡¯s a wretched name! I hiss back. Chosen when Xafra made her to just be a spiteful last strike at those she hated. Just like Defect, or¡­ worse! It¡¯ll take her years to feel free enough to choose something she feels fits her! If at all!

    <Deciding to shed an old name doesn¡¯t need to be horrible thing.> It replies with a sigh. <And besides, didn''t you name her mother in a similar way?>

    I flinch, lose some of the control I''ve fought to keep on my face since Schatzi found me. It¡­ It¡¯s not¡­

    <It''s close enough.>

    I cut off the display showing the sanctuary I''d woven for Sikkina as a tremble rolls through me.

    <They are both perfect names, Elevar.> It presses while thrumming in sincerity I do not trust, especially when it follows up with. <And the quicker you stop denying that fact, the faster you can collar the fool gerlthing and make sure she doesn¡¯t do something like this ever again.>

    Just¡­ stop. Please. I¡­ I can¡¯t handle you right now. I move to pull back from Xafra. I need to make sure Adaline¡¯s okay.

    <Of course! This day has been a Nightmare and a half and it¡¯s not even halfway done.> It agrees. <You should rest. Just... Let me handle things for¨C>

    I hiss wordless spite and threat at the thing.

    It chuckles. <I¡¯ll be nice. You¡¯ve already sealed me away from spinning any magic. I promise that you¡¯ll awaken to nothing but happy Dolls and Lovers. Will even keep that fact that you''re resting a secret.>

    "This... Is a safe place for her?" Xafra asks, her Ousia flaring like one starved coming to a feast.

    Schatzi and Verbess haven¡¯t pestered me about this but¡­

    I lean over Xafra and try for my best smile while nodding. Give her a quick kiss on the forehead before pushing off the bed and heading over to my dresser. Hoping Xafra¡¯s too distracted to notice as I pull out a shirt and slip it over my shoulders to cover the Stitching Bond.

    My compromise with this horrid place.

    <Yes. Wonderful display there. You''ve only improved your ability to deceive since->

    "Stop." Xafra''s voice is suddenly ice, "I won''t be deceived again blasphemer. Pestherold"

    I jerk around to see Xafra staring between myself and my Doll in naked disgust. A click, snap, and Verbess¡¯ Quills and Talons and Fangs are barred. Hissing as it moves to stand between myself and Xafra quicker than I can blink.

    A snap of command is about to bubble out of me, but I quickly click my teeth shut and freeze as¡­ what? Blasphemer? By the Cracked and Riven¨C

    <Oh? Old faiths bubbling up? Those types are hard to placate even with all the right words? Sure you don¡¯t want me to handle her?> The thing purrs.

    "They resonate WRONG! Do you think I would not recognize the souls of my Family? This pale mockery is insufficient to fool me." Xafra lashes out, not at either me or my Doll, but at the air around itself, in a tightly woven sphere of death that leaves the room untouched.

    I flinch back as if slapped. Feeling the day of barely mitigated disasters and Nightmares and¡­ and sacrifices and remaining needs just¡­ just boil up and over and¨C

    <That. CUNT!> The thing inside me fumes as I take another step back, fingers slipping from my Doll¡¯s Quills. <She impaires her own senses without warning ANYONE, drops the existence of our daughter in danger on your head like a brick from the top of a Spire, and then has the GALL to call the changes you¡¯ve had to make to your body WRONG? Call our DOLL wrong!?!>

    ¡°Sister¡­¡± Verbess begins to hiss, but glances back at my expression, then lowers its voice to something softer than it''s ever shown to anyone but me.. ¡°Much has changed since your wounds laid you to slumber. The Mistress has¡­ faced Old Nightmares. Sacrificed herself in ways she never meant to. We had to grow and change to aid her.¡±

    When nothing happens with her attack, Xafra stops and dismisses her weaving. "This is... real? You''ve really healed, Verbess? Sikkina is not only safe but will be born blessed by D?mmerung? Schatzi has truly found a way to use the Breath like I''ve never seen? And... You, my Mate... your ontological weight has swelled, but you are closed off. I... don''t want to make a mistake here, it just seems all too much. Perhaps the Lunargent is poisoning my mind, or this Estate trying a different tact to destroy me. It... doesn''t matter. I won''t do it. I won''t be wielded against my family." Her chest heaves with emotion as she stands there.

    <What a good Doll.> It coos in regard to my Verbess while still roiling at my Xafra.

    I hiss and sag. Look about and¡­ parchment. That should be safe¡­ Right?

    <WORDS. Would be safe, you stupid Half-Knit! Just let us talk to her!>

    I walk over and snatch up the notebook and Quill I keep by my beside, write out a quick...

    ¡®Yes. All real. Daughter safe. Adaline needs help. Probably words from her Mistress after you locked her in. Please?¡¯

    <And a coward besides. When did you embrace that?>

    Then I hold it out to her.

    Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

    "Locked inside... Oh FUCK. I''m so sorry, I have to go to her!" Xafra bows in apology before running past me and my Doll.

    A few heartbeats pass, and after Verbess folds away her features its sisters turn to regard me for a moment.

    "Mistress... Ontological Weight?" Schatzi finally asks in confusion.

    I sigh and look down at the blank pages of the notebook. Suddenly at a loss as I walk over to sit on the edge of the bed.

    <Why not¡­ test the waters?> It asks. <We¡¯re going to have to work together eventually, and Schatzi and Verbess have endured worse than what I can do like this if that was my goal. Which it¡¯s not.>

    No. I made a promise. To be better. I reply tiredly as I scribble some  words for my Doll. You are everything that is the opposite of that.

    <Yet¡­ In this body you hold the leash, Can cut me off at the slightest hint of misbehavior.>

    I¡­ No. I refuse to be like her. Even to you.

    <It¡¯s not the same, Fool Gerl. The Garroting is one thing, protecting yourself and others is another.>

    I huff and hold out a page of vague things I hope will settle her worries. ¡®Complicated. Compromise with the Estate. Am¡­ Adjusting.¡¯

    "Mistress... This is not better. This one was given clear guidance and..." She simply stops, shakes her head sadly. "Mistress Elevar, How may this one serve?"

    I wince. Start to write ¡®Sorry. Don¡¯t¨C¡¯ Cross out the words. ¡®Thank you both for coming for¨C¡¯ Cross out more words. ¡®Help her¨C¡¯ Tears stain the page as I rip it out and toss it to the side.

    <You¡¯re a mess, dear¡­> It murmurs softly. <And your Doll is worried. Let me settle her, then¡­ maybe you can finally sleep?>

    I shake my head. Write out in a gush of messy words for my Doll. ¡®You¡¯re right. I¡¯m sorry. Want to keep my promises. Estate won¡¯t hurt anyone now. You¡¯re safe, Xafra¡¯s safe. Don¡¯t want to worry you. I have no commands but... Ask anything. Will answer as best I can in writing.¡¯

    "Okay. Mistress Elevar. Sister Xafra was... unhinged, but for good reason. You are sealed off, wards inverted. This one knows it is you, but not why you are doing this, what you are... containing, and... why you don''t speak. If it is your choice, This one will accept that without hesitation. We can... learn one of those gesture based languages to make it easier for you to communicate? Mistress Elevar, We''re safe, but... are you?"

    I sigh and begin writing. ¡®My choice. Compromise with the Estate. I made Xafra''s daughter a sanctuary, deep below. Sikkina is safe. Kept my promise. Got Xafra more Dirt Godthing Breath. Kept my promise. But¡­¡¯

    I shiver, and I have to stop my hand from shaking like it¡¯s not done in years.

    ¡®It put something inside me. Or¡­ No. It grew her from what was already there. More like you and Verbess now. Not talking because I don¡¯t trust her to not bubble out and hurt someone. Inverted wards are for her. Tethers blocking the Bond are for her. Trying to keep promises.¡¯

    <See? Was that so hard?> She purrs as I pass the page to Schatzi, then scoot up onto the bed to lean against the wall it touches.

    Schatzi looks at the page and whispers, "This is not right, Mistress. Should this one be closed away, letting only sister Verbess speak? If this... not-Mistress is part of you, she should be given room to grow. Not control, but... a chance to exist. This one is willing to risk being hurt by the not-Mistress."

    And in a whip-crack I¡­ I realize how I¡¯m just making the same mistakes all over again. Acting like how I was and...

    <No. Don¡¯t flatter yourself, the Estate can only do so much, after all.> She laughs. <Verbess was a mess of fury when she first sprung out. Trying to keep it under lock and key was a wise decision.>

    No. it wasn¡¯t! I shake my head and bury my face in my hands. Can¡¯t be you. Not again.

    <You won¡¯t be, stupid Half-Knit.> She promises. <The Garrote broke you from that. I wasn¡¯t regrown to consume you, I am here to help us function.>

    B¨C but¡­ I murmur blearily as Schatzi''s words weigh heavy on my soul.

    <Was that not the compromise? If you want the Estate to listen, you ask me. If it needs something, I ask you. When we disagree¡­ I meditate. This doesn¡¯t work if I eat you.>

    I¡¯m shaking my head harder now. I know what kind of cunt you are. The monster we worshiped. You won¡¯t be happy just being the middle gerl.

    <Of course not. I mean to wrap you about my fingers like so much thread.> She purrs. <But you know that. Remember doing that to others yourself. I¡¯m¡­ already having to change. Am seeing the problems I let fester by not ever really questioning Yselda¡¯s demands.>

    You... you won''t hurt them? Ever? You''ll keep my promises? Not try to take control?

    <Of course. I can''t get you to listen if you don''t trust me. I''ll only use your lips and flesh when you give me permission.>

    I finally let myself whisper very quietly and carefully into my hands. "Go ahead then. Don''t... don''t abuse this."

    A pause, and the stitchwork on my back titters as She reaches up and out and...

    I let her smile with my lips as we look up to meet my Doll''s gaze. "Hello Schatzi. I am a weaving grown from your Mistress'' memories, abilities, and lack of certain triggers and traumas. Built as a mediator between her and this Estate. A compromise, as it is."

    "Hello. Taking that into consideration, I will make something clear. You are considered family. Do not treat that lightly." Her face goes slack as Warden takes control. "Anomalous User Detected and Registered. Authority control disallowed. Progenitor override required." Without skipping a heartbeat, Schatzi continues talking "So... Do you have a name already or¡­?"

    "Such a good Doll." She chuckles through my lips as I nearly fall back into control to huff in relief at Schatzi''s words. "And yes, dear, I have a name. Call me Lynette."

    Schatzi goes still as I wince internally. "Is that chosen to cause pain to the Mistress or due to your own sense of self identity?"

    Lynette smiles wider, and I fight to not snap her away as I growl a wordless warning. She gives me a tilting nod of acceptance and answers. ¡°If I¡¯m being completely honest. I¡¯m not here to make Elevar comfortable, and that name reminds her of what I am. That was the point, the compromise. I am her, or¡­ what she was before the Soul Rot and what came after. In every way the Estate could weave me to be.¡± She pauses, ¡°So¡­ Both. I adore this name, but I also don¡¯t mind watching her squirm over it. And after today she¡¯s going to have to¨C¡±

    I cut her off and glare off to the side as she pulls back while radiating bemused annoyance.

    ¡°Sorry, Schatzi.¡± I whisper.

    "It is fine, Mistress. Will you forgive me for using that name for her? This one... thinks that... It feels correct."

    ¡°Of course. Would be worse than she is to deny her that.¡± I sigh. ¡°Just¡­ The others don¡¯t know how bad I was. And now she¡¯s in my head and¡­ and pushing me and¡­ and I was very good at manipulating people. I don¡¯t know how long I can handle her.¡±

    "Hmmm. Mistress, This one doesn''t think... you really have to handle her. Cooperation seems best considering the alternatives. But... this one would request that... you both try to be... kind to each other. Please?"

    <I¡¯m made my promises.> Lynette murmurs. <And¡­ How is it you¡¯ve started saying? It¡¯s always cheaper to be a good person?>

    Manipulative cunt.

    She does the equivalent of a mental shrug. <Wouldn¡¯t be a very good mediator if I wasn¡¯t. And if my manipulations don¡¯t violate the above conditions¡­ why not try it?>

    ¡°Of course.¡± I sigh and nod to my Doll and her. ¡°Might as well. And¡­ I wanted to ask what happened before you came down for me? In Xafra¡¯s basement? Why did the Fool Gerl lock everyone in? That Service Doll is a mess but¡­ literally incapable of being a threat.¡±

    "Oh! Right. So um. Xafra and Adaline had mentioned freeing an odd Doll previously that ran away. Turns out Calix knew it, which uhm we learned when Nettle called us and Xafra to come help because there was an intruder in the Spire. This Doll was in the basement and getting bothered by the miasma, and it was... fine? mostly, until Calix nonchalantly mentioned that the Doll was a suspected Denizen turned into a Doll which is when sister Xafra panicked and sealed the room to try to keep everyone inside safe, and ordered Adaline to Defend and Subdue. she uhhh. proceeded to assign everyone tasks to get this Dezi, as Calix called it, comfortable and calm, then tossed Mistress Xafra over to me, called me a slut and started clawing and begging at the wall until it opened for her." She pauses only for a moment, "Mistress Elevar, Miss Lynette, is this one a slut?"

    ¡°What? No. Not at all.¡± I quickly retort as Lynette cackles at all this, Schatzi''s last question bubbling her over into tittering amusement. Then I turn the questions about this inward to her in worry.

    Is¡­ is that thing a threat I missed?

    It considers this¡­ then offers the answers alongside a simple request. Not a demand.

    Not yet.

    So I sigh and nod, letting her speak.

    ¡°Adaline was probably venting frustrations, dear.¡± Lynette smirks. ¡°So¡­ Unless your Mistress commands it I doubt the title fits you. As for the rest¡­ Well, Yselda suspected that the Gerl was in fact a Denizen, but that doesn¡¯t suddenly make it dangerous. Not after she let the Estate turn it into a Doll.¡±

    "Mmhm. Adaline, this one, and Verbess all confirmed that the Doll isn''t an active hazard. Though Sister Xafra was saying some... really weird stuff."

    I take back control and nod wearily. ¡°Hurt and tired and probably surprised and scared¡­ and¡­ yes. We suspect she did. Hopefully Adaline is able to calm quickly under her care. I¡­ today has been a long day and I suspect she needs rest. Badly. Not just sleep but... quiet. A credible lack of danger or emergencies.¡±

    <Almost as much as you do.> Lynette muses. <Which¡­ How do you plan on facing those rising tides?>

    In answer I spark up a subtle working of Physis. Motion and energy to batter back the weight of weariness.

    "As do you, Mistress.¡± Schatzi echoes her. ¡°Is... There anything pressing that cannot wait for tomorrow?"

    ¡°Honestly? I¡­ Not since Xafra and you consumed the Breath. So long as nobody wanders into spaces they know better than to explore.¡± I sigh and bonk my head back against the wall, then whisper. ¡°I just¡­ don¡¯t feel like exploring what Nightmares today could birth.¡±

    "Then... Can we just stay here for now and rest? And by we, I mean Miss Lynette as well. No wandering, just¡­ Rest?"

    I nod, and hold out a hand for her. ¡°Of course. I¡­ I did promise you a snuggle pile once today stopped needing my attention. I¡¯m not sure when I¡¯ll find the courage to sleep properly but just¡­ you both being close while knowing the Summer Storms haven¡¯t hit just yet sounds lovely.¡±

    Schatzi takes my hand and smiles "Thank you, Mistress Elevar."

 Chapter 43: Im Sorry For What I Said When I Was Hypoxic (Blade)

    I''m Sorry For What I Said When I Was Hypoxic (Blade)

    Content Warnings:

    Apologising and talking about wanting to be better Mistress!!! Woops! Cutie in a Dress. YAY!

    Fuck. fuckfuckfuck. Fuuuuuuuck. Oh I really messed this up now. But... okay. Hold on. I stop halfway between Elevar''s Spire and my own, only a few dozen metres. [Dolls, Status report.]

    [Um.... This one¡¯s okay? I think? Um...] Primrose replies. [Operating at full capacity Mistress, how may this one serve?] Nettle follows up.

    [Sharing new Harvest with connected Groves, what does that even mean? Yselda wasn''t a blossom, she was a mean old lady. Mistress Elevar cultivated... weird.] Calix''s background chatter catches my attention as he cants ::Functioning:: in lieu of a proper response.

    [Alright. If you are all up for it... I would like to have a bit of a meeting once I collect Adaline on the way. I uhm. Have some things I need to say.]

    A chorus of ¡®Yes Mistress!'' from them and I''m moving again.

    I need to dive into the Driftdream, sort past from present once more, catalogue and cross reference new information. but, not until I collect my dear Adaline. I find her outside the Spire, staring upwards again. Dissociation. A decent survival method but not sufficient anymore. Enclosure fear. can''t just pick her up. OURS. yes yes, she''s ours. WE HURT HER. We''ll do better.

    I kneel beside her and gently nudge her arm until she rouses.

    "Huh what?" She grouses as her four eyes all come into focus on me. "You. Mistress Xafra, this one is quite cross with you.¡±

    "Yes, I dare say you have every right to be. I''ll do my best to explain. Wanted to hold a bit of a meeting, would you be alright with me carrying you, or would you rather walk?"

    Reasonable offer of physical closeness. Not a sacrifice, I don''t really mind her touching me.

    "Hmph. This one would prefer to be carried." I don''t laugh at her grumbling even though it is adorable.

    We return to the Spire and I set her down outside where Nettle has set out a picnic blanket and basket filled with more of her cooking experiments next to my Frame. Primrose rushes over and gives me a big hug that helps me feel like things... might be alright.

    Calix is tinkering with an odd device of liquid filled tubes and bulbs that I can only imagine has some sort of confounding purpose, which I studiously ignore.

    "I fucked up. There are... explanations I can and will provide, not excuses but reasons, but first and foremost, I must apologize to you all." I lower myself to my knees and bow to them all. "I am truly sorry for compromising my mental state and health without prior notice or explanation, for causing you all undue stress, for risking myself in the first place in the undercroft, and specifically to you Adaline, for sealing you into that room with us all.¡±

    Nettle seems uncomfortable but murmurs simple, ¡°It¡¯s perfectly alright, Mistress.¡±

    Primrose though¡­ she dissolves into a bit of a sputtering mess and soon she¡¯s next to me and trying to pull me to rise. ¡°No. Mistress. Can do as you like. This one should¡­ should have been prepared to¡­ to help you better or¡­ or explain the tunnels better or¡­ or¡­¡±

    Trying so very hard to find fault in her own actions and not mine, her beloved Mistress¡­

    "This one is definitely interested in why it all happened, but understands that things can be odd..." Calix sits and starts rummaging through the basket.

    Adaline just stares at me, "You''re... apologizing? Are you getting rid of us or something?¡±

    A pretty solid pulse of sudden worry would come off nettle and primrose at this. Primrose sputters out more, but waits for me to begin speaking.

    I shake my head and chuckle a bit as I gently sit Primrose down. "I''m not getting rid of any of you. I promise. I''m... old fashioned, perhaps. In my time we had a concept called Adel verpflichtet, or to put in simple terms, the Obligation of the Powerful. You all," I gesture at each of them in turn, "Chose to accept my claim on you, surrendered your autonomy to me. I... am trying something new, to my own experiences as well. After my Forging, I was treated poorly. Enough so that I have trouble at times recognizing my worth. Beforehand, those that went into me were commoners, mundanes of no great standing. But this concept existed, and I feel that, in trying to do better, to be better, that starts with how I treat those who are subservient to me. Thus, I offer you genuine apologies for my transgressions against you, and a recounting of what lead to such events.¡±

    Nettle and Primrose are calming and quiet. Unable to form words around this. Calix nods along, quietly starting on some sort of pastry.

    "Well go on, Mistress. Let us know what drove you to such silly choices." Adaline tries to feign a scornful tone, but it is undermined by the feelings of compassion and understanding that flow from her to us all.

    "This round of foolishness started when I accidentally overheard Verbess and Schatzi talking. Verbess had been dreaming, which at first I thought was not important but then... the two of them starting talking about how it means they''re dying. I couldn''t let them die. So I started searching, looking through the upper tunnels for some way to save them, thinking Yselda would have a trove of secrets perhaps. That''s when Primrose came across me.¡±

    "Dreaming isn''t really a big deal, This one¡¯s been dreaming off and on for decades." Calix interjects.

    "...What? CALIX! THAT''S NOT NORMAL." Adaline shouts at the boy, concern and surprise and wonder all flooding through her words.

    "Do... Do you mean the Nightmares?" Primrose murmurs, leaning into a hug from Nettle.

    "The... old Mistress told us those were normal, often led to Dolls wandering the Tunnels or grounds." Nettle adds softly while comforting Primrose.

    "The miasma whispers? This one hears those all the time, just chattering away in the corner. This one meant big dreams. That mean old lady Yselda thought it was interesting that this one kept waking up from them, but it seems normal to this one.¡±

    I tighten my hold on my racing thoughts. "Calix, we will talk about this in detail. Afterwards though, please? Let me get through my explanation?¡±

    Adaline seems to want to interrupt but keeps her peace.

    Nettle and Primrose would remain silent at Xafra''s request. Nuzzled close and listening.

    "I was... confused with what Primrose was saying, truthfully believing her initially to be a manifestation of the Estate or something similar, as I had begun to clue into what this place actually is. I had... believed that the miasma, was... like me, not just decayed Ousia like most miasma is, but an Entity trapped by the Estate. And so, I offered to free it.

    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    I''m still not certain it isn''t a prisoner in some ways. But I will do better to find out safely, talk with Elevar and you all, and such. If this is to be a home, I will not tolerate any H?uslich or slaves here, it would poison our relationships. Anyway." I pause and take an unneeded breath to collect my thoughts.

    "Apparently using Yselda''s tone along with the other voices was a mistake, the ground opened up beneath myself and Primrose. I shoved her back and sent Sikkina''s... egg, I guess you could call it, over to her, in case I was... trapped for as long as last time.¡±

    I look down at my hands. "I should explain Sikkina. It... heh. I didn''t expect to be freed so quickly and yet already have her implanted. Sikkina started out as a weapon. A tool of spite and loathing for those that Forged me. I crafted her core and shell in such a manner to... overtake a Witch. Consume from the inside out and wear the skin of a person, like the Denizens do, to be a person, the right I was denied. But... this nameless tool I crafted was one that... could never be a person, never be anything more than a weapon, and after meeting Elevar, Verbess, and Schatzi, I realized that that... wasn''t fair. So since we''ve met I''ve been reweaving the core, I added knowledge of happiness and joy, of love and friendship, I gave her a name, Sikkina, knife, not to be a weapon, but as a nod to me as her... mother, and... to hopefully inspire her to create, to sculpt the future she wants. But I didn''t reshape the shell yet, didn''t... get to it, wanted to ensure she could be happy first. And so¡­¡±

    "And so your daughter got put into the Loom, with us thinking that''s what you wanted." Adaline whispers.

    I nod. "Yes. which... had its own consequences. I''ll get to that.

    In the first area I was in, I was surrounded by seawater, and it was filled with moonstone. I gorged myself on it, to extract the Lunargent from it. A substance that was once known to be sacred to Witches, and a source of great power, though fatal to humans. I mention this only because... I believe there may be a chance that it is affecting me, my mental state. After that, I was... moved to a different chamber, one that pressurized miasma, and forced me into my spearform, to try and hide my presence as well as prevent my bones from shattering. from there, I was rescued, as you all know.¡±

    Nettle listens quietly. While Primrose¡¯s eyes go a bit wide at the mention of Sikkina, realizing that she is my daughter and that she and Calix got to hold her for a while. But no words. A soft squeak of delight followed quickly by worry about Sikkina going into the Loom. Barely repressed, I want to ask if she''s going to be okay.

    "Mistress Elevar of course wanted to know why I was down there, despite her warnings, and while I didn''t intend to enter the undercroft, I kinda did end up there. So I informed her of Verbess'' dreaming and we went to check on them. Schatzi''s... other half, inner core? Woke up and talked to us, called itself Warden.¡±

    "Oh! That''s what its name is. Good to know, I owe it a favor." Adaline jumps in.

    "Yeah.¡± I huff. ¡°So it said it needed a Progenitor-type Ousia Siphon, and that such knowledge was unavailable. Basically, we were told to make the most of the time we had with them. twenty three days until irrevocable decline. I had... just made them my siblings in truth. I couldn''t lose them.¡±

    "Mmhm. This one has seen a lot of Dolls degrade over the centuries. It doesn''t get easier." Calix adds somberly.

    Nettle pulls Primrose closer still as she tears up, but both remain quiet and listen.

    "The strangest thing happened though. Mistress Elevar asked Warden what a Progenitor-type Ousia Siphon exactly was, and... the design was based on observations of Soulbane. Me. Confirmation that I, or at least, my creation, was the origin of the entire field of dollcraft. and... if one based on me was needed... Mine should suffice.¡±

    The two snuggly Dolls stare at me in confusion. Perhaps a bit of wonder but... neither of them were Witches from what they¡¯d told me. When I claim to be the origin of Dollcraft, Nettle pursues her lips in silent disbelief while Primrose is still totally enraptured by the story.

    Adaline decides to shatter the tension, "So.... You''re telling me that you''re thousands of years old. Should I be calling you grandmother?¡±

    "Please don''t. As far as time that I''ve existed outside of being... entombed, I''ve only been around for about thirty years. but... when I was sealed away, the moon was still intact in the sky.¡±

    I shake my head. "Continuing on. My siphoning abilities work through something I''ve known as the Breath of D?mmerung. It has a proper name, but D?mmerung isn''t the most talkative of the Divines. I''ve only communed with them three times in total, each time increasing the amount of Breath I contain from my original creation, to increase my own functionality, as well as to hopefully offer some eventually with one I would wish to... face eternity with. I split what I had with Verbess and Schatzi. Now that I can think clearly again, I understand exactly what the mistake was though.

    When I am in spearform, my needs are low. It wasn''t until my second Breath that I could maintain my baseline humanoid form for any length of time. I had obtained my third before crafting my Warlord form, and my fourth shortly before being sealed away. I did not realize that the draw of my Warlord form would be too much for two Breaths, though... if Elevar had asked I would have given them all without regret.¡±

    I barrel forward with my words, trying to get it all out before I am stopped. "Once that was done, I asked about Sikkina, and mentioned that I knew she was implanted, but... I did not realize the danger she would be in, so Elevar went to rescue her. By that point I was... starting to lose coherence. Myself and Schatzi were resting, when y''all called us over. I uhm. I have a bad history with Denizens. The originals that went into Forging me, all had families that were killed by Denizens, or were displaced by them. So my instinctive reaction was to try and protect you all by sealing it away from any source of Nomos, the sun energy that empowers them. This was unnecessary, unhelpful, and in Adaline''s and my own case actively harmful, as I burned a ton of Ousia to do so which greatly increased my need, and rendered me delirious.

    I pause and my voice goes a bit quiet. ¡°And Elevar returned... different. She brought me enough Breath to sustain yet with all the changes, as well as Sikkina safe, Verbess healthy, and Schatzi able to do unheard of, at least to me, things with the Breath, I made the assumption that I was in some sort of mind prison. I was wrong. Thankfully I did not hurt anyone but... Elevar is different now. She resonates differently. Echos to my Quills like Verbess and Schatzi do, and completely closed off to me in a way she hasn''t been since we met.¡± I look up and give them all a sobering look. ¡°So. Until further notice, when I can get a better understanding of what is going on, I will ask you all to use your own judgment or double check orders from Elevar with myself or Adaline, who is to be my second in command. Please do not treat her poorly, she is my Mate and my Mistress, I simply won''t risk the safety of any of you if there is something wrong with her.¡±

    Nettle and Primrose nod and murmur soft but quick, ''Yes Mistress.¡¯

    "Do any of you have questions for me before we move on to discussing the... Calix issue, and no I''m not talking about the mess.¡±

    Nettle shakes her head, Primrose thinks for a few seconds before replying, "Not right now Mistress. Thank you for the story.¡±

    "You''re telling us that basically every issue that''s occurred in the last day could have been avoided by simply... talking before acting?" Adaline jabs.

    Calix puts a grimy hand on Adaline''s shoulder. "We should give Mistress a bit of leeway. From what she''s saying she spent longer than any of us have existed imprisoned and has never been in a position of authority like this.¡±

    Adaline lets Calix''s hand rest there without protest as I proceed.

    I nod. "You are both correct. I need to do better and make it up to all of you. part of that is going to involve relying on Adaline more for advice and guidance as the only one here to my knowledge that has knowledge about Dolls from an external perspective. Also, I am not above blatant bribery. so... How can I make it up to you all?¡±

    A pause, then Primrose''s eyes light up a bit. "Um... um um um! More paints! I... This one¡¯s already run out of so many important colors and... and it¡¯s almost finished and... um..." She then goes abruptly silent. Eventually murmuring, "Pl-please. Mistress. If it''s not too much trouble.¡±

    Nettle smirks and leans into her Pinnate. "This one just... always wants you to come home safe. Don''t leave us like the last Mistress did. And... and let me stay with Primrose please.¡±

    Calix gives a shrewd look. "Can...  this one ask for help with the food project?¡±

    Nettle''s eyes light up more at Calix''s request. "Actually, that too. Yes please. If... if it''s not too much trouble?¡±

    My heart lightens with their requests, "Of course, once I can find a safe way to do so, I will take any of you who wish to commune with D?mmerung, then you can develop and implement your own digestive systems.¡±

    "Okay, this breath thing seems interesting but..." Adaline chuckles darkly and i find myself slightly concerned as she continues, "This one wants to go for walks with you, when you''re in your big weird grakler form.¡±

    My jaw drops for a moment, before I agree, "Alright yeah. We can do that. Are there any Dolls that are particularly good at leatherwork? And where can we get the paint for Primrose?¡±

    Adaline looks over to Nettle, "I think you''d probably know best for those?¡±

    She nods. "Schatzi''s the best with leather and other odd fabrics. As for paints... we need a resupply. Either from a Grove or... or honestly, if you know what to gather, the jungles probably have the raw materials to make our own. It''s what the old Mistress did.¡±

    "I''d prefer to gather if viable. There have been implications that I will likely not be safe at other Groves, and that at the least, Adaline, Verbess, and Schatzi are... illegal in some manner.¡±

    "It takes more preparation... but the travel time alone to the nearest Grove makes it more reasonable." She agrees, then pauses. Looks to Adaline, then back to me. "But... um... None of the Dolls are allowed to leave the Estate save Schatzi and Verbess with Witch Elevar.¡±

    "Likewise.¡± I nod. ¡°We will have to ask permission of course. But that doesn''t mean it''s not possible.¡±

    "Thank you Mistress.¡± Nettle smiles back.

    ¡°This one never got to make her OWN paints.¡± Primrose whispers while bouncing in slowly growing excitement. "It... It doesn''t know how but... there were books on it in the Storage Spire!¡±

    Nettle smiles and looks back to me, "May we go look for them? Or... did you want us here for more talking things?¡±

    "We still need to talk about Calix, though that doesn''t necessarily need you two if you wish to zip away to look for those books.¡±

    "Pleasepleaseyesohmygosh." Primrose gushes while pulling Nettle to standing, gets a few steps away, then tumbles back to give me a quick hug and whisper of, "Thank you so much best Mistress ever!" Then races back to tug Nettle away.

    "Alright, so Calix. First question. What''s the deal with the dress?" I gesture over to the floor length ball gown he''s wearing.

    "Adaline gave it and three others to this one. It''s cute right?" This beautiful man responds, standing and twirling

    "And you''re wearing it willingly?¡±

    "Yep!¡±

    I nod. "Good enough for me. Moving on, you have been talking into my mind literally the entire time we have been bonded that you have been in range.  It is... a lot. And some of the stuff is... concerning.¡±

    "THIS ONE HAS!?! OH THAT''S SO EMBARRASSING, THAT MEANS YOU KNOW ABOUT THE CHEESE NUT AND FRUIT SMOOTHIES!!!¡±

    "Calix. I... don''t... It''s fine. please try and quiet your end if you can?¡± cheese, nut, and fruit smoothies? Oh. That explains the smell. I quietly Blasenplage the boy to remove evidence of his culinary travesty.

    "Oh! Thank you. Uhm." He concentrates fiercely and I finally have blessed quiet in my mind from him.

    "Perfect. Next, The Estate is talking to you, Calix?¡±

    "Sometimes, but mostly it''s like this one is just overhearing the whispers to itself?" He explains.

    "You said that Mistress Elevar was Cultivated... and that the new Harvest was shared with connected Groves. Do you have any Ideas what that could mean?" I interrogate him about the whispers.

    "Uhm. Not really? But this one suspects that it may mean that we get... visitors sooner than desired.¡±

    "Fuck. Adaline, with me, let''s get some planning done. Calix, feel free to do whatever suits your fancy. You''ve been a great help.¡±

 Chapter 44: Never Love An Anchor (Witch)

    Never Love An Anchor (Witch)

    Content Warnings:

    GOSH. A lot. Smexy happens here. More spooky/abusive headmates. Arguing with lovers. Talk of possible mental assault and getting new headmate planted in head.

    Part of us rests, while another part sings.

    It¡¯s such a soft and quiet thing, this child¡¯s lullaby. We¡­ We''ve not sung for almost a decade. Not since¡­ Since the Old Cunt forced us to¡­ to do it for her and¡­

    <Shhh¡­> Part of us thrums while murmuring a soft low melody from our oldest memories. <You¡¯re safe. Everyone is safe.>

    And the other half considers refusing this comfort but¡­ Knows more than anything that the words are true things.

    This¡­ isn¡¯t true rest. There will still come a cost if the body and mind are not allowed to fall into sleep. But¡­ Part of us refuses. Can¡¯t face the Nightmares she knows will swallow her without the sanctuary of the Driftdream. And the other half doesn¡¯t know how to help with that.

    And so we compromised.

    Part of us rests as best she can, while another sings to her daughter. Motes of little blue light dance about our left palm and display Sikkina¡¯s sanctuary. Both the physical forest we wove and the threads about it. The impressive chamber previously meant to contain monsters thrumming with nothing but warmth and safety.

    We didn¡¯t bother scrubbing at our flesh, don¡¯t have the energy. Physical or mental. So we agreed to sit cross-legged in the middle of the shower and just¡­ let the water pour down on us like rain.

    Cold. So cold. Numbing the aches and pains away. Helping this feel like some type of true void when others might find in rest.

    But¡­ Even this must come to an end. Of course.

    <Seems one of Xafra¡¯s Dolls is piddling about outside the entrance to our Spire. Let me handle him?> Lynette informs me while ending her song. <All promises kept. Won¡¯t even know I¡¯m here until you feel comfortable sharing.>

    ¡°No.¡± I cut off the Physis display and end the cool wash of water. Then use a whiff of spell and will to dry me while moving to the main bedchamber. ¡°Schatzi, dear? I¡­ I don¡¯t know why but Calix is loafing about outside. I¡¯m going to go up and make sure someone else hasn¡¯t decided to¡­ to do something exhaustingly foolish.¡±

    "This one will wait for you, Mistress." She responds, beginning to undress and probably prepare properly for the night.

    I nod and end up wrapping myself in a simple robe and heading up the steps to find Calix just¡­ fiddling with some odd device just outside the entrance.

    ¡°Calix? Dear?¡± I ask carefully. ¡°Did you need something? Is¡­ is everyone alright?¡±

    He looks up with a smile, "Everything is quite well. This one came to see you both and brought a gift. Just finished it too!"

    I sigh with relief.

    <I¡¯d wake you if anything was amiss.> Lynette assures me. <You really could have let me handle him.>

    "I... that''s quite kind of you, Calix. Thank you. But... Schatzi is settling in for sleep so I''d rather not pull her from that. And, if I''m being honest, I''m soon to follow." I tilt my head while examining the gift still in his hands.

    "Schatzi?" He hands the device over. "This one wasn''t talking about Schatzi, though Mistress Xafra will likely come to speak with her tomorrow. Oh the device. This one calls it a Thaumeter. If you hold it while weaving, it can record the precise amount of Ousia used. Haven''t figured out how to handle Physis yet, but this one thinks it''s a decent start and felt like you might appreciate trying it out."

    Lynette goes still and quiet.

    Verbess then? Why would he want to talk with it? I blearily wonder while examining this marvel and calling up the barest fraction of Ousia to test this brilliant Doll''s work. No Einwandfrei, just a pop of energy to see if¡­

    The 5 tubes look to light up in sequence with a series of 9 small bulbs under each tube providing specificity by lighting up based on the exact amount. The tubes and bulbs appear to contain some sort of alchemical liquid as well as plant matter like algae. It seems to measure up to 99,999 Thaums.

    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ This is quite impressive.¡± I murmur. ¡°Honestly, Cracked and Riven Moon. This has so many uses. Well done. And¡­ What did you want Verbess up here for? Calling one sister is meeting the other nowadays.¡±

    "Sorry, this one has trouble being clear sometimes. This one just wanted a quick word with Mistress Elevar and Envoy Lynette.¡± He explains. ¡°You see, Mistress Xafra had a meeting with us just a bit ago and mentioned that this one has been leaky with his thoughts over the bond, and this one figured that he should also ask the one who could help with the other leaky one so he could sleep better but without being rude, you know?"

    At our names I go stiff, jerk up to miss whatever reading this thing displayed to stare wide eyed.

    Sh¨C she¡­ But¡­ Schatzi would never¡­

    <She didn¡¯t.> Lynette purrs in enraptured focus. <Let me speak to him.>

    No. I¡­ I don¡¯t¡­

    <I¡¯ll keep all my promises and yours. But I need you to trust me, like you had to below.> She presses.

    I hesitate, and carefully let her bubble up.

    ¡°Ah. You¡¯re hearing that Spire echo a bit, aren¡¯t you?¡± Lynette murmurs while relaxing our posture. ¡°Poor boy, apologies. I¡¯ll be sure to have those top floors you sleep in go into a bit of hibernation when you do. Is that acceptable?¡±

    He nods quickly. "Thank you Envoy Lynette. That would be appreciated. In return, this one will mention that Xafra told us about what happened earlier and mentioned that Mistress Elevar resonates differently to her Quills, more similar to Verbess and Schatzi than she did previously. So you all probably should talk about that at some point." And before we can respond he turns and starts to wander his way back to Xafra''s Spire.

    <Well¡­.> Lynette purrs while surrendering control. <That¡¯s¡­ interesting. Will have to sit down and peel more answers from that one¡¯s head. There is¡­ very little on him within the Loom¡¯s Archives.>

    ¡°Empty Skies.¡± I hiss as I move back into my Spire. Laying the contraption down on the table as I walk back down into my bed chambers. ¡°I wanted to tell her in¡­ in my time. After a few hour¡¯s pause and¡­ and start from the beginning and¡­¡±

    <There¡¯s at least a half-chance the fool boy didn¡¯t tell anyone.> She murmurs softly.

    ¡°Which is still a half a chance she knows everything!¡± I growl while crawling up onto the bed to sit up against the wall. ¡°Moonshite. Stupid old Cunt and¡­ and not caring to make sure her Dolls weren¡¯t¡­ weren¡¯t¡­¡±

    Lynette sighs. <But wasn¡¯t that just how she liked them?>

    I was going to say ¡®okay¡¯. I hiss and bonk my head against the backboard. Trying to¡­ to decide what to do.

    "Mistress," Schatzi murmurs quietly from beside me, "You''re stressed and tired, and this one would like to help you relieve the tension, if you wish."

    I almost jolt, so lost in my own mess that I didn¡¯t even notice that she¡¯d not redressed herself and had moved close.

    ¡°I¡­ b¨C but Schatzi¡­¡± I stammer, have to take a deep breath to regain some composure. ¡°You know what¡¯s inside my head now. You can¡¯t possibly¡­ possibly want¡­¡±

    Lynette huffs in annoyed mirth, but remains silent as I sputter in tired conflictions.

    "This one knows. This one is willing and prepared to accept the possibility of extra attention as long as limits are respected."

    I swallow, and let Lynette bubble out to say. ¡°Of course, dear one. I cannot fall into rest as Elevar can, but I will remain silent and detached to the limits allowed by our compromise.¡±

    "No, this one means... no permanent damage, no saying mean things, and no using the Tone. Otherwise this one is willing to... accommodate, to whatever extent Mistress Elevar is comfortable with."

    That catches Lynette a little off guard. Makes her pause and consider.

    ¡°It might be easier if¡­ if we were both here?¡± I whisper carefully to them. ¡°I know she''d never hurt you, either of you. Both because of her promise and... and because she loves you both so dearly. Even if she was never brave enough to say it."

    Lynette huffs, but doesn¡¯t voice disagreements. Only a soft... <If they''ll tolerate my presence.>

    Schatzi smiles and pokes us in the nose. "Miss Lynette, you''re not the Mistress, but that doesn''t mean this one can''t recognize that expression. You both know this one is no good at lying. This one is comfortable with you both being present and participating."

    That startles the fool gerl I share a mind with, but before she gets the chance to consider much else I pull us forward to cup Schatzi¡¯s cheek. ¡°Thank you for seeing through us so cleanly, Schatzi. Your Mistress and her new... compatriot would adore your attentions tonight.¡±

    "Good. This one is glad." Schatzi curls into me, sliding the robe I wear off.

    As she does that, we slide fingers up and through her hair. Enjoying the perfect smoothness of the texture while pulling her up to press soft lips of porcelain flesh into mine. Can¡¯t stop a soft purring sound of hunger from bubbling up as unfamiliar warmth radiates from my Doll. Nothing extreme just¡­ slow pulsing heat absent from past times with her.

    The Breaths changes? Or¡­ Xafra¡¯s Heart? Both?

    We don¡¯t know, will think to care later¡­

    With ease we push my Doll backwards, move hands to her wrists and pinning her to the quilts. Letting all the day''s terrors, fury, pains, and anxieties boil up into just¡­ raw desire. A tapestry of hungers weaving for this wonderful gerl who¡­

    <Who doesn''t hate me?> Lynette whispers after our thought trails off into disparate directions.

    Something twists deep inside us as I move our lip''s affections to Schatzi''s neck and jaw. Lynette growling softly in confusion at these rising realizations. Our heart aching as teeth nibble gently over tender Dollflesh. A small sob smothered by a growl of desire when lips brush familiar porcelain curves and dips in her gorgeous Frame.

    Parts of Schatzi''s ideal form as familiar and comfortable to us as our own knit flesh.

    She struggles weakly against me while feigning mewling and whimpers, the bond thrumming with¡­ things. Things I wish so desperately to bask in. Probably excitement and delight and¡­ and a mess of such wonderful and interesting emotions!

    But¡­ no. Have to keep those tethers bound tight to keep myself sealed off. Can¡¯t risk what could leak through.

    Lynette sighs in annoyed hunger but¡­ doesn¡¯t distract us. Instead murmurs a simple, <So¡­ old fashioned way then?>

    In agreement, I spin a simple weaving I¡¯ve done hundreds of times before. Flooding the quilts about Schatzi¡¯s hands with my Physis and letting them twist about her wrists as we drag nails down delicate arms. Eventually raking patterns about side and hips and teasing around breasts as our lips move to hover over a nipple. Letting warm slow breaths wash over it while my Doll squirms and wiggles a bit beneath us.

    "There we go. Enjoy this with me. It is this one''s pleasure to serve." She breathes.

    Our reply is a purr of barely repressed acceptance as we lean down to dance tongue and teeth and lips over her breast. Never enough to hurt her but¡­ well even I¡¯m not bothering with slow regard now. Letting nails drag down to hips and thighs and just barely avoiding even more sensitive areas.

    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    After a few moments of this¡­ an odd division jerks us in two directions. Not a thing of split desires but¡­

    ¡°Schatzi, we¡¯d like your face between our legs as we pleasure you in¡­ in turn.¡± I whisper, trying to keep my voice steady. Even. ¡°Is that alright with you?¡±

    Hesitation and confusion cross her face before she agrees wholeheartedly. "Yes please, this one would enjoy that very much."

    And so we move up to straddle her face, leaning back and around to touch her gaze with mine, I murmur, ¡°This still comfortable?¡±

    She blushes and nods before focusing her attention on my body.

    Carefully. I insist, we lower ourselves down while stretching over my Doll like some big grakler. Gliding down past the belly and hips to settle our head between her legs. Shiver as we feel her mouth meet my second lips and barely repress the urge to¡­ to¡­

    Fine. I sigh and let Lynette just¡­ indulge our weary-born lack of patience. Pressing close and deep between this Gerl¡¯s legs to begin enjoying her. Letting my tongue explore and taste all the wonderful textures and flavors of my Doll while¡­ while she does the same.

    Soft yet firm flesh, of course woven to feel just¡­ perfect. Almost as perfect as the lips currently between my own legs.

    <Mmmm.> Lynette purrs in agreement while we drag tongue through the folds of Schatzi¡¯s cunt. Eventually causing us both to tremble and gasp into my Doll as Schatzi finds even more sensitive places to enjoy with her own mouth.

    ¡°Such a good Gerl.¡± We breathe together, before promptly beginning to nibble and bite softly. Searching for¡­

    Ah, there it is. And we stop indulging any manner of coy slowness and press deeper still into her. Not willing to let Schatzi bury us beneath her workings and miss out on the pleasure we so desperately want to give her today. Use this spell of motion and energy and speed to let us keep up with her tireless workings.

    She¡­ she still turns us into a puddle of shivering nonsense before we can do the same to her. Which¡­ is to be expected. Honestly. Schatzi is a Gerl of many hard-learned skills and peerless focus when I¡¯m not getting in her way. But with this spell we manage to drag her along close behind. Soon feel her wriggle and whimper beneath us.

    I... I try to sit us up but... but feel something give and I tumble off and to the side of Schatzi. Breathing heavily and still shaking. Only the spell woven keeping me awake, I suspect.

    Schatzi moves up beside me, lifts me to the middle of the bed and sets me down with my head on her chest. "Mistress Elevar, Miss Lynette, you don''t need to tell this one what is causing you both such stress but this one is here to listen if it will help. otherwise, this one is also here to be a safe place for you to rest."

    <End it, Elevar.> Lynette presses. <Then spin the one of undisturbed rest.>

    C¨C can¡¯t. I murmur back while tiredly shaking our head. Won¡¯t.

    She huffs and considers¡­ <May I speak with her?>

    Lynette pulses with nothing but focused worry so¡­

    ¡°Schatzi, dear? I¡¯m trying to get her to end this spell of energy, but she¡¯s stubborn.¡± Lynette whispers. ¡°Can you do me a favor? Hold your Mistress here through the night? Don¡¯t let me take us anywhere or¡­ or whatever else she might object to?¡±

    "Truthfully, Miss Lynette, this one was already planning on such, and thus clarified earlier that you were desired to remain as well. This one remembers how much trouble you were capable of getting into. And... how much that capability has only grown in Mistress Elevar."

    <See?>

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ I know that.¡± I huff and nuzzle closer into her. ¡°I¡­ Tonight is going to be hard. I¡­ I¡¯m not¡­ Normally I¡¯d rely on Xafra¡¯s Driftdream but I can¡¯t and¡­ I don¡¯t want to Dream about Her! About Yselda. Am a coward who... who would rather endure weeks of exhaustion than those Nightmares. Especially after today. After what I had to see down there.¡±

    Hundreds and hundreds of memory echoes just¡­ strutting about. So real and washing through me as I struggled to filter and consider the best way to save Xafra¡¯s daughter. Would have fallen into pieces as my own recollections bubbled up and¡­ and been unable to do anything to save Sikkina if¡­ if¡­

    Lynette winces at that. She... she may be me but that''s something she''s never suffered. Her weaving lacks the intimate knowledge of everything after the morning I woke up to find the Cunt had Garroted me. The outline is there, the understanding it happened and even a great deal of anger at the betrayal. But none of the triggers or... or limitations that spawned from it.

    "Mistress..."  distress and fear cloud her features as Schatzi seems to struggle with a decision. "This one has been having ideas, thoughts appear without understanding where they come from. Utterly Witchless behavior, but... the ideas seem to work and... This one thinks she can help you sleep dreamlessly, like how this one grew these horns."

    The Warden is gifting her Schema for changes she wants?

    I turn up to stare at her as a desperate hope blossoms, ¡°R¨C really? I¡­ I¡¯d adore letting you at least try.¡±

    "Okay. Um. This one is... sorry if this doesn''t work. Are you ready?"

    I roll on my back and reach up to touch her cheek. ¡°Just¡­ just knowing you tried and¡­ and that you¡¯ll both be here when I wake up will help. Thank you, and¡­ yes. I¡¯ll end the spell and trust you all to keep things steady till I wake up.¡±

    Deep breath, and I let the magic of the spell fade.

    <Rest well.> Lynette whispers as I settle.

    Darkness gathering and¡­

    Nothing.

    I¡­ I know time has passed from the stiffness in my flesh and bones but¡­

    <Good morning, Elevar.> Lynette murmurs softly as she notices my rousing. <I take it you slept well?>

    I blearily open my eyes to gaze up at the wonderful Gerl who still holds me. ¡°Th¨C thank you, Schatzi.¡±

    And¡­ and good morning, Lynette. Any flames get lit while I was resting?

    <No. Everyone is safe.> She replies.

    I sigh in such relief. ¡°Wonderful. Perfect actually. Well done Gerls. Not a flitter from the void to haunt me. That¡¯s¡­ that¡¯s such a wonderful relief. Thank you all.¡±

    "So it worked then? This one is so happy to hear that." Schatzi responds.

    ¡°As am I.¡± I push myself to sit and¡­ ¡°Cracked and Riven Moon, I''m going to need a shower.¡± I huff, letting a spinning of Physis clean us both a bit. ¡°Let¡­ Would you mind terribly letting Xafra know I¡¯m up and about and¡­ and available? When or if she or others might need me once I¡¯ve spent a bit cleaning and regathering myself?¡±

    A pause, and "She says that she would love to see you if you''d like to head over, but she''s currently starting the initial construction of a base form and would rather not interrupt the process unless it''s urgent. She also says that she has news to discuss but that you likely are already aware?"

    I nod. ¡°Sounds agreeable to me. Thank you dear. Would you find me comfortable to wear and¡­ and maybe something I can eat while walking over?¡±

    "Yes, Mistress." She deftly rummages through the dresser and brings over a simple long sleeve blouse and knee length skirt.

    I let the shower drag on as long as feels appropriate, which then takes longer as Lynette insists on us checking in on Sikkina, which... amidst the dancing motes of warmth and calm of my Little Archive I¡­ I of course let her bubble up and sing to her daughter again.

    Only a single passage of the melody this time but¡­ but the way Sikkina seems to wibble and wobble in tune with her words just¡­ almost makes me agree to another.

    <But¡­ let''s attend to our responsibilities.> Lynette sighs and presses me forward.

    And soon we¡¯re approaching Xafra¡¯s Spire, some fruits we barely taste in hand as I trek across the star laden pathways in the attire Schatzi chose for us. Soon to find the gerl exactly where she said she¡¯d be. Neck deep in a bath of mud.

    The form looks incomprehensible at first but slowly resolves as the muck slides away to be... a Doll. Gorgeous white ceramic plates with red cloth underlay on a humanoid frame, she still has the same red eyes and looks like a doll made for manual labor. "Heya Love."

    I grab a stool and pull it up to sit next to her. ¡°Hi love. Your form looks a delight, Doll craft as the base?¡±

    "Mmhm. It seems prudent to have a Doll form. I''m planning on asking Schatzi for advice on using the Breath to mask my Ousia and Physis."

    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea. Warden seems to feed her Schema for ideas she wants.¡± I reply, ¡°Helped me sleep well. Which was nice.¡±

    "Calix... Spoke to myself and Adaline last night. Mentioned a few things that are... concerning."

    Lynette, thankful, restrains her ire to let me speak without distraction.

    ¡°It¡­ Yes.¡± Deep breath, keep it simple. Let her ask questions as she considers the shape of things. ¡°I¡¯d assumed he would tell you some of the things he heard. I¡¯m not sure but¡­ I understand you¡¯ve puzzled some of it together. I¡­ I found her. Sikkina. Worked things out with the Estate before things got worse for her. Compromised. And¡­ and it grew someone inside of me to ensure I could fulfill my end of the agreement. Become the Blossom it could work with.¡±

    Kept my promises. Did anything and everything and survived it all besides.

    "I... what? that''s... okay. We can and will talk about that afterwards, but I meant that apparently the other Groves have been informed of you taking over?"

    I sigh and nod. ¡°I know. Would have loved to stop that but¡­ well. We couldn¡¯t hide here forever. Was hoping for at least three decades before someone started demanding something only the Blossom could get but¡­ well it¡¯s done. I¡¯ll manage the Grove¡¯s when they reach out.¡±

    "Okay. That''s why this form, at least partially. I also asked Adaline to look up information about the precise rules and limitations regarding dollcraft, so that in the event of any sort of inspection, we can all... pass muster if needed."

    I can¡¯t help but chuckle at that. ¡°So long as you don¡¯t slip away you¡¯ll be alright, no envoy from the Groves would want to enter here. Too much of a risk. Most we might need to do is chase off Thresher scouts they might send into the jungles. Remind the cunts that this isn¡¯t their territory. No. They''ll just... want to know what kind of bitch killed the past two gerls living here. Might even take them more than a few weeks to discover who Elevar even is. Hopefully after initial treaties are woven in wood and Ousia. Any talks will happen on the Root ways.¡±

    "Oh. well. This form can still be... useful." She seems very relieved and slightly disappointed.

    ¡°It¡¯s wonderful, actually.¡± I assure her. ¡°And after Schatzi possibly helps you discover a method to hide your Ousia it¡¯ll mean you can travel with us without worry. And¡­ It¡¯s also cute. I hope you¡¯re comfortable in it.¡±

    "It feels interesting so far. comfortable but odd." The faceplates clack together softly. "The other thing Calix mentioned is that you were... Cultivated." her voice becomes gentle, concerned. "You were... assaulted?"

    I pause at that, considering. ¡°I¡­ would not use that term for it. But¡­ It¡­ it wasn¡¯t pleasant. I had to¡­ it needed me different. But even this place has limits to what it can do. I¡¯m not what I was before Yselda¡¯s Garrote. Had I insisted Schatzi or¡­ or Verbess carry me below the day I killed the cunt then¡­ but they didn¡¯t and I¡¯m glad they didn¡¯t. But it kept rejecting me last night and¡­ and Sikkina was already breaking my little Archive and leaking into me so¡­ So we came to a compromise. It would bond to me through a glyph that acts as a pathway to which my mind would work without the scars. Sort of¡­ channel what I would have been if Yselda hadn¡¯t broken me. She is me and I am her. If I need something from the Estate I ask this new person inside of me, and if the Estate or her needs something she asks me. I¡­ I¡¯m not sure if that makes any sense? Am I talking nonsense?¡±

    The hands that grasp the edges of the basin clench as I start talking, cracking the tub, but relax and settle as I continue, the faceplates solid and unreadable.

    "I am so very sorry. I... put you into an unfair position and you... thank you." Her voice is quiet, grave and holding back a wash of emotions.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine, should have¡­ have done it¡­¡±

    Lynette growls. <No. You handled things very nearly perfectly. Do not apologize.>

    I sigh and look down and away. ¡°Honestly, the irony of this being the price is¡­ quite appropriate. Could have been worse. Was actually worried this place would try and implant some horrid replica of the old Cunt in my head. I¡­ I don¡¯t think I could have survived very long like that. This¡­ I can deal with this. She¡¯s a cunt too but¡­ but one I know all too well. Laid stitching below to keep her from using my magic and¡­ and can keep her from bubbling up and taking over anything but my mouth so long as I¡¯m awake and focusing. Not sure they''ll stop her from using my new Witch Tone but... she knows how badly that would erode the compromise.¡±

    "I have questions. Concerns still. Not sure where to start. I assume you do as well. both of you perhaps?"

    <Only a few¡­> Lynette murmurs dangerously. <But she can start.>

    I nod and look up to give her a smile. ¡°Of course. Ask away. I¡­ I¡¯m not sure you¡¯re going to enjoy it when I gather the courage to let you two converse but¡­ we¡¯ll manage it.¡±

    "Okay. In order of importance then. Did Sikkina''s shell harm you, when she started leaking through?"

    ¡°A little, nothing the Estate couldn¡¯t stitch right. She um¡­ was quite hungry. Tore through everything else within my little Archive in about half an hour.¡± I assure her with a wince of regret and move past the pain of that. ¡°Honestly I would have let the wounds heal on their own within a few weeks but we needed to focus and the Estate needed me clean of¡­How did it phrase it? The bites she left?¡±

    <Infected anomalies.> Lynette supplies.

    "That. Yes. Thank you." I nod and continue. "Infected Anomalies, to make sure we could set up Sikkina''s Sanctuary while I also finished my defensive stitching. It... the timing was important, and I was already running out of it by that point."

    "Damn. She¡­" Xafra sighs. "She wasn''t hungry. I didn''t have time to alter her shell. Was so focused on making sure she could be a person instead of a weapon. That when it was time, she could have a good foundation instead of how I had originally made her.  My apologies for the damages. Please, do not hold them against her. She is innocent. Not yet even gestated. It is my fault."

    "Of course not. She''s just a child looking for nourishment. Or... or something like it." I nod. "Was just glad I had room for her in the Archive while we forged a better place for her. And you... you could have warned me better but... but it''s not..." Such a hiss of fury from Lynette causes me to wince and cut off the words.

    <The more you coddle her the more I''ll bite when it''s my turn to speak.> She warns.

    "I could have. Yes." Her tone turns biting, cold. "And you could have told me that the home you were taking me into is a sapient being of absurd scale that has the ability and proclivity to strip autonomy from people. The one thing I find repellant more than any other considering my history. That said, being would..." Xafra stills for a few heartbeats. "We all made omissions. Mea culpa, my Mistress. The Divines know I have made many mistakes, and unfortunately will likely make many more. This other you, how does she prefer to be addressed?"

    Lynette lets out a hissing cackle as I look away. Unable to meet Xafra¡¯s red-stone gaze.

    ¡°You¡¯re right I¡­ I should have told you sooner. About it. About me. About the kind of person I was.¡± I whisper. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I just¡­ Was going to get your help in figuring out how to handle this place. But I wanted to do it slowly. In steps. You fooled it enough that¡­ that I¡­ Hoped maybe you could take it from me eventually. Claim it and¡­ and change it. Like you helped her Dolls.¡±

    <Too late for that.> Lynette whispers. <Answer her question.>

    ¡°But I couldn¡¯t risk telling you everything. Not right away. You might have¡­ have seen...¡±

    <Deep breaths, stupid Half-Knit.> She purrs as I have to stop and take her advice. <The tides are here, nothing to do but face the waves or flee.>

    ¡°But I¡¯m rambling. I¡¯m sorry." I finish and look back up to meet her gaze. "Her name is Lynette."

    "Okay. And she''s you. But not entirely. By that name, I''d assume a reconstitution of your past self. Is that close?" Xafra has calmed, swallowed down whatever venom was threatening to spit forth.

    "What I would still be if things had gone differently, Yes." I nod.

    "Then I only have one more pressing question. Are you happier being Elevar, than being Lynette?"

    "My happiness is not a thing worth..." I sigh and look down at my hands. "Lynette was a person Yselda helped me become, and I adored it. As for Elevar... It was a name I remembered from a storybook and liked as a child. The... the character was a kind woman. Didn''t have a cruel bone in her body. Don''t know why I blurted it out as mine one day when I really did not want to face a Grove as First Floret Lynette. I''m nothing like the storybook Gerl, but... I''m not sure. I''ve kept it close as the years past and the Soul Rot consumed me. I''m not sure I want to pursue my own happiness anymore Xafra, not... not when I can help others find theirs."

    "Alright. Thank you. You or Lynette can ask whatever you would like as well." At that, she stands and steps out of the basin, carefully whisking all the mud back into it before dressing in a simple robe.

    <MY turn.> Lynette purrs.

    ¡°I¡­¡±

    <Elevar¡­> She hisses.

    ¡°Just¡­ I¡¯m guessing the Breath settled alright?¡± Pushing past her anger I add, ¡°Meeting your um¡­ Well now calling it what I did before seems properly disrespectful. Allaga¨ª? Was that its name? Felt like a name when it spoke. Does it often say more than that?¡±

    She stumbles. "D?mmerung spoke to you? I''ve... heard that they do when sufficiently interested, but the three times I''ve communed they said nothing. Allaga¨ª¡­ change/trade/exchange/catalyst. That is likely the proper name for the Breath. Yes, it settled. I didn''t realize I needed three to maintain my Warlord form. I was under the mistaken impression that two would be sufficient."

    Lynette seethes while I distract us with this.

    ¡°Mhm. To Schatzi and Verbess too.¡± I nod. ¡°It¡­ called me a ¡®child of sin¡¯ and a ¡®daughter¡¯ and¡­ gave me enough Breath for myself and Sikkina¡¯s cradle. Then called Schatzi and Verbess ¡®lost daughter¡¯ and told them to ¡®be welcome¡¯.¡±

    "Child of sin... I don''t understand that, but... I''ve been told that when D?mmerung speaks, they refer to whatever humans they are speaking to as their children. I don''t know what they meant by the other things either." Xafra laughs, rather uncannily from the brutalist Doll design, "I apologize, none of those who make up my gestalt were foolish enough to be priests of any stripe."

    ¡°Our last day makes me agree with you on the foolishness of worshiping them. Not sure I enjoy the feeling of being a bug landing on some big monster¡¯s nose. Equal chance it¡¯ll ignore me as it might squish me.¡± I nod while leaning forward to rest my chin on my palm. ¡°But... I''m glad it gave us more of this Allaga¨ª for you all."

    "Yes. The Divines are best treated like... I guess the Tides are the closest equivalent in these days. To be respected, feared, and only approached when necessary."

    <There. Done. Dirt Godthing explained.> Lynette growls. <Now, Let me talk.>

    ¡°Um¡­ Well I know you probably need more rest.¡± I nod and rise. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t want to¡­ to impose. You¡¯re safe, and that¡¯s what matters. I¡¯ll be about if you need anything. Of course.¡±

    "Love.¡± Xafra intones softly. ¡°You''re being impolite. If Lynette is anything like you are now, she wants to scream at me for something. What specifically, I''m not certain, but I know I''ve made a vast array of mistakes lately.¡±

    I shake my head. ¡°I¡­ Don¡¯t think I want to inflict her on you. Not¡­¡±

    <It. Will. Be. WORSE. If you don¡¯t let me do this now.> She purrs. <You know that. Know how I will simply¡­ discover new ways to hurt her out of sheer spite for you stopping me. I am annoyed right now, do not tip me into being malicious.>

    "My Mate... are you scared for me, or worried I will judge you?"

    ¡°Both?¡± I let out a terrified giggle. ¡°And I know it''ll be worse the longer I hold her back. So... so if you insist I''ll let her speak. Just... just please be careful? Be kind to one another? Don''t... We can make this work. I still think that. Wouldn''t have let myself leave the Undercroft without believing that."

    "I will do my best."

    <I have made my promises.> Lynette sighs.

    And so¡­ I take a deep breath, and let the cunt that was me bubble up.

 Chapter 45: Naught But Salt From Ashes (Blade)

    Naught But Salt From Ashes (Blade)

    Content Warnings:

    Self harm. Headmates being rude. Talk of losing and selling and stealing children. um.... problems in relationship! YUP! Big murples. Gosh.

    I wait for the blow, uncertain how it will land but confident that it is deserved. It''s... obvious when Lynette rises from my Witchling. Not... she''s not a new person. But... It''s like watching a woman shed years of age off her mind as a predatory confidence mantles about her features. Scars and trauma plucked free like dirt as her eyes go from barely repressed terror into cold focused considerations of me.

    A pause, then she speaks with a voice that carries an almost melodic thrum to it. "I adore the name you chose for her." She smirks, "Sikkina. Perfect. A name that rolls off the tongue like the finest wines, drips with grace, and all while being simple. In both meaning and interpretation. Well done. Was delighted the moment I saw it glowing across her form within the threads.¡±

    I nod in confusion, "I named her in Salzige. Wanted her to have one that harkens to more than just destruction, but... will remind her of me.¡±

    "Even better. We often have to remember our parents in some regard, and this is in a manner that I think is good. Giving her room to be inspired to grow past while also admiring the woman that brewed her." She replies with nothing but agreement and... well not warmth but... earnestness? "I''m impressed, but that''s no surprise. I''d be disappointed if such a woman of your hard-fought abilities did less.¡±

    "Am I?" I ask softly.

    "Are you what?" She tilts her head in confusion while moving to sit on the edge of the tub.

    "Am I a woman?¡±

    She quirks an eyebrow, "Last I was informed. Did you decide you''d rather shed that? Or... is this some worry about being unworthy of the mantle of womanhood? If it''s the first I''ll gladly change my words, if not the sentiments.¡±

    "I was mostly curious about your perspective. You are Lynette after all, the woman Yselda shaped. I am not wise, but I''m not blind to what clearly went on here... How my kin were treated. Regardless, please, ask your question or offer your chastisements as you wish.¡±

    Her smile grows, "Oh. I am so much more than that now, but we''re not here to discuss my nature. That''s not a thing you''d enjoy, I think. I''d like to discuss our daughter, if you still aim to claim the mantle of parent to her with me, that is.¡±

    I blink, torn between lunging at her and fleeing. "I see." and so the hammer falls. "Will you... keep her safe? Let her be not just a person but her own person? Give her... a happy childhood?"

    She sighs, gives me such a warm look of pity. "Xafra, dear, I would slaughter anyone and everyone on these grounds if I thought any of you a threat to her freedom or happiness. Save... mayhaps one. But I would do everything in my power to make sure they were broken away from that.¡±

    "I still don''t understand how you did it. How you stole my unborn daughter from me through Calix. It shouldn''t have been possible but it doesn''t matter. Whatever it costs me personally, I will pay, just... let her be happy.¡±

    This frame cannot weep. It does not show emotions. It does not deserve sympathy.

    "Stole? I stole nothing," She narrows her eyes as the first sparks of anger flare in her tone. "And I do not sell children, Xafra. If you wish to be her mother, desire to be a parent to the wonderful gerlthing you wove, then say so. If you find yourself unwilling to be to her what you never had, then claim that. I will voice no judgements to either. Her happiness and freedom are never things I will barter, and I''ll not see her raised under the care of a wretched parent.¡±

    "A difference of perspective then. I offered to free an entity inside of a vast and terrible beast, only to find out it was a trick. I sent my daughter''s egg free while I fell into captivity, and when released by my mate learned that my daughter has been implanted due to instructions from one whom the beast whispers to. I then learn that when my mate went to rescue my daughter in turn, this selfsame beast of an Estate created you from my mates past memories to be more compatible, and find that you consider her your daughter as well, and yet... Sikkina is still in the viscera of the beast, sworn to be safe but beyond my reach. Perhaps you see it differently. but... I don''t know you."

    I pause for a moment, "I know so very little. I want to be her mother... and yet. What kind of mother makes a child as a weapon? I have so much to learn and unlearn and so little time now before she is born.¡±

    She nods carefully. All anger gone as she murmurs. "Ah, cursed by an almost... comical amount of errors into an early birthing you are woefully unprepared for." She huffs out a chuckle then. "So beyond most gerls yet... still somehow caught into the same loops. What a delight. You''ll not believe my explanations and assurances, but... we can build trust I suppose. Let the results speak to my methods." Then she lifts her left palm up. "Elevar, would you be a dear and-"

    A pop of blue motes, and a slurry of information is displayed above her palm.

    "Perfect, thank you." Lynette nods. "This is the Sanctuary I wove from one of the below chambers, and within... is my Sikkina. Safe and growing. Surrounded by a feast of knowledge and bisected Nightmares. All quite shredded. But filled with context and framing she can use to regard the world as she will.¡±

    "Thank you" I whisper, eyes only for the daughter I don''t deserve.

    Lynette rises slowly. Then carefully approaches. Stops about three short paces away and holds the Physis working out and up. Giving me an even better view of Sikkina''s Sanctuary. "I think you will be such a wonderful mother to her, Xafra." She whispers. "I will not make you my Floret yet, but come to myself or Elevar anytime you wish to see your child. And if you are exceptionally lucky... I might even let you hear me sing to her."

    A pause, then Elevar is swaying, sputtering, and as surprised as I am to be returned to the front of things. "I... I''m sorry I... Cracked and Riven Moon! You CUNT!¡±

    "What? I don''t understand.¡±

    "Manipulative... Warn me next time you''re just going to... to pull away!" Elevar huffs and takes a half-step back, but keeps the Physis of her Little Archive steady. "Apologies. She... This is a direct link to her Sanctuary. Will pass through even the outer Thorn Wall. It... we can... it lets her and myself make sure Sikkina''s okay. Alter and adjust things if needed. Lynette refuses to give you the ability to go below again for the moment, but... will let you come to us to check on her whenever you like.¡±

    I shudder. "Until I know her better, I would rather not be subjected to her tender mercies¡± I chew on my thoughts, accepting my discomfort as irrelevant. "I would rather that... our... daughter be brought up here, but I recognize that she is likely safest where she is. For now.¡±

    She nods. "Lynette is possessive, protective of all she claims, and... and she knows you. Knows that you''d not listen to anything she''d have to say and simply run off with Sikkina at first chance. I don''t like her, don''t imagine she''ll make..." She winces. "Fine. Yes, you''ll at least be better than our mothers, but that doesn''t mean you''d be a good mother, you cunt." She snaps at Lynette before continuing. "But... She''s prepared things for her. Seen your weaknesses and... and is weaving gifts for the day Sikkina is born to ensure she won''t suffer the things you have.¡±

    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

    "There''s something... amusing about that. She''s wrong." I crouch down, stirring the alchemical mud with a clawtip. "Even If she brought Sikkina up, and I was able to leave, which I am not. I would not. I will not leave my kin in chains. It is anathema to my being to an extent I don''t believe either of you fully grasp, so I will spell it out for you.¡±

    I lift a small amount of the mud out and begin shaping it with both hands, not looking up at her. "If Lynette overtakes you without your consent and I am not able to recover you, I will kill you both, and Lynette will be the first I add to my gestalt unwillingly. Better death than perpetual enslavement. I am willing to work with her, I even consider her... mmmm. Heh. Mine. My responsibility. But that does not mean that I am powerless here, ironic that the Estate itself gave me a path to further strength. Lunargent. It laces my form. Makes me finally immune to the Tone." With my precise claws, I craft a poppet, barely the size of one of Elevar''s hands and twist Physis to pull the moisture from it.

    Elevar''s eyes go wide, tears bubble as she finally loses focus on the Little Archive. "You... the Moonwaste? It... You''re finally safe? Even from a Tone like Yselda''s!?!¡±

    "Yes. The bindings you saw still hold me, but no more can be ever laid. No Garrote or anything similar unless I permit it.¡±

    "Good. Empty Skies. That''s..." She nods, has to move to sit once again. Waits a few seconds before whispering. "If she was lying. If she does infest and eat me. Don''t curse yourself with... with what''s left. Please. Just kill us and let what I was rot in the dirt like Yselda is.¡±

    I nod in understanding, but not in agreement. "Regardless. She is much more human than the Witches I knew before. Both literally and in her ability for compassion. When you are ready to... let lose your grip, I can provide a duplicate of my entire Driftdream library for you both within a sliver of Lunargent wrapped in my iron.¡±

    She glares at the far wall, "Compassion? I... I''m not sure she feels that. If she felt petty cruelty would have worked she''d have used it. But in this case she found soft words to be the path to placate and keep you close. I..." She pauses, and then snarls to Lynette''s unspoken words. "I KNOW THAT! It makes this worse, not better, you salt guzzling Half-Knit!" Another deep breath, then Elevar murmurs. "Apologies. Thank you for this. I''m... not sure it is a good idea, but it means all the world that you still offer it.¡±

    On almost reflex I snap, "Don''t call her that. Either of you.¡± A pause, then I soften my words. "I don''t doubt Lynette is capable of cruelty or pettiness, as you still are. But I''m choosing to trust. To try and make a change in my own path. I do have a question I''d like you both to think on though. You don''t need to tell me the answer, just... consider. Could Lynette choose to sever herself from the Estate if she wanted to? Is she even capable of wanting to do so, or is she... more like me than she is likely comfortable admitting?" I hold out the little clay poppet. "Not bad for a first attempt. Probably need to use a different material if I''m going to try and make any sort of decent toys for our daughter.¡±

    Elevar stares down at my working, caught between a mess of emotions. "I... think she could sever free. Never would, of course. She... this place is hers. By rights of us killing Yselda. It... She insists we''d probably not survive a fissure from this place," She pauses and sighs. "And... more nonsense. Thinly veiled threats to you and those you''ve come to love if you try to force that, I suspect. As for the... the rest. We''ll keep our deprecations to ourselves, unless the other is being exceedingly horrid or stupid." She reaches out carefully, touches just the foot of my creation. "She''s also... saying that for a child who will likely swim between Dreams and Root Ways and Farther Shores still... her silent friend best be durable. Is willing to provide Moonwaste and even Iron if you will record and share methods to forge such things into safe and useful shapes.¡±

    "I would not force such a fissure unless there was no other option. I would rather you both... consider kindness to each other. Self loathing is an ugly thing for lesser beings, unsuitable for both the mother of my child and my mate... as for my knowledge, like I said, you both may have it all. Everything I know is recorded in my library. All of my thoughts, the memories of those that went into my forging, and everything since. I have... never had the opportunity to create something myself, so what I learn I will gladly share.¡±

    "It''s not..." She huffs and shakes her head, pulling back from my creation. "It really is lovely, my N?herin, as is everything you weave. I... I''ll think about your..." She narrows her eyes. "You can''t be serious. No. I... That''s..." She closes her eyes, reaches up to rub at the bridge of her nose. "Moonshite. Fine. Lynette wants to... to... bribe me. Us. to get me to agree to this private Dreaming space with you.¡±

    "The offer is open for when you are ready. I also... have a request. For Lynette.¡±

    "Fine I... I''m just going to let her..." Elevar pauses, and then her other half bubbles up to turn and smirk at me. "Oh? What boon would you ask me to grant you?¡±

    "Next time you head out, beyond the Jungle... Bring me back a volunteer. Not a slave, or one blackmailed, but a human beyond hope, so I can test if my resheathing techniques still work in the wake of the Moon''s demise.¡±

    "Oh. Hm... Seems a waste of time, but so did half your magic and schemes till they worked..." She purses lips and considers this, tip-taping the basin. "Honestly the Threshers will probably have some poor sot drug here soon. I could possibly be persuaded to gift them to you. Or... no. There is a half-chance they''re some criminal or broken bandit. Which you''d object to, unfortunately. Hmm....¡±

    "I''ll take them too. Give them the choice.¡±

    She eyes me, "It barely seems a choice. Become Half-Knit or become a Doll." Then she pauses, seems... actually conflicted. "I won''t Garrote them, of course, but... I will offer them a mercy she did not. Death.¡±

    "Them being able to choose between participating and death is sufficient for my purposes. If it works they will have their ideal form, not one of my making. if it doesn''t, they die. I need to test, before I even consider offering such to you both, that you may have a form that shifts between your two ideals.¡±

    "Aaaahhhh. You really are too kind, dear Xafra." Lynette sighs, real annoyance playing across her features. "But... Elevar was worried I might have the Estate whittle away at her wards. So she anchored them through flesh and marrow and memory. Our form will resist changes and spend Ousia to reknit into this shape. Some minor alterations will probably stick for longer but..." She shrugs, "I can try teaching her to adore this form again, but if she wants more she''ll have to trust me and unweave these wards. Which..." Then she turns to give me a playful smirk. "Be a dear, and help me convince her, alright? We''ve always wanted to go beyond what even Yselda could offer. Had entire journals full of¨C"

    A whip-crack, and Elevar is back. Cutting off Lynette''s words with a snarl. "No. If you''re going to distract from your offer then I will make it.¡±

    "Hahah,¡± I chuckle mirthlessly as my Witchling recovers. ¡°No Lynette, I will offer myself and all my knowledge, but I won''t risk any others of mine to you until I can actually trust you.¡±

    My words calm Elevar, "Thank you. And... she''s offering you the spell the Estate first used to catch you. Gifted at the gates to the Driftdream. The Wurzelriss. Useless to most Witches due to its ridiculous Ousia cost even when cast at near flawless efficiency. It... It creates a Fold between the roots, or a link to one that you know the tune of. And depending on the amount of Physis and Ousia spent can create incredibly large spaces unreachable to most. It''s honestly what I thought your Driftdream was at first. I would just... give it to you in writing but... It would probably take me years and thrice as many tomes to get it down.¡±

    "I don''t understand what that means. Was it not an actual chamber down there?¡±

    "Right... so it''s a real space but... without a location in this world. Not a Dream, but.... similar to yours in that it has Physicality without being a..." She trails off in a huff, shakes her head. "I''m too tired to explain it properly. I''ll send you..." Another pause, then a hiss. "Right. Can''t do that either. Well, I need to visit Yselda''s Spire anyway. Let''s hope she had one of the three good manuals on the Folds. Cracked and Riven Moon." She rises to stand to regard the weeping Sun''s placement outside. "Simple answer. Yes. As real as the Moonwaste you consumed from within. Physical, but hidden between and beneath the Folds of our world. Like how words disappear when you close the book.¡±

    "Uh huh, and you consider my magic calling on D?mmerung nonsense, when you''re talking about folding existence like paper." I shake my head in bewilderment and clack my faceplates. "I am interested, but it is your decision.¡±

    "Honestly, you''re right. I hate magic like this. Literally hurts to think about. Nonsense of the highest order." Elevar sighs while smirking at my expression, "She''s bribing me above my ability to decline, unfortunately. Might as well fleece her for the opportunity. She already means to make sure it''s a thing Sikkina knows, and finds the idea of you getting trapped in another fold unacceptable. The working will also provide a way out of any place like the Archive so long as you have the Ousia for it and no Fold tuned wards were laid, which this Estate is the only place I''ve seen do that.¡±

    "Alright then. Once you''re ready to... let me in, I can bring you both into the Driftdream. It is going to be a bit... disorganized, I haven''t had a chance to do pruning since my confinement.¡±

    "That''s alright. I''m going to think over it all for at least a week while I find those books and... and see what else the old Cunt kept of mine in her Spire." She nods, smile turns a bit more painful. "And... Thank you. You''ve taken all this with more patience than I deserve, and... truly. Anytime you want to see your daughter, come to me. Day or night. I will not bar you from checking in on her.¡±

    "One last question, if I could... two actually.¡±

    "Of course, always." She agrees without hesitation.

    "Do you know when I can resume the process of removing the Garrote on the rest of the Dolls? Also, when things settle, Primrose has her heart set on gathering materials for more paint and I was hoping you''d be up for taking us on a bit of a jaunt?¡±

    "At your leisure on the Dolls, I''ll... none of the ones remaining should cause problems and you''ve proven that your method works." Elevar nods. "And... I can take you out... in a few days? The jungles will have regrown as well so you can feast again. Will be a good chance too since we''ll probably have visitors in a few weeks and I don''t want them getting spooked by a dead jungle.¡±

    "Good good. Can get you both and your Doll topped up as well.¡±

    She nods. "Probably a good idea. Thank you.¡±

    I stand, clacking fingers together. "This is awkward. I''m sorry. I uhm... Will see you soon?¡±

    A pause and she huffs. "If Lynette''s presence hasn''t scared you off then nothing will, I suppose. May I hug you, Xafra?¡±

    "Please.¡±

    And so she does, quicker than I expect her to move. Enveloping me almost desperately. After a few heartbeats murmuring. "I love you, dear one.¡±

    I hold her tightly, wishing desperately to be able to feel her emotions once again. "I love you too, Mistress.¡±

    After both a long time, and not enough of it, she pulls back and is gone.

    I head down the stairs to the basement and close the door tightly once more, listening for a moment until I''m sure I''m alone. Then, holding tightly to the bond, I let myself feel my emotions. I smash my faceplates into pieces, dash my claws against the floor until they break, and throw myself bodily into the walls, screaming and wailing all of my pent up anguish and torment.

 Chapter 46: With Pain I Can Stop Time, With Nightmares Time Can Stop Me (Witch)

    With Pain I Can Stop Time, With Nightmares Time Can Stop Me (Witch)

    Content Warnings:

    Panic attacks. Memories of past sexual assaults. memories of dehumanization and mind magic and thoughts of resistance being shredded by Garrotes. mental breakdowns to the point where a headmate has to take over moving the vessel about. Searching for a needle in a gerlstack. mhmhmhm!

    A part of us adores this place. Finds that it smells like home and acceptance and¡­ and strength. Growth beyond what anyone else ever offered us. The first hands that made us feel whole, eyes that made us feel seen.

    The other part is barely stopping herself from vomiting all over the boxes we¡¯re going through as the memories dance at the edge of things.

    <If they aren¡¯t in your Spire, then they are lost, Elevar.> Lynette presses. <You know she would have had the Dolls trash or burn them.>

    ¡°Probably.¡± I huff and look around the mess I¡¯ve made. All our old things. Mostly¡­ mostly odd crafts and tools and¡­ and clothes and¡­ everything.

    <Upstairs then.> Lynette presses. <Off you pop. In and out. You know where she kept the thing I want.>

    ¡°I¡­ Schatzi or¡­ or Adaline might have tossed it into any one of these.¡± I whisper.

    <Then how about you tell them to get it?> She counters.

    I wince. ¡°This is my task, and one you insisted on. So I¡¯ll handle it.¡±

    She huffs. <Alright then. Fine. Waste a day here on the edge of spewing sick about the room. Not like I care for this garbage.>

    And¡­ so I spend another two hours involved in this mess until my own annoyance overcomes my fear.

    ¡°Fine. Yes. Of course.¡± I huff and begin to head upstairs. Hoping that speed will help me push through the mess stirring in my gut. It, plus holding my breath, does the trick. Let¡¯s me push through the curtain, march over the desk in a haze of focus. Even see the case for it. Almost make the mistake of sighing in relief as I pick it up, crack it open and¡­

    It¡¯s empty. It¡¯s¡­ it¡¯s gone?

    ¡°Cracked and Riven Moon.¡± I hiss as I turn to leave, forgetting too late the need to avoid the scent of this room more than any of the others.

    Everything¡­ including time, stops making sense.

    Nightmares have a way of doing that to a Gerl. Especially when one makes the mistake of going back into the room a monster kept me in for nearly¡­ Oh. Well I guess I¡¯m not entirely certain how long she had me Garroted. I would often just¡­ assume six months.

    <Elevar, dear. Come on. Get downstairs.> Lynette insists at one point.

    But her words don¡¯t matter, of course.

    Smile. Don¡¯t flinch. Don¡¯t twitch. Just keep pretending to be a Doll until it stops hurting. Don¡¯t make her angry again, stupid Half-Knit. Don¡¯t make her tug those strings. Wouldn¡¯t want to lose the rest of the day to wake up to¨C

    <Elevar. Move!> Lynette growls, trying to push past the wards. Hissing and spitting like I did. Or¡­ well, how I tried. Didn¡¯t work out so well for me. Thinking such things felt like pushing thoughts through some kind of grating tool. Took me¡­ sometimes days, eventually never, to cobble myself together to try again.

    Empty Skies how I wanted to scream then. She¡­ she let me on that first day. But¡­ then I called her an Old Cunt for what she did and wanted to do and¡­ that was that. Can¡¯t call the Mistress such dirty things. She¡¯ll make you put that foul mouth to good use.

    <Stupid Half Knit.>  Part of me growls at myself. <At least let me get us out!>

    But it¡­ it felt like far longer, and also far shorter a time? No no no no¡­ I was with Adaline for six months before Mistress turned her into a Doll and I had to clean them both up after such a messy working.

    <Stop. You need to¨C>

    So good at keeping things tidy. Always hated messes. Mistress would want me to clean them both up. It¡¯s not a spell. Mistress would insist. I can do that for her. She¡¯ll be so happy and make it stop hurting. Not a spell. The name is a joke. ¡®Bubble Plague¡¯. Silly. She¡¯ll laugh afterwards. And won¡¯t that feel nice? Wonderful. Alright let¡¯s¡­

    <ELEVAR!>

    Just¡­

    <YOU¡¯LL KILL US IF YOU AREN¡¯T¨C>

    {Blasenplage} I giggle and growl. And such a wash of popping furiously happy bubbles fills the bed chamber. But it has no target this time. There¡¯s no one here. No Yselda to scrub clean down to her bones or Adaline to burn free of Garrotes woven from her Ousia.

    <END IT!> Lynette pleads. <Xafra may be able to gift us more Ousia but not if you kill us here!>

    Xafra? Who¡­ who¡¯s¡­?

    In a snap of clarify I jerk myself free of the working.

    Remembering when I am.

    And then part of us is falling to wailing sobs as the second half of memories bubble up.

    ¡°Shhhh. Shh, shhh, shhh¡­¡± Part of us comforts while she picks us up off our knees. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t realize this would¡­¡±

    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    But our other half is beyond her words right now. Lost and splashing about in the mess that came after. So¡­ The unscarred half carries us out. Tip tapping nails on the case we found while very nearly hissing in annoyance at her own helpless stupidity.

    ¡°Stupid half-knit. You¡¯re alive. The fool Doll''s free of it.¡± Lynette sighs with my lips, ¡°I¡¯ll show you. That¡¯ll lift you out of this. Will even give me the opportunity to ask this Patchwork Doll where her last Mistress¡¯ Knitting needle got off too.¡±

    After a quick request to the manor, we find Adaline outside the back of Xafra''s Spire, looking rather frustrated as she works to place stone pavers in a tight pattern.

    <There. See?> Lynette prompts. <The Doll¡¯s fine. Just a memory dear, move past it.>

    The other part of us whimpers in the dark and curls close about herself. Unwilling or unable to consider anything without. Would¡­ would probably have been unable to leave the Spire for hours if the other half hadn¡¯t shuffled them out.

    ¡°Wonderful. Perfect.¡± Lynette sighs. ¡°Alright. Fine.¡±

    Then she carries us forward into Adaline¡¯s field of perceptions.

    ¡°Adaline, dear?¡± Lynette prompts as we get within earshot.

    "Yes, Flo¡ª" she stops, shakes her head with a small smile before looking up at us and continuing, "This one''s apologies, Miss Elevar. Old habits. How can this one assist?"

    Lynette lifts the case while repressing an amused smirk at the near slip, and how it sings of the scars even Xafra could not smooth away when removing the Garrote. ¡°I was hoping you knew where The Old Cunt''s Knitting Needle got off to? Pure Iron wrought, four gemstones, all inlaid with Glyphs and such? I assumed it would be in the case but... it''s not.¡±

    Always so pretty, so perfect, like everything she made. Except me. Only a Half-Knit. Didn¡¯t let her finish. Couldn¡¯t let her finish. She PROMISED she¡¯d never do that to me.

    "Yes. Warden took it. First thing that one did before even burying all the bones. Thank you for that, by the way. I''ve burned them. Helped this one... disengage from the mental patterns that this one created." She smiles larger, more genuine. "Not sure where it was hidden away, but It''s got to be on the grounds of the Estate somewhere. Unrelated, when you speak to your Doll, could you ask them to visit this one later? Help would be appreciated from one with more... practical knowledge."

    Lynette purses her lips at that, worry touching her considerations as all the possible reasons the bothersome part of Elevar¡¯s Doll could have thought that needed to be taken. Tries to poke the other half for ideas but¡­ she¡¯s still just wrapping herself in more of¡­ of this nonsense.

    Just like her. Deserved it. Would have been better to just¡­ just plage myself too. But I couldn¡¯t leave her. Even before¡­ before I knew what burning the Garrote free would do.

    ¡°Good gerl. I¡¯ll send them your way once I¡¯ve untangled this nonsense.¡± Lynette huffs and turns us to return to Schatzi.

    "Thank you!" She calls back, before returning to grumbling at the pavers.

    We find Schatzi about our Spire, attending to¡­ something. Neither half cares at the moment.

    ¡°So¡­ We¡¯ve found ourselves at hopefully the end of this search.¡± Lynette says, moving to stand next to the other half¡¯s Doll. Laying the case down with an audible click on the countertop. ¡°I¡¯m looking to claim the Old Cunt''s Knitting Needle, but it¡¯s not in the proper place. Be a dear and point me toward it? Or... better yet, fetch it for me?¡±

    "Miss Lynette? This one has no idea where it is. Should it not be in that case?" Schatzi answers with confusion.

    Half of us sigh tiredly with my lips, "Adaline told us you ferried it away, and Elevar promised this to me. So... Can we not dance about this? Warden? If you would advise and direct?"

    Schatzi goes slack as Warden comes forward. "Impolite. Emotional Simulation, Designation: Schatzi, was occupied. Warden is unable to communicate verbally without disengagement of Schatzi. Bond connected sealed." The toneless voice almost sounds offended.

    ¡°What?¡± Lynette snaps. ¡°Doll, are¡­ are you refusing me this? Me?¡±

    "Warden did not refuse. Warden has no Directive to Obey or Deny Primary User Interface Construct, Designation: Lynette. Query: Purpose for request. Additional Consideration ¡ª Emotional Simulation, Designation: Schatzi, suggests cooperation. Processing... Complete. Warden will provide ERR: Classified, Designation: Old Cunt''s Knitting Needle, in exchange for response to Query."

    ¡°Fine.¡± Lynette huffs and looks away. ¡°It has practical and traditional value beyond my sentiments. I cannot allow it to be lost or broken. And¡­ we need a new one besides. Our old was melted down to weave the Stitching on our back, and neither of us are willing to face the world with a peasants¡¯ iron tipped wooden thing. Especially when Envoys from the Grove''s come sniffing about.¡±

    Warden nods in acceptance, then lowers its head as the frame reconfigures and it pulls the needle out of its spine before returning to normal. It holds out the pristine thing to us. "Transaction Complete."

    Lynette reaches out but¡­ hesitates. Voice goes quiet. ¡°You three¡­ are full of surprises.¡±

    Always kept us safe, even at our worst, especially at our worst. The still shivering and broken part of us whimpers. Wish Adaline could have¡­ have killed the cunt and taken them and given them a Mistress worthy of their brilliance. Left us to rot here instead of her.

    A sigh of annoyance slips out at our messier half as Lynette very carefully takes up the needle. ¡°Thank you, dear ones. And¡­ Apologies. You Mistress is a mess at the moment and I¡¯d assumed the worst when the case was found empty.¡±

    "Indiscretion forgiven. Proposal offered: Request Warden immediately on future occasions. Closing Remarks: Progenitor proverb - A Witch should not be without her Weapon."

    ¡°Indeed." Lynette chuckles. "I¡¯ll keep that in mind next time we need to chat.¡±

    Schatzi returns to the front swiftly, "Oh! so it was in the case then. This one is glad."

    ¡°As am I¡­¡± Lynette muses, running fingers over the inlays while admiring the gemstones on the tool. ¡°Oh, and Adaline wants your help with something when you can spare a moment.¡±

    "Alright, Miss Lynette... Stay safe, will you? This one doesn''t want you hurt. Either of you."

    ¡°I¡¯m tightly woven iron, sturdier than ever.¡± She laughs and spins the new thing about fingers, getting a feel for the weight. ¡°It¡¯s Elevar that¡¯s delicate glasswork. But¡­ I can manage that. Will be a good learning experience without Garrotes and my old Einwandfrei to keep her steady but¡­ needs must! It¡¯s no small miracle you¡¯ve all kept us alive all these years.¡±

    Schatzi nods and goes back to the leather she was cutting.

    Such a good Doll. Good Gerl. My Schatzi and Verbess and Warden. Perfect. Part of us whispers while pulling herself slowly back together.

    Then Lynette lets Schatzi continue her task uninterrupted and considers¡­

    <Can¡¯t spin anything, wouldn¡¯t want to risk it with you all a mess¡­>

    Sorry¡­ I murmur to her.

    She sighs, somewhat taken off guard by my lack of spark. <You could have just let me handle Yselda¡¯s Spire. Avoided this entire mess.>

    Made a promise. Needed to keep it.

    Lynette huffs and leads us up into my study. <Stupid Half-Knit. We share promises now, remember? Even to each other. Next time just¡­ get out of my way before falling all to pieces.>

    I go quiet for a while as she pulls out the new tool and settles us down at our desk.

    Can¡¯t¡­ I have to be careful with you. Like I wasn¡¯t with her. Else¡­ else you¡¯ll slowly bring a wretched brew to boiling and burn us all alive before I can smother the flames.

    She tip-taps the needle against thumb at that. ¡°You know my broader goals, else you¡¯d have not agreed to this. It¡¯s my methods you find unacceptable, but I can weave within the limits you¡¯ve set. Today was a failure to communicate yours, Elevar. When a demand of mine is beyond your tolerances you need to just¡­ admit that. Tell me. I only make bargains I think will make things better for us all. I¡¯ve already negotiated my own autonomy away if it means getting you to participate.¡±

    I go quiet for a while, considering her words before sliding back to take control of my lips and form. Shiver once as my mess tries to tear free, but settle to whisper while setting the new needle down.  ¡°I¡­ I just don¡¯t want to go to sleep another night and wake up to another lover doing¡­ doing what she did. What Xafra did. Making a choice that affects us all and¡­ and leaving me with the broken remains. I don¡¯t mind suffering but¡­ but I¡­ I can¡¯t stand the thought of her or Schatzi or Verbess or Adaline getting hurt.¡±

    ¡°Ahhh¡­.¡± I let Lynette purr from our lips. ¡°It was hard to see it, the bond stops me from understanding much more than the shape of her torments, but¡­ That¡¯s what makes the fury boil here. Xafra, like Yselda, did not trust you. Wandered below in search of hidden things. And when you would have pulled her below to help you save our Sikkina¡­ her mistrust stole that opportunity from you. The Estate would have simply eaten her up again, and you¡¯ve had two souls to save. Probably failed or¡­ or been forced to choose.¡±

    I snarl and glare away. ¡°It wasn¡¯t¡­ and even if it was she was right to mistrust me. You heard her. I didn¡¯t tell her the horrid nature of this place from the start. It was my responsibility to trust her first. This is all my fault.¡±

    <And Sikkina?> She presses.

    ¡°What about her?¡±

    <When are you going to tell Xafra about our arrangement?>

    I freeze. ¡°It¡­ Would it matter? If I asked you to let her bring Sikkina above right now? This second?¡±

    <When she proves to me that she isn¡¯t going to make the same mistake twice. That she won¡¯t rob my child of all the gifts I¡¯ve laid about her crib. Will accept that her child needs my tutelage¡­ then why would I not?>

    ¡°Because you''re a cunt who¡­ who can¡¯t trust anyone you don¡¯t have absolute control over!¡± I snarl.

    <As opposed to¡­ you? A stupid Half-Knit who keeps trusting fools and monsters and Dolls so much that it''s trivial for them to make all these stupid mistakes?> She giggles. <Honestly, it really is quite the feat that you¡¯re still alive. You keep telling yourself that the things Yselda instilled in us were flaws but¡­ were they?>

    I go quiet, the whisper. ¡°I don¡¯t want to be you again. Not¡­ not now that I¡¯ve seen how much it hurts those I care for. Where it leads.¡±

    She sighs. <And¡­ thus our compromises. We hated the way she pushed us to treat Schatzi and Verbess. The lies she forced us to imbibe. So let us adapt. Grow together. Let me be the wretched mask you wear to face the things that you cannot. Remove me when it is not appropriate. I am quite¡­ comfortable for the moment being just that.>

    ¡°But¡­ only for the moment?¡±

    A pause, then the Spire seems to thrum a bit with her next words. <Not even you will keep me from being whatever that child needs once she hatches.>

 Chapter 47: From Potash, Growth (Blade)

    From Potash, Growth (Blade)

    Content Warnings:

    Talk of sexual assault. Talk of self-harm. Driftdream bindings stopping mental things. A CUTIE getting collared. Tamping Dirt. Not knowing why them suns do be weepin''

    I need to be more, greater and greater. Uplift my Kin beyond the reach of any others to harm. I sit among the shattered pieces of this DollFrame form of mine and feel revulsion for my actions. With a sigh, I activate Pestherold and render them dust before dropping into my Driftdream.

    I look upon my Geists and regret, cursing the weaving that prevents me from knowing what their names were, hating how vulnerable I am to my own moods, weeping at how my initial reaction to learning that there was danger approaching was to feign weakness, pretense at being the lowest of Dolls, incapable of showing emotions.

    No More. If I am to be a mother, I must be greater. Mother is the name for Divinity on the lips of children, so that is what I must strive for.

    I seek amongst the Wisps for spiraling thoughts, echoes of discordance. Find the ones that whisper thoughts of accepting destruction, of surrender in the face of an implacable foe, and grant them what they crave. My body is mine, a tool, and all its forms are mine. Self-loathing is a thing for lesser beings. I seize on that concept and grow it into acceptance, an inner Truth. A laborer was wrong, but not the idea of a DollFrame. The prosthesis is perfect, so there must be mmmmm¡­. N?herin.

    The concept grates, weavers are not to be trusted, they hurt me, bound me, locked me away. But a seamstress is more, perhaps. A term offered out of affection, appreciation for my skills. I find myself smiling as I head into the village, looking for something in particular. 52 was a tailor, wasn''t she? I can use that knowledge as a base. I find the Geist sitting at a bench, doing something with thread on a piece of fabric closed into a circular frame. As I sit down beside her, I allow the memories and understanding to flow forwards through me. Embroidery. I let the craft wander, connecting and blending with my soul weaving and the older divine rituals I had picked up over the years. It feels right. Proper. I don''t speak to the Geist, no sense in starting a schism of identity, but I kiss the me that is her on the head before I leave.

    With a new perspective I retrace my immediate thoughts again. Divinity? Absurd when I was laid low by this Estate that I still am within. Will aim lower for now. Take over the Estate, determine if it is a real mind or something closer to my Geists, artificially following protocols. Then, either subordinate it or supplant it. Can''t just kill it, not with my Mistress and her¡­ what do I consider Lynette? She¡¯s mine of course.

    I stop and laugh to myself, the giggling infectious enough that it attracts some of the lovelier Wisps.

    Sister Lynette? Dollkin Lynette. Fully-knit in stages Lynette.

    Along with a nastier one which calls her a ''Denizen-fucker'' before I snatch it out of the dream, examining it closely.

    Why would¡­ The Estate. The Denizen Doll. But D?mmerung accepted Lynette and Elevar together. D?mmerung loves humans, created them, would never permit a parasite to invade their sacred sites let alone speak to one tainted by their touch. Unless¡­

    The Driftdream shakes and trembles with my growing comprehension, its foundations unstable. I run to the library, summoning all of my Geists, demanding myselves to split focus, embrace division as they all extract the volumes of each other''s past, searching for inconsistencies, clues that must be there. I find snatches that don''t add up. A distinct lack of aggression that goes against everything my constituent parts were taught. The Denizens never give chase. Escaping beyond their immediate reach is a proven method, but why¡­ Why would parasites that feed on humans and Witches alike accept disengagement? It unsettles me enough that the Driftdream begins to change, alter in shape, the gap around the library sealing up as half the levels rise above ground, and mushrooms begin to grow in the fields, supported by a mycelial network stemming from the¡­ The Church? WHY? What knowledge do I have that I am hiding from myself?

    I dismiss the Geists back to their regular routines as I pace the streets of my Driftdream. I finally flop on my back and look up, mimicking Adaline''s new habit and come to a horrific realization. There''s only one sun.

    ** ** **

    I surface like one drowning, and climb to my feet, determined to¡­ To what? Act without thinking things through? NO. CaLm FiRsT.

    With extra caution, I avoid moving, avoid setting anything in motion yet. First, I should fix my Doll form. Make it a Frame I can enjoy, not just tolerate. Thus, I submerge myself in the alchemical mud once more, and with a firmer ideal in mind, enact the ritual to let it change me. I let my precious dolls and sisters know that I have realized the form I made was giving me¡­ dysphoria, Nettle calls it, and that I am reshaping it. I also let them know that I spoke to Mistress Elevar, and that she is going through some things as well, but should be okay.

    Hours pass as I let the pull of D?mmerung envelope me and alter my form to one that¡­ feels better, more true to myself and my desire to create instead of destroy.

    I rise up looking similar but fragile, delicate as an Art Doll but made for crafting. My new faceplates are thin, sculpted things, interlocking to permit a variety of expressions and smooth to the touch. I stand just under 5ft tall, shorter than any of my other forms but perfect for this one. Instead, in addition to my six-fingered hands, I have a tail like that of my prosthesis, ending in a soft tentacular club with a number of suckers to increase my fine motor control. Test the flexibility first? I consider as I look into the mirror beside the basin. I do a series of calisthenics, ensuring that this frame can sustain its own weight and has enough flexibility to serve whatever purpose I''ll put it through, before checking that my expressions match my feelings and that they are sufficiently comprehensible. Good good. Continue forward with honesty. Lies are for enemies, not loved ones.

    I recall Calix to the Spire to ask him a question my Geists were raised to never ever ask.

    ¡°Calix¡­ Why do the suns weep?¡±

    He looks at me in puzzlement. "Mistress Xafra, This one has no idea.¡±

    Well fuck.

    I shrug. "Alright. Was hoping to get it sorted sooner than later, but it''s not actually a rush, comparatively.¡±

    "Yes Mistress. Was there anything else?" Calix asks.

    "Mmhm. If you see that Denizen Doll again, I''d like to make it an offer. Try and help relieve its stress, if possible. No need to go seek it out though. Please try and keep yourself safe.¡±

    A week. I can do this. A week. What can I do first? How can I... Improve in this time?

    I don''t want to claim all of the remaining dolls, the thirty two that are left. At least not directly.  but they need to be named, assigned rooms, and given... not work, really, but enrichment activities. Something to do that offers a sense of purpose.

    [Nettle, Could I see you for a few minutes?]

    [Yes, Ma''am.] She replies immediately, and within a few moments stands before me. "How may I serve, Mistress?¡±

    If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    I politely ignore Calix as he remains, simply turned slightly to face the wall. "Were you and Primrose able to complete that Doll inventory for me?¡±

    "Yes Ma''am." She nods. "Of the Dolls unclaimed by yourself, 32 in total, all but 9 are Art Dolls with secondary traits generally woven into such types to... extend function. 5 Labour, 10 Craft, 2 Scholar, and 5 Combat. The remaining 9 are split nearly evenly between Craft and Labour and Scholar. The only unaccounted for is the Suspected Denizen Frame, which... if you want this one''s best guess I would guess Art.¡±

    "Do any of them have Pinnates?¡±

    She nods. "Fifteen, with two pairings of three Dolls together. The remaining... often find themselves sharing time with those fifteen, or keep to themselves.¡±

    "Thank you. We''ve been given the go ahead to free the rest from the Garrote, but I am... truthfully, Nettle, I am concerned that I am not enough for all of them. I don''t think I can provide the level of care or attention they all deserve.¡±

    Her mouth opens to reply with what I can feel would be immediate and... probably trained support. But then she pauses thinking for a few seconds before responding. "Mistress, may this one be honest? It... it has conflicts on this, and wants to convey thoughts well, but also doesn''t want to upset you.¡±

    "Please. I would prefer honesty.¡±

    She nods. "The Dolls here will struggle. Only two Mistresses'' about and only one claiming any of us is... stressful. Even this one, knowing you, still worries you''ll find another Doll to take my place. Because, the Old Mistress being gone was... it hurt. A lot. Even... even though this one now realizes she was horrid, and many of the Dolls fell into dysfunction rather than function without another''s direction. This one would rather be hurt by a cruel Mistress than have no one to follow. Maybe others don''t feel that way. Maybe that is wrong? This one doesn''t know. This one just knows how it hurt. And... and doing something is already going to help, and this one doesn''t want you to try and help them all and hurt yourself. But... even if you don''t claim them they will love you for helping, and... and you can figure the rest out later?" She stops, taking a shaking breath she does not need. "And... and this one is going to apologize now. Not because she thinks you demand it but... but because something in me is screaming that I have to. This one is sorry Mistress. Please don''t get rid of me.¡±

    I reach out and hold her as tight as my frail frame can. "You''re mine Nettle, for as long as you want to be.¡±

    She relaxes visibly and hugs me back. "Thank you Mistress. This... this one hopes these words are a product of good function, and help the Mistress.¡±

    "Very much so. Okay. I will claim them all for now, with the understanding that they are not obligated to stay mine if they do not wish to be. However, I''m going to need some help. That''s a lot of Dolls to name. Do you think you and Primrose would be up for helping?¡±

    She nods, "Of course Mistress. We..." Her voice goes low, almost conspiratorial. "Some might already have ones they like. Maybe... ask first? We all adore our gifted names but sometimes finding the right one is hard. And they''ll still feel special because you asked them and approved the name, this one thinks. But it is glad to help and can start making lists. And... will get Primrose to help when she is finished with her super secret project she won''t stop gushing about.¡±

    "I would definitely rather have them have ones they prefer, and won''t offer new names that have ones they already like.¡±

    She goes to pull back, but then leans back in to hug me once more. "Thank you for my name, Mistress. This one is glad it did not have anything before. And will help make a list!¡±

    "Thank you. Let''s get that done before we free them, so we can ensure to keep them in their groups." I turn to Calix, who has begun to chisel at the wall.

    "Calix, can you work with the ladies on the list, specifically to ensure we have proper accommodations set up for the groupings?¡±

    "Oh? You''re still here. Yes Mistress, this one can do that." He dashes off up the stairs while I''m left standing there with Nettle.

    "So... That''s weird, right?¡±

    She looks after him with a look of... not pity. But understanding. "He... he endured much of the Old Mistress'' punishments, being her first creation. Somehow has functioned beyond where others stopped. It... Mistress is very kind to keep him and let him be weird. It is nice to see one so hurt be found by a kinder Mistress.¡±

    "Do... You have a rough idea of how old he is?¡±

    She considers this, "Before here? No. But the Old Mistress said she''d been making Dolls for about Fifty years the last time she was here. So... that long? Probably longer? It... it was hard to understand time when there was no Mistress here.¡±

    "Mmhm. He is important to me. His quirks are not a bother, really just cause me some concern on occasion. I don''t want to lose any of you.¡±

    Nettle nibbles on her lip, "He is sweet, helped me... all of us early Dolls adjust. As best as the Old Mistress let him. Taught this one how to hide deep within herself to remain functional when things got... when it needed to be punished. It''s... hard to see, most times, but he lights up as much as the rest of us when he hears his name called. When he is asked to serve in ways that he is good at. The Old Mistress did not do that. He''s survived a long time, and... may not say it, but he really wants this to last. Him being weird is a sign he feels safe. Can express himself without being punished, this one thinks. Else he''d not touch the food this one cooks, especially since he knows how much of a mess it makes.¡±

    "Truthfully, I do the little complaining about the food, because it feels like it helps him feel more in control. But... I really am determined to ensure you can all exist in a way that is safe, comfortable, and fulfilling. It is my purpose. The one I chose.¡±

    "Primrose is right, of course." She smiles. "You really are the best Mistress, and this one is glad to help you do all of those things.¡±

    "That''s what I''m striving for. I''m going to check on Adaline now. Do you... have any thoughts about her I should know? You both seemed rather... abrasive at first.¡±

    "Um..." Nettle considers, shuffles her feet. "She was different from the others here. She... she was like Fl- I mean Witch Elevar was, for a while. Not a Doll but... but it was understood that she was going to become one. But special. Picked out a name even. Spoke with the Old Mistress'' authority. But... but..." She winces, struggling with herself. "She was a Witch. Not many Witches become Dolls. She misses what was lost? This one thinks. Is a lot like Calix in that being rude makes her feel in control, but... also hates that because she doesn''t like to see others hurting? This one was never a Witch and doesn''t think it understands her very much though, other than she really seems to like you.¡±

    "And... you''re okay with her? Not being mistreated?¡±

    She shuffles again, then her words spill out like a waterfall. "Not... not since before you claimed her and helped her. This one belonged to the Old Mistress but wanted to see Primrose and... and questioned her like a bad Doll and she got upset. Yelled and almost hit us, we think. But she didn''t and it''s fine and she''s been nothing but really really sweet and helpful. Just... she''s scary, sometimes. It''s just her being weird like Calix. This one doesn''t want its Connivant in trouble. Please? This one and Primrose were even planning on asking her if she wanted to cuddle with us in the future.¡±

    "That sounds lovely. She''s been improving greatly, I am... still slightly concerned, but that''s more about how to help her feel more comfortable, than getting her in trouble. Thank you, Nettle, you''ve set my mind at ease a great deal.¡±

    She relaxes greatly at that and heads up the stairs to find Primrose and Calix.

    I head out around back to look for Adaline where she kneels, grumbling at the pavers that refuse to lay evenly.

    "This one doesn''t get it! dug the area up, put down the gravel, got it wet, and the pavers still aren''t even¡±

    "Did you tamp down the gravel before putting the pavers in place?" I interrupt her complaints, for once feeling entirely in my element.

    Adaline stands up and stomps over to me, "What?¡±

    "Basically, you stomp on the gravel like you''re doing now, but typically with a pole attached to a large plate surface to pack it down." I explain, doing my best to avoid laughing.

    "So that''s not some silly superstitious practice?¡± she says with a deadly serious expression.

    I burst out laughing, unable to hold it back. "No, Adaline, it''s not. Would you like some help?¡±

    she harrumphs but mutters, ¡°yes please, Mistress¡± and so I weave Physis into a sheet under the pavers and press down with my will, allowing the pavers to settle in place. ¡°So¡­ Whatcha making here?¡±

    "Better spot for picnics. Feels... cleaner to be on stone instead of grass or roots.¡±

    "Alright. That sounds pretty nice." I carefully lay myself down on the pavers, getting a feel for them. "Yeah, good choice dear.¡±

    "Thanks" she sits down beside me in relief, carefully judging my expression as she leans up against me. "So... What did you need, Mistress?¡±

    "I have learned some news that is... important for you to be aware of, didn''t think it would be fair for you to not be told. I... don''t think you''re going to be happy about it though.*

    She looks down at me, brilliant blue eyes watering. "She''s back, isn''t she?¡±

    "Not exactly. The Lynette that is now... sharing a body with Elevar isn''t the one that hurt you. She was made from Elevar''s memories of the time before being garroted, and formed as... a tool. A cudgel to be wielded against my Mistress and myself. Elevar agreed but it was clearly under duress. yet¡­¡±

    "Yet What? What excuse do you have!" Adaline sobs.

    Quietly, calmly as I can manage, I explain. "A child of rape is not responsible for the sins of their creator. Right? I''m... not the women whose souls were ripped from their bodies and forced into a tool of domination. I''m... me. And Lynette is... similar. She doesn''t even realize the horror of her own creation. but... I won''t judge her for what she was made to be, or the memories she carries. Only the things she does now. I can''t ask you to accept that, it wouldn''t be fair. All I ask is that you don''t deliberately act against her without talking to me about it first. You are mine, as is she, though I will not claim her officially yet.¡±

    "It would be easier if it was her.¡± She growls and glares up at the still weeping sun. ¡°I hate this. So much. It isn''t fair. She sounds like I remember.¡±

    "I know, I wish it was easier.¡±

    We sit together for a while, as I silently arrange a surprise with Schatzi. She arrives after about an hour, and by then the tears are dried and Adaline is feeling restless.

    She comes carrying a satchel and my frame, the prosthesis freshly cleaned. "Sister, I''ve brought the things you asked for.  My apologies, Miss Adaline, for not stopping by earlier, this one was informed that you were occupied.¡±

    "It''s okay, Mistress helped me and explained the issue. Apparently tamping is a real thing.¡±

    Schatzi looks blankly at her before I salvage the situation.

    "So, you requested to go for walks, yes? Our dear Schatzi has finished the leatherwork for us both and brought my little grakler frame.¡±

    "Little, Mistress, it''s literally bigger than your current form and five times the size of an actual grakler... Wait, what do you mean leatherwork for both of us?" her exasperation turns quickly into suspicion.

    I casually pull out a harness from the satchel, "Well, Adaline, this one''s for me" I say as I strap it onto the prosthesis.

    She nods cautiously and I continue, pulling out a simple but elegant leather collar with a two point lead connection in the front and a buckle in the back. "And this one''s for you.¡±

    She squeaks and blushes as I put the collar on her and attach the lead to the harness and collar, before shifting my form into the prosthesis.

    I tug her along, beginning a gentle Quill song as Schatzi giggles at our antics.

    BIG NEWS!!!!!!

    We have 32 Dolls in the story that would love to have names, descriptions, and personalities.

    If you''d like to contribute, join the discord</a> and jump into the thread, or feel free to put suggestions in the comments below.

 Chapter 48: Root Rules (Witch)

    Root Rules (Witch)

    Content Warnings:

    N- none? NO WAIT! Slur usage as self harm things? Kinda? mupples?

    ¡°So¡­¡± I let Lynette say through my lips to the gathering, ¡°Before I let loose the flock into the wilds, let us¡­ establish some expectations and understandings.¡±

    Waited as long as possible, let Xafra¡¯s work freeing the rest of her Dolls give me an excuse to avoid this for the past four days. Kept us away from¡­ from all that. Focused on the research. Only really bumped into a few Dolls along the paths. Talked to only one, and that was some spider shaped gerlthing that is apparently spending all her time organizing one of the Spires into a central Library.

    ¡°First, if you get lost, which you should not do, just find your way to the Thorn Wall. The Spires can be seen for five Grove spans so you¡¯ll know where to scurry to. Any Dolls of this Estate will be allowed back in. Secondly If you see anyone about that isn¡¯t from this gaggle, tell Xafra immediately while hiding and avoiding to the best of your ability. Thirdly, this place will become quite the¡­ inhospitable home should we not return. See to it that we do. Understood?¡±

    And then the cunt waits, letting the quiet breeze and lite sounds of the suddenly very lively Estate wash over and past us.

    We were the last to arrive. Found Xafra, our Doll, Adaline, Nettle and Primrose waiting. All wrapped up in lite traveling clothes with a few bags of supplies alongside some books clutched.

    Primrose and Nettle nod immediately. Replies soft but precise, ¡°Yes ma¡¯am.¡± in sync. Not really parsing out the threats and calculated cold nature of Lynette¡¯s thinly veiled threats.

    "Yes.... ma''am." Adaline responds, the pause speaking volumes.

    "You''re precious." Xafra sighs, then turns to the gerls. "Adaline, stay within arms reach of Nettle and Primrose as we discussed. Let me know when collection is done in an area before I harvest. I have, honestly, no idea what plants are good for what, so I''ll mostly just be keeping watch until we''re ready.

    Lynette smiles, and struts forward through and past the group. ¡°Wonderful.¡± After a pause the Thorn wall just¡­ pulls away like I¡¯ve not seen it do in over a decade. Not since Yselda wanted to expand the river root system. Unfurls an opening half as big as a Spire¡¯s base without even a motion of our hand. Not a drop of blood or Ousia needed.

    She smirks just at the border while releasing control back to me. <I know I don¡¯t need to tell you this, but do try not to make this an entire event. I¡¯ll be close if you need anything.>

    Close if I try something stupid, more like. I sigh.

    <That too. But¡­ is that really such a bad thing?>

    I pointedly ignore her and glance back at the group, trying to give them a smile devoid of all of her nonsense. ¡°Alright, at your leisure. Just¡­ let me know if you need help with anything. I¡­ I made sure we¡¯re right on top of one of the pathways. There should be most of the ingredients you want along it, Primrose. I actually did this for the Old Cunt quite often so¡­ just fetch me if anything in those books doesn¡¯t make sense.¡±

    ¡°Mhmmhmhm¡­ Thank you Witch Elevar!¡± She smiles and scurries past, her Pinnate tugged along by one arm. Adaline looks at Primrose, shakes her head and follows closely.

    Taking a deep breath as we all move a bit farther into the jungle, I turn to Xafra. ¡°So¡­ All the Dolls settling well? Schatzi told me there were a few odd problems but¡­ nothing that needed our attentions.¡±

    "So far as I can tell. There''s a lot, of course. I uhm... So I learned about this thing called dysphoria? And it sucks. A lot."

    Can''t help but wince in reaction to that, aching at the thought of my Xafra, so easily able to shift, finding herself woven into a shape she hated. ¡°I¡­ Yes. It¡¯s a wretched thing to endure. I noticed your new Doll form is different from last I saw and assume¡­ You had some first hand experience with it? Have you been able to settle it?¡±

    The sword within her Driftdream flitters once again into my mind''s eye, the one she called the core of her soul. And... why it might remained in a shape she didn''t seem to like. But the answer is obvious, now especially. And fuels me to keep to my promises¡­

    "Yes. I... will admit, my reaction was unacceptable, and I wish to apologize for it. When I remade this form, it felt significantly better, the crawling screaming skin-wrong was gone. I have not had issues since. I do still need to rebuild my human form, but that is not a rush, as this one is more... efficient cost wise."

    I can''t help but let out a sigh of relief. "Good. I''d not wish it on anyone, especially you. And if there are other things you need for your new forms that I can give just... let me know. Alright? Supplies or... or otherwise. Dysphoria is an old monster I''ve settled to slumbering many a times. Having someone close to help you through rough patches can mean all the world to getting past it."

    Xafra smiles and gently pokes me with her tail. "Thank you, my Mate. Are you both doing well?"

    Well? No. Not at all.

    I¡¯m not sure I¡¯ll ever feel well ever again.

    I know my expression isn¡¯t very convincing, but I hope it softens as I reach over to brush fingers along her outstretched limb. ¡°Trying to do better. Staying busy keeps us from¡­ focusing too much on our differences.¡±

    "An understandable goal, but also, don''t forget that your differences and the ways you wish to travel into the future, do not need to be a source of Division or Dissonance. With two minds, it''s likely possible that you could eventually pilot a Frame at the same time the other controls the body swapping back and forth on a whim. You have the potential to be a wonderful team."

    <Such a wonderful gerl, she really just¡­ tumbles into brilliance sometimes.> Lynette chuckles.

    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    I consider that for a bit. ¡°She¡­ you really think our compromises could last without Wards to stop her? Because I don¡¯t, and I was her.¡±

    "Hmm. I''m trying to find a way to explain this to you. I explained my views on Lynette to Adaline, but there''s a difference in perspective of course." Xafra scratches at the roots below with a foot claw, only to wince then chuckle when one talon breaks. "Okay. So. When you say I was her you are fundamentally incorrect. She has the memories of the person you were. She was you. But not the other way around. From the instance of her creation she started making new memories from a new perspective. One subordinated and bound in a body that feels like hers, yet not bound the way you were. Gentler, kinder, but... My dearest Witchling, when I say I will tolerate no h?uslich where I dwell, that includes Lynette. I do expect you to free her eventually, to either share the body with her or assist her in claiming one for herself. I will not have my daughter raised to learn that both her mothers are in unwilling bondage."

    Lynette¡¯s bubbling with glee, but... goes silent at those last words.

    ¡°And¡­ if I don¡¯t agree to either? If I don''t think she''ll change?¡± I whisper very softly. ¡°I¡­ I will never fight you, nor let Lynette fight you, but¡­ what if your daughter hatches and I still won''t unbind Lynette?¡±

    "If... I don''t know. Please. I... Can''t. Don''t put me in such a position. Please." Xafra''s words come out weak, her easy confidence nowhere to be seen.

    I expect Lynette to have words here. Trying to push me toward this. But¡­ Nothing thrums from her. Not a whisper. It¡­ feels intentional. Like everything else she does. Which just muddles this. Because I know I would have done the same. Make my guilt drown me. Make me fear this fissure between Xafra more than the cruel woman who she doesn¡¯t seem to understand is horrid.

    But¡­ I also want to trust Xafra. My. Xafra. MY partner. My mate. This fool gerl is unwilling to let even this drive her off and... Huh. Well there''s a thought.

    I take a deep breath, let it out, and shuffle just a bit closer to her. Touch the side of her hand to mine. ¡°Then¡­ let¡¯s be clever about this. Because we¡¯re not the first lovers to ever find ourselves at an impasse. This is quite the mess but¡­ we can work it out. You¡¯ve made me grow in these past few weeks, and¡­ and Lynette will be harder to handle. Maybe impossible. But I''m willing to let you try to change her. If¡­ if you¡¯re willing to trust me to keep you safe? And¡­ a year may not be enough time. And I hate that but... I am willing to put as much of myself as needed into the mother of my lover''s child. Sikkina deserves that. You deserve that. I''m not willing to lose you over this.¡±

    "I''m willing to make what compromises are needed. I just... don''t have a lot of values or guiding principles. I''m not very smart, I''m impulsive, I''m indiscriminate, I''m... not... good by any objective measure. But... I have to have a line. To be more than what I was made to be." She murmurs. "Lynette hasn''t done anything yet, right? She''s new. Blameless for the past."

    I lean in to nudge her arm with mine. "You are smart though, clever beyond what is fair when you give yourself time to consider the problem. Your impulsiveness is... problematic but not wholly so. And you''ve worked very hard in these past weeks to NOT be indiscriminate when the environment allows it without punishing your wonderful compassion. And... this is a good principle, and you are wise to pursue it now that you have the freedom to do so. And as for Lynette being blameless as you put it..."

    I think pointedly in her direction. "I know you have opinions, care to weigh in on my Xafra thinking of you in that way?"

    A pause, and I let her bubble up to turn and smirk at Xafra. "As much as that could benefit my own desires... that is not a useful way of thinking of things, dear. In... a variety of ways. I''m not like you in regards to your Geists'' pasts. And much of the way our Elevar describes me is metaphor. To me I did most of the horrid things she claims. And... Honestly with how riven her past decade was, and how much I''m naturally... disassociated from her trauma, you could say I was asleep. And all that aside, even if I was a new creation with false memories... unless you could somehow reweave me in a way that would not be as horrid as a Garrote, all that would matter would be what I want, and all the things I''m willing to do to get them, and how those things could be changed. That''s where I think we should start if we want to compromise with our Elevar."

    "Understandable. I''m interested as mentioned. My own hands are not clean, and I am willing to do very many terrible things to achieve my goals as well. That includes accommodating the proclivities of mine. Including you."

    "A proclivity, am I?" Lynette chuckles, then pauses to tip-tap our lower lips in thought. "You... once told us that you consider everything owed to you, as... What was the term? Wergild? Penance for the crime of your creation? Close enough I think. Has that changed? I ask because while Elevar might think kneeling to the Grove''s demands and adopting meekness a wise solution, I''m quite the opposite. If they send a Thresher gaggle as their envoys I''d advise her to melt all but one of the cunts with our Blitzk?der and have the survivor carry the smoking bones back as a message."

    Even her casual use of the name makes my stomach churn in threat to turning over. Just¡­ just like so many of my old spells.

    "No dear, You''re not a proclivity, you''re mine, and I will entertain your proclivities, your nasty habits, and your subtle cruelties, as long as they stay within what I consider quite reasonable limits. Yes, I am Owed, and as far as these Threshers go, I won''t stop until they are naught but a memory like the time before the reaving of the moon. Now. What is this Blitzk?der you speak of; it''s not something I''m familiar with."

    "Our second Einwandfrei. Knit from our studies of Thresher spells." She jerks our gaze to narrow eyes at Xafra, snakelike anger bubbling up to tint her words. "And... I''m certain you mean that in a budding term of endearment and nothing more, mother of my child. Elevar may have surrendered herself to you within these jungles, but I will not be claimed like some pitiable broken Doll. My compromises were made as equals to the Half-Knit at your side, not you."

    Lynette... I warn. Like another might place a hand on the shoulder. Not jerking her free of my lips for fear that will just exasperate this, but... keeping close.

    "No. I do not claim your agency unless and until you wish to offer it without duress, but your actions are my responsibility. Your sins are my sins, your crimes are my crimes. Nothing less is acceptable for the mother of my child. If necessary, I will kill for you without hesitation. This is..." She pauses, turning to face the Estate and tilting her head. "Ah. Calix tells me that this is what is known as an ethnographic difference and should not be treated as a statement of ownership. " She turns back with a relieved smile.

    A snap, and the anger evaporates like smoke from Lynette. "Ah. Wonderfully odd, but acceptable. Important to be clear about such things." She turns to face the jungles again. Standing silent for a few moments, not surrendering control but... enjoying the smell of the regrown jungles as we wait for Xafra''s Gerls to return.

    <She''s... good for you. I think.> Lynette eventually murmurs. <Maybe better than... Well that''s not an argument for now.>

    And then she pulls back and I''m at the forefront. Sighing, "Sorry I... sorry. For her, and not telling you about the Blitzk?der... and Fleischbrecher. I can''t cast them anymore but... like this Estate I should have told you about them. The Einwandfrei I made and used far too often in my years as Floret."

    Xafra looks at me in surprise. "Is three different Einwandfrei typical?"

    I shake my head. "Plenty of us study quite a few but... to actually weave them? Especially the amount of times I did? No. Not for a Witch who wants to live very long. But... I couldn''t just be a Yselda''s wretched Floret, especially once the Groves discovered me to be Half-Knit. Examples had to be made of those that would think to question or refute my abilities and... I wanted to make sure those who thought to test me wouldn''t be ready for the thing I wrapped them in. And It''s four now. In total. The bond between us and the studies of the Garrote that birthed it would count."

    "Okay. I truly do need to cut this at the root, pun intended. Half-knit. What exactly does it mean to both of you?"

    Sighing I¡­ consider that. ¡°Apologies, that wasn¡¯t meant to be anything but¡­ well¡­ a statement of fact that time. I¡¯m not ashamed of what I am. Even without half my Ousia I was still twice the Witch more than most. So¡­ Why hide it? Why not take pride in it? Why not let¡­ let it act as a reminder to how much more things will cost me when I¡¯m acting stupid? The old cunt was horrid and wrong about a lot of things but¡­ not this. And returning to the Groves, even re-woven like I was always reminded me of that. And It wasn¡¯t practical to kill everyone who threw it in my face. So I became accustomed to the insult. Claimed it even. It¡¯s mine, and they can¡¯t hurt me with it so long as I keep it close.¡±

    "Mmm. And does Lynette feel the same?"

    "More or less." I shrug and nod, kneeling down to pick up the broken talon piece of Xafra''s gorgeous new frame. Begin to weave a small amount of Physis in an attempt to re-knit it back. "It''s... a touch more complicated now that we can call each other that but... not enough for us to think it needs changing."

    She nods and waves to the Dolls as they return laden with bags of plant clippings. "Then I won''t complain anymore about it." Xafra sighs heavily. "It feels hollow, just saying words now when I''ve become so accustomed to expressing my feelings through the bond at the same time. Take the time you need, you know. It''s hard though. Felt it was important to be honest about it."

    Moving to stand I look back toward the Spires behind us. "It does mean all the world to me that you care to ask about it. And... you''re right. In at least one fashion. With the Dolls running about the Estate I should be more careful. Some of them might have been more like I am before coming here, and I owe it to them to refrain from careless words." Then I look back to her with an unavoidable smile as Primrose''s babblings of excitement start to reach us. "But... let''s see you fed, alright? Same pattern as before."

 Chapter 49: The Past Unforgotten (Blade)

    The Past Unforgotten (Blade)

    Content Warnings:

    The actual nameeee of chappy is Chappy 49: Pepperidge Farms Remembers. I''m sorry. Blame Ruby. No my fauuuult. Um.... spoopy people. Mupples! Eldritch revelations about celestial bodies.

    The harvest is smooth and efficient for the first hour, each plant offering from a dozen upwards to a few hundred Thaums each. I''m able to cap Schatzi and Verbess out at about 150 thousand Thaums and am sitting pretty at 200 thousand myself before I notice something odd. At the far edges of my senses, to the North and North West there are dead zones. I pause my feasting, the sudden silence jarring to my companions. Adaline pulls Primrose and Nettle closer to her, scanning the growth at the edges of my dome of blight.

    "Mistress Elevar, Connivant Lynette, there''s... something blocking my aura in the far distance. Three Grove spans away. I was keeping it at my current maximum range to ensure safety but... What should I do?¡± I inquire.

    "Is... Well there is only one thing I know of that can pointedly block Ousia senses, and that''s a Denizen." Elevar goes still, and her eyes narrow in thought. "Is the muppet moving? I don''t like one stumbling close but... they tend to go a bit strange in these jungles, what with how they find the lifeforms here as toxic to them as we find most of it to us. Tend to starve. I... wonder how it got this far from the oceans?" Then she looks over to me. "You could send your non-Combat Dolls back into the Estate, and we could take a peek. Otherwise just... let it be.¡±

    "There''s more than one.... three at my count. could be more out of range. Should I retract my aura?¡± I clarify as I wave my Dolls over.

    "No. Keep a precise eye on them." She growls. "One is an oddity, two is a curiosity, three though... I need to prune some weeds from the garden. Verbess, dear? You''re faster than anyone else here unless either of your sisters have changed that. Xafra will gift you their location. Circle about each as we arrive to cut off their retreat while we advance from the front. Be silent and cautious. Don''t let them know you''re there."

    "Yes Mistress." Verbess purrs and is stalking off into the jungles before another heartbeat passes.

    "I''d strongly advise everyone else to head back to the Estate." Elevar adds without looking at the others. "No reason to risk any damage to your frames.¡±

    "Alright." I nod and immediately begin commanding my Dolls.

    [Go inside, everyone into my Spire, all of the newly freed Dolls too. no sense risking anything. Have Adaline and one other stand watch on the balcony, as well as pairs of two at the tunnel entrance and main entrance] I send to Nettle and Primrose while standing fast beside my Mistress before sending the locations to Verbess.

    As we approach, the Denizens remain motionless, yet the closest one''s aura, the Null Beacon, swells to six meters in recognition of our arrival.

    And... even more oddly. They sit just beyond the end of a path.

    I spot them first. The denizen is very human. Wrapped in simple traveling leathers dotted with sea-shell jewelry. Dark brown hair is a messy braided thing woven about shoulders like a scarf. Dull scarlet eyes that watch us approach and¡­ a careful smile on their lips.

    And at their side kneels a Doll with dancing carvings etched throughout it''s naked form. Both arms grip stakes tipped with sapphire ends, and between the plates coating its frame are mouths with sharp fangs sitting half open.

    "Hi!" Chimes the Denizen in a cheerful tone that seems to slip through the dying jungle like water along a brook, unimpeded by the distance or obstacles.

    "May your regard be ever soft beneath the blaze." Echoes the Doll quickly and softly behind the Denizen''s words.

    "I... Was hoping that talking would be okay?" The Denizen continues as if the Frame beside it did not speak.

    "Can these Shells consider his gifts with you?" The Doll finishes, but tightens its grip on those stakes as legs adjust slightly. Ready to move.

    They way they speak, under and over intertwined. Are they one soul with two bodies, or two bound so tightly they might as well be one?

    "This is... good. Actually. Talking. Would you trust me?" I speak to my Mistress equally quietly. Please. Please.

    She looks over, quirks an eyebrow. "Always, when I know what''s best for me. I... I hate not having our bond to strategize well here but... you can reave any Spores this thing will try and infest me with, and you''re quite immune to them, aren''t you? So yes, lead us in this.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, I murmur and step forward in front of Elevar, approaching the edge of their aura. So much I know is in question, in doubt, I have to try, I have to find out how wrong we were.

    "This lowly object has been granted permission to speak on behalf of her Mistress. You may call this one Xafra." I bow politely before continuing, "Are there forms of address the Shells would prefer?¡±

    Let''s see how they respond to this. My apologies, Witchling but I need to know.

    "Oh I... Oh..." The Denizen frowns. "But... but that doesn''t..."

    The Doll rises and adopts an unnatural and low stance, stakes pointed outward like horns. "The Bane of Old Rests in the clutches of the Horror''s Spawn?"

    Bane of Old. They know. THEY KNOW.

    "This... Well along the Root ways I told everyone we met to call me Krelliva, and my Sea name is... kinda a mess to deal with here." It huffs, reaching out to rest a hand on the Doll''s back. "It''s wonderful to meet your flesh form, Xafra. Thank you for trading words with us."

    "The Shells gift you a name of wind and breath. Its others are beyond us here." The Frame finishes, loosening its stance a touch. "And it basks in the radiance of memories and dreams observed, given form.¡±

    Alright, unveiling it is.

    I twitch and shudder, stepping back as I adopt my Warlord form and sit down, all six hands planted firmly on the ground as a sign of peace.

    "You know me then? Know what I was.¡± I ask, more a statement than a question but no less credulous.

    The Denizen''s grin returns, bright and vibrant. "OH! You... This place didn''t break you! You''re... you''re still as you are just..."

    "The Sky''s regard is truly a blaze this day, for old blessings rise undrowned from a Horror''s Jaws."

    Jaws? Blessed of the Divine, jaws are correct.

    "But... Yes. Of course we remember you!" It laughs. "You killed her. And because of that we... we survived. Eventually found our way to the sea and... and made a safe home just before the Moon shattered."

    "Kindred in prey. Sisters in survival once Horrors are slain." The Doll thrums. "So many scales woven and shared and traded in-"

    They both wince, then quiet.

    "Sorry. But... you said, was. Not are. I..." Its eyes flicker to my Witchling. "Why are you serving one of them? Is... did she bind you with other foul magic?"

    The Doll clicks, then whispers. "Cracked shells and infected meat? Did Horrors of old leave wounds left unhealed?¡±

    I look at them stunned, confused, and yet so very hopefully.  Defuse the situation, Reduce potential for hostilities.

    "This one is Mistress Elevar, My Mate, and partner. My preference is communication over violence. Would it be reasonable to start with terminology? She is what is known to this tongue as a Witch. We know your kind as Denizens, yet I feel that you likely do not call yourself that.¡±

    It purses lips as eyes slowly drift back to me. "We... The windborne name is not a thing we adopt, as it leads those that speak it toward us to violence. It is better to become like them than to claim a unique name as we wander their Groves and Root Ways. Our Sea names are as numerous as the dying things around us. Our bonds are of... different sorts. I''m part of the Shells, and many of us enjoy finding lovers to hold close and enjoy their life with. Then carry them with us when the form we wear withers."

    "Denizen, wretched filth, monsters best burned and warded against." The Doll hisses, "No. We do not accept that name. Few adopt or care for violence with the ones you call Witch, Xafra, now that we claim the Sea and Storms. This One''s charge is soft and kind and seeks only to watch and listen and protect those it comes to adore. It carries Treasured Embers to Spark anew.¡±

    What? What are they even saying?

    "I''m sorry. I understand so very little of what you say but..." I turn to my Witchling. "Please sit with me, Love."

    I turn back, retracting my aura tightly, down to a mere three meters.  "I believe I''ve made many mistakes when it comes to your.... people? Is it respectful to call you that, Krelliva? And your... companion?" I speak to the entity.

    Best to assume they are not like Dolls.

    "It''s... a little too restrictive, but... You''re trying and not attacking so... sure. We''ll keep it for now. Find something better later." It agrees and moves to sit as well.

    "The wind carries no blood or threat, so it is accepted." The Doll adjusts to kneel again, weapons still clutched close. "This One is... an Adopted Shell, in form and charge and function."

    "I..." Elevar takes a step forward and sits next to me. Winces like someone just shouted in her ear. "Apologies, Krelliva. I offer you nothing but words and greetings so long as no violence or... unasked for magics or Spores or otherwise are laid upon me."

    Lynette again, hollering her distaste I assume.

    Krelliva hesitates, but nods. "I... will only talk unless asked to do otherwise. But only so long as you call away your Doll to step from my path when we wish to leave?"

    Elevar pauses, but glances over to give me a nod.

    I sing a soft Quill-song of peace and potential, knowing that Verbess will hear as our bond may be blocked by one of the strangers auras. But soon it Cants back, ::Understood/Lurking/Peace/Prepared::

    "Would you have the other of your number gather as well? I have... memories that imply much and give rise to the belief that your people were... a scapegoat for peace back when those that went into me lived." Then I jolt in sudden realization. "Ah. I''m being quite rude. Alongside my Witchling is Lynette. Truthfully, I am uncertain at the moment how to explain our situation, especially to strangers, but she is also quite wise and I would rather not go without some of her thoughts as well.¡±

    Krelliva pauses to eye my Witchling, "Hi. It''s... Well, I hope it''s nice to meet you both. You... You seem like someone with two thoughtpaths but... not something you''ve grown slowly and on your own. Which is fine but... a little sad. We''re sorry for how hard it must be."

    They can see her?

    "She thrums like a curse woven Horror sits on her shoulder but... We will accept this peace offered." The Doll nods.

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    "As for my... for the others. They''re... going to stay close but ready to leave. You''re being really kind, which is new and nice but..." They huff, look up to consider the weeping suns. "We''re risking a lot just tracking you here, Xafra. These jungles are... not a safe place for us. But you''re worth it."

    Me? How could I be worth such a risk?

    "The Shells risk much, and only offer this one as a feast if old hungers resurface." The Doll adds. "The Bane became herself for her own reasons... but her gifts are things to be treasured and cultivated.

    My face blanches, "I''m sorry. I was... a monster. I killed so many, everything in my path in a single-minded quest for vengeance. I was little better than my creators, but... I''m trying to be better. Kinder. My Mistress here is the one who granted me a name. Is the first to not only claim me, but treat me as an equal and be claimed by me in turn. She has communed with D?mmerung, a feat even the attempt of which would slay the Horrors of old. She has created, without training or understanding, a Bondsmith link. I would be made lesser without her influence.¡±

    They need to understand that she''s different, better. that there is a possibility of a peaceful future.

    Krelliva considers me for a time, then murmurs. "You... both seem different, and the Witches are a lot less scary now."

    "Horrors diluted like blood poured into the sea..." The Doll agrees.

    "And even then we couldn''t really be too upset, you were scared and angry and hurting. There are... well the Sea is not a quiet and safe place. We kill and eat and hurt each other more than you ever did. You''re not like the Witches from before. Then or now. We wish we could have found a way to communicate better to you. Maybe helped you. Taken you into the sea with us."

    "Wroth needed is like water in the soil to these sleeping jungles." The Doll nods. "Give it only one path, and the streams will flow upwards. Prey wounded and hungry is nothing like the Horrors stalking the Moon Riven night. The meat you harvested is nothing compared to the safety gained after your slaughter.¡±

    I speak quietly to my Mistress, "Elevar... I owe them weregild. I would like to... establish a neutral ground, that we may meet again in the future. Learn from each other. They... somehow have memories of the time I was sealed, history considered lost.¡±

    She nods carefully. "This can be arranged. Will have to be done well away from any Grove''s gaze but... This is enthralling." Then she turns to regard Krelliva. "You said you were tracking Xafra? Why, and for how long?"

    "Since her feasting by the Seas." They reach into a bag at their side, pull out a strange container... a jar of some sort, and within is such an odd fruit. They uncork it and dump the food into a hand before taking a big bite. Chewing for a moment before adding. "You both destroyed one of the... um... Well we can call them the Settling Tides'' vessels, and then left. We followed your scent once word reached us on our Root Way."

    Settling Tides and Shells. Different factions?

    "Cracked Ice revealing something thought long lost."

    "As for why... um... Lots of reasons." Krelliva swallows and takes another bite. "More than I can really voice. But one was to try and stop Xafra from tumbling into that Horror''s trap you seem to control now. But... she seems fine, and you seem to hold it''s leash which... um... And then we''re all so curious where she''s even been! How she avoided any of us seeing her! The guess of those who consider those memories often is that she died when the Moon broke."

    "Curiosity begot terror and worry for one who might stumble to horrid fates, then twists to pain and hope betwixt fear of asking.¡±

    "I was buried by the Conclave, days after slaying Arafel. I was sealed into a vault disguised as an archive until my love came across my form. I''ve only been free for... well, since the day I destroyed that vessel." I answer uncomfortably. "I..." I chuckle morosely, "You give me so many more questions than answers and set my mind racing. I don''t know if those in power knew differently, but the girls that became me didn''t understand what you are, not in the least. And yet... I have a question... questions, that plague me more than any other, and a request? if that is not too forward of me.¡±

    "Well that''s unfortunate, we... Those were some of the only places we couldn''t really get into, or had reason to go. Cold and deep and without the sun''s gifts." Krelliva huffs soberly, then grins, the juices of that fruit dripping down chin. "But ask away. Worse that happens is I say no."

    "Suns'' rest is our limit." The Doll turns to regard Krelliva. "That is not a thing you will change."

    They roll their eyes. "Yes. That too. The... There are quite a few who will want to meet you, all three of you, if we''re being honest. In the flesh like we are now. If... if you end up agreeing to meet them."

    "Water set to fester will not cultivate well." The Doll nods and relaxes.

    "You¡­" I slowly lift a single hand to point to the Doll before placing it back on the ground. "You say Adopted Shell. Do you use one of my kin as a vessel or are you kin? And in either case, do you have a name I may use? I''ve been working hard at granting freedom to all of my kin at the Estate, improving their situations however I can, and it... pains me to not have anything to call you in my thoughts.¡±

    Krelliva goes quiet, before eventually murmuring. "Um... Both?"

    The Doll turns to face me. "This one is safety and protection, in spirit and vessel. It is sent out by the Scales Changed to walk with ones asked to risk everything to venture into the deep lair of this beast. It... was once a Doll cast aside, but then claimed and etched and gifted stories to keep safe should they otherwise be lost beyond the Sea''s embrace. A singular name is not a thing this one has been asked for, but for one roused and reforged into softer winds... it will consider." A pause, then the Doll nods. "Feryudra. A name selected from old dead tongues for the Horizon that will never be touched. It is appropriate.¡±

    "Thank you, Feryudra. That settles my heart." I sigh heavily. "Krelliva, there was, before my forging, a turn of phrase, an idiom, that roughly meant, accept good things when they come without questioning too much. If I... ask you that question, will it be an issue?¡±

    Krelliva shakes their head with a small smile. "Not at all."

    Feryudra also shakes their head, "Horrors often wrap themselves in pretty jade and shells to lure in the young and unwary.¡±

    I take a breath unneeded and ask, "Krelliva, Why do the Suns weep?¡±

    They smirk. "How else would he gift us ourselves?"

    No that''s wrong, it can''t be. Who is this He?

    For once, Feryudra has no words to echo. They both just... stare. As if they''re expecting something.

    I stammer in confusion. "But... No, it. What. But..." I silence my Quill song. "Madness. Of course. just... whispering madness. Nothing more. Eheh. too long away from both their light and the embrace of D?mmerung. Slippage should be... expected. Verbess, sister dear, I request assistance, would you and our sister act as my Voice for now?" My voice becomes erratic, unsettled.

    Verbess drops down from a nearby tree and moves to stand behind and over me. Protectively thrumming a Quill song to shred at unwoven Ousia about us. [Calm. Dear sister. You are safe. You are not infected. You are... confused. Riven with new perspectives and considerations. The... Sea-Borne are often known to gush riddles with no answer. Use of us, whatever is needed.]

    Krelliva sighs, but nods. "Sorry. Didn''t... You''ve probably been through a lot and that was unfair of me. Can I explain?"

    Feryudra thrums, "A feast too rich in flavor is not for the young.¡±

    [They did nothing wrong. Please do not take my distress as provocation on their part.]

    "It''s okay. I just. Yes. I will be here, can''t... be flesh right now though." I reach up and behind to Verbess and take its hand, shifting to spearform as its talons grip my wrist.

    Elevar looks between us in worry. "Why has that gotten you and her tied up in such knots?" Then turns to regard the others. "This... was that a trap of some kind? Your riddle?"

    Krelliva shakes their head, raises both palms. "No, not at all. Just... It''s a take on an old greeting. A way we used to have to find each other. Witches used to be really good at sensing us and... we had to hide within our vessels. Develop words and phrases to... to communicate since we couldn''t just like... ask for fear of outing ourselves. Then it got used by everyone which was wonderful but then you have those not like us knowing the replies and... well... then we found the sea and didn''t need it as much. Only us that walk the Root Ways might think to even speak it now."

    "Many soft truths hidden behind painful realities." Feryudra nods solemnly. "The Horrors caught on quick, but... by then the words were carried upon the winds. Too widespread among their gardens.¡±

    [In the Driftdream, there is only one sun.] I wail at Verbess¡¯ mind.

    [This one does not understand.] Verbess thrums.

    "Wait, are you saying there are... ones like you just... strutting about the Root Ways? Not causing a stir or a fuss?" Elevar presses.

    "Mhm! Plenty. More than even the Shells." Krelliva nods. "We... Well, there are some of our people who might like to eat your people but... it''s not really that common, and it''s not a group effort. More... just find your flavor nice. Not me though! Or my Shells. We... explore. Like to nuzzle close into you and watch and participate. Help if we can. Though... we have to keep our unique Arts a secret. Most people come to really enjoy our presence. Well... Not Witches but what you call Mundanes. They''re wonderful."

    "Cultivation of a garden we can all bask in." Feryudra adds.

    [Convey to the Mistress, she will understand my distress.] I beg my sister.

    "Mistress..." Verbess murmurs, "Sister Xafra wanted me to inform you that her Driftdream bears only one Sun."

    "What? I don''t..." Then she pauses, eyes go wide. "Krelliva? Were there always two Suns weeping?"

    They quirk their head to the side, "I... As far back as I can recall."

    Feryudra''s eyes drift up to regard my spearform. "Dreams are the only place he cannot regard. Not unless the Drifting seeks him.¡±

    [Eyes. No no. no more about this Him. Please. Ask the Mistress to arrange neutral ground, and let us leave in peace.]

    "Mistress... Xafra asks that you arrange a neutral ground for a future meeting, and that we leave in peace."

    Elevar nods. "Thank you for your time, considerations, and words. Can we arrange a neutral place to meet in the future?"

    Elevar and Krelliva lay it all out, a neutral place upon a desolate and broken Root Way in 35 to 50 days'' time. A place nearer the oceans but... not in danger of the tides swallowing them, and then we depart.

    "Would... would you prefer to remain in Verbess'' hand, or be moved my own. Xafra?" Elevar asks softly while we walk.

    [Please pass me to her, dear sister.] I respond, trying to settle myself.

    "Yours, Mistress." Verbess murmurs back.

    Then Elevar takes me, and cradles my form in the crook of her left arm. Her touch is soothing reassurance that we will endure. She doesn''t press me for more words, simply carries me like she hasn''t since before gifting me the Breath. Soon enough, we''re back through the walls of the Estate, and the Thorns weave closed behind us.

    "Where would you like me to take you, my Xafra?" She whispers as we slowly approach the Spires.

    [Basement. Spire room. Seal it tightly.] I request.

    Verbess murmurs my reply.

    She nods, and begins to head toward her Spire. "Is there anyone else you''d like with us?¡±

    [No, no. Must be quiet. Discreet.] It''s not paranoia if they''re out to get you.

    Elevar does as asked. Carries us into the basement room of her Spire, which happens to be her main bedchamber.

    "I''ll have her call you back if you''re needed, Thank you." She nods to them. And after they leave. I hear the passage to the upper floors and sub chamber seal tight as Elevar settles herself to sitting down on the floor. The Spire seems to close itself off like some beached crab at unspoken commands.

    Then she lays my spearform across her lap and... waits. Does not speak.

    After a full minute of silence, I shift into my Doll form, small enough to remain in her lap, and hold her tightly.

    She embraces me back immediately. Curls close and tight. "I''ve got you. You''re alright, my Xafra. It''s going to be okay.¡±

    "I''m scared, Mistress. I''m so very scared." I whisper into her chest. "The Suns aren''t twins. They''re eyes.¡±

    Elevar goes stiff at that. "I..." She pulls me tighter still. "That''s why you mentioned your Driftdream. One sun. Those two Muppets mentioning the ''regard'' of the sky. I... do not like this. Cracked and Riven Moon. I... I hate this.¡±

    "The Deni- the people... They aren''t what we thought. What my geists were raised to believe. They''re blessed by this Divine, a third people, Sun-blessed. We treated them as a plague, a parasite, because they''re so... different.¡±

    In the gloom of this sealed place Elevar murmurs. "But you also seemed to help them, it seems. Even if it was by accident. I... So... There is a theory among the Groves, mostly penned by Thresher Archivists, that Krelliva''s words seem to support. Death to their body isn''t like death to mine. Krelliva talked of almost... moving between hosts. And... What if many of them can do that? It doesn''t suddenly make your destruction of them good but... it makes it less horrid. Right? Would explain why they didn''t seem too upset by it. This blazing divine they move under even seems to think of you in a positive light, if you''ll disregard my words. It seems to understand you were thrust into a perspective and actions devoid of the chance of thinking of them as anything else but monsters.¡±

    "Yes. I was... processing, after the incident below, you see. And... with the realization that D?mmerung... accepted Lynette,  didn''t immediately strike her dead, it was evident that things were less simple.¡±

    She huffs, "It could also mean the divines are as broken and fallible as we are. Which is... well I''m not sure. I''m still trying to find a logical way to reject their very existence. Keep coming up short, especially now with you two about to reinforce these revelations.¡±

    "They... must be fallible. The Moon was riven. but still." I shake my head to settle myself and sit up in her lap. "We need to plan. I will follow your lead here, and advise that if they can jump bodies, they could hold grudges as long as me, so peace would be... safest in the long run, especially if we are to change things outside this Estate.¡±

    She keeps arms loosely around me and sighs, "They could hold grudges but... there are a lot of missing pieces. It''s odd but honestly I feel safer meeting with them than I do the cunts the Groves will send to talk with me. Krelliva and Feryudra seem... kind. A bit odd, but honest. Open. Unless it was all a trick to lure us out but... that seems an odd way to do it. And I''d rather simply be prepared within reason and meet them in peace than just assume they want to eat me. Our plague weavings will keep us safe enough with the amount of Ousia you can fill us with. We''ll take it slow and careful.¡±

    "Okay. And Lynette? I would appreciate her thoughts as well.¡±

    "Ah... Well, you and me both. She''s been a useless mess since those two got into the weeds of things. I can''t get her to stop and just... explain things." Elevar murmurs. "I think I can let her bubble up but... I''m not sure how that''ll work. She''s always been very deliberate and... this is new and real and would be terrifying if it were anyone else.¡±

    "Ah... yeah. That''s challenging. If you''re willing to let her bubble up, I am willing to talk with her, try and help her calm as well.¡±

    "Okay, I''ll be on the other side of her. Close in case I need to take over again. Just... call for me and I''ll pull her back." Elevar agrees while shuffling me to sit across from her. Still close but... forward and turned to face her fully.

    A pause.

    Then Elevar''s careful quiet expression of worry drops into a thing of sheer panic as Lynette''s voice begins to speak in a soft whisper. "Twelve Thaums should be enough to that thread, keep this efficient. Rotate the left by... let''s say a dozen degrees. Yes. Once we reroute these intakes there it won''t matter. She''ll get enough... enough..." She pauses, looks about. Still panicked but... detached from what she''s seeing.

    "Lynette, dear. I''m here.¡±

    She flinches, eyes me up and down. "Ah. Elevar pushed me to the front then. That''s..." She shuffles. "Oh I never considered that. She can force me to..."

    Another pause.

    "No dear, it''s... it''s fine. Probably better to work through this now than let it fester." She takes a breath and regards me with an unsteady smile. "So how are you taking the discovery that the little broken snake Doll you found was the sanest of us all? Better than me I hope.¡±

    "I have been... sitting with the possibility since I first saw it. Heh. Since the Estate captured me. It... makes sense. A disquieting amount of sense. And we need to recover it. See if we can help. because... if these Sun-blessed don''t normally die when their bodies do, and this one has been... converted, that could be seen as a serious offense. But also... Lynette, If I understand you even a bit, you have a passion for magic, for learning. Imagine it, learning how these beings utilize magic with their own Arts.¡±

    She shakes her head. "No no no... I have a passion for REAL spellwork. Twisting the formless into woven beauty held together by my will. Not... not whatever those things do. The second that muppet answered your question I dove into the Archives within the Threads of this place. Tried to... to... Find things. It... that was a mistake. Had to backwash out some infections. Rethink knittings and projects to keep steady." She shivers. "And I''ve kept that Doll well enough safe. It tends to sleep best in the chambers where Elevar found the Breath, only wanders off every other night or so to stare up at the empty sky from the tip-top of a Spire before slithering below again. I made sure the Estate lets it pass and doesn''t try to link itself up to the pitiable thing.¡±

    "Lynette, we don''t know what they do, how it works. I barely understand how the Breath even works, but I will admit I''m not particularly talented in spellwork. I''d like to talk to this Doll again, but I''m glad that it has some accommodations."

    [Nettle, Primrose, stand down. I believe we are safe for now. I''ll be up shortly.] I send as I continue speaking. "Regardless, Are you going to be okay Lynette? Stable enough and such?¡±

    No reply comes from my girls.

    "Stupid gerlthing. You asked me to seal this Spire. So I well did. Nothing in or out. Sun shite or otherwise." Lynette huffs. "And that''s what the chamber you were dropped into did, studied. Observed. Recorded. And more than a few Denizens have been kept there. I may not know the specifics of their workings but I have been cursed to grasp the shape of it. And I HATE it. Some kind of... This ugly Fire Godthing''s Nomos is saturated with... with things. And the spores of the Denizens act as... as gateways. Barriers. But also more. It seems to keep memories of their past within or... something. It''s a mess and I''m not even sure if it''s this rotten thing''s will or the consensus of the Sea-borne monsters that set the limits but... but it''s wretched and I despise it!" She lets out a hissing growl. "The Dirt Godthing was one thing, some sleeping spirit below that the Estate had... well not an understanding with but it knew to keep distance and respect the sleeping monster. But this... this place is hiding from the eyes. The jungles acting as tall grass for this snake to hide in." She freezes then, voice drops to a whisper. "And that''s the worst part. Elevar seems enthralled by all this but... but I want to vomit and I don''t know if that''s because of my ties to the Estate. And that makes we worry about..." She shakes her head, seems to steady. "Apologies. I''m fine. Spire''s unsealing now. I''ll... the snake Doll should be up tonight, I''ll make sure it''s guided here.¡±

    "Thank you. We will get through this, all of us." I stand and repeat my message to the girls, offering Lynette a hand up.

    Lynette just stares at it for a moment. "Of course. I told you..." She carefully takes my offer and rises. "I''ll kill anyone and everyone, on these grounds or glaring down from above, to make sure our daughter grows up free and happy.¡±

    "Yes we will.¡±

    BIG NEWS!!!!!!

    We STILL have 31 Dolls in the story that would love to have names, descriptions, and personalities.

    If you''d like to contribute, join the discord</a> and jump into the thread, or feel free to put suggestions in the comments below.

 Chapter 50: Tangled Weaves and Messy Minds (Witch)

    The Past Unforgotten (Blade)

    Content Warnings:

    END OF BOOK ONE BUT NOT THE STORY AHHH!!! Um... someone almost gets spat on. Rude mupples. Snek Dolls getting claimed and cuddles. Mhmhmhm! 12k worb CHAPPY!

    <Alright, she¡¯s heading up now.> Lynette murmurs.

    I nod and let her bubble up as we finish this bout of waiting.

    And then the Snek shaped Gerlthing of a Doll is poking her head up over the last incline. All dirty and torn up and¡­ just pitiful. Really. Three eyes go wide as she spots us. Tall ears pull back in worry.

    ¡°Hello dear.¡± Lynette murmurs gently.

    A pause, and the Doll whispers back in a trembling voice. ¡°H¨C hi? This¡­ this one just wants to see the Empty Sky, if that¡¯s alright?¡±

    Lynette nods, ¡°Maybe, but first I¡¯m going to have you come with me and answer my questions.¡±

    The Doll purses her lips, shakes her head in worry and fear. ¡°No. No questions. This one is empty. No stories.¡±

    Lynette sighs. ¡°See? She¡¯s a mess, Elevar. Let me claim her and make this simple? Please?¡±

    I wince internally but¡­ Fine. I hate it but¡­ fine. But only use it this first time. After that you will take care of her like I do my Doll. No Tone. Ever. Agreed?

    ¡°Um¡­ This one is confused.¡± The Snek Gerlthing murmurs.

    ¡°Agreed.¡± Lynette nods and turns our focus back to the Doll. Hesitates where I do not expect her to. ¡°Dear¡­ would you like a new Mistress? The Old one is dead and the others have a new gerl to watch over them. But¡­ not you. May I claim you?¡±

    The Snek gerlthing considers that for a few moments. ¡°Will¡­ will you let this one sleep below and¡­ and not suffer under the Sky¡¯s Cruel Regard?¡±

    ¡°You can avoid his gaze for as long as you desire, and sleep wherever you feel most safe within the reasonable limits of the Estate.¡± Lynette agrees.

    ¡°And¡­ AND keep the fog from hugging this one?¡± She adds, ears slowly rising in hope.

    Lynette smirks with my lips, ¡°Who do you think has kept it at bay these past days? Yes. Of course. This Estate is mine, as is the fog and the Spires and even the tunnels below.¡±

    The snek Gerlthing goes quiet for a long while, nibbling on that cute lower lip while ears twist up to show her interest.

    ¡°Keep this one safe? No¡­ you won¡¯t punish unless it is bad? Won¡¯t¡­ won¡¯t make it¡­ it¡­¡± She shivers, curling in on herself.

    I fight not to push Lynette aside and comfort the Gerl, but Lynette reacts without pause.

    ¡°Yes. I promise. I will treat you better than your first Mistress.¡± Lynette assures her.

    ¡°Um¡­ Oke.¡± She finally murmurs, slithering up into my bed chamber to settle in front of us.

    Lynette kneels us to sit in front of her, takes a deep breath, and¡­

    ¡°I, Lynette N¨¡vah¨©na, claim you as mine until death or pruning. At which point you will pass into the care and grace of my daughter, Sikkina.¡± My Witch Tone rolls out like the rushing tide, more heavy and potent than it''s ever been. ¡°Know my voice, and lay all your needs and burdens upon my shoulders.¡±

    I¡¯m a bit stunned by her Tuning words. How¡­ how different they are from our first to Schatzi and Verbess. Alongside her taking my chosen last name a riddle beyond my understanding.

    ¡°Alright dear, let''s get you¨C¡±

    The Snek Gerlthing slams into us in a flurry of tears and sobs, weeping senselessly as her everything shudders in suddenly unleashed sadness. There¡­ are words in her babbling. Things we barely understand and things we can¡¯t comprehend.

    I worry Lynette will¡­ will lash out with Tone or annoyance but¡­ she surprises me. Only adjusts to sit and hold her close. Murmuring soft calming words over the gerl while letting Physis flutter out and wash away what must be weeks and weeks of muck and filth.

    As the cleaning is done Lynette murmurs. ¡°Alright dear. Let¡¯s work some details out before I take you above. Won¡¯t be a whisper. Then, if everything goes well, you can watch the Empty Sky with me.¡±

    ** ** **

    ¡°Thank you for your patience.¡± Lynette states as she moves across the floor of our study. The chamber filled with those we''d asked to come just past sundown.

    Xafra, Adaline, Schatzi and Verbess wait about as Lynette settles us and the Snek Gerlthing in her arms into a comfortable couch.

    Once this new Doll seems settled she asks the room. "Will Calix not be joining us?

    Xafra looks over to Adaline questioningly, who shrugs and replies, "He said he''d be right over once he was done with his current set of tests."

    "I''ll make sure he''s on his w¡ª" She suddenly stands and turns, shifting to Warlord as Calix soars through the open balcony and snatches him out of the air.

    "Sorry I''m late! I was getting M¨¦lusine, Scarabella, Coqui, Alpinia, and Hyssop all tested for strength and durability since they''re all combat designation and some tend to be a bit overly uhm... Rough when playing." He says in a rush as he wiggles out of Xafra''s grip to take a seat.

    ¡°Ah.¡± Lynette nods, a touch annoyed¡­ but the Doll nuzzled close seems to wash it away right quick. ¡°I take it your Mistress filled you all in on today¡¯s discoveries?¡±

    "Yes. It certainly is worrisome, but we are keeping the majority of the... Shelf" Adaline shakes her head at the bizarre term that Xafra has picked, "Less informed for now so they may settle into their new quarters. Calix is of course invaluable with getting them accustomed to a new Mistress."

    "Thank you. I''m just trying to do my part. It''s a lot easier now that I can rest peacefully. We have some documents we can review as well now that Valthirii has started on the Library. Some concerns about her, but nothing major." Calix reports.

    "Mhm. There''s a lot to do here even without outside problems." Xafra finishes as she shifts back to Doll form and sits down again.

    I push up to reply. ¡°We¡¯re honestly still uncertain how much this should change our plans, but¡­ You¡¯ve all handled this marvelously regardless, Thank you. I¡¯d¡­ Like to be introduced to them all eventually. Only met a few in my outings and want to make sure they know I¡¯m about if they need anything.¡±

    Then I¡¯m pulling back to let Lynette bubble up again. ¡°Which leads us to said plans. Within 35 to 50 days we mean to meet with both Envoys of the Groves and Envoys of the¡­ Sea-Borne? Shells? Honestly it was easier when we had a name to wrap them all in but¡­ needs must.¡± She sighs and shrugs. ¡°We wanted to take this opportunity to lay out what the latter means. Get some disparate perspectives. The Groves demanded Yselda remain within the walls of this Estate when she slew her past mentor. I don¡¯t mean to even entertain such a demand, of course. But... how calmly this goes will cascade forward. Force us to adapt.¡±

    "I''ve been calling them Sun-blessed, seems... apt." Xafra states.

    "More Sun-Scorched, I think, but... they''ll appreciate your term better I think. We''ll keep to it." Lynette smirks.

    But then the Doll at our side twists to stare at us. "W- what? Mistress please no. I... I don''t..."

    Our hand drifts up to cup her cheek, "Shh, dear. I promised. Never again. The Sky is still Empty. You can go take a quick peek if you''d like?"

    The Gerl instantly relaxes, nodding, "O- oke? Thank you Mistress!" She nuzzles Lynette''s hand once more, then darts off to the balcony. Turns up to stare blankly and so quietly. Ears perking up to full and almost straining height.

    "I''m happy you were able to help her, Lynette. I was quite worried but she seems much happier now." Xafra observes warmly, looking out at the Doll.

    "It cost me little." Lynette shrugs. "And... more importantly this one will be able to provide us answers we can trust. If this Estate''s understanding of these Sun-Blessed is accurate, she''s not been touched by their Spores since her Dollification, or Nomos since... Well about four days past. She''s devoid of naught but Frame laden memories we can sift through."

    Adaline frowns at Lynette. "You don''t have to be a bitch about it."

    Xafra puts out a hand to Adaline asking for patience, "This isn''t the time. Please."

    "Oh? No please, I''d love to hear her opinions. I did not call you all here to keep such delightful observations to yourselves." Lynette quirks an eyebrow. "In what way am I... how did you phrase it? Being a bitch, about this?"

    I wince internally at... at how she''s annoyed but this is truly her being considerate while also not ceding anything. She''s also not... in spirit or form breaking her promises so... I''m at a loss but to gently nudge her like Xafra''s doing to Adaline. Soft requests for calm.

    "Naught but Frame laden memories we can sift through, You sound so callous as though you don''t care for her, but apparently masking emotions is something that Elevar learned after your time." Adaline keeps a level voice even as Xafra tenses.

    "I show my care for this one here because it benefits me to do so." Lynette smirks, "And often, a callous regard is needed to aid those we hold most dear. Else our own pain becomes theirs. But that aside, I keep my promises, she will find nothing but a kind Mistress in me. Don''t take my words there as anything but... turns of phrase. I''ll be gentle."

    Even I wince at that. Lynette that¡¯s¡­ not the¡­

    <I know.> She cuts me off. <I¡¯m curious to hear this one¡¯s honest thoughts of me.>

    After a pair of quickened heartbeats, Xafra turns to Adaline and whispers, not quietly enough, "If you even begin that process, I will shatter your jaw. I will feel terrible about it but I do not play around with the safety of my Mate and the mother of my child. If you wish to vent anger, we can talk afterwards, and you can scream, hit, and spit at me to your heart''s content."

    "Xafra." I nearly snap as I push past Lynette''s amused curiosity. "I''ve made her promises, and I won''t have you be a surrogate for either myself or Lynette. Adaline knows my limits."

    "Are you suddenly immune to Moonwaste like myself?" Xafra responds in a droll manner while Adaline looks stricken for only a second before feigning serenity.

    "Moonwaste? Why would that..." I shake my head as I hear Lynette cackle, then glance down and away to murmur. "What''s so funny?"

    <The cunt. The absolute brilliant bitch. How does she impress me even after she¡¯s dead and burned and buried?>

    Then something clicks, and a few odd memories slink together.

    "Ah." I nod slowly and turn back to face them. "The Passing Flame of the Old Cunt ran off with your Schema, Adaline. She... Yes. Apologizes for not stepping in. I didn''t realize Lynette was goading you until it was too late. I... I''m sorry. It''s inexcusable for me to be so careless."

    Another few heartbeats, and Adaline answers after a calm look from her Mistress."No. I''m sorry. I nearly did something horrific. I... I just got so mad and those memories flared up and... Yeah."

    <This little Patchwork Doll would have been so perfect had¨C>

    Don¡¯t call her that. I snap at Lynette, and she pulls back. Still mirthful but¡­ restrained.

    "I''m not that uncivilized, dear Witchling, that I would threaten one of my dearest kin, my second in command, with violence if it was not absolutely necessary. I promised her and only her, that I would not use my Voice on her or invade her mind, so I make due."

    ¡°I¡­ Of course. I''m sorry to you as well, Xafra. You both¡­ You¡¯re taking care of each other and I was trying to manage Lynette besides and I lashed out without thinking. I trust you both more than myself in these things when I stop to let myself remember that. And¡­¡± I take a deep breath and let it out. ¡°That is what tonight¡­ well, is about. I''ll need the bitch when it comes time to hopefully find a way to help this poor Doll but... The Groves are what really worry me. I have a few ideas in mind for how I can manage this well but... they''re all fairly messy. Could use some opinions outside my own? If you''re still willing to offer them?¡±

    "Before I can offer opinions, I really need context. Is this Estate unique or do all the Groves have one?"

    "Oh, Cracked and Riven Moon, no. This place is quite unique. Or... well there are a few odd..." I wave my hands in negation. "But to your question. The Groves are for people to live and thrive in safety. This... well those De-, I mean Sun-Blessed, had the right of it. The Estate is a trap and prison made to lure in, synthesize, and sometimes dissolve threats to the Groves. Specifically things that fall outside of certain approved parameters. At least... we think? This place doesn''t really have the context for itself, but it does know what its function is. It doesn''t even need a Blossom or Floret. Didn''t before The Old Cunt''s mentor managed it. Not since... well at least a thousand years or so."

    "So then, What or who... did the Estate send the update to at the Groves? because, ideally I''d like to eventually overturn them all, free my Kin, restrict dollcraft to genuine volunteers with resheathing taking its place, destroy every single Thresher in existence, and come to some sort of peace treaty with the Sun-blessed. But I also recognize that that''s a lot."

    I go a bit stiff at that, caught between my own spiteful angers toward the Groves and Lynette''s voracious hungers bubbling at my back. So I say very carefully, "You''ve... mentioned this to me before. Back in the jungles. But understand that path will cost us all, Xafra. And won''t be quick. I''m not sure how the Groves communicate or what defenses they have. If we are clever and careful then... we can do much of this quietly before they are roused to know we''re hunting them. Like..." I wince and look away. "Like how she was teaching me to do. Yselda, I mean. I... I was trying to topple enough of it all to... to make it so she could take over a Grove or two. But the Soul Rot dashed that plan into the sea. I''ll try to do it again for you. Of course. But... I want to make sure everyone in this room, at the very least, consents. I''m not just some fool Half-K-" I stop myself, "Gerl, sorry, with a head full of nonsense and far too good at cruelties. I''ve accepted my responsibilities to you. To my Schatzi and Verbess. To you, dear Adaline. And... to every single traumatized Doll here. I will walk this path if it is asked by you. Just..."

    Calix speaks up, "The nature of Dolls. Mistress, do you know what happens at the end? It is silent, but it is... not a gentle silence. It continues for... far too long after the frame has stopped responding."

    Xafra stills, the words a familiar horror.

    I wince. "I''ve... I did not. I always hoped that if Dolls stopped then they at least had good Dreams to replace the life they were living before their complete end. But... they don''t? Do they? That would have to be an odd side effect or... or intentional function of the Frame. Which... isn''t something even the kindest crafter of Dolls would knit during the process. They''d... it would be considered it a waste." I run a hand through my hair. "It''s all so backwards. And I... I knew that. But it wasn''t me and I couldn''t change it so... why care? Why not ignore it and imbibe the easier lies? And... and now I''m up to my tits in the truth of this and... of course I can''t say no. Just want to make sure I don''t mess up what you''ve all built here. I will deny you all nothing. Just... please be careful in your demands? Not for me. Cracked and Riven Moon, not for me. But for yourselves. You all deserve to be safe. Finally. With your eldest Kin able to give you whatever life and form you desire."

    Calix smiles, brighter than reasonable. "It''s been a long time, but we''re going to make a difference. This one was tired, Mistress, but now has hope. With caution and deliberate steps, we can do this." The fool boy, many times my age advises.

    Nodding I turn to look between my Doll and Adaline. "And you all? What are your thoughts?"

    Verbess responds first, doesn''t even bother cracking out fangs to intone. "This half of the Frame will rise to hunt any prey Mistress or its sister sets their sits on. But... agrees. Understand the ground we tread as well as the target sought. Either will hold surprises kept hidden to lash out with."

    Xafra winces at the term Warlord''s conquest, but nods, "Yes. I would like to have minimal casualties, get the majority on our side if possible."

    "Well, since that negates the idea of just poisoning all the Groves with Moonwaste, my second thought is... perhaps crueler, but none of you have a problem with cruelty, right?" Adaline states, waiting for an answer with a vicious grin.

    I shrug. "More so now than before, what did you have in mind?"

    "Hear me out before you shoot it down." she starts. "We have here in this room, A Witch with four Einwandfrei under her belt, the Emissary of the Estate, the oldest Doll we know with insights that he has no right or comprehensible reason to have, the Progenitor of all Dollkin, an Entity with wondrous schema, and this one, the remains of a Witch in her prime.

    Let''s just half-knit the moon-cursed lot of them, seal away their Arts in their bodies, every Witch we come across, to be undone when they are determined safe. Even a fragile Art Doll is stronger than a Witch without access to their magic." She finishes.

    Calix laughs, an unhinged thing that deepens and peters out.

    Lynette cackles loudly with the fool boy as I go stiff. "I... It''s..."

    <I see why you adore this one! Cut from the same cloth as us. Such a shame you didn''t actually fix her...>

    I swallow bile, take a gulp of air as I try very hard to steady myself. "Can... You explain that? The shape of the practical? The Thresher version of the Garrote has that application, if tangled right. The need it to lock rogue Witches from their magic. But... I''m not sure if that''s what you mean?"

    <Come now Elevar... She said what she said. It''s honestly a perfect scheme. Delicious.> She coos.

    "I mean, we, as a group, come up with a weave that will encapsulate a Witch''s magic into a physical part of their body. Not remove it, so of course their lifespan is unchanged, but able to feel it, see it, and yet have it be Just. Out. Of. Reach." Her words sing with such bitter agony, but she goes on, "And I even have an idea for a delivery mechanism that none will suspect."

    "Alright." I reply while moving carefully to take the chair at my desk. "Go on then. It''s... if such a spell can be woven to entangle even a fraction of Witches then it could be useful. Anyone important will have wards or such to keep most things at bay though. But not the gaggle they employ and work through. Most Threshers won''t."

    "Tell this one, dear Wife, before Xafra handed Sikkina''s egg off to Primrose, did you even consider that a Doll could hold such a construct of Ousia and Physis? Or did you, like this one, assume it an absurd concept, an impossibility, as we obviously don''t have a wellspring for it to connect to?" Adaline''s voice trembles with each word, like an addict desperate for a fix.

    <Dredging up such Nightmares...> Lynette''s tone is a thing riven with almost manic delight.

    I nod, seeing the shape of Adaline''s desperate hope. "But if we developed some kind of surrogate for these theoretical Dolls to carry. Even manipulate and control at their leisure... None would probably catch on until we''ve hobbled or completely overtaken at least three Groves. This weaving could be one of many spells laid within for their easy use."

    <With Warden''s talent for schema, my access to the Archive within the Threads, and this Gerl''s desperate need to feel a Witch again...> Lynette giggles.

    "It''ll most likely be akin to what Xafra''s mentioned existed in ages past. Adjacent to Witch Arts, but bearing its own limits and considerations... Will probably be undetectable until activated and casting." We murmur, more to ourselves. Then chuckle. "Oh won''t that ruffle them. Dolls not just with magic, but magic they don''t understand."

    "I am... hesitant. This feels like using non-combatants as weapons. reducing my kin once more to simple tools." Xafra interjects.

    We shake our head. "No. We can handle this like we would anything else, depending on the cost and flexibility of this change. Dolls are incredibly malleable, and this infection doesn''t have to be a mandatory part of the wellspring. This... It''ll be like any garden. We''re just tilling the soil within the Dolls and offering them choices. Letting them pick which Dreams to foster. It''ll be a Storm forced backwards through a bottle, but this place has needed to weave some..."

    We trail off. Thoughts divided.

    I shake my head. "Odd Dolls. None... None up above. Things... kept below? Lynette?"

    She huffs, annoyed by something beyond my own senses. <Leave it well enough alone. I''ll make sure to pass along anything useful and safe from the Archives.>

    "Mistress Xafra, we should be given the choice, if you are willing to allow it. Some of us will choose to help." Calix argues.

    She stares at him wordlessly before clacking all her faceplates in a gesture of acceptance. "Freedom means the freedom to fight as well, eh? Fine. I will assist with this, but only if we are all here agreed."

    "I''ll help within... certain limits. From Lynette''s delight I''m guessing we''re not the first to tamper with plagues of Ousia and Physis. But I''ll not have us Knit something with thought at considerations or the ability to develop them." I look to Adaline, smile softly. "But the wellspring? I''d do that without hesitation. How can I refuse? I''d delight to see you weave again. More so in a form you set the terms of."

    "Oh. Ooooh. Is that it? I mean we haven''t tried it yet, but it''s probably possible to simply..." Xafra trails off, deep in focus.

    Adaline turns and stares incredulously at her.

    <Such a useless word to use... ''wellspring''> Lynette muses. <Toss it aside. We need to think outside the Mundane Witch''s perspectives. Anyone with a touch of good sense knows its a system of interlocked weaves that don''t even thrum with kinetic force! Better to...>

    I sigh as she babbles on. "It''s going to be a mess to figure out, and we''ll need to make sure the Frames are not compromised, since they''ll have to either hold or supply at the very least the cost, if not some kind of... of Glyph for each spell. But... anyway. This is a good idea even without the... well the infection. That''ll be kept till we know what the options are. And worth spending our time on while we wait to see what comes our way. Alongside these..." I tip-tap the books. "Making sure that our Xafra understands everything she can about the Groves, their politics, and their layouts. If you want to uproot everything you better know how to settle the soil. And... that leads to my next question, how would you like to walk the Groves? Before this all gets complicatedly violent, I mean. As a Doll or otherwise, you''ll need to stick to it till we''re ready as keeping your nature a secret is a must. You can change your mind before the Envoy arrives, of course. Take time to consider which you''d like to be introduced as."

    "Mistress Elevar... I think I can do it." Xafra begins weaving Physis into a template, not a full weaving, but a proof of concept that modifies a Doll intrinsically, obviously completely unrelated to Adaline''s idea.

    Calix looks at the template and quietly begins edging towards the balcony.

    <No no no no...> Lynette sighs. <She''s got it all... backwards and upside-down even! Here... let me->

    I refuse her, pointedly, and look to him. "Dear boy, if you suddenly want to leave you are welcome to depart. But I would ask that you use the front entrance, and would you mind terribly dropping these off in Xafra''s space?" I hold out the books.

    "No weaving for me again. This one can''t. Please Mistress?" Calix asks while he approaches me, making a large detour away from Xafra.

    Xafra doesn''t notice, continuing to fiddle with the template as it steadily resembles Adaline''s Frame with the alteration getting increasingly specific.

    "Of course not, Calix. No alterations unless you consent to them." I assure him, offering up the books.

    <Elevar, she''s half likely to make any Doll she tries that on fray apart. Nasty look on them. Let me interject some sense!>

    "Xafra, dear? You won''t be testing that out tonight, correct?" I ask past Calix and Lynette''s annoyance.

    She finally snaps out of her concentration to look up and offer the weaving to me, "Oh I mean, I was planning to have yourself, Lynette, and Adaline to look it over first to check it. Proof of concept, right? But I think if I shift Adaline''s 5th dorsal Iphodian gear to crystal and attach a resonator sphere... I can make her able to weave again. Will have to top her up while half woven, as she doesn''t have a Breath yet, but..."

    "Perfect, thank you." I nod, look back to Calix, whisper very gently as his hands close about the books. "And... if there is anything I can help with, or you need to talk about the why of it, just let me know. I... I won''t say I understand, just that I might relate better than others. Alright? Adaline is... she''s being kind when she says I have four Einwandfrei. I have two now, and only on a good day. I can barely think about the others. Much less spin them."

    This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

    "Please no. This one cannot be allowed to weave again. Please, Mistress." He whispers back.

    "Never. You have my promise, that unless you ask for otherwise in sound mind and form, I''ll not let these fool gerls change you to be able to Weave." I nod. "Alright?"

    <Such... an odd one. Yselda never really leaned toward boys.> Lynette muses. <And there are no records of him in the Threads.>

    What does that mean?

    <Either he was woven before she started using the Chambers below. Or... was pruned from the records.> She murmurs.

    "Thank you, Mistress," he responds, before leaving the room quietly.

    Xafra, noticing him leave, looks at me in bewilderment, "Did I miss something? Why''s he leaving?"

    I sigh and look after him in worry. "Something here poked at a scar, Is my guess. I''d suggest you keep this research away from him. I''ve... not seen him shaken like that in... well... ever. Even in my early days here. I''d guess conditioning from the Old Cunt but... I don''t want to assume. This was very specific."

    "Ah. Yes, I''ll make sure to keep it from him. I''m sorry."

    I shake my head and turn a soft smile on her. "You did nothing wrong. Just make sure maybe... one of the others takes a peek at him later? Just to make sure he knows he''s not alone?

    "Of course. I''ll have Garami look in on him. They''ve been getting along quite well, from what I''ve seen."

    "Good. I''m glad to hear that." I nod, begin to settle but... then look over to spot Lynette''s Doll still just... curled in the middle of the balcony. Staring up with rapt abandon. So I rise and murmur, "Give me a moment."

    Then I carefully step over to kneel before her. "Dear?"

    <Let me.> Lynette presses.

    "Dear one." I say and ignore her Mistress. Speaking a little louder.

    She blinks, an ear twitches, then she slowly and with obvious distractions toward the sky above looks to me. "M¨C Miss Elevar?"

    "Yes dear, would you be so kind as to come sit with me?"

    "Um.... B¨C but... Mistress said..." She nibbles on her lip, ears flattening a touch.

    "Just a peek, if I recall." I smile, holding out a hand to her. "And we''ve given you quite a sight more than that."

    She huffs, carefully takes my hand. "I''m sorry. She... she''s not mad is she?"

    "At you? Never. You''re a good gerl." I assure her. And with only a small pause she slithers up about me and I carry her back to the couch. Settle her beside and let her nuzzle close. Then look back to the remaining gaggle. "Thank you."

    Lynette settles back into quiet annoyance but... settled acceptance of my treatment and care for her Doll.

    "So... Spellcraft studies. Doll alterations. Grove studies. Wicked schemes all. Did I miss anything...?" I sigh to the room.

    "Only the most important thing. Will it work? Could I be... something new, better than I was?" Adaline asks, desperation evident in her eyes.

    I give her a careful smirk. "The bitch thinks Xafra''s initial designs are a mess but... is thrumming with enough excitement to let slip there are things below whose Frames might hold some secrets we can reverse and apply here. My guess is that there are monsters contained that it had to build something like this to channel and filter worse out of them. And your Mistress has already done the impossible already. If anything, this''ll be trivial. You... you''ll probably have options even. More control with different limitations. New Arts to explore."

    "Well that''s good to hear. Means that we can potentially have a bunch of things making progress all at once. I''m still not onboard with weaponizing the Dolls until my sisters agree, but I''m definitely willing to help my Dolls regain their weaving if they so desire.¡± Xafra says.

    Adaline walks over to me slowly, and kneels down on the floor in front of me. "Thank you, so very much."

    I go stiff, pinned beneath my own aching heart and the Snek Gerlthing nuzzling close. "Don''t... Adaline, do not kneel to me. You''re welcome but... but this is not a gift given, this is a debt owed. And only the start of my attempts to help you heal."

    She stands with a smile, "This one won''t kneel if you stop trying to keep a ledger between us. That''s no way for us to become better together."

    "This would be much more amusing if I could gossip with Lynette, you know." Xafra chuckles. "Anyway, was there anything else to discuss for now? I think you said Calix has books for me to read, and I should ensure that my Doll form is something I can handle for an extended time to travel."

    I huff. "Yes. I... I''ll avoid phrasing it that way. It''s just... how I''ve taught myself to move forward. How about... You''ve very important to me so how could I not help you regain this thing I know you want very much?" Then I turn an amused glance past Adaline to Xafra. "Yes. Studies on the Groves and such, alongside my journals from when I traveled as First Floret. Regardless of what form you take it will not do for you to strut at my side with only a cursory knowledge of things. Since you mean to play the role of a Doll no one will care about your past, but it''s best you don''t come across as... well. Ignorant. There were two other things but... well. we''ll see. Tonight has gone awry in ways I am still fuddling with."

    "Okay. This one is going to go back to our Spire and continue working with the newly claimed Dolls, if that''s alright?" Adaline declares.

    I nod, "Of course. Thank you for your time. Let me know if... if you need anything else?"

    "Definitely." With a wicked grin she runs and jumps off the balcony.

    "I adore these disasters, my Witchling."

    "Well that''s good, because..." I pause, look between the Snek Gerlthing and my Doll. "Schatzi? Dear. Would you mind keeping an eye on this little one while I take Xafra off for a chat?"

    The Doll on my lap tenses, but I quickly add, "No questions from myself or your Mistress tonight, dear. You can go watch the Empty Sky, if you like?"

    She hesitates, then nods and pulls free to slither back over to the balcony while I rise. Look to Schatzi. "It... Won''t be an involved thing. Most she''ll do is climb the Spire till morning, then wander below again. You can otherwise do as you please?"

    "Yes Mistress, This one would be happy to accompany her."

    "Thank you." Then I turn to Xafra, "Shall we?"

    "Gladly." Xafra reaches out to take my hand.

    With nothing but a nod, I lead her below into my bedchamber. Only speaking to ask her as we move down the last steps. "Would you mind if I had Lynette seal us in? I''d... rather this be as private as I can make it."

    "That''s fine. I trust her."

    Lynette sizzles in curiosity and hope and annoyance¡­ but after those words she seals us in without a word.

    ¡°So¡­ First off. I think only lightly questioning that Doll will be more appropriate than what Lynette was hoping for tonight. And that should be done after she¡¯s had some time to get used to you. Start seeking out her Mistress when she slithers up instead of us needing to intercept.¡± I say aloud to her while moving to sit on the edge of the bed. ¡°Agreed?¡±

    A pause, and I pull back to let her reply with our lips. ¡°It¡­ can wait. I mostly wanted to verify what the two we met said. If my understanding is correct her recollections will be sporadic. Possibly broken beyond even her understanding. Dollification might have ruined that one beyond what even our dear Xafra can help heal.¡±

    Then we look to Xafra as I regain control.

    "I''m willing to help her however I can. I feel... obliged to do so."

    "I know, love. Just wanted to communicate that before I get into the weeds of this next part." Letting out a sigh I turn to glare at a wall. "Tonight... was supposed to go differently. It... went well in some ways. Adaline gaining magic will be wonderful for her. And the bigger plans are still a mess but that was always going to be the case. But... Lynette, you Salt-guzzling Half-Knit BITCH!!! Why, by the Cracked and Riven Moon, did you say that to Adaline!?! What does hurting that Gerl gain you? Give me just... just one good reason why I shouldn''t..."

    I cut off the thought and words. Which causes her to pause in surprise at my ability to retain and hide a thought from her. After twinned heartbeats I let her bubble up.

    "I will admit... her anger there was more than I expected." Lynette replies carefully. "It was not a lie when I told you my goal was to goad her into speaking aloud her spite for me. Not... whatever that was." Then she turns to Xafra. "Thank you for stopping her, by the way."

    Xafra shrugs, "She would have regretted her actions but it would not undo the harm she could have done.  She wasn''t even angry at you, but at her own helplessness. Her lack of control. She resonated purely of self-loathing, not anger."

    "Moonshite." I hiss and smother Lynette before she can say a word. "Why couldn''t it be anger? Empty Skies, I... She deserves that. Not..." I shake my head. "Either way. I wanted to apologize to you as well. Her pain is yours to hold and if we are both very lucky the possibility of her gaining magic will drown this. But... This could still be a thing that troubles her. I''m sorry."

    "I think it''s better to know. While I''m not particularly fond of Lynette''s method, it certainly offered useful results."

    A pause, and Lynette gently nudges at me a request to speak. So I let her. "I agree. But I''m still... quite confused. Actually. How unstable is this Patch-" I''m about to snarl at her but she corrects herself quickly, raises our hands in surrender. "Sorry. Sorry. Elevar. I remember. How unstable is this last Doll Yselda made? The Moonwaste... envenomed fangs? Spit? I''m not sure but that speaks to a thing woven by a woman with no regard toward even the most extreme limits agreed upon by the Groves. Which... Well, I''d be flattered if the Cunt was willing to ravage the Groves after discovering my infection if things had gone differently. I understand the shape of events after the Rot but... not the details or emotions felt. Only little flitters are open to my considerations, and only those quite a few years even after you killed the Cunt. What happened to that one?"

    She pulls back and I''m openly glaring at the floor.

    "From personal experience with a faceful, it seems to be a gland and valve system similar to that of some snakes that allow them to shoot venom, connected to a significantly large reservoir in her stomach. Yselda quite literally made her into a salt-guzzler. It seems... more a choice to be even crueler to Adaline and to protect you with a weapon that others would never detect or suspect." Xafra explains the mechanism, while very deliberately leaving my own actions unspoken.

    "That''s... a mess. One I don''t disprove of, mind you." Lynette says carefully through my lips. "But that still doesn''t explain why she almost spat Moonwaste into the face of the woman she seems to care quite deeply for. My words were at worst barbed, barely a paper-scratch. And she knew it was me talking. So... What am I missing? You freed her from the Garrote, yes? It wasn''t your fault she was trapped in Yselda''s Spire for over a decade. So..."

    She pulls back, and I huff tiredly. "While I burned the Garrote away with the Blasenplage it... she wasn''t... it didn''t free her. The old commands of Yselda''s Garrote always burned deeper than others. So I tried everything I could think of to help her. Got bitter and spiteful right quick. Lashed out with Tone many many times and... and eventually just stopped trying. Left her to wither alone after abusing her."

    Lynette chews on that before rising up to murmur. "Ah. I... see how my words dug deeper than intended. I apologize for that then, and be more deft in future interactions. Even... apologize to Adaline if you or her Mistress would ask it of me."

    "I''ll let Xafra talk with her and let us know if it''s something she wants." I shrug, but can''t hide my obvious relief.

    "Thank you. I appreciate the consideration." Xafra sits beside us on the bed. "So was there anything else?"

    I let my head just... fall over to lean into her shoulder. "Yes. Actually. I was wanting to try unbinding the bond. Even... If only for a short while."

    Lynette goes still. Anticipation and excitement brimming

    "I. What do you mean?" Xafra asks carefully.

    "Sorry. The tether''s, I mean. The blockage I wove to keep you all safe. I''d... like to try letting myself be felt again. Even..." I let out a soft sigh. "Even if that means having to let you deal with Lynette''s nonsense fluttering through it."

    "Please. I am more than willing."

    ¡°But¡­ I have a question, first.¡± I whisper. ¡°And will trust you in whatever answer you give. Should¡­ I have threats for her. Warnings. Vicious plans if she betrays me here or¡­ or messes this up in the future. Probably petty but¡­ it¡¯s the only way I know to meaningfully hurt her. If she was callous or cruel when I brought up what she said to Adaline I wouldn¡¯t even be asking you but¡­ Should I just leave them spoken? Like this? Or give her a taste of what I¡¯ll do if she hurts any of you?¡±

    Lynette does the equivalent of a head-tilt of curiosity. It would be a thing of amusement but¡­ worry touches it.

    "I would rather you not. Trust first. That''s the only reason I didn''t try and kill you immediately. And why you didn''t garrote me when I held that girl in my hands. Because we decided to try and trust. I am willing to try."

    "Alright..." I murmur and regard the tethers I wove about the bond. Begin to call up Ousia laden Physis to carefully unweave them apart while gripping the bond itself like I''ve not needed to in... a while. Not that long honestly but Cracked and Riven moon does it feel like a lifetime. "Just... Xafra if you can''t stand what you feel or...  then just tell me. I can re-knit this right quick and will not have her treating this or... or you all like toys to be played with."

    "I''m not a child, Elevar..." Lynette murmurs through my lips while I work. "And... we never broke our things without purpose."

    I huff, considering just... dissolving the lot as they begin to give me trouble. "That''s not the comfort you think it is."

    Xafra quietly mumbles something under her breath as she blushes, her faceplates brightening.

    "Cracked and Riven moon just... melting them a touch seemed clever at the time and..." I growl, while Lynette bubbles close to murmur. "What''s that dear? Does our Xafra have any... Interesting proclivities besides-"

    I lose my patience right quick with the mess and just snap {Blasenplage}, to destroy the mess. Then follow up with a quick. {Garrote} to quickly heal and recreate the tethers to writhe free from the... the...

    The room spins a bit as I lean forward to place my head in my hands, and for a second all I can focus on are my own deep breaths, ironclad grip on the tether, and... dangerously low Ousia reserves. Not quite the pittance I had before Xafra''s first infusions but... too close for comfort.

    "Are you both alright?" Xafra asks nervously.

    "Yes. Just... Lower reserves that I should have let happen." I murmur while regathering my mess. "Stupid. If an emergency appeared I''d... Well, I can''t be careless like that." Then I take a deep breath, slowly loosen my grip on the bond while wrapping the tethers close about my core, and... gently release my grip on our bond.

    A pause, then I carefully intone. {X- Xafra?} Not even trying to hide my worry and trepidation and... and desperate hope.

    [MISTRESS!MYMISTRESSELEVAR!MYMATEMYLOVEMYWITCHLING] Xafra''s response is immediate and near overwhelming with sheer joy and hope and trust as she flops on the bed giggling.

    I let myself bask in that. Shivering a bit while the echo that rolls through us, eventually sluggishly turning to crawl over to loom above her. {Hello love. Sorry it took me so long to... to do this.} Lean down I rest forehead on hers, letting the mess of delight and love and peace feeling her brings me just... pour down the bond.

    She smiles widely and wiggles before reaching out again to both of us this time. [Lynette?]

    And then, through the mess, I notice the thrumming from her. Like... like someone draped over and peering past my shoulders. Careful amused interest tittering on the edge of more vibrant emotions hanging about her as Lynette replies. <Well... Aren''t you two a delight? Hello, Xafra.>

    Xafra positively vibrates with acceptance [Hello, I love your twin a whole bunch and I really hope we can get along because I''ve missed her so much]

    <Cracked and Riven Moon... I was wrong.> Lynette giggles, trying to mask her disquieted enjoyment of this. <She did collar you. More aptly than any thing of cloth or iron or Ousia. Wonderful.>

    I would radiate annoyance at her but... her words are playful. She means them but only in a seemingly approving way.

    <But yes. That is my hope too. Dear one. She... You are so important. To everything I want to do.>

    I sigh openly. {Lynette... She''s not a tool. She is a person. My Xafra. My partner. Her happiness means all the world and beyond to me. Please don''t phrase things that way? Ask her? Show her? Please?}

    Lynette flitters in startled surprise. <You consent to my... My sharing that? Truly? I expected it to take weeks...>

    [I mean I wouldn''t be opposed to an actual collar... show me what?] Xafra asks.

    I eye her while radiating obvious interest in that, but shake myself back to her question. {Our... Our deal. Why we made it. Why I... I trusted her when I was below. Why I never once questioned if she could be a mother to your child.} A pause. Then I sigh, {You deserve to know. To judge my choices and tell me if I made a mistake. And... and to at least know the conditions that would need breaking to undo the mess of it.}

    Xafra''s emotions sober, the joy and giddiness still present but set aside to permit focus. [Alright. I''m ready.]

    Lynette sighs. <I still don''t get why you''re so... so sensitive about this. It''ll sting, of course. But... She''ll find herself riven with delight, is my guess.>

    I scoot about to lay atop Xafra. Left hand ready for when Lynette needs it. {You''re guesses are... not the most trustworthy things when it comes to people, dear. Please choose your words with care for her?}

    <Fine. I won''t coddle but... I can stick to the facts.> She agrees, <So... As you know Elevar went below and found Sikkina, got me etched into her, and came back a bit of a mess as Blossom. What she didn''t tell you is where she found Sikkina. It... was not in a good place. Our daughter needs a few things to grow as you intended. Main thing is core of consciousness, a Ousia/Physis layout to fuel and weave herself into, and... well there are a few other things but half of them she''d make as she grows. That seem an accurate description so far?>

    Xafra nods [At the stage of refinement I had completed for her, yes. That''s accurate.]

    I intone. {She... I don''t really have words for where I found her. I... I think Sikkina tried but... her shell couldn''t latch onto anything here. This place was just... too prepared to handle worse things than her. My letting her start through my Little Archive stopped this place from treating her like it might have otherwise but... she fell. Toppled through the Threads until she ended up in... in...}

    Lynette picks up as I fall into a guilt ridden mess. <Wasteways. Effectively. Places soon to be mulched and ground into nothing. She might have survived. That''s a hard shell you wrapped her in. But... Would have been a slog to recover as this place used said mess as... well, fertilizer is an apt word I guess. She''d have nothing to latch and grow through.>

    {And I was so tired and angry and... and I thought I... I tossed your daughter away.} I shake, first dribbles of moisture bubbling up. {Or worse. So I scooped the poor Gerl up into my Little Archive as the Estate began to... to look through me for the Blossom it needed.}

    I tremble harder, vaguely aware of Lynette''s careful words. <That''s... how I found them. This fool Gerl cradling your child as this place finished growing me. Terrified I''d want to hurt either of them. So... stupid. Honestly. Your child is a work of Art, Xafra. How could I not claim her alongside my messy Half-Knit?>

    {Possessive bitch.} I growl weakly.

    <Of course.> She shrugs, letting herself radiate that openly and with pride. <Would you have trusted anything else from me? Let me use you to break this decaying corpse of an Estate from its melancholy or slumber? Force it to convert one of its most voracious Chambers into a Sanctuary for that Gerl? No. I think not. I may have wanted to be Yselda, but seeing what she did to you... well, I mean to outshine the Old Cunt. Embrace a bit of botany in my Art. Let Sikkina grow beyond the rich soil I planted her in.>

    [I don''t... understand. What part am I supposed to be upset about? You both made sacrifices to protect and assist my daughter. As far as I''m concerned you''ve been better parents to her than me so far.]

    I''m not sure what makes me snap. Lynette''s smug satisfaction at someone affirming that she''s right, Xafra''s annoying acceptance of this, or... or it''s probably my own mess of guilt.

    {It''s because I gave away your child to her!} I seethe, but... hopefully she knows it''s not at her. {I gave you one limit. Xafra. A single line I did not want to cross. Do you remember? ''Do not curse a child with me as their mother.'' Simpler than you realize to avoid. And... and if you''d still wanted to birth this wonderful gerl that would have been fine. I''d have helped in every single way possible. Literally. Would have even carried her myself if that was what you wanted. But... but I wouldn''t have let you call me her''s until she was good and ready to choose me.} I turn my glare away. {I didn''t know Lynette would... would be like she is. Thought... thought she might even be a spitting image of the Old Cunt just... suddenly obsessed with this child instead of me. But I still did it. Laid this stitching and... and just hoped you could save Sikkina if things got bad. Refused to keep the Breath in case she... she tricked us all and... But it doesn''t matter. My excuses don''t matter. I should have carried your child up and let you decide her future. Regardless of the cost. Not me. I am not her mother.}

    "No you aren''t. I don''t expect you to be in any way. You didn''t give up my child, or abandon her, you gave her a chance to exist in a safe environment. I made her shell as a weapon to devour Witches. You should have carried her up? Elevar, you would have been dead within hours of her consuming your archive and I''d have a daughter wearing the corpse of my beloved. HOW DARE YOU THINK THAT WOULD BE BETTER! You went above and beyond my wildest hopes once I learned where she was implanted. You aren''t her mother, no, but you are her saviour, as you are mine. You carried us both from the darkness into a future where we can thrive." Xafra drops to a whisper, her doll form crying real tears. "I didn''t expect her to make it. I was delusional and desperate, and you saved her."

    ¡°Sh¨C she¡­ I could have gotten up to you before anything happened to me. Just¡­ might been a mess.¡± I grumble, twisting up and around to pull Xafra into me. Wrapping her in a full hug. ¡°I¡¯d not let her eat me. My wards were doing a decent job of giving her shell something to chew on. Of course I don¡¯t think that would be better. I just¡­¡± I trail off, pulling Xafra closer still.

    [Elevar... I designed the parasite that I altered into my daughter. It was made for the Witches of my age. The shell was unchanged. Once it gets through wards, the first thing it goes for is the spine, to cause paralysis. You likely had... minutes.]

    I¡­ consider that. Chew on those muddled hours and if¡­ if I think I could respin better wards before she could¡­

    <To be¡­ entirely fair, and if I may be so bold as to interject¡­> Lynette intones carefully. <My pitch for the Sanctuary was hard to resist.>

    A nudge and with a sigh I pull my left hand around between us. Let the display for Sikkina¡¯s area flicker to cerulean light.

    <A Fold between the Roots. Will be saturated with a sea of Ousia and Physis knittings for her to consume as needed, and will work, in part if the weavings take well, as her Core. Your¡­ odd alchemical slurry will need to be implemented, albeit in a less messy fashion, if she wants to wear flesh. But from the start she will have all the materials she needs to weave any body she wants from here once she hatches.> She starts. <And if we come to an understanding¡­ and I can learn more about your Driftdream, I want this to function as the anchor for hers. A loadstone, to be metaphorical, so that if she is ever say¡­ dropped down a very deep hole, she can return here without even needing Ousia within her Frame. And if she decides to crack the tethers from it to the Estate¡­ well¡­ it will be unreachable except by those she invites and have been there to memorize the Fold¡¯s unique Tune.>

    Xafra pauses before changing focus to Lynette. [I think... There may be further potential development we could grant her. A way of... ensuring peace between us and the Sun-blessed, and making her unrivaled in potential. As for the Driftdream, as stated, the way is open to you both whenever you wish. All my knowledge is accessible to both of you.] Xafra holds onto us as she stares at the display of Sikkina''s nest, her tail gently wrapping around us securely.

    <I so very much look forward to all the delightful things we can make together, Xafra.> Lynette agrees, then considers me. <So¡­ shall we take her up on this offer? Or would you prefer more delays?>

    I sigh bodily and nuzzle closer into my Xafra. {I¡­ fine. Yes. Let¡¯s see how much I can stand trekking about with you. Dear if¡­ if you would pull us into your Driftdream?}

    Xafra opens herself up to us, the bond widening into more of a gateway than the previous times where it acted as a grasping hand.

    I take a deep breath, and plunge us forward. Settling our form to slump comfortably while still holding Xafra close. Lynette and I enter the shaft, descending slowly along the forested walls of blue-leaved trees that are now blooming in a rainbow of colorful flowers, each glowing softly and illuminating the passage.

    The village and the valley it rests in is dark, lit only by the light of torches, candles, hearths, and the unbroken moon that shines from above. The sight is breathtaking. Almost distracts me from the bubbling fear. As feet touch the ground I have to pause to... to take a deep breath before looking to see...

    Nothing.

    "Lynette?" I murmur, looking up and about for her.

    <Yes?> Her voice echoes a touch from me.

    I jerk a bit. "You... did you not get pulled in too?"

    <I''m literally with you all the...> She begins to sigh in exasperation, but then pauses. <Was that part your deep fear of returning here? That... that I''d manifest as some Geist or... or separate ghost to haunt you both? Really?>

    "Could you?" I murmur.

    She considers that. Seems to flex out and... then retract. <No. Not without a decent amount of focus from us both. We''re still quite... My consciousness is still very much a bud twisting out from yours. With practice and your help I could grow to do that. But... much of myself is still devoted to the Estate.>

    I can''t restrain my own huff of relief. "Ah. Good. Something to figure out then. A future exercise of trust."

    She does the equivalent of a shrug.

    But... Her hope for it is obvious.

    "Welcome ladies." I turn to see Xafra approaching, making her way up the path from the village with a smile on her face, wearing the first form I saw her in. ¡°I''ve done a bit of renovations as of late.¡±

    "It''s gorgeous." I reply immediately, moving forward to meet halfway and pull her into an embrace. "Care to show us what my N?herin has spun? Even from this distance it seems a delight."

    Xafra hugs us close but frowns. "No. This won''t do for me. Hmm¡­" She mutters and before I realize it, there is another gerl beside us, me but younger, less weathered, and heavily tattooed by deep green vines.

    "There. You''ll have to stay within a few metres of one of me, but you''ll be able to talk aloud here and explore the library yourself as well."

    The gerl suddenly adjusts, looks about. "Well... isn''t this an odd sensation." Lynette murmurs, then eyes Xafra while tilting her head in acceptance. "But a nice one. Very thoughtful. Thank you."

    Mind rings a bit with her movements and words but... too fuzzy. Can''t peer past to see through her.

    "Cracked and Riven Moon did I really sound like that?" I huff. "It''s... I forgot how... insufferably well we did with our voice."

    "Still do, honestly. You''ve not kept up with it as well as you could''ve." Lynette smirks, eyes me up and down. "Moonshite, Yselda really did try and make us look like a sister she never had. You''ve aged well though. A thing she never could stand to do."

    "I''m glad it meets with your approval. The form is that of my subconscious image of you, as the Driftdream is in effect, a manifestation of my subconscious. That being said, you can change how you look with a slight effort of will, and I will remember the alterations. As a note, Lynette, you have free range anywhere in the valley except for room 112 in the Inn. I would ask you not to test that boundary." Xafra declares.

    Lynette chuckles. "The thought never crossed my mind. Although..."

    "Lynette." I warn.

    "What? You''ll need my help with that anyway. You''ll fall all to pieces if you try to get it off her, and the mother of my child being Garroted is absolutely unacceptable." She sighs then. "But it can wait, I suppose. Trust building and all that."

    "Hm? Oh no. That''s not... in here. It would be easier if it was, then I could have destroyed it myself. From what I understand, it only exists tangibly in.... that form."

    "Really? Well, Isn''t that a thing of stupid spite on her part." Lynette smirks. "But I won''t press on the issue when we have so much more... enthralling Dreams and topics before us. Shall we?"

    "Of course. Did you want to head right to the library or look around first?"

    "I''d love a tour." I say quickly, moving a hand down to clasp Xafra''s. "We''ll probably be spending far too long buried in the library, and you really seem to have put a delightful amount of effort into this place."

    A pause, and I glance to Lynette to find her nodding. "I agree. I want to see more of this one''s good works. But... first I have a promise to keep."

    And with an outstretched left hand, a glimmering swirl of jade strings fall from above. Eventually manifesting and forming into a floating array of books before her. Twelve in total. All individually thicker than even my Blasenplage''s single one.

    "This... is everything you need to successfully cast the Wurzelriss." She nods and waves a hand over the tomes. "Please read the warnings and limitations before you attempt it, dear Gerl. I''d hate to have you try to sneak into our daughter''s sanctuary only to crack a second Spire and all your precious Dolls within."

    Xafra visibly bites back a remark before nodding and taking the books, a wave of her own hand dissolving them into the ether of the Dream. "You said I could not visit yet. I had no plans or intentions to go back on my word. Thank you, this should be useful." She turns and begins to lead the way back down the path to the village.

    I turn a quick glare back at Lynette, both mentally and Dream physically? I guess?

    She quirks an eyebrow and mouths ¡®What?¡¯

    I huff and face forward, gripping Xafra¡¯s hand tighter as we walk. ¡°Apologies, as always. For her. For how I was. It¡¯s¡­ If it helps I can assure you that was a mix of her flirting and drawing attention to something she¡¯s honestly terrified of. Not you getting to Sikkina without her approvals, mind you, that excites her I suspect. But¡­ the idea of you failing. Getting hurt beyond what even you could probably survive. It¡¯s vile but¡­ It¡¯s all the fool Gerl knows.¡±

    I feel Lynette''s amusement twist into... something. A messy emotion she quickly hides at my last words. But... remains silent as she follows. Falling back to what I suspect is the limit of her manifested form''s safe range from Xafra.

    An odd look crosses Xafra''s face before she asks something outrageous, "Lynette, Are you a masochist?"

    She laughs, soured emotions twisting into mirth. "If you''re asking if I have our Elevar''s well tuned ability to enjoy pain, yes. It''s honestly something I''m glad to see she''s not lost. Would make lovemaking so... dull."

    A sigh slips free from me as we walk. "I... if Verbess wasn''t there I might have. Since The Old Cunt was the only other one willing to go as far as I liked. But... that one can be ravenous and I wanted to... to give back to it after it remained awake for such long periods with me. Only took a few nights for me to learn to recenter myself about the pain and not need my weavings to keep me steady."

    "Ah. Yes. That one truly is a delight. Very good at sensing limits and not needing to pester a gerl when she''s tits deep in the tides of it." Lynette agrees, then turns a focus to Xafra, walking to be just a touch closer. "But... Why do you ask? I''d thought it would be quite obvious from your mate''s temperaments and abilities."

    "Truthfully, I was... concerned with how she mentioned she learned how to court pain from Yselda, and with me beginning to learn your tastes somewhat, that... " Xafra shakes her head and pushes through the discomfort, "That I was being used for self harm. I am... not just happy, but enthusiastic, about aiding a partner in pleasure however they would enjoy, but that would be different. Sorry. That''s my baggage, and unrelated to what we''re supposed to be doing."

    "Don''t apologize, dear one." Lynette giggles while I struggle to find words for this. "To alleviate your concerns, no. I can''t speak to our Elevar''s current needs, but I was gifted a craving to watch and feel and delight as the old chaff is ripped free. Then... after she wove this form for me, to bask in every little sensation it could gift me. Pleasure was also so much sweater either betwixt or after she nearly drowned me in pain."

    I have to stop, take a few false breaths. Riven between old recollections. Working very hard to smother older memories with the newer ones where my Xafra was present.

    "Yes. That. I... Pain is where I go to escape the mess. Focus on something... well not simple but... clean." I whisper. "Guilt and... and shame ruins it. Was why the bone replacement wouldn''t work if I knew you weren''t enjoying it or protected from the pain."

    Lynette sighs as the memory and truth of my words radiate off me. "Such a shame I wasn''t present for that. Or the jungles. Or the Inn where you first let her cut into you. Memories are nice but..." She shrugs and walks past us. Looking about to examine my Xafra''s work.

    "There''s always the future, if Elevar agrees, though... actually, that can definitely wait for later."

    Xafra waves to a few Geists that are working the fields near the path, and they head towards us. The first shifts to Xafra''s warlord form, the second to her Doll form, and the third to the grakler form.

    Three of them speak in a harmonious chorus while the fourth meows, "When I was going a bit mad, I learned a new talent. Not certain if I can manage it outside my Driftdream yet, but it seems to have potential. Anyway, please pick your guide or guides from amongst us."

    I consider them, then tighten my grip. "Well my hand is comfortable where it is, at least."

    Lynette moves forward to walk about them, circling between and around while such a smirk plays on her lips. I... fully expect her to pick the looming giant of the group but... she surprises me. Moves to kneel before the Grakler Frame. Offers a hand to hover just to the side and below its cheek. "This one, I think. And..." Then she peers over to the Doll form. "That one."

    ¡°Don¡¯t take that as anything but¡­ but that form being very distracting.¡± I whisper to Xafra. ¡°In all the best ways, but we¡¯re here to see your new creations. Not swoon over old ones. That can come later.¡±

    Xafra''s Warlord self has her Quills hum a tune of amusement as she turns away and returns to the Geist she was only moments prior.

    "So," Lynette asks the grakler before her. "What is it you seek to impress us with?"

    The grakler meows at Lynette and is somehow understandable in this dream, "I started focusing more on the form and purpose of the Driftdream. I now have a trio of potters, a tailor, and a duo of woodcarvers in addition to my blacksmiths, and they¡­ Well, come look." Her form prances along the main road and down a side path where these crafters apparently reside.

    Unlike the previous times I was here, the Geists aren''t just reenacting the role, but are... actually crafting things from raw materials, low quality, but notably informed of the process.

    "Are you still directing all of this? How much focus does this take? If any?" I murmur, looking between them in curiosity. Pulling us both forward so we can get a better look at their work while Lynette observes in steady interest.

    "I''m not actively directing them, but I''m... more closely connected. Less deliberate separation than before. I was quite worried for a very very long time that they would... become people, become real, and I would be nothing more than a jailer if I paid too much attention to them, if I acknowledged their individual actions.¡± She explains from my side. ¡°Yet, they didn''t. They''re all still me, just more directly... repositories that I can implement in different ways? I''m actively learning how to do all these trades. It''s not immediate, and will plateau out without some external practice as well but... I''m learning how to make things."

    "That''s... that''s really wonderful Xafra." I turn from these workings to smile at her. "Both in a practical sense, of course, but... also for you. Each part of you here, both Geist and Wisp, seem... fundamental. Foundational. It''s... honestly really important. I think. That you get the chance to explore what you can become through this. Well done. I''m so glad I get to watch how this progresses."

    "Oh and the library... changed?¡± She grins. ¡°Also have a Geist as a librarian there, which is helping me integrate the knowledge I have much more efficiently. Turns out a lil bit of madness let me just... skip over the existential horror of my reality to get things actually working."

    An odd sound sputters from behind me, but when I turn to regard Lynette she just looks away and waves me off. Murmuring softly. "Nothing. Nothing. Just... glad to hear she''s managed it well."

    And such a flitter of fear sings off her before being cut to quick ribbons.

    "To this library then?" She huffs and moves past us in its general direction. Whatever that was replaced with quick and deft annoyed anticipation. "The first Gerl I seduced for information was a Archive Keeper at the Calla Grove, and she was actually directed to keep me from the knowledge there."

    "Sounds like you wound her around your finger, Miss Lynette." Doll Xafra responds, walking two step backs and one to the right of her.

    The... original Xafra, the one I met first, stays beside me. "So... I figure I should ask first..."

    "Mmm?" I murmur while letting Lynette pull enough ahead while she begins to regale Xafra with... honestly quite the embarrassing story. She''s not wrong in her retelling but... Cracked and Riven Moon was I truly that insufferably overmuch? "Ask me what?"

    "How upset would you get if I tried to seduce Lynette? We... haven''t really talked about your perspective on multiple partners, like I know you have Verbess and Schatzi as well, and I''ve avoided doing anything with any of the Dolls without talking to you, but... I think it would be... rather awkward to try and be intimate with you, my mate, if your sister is in your head completely uninterested."

    "Why would I be..." I turn to eye her, quirking a brow while smirking. "Xafra, dear, she''s already in love with you. Yes, much of that is from the memories of mine she''s struggling to untangle her own identity from but... that''s the second thing she decided to keep. Holds it close like the last ropes in a storm. And... yes. Of course. I''m sorry I... I didn''t make this clear the day you and Primrose bonded but any who wish to share your bed and affections are welcome to them so long as you are willing and wanting. I''m not possessive or the jealous sort. Most of my... well I guess my hesitations about the two of you are in regards to the Gerl hurting you. But... you''re right. She''s not me. Certainly not my sister, please no thank you to that perspective, but the more I see her. The old parts of me. Well..."

    I sigh and shrug. At a loss for words as I feel Lynette lost in the climax of the retelling. In every sense of the word. Something about... of course. We had the Gerl insensible at the log books while she tried to help a local Matron''s heiress. Shuddering and such a mess while we loomed at her side, feigning to be a new Archivist while our hand worked below the desk. I... I wish I wasn''t so horrid and rude to that Gerl once we got what we needed. She was sweet. And her acceptance of us was real. Just... assumed she was just callously using us too.

    "Oh gosh. I um. Didn''t expect that. Either of those things." Xafra laughs and hugs me tightly. "I''m not jealous, but I''m probably in the running for the most possessive girl on D?mmerung, because I''m going to make sure all of you are safe and happy, and free to live the lives you desire."

    I embrace her back, so tightly. Just... once again unraveling at this fool Gerl''s overwhelming hunger, abilities, wit, and... and compassion to follow through with those words. Even... even for a couple messy Witches like Lynette and myself. "Thank you, my love." I murmur, letting this flood through the bond like I''ve not trusted doing in far too long. "I... I''m going to enjoy seeing all the wonders you''ll set upon this world."

    MORE BIG NEWS!!!!!!

    SO! We are hosting a CHARACTER directed Q&A both here and on our Discord</a> in Celebration for the End of Book one of

    A Blade and Her Witch.

    WOW! This is not a stop or end just a brief pause while...

    Ourswelves and Ruby are Currently looking to get this gaggle of worbed edited up right tight for a physical release!

    AHHH!

    AND we''re planning to put all of these questions at the end of said Physical releases copy as a special THANKUMS chapter for all our readers and those who participate!

    SO COME JOIN US or ask these character directed questions here! Rules are simple. No spoilers for future chapters, be kind. Must ask the Characters your questions!

 Chapter 51: Shelf Polyarmory (Blade)

    Shelf Polyarmory (Blade)

    Content Warnings:

    EYEBALLS GET YANKED OUT! AHHHH!!! But it''s in a cute and heartwarming way so it''s oke. mhmhmhm! um.... snuggles, but of the not sexual kind (yet). Talk of mind/memory alterations. Oh and welcome to the start of BOOK TWO of BLABE and WATCHES!!! eheheh. Enjoy!

    I wake up the next morning with Nettle and Primrose clutching tightly to my naked Doll form, both of them still fast asleep.

    Cuddling was definitely a good idea. I''d feel terrible if they tried to prioritize my desires over each other''s.

    Moving slowly, I begin the process of extracting myself from the tangle on the previously unused bed.

    Nettle stirs, but otherwise doesn''t rouse. Primrose wiggles closer, but more on reflex, and her Frame allows me to easily slip free and re-adjust her to cuddle her Pinnate.

    I dress quickly in a simple green dress, feeling it appropriate for this form despite its lack of any genitalia. It''s comforting to know that I can exist in a body that''s both feminine and... not designed for intercourse. That Sun-blessed Doll didn''t wear clothing, but all the others I''ve seen have, well¡­ except for Alpinia. Probably best to continue to do so... Maybe I should ask Elevar about it?

    I head downstairs to the common room where Adaline is politely drinking the ''tea'' Calix has apparently made for her after learning last night that she can consume liquids without issue.

    "Did you want some?" she asks politely, with her emotions and expressions very carefully masked.

    "... What''s in it?" I respond cautiously, uncertain how much trouble I''m looking at.

    "Hot seawater with belladonna, aniseed and dried juniper berries. It honestly tastes much better than this one expected for something that would kill any mundane or Witch foolish enough to drink it." she giggles at my wariness.

    I take a sip and it''s salty, sweet, metallic, and tart, like Ozuth berries coated in blood.

    "Oh no, it''s delicious." I moan, pitching my voice loudly enough for Calix to hear from the next room.

    Joy bubbles along the bond from him and I take a seat across from Adaline to collect myself and figure out plans for today.

    "So... To uh start, once I get the go ahead from Elevar and Lynette, I''m willing to attempt the reknitting for you. There''s additional considerations for afterwards though.¡±

    She sips at the tea more, her growing grin making it difficult. "Go on, Mistress.¡±

    I lower my voice "If we are able to turn you into a Witch Doll or whatever term you choose, I''d like you to take over responsibility for some of the others. Just a few at first. Valthirii, Riana, Selene, and Zelma.¡±

    "You''d be... giving me up?" Adaline responds with concern.

    I shake my head in frustration, annoyed with my inability to explain well. "No, not at all. I think that a hierarchy would be more effective, and I want to show my trust as well as help ensure everyone''s needs are being met.¡±

    "You mean... You''d be my Mistress still, and this one would be the Mistress to other Dolls? That sounds... odd. Kind of silly.¡±

    "Well yes, and it may be a bit... odd considering in the end you will all still be mine, but I do think it will help when it comes to our plans to dealing with threats and taking over the Groves if every doll has someone to report to." I explain, already trying to determine who else can be placed in positions of command.

    Definitely not Calix, he needs to be free to go where needed. Nettle probably could. I think I could put her in charge of... Garami, Shelkie, and of course M¨¦lusine, would be inappropriate to seperate them. then I need someone to take charge of all the Combat Dolls... Coqui could do it, but I will need to get to know them more though. Will be good to have the rest more settled soon so I can figure out how to accommodate them.

    "Alright. So where first, Mistress?" Adaline asks smoothly.

    "Well... I need to privately touch base with Verbess and my other sisters soon. I also need to buckle down and read these bloody books, and it might be more comfortable to start those in the Library that Valthirii is working on, which would give you a chance to get to know her more as well, assuming you''d like to tag along. Uhhhm... Primrose said she has something to show me later today apparently, now that the paint is restocked and replenished." I start counting on my fingers, "I''ve been told that Strychnine has some real talent at cooking and in retrospect, I haven''t actually eaten anything designed as food for way too long. I want to do some renovations with the Spires, see what I can do to convince Lynette to create a space at one edge of the Estate that is not part of it, while still being within the Walls so I can make a temple or something. Repugnant, I know but it seems extremely foolish to risk Divine retribution by not paying proper obeisance to D?mmerung, Him, and my dear deceased Moon. Oh, and... Well... I''m not sure how to say this one without it coming across as wildly forward and outright rude..." I trail off after ticking down the sixth finger.

    "Go on, you''ve got this one intrigued now." She smiles wickedly.

    "I uhhm would like to see exactly how your liquid intake system works so I can try and replicate it for others and expand on it to permit eating, if not proper digestion, for the Dolls that want it." I facepalm as she goes from amused to puzzled to laughing uproariously.

    "Whew. Well. Okay. How about, we start the day with a meal with Lynette and Elevar, ask her about the thing then, break off to do whatever with Verbess, at that point, I''ll head to the library and get Valthirii to assist in making notes on the books to save time and have a bonding moment or whatever, you meet me back here after, see what''s up with Primrose, and then we can do some... testing, shall we say? You help me, I help you?" She offers.

    She''s a natural at this. Impressive really. Never was much of a leader myself, not like there was really an opportunity for it.

    "Sure. Thank you very much. That would be much appreciated.¡±

    A half hour later, Elevar, Lynette, Schatzi, Adaline, and myself are all sitting at a table on the new patio that Adaline made. Strychnine is positively gleaming in the bright sunlight as all six of their arms carry baskets and trays of food and drink.

    "Good to meet you again. I didn''t expect the shine, honestly," I say to them as they begin setting things on the table.

    Strychnine smiles, a stilted unfamiliar expression for them. "Thank you. This one is happy that Calix was able to help remove the limescale.¡±

    Strychnine departs, and we all begin to dig in, the baskets for me and the Dolls very clearly labeled as not for Witch consumption.

    "This is quite pretty." Elevar comments after setting down her basket and kneeling to touch the stone. "A good choice. I don''t often enough get to enjoy a meal outside, this was a good idea.¡±

    "This one is very glad it meets with approval. It was... frustratingly difficult without the correct knowledge to start.¡± Adaline while moving to grab a pastry looking thing from one basket.

    "Oh? And what knowledge was the correct kind for this project? I''ve not personally studied much Root weaving myself so... stone is quite beyond me." Elevar follows up while moving to sit at my side.

    "Tamping... apparently it wasn''t just a dumb dirtgodthing ritual, but a mundane technique to level the ground for the pavers." Adaline answers with chagrin.

    I sip on a jar of what Strychnine assures me is a test batch to recreate one of my favorite fermented fruit drinks of the past as Adaline carefully tries a beast blood smoothie.

    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    "Thank you again, for showing us the library last night." Elevar says to me. "Lynette''s been all alight with comparing what you''ve shared about older magics with what this Estate has recorded. From the little I''ve caught of her muses she''s finding all sorts of interesting connections.¡±

    "Excellent. Oh. That reminds me." I pull a ring of Lunargent encased in a delicate mesh of my own iron out of my pocket and offer it to my Mistress.

    "I... What''s this?" She tilts her head while carefully reaching out to take it. Our bond humming with nothing but curiosity besides what feels to be... something. Lynette''s steady focus on something else while only vaguely considering the events here? Perking up at her name being mentioned by Elevar but otherwise occupied. Only carefully controlled emotions being shared from her. Both last night and now.

    "I offered you a copy of my Driftdream library, remember? It''s up to date as of last night, and it will update whenever you visit my Driftdream. Took a bit of work last night to make it, mostly just having the weave remember it''s still a part of me, but I think it looks quite nice?¡±

    "Oh! This is encasing the Lunargent?" She turns it about between fingers, holding it up to the sunlight. "It''s quite gorgeous, actually. Thank you.¡±

    "You''re very welcome. It seemed prudent to make sure any sort of jewelry I make for my Mate is as lovely as I can manage while also being functional.¡±

    "I''ve not bothered with such things for years." She murmurs, begins to carefully test the ring out on different fingers. "And a ring like this will... definitely stand out. Things of iron are already a rarity, so our needle was... quite the stand out tool. And to have a ring such as this is quite a step beyond." Then she finds the finger I sized it for, and slips in on. Smiling only a little, but not worrying to smother the titters of enjoyment she feels from passing through the bond to me.

    "I''m glad you like it. I uhh¡­ Had a question for you that is a bit awkward, and another request for Lynette." I begin, feeling weirdly nervous.

    "Of course," She replies easily, "Start with whichever you''d like.¡±

    "To avoid coming off as... manipulative, I''ll make my request first. Lynette, I want to ask for a section of the Estate, preferably near one the Walls, to be... divested from the Estate, so I can..." my stomach turns with the words "Build a Temple.¡±

    Elevar tilts her head, and the bond sings with confusion and interest but... also a few other things she hides before gently letting them pair with the others. Worry and a touch of concern. "A place for worship? To... whom?¡±

    The distracted considerations from Lynette turn to rapt attention. Like one reading a book shutting it with a deliberate motion to turn and eye me. <Oh?>

    "To... all three Divines. As a precautionary measure, considering our upcoming meeting with the Sun-blessed, and your... acceptance by D?mmerung. It makes my frame crawl, but I''d rather not have my loved ones harmed due to a lack of proper respect.¡±

    A pause, and Lynette seems to chuckle, but ensures the mirth that tints her words is a soft thing. <That... is not a thing I believe worth doing. Not that I can''t be convinced, mind you. Or doubt your motives. I have nothing on a possible Moon Godling, and only a little on this D?mmerung. Save the Estate''s borders and understanding to both not disturb it and watch for... shall we say, little monsters that it might hatch forth from its territory. And as for this Sun Godthing... This Estate remains unknown for a reason. A snake in the grass. To give these Sun-Blessed a foothold in these jungles would invite dangers. We know of those ''Shells'' willingness to parlay but I''d rather not expose ourselves to the wider considerations of their ilk.>

    I continue to speak aloud out of respect for Adaline. "Alright. I''ll take that as a no for now and we can revisit it if it seems more... urgent. It''s not something I want, to be clear, but I didn''t want to neglect the idea.¡±

    "That and we don''t know if the Sun-Blessed even use or need such places." Elevar adds. "If we manage to gain their support in other things and find them trustworthy we can settle on accommodations if they wish to visit. Let them instruct if such a place is desired?"

    Lynette communicates the equivalent of a head tilt of acknowledgement, but not agreement. Then to turns back to whatever her muses were focusing on before, idling murmuring. <I mean to ask for your aid eventually regardless. I was thinking about properly settling a place below to consider and commune with this D?mmerung. Either for you or Sikkina.>

    I nod in agreement, "Which... brings me to the awkward question. Heh. From my newest Geist, I learned a number of customs and such of course but it seems that this one is ahhh regional. So... back in Tiefenfelder, there was a tradition that when you uhhm impregnated someone, you got them a gift. Typically something quite personal to represent the bond being formed." I begin turning bright red in embarrassment.

    "I... That''s... An interesting perspective. On... All that." Elevar tries to hide her outward surprise and matching flustered enjoyment at my words and rising blush, failing a bit at both.

    The link to Lynette goes silent for a good few heartbeats as Elevar tries to recover, then resumes with an attempt at calm considerations undermined by her hesitant reply. <I... mostly thought of Sikkina as adopted but... I... suppose there is analogy due to my connection to the Estate and the placement of the Sanctuary. From a certain point of view.>

    "If anything we should be... be congratulating you. Getting you a gift." Elevar adds, her soulmate''s words sparking her to continue. "I just managed a fire... Held her for a bit."

    <And I agreed to... to simply make sure she grew to her full potential. Without the nonsense her mothers dealt with.> Lynette tries to finish calmly. <But... That''s quite thoughtful of you regardless.>

    "She is incubated in a sanctuary you formed from the Estate, which you are a part of. I consider you her mother in truth as well, Lynette. I am... somewhat scared of you, but I trust and respect you. So, I wanted to know if it would be permissible or acceptable to offer such a gift.¡±

    She goes still for a heartbeat, then more steadily than before intones. <I... of course. I won''t turn away a gift from Elevar''s N?herin or the mother of my child.>

    With precise motions, I raise my hands to my face and have my crystalline eyes fall into them as new real red irised eyes grow in their place. I offer them out, one in each hand to both my Mate and the mother of my child. "To freedom and new beginnings.¡±

    Their hands reach out, and through the bond I can feel them both mingled close in their next actions. Carefully but with a small tremble taking the offering. "You... yes." They whisper, pulling both hands and gifts close. "We will keep them close, always. Remind ourselves that even the most beautiful of chains should be broken free of... And... and that even from that such wonderful people can persist and grow beyond."

    Lynette goes still after the words leave their lips. Still present but... distracted by things she keeps carefully concealed

    "Thank you, and... yes. I''m..." Elevar says and doesn''t try to stop the moisture that touches her eyes. "I''m sorry I didn''t realize what they meant sooner. Didn''t insist you gain my help in letting you change them.¡±

    I smile and cry happy tears, real tears from real eyes that can see my beautiful Mistress Elevar with no artifice processing my vision for me. "You''re very welcome, you silly Witchling. You''re forgiven even though I don''t blame you in the slightest.¡±

    She rises from her seat to step over and pull me into a hug. "I know that, I think. Even if it''s not settled in my heart yet. I... But I wanted you to know that if other things like this arise or lay about, please come to me. Always. And thank you. Thank you so much. These gifts are wonderful."

    Our chairs were already closely placed, but once she returns to sitting after our embrace she moves it even closer. Making sure the edges of legs touch and a single hand always close to mine.

    Adaline quietly steps away from the table. "I''ll see you in a while, Mistress. I don''t want to intrude on this." I worry at first but her link sings only of amusement and anticipation.

    Elevar glances over but... doesn''t stop Adaline, only sighs in a similar touch of worry. Just a small trickle to tint her otherwise thrumming adorations for me.

    I wave to Adaline as she departs to the newly converted Library Spire, then turn back and place my hand on hers. "Sister, I have some questions for you, if that''s alright?" I ask Schatzi who''s been silently observing.

    "Huh what? Yes definitely, this one was certainly paying attention." She splutters, jolted into motion with the question.

    "Warden." I begin, waiting for the change.

    "Progenitor acknowledged, Query pending?" It responds without delay.

    "Is this... Final Wish still in effect?" I continue.

    "Affirmative.¡±

    "Then I won''t press you any further for now, but I think you owe your Mistress some answers rather soon.¡±

    "My Gerls owe me nothing, Xafra." Elevar says, but gently. "I mean to inquire about the Directives, mostly to ensure I don''t stumble across something problematic, but otherwise... If this one wants to share they can in their own time." Then she turns to Warden. "And I mean that. Alright? You''ve somehow managed to keep both yourselves and me safe through all the nonsense I pursued. Share at your leisure.¡±

    "Progenitor opinion is acknowledged and will be included in decision matrices. Primary User opinion noted and appreciated." Warden responds before dropping back down.

    [You don''t think it''s unfair to Verbess and Schatzi that their third is actively modifying their memories and urges to suit its own ends, not to mention hiding its presence from them?] I send to Elevar and Lynette, while smoothly moving into my first actual question for Schatzi. "I was wondering how you are doing lately, considering we were quite worried about you both.¡±

    "Pretty good I think? I have horns now and they''re really cuuuute and and Sister Verbess is feeling better and gosh Mistress Elevar and Miss Lynette are really good to us and Miss Lynette''s Doll is a cutie and I got to cuddle her earlier and it was so nice, she''s soft and fuzzy and got the scales and cute ears, yea.¡±

    "Isn''t she? Lynette was considering offering to let her rest up here with us. The Spire would need to be sealed to accommodate her through the night, however." Elevar replies then adds. "Once she seems more comfortable, and you all agree, of course."

    {Of course I think that''s unfair, but I... I''m not certain we fully grasp their situation? Or... maybe that''s just because I didn''t see their internals as you did. I was blind for years to its presence. And I''m not certain if I entirely understand what exactly their relationship is, or if my insistence will change that. Warden is able to ignore my commands despite being Tuned to me. It... I''ve also not ever... well I don''t really know how to... put this...} She trails off.

    <I''m in agreement with Xafra, actually.> Lynette inputs. <Verbess almost killed us when Schatzi first let it crack free, and I''m fairly certain she was the one who stopped it from doing so all those years ago. And Warden never even spoke to me before the other day. It''s... also one of the most complex and dangerous Dolls we''ve ever seen. Warden''s actions speak to motives it should be honest about. Especially now that we''ve gifted this Doll the power to modify and repair itself as much as it likes.>

    "Oh gosh! I would like that if she was okay with it too." Schatzi says excitedly.

    [I don''t think Warden is malicious in any way, to be clear, I just feel like it''s not taking its sisters¡¯ agency into consideration. So having a talk with it at some point, simply about not messing with memories and letting them know it exists would be sufficient to ease my worries.]

    "I also had quite a productive discussion with our Mistress and... Wondered how you felt about intimacy between us.¡±

    {I... yes. I agree. At least with that. I can push it for that. Of course.}

    "Scandalous" Schatzi murmurs, "You need to talk to Verbess about that, Sister Xafra." before promptly shunting Verbess forward.

    Verbess comes out rumbling a low purring laugh. "This one feels all sorts of things, Sister." Fangs click free, then fold away. Almost playfully. "Things that words won''t express well. But to the answer it thinks you seek... It has sat wondering if either you would request our attendance, or the Mistress would command its function in this. This one looks forward to such a time.¡±

    I laugh full-throated and aroused at its insinuations. "Well. Mistress, how do you feel about a bit of a show?¡±

    That cracks the worry from her, causing Elevar to giggle with me. "Never did I think to see the day this one would be so ravenous for another. And I''ve always enjoyed both of you work." She settles, leaning over to rest chin on palm, purring softly to us both. "Please, I''d adore some entertainment.¡±

    "I''m so fragile right now sister dear... give me a head start?" I ask with a grin before jumping up and sprinting towards Elevar''s Spire.

 Chapter 52: Harmonics and Good Function (Frame 514.5)

    Harmonics and Good Function (Frame 514.5)

    Content Warnings:

    SEX IS HERE! Um.... Adopted Sister sex. But that''s fine because its just a word and these two both love each other very much and should be free to FUCK like the cuties they are! Also they play a game of tag and tackle so that makes it even MORE perfect so HA! Um.... Long tounges and chewing on galpals while figuring out things.

    <Assessing¡­ Prey designation: Sister Xafra. Factor thirteen Construct. Neutral threat Level. Seek Primary User''s advisement.>

    This one turns to regard its Mistress. She smirks, and after two unbearably slow heartbeats, nods toward our fleeing sister.

    This one does not need to take a deep breath. Does not need to consider or set itself into balance. Does not need to hesitate.

    It only needs to Function.

    Stone floor beneath is adequate, this one would launch from here but¡­ Chips or debris could kick up and harm Mistress, so instead it rises quickly. Letting all six Quills, four arms, Fangs and two additional slit-small eyes open just below Schatzi¡¯s horns melt forth. Then it darts to the grass, gaze locking back onto Xafra¡¯s fleeing form.

    Crouching, it curls old jade laced tendons to near breaking, Quills screaming with every motion and intention and joy at feeling itself tick the Frame up into Giyar Seven with ease.

    Then it jumps.

    Soars over Sister and impacts the side of Mistress¡¯ Spire, not even needing to use its talons to hook along the naturally ridged things edges as it peers down to watch Xafra scurry across the grounds.

    But then¡­ this one hesitates.

    Old words bubble up in reminder of its Mistress command. ¡®So long as you know to never call her that, or anything she does not expressly request, I¡¯ll let you think on this. Tell me and her later.¡¯

    This one growls at the question it has chewed on between Schatzi¡¯s calmer chores and considerations since that day.

    Why did it keep calling Sister Xafra ¡®Old Parasite¡¯?

    <Assessing¡­>

    Was it because it thought of her as such? No. Within the jungles her nature became plain. It relayed truth to the Mistress.

    <Assessing¡­>

    Was it because it wanted to hurt her? No. It¡­ there was no good function to be had in goading or wounding her with words.

    <Assessing¡­>

    Was this term a product of Disfunction? This one thought so. Was prepared to relay that as the answer to both its new Sister and Mistress. But now¡­

    Something about calling her that feels like it had a purpose, and makes the Quills sing in focus. Not to repeat the word. No. But to UNDERSTAND why it bubbled up and needed to be said.

    So it stalks Xafra as she enters the Spire. Not following her in through the front entrance, but from the balcony. Ticking the Frame up into Giyar Eight to move easily through the study at whip-crack speed without disturbing but a single parchment or two.

    It finds her moving through the Spire¡¯s entrance. Looking back toward the grounds while backing up through the kitchen. Unaware of the Frame scuttling silently across the ceiling above, Quills now stilled in bubbling anticipation. Xafra pauses, then glances about the silent kitchen and lounging areas. Even looking up, but the Frame moves quick enough to avoid even her peripheral vision. Remaining in the cone-shaped dead zone those with only eyes will have at their back.

    This one almost pounces, considers taking this prey here. Now. But...

    No. Not yet.

    Instead, this one gifts its newest Sister teasing titters of amused hungry resonance through the bond. Let''s Xafra feel this bubbling delight at being able to stalk and hunt WELL again. To track prey that finds itself unable to spot the Frame, while this one watches them begin to understand just how little that can be done to change that. Even clicks up to Giyar Nine while reaching down to nudge a trinket to tip and fall off a counter to clatter loudly on the floor, and is already about and behind Xafra before her eyes jerk to spot the source of the noise.

    Fills the bond with the barely ignorable desire to leap. But...

    No. NOT YET!

    It... it tilts the head of the Frame. Pauses to really consider this newest sister from a new angle...

    <Assessing...>

    Why those WORDS!?!?!

    And it feels one of the many edges of the answer it seeks.

    It didn''t want her to become that.

    Xafra proceeds, just almost spots the Frame when it senses that part of the answer. But it''s able to move while she begins to descend the stairs down to the Mistress'' Spire main bedchamber.

    <Assessing...>

    That''s it! It needs the Quills! It could never really think well without them. But... Only the mingling of function and purpose and harmony can grant it clarity now. And for that... it needs the Pack.

    So it leaps, just as Xafra is upon those last three steps, eyes locked above after a quick look about the room. The Frame clicks down to Giyar Seven, lets out a victorious ear-popping shrill, and kicks off the wall into Sister Xafra''s new frail Doll form just as she begins to jerk around.

    A Sister''s echoing resonance will show it the opposite sides of the question.

    It is careful. That''s why it remained in Giyar Seven. Lower would give the Frame all the abilities it would need to completely shred the form Xafra wears, while this higher one holds the deft speed and precision it needs to tumble forth with its prize without so much as scratching her Frame. Eventually rolling so it sits above and straddles her. Xafra''s two arms pinned above while this one''s two extra talons flex free at her sides. Quills steady their Tune into a ravenous thing of victory and need to... to...

    What?

    <Assessing...>

    Fangs click-clack in curiosity as it regards Xafra''s wide new eyes staring back up at this one.

    Xafra shifts, letting her own Quills jut out from her scalp so they can start a simple thrumming song of encouragement.

    The Frame freezes at this. Caught between old melodies that hurt to let dance through the Quills and¡­ and hope that soothes the pain.

    This one knew it would never be a part of a Pack again. Knew itself alone and rusting and only just worth the fury it functioned within. Knew that the future of the Frame lay within the half that served within the calm. In Schatzi. And the best end it could for was that she never needed to call this half to stir above Giyar Null again.

    But¡­ Then a name was sewn onto this one¡¯s mind. And it was made defective with the hunger for more time with this Pack.

    <Assessing...>

    No. Not defective. It was good function to continue the hunt knowing it will rust sooner than to abandon the Pack. And¡­ and then it was made better. Not whole. Not free of all the rust but¡­ able to endure. Able to spin the threads within into new shapes faster than the rust could unravel them.

    The Frame¡¯s jaw shifts, then cracks more seams free into four distinct plates. Each with twinned rows of Fangs within. And between them is this one¡¯s long unfurling tongue. A thing it hasn¡¯t been able to let stretch beyond a talon¡¯s length in many many years. Its surface has a soft scale-like texture that hides numerous small, sharp, rear-facing projections.

    Able to sing.

    This one trembles at the Quills'' sudden, almost erratic, joy at that. Unable to stop the Frame from darting down to latch itself onto Xafra¡¯s jaw and neck. The talons that pin her hands dig furrows into the root floor between and beneath them while the spare set rake down her soft Doll form¡¯s sides.

    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    Careful though. But¡­ does it need to be?

    As the Frame gently gnashes and chews, the Quills thrum a flurry of questions it hopes Xafra can understand and reply to. Mingled and laced with memories of¡­ of what it thinks she won¡¯t be able to grasp the meanings of. Things it would sometimes thrum while Fangs and Talons were allowed to bury themselves into the Mistress but¡­ knew she could not reply to.

    What it means when a Pack Sister pins another to the floor and asks to Harmonize with her. Thrumming requests to¡­ to echo things from First Breaking. To press close in mind and function. To weave a melody that can help this Frame hunt the answer to a question it knows is so very important to find and devour the answer to¡­

    Xafra tentatively thrums unity, attempting to be what is wanted, while pressing her body gently against fangs and talons, not in protest but in desire.

    Her Quill-song¡­ it¡¯s not sufficient. Not enough. Too shallow and clumsy and¡­ and cracking at the edges. It wants to scream in pain and fury and annoyance but¡­

    A memory dances through the Frame.

    Of¡­ of this one in those first days. How they all were. No Pack Sister started with perfect songs or forms. None could harmonize well after First Breaking. And¡­

    <Assessing...>

    The Pack was not complete from the start, it had to be forged. Quills Tuned and Function taught. This new part of the answer to the question draws it into motion as the Quills drown the room in nothing but this revelation. If it wants this Sister, it needs to SHOW her how to Harmonize. Just how it was shown.

    So, with a deft slowness absent of all hesitation, it begins.

    Talons slip into and within and beneath the torso plates of Xafra¡¯s form while fangs shove back her head to a near cracking point as its fangs move to wrap about her mouth and jaw into a ravenous kiss. Through Quill-Song trying to... to communicate things and memories it has to dredge up from this one''s long rusted mind. Using the bond Xafra wove to try and fill the gaps her Quills can''t feel.

    Trying to submerge her in every way in what it needs her to see and what it needs to find.

    <Assessing...>

    It finds all sorts of wonderful surprises across and within Xafra''s Doll Form. Things it cannot help but admire and almost caress with Talon and Tongue and echoing songs. This Sister''s Quills are PERFECT, and her Shifting is better than this Frame could ever match. No... no... it is not a problem in form. But... In Function?

    <Assessing...>

    The Frame adjusts to sitting while pulling Xafra to straddle this one''s lap as it considers her form with talon and tongue and resonating Quill-Song. Fangs nibbling and gnashing and scratching all about this sister''s well crafted form.

    No. Wrong. Xafra chooses her function. She is not like this one. But... Then why call her ''Old Parasite''?

    And so what Mistress would call a ''huff of hornii annoyance'' is allowed to flow down the bond to this new sister as it shares this question and all its fractured revelations to Xafra. Showing her through bond and song and embrace that it... it cannot find the answer on its own and... and would so very much like help from her. Sharing how it thinks this answer needs to be found and consumed to remain in good function.

    Through the bond Xafra responds without hesitation, showing how she feared being a parasite in truth, and thinks that such vulnerability and potential for harm was likely seen as part of threat assessment. Externally, this one feels her continue to try and improve the Quill-song while moving to nuzzle closer.

    It considers this while chewing gently on Xafra¡¯s neck and shoulder and chest and fears.

    <Assessing...>

    A memory bubbles up. Clarification found in this Sister¡¯s past words. Something ignored due to the rust it couldn¡¯t function past at the time.

    ¡®You know the pain of loneliness. I would be a slave before I return to that.¡¯

    Parasites don¡¯t, at least in the ways this one understands that designation, have a Pack. Their feast is not their family. At the first sign of¡­ of spoiling they depart. Leave the rest to rust.

    And then like a whip-crack of a strike, the answer solidifies.

    It saw in Xafra¡­ itself. What it could have almost become when the Pack died. How it, when looming over Mistress that first time, chose to pull back and kneel instead of ending her. Requesting this Witchling claim and care for its sister.

    ¡®Follow me. Protect me. Be my fury when the need arises for such bloody nonsense.¡¯ Mistress had replied. ¡®Do this, and I will keep you both as long as I breathe.¡¯

    And it had agreed. Because it also refused to be alone. Chose to become ensouled and bound in every way it could to this Mistress¡¯ will if it meant never being abandoned again. But¡­ Xafra could refuse. Can leave any time she wants. She¡¯s not a Doll like this one. And that word was¡­ was supposed to be a reminder. A tether. A gift.

    ¡®Please don¡¯t forget what being alone feels like. Please don¡¯t leave us. Please don¡¯t break this one¡¯s Mistress and leave her with only Nightmares to remember you by.¡¯

    It pulls Xafra ever closer while the answer settles to thrum and roil and boil within this Frame¡¯s chest. Humming down the bond and through the Quills as it¨C

    <Addendum. Prey designation removed. Pack Sister designation added: Xafra. Sharing resonance¡­ Assessing¡­>

    Like how this Frame¡¯s favorite Sister used to do, it wraps itself about Xafra¡¯s song and Frame. Not to overpower but¡­ lay out the patterns. Fill the gaps. Show her not how to sing but¡­ how to <Harmonize>. The deep Roots of the Quill-Song needed to adapt and share and communicate all the things she might want to share. How to <Negate> a Spell and <Locate> Sisters and... and more! More than it thinks she can understand until she sings them. Melodies even this Frame never used¡­

    Xafra stills both body and Quills after pulsing with understanding, then seems to echo from her deepest parts. Not a song or spell but¡­ a Shifting this one cannot help but focus on, like one preparing to leap from a high place or¡­ or share something of great value. Then her Quills once again sing, but this time with a deliberate request to <Harmonize>.

    A pause, like a breath, this Sister nudges this one to turn attentions to the bond they share with Mistress. Communicating a wordless request for her permissions.

    This one thrums through Quill and Bond ::Curiosity/Trust/Hunger/Pleading::.

    ::Observing/Trust/Proceed:: is Mistress Elevar¡¯s immediate reply.

    With careful and slow precision, this one feels Xafra reach deep into Frame¡¯s Core. And it feels as it feared the final rusting would manifest as she unravels it. But¡­ This Sister holds it together, doesn¡¯t let it drift into unending waste. Then threads a strand from her core to this one¡¯s and back into hers, then pauses again. A deliberate and wordless final confirmation.

    It thrums in wordless approval and hunger and desire for this through the Quills and Bond.

    A snapping sound cracks through this one¡¯s Core and Quills as Xafra makes one final stroke of weaving and¡­ then everything is different.

    <Harmonize>

    The Song that this Frame normally sings alone is¡­ it echoes through another set of Quills?

    Both within and without.

    This one feels Xafra.

    Like it feels Schatzi but¡­ but through a new Frame that¡­ that it can mimic the Function of and¡­ and it can HEAR HER!

    <Harmonization complete. Synthesizing primary Function and stabilizing. Pack Sister Designation: Xafra amended to Pack Lead Designation: Xafra. Awaiting Harmonics¡­>

    The Frame trembles and pulls this new Sister close as it feels such a deep ache flare up as it sets the Quills to sing.

    <Locate>

    And immediately the Quills send back vibrations from Xafra into itself.

    <Locate> The Frame thrums again.

    <Locate> <Locate> <Locate> <Locate> <Locate> <Locate> <Locate> <Locate> <Locate> <Locate> <Locate> <Locate> <Locate> <Locate> <Locate> <Locate> <Locate> <Locate> <Locate> <Locate><Locate> <Locate> <Locate> <Locate> <Locate> <Locate> <Locate> <Locate> It thrums over and over and over and over.

    And every time it feels her.

    Like she feels it.

    And Quills scream in delight and fury and victory and... and things words can''t relay to this new sister it has found.

    The Frame sets Quills to a lilting thing of questions and clear desires thrumming through itself and into Xafra.

    <Request for physical Resonance shared. Frame preferences advised. Awaiting reply...>

    Within the Frame¡¯s embrace, Xafra begins to shift. Small delicate breasts forming where there was smooth flatness within her green dress before. Tail lengthens but also grows thin as it seems to slowly move to wrap about this one.

    <Request Accepted.>

    The Frame rumbles as Quills begin to deepen their pitch. A low basso rolling to encompass the room as it once again takes up Xafra¡¯s arms with this one¡¯s uppermost pair before moving to once again lay her across the soft Root floor.

    This one''s joints crack and stretch once more, increasing this Frame''s size further as lowermost Talons tear free whatever remains of the attire Schatzi dressed them in this morning. Allowing it to fully loom over this Sister¡¯s form while what was smooth featureless crotch plates split and shift to form a length to grow forth in hardened anticipation.

    Quills twitch as lower Talons move to drift down the only slightly disheveled green dress Xafra wears while its gaze locks on hers. Considering¡­

    It cackles through fangs as tongue spills free once more to curl and dance close to this Sister''s shoulders and neck and face as it leans down to hover just above Xafra¡¯s lips. A single folded question thrumming out in search for simpler answers.

    <Start now?>

    "Yes.¡± Xafra responds with enthusiasm. ¡°Yes yes yes."

    This one leans down just as her final word ends to drown Xafra in a kiss of Fangs and overlong tongue. At this Sister¡¯s first writhing beneath, the Frame slowly draws Talons down the fabric of the green dress. And, once it¡¯s sliced apart, this one pulls free of the kiss and begins to dance fangs across the soft Dollflesh of her neck while tongue slithers down beneath the cleanly sliced fabrics.

    Keeping the little spines along its tongue laid flat, for now, it explores this soft and fragile form she¡¯s kept. Brushing aside strips of cloth as it finds breasts to tease and squeeze, gripping hips with lowermost Talons that almost fully envelop them, and¡­ eventually finding what Xafra decided to grow between her legs.

    Fangs gnash and gnaw in excitement and hunger at what the Frame finds. Then at how she twitches and wriggles within this one¡¯s clutches. Can¡¯t stop from leaving the first small knicks and cuts on Xafra¡¯s skin while uppermost Talons dig gouges into the wood between the fingers of the hands they pin.

    And all the while the Quills low tone smothers the room in the thrill and longing and aching and hungers of Pack found and claimed. Of Harmonization.

    It¡¯s¡­ not like what Xafra¡¯s bond does or did. Her first weavings with Mistress is a thing of words and wills and schemes.

    The bonding of Pack Sisters is Function and Purpose shared. Goals resonating through everything they are. Every motion just¡­ naturally part of the Pack¡¯s greater movements. It¡¯s like how this one¡¯s lower left Talon doesn¡¯t NEED to know what the others do. Because they are connected at the Root and all sway to the same harmony.

    Division is what happens when there is disagreement or bad motion, and the pain of it hurts in every way it knows. But¡­ It has avoided that with even Schatzi these past weeks! More than it thought possible. Because¡­ because it accepted that it WAS defective. Rusting. Needed a Sister to guide it back into good Function.

    And now¡­ as it flawlessly feels Xafra thrum in Frame and Quill and Mind, knows her function matches this one and is good¡­ it trembles.

    Pauses fangs as they find her collarbone, then this one lifts her.

    And in a silent motion the Frame drags Xafra up and presses her against the closest wall. Pinning this new Pack sister in a motion that might as well scream to her with its meaning.

    ¡®Mine?¡¯ No. It possesses nothing. This Frame and the minds moving it belong to Mistress. This is¡­ less than that. But also more.

    ¡®This one refuses to be alone again?¡¯ ¡­No. The Frame has been kept whole by a second sister for a long time. And even at the worry of Mistress death to the Soul Rot it would never be singular again.

    This one¡­ considers this while it presses its own length against Xafra¡¯s. Chews on this question like it gnaws on one of her breasts. Keeps it from losing focus on the question like how it keeps this new sister pinned with all four Talons. Digs Fangs gently into her flesh as it drives focus into the core of this question.

    Can¡¯t help but cackle in delight as this new sister¡¯s mere presence helps reflect the answer back into its heart.

    ¡®This one refuses to leave you alone.¡¯ Is what it sings as it holds Xafra against the Root wall of their Mistress Spire and slips its own erection down and under and into the pussy grown beneath Xafra¡¯s cock.

    ¡®This Pack will not lose another Sister.¡¯ Is the threat/promise it grasps as tongue wanders down to wrap about her quivering erection.

    ¡®This Frame will never let us endure the silence again.¡¯ Is the core of the Harmony it shares with Xafra as the Frame presses itself deeper into her. Fangs fully enveloping her jaw and neck and mouth as tongue begins to squeeze and twist and pleasure this Sister¡¯s erection while it pumps its own cock into her soft and tight pussy.

    Pack Sister embraces rarely last long when Harmonizing like this. And with twinned Quill-song resonating through multiple sensation sharing pathways Xafra wove we just¡­ bubble everything over quicker than either of us can expect or prepare for.

    Quills growl and twitch and drown us both in the bliss of our first paired Harmonics. Pressing close in all the ways we know how. Losing ourselves and even forgetting which Frame pins which Sister in place.

    Feeling her as she feels it. Unable to untangle thoughtpaths as we mingle close.

    Eventually we decide wordlessly to pull from the Root wall to sit and just¡­ hold one another. One Frame enveloping the other. Finding steady and unending good Function in the nuzzling of Frame and Thoughts and Song.

 Chapter 53: Library Lessons (Doll)

    Library Lessons (Doll)

    Content Warnings:

    Flirting with a librarian! Books! Panic and almost seizure like symptoms from the mess Xafra''s doing wiff Verbess. um.... YUP. Those things. mhmhm! OH OH OH OH!!!! A cutie wrote the SPIDER DOLL LIBRARIAN into this chappy and we adore this one and hope you do tooo!!!!

    BEEEG thankums to IreneFray</a> for adding worbs and mupples to this chappy!!!

    I walk away from the saccharine display of affection with a lighter heart than I expected I could, heading to the southernmost Spire.

    The Idea of a Library where we can all freely access books frankly isn''t a terrible one, considering Yselda tended to hoard books in every Spire and use Dolls to retrieve whichever one she fancied at the moment.

    ¡­She really hid the evil from me until it was too late for me to do anything about it. I just accepted her words as facts and ignored all the warning signs like a fool.

    Anyway, back on track, time to seduce this cutie that''s going to be working for me, see if I''ve still got it.

    I check my satchel to ensure my secret weapon is prepared and knock firmly on the door to Valthirii''s domain within the upper two levels of this Spire.

    The door makes a clicking sound before slowly opening into darkness. No voice addresses the knock, but a taut string tethers the door to a web of strands that all lead further into the Library.

    Odd. Alright. What did Calix say about her again? Ex-witch... Bossy, but in a cute way sticky?

    I walk slowly into the Spire, noting that the fungal lanterns are now curtained in laced webs, dimming them to a degree I wouldn''t hesitate to call sensual. Would make reading harder though...

    "Hello, I''m here to introduce myself and do some research, if that''s alright with you." I speak confidently but not overly loudly. No sense in yelling and ruining the ambience.

    Threads spread throughout the room begin to dance. Lights intensify and dim in a steady succession that tracks Valthiri''s approach.

    The light reveals a rather long legged doll done up in an expansive dress. Chelicerae framing a thin smile. "Well aren''t you a polite little thing?"

    Lightly shimmering threads gather beneath the folds of her clothing as she moves. Eight long spindly legs and an occasional peak at a bulbous abdomen can be made out.

    "You¡¯ve come to the right place to get entangled in a research project.¡±

    Ohhh, that''s what he meant by sticky. alright. I can work with this.

    "I''m unsure if you know me. I''m Adaline. The one who was stuck in Yselda''s Spire. We haven''t met before, but I''ve been told a bit about you by Calix." I step forward and extend a hand to this fascinating Doll. "It''s good to meet you.¡±

    Valthiri closes the distance, lowering herself to just above eye level before extending a finely articulated hand. "Knowing is hardly the word I would use unless one''s contents remain in a fixed configuration. As Calix has no doubt imparted upon you, I am to be addressed as Valthiri. Or Mistress, depending upon the topic of your research."

    Valthiri flexes a beckoning finger, tugging at an askew Tome on a nearby shelf. "What topic of research has drawn you into my web of learning?¡±

    I grin, all four of my eyes widening in delight as I firmly shake her hand.

    I''m good with this. Especially since I''m going to be her boss. Eheheh.

    "Mistress Valthirii, this one is here to create abridged notes on the nearby Groves, Calla, Thorn, and Vesper, as well as look into some more obscure topics."

    I pull the Tomes out of my satchel, one on each of the Groves, as well as the more... controversial one that I recovered from my grave, The Truth of the Weisheit, and the Sealed Tomes.

    "Does the Mistress have an appropriate place to peruse these?" I keep my tone deferential even while I''m near stumbling from the waves of emotions from whatever Moonshite Mistress Xafra is getting up to.

    Valthirii responds in a light hearted tone, "Unfortunately, I have long considered it bad karma to burn even the repositories of debatable worth." She returns my grin with one of her own. "The next most appropriate place to pursue such an interest would be right this way."

    She turns to make her way towards a table where two large arm chairs of sufficient size and comfort to nap in sit under a trio of lanterns.

    "I can, of course, see what else this library can offer you." Valthirii purses her lips. "Although you must understand that some of my sources may be of... dubious value.¡±

    "Mistress Valthirii, this one would enjoy... dubious sources as a collector of debatable worth herself." I snark back in good humor, taking a seat at the table and setting down the large books.

    "One would think a Doll would have more care over what they say. But I have done half as much thinking as I would have liked." Valthirii''s fingers play at silken strands as she talks. A trio of contributions soon arrive as if their locations and contents were memorized.

    "I shall hand you these in order of depreciating subjective value. Although if what you say in jest contains instead layers of meaning, you may find my initial assessment equal parts frustrating and... flexible." Placing a stack of books on the thick armrest of the chair becomes an excuse to linger over my shoulder.

    "What would be more frustrating I wonder?" The librarian muses aloud, "Discovering that there was something to the Weisheit all along? Or that they were wrong in useful ways?¡±

    "Oh, my dear Mistress Valthirii, at least one of the Weisheit Archives contained something of incalculable value. Our Mistress Xafra, the progenitor of our entire form of life. I suspect that they hid more treasure among detritus designed to confuse and irritate researchers like ourselves." I respond with blithe amusement. "That book is a token of my regard. I''ve already read it countless times."

    I rummage further through my bag, extracting a stoppered ink well, set of quill pens and an empty notebook, secure in belief that I''ve managed to enrapture this lovely specimen.

    Valthirii goes still. "Show me.¡±

    Got her

    Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    I snag The Truth of the Weisheit off the table and crack it open to a well worn spot about a quarter of the way in before handing it over. "Here the author discusses the likelihood that the way magic itself works has changed due to the shattering of the Moon. Along with that, the author makes a good case that between linguistic drift and deliberately encoded Tomes, it is possible that any given Archive found is in fact a treasure trove for anyone able to decrypt the knowledge within¡±

    "A circumstantial claim to be sure. Hard to follow up on. But poring over an Archive''s contents is much more actionable." A long sinewy pair of legs reaches up and over my chair. Suddenly Valthirii is lifting herself into a seated position on an arrangement of threads tied off to the wall, chair, and a nearby shelf. Not a moment of this endeavor costs her time that can be spent looking over my shoulder and onto the page.

    "Just so, yes. And while I find it... unlikely that our Mistress Xafra would willingly re-enter her prison, that doesn''t mean we cannot petition to send a small expeditionary force into the Labyrinthine tunnels that lead to the Archive." Now for the final piece. "Especially since this one has been promised the opportunity to become the first Witch Doll, with the possibility of an entirely new type of Arts to create.¡±

    Valthirii leans in close. Her smile widens as her eyes narrow. "Now that, is an intriguing little morsel. Almost enough to make this one wonder what other fanciful ideas you have in that cute little head of yours."

    Her eyes trail downwards to linger on the satchel as her chelicerae make thoughtful little motions. "One who is old enough to have been lured in by such lofty promises in the past must wonder when interests too conveniently align. Why bother making the trip to visit my library when you seem to already have all the books and utensils needed?¡±

    "Eheheh. Well, that''s even easier to explain. This one has been informed that you will be part of my squad, and as someone who shares certain interests, it seemed wise to feel you out as some would say, to learn if Mistress Valthirii is wanting to join this expedition.¡±

    "This one who has informed you. Can they be trusted?'' Valthirii withdraws both physically and in thought. "No. Do not answer that. Too much has changed in recent memory for me to allow trust to factor into this equation. I will support you in this endeavor on my own merits as one well versed in the subject of your inquiries."

    Valthirii rises to all eight legs and begins drawing a number of relevant reference materials into ordered piles. "My own interests can be expressed at a later date when you have proved yourself a worthy Mistress of the craft.¡±

    I nod and get down to work and over the next few hours with Valthirii''s assistance manage to condense the basics of the Groves into flashcards for Mistress Xafra as well as make some problems on these... Sealed Tomes, finding some clues to how to decode the Weisheit texts, of which the Estate only has a few.

    "This has been quite enjoyable, Mistress Valthirii. Perhaps this one will return in the next few days? Certainly once there is an update on the larger project.¡±

    Valthirii rises from her relaxed position taken up during extended study in the chair opposite from me. "Has it really been that long already? You simply must come back and visit!" She begins gathering up books and returning them to a nearby shelf freshly cleared out for my return visits. "I so rarely get visitors as stimulating as you."

    Valthirii sighs. "I look forward to trading further theories over what caused the Weisheit to be so fretful. I yet hold to the notion that there were once patterns regularly unfolding that needed to be discouraged. Oh what I would give to just tie you or Xafra up and discuss your perspectives at length. But it would not behoove me to hold you up. Maybe next time, Adaline.¡±

    As the bond becomes overwhelming, I make my good-byes, barely exiting the Spire before I collapse into twitching convulsions.

    Can''t look weak. Won''t look weak. I refuse.

    I can''t understand what the bond is transmitting, it doesn''t make any sense, staying out of my thoughts, but flooding my Frame. I need help. No! I Need to get somewhere safe.

    I start crawling away, determined not to surrender to this pathetic vulnerability, heading towards Yselda''s old Spire. Farther than Xafra''s. Fine. Necessary.

    There is a gentle tap at my shoulder that is quickly withdrawn. Valthirii, her expression a blank mask, lowers herself to offer a hand. "I have found that there is little to gain by suffering in pain by oneself. You need but name them, and I shall carry you to one you trust to help.¡±

    I hesitate until the next wave hits and I convulse again. "Elevar, please.¡±

    And then she carries me. Close and quicker than I expect we¡¯re moving about the rim of the Spire where I last saw Elevar, her Doll, and Mistress.

    "Adaline, dear." I hear Elevar ask as she moves up to meet us. "I can strangle your bond if you need. Just nod or say yes and I''ll block you from this.¡±

    I nod, cradled in Valthirii''s arms feeling sorry for myself.

    The mess coming from my Mistress jerks, then is cut off. A few little titters seem to spark out every second or two before finally going totally still. Then I''m able to focus enough to notice the twin-tied lengths of tethers draping out from Elevar''s core to the edges of mine.

    She sighs heavily as my Frame settles, then looks to Valthirii. "Thank you, Cracked and Riven Moon that... I''m told all the other Dolls seem to be a bit confused but otherwise alright. Are you okay?¡±

    Valthirii tenderly backs away from where she has deposited me on the grass. "I am... not necessarily out of my element. The answer to your question is still undecided, but likely trending towards more okay than Adaline here.¡±

    I steady myself, grit my teeth, and try to ignore the growing feelings for this lovely Archivist.

    "This one is well now. Thank you, Miss Elevar. Would this one be able to be informed as to what her Mistress has decided to subject us to?¡±

    Elevar settles into the grass beside me. "Xafra and Verbess wanted to become Pack Sisters. It''s... odd to explain, at least mechanically. And the bond Xafra has between you all seems to make this touch all your Frame''s too which..." She huffs. "Stupid. Should have gone to tie this off at the source the second they asked me..."

    A pause, as she listens to something, then she''s hissing while glaring away from me. "You..." Takes a breath, attempting to calm herself. "Yes. Thank you. Please do that."

    Another few heartbeats, and she pulls the tethers free and looks back to us as nothing but quiet is felt from our bond to Mistress Xafra, "We''ve sealed the Spire those two are in, and will ensure that nothing is leaking through when they are ready to leave. I am... so sorry I didn''t do that straight away. They''re basically done but... even the afterwards has left them both a mess.¡±

    "That is... A very different definition of sister than this one was raised with, it seems. Regardless, you both have this one''s gratitude. And thank you, Valthirii. This one was lucky that you were willing to assist."

    Do I be petty about this with Xafra or supportive?

    "You''re welcome and... It really is." Elevar chuckles and moves to lean against the Spire. "I think that''s the best word the Witches who made the Pack itself had for how close they were. A set of Dolls knit together into a tapestry, as opposed to born or brewn under the same parents. Their Dollification was... um..." She trails off, eyes narrowing in thought. "Oddly inspired.¡±

    Oh...? OH!

    "Do you mean Warden? Or something different?" I ask, fascinated.

    "Yes. I only ever found one Frame that echoes parts of their design. At first I thought it was only in... minor ways. Almost aesthetic more than anything but... Warden existed beneath and behind Verbess. Even before Schatzi arose I think. A latent keeper of directives and function. And that brings up so many more questions, that answer themselves. Almost. The Pack needed a Warden to ensure they would Function when their Quills were out and singing. Witch Tones won''t work well with even just Verbess howling, much less a Witch''s dozen about." She side eyes me. "I need to ask Warden some very pointed and very selfish questions. Some of which, I think, might... involve you. Worriedly enough.¡±

    I mask my emotions as tightly as possible. "That certainly is worrisome. Please let this one know of the results if they are pertinent?" I move closer despite myself and give Elevar a quick hug before turning to Valthirii, bowing momentarily, and running to Xafra''s Spire and my semi-private balcony.

    ** ** **

    I make the rounds of Mistress''s Spire, confirming that Calix didn''t even stop whatever he''s frantically tinkering with. Primrose is making odd shrieking noises in her studio as Nettle comes out to greet me.

    "Hello, Connivant." She greets while both adjusting her loose paint-stained shirt and letting the soft curtain fall shut behind her. "Is everything... alright?" That last word comes with a quirk of her eyebrow and weight of a dozen unspoken questions. And... Nettle doesn''t seem to notice the Primrose sized handprints on her own neck and thigh and hip that implicate less canvas-focused artistic displays of affection.

    "Hey Nettle. Not particularly. This one seems to have had a significantly worse experience in regards to what the Mistress is currently doing than others. This one felt it important to ensure that the rest are... not struggling in the same way. Would you be willing to take a quick mental headcount and see if there are any lingering issues for the rest of our Connivants?"

    Shouldn''t have hurt Nettle like that. Should have known better really. What would my sister think to find out I was behaving like an absolute boor?

    "This one already reached out, had some of the less affected keep me informed if anyone wasn''t handling it well. Everyone''s fine, just... well..." She glances back to the curtain, then to me. "It... Adaline. Valthirii only mentioned that you were with Witch Elevar, but nothing else. Can... Is there anything you need? Or want? Primrose finished her ''Happy Doll Day'' gift for the Mistress and was already um..." She huffs, regathers herself. "Sorry, This one''s not being a good Connivant to you. This was probably really really terrible for you." Then she very carefully holds out a hand to me. "Can we take care of you? Hold you? Nothing more than skinship unless you ask but... And we can all be on the Balcony or on the pile of cushions in Primrose''s studio. Whichever you want?¡±

    I''m tempted to shut down, brush her off and hide away but... I can''t. I can''t pretend this offer doesn''t mean so very much to me. "This one would really like that. I''m... please.¡±

    Nettle very carefully takes my hand, and asks softly. "In the studio alright? Would your balcony be better for you? Or somewhere else?¡±

    "The studio is fine, if... This one doesn''t want to interrupt, if you''re busy.¡±

    She chuckles and pulls us forward, "You''re not, at all, actually..." pushing aside the curtain and leading me into...

    Well... the moment Mistress encouraged her to, Primrose repainted the Root walls of this space multiple times. Not with flat colors but with images and shapes that only make sense about half the time. Even to her, from what she has tried to explain. The case and bed these two share in here is... honestly more of a solid foundation beneath a mass of pillows and cushions. And everything is splattered with paint. Some seems intentional, other parts... less so.

    Primrose sits up from the pile of cushions, wrapped in a blanket and bearing her own paint marks. Eyes a bit unfocused, until they find mine. Then they widen a touch. "Miss Adaline?"

    Nettle says things as I begin to speak but... Primrose is already wading free of the little sea of cushions to reach out and take up both our hands, pulling us into the pile and so easily just... enveloping me within such an easy snuggle between them.

 Chapter 54: Willowing Melodies (Witch)

    Willowing Melodies (Witch)

    Content Warnings:

    Talk of past sexual assault. Leaking Quill Song. Panic and shifting and then cuddles with new Pack Sister over tea.

    <Elevar¡­ you¡¯re not going to¨C>

    No. I sigh and push to rise, turn to smile at Valthirii, ¡°Thank you for taking care of Adaline and bringing her here.¡±

    "The threesome was lovely.¡± She purrs. ¡°Let me know when and if I ever need to fetch another cute doll to you."

    And she¡¯s turning to leave before I can muster a response, and I can¡¯t stop a chuckle of mirth from sputtering out.

    <Hmmm¡­> Lynette sighs. <I think I¡¯d like to discover if that offer was made in jest.>

    ¡°Probably not, but she has so many others that will probably enjoy her attentions.¡± I turn and begin moving us to my Spire.

    Without even needing to ask, Lynette unseals the outer layers while temporarily sealing the innermost bedchamber, then seals the outer layers while opening up the passages to the basement bedchamber where my Doll and Xafra still cuddle.

    The mess those two are basking in has died down a bit, but¡­ I still decide to give them more time. See if I can¡¯t remember how to brew a decent pot of tea while I wait.

    It¡¯s¡­ still a lot. Honestly. The Harmonization. More than either myself or Lynette could handle when focusing on it directly. Just¡­ barely kept ourselves together enough for Lynette to notice Adaline literally being carried toward me.

    It hurts.

    And I¡¯m frankly quite terrified as to the reasons why. Adaline panicking at the sudden intrusion upon her quieted mind would have made sense. But¡­

    <Something within her Frame was reacting quite acutely to this¡­ Harmonization.> Lynette murmurs.

    ¡°I know.¡± Is my only reply as I chew on that, and refuse to say more as I wait for the tea to finish.

    Then move to sit at the nearby table as I wait for my Doll and Partner to rouse.

    <Would you like me to check the Threads?> Lynette asks.

    No. I answer, almost don¡¯t share more but¡­ decide to keep her informed. These will be questions for Warden, I think. Which means we¡¯ll need to make sure Xafra¡¯s involved, and probably Verbess by association. And that¡­ is worthy of doing without distraction, and probably on another day if we¡¯re able to settle the Bond.

    She considers that, then chuckles and replies. <I¡¯ll check anyway, and inform you on anything that seems relevant.>

    Xafra returns after a while, following Verbess in a bit of a daze with a silly grin on her face and a roughly repaired dress on her Frame. As for my Doll, it¡¯s more itself than I think I¡¯ve ever seen. Taller than my by almost two heads and only just folding away certain parts of itself.

    With a flick of Physis laden with heat, I warm the second cup that''s since gotten cold and smile at them both. "I''d ask how you both are... but Xafra''s been quite open about that. So let''s skip straight to this part." I rise and carefully approach them both, then wrap us in a tri-fold embrace. Xafra''s petite little Dollform nuzzled deep within my arms while Verbess envelopes us both with its long limbs. "Well done, to both of you. I... could only today truly understand how much this was needed."

    And oh... how their Quills purr and thrum at that. Perfectly Tuned but... still distinct. Both an echo and a Harmony and... more. So much more.

    "It¡¯s more than I expected in some ways, and yet, so very right. It feels natural." Xafra murmurs in wonder.

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± I nod as we pull back, and I guide her to sit. And¡­ can¡¯t help but chuckle as Verbess just¡­ naturally moves to stand at its new Sisters back. In some ways protective, in other ways¡­ I¡¯m not sure. As Xafra¡¯s form reflects her mind¡¯s need to adjust, dazed in probably every good way possible, Verbess¡¯ exudes this delighted role of support and observance.

    "Take it slow." I lean chin on palm and just... enjoy watching this. Let the sight of them basking in the afterglow soothe my worries to small pinpricks. "There''s no rush. Share whatever words you''d like as they bubble up. Or none. Either is fine. And if you need anything, simply ask."

    Xafra giggles and sips at the drink she abandoned earlier before speaking, "I have so many little thoughts I want to share and most of all that this feels like it changed me much more than a new Geist does, it''s like I now have a more guiding sense of purpose. It''s harmony. Inside my mind and outside."

    If not for the bond that only ever sang of such good linking... That would worry me. But Xafra chose this. Literally remade herself to be able to do it well. And... I of all people can''t find it within myself to judge that. Worry over it? Certainly. I''d be a poor partner if I didn''t keep an eye on them both. But it''s ultimately because I want so desperately for this to be everything they intend.

    "I wasn''t able to absorb everything through the bond, but... That makes sense." I nod. "If anything it seems more solid than what the Pack Verbess came from had. More... refined? Free? This purpose you speak of isn''t latched to the wills of another, but to both of your conjoined desires?"

    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    "Mmhm. Yes and no. Like... I routinely have to tend to my Wisps and the Driftdream to keep from soul collapse, but that doesn''t... feel as necessary anymore? There''s less Internal conflict within my soul. But also I can feel my sister now and not just react but sync up with its needs and wants so we can function better together." She raises a hand up to her shoulder as Verbess reaches around so Talon can envelope hers.

    "I''m starting to think that my Doll and Partner will never stop impressing me." I smirk and sigh, "Cracked and Riven Moon..."

    Lynette stirs from within her observant silence to nudge me. Nothing... urgent. But her promises are mine and it wouldn''t do for me to ignore them.

    "You''ll... of course need to consider the way this is currently affecting the bond." I add while not letting anything but amused mirth reach them both. "We''ve sealed the Spire until you''re settled, of course. And other than Lynette''s Doll no one else is expected to need us this evening, but she''ll open the lower passages for that one to come up. So again, you can both take your time and relax here with me. No rushing needed."

    Xafra looks puzzled and closes her eyes only momentarily before asking softly, "Did we... Did I hurt anyone?"

    I let some of my worries slip out, but keep them unfocused and soft. "Mostly just confused a few. The rest seemed to find it fascinating, in all manner of ways. From my brief conversations with Nettle over the bond and Valthirii in person... Only one seemed affected in ways that will need some tending to beyond what her Connivants are offering her. But... that''s not something you did to her. No more than the last ounce is responsible for the overloaded branches'' woes."

    "Alright, we''ll check in on Adaline later, and yes there''s over thirty of them but I''m getting to know them all, and if any would have a negative reaction like that, it''s almost certainly her, which is why, my tender-hearted Mistress, you avoided a name. I will do my best to not feel guilt, and simply acknowledge my responsibility."

    "Oh, she''ll no doubt have enough words to poke at you with, I mostly avoided it to delay the more... troubling questions." I chuckle to avoid letting my fears bubble up. "But... I''ll not engage that topic until you agree to it. You and Verbess are bound in very core ways and... I''d don''t wish to invite Division so early on in your bond. This needs to be a discussion as... as family. With none, especially not me, holding a place above the rest."

    "Mistress?" Verbess finally speaks, tilting head at such an odd angle in confusion as Quills twitch to mimic the gesture in sound.

    Xafra without even looking back tilts her own head the exact same way, "Mistress Elevar, we can certainly discuss that later if you wish but, you are in charge. I am your partner and your weapon. Myself and Verbess are your blades." She gives me a disarming smile before continuing and blushing, "But anyways, did you have more questions or want to hear more of our thoughts on uhm. Heh. The yeah."

    "Please." I smile back, letting her joy in this calm me. "Verbess couldn''t share much with me before, for lots of reasons. But I''d love to hear how else Harmonization is different for you both. Alleviate my worries that this was a leap into something even my Xafra was unprepared for. How has gaining a Pack Sister you never could have guessed you needed, then letting it pin you to the walls and floor of my Bedchamber, changed things for you?"

    "It um. Was in some ways, my first time. And really good, gosh."

    Verbess curls about her just a little tighter. And even before it leans down to brush the top of Xafra''s head with its own she''s leaning back into the casual touch.

    "Every Pack Sister was different." Verbess murmurs softly. "But... This one was the last crafted. The final Sister before the Chorus was set loose. This Frame was always the... the least. The youngest. And now it has found Good Function in First Harmonics with Sister Xafra and..." It trails off, but it lasts only a few seconds as something seems to pass between them through Quill and bond.

    "Mmhm! It''s like. I knew what I was doing on a technical level.¡± Xafra picks up excitedly. ¡°I''ve been a receptive vessel for sex before, and the actual Harmonizing was easier than inducting a new Geist, but the experience itself in this case was new and wondrous. The idea of anyone considering my sister here least by any measure just..." Xafra''s Quills thrum an angry discordant tone for only a quick beat before settling back into the happy one. "So yeah. I can feel Verbess in my mind and gosh, Elevar, the Quills have so much more function that I could have imagined. It''s fascinating and one of the greatest honors of my existence to be included in the Pack with my Sisters."

    I think I hide the flinch well. Try to... to balance my desire to ask about the first part of that without causing Division or ruining this day but...

    Verbess moves. Quills going stiff and seeming to... Well they''re still singing but the song is either too quiet or in a pitch my ears can''t pick up. Then it''s easily dragging Xafra''s chair around to fully face it and kneeling to lock all four eyes on hers.

    No words are spoken, and I refuse to even breathe as whatever this exchange is takes place as their songs seem to sit on the edge of discord.

    Then Xafra is panicking. Her frame half-shifting through a dozen iterations I''ve never seen before as she screams danger and fear over the bond before settling into her Warlord form and carefully taking hold of Verbess'' arms. The edge of mania is still present but slowly being ground down with a different Quill-song she now begins.

    "The best revenge is enjoying life. They are all long dead, my Sister, and I am happy to be yours."

    Verbess'' Quills reply is a motion of stillness. I''m sure there is an Archive worth of things being shared but... all I''m able to notice is my Doll leaning forward to press head into Xafra''s chest before slowly letting the Song drift back into pitches I can actually hear.

    Xafra stabilizes further, calming herself and deftly lifting Verbess into her lap so they both face me. "I am sorry, Mistress. It is new to me, still, to be cared for so strongly."

    Verbess cracks joints and allows itself to shrink a bit while curling deeper into Xafra''s arms. Once settled, its Quills adjust to sing a melody of soothing comfort.

    At that, I let myself take in some air and nod. "It''s perfectly alright. The two of you are so very different, but... also similar in ways I''m glad to see meld well." Then I take a drink of mildly cooled tea and sigh happily. "Please... Take all the time you need. Division, from what Verbess and Schatzi have told me, is difficult even when about soft topics. And... this was not a gentle split, was it?"

    "Mmhm. It truly is a revolutionary experience for me to feel another express such protective rage over me. I am... willing to discuss this topic more if desired,, now that my Sister has established the baseline for me to understand."

    "I''d be happy to listen." I respond immediately. "Always. I''m... and I''m glad you''re getting to feel that so deeply. But I also don''t want to pull you into sharing words beyond what you''re comfortable with."

    "Well. I guess I should start with a... confession of sorts. I have more forms than my ruined base, the Doll one and this Warlord one. The others are ones that I''m not comfortable in, due to the history behind them, even if some have utility that I need to recreate elsewhere." Xafra explains

    Nodding along, reply softly. "That makes sense, what with how easily you shift so many of your shapes. Without the limits of flesh like mine, and worry of tangling up essential organs and such, you can manifest all kinds of forms. Limited only by your own memories and skills?"

    "It is... expensive in Ousia to create them, and takes a while to build the correct mental image, but otherwise yes. I was not treated with respect by most of my wielders, and was... expected to satisfy their needs, which until now I didn''t really consider... abnormal or wrong. I was property to them." She speaks slowly, visibly treading the line of Division while working through her past.

    But Verbess'' song is only a thing of calm melodies as we both let Xafra continue at her own speed. Its support is like a gentle breeze at one''s back as they walk a Root Way. Almost... a guiding Tune. Protective while deliberately setting a boundary to help its Sister keep to the Path while moving at her own pace. Only urging motion into the next note when Xafra might otherwise think her words not worth speaking, but so much needs or wants to say them.

    "It''s... The reason it''s so important to me to free all the Dolls. Because no one should be treated like that, regardless of how they identify. My experiences are not... Forgivable. With Adaline, it was a misunderstanding. Intent matters, I feel. And¡­ I don''t want to be driven by hate, by the desire for vengeance. I want to make a haven, and you cannot build a home with rage in your heart."

    "That... I think, is a wonderful mindset to have. Not sure how much I''ll take to it when we''re dealing with the wider Groves but..." I shuffle a touch, looking down into my mug and murmuring. "We need to cut to the truth of things. Lies have poisoned what should be, I think. Dollcraft could be so much more than what it is. But... I worry what''s been hidden or lost behind the easy path of just... turning people like me into tools. I''m still uncertain about the resheathing process you''ve talked about, but mostly out of my own past perceptions. It sounds a wonderful new option. Fleshcrafting is too costly, Dollification too... well... final."

    Xafra nods, "Dollcrafting is something wonderful being abused. It should be treated with respect and not as a means of control. I don''t want to massacre the Groves, but me and my Sister are united in the understanding that there will be no forgiveness for some offenses."

    "Agreed. So... let''s see if we can''t stop your bond''s leaks before Lynette''s Doll wanders up." I smile at them. "I''d hate for that one to be unable to enjoy the Sky tonight. But... other than our responsibilities to her you have my rapt attention for as long as you both need it."

 Chapter 55: The Mortifying Ordeal of Being (Blade)

    The Mortifying Ordeal of Being (Blade)

    Content Warnings:

    Minor talks of past sexual assaults and how they shaped behavior. Spoopy paintings. Snuggles and examining a cutie for things and such with ultrasound things. and... well smexy things with degradation kink play. But don''t worry... no one cums. Woops!

    There is a unique torture to being held in place and forced to confront a truth that I had obliquely excluded from my self-image. Moreover, denying such an obvious truth would risk Division and harm to my Sisters. Thus I find myself, on one of the best days of my existence, reconciling with a multitude of my worst, and coming to terms with how I was victimized and how it affects my actions. And yet, there is safety here too. I know on a level below thought, deeper than instinct, that my Sisters will protect me, and keep me from future harm. I know that both my Mistress and Lynette will keep me from harming others without cause. That I finally am restrained, not through hate, apathy, or jealousy, but by love.

    I get to my feet, moving off the bed where Schatzi and Elevar lay, now confident after hours of practice that I can keep the Quill-Song separate from the bond that connects me to the rest of my Dolls. "Thank you both. Especially you, Schatzi. I hope that... I can be a good Sister to you, as you are to me.¡±

    Schatzi smiles and hugs our Mistress tightly, "Mmhm! You are already. And and and, I think I''m gonna have a surprise ready for you tomorrow, so you should prepare for that!¡±

    "She''s right, of course. You all treat each other so well. And I''m looking forward to seeing you faced with one of this Gerl''s surprises." My Mistress moves to sit up a little straighter while returning Schatzi''s embrace, and about us I notice the Spire thrum, then shift a touch. After a heartbeat I can feel the subtle muses and background presence of the Estate''s community. I shuffle over to give them both a quick kiss, then I''m off to check on Adaline and see how bad the damage is.

    Adaline isn''t on her balcony, or with Calix who is... feeding some kind of bird in his room, so I knock on the door to Primrose''s studio. "Girls, is Adaline there with you?¡±

    "Yes Mistress!" Nettle calls out, and is echoed by a giggle laden attempt at the same from Primrose.

    "Is... Is it alright if I come in, or would it be better for her to come see me later?¡±

    Nettle calls out after a pause. "She says it''s alright, Mistress." and as I push aside the curtain it''s in time to just see Primrose scrabble to her feet and move a rather large canvas to face away. Then she scrambles back to return to smushing a comfortable looking Adaline between herself and Nettle, all while atop a not so small treasure trove of cushions and pillows and blankets.

    "Hi Mistress." Primrose and Nettle greet carefully as I step into the studio. Adjusting a touch to get more comfortable and pulling blankets around to regather Primrose into the pile.

    "Hey." Adaline says quietly while hugging a Haiqualle plush. Right, Schatzi told me about those. Strange cartilaginous sealife with stinging tentacles and countless teeth. Cuter than I expected.

    "Hey. I''m sorry. I should have been more aware of what I was... affecting you all with.¡±

    From the back of my mind, Verbess stirs. Casually resting while I worked on the bond, now roused by motion and spiking anxiety. Thrumming amusement at the memory I speak of, but... also shared worry over this Doll it used to hold only careful regard for. Previous worry about Adaline''s temperament for Elevar softened to more contemplative musings it''s still adjusting to. Is... Well, it chooses to consider her important to protect because she''s important to me.

    "Miss Elevar said that you became... Pack Sisters with Verbess, or something? I''m really happy for you, but also, I would... rather be excluded next time, if possible.¡±

    "Yeah... I''ll do my best.¡± I respond immediately. ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    She giggles, "Mmhm! I got passed around till I ended up safely here with these sweethearts.¡±

    Primrose giggles and hugs Adaline closer, and Nettle mirrors this. But... the older Doll does sigh and eye me with... something. Nothing shared via lips or bond.

    "And Nettle, how are you and Primrose doing?¡±

    Nettle hesitates, and Primrose perks up to gush words. "We had such a good time, Mistress! Honestly! This one just finished and then you starting doing the weird Hornii thing with Witch Elevar''s Doll and it made Nettle aaaall kinds of inspired the more it grew and WOW." Then she giggles through a blush. "It needed that SOOO much. Especially after..." She trails off, then her eyes go wide. "Mistress!!!"

    Then she''s once again scrambling free of the pile and rushing over the canvas she''s worked very hard to keep me from seeing. The only art she''s ever made that she''s done that with. Everything else she can barely restrain herself from showing to me at all stages.

    "It''s finally DONE!" She giggles happily, then pauses to look at me with uncertainty beginning to touch her expression. "Can... um... Is this an okay time to give this to you? It''s... well... It''s kinda your Happy Doll Day present¡­¡±

    I glance over to Adaline who subtly nods then smiles and agrees. "Of course. I would be thrilled to get a present from you, Primrose." At the same time, I silently reach out to my Witchling to ask what in the empty skies Primrose is talking about. [Mistress Elevar, what''s a Happy Doll Day?]

    {I... Have no idea?} She responds. {I''ve never heard of such a thing.}

    Primrose pauses to tilt her head and consider the painting. The bond openly shares her sudden focus and scrutiny of her work. A thrumming desire to make it everything she wants before giving it to me.

    [Alright thanks.], I send to Elevar before asking Nettle the same question privately while watching Primrose.

    But instead of replying through the bond, she smirks and asks aloud. "Hey, Primrose?"

    "Mm?" Her Pinnate replies without looking away.

    "Did you ever explain to Mistress what Happy Doll Day actually means?"

    Primrose pulls eyes away from the painting to stick a tongue out at Nettle playfully. "I was getting to it!" Then she turns to face me, words spilling out in a bit of a rush. "So... Like, in every Grove people celebrate someone¡¯s Brewing Day or Birthing Day. It''s... it''s like how they show that someone is... is loved. That people care that they exist. But... um... This one never really liked hers. At all. And... and less when it tried to learn Witch things. Because that''s... um... well everyone found out It was trying to be a Half-Knit, and was also a pretty bad at it. Couldn''t even get basic magic right and... and kinda fell apart and... and none of that matters. At all. Becoming a Doll was the best thing ever for this one and it doesn''t like celebrating her Brewing Day but likes the idea of celebrating Doll Day and giving Mistress and any Doll that likes their Doll Day a special present so that they know that this one is glad they are happier now. And Mistress made herself a cute Grakler Frame and has lots of shapes she seems to like and so it''s close enough and this one loves you and wants you to be the first. Because you were the third girl to seem to like this one as herself."

    Primrose doesn''t need to take the deep breath she gulps, but it helps her settle and turn the most serious expression I''ve ever seen on me. "Is... is that okay, Mistress?¡±

    Oh. I''m stunned and thoroughly whelmed by emotions.

    "Yes, Primrose, that''s very much okay." I sit down on the bed near Nettle and Adaline and let my Quills sing a fierce beat of self-love and acceptance, while keeping it from spilling over to the bonds.

    She nibbles on her lip, looks back to the painting, and nods. More to herself. Then she pulls the painting over, turns it around, and moves to sit on the floor by my feet. Head leaning to rest against my knee as I take in this... this¡­

    Madness. It is a siren call that beckons me forward as I gaze upon an impossibility made manifest on canvas. It is done in the style of vertical triptych, the center a portrait of my Warlord form made regal like the paintings of nobility, styled to be motherly instead of fierce, and I''m dressed and decorated too similarly to the Witches of my time for it to be coincidental.

    All around me are misshapen beings with shimmering forms that I cannot help but imagine as Sun-blessed. There''s a shattered, twisted and cracked Doll upon my lap that leaks a sharp crimson gloaming  that transitions through Tyrian as it enters the lower third to a deep cerulean ocean inverted in reflection with blossoms and creatures in shades of ruby. The upper third is the hardest for me to reconcile with as it is a tapestry of pin pricks like lightning bugs and I don''t see the significance of them until I notice off to one side, not an afterthought, but also not a focus... D?mmerung as only the Merciful Moon could see it.

    Verbess nuzzles closer to my mind. Gifting stability and help me consider this. Like I helped it consider before and during and after our Harmonization. Support unending as wordless questions roll between us.

    "Primrose, I love this. It is astounding work." I finally say, keeping my confusion and concern separate from the pride and pleasure I share openly.

    <Analyse and Disseminate to Primary User> I request, finally feeling comfortable asking things of Verbess.

    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    <Confirmed.> I feel it thrum wordlessly and absorb this through my eyes. <Assessing...>

    Primrose radiates relief and joy at my praise. Leaning harder into the knee she sits next to. "Thanks! It was REALLY hard to figure out and find the right colors and remember all the details and... But Nettle helped this one SO much and... and... you really like it? It''s... Did this one get all the details right? Or... or at least mess them up in ways that are pretty and not terrible?"

    <Factor One Construct. Neutral Threat Level. Geological and Celestial inconsistencies detected. Pack Lead''s Logs referenced, Verified. Dating... Events depicted beyond Frame''s Timeline. Assessing... 13,000+ Years prior to current day (discounting possible cycle length differences due to Celestial destruction). ArtDoll: Primrose, personal perspective and intentions logged. Assessing... Incalculable Drift. Request Primary User or Pack Lead''s advisement.>

    [Art is not a Function of this Frame.] Verbess murmurs, while I feel it communicate the assessments to Elevar. [But... Your first Doll finds Good Function in things it cannot.]

    "It''s beautiful. The details that I know personally are correct and the colours are exceedingly well done, especially with you mixing them yourself." I reassure Primrose with genuine amazement.

    [Yes, she''s quite a little marvel. Thank you sister.]

    Primrose wraps both arms about my leg and nuzzles close, murmuring little things of thanks.

    {It''s a gorgeous piece, to be sure. But... Xafra, what am I missing here?} Elevar responds through the bond, {Did you ask her to make this? Dictate the details? Because otherwise Verbess impressive calculations about the timeline are dubious at best. And... Did you actually visit the Moon before it was Cracked?}

    Nettle doesn''t move from her spot next to Adaline, but she does reach out to wrap a hand about my arm. Smirking while watching her Pinnate melt a bit under my words.

    [No. I''ve never been to the Moon or seen or read any sources that have first hand experience. I have no idea where she got the information for this but... the clothing is too accurate to be a coincidence. it''s not precisely correct but close enough.]

    {I... Alright. Lynette, dear?} Elevar shares her prompting. {Can you check to see if the Estate could fill in the gaps here? Was the gerl studying histories or something before being Dollified?}

    A pause, then Lynette intones. <Alright, alright, let me see here... One of the Art Dolls. Correct?> Another pause. <Was a Tribute from Vesper Grove. A touch of Coven training,. quickly failed, but her interest in Fleshcrafting got her snatched up to be sent here. No interest in History. And... Yselda only used the gerl for simple chores and occasional physical entertainment. Quite the simple intake. To be honest. At least until Xafra actually let the Gerl Function. Hm... Not really anything unique from what I''m finding in the Threads.>

    [No rush, please free to update me if you find something significant, otherwise I''ll be focusing on spending time with these lovelies.]

    "Thank you as well, Nettle for helping with this. It''s very impressive.¡±

    "You''re very welcome, Mistress. This one mostly just... helped with the mixing and drafting." Nettle shrugs and leans back.

    "This one doesn''t understand it, but thinks that Primrose has a lot of talent with painting." Adaline adds, circling the question I''m avoiding asking.

    Primrose giggles into my leg. "That''s okay! This one doesn''t understand much of it either. But... it is glad to be good and getting better at painting! And um... also wants to get better at other things! Like sewing little friends for Burbles and Snurgle!¡±

    "How... Did you know about Dark Lord Snurgle?" Adaline asks cautiously, while tucking the selfsame plushie under her blouse.

    Dark Lord? What a bafflingly stupid title. Might as well call yourself Noctula the nightmare queen. Cute plushie though.

    Primrose peeks up over my knee. "Oooooh. Sorry. Calix didn''t mention a title. But Graklers would TOTALLY have one if they cared to talk like us." Then she giggles as her eyes notice the hiding plushie. "Do you think the Dark Lord would like another Grakler as a friend? Or... something else?¡±

    "Um." Adaline blushes fiercely and mutters "He could use a nemesis, an Arachne girl as the Seraph.¡±

    "Um..." Primrose tilts her head in confusion.

    "A Spider girl?" Nettle murmurs.

    And then Primrose''s expression alights with understanding and excitement. "Oh! like there were these big cute ones that were fun to pick up and pet! Super duper fuzzy and soft. I think they''re poisonous, which would be perfect! I... I can try to give her little fangs! Either soft too or wooden! And and and give her floofy fur!" Then she''s giggling and wriggling up to grab some parchment and chalk. Begins doodling out shapes and ideas and lists. Mumbling about different spiders and designs at my feet while she works.

    Adaline gets a very serious expression and tells Primrose, "Wooden fangs. they''re an important part of her arsenal.¡±

    I wonder how much of her form was what she actually wanted and what was to suit Yselda''s design and Elevar''s preferences... I think to myself as Adeline gives off hints of envy and embarrassments.

    "That sounds lovely. Primrose, is it alright if I take this gorgeous work of art with me?" I pause for comedic timing and continue "And the wonderful painting you did for me, of course.¡±

    She looks up to giggle and grin at me, ¡°Mhm! Let me know if anything is wrong or messed up with the painting. Nettle is gonna help me mix a clear paint later to make a protective layer over it and a few others.¡±

    Nettle nods then looks to Adaline, ¡°Come by tomorrow? Maybe¡­ help Primrose figure out more details on this Seraph spider?¡±

    Adaline smiles and giggles.

    "Sounds good. I''ll leave the painting here for now then?" I confirm.

    "Eh...." Primrose purses her lips. "Um... Well I mean I need to test things and..."

    "Please take it with you, Mistress." Nettle speaks up for her. "Otherwise she''ll struggle to move on to other projects. I''ll come get it when we''re ready to preserve a big batch later. Just... keep it from rain or too much sunshine till then?¡±

    "Certainly. Adaline, shall we?" I carefully pick up the artwork and hold another hand out to Adaline.

    Adaline takes my hand and we walk across the hall to my bedroom where I immediately hang the painting up on the wall furthest from the balcony. "There.¡±

    "So.¡±

    "So.¡±

    "So are you still up for our trade or is that going to be too weird for you now?" She says in a rush.

    "I''m interested, yes. Are you certain you want to do this?" I respond measuredly.

    "Mmhm. I''m sure. So... how do we start, you do me then I do you, or at least try?" Adaline says with bravado.

    "My examination will take only a dozen heartbeats and minimal physical contact, so it''s probably best to do that first to minimize potential discomfort for you.¡±

    She nods and sits down on the bed, taking off her shirt.

    "Oh. That actually would help. thank you."

    Don''t stare at her tits, don''t stare at her tits, don''t stare at her tits¡­

    I shift my injection arm in place of the middle right and press it against her chest between her breasts. "This shouldn''t hurt but will likely feel odd. Please let me know if you need me to stop."

    <Adapting echolocation function to solid resonance imaging... Sending Pulse 01>

    Attuned to Verbess by my very soul, the concept travels faster than words could explain and returns with wordless affirmation. The Pack pulses Quill song through the hollow arm like an amplifier in a full chord progression while recording the rate of echo and decay.

    Adaline shivers with the pulse, otherwise not reacting.

    <Assessing... Factor Twenty to Thirty Three Construct. Aggressive Threat Level. Combat Doll Designation: Adaline. Pack Lead Addendum: Neutral Threat Level. Accepted. Core Frame of Agrutia wood. Harmonizing and sharing adjustment advisements for Pulse 02...>

    ¡°It feels like it''s rattling my spine, not unpleasant, just strange.¡± Adaline murmurs.

    <Accessing... Armaments: Nervously Misaligned Outer Ousia Shell holding five suspected aggressive mutations. Focusing... Adjusting Harmony to Pack Lead''s Objective. Assessing... Active Armament: Iron woven storage of toxin Designation: Moonwaste, One to Two-hundred ratio to Jekkrel Sap, just above the lower Iphodian Gears. Linked up to pressurized ejection method through throat and mouth. Harmonizing and sharing adjustment advisements for Pulse 03...>

    ¡°Ah, moonshite!¡± Adaline yelps as she pulls away from me. ¡°Felt like I was getting caressed then it suddenly hurt.¡±

    <Accessing...> Verbess twitches, confused, then angry, then... settling. All in a flurry that''s similar to the sensation of tripping, but finding balance before the vertigo of it strikes.

    <Locate> I feel Verbess pulse from its own Frame. Then settle as my Quills and Core thrum in answer.

    <Harmonizing with Pack Lead. Sharing Primary Objective mapping and All Secondary Catalogs. Assessing previous Rusted parts and re-knitting cycles for Pack sister: Verbess.>

    It falls into Harmony with me. Radiating a mess of emotions. Anger, regret, loss, worry, hope, and finally... relief as it remains close in Quill-Tune. Eventually murmuring. [The Doll bears many disparate parts, Sister.]

    "Does it still hurt?" I ask Adaline with concern while maintaining Harmony with the Pack.

    "No, thankfully, but it was very unpleasant." She pouts at me.

    "I''m sorry. I did get the information I needed, though there was strange feedback at the end, I''ll have to investigate it more later, possibly an issue with my technique." I explain, sitting on the bed beside her.

    [We will look into that tomorrow, if that''s okay with you, sister Verbess.]

    It seems to consider simply choosing silence and rejection, but agrees. Settling into twinned harmonization once more.

    "Okay then. This one did her part. So. Uhm. You know. If you would?" She requests with trepidation.

    I nod and shift my arm back before shifting my configuration to something more simple, a single penis without testes or anything else. "I''ll get undressed now then?" Important to confirm. Heh.

    "Yes, Mistress," Adaline answers, still sounding nervous.

    I slip my dress off, getting my extra arms momentarily caught in it causing us both to fall into giggles, then lie back beside Adaline, letting her explore at her own pace. Not being used. Not being objectified. Assisting a loved one in overcoming trauma. I keep the thoughts in mind, ensuring that Verbess understands that this is different, this isn''t an obligation, it''s something I want to do.

    Verbess doesn''t even stir in worry at this. Understands deeply and perfectly this divide. In... oddly familiar ways. Even shares a few broken and half-Rusted memories of Pack Sisters having similar melodies within their first Harmonies. What would have been preferences and boundaries shared and respected and easy patience shown to their bonded Sisters. Albeit in song, not needing physical interactions to understand and consider.

    "That''s... it?" I feel myself flush with aroused embarrassment as she continues. "I guess I expected something big and scary, able to like, split me in two. that''s barely even a mouthful, I''d think.¡±

    As a spear that is capable of immense length, heft, and girth, my pride feels violently deflated and yet that does something for me that I didn''t expect. Oh no, I''m horny for degradation.

    Adaline reaches out to put a hand on my stomach, looking at me, "Is this okay?¡±

    I find myself squeaking out "Yes ma''am" without thinking and her hesitation is immediately replaced with a delighted grin.

    "Oh? Does someone have feelings about having a dick so pathetically small she can''t even scare a traumatized lesbian?" She says in a mocking tone then laughs when I start getting hard.

    "I''m a grower," I mutter through my own mortification. Maybe I downsized a bit too much for her.

    she slides her hand down to touch the base but freezes with fear when I involuntarily twitch in arousal. "Stupid Doll, being scared of something so delicate and squishable." She angrily flops my dick around and I burst out laughing at the sheer absurdity of it.

    My laughter makes my tits shake enough that all four of Adaline''s eyes lock on like spellweaving. By the time she snaps out of her breast induced daze, I''m fully hard at a modest 16 cm, and she''s got a look of grim determination.

    "Well go on, put your mouth where your mouth is." I snark at her.

    "Yes Mistress," And with a growl she dives forward and bites down.

    Blind Oracles!

    I gasp in surprise. "For future reference, most entities with penises don''t enjoy getting bit like that.¡±

    She doesn''t reply, instead keeping her teeth gripped firmly on my shaft while slowly moving her tongue around the head, drawing quiet whimpers from me.

    "Ah. Oh. Alright. Just let me know if you would like me to alter anything." I say in a half moan.

    Adaline shakes her head causing me to groan in euphoric agony as her teeth slip and she adjusts her grip even further down. She continues to bite lower, enveloping my entire length before surfacing with a shout of triumph. "Hah, take that. Just like I said, barely a mouthful.¡±

    "You''re adorable, Adaline." I respond to her victory with pleasure.

    She gives me a small smile and says, "Thank you" before pulling her shirt back on and dashing out.

    Sigh. Reasonable, yet quite inconvenient.

    Verbess is cackling in a counter harmony to me. Offering memories of how it found my small size and delicate form so small and fun to chew on. Earlier worries it had easily pushed aside as It enjoys the Frame deep ache I''m left to deal with. Nuzzling close in thought and bond while I even feel a very faint echo of... Schatzi is on the Balcony with Elevar and Lynette and the Snek Doll. Watching the Empty Sky together while Verbess splits itself between nibbling at my thoughts and guarding over our Mistress and Sister. Filled to bursting with such a deep sense of Good Function.

 Chapter 56: Feet Bloody, Heart Heavy and Mind Broken (Witch)

    Feet Bloody, Heart Heavy and Mind Broken (Witch)

    Content Warnings:

    Request for death/suicide. Memory manipulations. Physis use without consent. Dysphoria. self-harm in trying to alter face. Talk and alteration of mind/will controlling magic. WIBBLES!

    I hiss at the Half-Knit I see scowling back at me in the mirror, the ice-cold sting slicing up from the Stitching on my left shoulder to already try and twist it back into old shapes, and the bitch huffing in annoyance from within my own head.

    I spit a bit of blood into the smooth stone sink I¡¯m leaning over, growl {Blasenplage} and let the spell tear away the ugly mess in a motion of annoyed spite for my clumsy attempts at trying to Fleshcraft my face a bit.

    Leaning into the pain, I dump far too much Ousia into the Stitching on the back of my left shoulder. Nearly a third of my wellspring just to get my face healed up back to what it was. Letting it return this body to what the Old Cunt knit me into. Much preferring the icy sting of the process than¡­ than seeing the ugly mess I wove slowly changed back.

    <It was a good first attempt.> Lynette muses. <And with Xafra¡¯s help the cost isn¡¯t something to worry over.>

    ¡°Of course.¡± I whisper, keeping my mind sealed from Lynette''s considerations. I''m learning every day how to better hide my thoughts from her.

    <Elevar¡­?> Lynette murmurs.

    ¡°What?¡± I nearly hiss.

    <Yselda was a Matron of the Art of Fleshcrafting, told us herself she spent decades fiddling with herself until she was content.> She intones steadily. <And you have more time and resources than even she did.>

    ¡°And?¡± I snap.

    <I just¡­> She trails off, carefully considering her next words when¡­

    "Mistress... Are you alright?" Schatzi interrupts.

    I glance back, find her standing just within the entryway of the large bathroom here in the lower chamber of my Spire. Consider settling her worries with a bit of a lie but¡­

    ¡°Just¡­ touch of my life¡¯s second gifted dysphoria is all. And¡­ a reminder that I need to study up on my Fleshcrafting before trying such foolishness.¡± I smile while weaving another, only Physis laden version, of my cleaning spell over my now restored face and clothes. ¡°Is it time already? Where you ready to head over to Xafra¡¯s Spire or¡­ did you want her to come here?¡±

    "I¡¯m sorry that you are struggling, Mistress.¡± She nods, shuffling a bit nervously. ¡°It''s um. Yes? This one thinks it''s time. Um¡­ um... Here is good?"

    I walk over and take up her hand, leaning down to give her a soft kiss between those cute horns she''s grown. "I''ll call her over then."

    And within no time at all, Xafra''s arriving to find myself and Schatzi seating and waiting in a comfortable little reading nook here on the main floor.

    "Heya, Mistress, Sister Schatzi.'''' She smiles to each of us in turn as she takes a seat as well. "You said you had a surprise for me?"

    Schatzi hands Xafra a small wooden box, as the bond between us tightens with tension. "I¡­ Um¡­ This one wanted to give you a present. Because you''re part of the Pack now. And..."

    "Oh?" Xafra opens the box to reveal an intricately stitched metre long leather wrap, or¡­

    A sealed collar, and long length of extra bits that double as a leash.

    "Schatzi, this is so well made and it''s beautiful... I hope you''ll show me how you do such lovely work eventually?" Xafra exclaims.

    "That''s um... The other reason. I wanted to... give it to you as a goodbye gift, and ask you for something really selfish." Schatzi responds, close to tears.

    I snap from distracted interest to heart stopping dread, sputtering. "Wh¨C what?"

    "Schatzi, please explain, you''ve gotten us both rather worried." Xafra adds, maintaining a semblance of calm while anxiety races through our tether.

    Verbess rouses from what seems to have been a lazy contemplative nap into alert focus. Its own worry bleeding through just as sharp.

    "You... You Fixed Verbess, made the Pack work again. Can... make more Pack members... and... that means that I''m not necessary anymore. I''m... having gaps in my memory, losing time, I''ve noticed it more, and... I don''t want to hold my family back, so... I was hoping that you could... add me to your Driftdream Gestalt thing. So... I can still be a part of you and take care of our Mistress, without... being a burden as well.'''' By the time she finishes speaking, Schatzi is crying quietly, tears streaming down her face.

    [Mistress. You need to tell her. Now.] Xafra snaps, anxiety warring with protective rage.

    {Be ready to help Verbess. I don''t know how your bond to it will affect this.} I intone with my own pain and guilt and fury bleeding freely back.

    "Schatzi." I move to hold her, guiding her gaze up to meet mine. "No. You are not a burden. You have only ever supported and enriched your Pack. Your family. And it is beyond time your third Sister stops hiding itself and hurting you both. I meant what I said. My Dear Ones may keep their secrets and mistakes to themselves. Even their goals. But this... No. I will not let you continue to hurt and subvert and meddle with their wills and minds." I take a deep breath, steady myself. "So, if you please. Warden. Introduce yourself to your Pack Sisters."

    Xafra looks shocked as her Physis pours from her Frame and creates an ethereal doll, slim and featureless.

    "Surrogate Mind, Designation: Warden reporting to Primary User Elevar, Progenitor Xafra, Emotional Simulation Schatzi, Heart of Pack Verbess, and Primary User Interface Construct Lynette via Progenitor Soul Link utilizing Physis at a rate of ERR: Conversion between Wattage and physis draw returned NULL due to Undefined Unit. Requesting Physis Unit measurement when available."

    I feel the Quills beginning to twitch and crack free as I pull Schatzi¡¯s small Frame up and onto my lap. Having her face this manifestation of her third Sister as we all very clearly feel Verbess¡¯ hackles rise.

    {Xafra, Are you alright?} I intone to her, very deliberately focusing all my senses on the links between these two. Looking for any signs of this being forced. {Did... Warden isn''t forcing that is it?}

    [Forcing implies that I was aware of it even occurring. I...] Xafra splutters over our bond while continuing to stare at Warden.

    ¡°Warden.¡± I state evenly. ¡°You seem to have both the ability and habit of subverting and manipulating your sister¡¯s wills and forms in very direct ways. That stops. Now. You no doubt have other ways to request their assistance. And you will respect their autonomy as they will respect yours. Is that understood?¡±

    "Primary User Order acknowledged but not understood. This one was ordered to introduce itself to its Sisters. No subversion or manipulation of form or will occurred. Processing... Update: Order partially understood. No further Memory Overrides will occur." The ethereal form speaks.

    "Mistress, What''s going on, I¡­ I don''t understand." Schatzi begs.

    "I was initially referring to the sudden and direct manipulation of Xafra''s Physis without her explicit consent. But yes, you''ll stop doing that as well." I sigh to Warden but¡­ push past it for now. Lean down a touch so Schatzi can look to me if she wants. Need to calm these sisters and set boundaries together. ¡°Schatzi, Verbess, this¡­ is your third Sister within your Frame. With Xafra being your fourth from without. Warden is a quiet one implanted at your installation, I suspect. None of you are broken, none of you are defective. Previously, when Warden decided to bubble up or act, it wouldn¡¯t allow either of you to remember it. Would seal away or edit certain memories. I... only became aware of Warden very recently and was still trying to grapple with its presence, abilities, and implications.¡±

    "This one isn''t decaying?" Schatzi whispers.

    "Correct, Schatzi is operating at 143% efficiency compared to the previous year summary." Warden answers.

    "Warden, how... Did you use my Physis?" Xafra asks softly.

    "Warden accessed Physis through Progenitor Soul Link provided to the Pack. As Warden is a Surrogate Mind connected to the Pack, it follows that usage of renewable resources would be acceptable in the process of completing Primary User Orders."

    "Wait. Does that mean what I think it does?"

    "Warden is not permitted to analyze thought patterns of external entities even when such are accessible, as per Directive Three."

    Verbess is hissing quite loudly now. Only over the bond but probably beginning to create a touch of a troublesome echo for its sisters. A thing of protective fury on the brink of snapping into worse, but also... fear and aching pain that it''s struggling to think past. Trying so hard to Harmonize with Xafra''s steady dread instead and only just succeeding.

    <A fascinating creation.> Lynette muses from the quiet she''s been observing this all from. <But... Such abilities are such a risk. A danger. We cannot let another thread twist itself around your Blade''s throat.>

    "That''s... disconcerting. But let''s ensure this isn''t something it''s not. Warden, dear. You seem a being who holds Directives and Functions as your guiding principles. I''ll not judge you for the abilities that were woven into you, nor how you''ve used them to protect your Pack under previous dangers. But..." I keep my voice level. Insistent while not letting it be anything other than caring. "Like every other Doll, Person and everything in-between on these grounds I will demand they be used responsibly. Which, I acknowledge, might come into conflict with said Directives and Functions."

    I hug my Doll a bit tighter. "But... Xafra and I heard you alter... was it Directive Two? Yes. I think so. Which implies you''ve grown beyond your creators¡¯ intentions. In many ways. Correct? You can choose, with some amount of difficulty, what or who you''d like to be?"

    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    "Warden is designed to facilitate and aid the Pack. It is subject to Authority accepted by Pack Hierarchy with exception for those Designated as a threat. Progenitor Xafra''s Designation was updated at the mentioned time and was updated again yesterday. Progenitor Xafra is now additionally Designated: Pack Lead. Authority level 02."

    Xafra reaches out to hold Schatzi and Verbess'' hand as she takes in an unnecessary breath and attempts to reassert calm.

    Verbess though... it keeps bristling. Boiling about to snap before...

    Nothing. The bond goes still.

    [Mistress...] It whispers down the bond. [This... this one... it... sleep. Giyar Null. Pl- please.]

    I consider refusing it. Trying to... to calm it. But...

    {Of course. But not like before.} I intone softly. {Alright? Just for a while. A good rest. That''s all. You... you''ve been such a good gerl. Functioned without for so much longer than I¡¯ve ever asked.}

    It echoes wordless thanks and... and such a deep and pained sense like I''ve not felt hurt it in weeks. What it calls the Rust, scratching and clawing at its mind. Then it passes into the deepest slumber it can to escape this.

    "Evaluating... Warden Presence causes harm to Pack Heart. Presence is Ordered by Primary User. Requesting Solution."

    I can''t help but huff out a sigh and aim a weary smile at Warden. "Your presence is not the harmful thing, simply... well I suspect you''ll have to let Verbess share its pains when that one is ready. As for these two. Well..." I look between Xafra and Schatzi, then back to Warden. "You wish to facilitate and aid. And have kept your sisters safe through my nonsense and possibly worse before even that. Xafra is your Pack Lead and will share her expectations for you. But... It''s your lack of presence that seems to hurt Schatzi. Your existence, schema, and actions have been such a boon. Yet... she thought she was Rusting due to the lost memories. I suspect that Schatzi would have adored a new sister to help her handle things." I glance down to my Doll. "But... perhaps you should speak for yourself? Dear? I''d rather not assume."

    "I um, Yes. It was very hard and... Am I real?" Schatzi asks curling into me for safety.

    <Of course you are real, Dear one.> Lynette says down our bond before I can gather a response. <Regardless of the strings and threads that weave about our foundations. What is the old saying? We think and feel and act, therefore we are?>

    "Schatzi predates Warden installation. Warden was Artificially created and installed inside Schatzi core during First Breaking, causing a period of extended hibernation."

    "I''m... not a mistake? That''s... good. I''m glad." Schatzi sounds genuinely relieved and comforted by Lynette and Warden''s words.

    I hug her tighter still and laugh softly. "But there would be nothing wrong in discovering yourself to be an unexpected treasure." Then I glance up to Warden. "And that... seems to lead us into another interesting question. Warden seems a title, more than a name. A designation. Like how this Frame is 514. I... have no doubt your Pack Lead could insist you consider a proper name, and perhaps other identifiers as well. Verbess only seems to enjoy anything binary when I call it ''Sister'' to you or Schatzi or ''Good Gerl'', very much happy to be a Doll with more Sapphic shapes. ''It'' as opposed to ''She''. Where as Schatzi here..." I brush some of her hair back before resetting my arms about her. "...Seems to light up every time I use words that consider her very gerlish nature. But should let me know if that ever changes." Then I glance back up to Warden. "But... What about you? Are there words that could help us better address the entity you choose to be?"

    "Warden is a surrogate Mind designed to facilitate and aid the Pack. Warden is not permitted to make choices."

    "Oh no, that''s terrible." Schatzi whines.

    "Primary User is able to amend Directives as she has Authority level 01"

    "I... bloody ashes. Warden. Can Schatzi and Verbess use my Physis and Ousia?" Xafra finally bursts out.

    "Affirmative, Progenitor Xafra."

    I glance over to Xafra. "Well... isn''t that a messy realization." Then back at Warden. "You''ll not do that without your Pack Lead''s permission, of course. This was an... understandable misunderstanding. But after we''re done speaking here you will either use the bond or your shared Frame''s lips, albeit without subverting or overpowering your Sisters." I reach out to touch Xafra''s shoulder, tilting my head to meet the peripherals of her gaze. "And... feel free to share more of your thoughts or questions, Love. I''m simply guiding us into Root Ways we all can understand. But you have more insight into them. I''ve only not boiled over in concern over Verbess because I know you''re even more worried than me."

    "Understood, Resources are not to be depleted without prior authorization." Warden responds.

    "I am somewhat at a loss, truthfully, but... it seems that Warden has been following Directives and recognizes your authority, so the only real issue with it is one you''re able to solve? As for Verbess, I will have myself and Schatzi Harmonize with it after it rests for a time, see if we can resolve the Discord that affects it." Xafra offers.

    "Mhm!" Schatzi agrees.

    I nod, thinking to ask but...

    "They... Don''t matter. Do they? These Directives? They... seem too much like what the Old Cunt wove about me or... or what another laid upon you, Xafra. I... I think''s it is best that we start over. Lay out... not demands. But principles. Expectations. Foundations without force but instead... requests? And the ability and encouragement for Warden to change them over time. It seems to care very much for its Pack Sisters, and should not be held responsible for how it was made or what it ''might'' do if allowed freedom. Only how it decides to act."

    A pit forms in my gut. Not the same. It... no. Avoid that thought. Focus on this one. There are good reasons you did that to her. I keep these thoughts well hidden from all those bound to me.

    "What do you both think? Verbess can give its inputs later but... I''d like to start here. We could remove the Directives first but... I don''t know if they form foundations at the core and could cause some kind of collapse of Function without something to immediately replace them?" I turn back to Warden.

    "Warden exists in order to facilitate and aid the Pack through the three Directives. Warden is... appreciative of having Purpose."

    "I still don''t even know what these directives are, aside from the first somehow aligning with taking over the Groves, the second related to self preservation, and the third apparently imposes limitations on actions?" Xafra expounds.

    I nod and rest my chin on Schatzi''s head. "Saying they don''t matter was poorly phrased. I guess... I''m just... worried about them skewing our perspectives. These are binding things. Thorns and Threads woven to control and limit. I''d be interested in learning about them after they no longer hold sway over this one, of course, but... This feels too much like..." I have to keep my eyes focused on a far wall to avoid glaring at any of them. "Like if I asked to know all of the ways and reasons your binding was laid before agreeing to remove it. If... does that make sense? Am I being unreasonable?"

    Just terribly hypocritical. I can''t help but feel a deep part of me quietly muse at myself.

    "I think the difference is that... Xafra can clearly state that she doesn''t want her original bindings anymore, where Warden doesn''t seem able to make such a choice, right? And like, if it causes Warden to... stop Functioning, that would be really sad. I just learned I have another sister and I don''t want to lose it." Schatzi responds.

    "Warden is... appreciated?" it asks.

    "Mmhm! I appreciate you.¡± Schatzi nods.

    I hug my Doll tighter as I let my love of them pour down the bond. Clearly a reflection to my next words. "So much, Dear one. Schatzi may enjoy the name, but you are all such treasures. None less than any other within this Frame. I would delight in seeing you free and able to blossom as your Sisters do."

    ¡°So... Warden, can you tell us your Directives?" Schatzi asks.

    "Directive One: Warden is to guide the Pack towards self-improvement, pursuant to subdirectives 1A-1F, summarized as follows: Adapt to changing situations, Collect and Implement relevant knowledge, Assist potential Packmates, Prevent Stagnation of Development, Obey Authority accepted by Pack Hierarchy, ERR: Subdirective 1F removed by Primary User... Truncating Subdirective list..." Warden pauses.

    "That''s not bad so far?" Xafra questions.

    "Not in obvious ways, no. Purpose is good. Of course. But... without the ability to choose this one is trapped into a role that it is disallowed from detaching itself from." I nod, taking time to consider each word as I share my thoughts. "Most of this I would have become requests and advisements. I''d never suggest we remove its ability to pursue or enjoy finding Good Function within this. But... would have it decide for itself what some of those terms mean. Self-Improvement, stagnation of development, etc... these can all become quite the nasty words when seen from certain perspectives."

    "Warden is required to self define terms, and definitions have been updated recently due to Primary User statements and Progenitor proverbs. With the presence of Progenitor Xafra as a factor, potential Packmates includes all Frames that retain sapience. This one will continue explaining Directives now. Apologies for the delay in service.

    Directive Two: Warden is to prevent the Pack from cessation, pursuant to subdirectives 2B,2D-2F, summarized as follows: Unanimous consent of the pack negates Directive Two, Potential Authority is to be analyzed for risk to Pack, Primary User is to be overridden if orders would violate Directive Two, Addendum: relevant Pack member authorization is to be obtained before utilization of resources. Addendum: Warden forbidden from overriding or rewriting Pack members."

    "This..." I pause. Confused and baffled and... spiraling a bit at the wording here. Then wave a hand. "Continue. I''ll ask when you''ve finished."

    "Directive Three: Warden is subject to the Sixth Conclave Code of Ethics, pursuant to subdirectives 3A-3C, summarised as follows: Code of Ethics does not apply to treatment of Entities designated enemies of humanity, Code of Ethics does not apply to treatment of Artificial Sapience, Directive Three is to be updated with most recent Conclave Code of Ethics upon notification of such.

    End of Directive summary."

    Xafra blinks then curls up small in her chair.

    "But that means... We''re really old. Like¡­. Older than Calix, right?" Schatzi asks in confusion.

    "Wait." I whisper. "Sixth Conclave that..." I look over to Xafra, reach out to gently adjust to pull her into my embrace. "You mentioned that, back in the Archive. Don''t remember a number but... I''ve no knowledge of them. At all. Never read of such a group. Not..." Glance back to Warden. "Dear one, do you have a rough idea of how old you all are?"

    "Warden was activated 47AP. It is currently 16447AP."

    Everything stops. Within and without. Even my heart for a few beats. Lynette seems to go stiff and more quiet than I¡¯ve ever felt.

    "The fourth. It was the Fourth Conclave when I was made." Xafra whispers.

    I go stiff. "You... what? 16 thousand? How... How have you functioned? Your Ousia shell should have burnt out so long ago!?!" I sputter. "This... Wait. WAIT. You... Did you witness the Moon''s breaking? The Den¨C the Sun-Blessed'' supposed migration to the seas? Or... or were about? How... but... That..." I squeeze Xafra tighter. "Who forged your Pack? Why? I... I just... this is..."

    "The Pack was created with synchronous Soul Linkage. Current Frame is last connected Pack Frame. Yes. Yes. Bondsmith Eri Sch?fer, Designation: ERR - Information removed by prior Primary User. Purpose of Pack... Unknown." Warden responds to all my questions in a similar barrage of incomprehensible answers.

    And I feel a small child before this thing I thought to explain the nature of freedom and self-determination. That¡­ that I¡¯ve kept and treated as a broken and quite dim Doll instead of the ancient and very well-traveled marvel it is.

    I nibble at my lip, holding my Doll and mate close. "And... if I may ask. If... if you''re willing to share... that is. And please do not feel obligated... I just... You mentioned a ''Final Wish'' before and... and Xafra pressed you to tell me what it is. But I just... if it''s anything beyond what her Ousia Siphon can help with I want to make sure you see it fulfilled. This is not a demand just... just an explanation of why It matters to me. You owe me nothing. And In adjusting these Directives I''d... I''d adore just... helping make sure you''re all able to find happiness."

    "Final Wish protocol is enacted when Pack is near irrevocable cessation. Final Wish supersedes Directive One to prioritize Happiness of remaining Pack members. Err - Pack no longer approaching Irrevocable cessation. No guidance for disabling Final Wish available. Processing... Compromise Suggested: Acceptance."

    I can''t stop the tears at that, but... that''s okay. I let them flow as I smile at this wonderful being. "Then... then this is easier than this old Half-K... Gerl, sorry, thought this would be. I think... you should maintain this Final Wish above all Directives, but with one addendum if it is not already included. Your happiness, Warden. You are a member of the Pack, and thus should be allowed to ignore and adjust any Directives at your leisure to pursue you and your family''s happiness. Is that acceptable? Now that you understand how much certain actions, even made in seemingly Good Function, can harm them and by extension, you?"

    "Warden elevation to Pack member status requires Pack Lead Approval." Its voice changes slightly, sounding almost¡­ hopeful?

    "Granted." Xafra murmurs in my arms, embracing me and her Pack.

    "Analyzing... Pack cannot self-improve if unable to make choices. Warden is forbidden from independent decision making. Warden has been elevated to Pack member. Processing... Solution reached. Warden is permitted to make decisions while Pack member status is maintained. Analyzing... Directive Two does not negatively impact Final Wish protocol. Analyzing... Warden unable to override Directive Three due to subdirective 3B. Outcome: Acceptable. Warden is Happy."

    "I''m so very glad." Schatzi starts bawling, arms curling about the Frame as she radiates what I¡¯ve come, in these past weeks, to understand to be a mental embrace of one of her Sisters within. "I was so sad this morning and worried and felt bad but this is good and¡­ and¡­ and... wahhhhhh."

    I wrap myself about them all, embracing my Doll and Mate so tightly. Trying to flood our bond with the delight and pride I feel over them. "I''m so sorry dear. I... I should have pushed for this sooner. This... You all need each other. So much. I love you all. Thank you for accepting and taking care of each other."

    "Addendum, Primary User Elevar is also needed." Warden adds, before dismissing its ethereal form.

    "Wh¨C what?" I sputter into the embrace. "What is¡­?"

    "Silly Witchling. How could you possibly think you aren''t needed?" Xafra chides me with a smile.

    "Oh. I... of course just... Yes." I wrap them tighter and press my face into Schatzi''s hair. "I''ve already promised, I''m keeping you all as long as I breathe. Whatever you need from me is yours. Of course. I just... Am realizing that no one can be everything to anyone. Having a gaggle spreads out the Cursestorms life tends to drop on us. This... I''m just glad I can help."

    "Love you, Mistress Elevar, Sister Xafra, Sister Verbess, Sister Warden."

    We remain close for quite some time. Save Verbess who¡­ even with us all radiating this love¡­ remains asleep. But eventually other tasks and needs become apparent and we disperse. Xafra heading back to her Spire and Schatzi to prepare a later mid-day meal than is usual for me.

    <Elevar¡­> Lynette intones carefully as I move into my study.

    Barely able to keep my hands from shaking, I whisper as I sit. ¡°Yes, Lynette?¡±

    <What you said, about Warden¡­> She murmurs softly.

    ¡°Mhm.¡± I reply as monotone as possible.

    She doesn¡¯t respond at first. Seems to¡­ contemplate and carefully select her next words for quite a while before intoning. <It¡¯s¡­ not the same. With me.>

    I huff and glare. ¡°Then why even bring it up?¡±

    <Because you seem to find yourself unable to deal with guilt. And it will turn what should be a few days of work into weeks of labor.> I can feel her smirk with my lips as she causes our fingers to drift toward the case that holds the Old Cunt¡¯s needle. <I need you free of nonsense like that. Especially if we¡¯re to crack these Glyphs and get into Yselda and her mentor¡¯s Archive.>

    ¡°Right. Of course.¡± I nod and look past the tool, considering what¡¯s displayed past it.

    Two gorgeous black stones with Ruby-Red iris, still aglow with light from within. Kept within their own wondrous case of spun glass and twisting roots. A constant reminder and... silent promise.

    Both to the Gerl who gave them to me, myself, and everyone on these grounds...

    Eyes forward.

    Always.

    Don''t look back.

    You''ll drown in your past mistakes if you let yourself.

    Keep moving.

    Don''t stop.

    Feet bloody and heart heavy and mind broken.

    Don¡¯t stop.

    Eyes forward.

 Chapter 57: Perspective is not found in scar tissue (Doll)

    Perspective is not found in scar tissue (Doll)

    Content Warnings:

    Talk of mind things and dead Dolls and scary Sky and therapy and past smutty things that stopped due to discomfort over anatomy and... mhmhm. Thinkums that''s it!

    "Time is a cruel Mistress, you know?

    Much less forgiving than Yselda, no matter what horrors she inflicted. Primarily because time doesn''t mean to be cruel. It just... gently devours our loved ones. Annihilates the bonds between us more surely than distance ever could.

    I see that look. It''s too patient, you should work on it. Quite obvious to those who are used to perpetually disappointed parents. I''ll get to the point.

    I talked to Mistress Xafra. Apologized. Didn''t explain, and she didn''t press, thankfully. But she was worried. Verbess is unsettled and responds poorly to Warden. Hasn''t been responsive in two days now. Ah, that''s the third in that Frame. Like those nesting toys of children, eh? But yeah, I was always considered relatively bright, talented enough at reading people... for a while. I asked Xafra about what else was bothering her. Did you know that there is more than one year reckoning? We commonly use GR, Grove Reckoning, of course, but... the other measurement is AP, Anno pr¨­genit¨­rem. The year of the Progenitor. while it''s only 3140 GR, it''s also 16447 AP. Trivia really, of course. We knew Mistress Xafra is prehistoric. What we didn''t know is that... well after a bit of reminiscing of my own on what I was told previously... the Pack the soul linked Doll collective that my dear Wife calls her Doll, and yes I''m still calling her my wife, don''t even start... The Pack was operational less than three years after Xafra was sealed away. And in some ways, that''s even more horrific than being sealed away...

    I lost a decade, Augusta. Lost a good chunk of my grip on reality, but... that time happened. I have the memories, the understanding that it mattered, real or not. This Pack... Memories are stored in the Doll as a type of etheric liquid, suspended alongside the solidified Ousia of course. For most Dolls¡­ Our capacity to function ends around the same time as our capacity to remember. We face similar if lesser cognitive decline to that of aging mundanes. but the pack fell, not all at once, but one or two, sometimes three at a time, their Ousia reserves shared along with their understanding, their harmony,,, but not their capacity to remember. This Warden... I can only imagine how traumatic it must have been to prune away memories over thousands of years to allow them to continue functioning, continue being able to make new memories. It... hurts to even imagine, Augusta. So what exactly am I supposed to do with my feelings when someone I care about is suffering so much more and can''t even fully understand what they lost?¡±

    Augusta sets down her bobbins and folds her hands across the lace pillow, looking straight at me before speaking. "You are supposed to start by accepting your feelings and working through them. This serves multiple purposes. It will reduce the amount of worry that your loved ones will have, It will enable you to better aid them with their own struggles, and most of all, you should accept your feelings and work through them because they are a part of you. You would be made lesser by ignoring or rejecting them. So let''s take it from the start, why don''t you expand on this incident with Mistress Xafra you needed to apologize for?¡±

    I hate Augusta''s eyes. Empty reflective silver mirrors that give me the urge to look away, to stop being noticed so intimately.

    Before I realize it, I''ve started speaking again. "I have a problem with challenges. Can''t help but strive to overcome them with a tunnel vision. It causes some issues especially when I accomplish whatever I was attempting, and am then faced with the aftermath. Mistress Xafra was helping me deal with my... penis issues. Never liked my own when I had one, found myself and other boys¡ª boys, repulsive. Was always jealous of my sister when we were growing up in Hafenburg. We''re twins, or at least, we were. I remember asking my father when she would grow a thingy like me, and him just laughing uproariously at me for such a stupid thought. Really messed me up. She got to be a girl without effort, and I was stuck being this filthy creature with a vile horror between my legs. Meeting Mistress Xafra was an eye opener. She''s... capable of shifting between a variety of forms, weak and strong, but always feminine in that intangible way. And so I have to get over this self-loathing that penises evoke in me, especially since I want to be intimate with her in the future. She''s... Enticing, you know?

    Yeah I see that smirk, keep your bobbins sorted, I''m getting there.

    So there I am trying to get started and it''s tiny. The furthest thing from scary. So I make a joke, Xafra blushes, and issues me a gentle challenge and we''re off to the races, with me hyper fixated on winning by getting the entirety of her dick in my mouth and proving that I''m good enough. Once I do I... Well, I panick and run away with barely a word. It was disrespectful to her. I knew that she didn''t expect me to... finish her off or anything, but I treated her like an object to be used then left behind, and it... she didn''t say anything, but I have a feeling that it really hurt her. It was important to me that I apologized. So I can try to be better moving forward.¡±

    Like one of the needles used by mundane Curanos back home, Augusta lances to the core of the issue. "Good Enough?¡±

    "You''re good at this. Makes one wonder what exactly you were before Yselda added you to her collection. No, I''m not asking, that''s something you can share if and when you''re ready.

    Good Enough. Nasty phrase. Wretched. Rife with implications and insecurity. Pretty obvious though, right?

    I''m the only one on this entire bloody Estate that doesn''t utilize the technique Mistress Xafra adapted to let us all communicate mentally. Even worse, It''s my own fault, because I broke my mind trying to free myself from the remnants of that moon-cursed Garrote and couldn''t even manage that. Me, a prodigy, sure to bridge the disconnect between mundane technology and Witch weavings, yet unable to even make my own brain work right. I''m supposed to be making a difference in the world. but... I''m far from perfect. I''m worried that I''m not good enough and will be kept only out of pity and obligation.

    She binds herself tightly with obligation, you''ve probably noticed. Adds more and more as time passes and it feels like she won''t stop until she can shape reality with the force of her inertia or it... breaks her. I don''t want to be part of what drags her under the seas, I want to help our Mistress shape the future. Which means I need to be Better, More, and Bloody Good Enough!" As I finish, I realize I''m yelling, but Augusta simply continues the lacework.

    "And?" Augusta prompts, patiently waiting for me to resume speaking.

    "And I''m stuck waiting for the Cursestorm that is Lynette to do something before I can be altered to have magic again. Not the same, but magic, able to seize hold once more of the dreams I had to surrender when I submitted myself to Yselda and became this... thing. I''m... sigh there''s irony for you. Both me and my wife are dysphoric because we were sculpted to meet another''s aesthetic standard. I''m planning on asking Mistress Xafra to permit me some changes. I... I''m jealous of Verbess and Schatzi. They get to be the monstrous feminine ideal, and while I''m not wanting extra arms or that... Unique jaw, I think... I want the Quills, like Mistress Xafra. and more eyes. With different capabilities, so they serve a real purpose. I want to properly deserve being our Mistress'' second in command and to be capable of leading effectively.

    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    I don''t hear her anymore. You''d think that would be a good thing, and you''d be right, at least for the most part. but. Augusta, I broke my mind, altered how I think and process, and now there''s this blank spot, and it feels vulnerable. like anyone with the talent could just. slide in and puppet me.

    No, not physically like Primrose enjoys, I mean more of an influence, causing me to be... different.

    What if... I want to be part of the Pack. I need to talk to Verbess once it''s awake.¡±

    I stand, carefully folding the weighted blanket that was wrapped around me and setting it down on the lounger. "Thank you Augusta. I''m grateful for your help. I''ll um. come by later and see about scheduling another sit down like this if it''s alright with you?¡±

    She nods, settling the lace pillow and bobbins onto the nearby table and walks me out of the room. "You''re very welcome. I''m glad to be available and listen to whatever''s on your mind. If you''ll excuse me, I''ll be heading to see Hyacinth, the darling isn''t able to make it over here easily so I''m going to visit it.¡±

    ** ** **

    I find the Scholar Dolls, Zelma and Selene, sitting on a large bridge that''s been woven to connect the fourth floors of two large Spires. It''s wide enough that passing Dolls won''t be obstructed by the two as they dangle legs over the edge and chatter. Selene''s iridescent butterfly-like wings drape about its tall deep purple Frame like a shawl, five eyes considering the grounds as it tip-taps six fingered hands across three books that sit between them. Zelma, beside it, is quite small in comparison, with a long tail and two extra limbs all fidgeting with her many pockets, pouches, and the books and treasures she keeps within.

    Selene notices me the moment I lock eyes on them and begin walking across the bridge, turning to quirk its head and waiting to greet. "Hi. Is... did you need something, Adaline ?" as I get closer.

    Zelma only notices me when her companion does, going still and quickly murmuring a much more quiet. "Greetings, Connivant Adaline. How may these ones serve?¡±

    Kindness, no sense in being a jerk, that''s not how a hero acts.

    "Selene, Zelma, this one has been informed that we shall be working closely together in cases of emergency and for the good of the... Shelf." I sigh heavily at the term. "Anyway, it seemed like a good idea to get to know you both. Is it... a good time, or should this one come back later?¡±

    The two exchange a quick look, Zelma nods, then Selene looks back and pats the spot next to it. "Sure. These ones just finished our deliveries and were just... talking. Sharing. Exchanging thoughts after good Function.¡±

    I sit down softly, looking down at the ground far below and choose to lower my guard. Take after my Mistress'' example.

    "I''m sorry." I begin searching for the words that are needed.

    "For what? Connivant? This is Good Function, correct?" Zelma asks, tail curling about as she continues to fiddle about her pockets. Seeming to check and double check each one''s contents.

    "Mhm." Selene nods. "It is. This one thinks. Connivants should seek to understand their like. These ones are glad you sought this exchange out.¡±

    "Our Mistress is... talented in many ways, but organization is not one of them. I spoke to Calix. He keeps immaculate records of all the Dolls and their relationships. Which means that I now know that..." I can''t do this. I can''t. I have to though, without running away this time. "That the Doll that was ended in the Undercroft was the pinnate of you both. And it was my fault she was there. I am sorry for your loss.¡±

    Zelma jolts as one poked with a burning stick, tail twisting under her Pinnate''s wings to grasp at its waist as it begins to tremble.

    Selene goes stiff, wings ripple and stir. "...Oh. It... was... was she..." It pauses, looks at Zelma, then pushes the books back to pull her into its embrace. letting a wing unfasten and drape over the smaller Doll.

    Eventually Zelma whispers from within her Pinnate''s enfoldment. "Was she there in Good Function?¡±

    "She is truthfully the only reason I am still functional myself. I... This one does not believe it was a fair trade. If you wish to be grouped with another, this one will request such arrangements, as there is no desire to cause further heartache." I answer as my heart hurts for them and what I put them through.

    Zelma continues to shake a bit in Selene''s embrace, while the taller Doll takes a deep and unneeded breath, then looks down to its Pinnate.

    After a few moments the little Doll whispers. "Sh¨C she... was always worried about all the secluded ones. Would sneak into the storage Spires to see if any recovered. Th¨C these ones... Didn''t know why she visited the Undercroft. Said she had to keep it a secret before leaving. But she always talked about wanting to climb your Spire to check on you. But... but the mean thing wouldn''t even let any of these ones close enough to touch it! And... but... She..."

    The little Doll extends a shaking hand toward me. An offer. "Th- thank you. F- for telling these ones. It... it helps. T- to know she helped. That her end was for Good F- Function."

    Selene nods, unclasps a wing and opens it toward me. Mimicking its Pinnate''s motion. "She''d be glad you''re free and about. Would ask these ones to... to offer you wing snuggles. Help you like she would have tried to.¡±

    I hesitate before moving in to hold them both. "You''re welcome. Thank you both. This one... thinks that it would be... Good Function to make a memorial. A permanent one, for those who have been lost over the years. This one believes that... It is important to remember our history and our kin. Would... You both like to assist this one in this endeavor?¡±

    Zelma can only nod fiercely as wings and arms and even a touch of tail envelop me and pull tight, struggling to gift me any more words.

    "These ones would like that." Selene murmurs softly, "These ones are glad Mistress paired us. We can find Good Function together.¡±

    I nod, not trusting myself to speak quite yet. I can do this. Need to offer. "Primrose is a talented artist, can make accurate depictions based on shared recollections but also... This one felt it was important to offer these two the opportunity to give your fallen pinnate a name, or share if she had one unknown to others.¡±

    Selene opens its mouth but pauses, unfurls wings a touch to peek down at Zelma, who nods then whispers. "She... yeah. Primrose is good at paintings. And... um..."

    The tall Doll envelopes us closer with wings and arms. "Caravel, She... That is a name she would have taken... these ones think. Had she met Mistress Xafra and been asked. A childhood song she adored, that... that helped her know who she was before Installation.¡±

    "Caravel was a Good Doll of Good Function. She will be missed.¡±

    I spend the next few hours with Selene and Zelma, talking about Caravel and their own lives over the last decade here, doing my best to get to know them, commiserate, and grow comfortable with them. By the time I leave, it is dark out and I spot Lynette''s Doll making her way to the top of Elevar''s Spire.

    With some careful estimations, I dash and leap from Spire to bridge to Spire and meet it on the peaked roof after a few minutes, deliberately not hiding my approach.

    Its ears twitch as it twists about the curled top. Then with great strain it seems, the Doll pulls its eyes away from the Empty sky to look down at me. "Um... H¨C hi."

    Looks back up before I even begin to reply. But... one ear seems to tilt more toward me.

    I crouch beside it, letting my hands grip the roots of the roof tightly as I join it in staring at the sky. "Hi. Is it alright if this one joins you?¡±

    "Mistress'' Doll and Miss'' Spire." It murmurs, leaning back a bit more and letting only its tail grip things, arms falling to dangle like a stingless puppet''s limbs. "Don''t know if they want you here. But they let this one watch and don''t think they''d stop Special Doll from watching. And... The Empty Sky is too sleepy to stop anyone. Mhm."

    When I watch closely I see its three Iris twitch and adjust... shift hues from a bright scarlet to softer purples. Odd almost glyph like designs etched and now reflecting the pitch but... with little pin-pricks of light all about.

    "That it is. It''s... Nice. This one spent over a decade only being able to see it from a window.¡±

    "That''s sad. But... at least the Sky likes you all the time." An ear twitches, eyes seem to almost spin in their sockets. The reflection in them turning almost glazed and frosty. Like glass on the coldest mornings. "This one had to learn from His little sisters to hide when Sky starts looking.¡±

    "Mmmm. This one understands. There is a meeting planned in a Moonrise from now. There is... a chance we may have a guest afterwards that would like to speak with you. This one will ensure you are not required to do so, if that is wished."

    Speaking with this one requires more delicacy than most, but is worthwhile, I think.

    A pause, and then it goes still, only after twelve mundane heartbeats turning to meet my eyes. "G¨C guest? W¨C what guest? Is Special Doll being stupid again?¡±

    I answer slowly, delicately. "There is no confirmation of a guest, but this one felt it important that you be warned in case we do have one. This one doesn''t..." I tap the side of my head gently, "Do the mind words, and doesn''t know if you do, or have been informed. The guest that may visit... One of the Sky''s favorites. This one is... frightened.¡±

    I see the panic rising with every word, and before I''m even done it is hissing. Fur standing on end and ears beginning to press back. Its Expression a thing of abject terror and such... Shame. Guilt that makes it curl arms about itself and cling to the Spire.

    "Please!" It snaps. "Be stupid and horrid and cruel and... and..."

    But then she stops. Ears perk up and rotate a bit downward. "Pr- pr- promise? M- Mistress!?! Promise promise promise pro-"

    Another pause and a twitch of her ear, then it''s beginning to shiver and weep. Slithering down and around the Spire past me toward the open balcony below.

    I sigh, having brought yet another to tears today, and step off the edge of the Spire, digging a hand into the side to catch myself as I near the bottom. Time to sleep, I''ll... talk to Primrose tomorrow.

 Chapter 58: Glyphs, Nightmares, or Infested Frame (Witch)

    Glyphs, Nightmares, or Infested Frame (Witch)

    Content Warnings:

    Talk of murdering headmates, and magic ideas, and muppples!

    We tap the Old Cunt¡¯s needle against our left palm, half-glaring and half-considering the schema we have laid out across the tables before us. Both the dissection of the Glyphs that protect the Archives kept within the Gemstones on the blunt end of the needle, and my working option for the Witchification of a Doll.

    Oh how this would just¡­ ruin us if the Groves discovered even a fraction of what we were doing here. Xafra herself aside, the myriad of very illegal Combat Dolls ignored, and the Estate¡¯s new Functions all kept hidden, and not even to mention Sikkina and her Sanctuary down below¡­ This would start such a bloody conflict.

    Lynette is¡­ still seething, even after hours of good progress on our workings here.

    At first I thought it was possessive wroth when Lynette told Xafra she needed to have a pointed word with Adaline at her Mistress'' earliest convenience. But¡­ no.

    As I¡¯ve worked to hide my emotions from her she¡¯s done the same, and the little titters I managed to feel last night were¡­ messy. Almost unfocused as she held her weeping Doll close and murmured soothing words while barely holding back hissing cruelties over the bond to Xafra.

    But in the end she simply¡­ requested they visit to go over the bones of our discoveries together in the morning, and when Xafra asked for clarifications Lynette told her to ask Adaline before pointedly ignoring us both for the next few hours and eventually carrying her Doll down to snuggle between us and Schatzi in our bed below. Only seemed to really calm when the little Doll agreed to let us seal it in our lower bedchambers when the Suns were about to weep. Totally calmed by its Mistress¡¯ words and promises to keep it safe and protected for the Sky''s ''cruel regard''.

    Alerted to their movements by a wordless nudge from Lynette, I intone gently to Xafra as her and Adaline approach our Spire. {We¡¯re in our uppermost study.}

    Xafra and Adaline walk in holding hands, Xafra in her Doll form and Adaline wearing a mourning dress.

    "Good afternoon." I greet softly and with what I hope is a considerate smile. "Thank you both for coming, and..."

    A little intentional almost growl from Lynette catches the last words in my throat for a second. But... If I''m to let you use my lips I''m Cracked and Riven allowed to say what I feel about this.

    She relents, and goes still.

    "...Apologies. For last night." I finish. Then eye Adaline''s dress as a touch of worry bubbles. "Did... Are all of the Dolls alright?"

    "No apologies needed. We are having a... celebration of life for Caravel, the Doll that was lost to the Undercroft on my orders, later today. I am sorry for causing distress both now and last night. My attempt was to prevent such but... failed." Adaline responds, her voice calm but hollow and strained.

    See? I nudge Lynette. This one was only trying to help your Doll. Keep her safe. Hers was an act of reckless ignorance of her triggers and traumas, nothing else.

    Xafra nods. "Mmhm. Adaline told me what occurred and I made it clear to her that she should have spoken to Lynette first at the least, considering the Dolls fragile temperament. If there is something we can do to make up for the distress, please let us know."

    Lynette intones steadily. <Get on with your part, and I¡¯ll educate these fool Gerlthings when it comes to my discoveries.>

    ¡°We¡¯ll¡­ go over that. It¡¯s relevant, actually. An innocent mistake, from my perspective. But¡­¡± I sigh and look down over the table of schema between us. ¡°The little one isn¡¯t mine. Lynette will spit her piece when she shares her thirds of all this.¡± I look back up to smile gently at Adaline. ¡°You¡¯ll have magic again, Dear One. And¡­ options even. Three new Arts to master and study and¡­ and refine. If you fancy the lot.¡±

    "This one is very grateful. That''s... incredibly exciting." Adaline responds, failing to keep as calm as she is attempting.

    "So... for two of these I''ll need Xafra to work out how to supply the Ousia and Physis for the workings. Whether that involves the chipping or melting of the Frame''s outer Ousia shell, or some kind of stored reservoir, would be my guess but... any option will do." I gesture them both forward to regard the schemas I''ve had Warden and Schatzi assist in sketching out. "First path, and my focus, sought to resolve the disputes between the Frame''s new mind and how it can exert will outward. Our energies are not buckets to pour out but... almost more like muscles to flex. The magic has to have clear links to your perceptions else you''re just wasting energy and at most heating the world about. So..."

    Then I reach over and pull a stack of clear glass slates with etchings across them.

    "This is my design. Utilizing a Bond similar to what I wove about Xafra. We inscribe various Glyph fractals into parts of your Frame''s inner Etheric stores, woven in Xafra''s Tone, and then seal it all in with a final set of loose commands to let you cast at your leisure." I spread out the glass slates, showing how each one is set with only a partial design. "And this is where this becomes endlessly mailable though. Each design can effectively be only part of a spell with various alterations and adjustments, allowing you to weave anything in a myriad of ways so long as you have the relevant Glyph shards installed." I smirk then as I look up to meet Adaline''s hungry gaze. "And the best part? All done with precise efficiency. No random loss of resources due to flesh nonsense. Any Einwandfrei inscribed will be cast at identical cost so long as the energies are available. A true perfect casting, every time. No risk of leakage or miscast so long as the Glyphs are made and laid well."

    Adaline laughs and takes a seat. "You''ve found a way to effectively make linguistic magic?"

    Xafra looks stumped for a moment as her eyes go distant in that growingly familiar way where she''s cross referencing her memories, "Oh! Chopping the magic into building blocks that can be slotted together."

    I let myself chuckle with her and nod to Xafra. "Exactly. And as you both become more and more familiar with this, these Glyphs can be as big or small as you wish. Spells with endless complexity but specific use, simplified. Weavings with previously thought too bothersome to adjust, made complex. It... it''s what I did with... um..." I pause, look down at the slates. "Its how all my Einwandfrei are. I took existing weavings and adjusted them. Cheated, really. Copied another''s work and..." Then I pick up one of the thinner glass slates and crack it in two, let the new edge glimmer. "Turned the mundane into deadly nonsense. It''s truly horrifying how many spells can become sharp as a talon when you crack the right edges. But... you''re both much more considerate than me. I''ve translated out the three spells I have Tomes on into their simplest Glyphs, but that''s it. You''ll want to adjust and modify and improve on my very simple Fractals." Then I step over and pick up a small journal and pass it to Adaline in the same moment I offer the same Tome to Xafra across our bond.

    The Fractals of Glyphwork; First iterations.

    "Thank you," Adaline says with awe, clutching the journal tightly.

    "You''re very welcome." I reply softly to her.

    "This is very impressive.¡± My Mate remarks. ¡°You said there were other concepts as well? It''s only been a few days, love."

    "Well... there are two of us working on this. And Lynette doesn''t need any sleep, while I only need a little." I shrug, and look away to hide the heat I feel touch my cheeks. "This is the most solid. The safest. The one I''m most certain you can make Function, and Function well. The other two are... odd. Lynette''s double checked my work on this but those are the products of her research. Things she... she insists I let her explain. Arts pulled from this Estates ''studies'' of the intakes within the Threads below."

    "This one is listening, and prepared to hear Miss Lynette out." Adaline states.

    {Alright, just¡­ you know what I expect. We¡¯ll not have a repeat of last time.} I intone gently but solidly, and in such a way my Xafra will hear.

    <No. No we will not¡­> And then she¡¯s bubbling up to fix a steady and fairly flat gaze on Adaline.

    ¡°As a child, or adult, did you ever hear the tale of the Flaying Matron?¡± Lynette asks steadily. "Or the Skinning-Starved Witch, Flesh-Stitching Hag, or such? I''ve heard it given a few names across the Groves. Especially in communities that idolize Threshers as protectors and not what they are. Generally as a spook story aimed at the young to scare them into behaving as their parents demand."

    "No... I don''t think so, no. Nothing like that. I wasn''t raised in a Grove and when I went to Thorn for training, I was rather focused on my learning more than making friends."

    Lynette huffs out a laugh. "I was much the same, but I... Elevar had a gaggle of terrible sisters that loved to torment her. But... to my point. That story has infested that gerl''s dreams in one fashion or another for decades. Weaving in and out of others with an almost... spiteful will. And it wasn''t until we came here that we discovered an odd quirk that we suspect manifests in other Witches as well. That there are things that grow and spread like weeds in the mind, and... your suggestion about the Spell to seal away magic... well..." A pause, then she nudges me. And I grant her control of the Little Archive. "Inspired me."

    She raises my left hand, palm up, and displays not Sikkina''s Sanctuary, but a strange garden. One not growing plants but... strange glass-like vines. Twisting at impossible angles and refracting all sorts of strange symbols that hurt to gaze upon.

    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    "Below, within Dream-laid Threads, there are things. Life not of flesh and blood, but the stuff of pure perception decoupled from the Waking World. Or... to what I mean to harvest, Nightmares." She smirks. "Where Elevar''s first Path is a thing of linguist flourishes set and laid to be channeled through your Frame, This second one is of growing curses and planting them within the unsuspecting wretches you wish to see broken. Be they Witch, Doll, Sun-Blessed, or otherwise."

    Then she cuts off the display, and looks between them.

    Xafra shrugs and nods, no stranger to the subtle horrors of life.

    Adaline looks hesitant in comparison, "This one... No. I don''t know if I can be trusted with such a weapon."

    "I do have a question about these... Nightmares. They are the captives freed with the Moon''s rivening, yes?" Xafra asks with disquieting casualness.

    Lynette''s momentary pause at Adaline''s hesitation turns thoughtful. "What an odd question. I''m not sure the creatures'' origins. Was actually going to ask if you''ve ever had to evict infestations from your Driftdream? I suspect if things such as this had been twisting between Dreamers then you''d not only have met a few but... feared them more than even the Denizens. Or Sun-Blessed. If I''m being kind. Even this place treats them as nothing but the most dangerous of intakes. What I''m offering isn''t even an echo of one. Simply weeds growing from the mulched corpses."

    "Not until I surfaced and only one so far, odd little thing. Anyway, I had been doing some thinking. You recall how I mentioned the Slipways to Elevar? They function similarly, I believe to how these... Root Folds of yours do. Tunnels through unreality from one place the Moon shone to another, all enabled by the Horrors that mother moon contained within herself."

    Lynette tilts her head. "Adjacent concepts? Would make sense. Although... Hm... It seems quite the risk to bind such creatures for use like that. Would need various methods of pruning and decontamination to ensure nothing hooks itself onto someone and spreads like a flame on chaff. I''ll have to see if Warden retains any memories with more detail." She tip-taps her chin in thought, then turns an expectant gaze on Xafra. "And... this ''odd little thing'' you mentioned. I trust you purged it well?"

    "Shredded to nothingness and expelled. After my, shall we say, visitation to your domain, I felt quite unwilling to try and consume such an entity."

    "Can we... refocus please. For now at least?" Adaline interrupts.

    Lynette relaxes, visibly. Even letting Xafra and I feel it through the bond. "Good. Yes. Of course."

    Then she steps over and lifts another journal that was laid beneath a few schema. Then turns to Adaline. "But to your hesitation. Can I be blunt with you? Clean up some... misunderstandings and misconceptions?"

    "I believe that''s more than reasonable, Miss Lynette."

    She sighs and sets the book down between us. But... keeps fingers splayed overtop. "Alright. Elevar insists that you are the second most brilliant Witch she''s ever met. And given the correct tools, will soon overtake the first. As to the why... well... you''ll have to ask her because I don''t know you. At all, really. My final memories before my weaving are of the night Yselda and I verified this flesh was infested with the Soul Rot. After that... I''m only allowed to consider softer memories. The Estate backwashes or blocks everything pertaining to the Garrote, Elevar''s panic attacks, and you before her most recent return. No exceptions." She lets herself smile softly then, "And of the three Arts we''ve found this is the one she is the most excited to see you cultivate. Because it is like any garden. Ready to grow either wretched weeds, or bountiful fruits at our leisure."

    Then Lynette carefully pushes the Tome forward. "And that''s the other quirk. You and I will have to work together on this. Xafra''s Driftdream is too precious a place to risk some of the things you might wish to try, so we''ll be using the Estate''s Threads for the growth cycles. Interact with them through Elevar''s Little Archive." Then she steps back, revealing the name on the cover.

    Dream Gardens, First Iterations.

    "Okay. I don''t know why... she would trust me with this potential, but... okay. I am grateful for this opportunity and your assistance."

    "To the last then." Lynette murmurs and nods as Adaline gently takes up the second Tome, "And the most... odd. Barely worth considering honestly, compared to these first two..." Another nudge, and our Physis construct alights again, but this time to display a single scale of deep purple with faint flickers of scarlet, jade, and cerulean. "This was kept in a vault deep below alongside other broken remains of the intakes'' previous forms and possessions. Within... are invocations in such an odd smattering of languages. Normally I''d discard it as nonsense. Honestly. But..." Then the image shows yellow energy being passed through the object, and afterwards... a subtle weaving of magic is produced in the form of little Wisplight. "When Empty Nomos is pressed through alongside them... things happen. All sorts too, depending on the invocation perceived through word and will."

    Adaline''s worry turns to pure fascination. "This is a way to harness Nomos?"

    Xafra fails to conceal a twinge of jealousy and terror that races through the bond.

    Lynette smirks at them. "Well that leads us to the problem with this. First... there are possibly infinite variations of Nomos. Was that something that was known in your time, Xafra?"

    "What? No. At least, not to any that became me, and no partners mentioned such. They were considered monsters, even the idea that they were truly sapient was considered controversial. Variations of Nomos... how strange. And not just two? one from each of the..." her sentence falters as she avoids saying the word.

    "The eyes produce a twined helix of radiant Nomos brimming with their own frequencies." Lynette finishes and explains. "The Estate can cleanse Nomos, wash it free of all frequencies. Create Empty Nomos,  as I''ve come to call it. You encountered it below. But between those two there are theoretically infinite variations. I suspect our weeping angry sun Godthing''s gaze drowns and smothers all others. As well as locking it''s use away from any not infested with Denizen Spores."

    Xafra fails to stop herself from immediately returning to spear form, seemingly inert, but through the bond I can tell she''s clearly paying attention, though terrified.

    "As much as I understand your irreverence, as one who grew up far from any Grove, we at least learned that it is safer to be... respectful to the forces beyond our ken. Whether that be bitter Witches, or other rampaging horrors." Adaline chides as she moves Xafra''s spear form onto her own lap.

    For a moment I shove Lynette aside and half-step my body to move around the table but... pause as Adaline takes to holding Xafra well. "I... Apologies. She gets that bitterness from me. And every time we encounter more proof of some Divine thing or another we just... get more spiteful. A bad habit I''ve had since before I came here."

    "I well understand, love. I would simply like to remind Lynette that Xafra is formed from dozen of girls who all lost family to the... predations of those she speaks so casually of. Spite is... Well deserved, but... Then again, who am I to talk? I left Lynette''s Doll in a worse state last night." Adaline sighs and offers Xafra out to me.

    I reach out and take her into my left arm. Lynette keeps her thoughts to herself but¡­ this isn¡¯t anything new. I¡¯ve felt her annoyed regard toward me when I fell apart. So I Cant ::understanding/love/safety:: to Xafra and move to sit. ¡°No you¡­ you were trying to help. Lynette¡¯s just a bitch. But also intentionally woven to not understand trauma or triggers. I¡­ I¡¯m still trying to teach her to be wary of them but¡­ am quite horrid myself at remembering.¡± I sigh and smile at her. ¡°And don¡¯t worry about Lynette¡¯s Doll. It''s already forgotten and is even resting in a proper bed today.¡±

    "It''s alright. I am... truthfully most interested in the possibility of this third Art, though am happy to delve into each, yet I think... It may be best for this last one, Lynette, to wait until after our meeting with the Sun-blessed, as it has the potential to cause a diplomatic incident. You had D?mmerung speak to you, do you think it likely that one of their kin would take kindly to the modifications of their gift in such a way?"

    [It is a significant risk.] Xafra murmurs over the tether to myself and Lynette.

    I let Lynette bubble up to reply. ¡°I¡¯ll be cautious, of course. Have to be. I only have one scale left. The rest withered and cracked when subjected to anything other than Empty Nomos. The other two Arts have seemingly infinite possibilities, while this one is restricted to the Invocations etched within.¡± She smirks, ¡°I just¡­ found many of the mantras listed to settle well in my perspectives.¡±

    "Sounds good. Was there...  Anything else to discuss?" Adaline asks gently.

    ¡°Oh¡­ yes. A promise to keep. I¡­ I still need to tell you both about my first two Einwandfrei. What they did. Why I made them.¡± I murmur.

    Xafra warms gently in my grasp, an odd little working to offer comfort.

    "That would be appreciated. And... My... progress on one is of course available to you both, if you''d like to see it."

    ¡°I would love to see it. And¡­ can¡¯t wait to see it translated and cast by you through the Glyphwork.¡±

    "wha.... oh. oh. I... This...." Adaline just slumps, lost in thought.

    [It seems like she just realized that you''ve offered her the chance to save an entire generation of children from her fate.] Xafra intones with a chuckle.

    {I¡­ she¡­ yes.} I let my hope titter down the bond. ¡°The world was robbed of a brilliant Witch. And Xafra agrees, and says you¡¯re going to save an entire generation from what inflicted you. None will fear the Soul Rot because of this.¡±

    "Thank you. All of you. This is so important, and oh. With glyph work, I could incorporate it into the dams. oh. oh wow. I wonder if... no, I can''t ask Calix. That would be unkind. but... Valthirii, and... I''m going to need to talk to an engineer. Like an actual, Mundane Engineer, not one of those sad excuses the Groves use that substitute Weaves for math." Adaline starts getting lost in thought before she suddenly snaps out with a question. "Is... Verbess okay?"

    ¡°It¡¯s struggling.¡± I sigh and pull Xafra close. ¡°And it won¡¯t wake up long enough to tell us why. Even¡­ even through Quill Song to Xafra. But¡­¡± I go a bit still, try to keep my bubbling anxiety quiet. ¡°Why the sudden curiosity?¡±

    "This one wanted to know if she... Could work towards being accepted and inducted into the Pack." Adaline answers nervously, then she hurries to continue before myself or Xafra can respond, "I just. wanted to see if it was possible, and if everyone would be okay with it. It, Schatzi, Warden, Xafra, and yourself. This one understands it''s a very significant request."

    I go so still to fight to keep my anxious fury restrained, not aimed at adaline but¡­ for the old cunt. ¡°I¡­ cannot speak to the Pack¡¯s wishes here, but¡­ may I ask why? And¡­ how long have you been thinking about this?¡±

    "There is an emptiness here" She puts a hand against her head, "where I had... created a Yselda to obey, to feed commands to loop into myself and permit a level of... autonomy. After that oddness with Mistress Xafra in the storage Spire, when we were first freeing Miss Lynette''s Doll from her chains, the voice was gone and the quiet was... Good at first, but it feels now like I''ve been amputated, like there''s a missing limb or organ or sense that belongs there. And... when the Pack did that... quill song that slammed through my Frame, it felt weird then it... hurt. It hurt so much, and yet it hurt just like... When I first awoke in this Frame, like sensory overload that could be adjusted to. I... don''t know what Yselda did to me, to make this Frame, but I think¡­ it''s made to be compatible."

    ¡°I¡­ yes. It seems the Old Cunt used some designs from my Doll in your Frame. It¡­ Xafra¡¯s mapping verified some connection points that match the Quill Roots. Full ones could be grown, in theory. Probably quite easily. But¡­ well¡­ Xafra? You know more about this than me. What are your thoughts?¡±

    Xafra shifts back, manifesting her Doll Form once more beside me. "Adaline, You... turned yourself Polysouled... and then I... killed the other part of you. Elevar, it''s like if someone were to suddenly rip Lynette from you." Xafra realizes in quiet horror.

    I wince, and grip her hand. ¡°I¡¯m not sure it¡¯s the same, and¡­ even if it was, this manifestation was doing damage. Hurting her. Woven to¡­¡± then I look to Adaline. ¡°Are you glad the voice you knit is gone?¡±

    "Of course! I was stuck, and Mistress Xafra freed me!" Adaline responds forcefully.

    It¡­ takes me three heartbeats to notice what¡¯s happening. To see my Xafra¡¯s body stiffen. To understand that this isn¡¯t just her wonderful empathy bubbling up. No¡­ it¡¯s like she was after giving My Doll the Breath.

    It¡¯s the Garrote.

    Immediately I¡¯m standing to move in front. Pulling her gaze to meet mine. ¡°Xafra, dear one. I understand this sin and forgive you. As¡­ as your Lord Owner, chosen Mate, and Witchling.¡±

    She relaxes before she can even draw breath to speak in that pained voice, instead murmuring through the bond [Thank you.]

    I pull her into a tight embrace. ¡°Of course. I¡¯m so sorry. And¡­¡±

    {We need to get this off you.}

    "Mmhm," she hugs me back tightly, then turns to Adaline. "I would... be okay with you joining the Pack, but I will prioritize Verbess'' opinion on the matter, and would... probably need a second opinion on the information about your Frame that we recorded. Lynette, perhaps with your unique insights you may see what I cannot."

    <I never cared for Dollcraft, but¡­ this Estate is quite the cultivator of the Art. If your Doll could handle being examined in by chamber below¡­ well, we could perhaps discover a few things. But honestly, Verbess and Warden would be the experts to ask here. One is the Harmony and the other the slate containing the Melodies. And it is past time that one woke up and faced it¡¯s past.>

    Warden offers a silent <?>

    I sigh and pull away. {I¡­ yes. It¡¯s been too long. I just¡­ I¡¯ve always relied on either Tone or Schatzi to rouse Verbess. The first I won¡¯t do and¡­ and the second has found her sister quite unresponsive to her prompts. I could call it through the bond. Of course. But¡­ I¡¯m that one¡¯s Mistress. It doesn¡¯t need to reconcile with me. It needs to settle things with the Pack. You and Schatzi and Warden will have to be ready to respond if I¡¯m to demand it converse.}

    Xafra''s Quills thrum for a moment and miniature ethereal versions of both Warden and Schatzi form from her Physis on the table.

    "We are on our way, Mistress" Schatzi states with a curtsy.

    "That''s... new?" Adaline asks in surprise.

    I chuckle. ¡°My gerls are quite adaptive and imaginative. That trick will help quite a bit when we¡¯re adjusting your Frame.¡±

    "Yes. Warden showed Schatzi how to implement it, and I offered some suggestions for optimization. The Pack is able to share my Ousia and Physis."

    "O-oh. That''s incredible." Adaline responds, grappling with the implications.

 Chapter 59: Addendum: Dreams are now a Function of this Frame. (Blade)

    Addendum: Dreams are now a Function of this Frame. (Blade)

    Content Warnings:

    So... much... DREAM NONSENSE!!! AHHH!!! Dysphoria. Offers to die. Um... lots of memories. Some of torture. mhm. sad mupples. Threats to depersonalize someone and break their memories and possible mamories. CUTIE WISP BABBLES!!!

    As Adaline grapples with all the implications of the offers my Mate and... What do I even call Lynette? I care about her, and apparently she has feelings for me but she is not my Mistress... Wait, Cup Upended and Pips Nulled, I need to actually ask her out. How does one even date someone who''s sharing a body and memories with their Mate?

    "Sister, Mistress, Miss Adaline, we are here and ready to assist with sister Verbess." Schatzi''s words knock me out of my wanderings and I refocus on the task at hand.

    "Query: What is the issue with Pack Heart Verbess?" Warden asks bluntly.

    I look at the ethereal Warden in confusion, unable to understand how it doesn''t know. "It is not responding to Schatzi requests to wake or rousing on its own, and we are concerned.¡±

    Warden turns to Elevar and asks another question. "Proposal: Warden will utilize Pack functionality as well as Frame capabilities to analyze and report on Verbess condition."

    "So long as you''re careful not to startle it. Verbess'' hasn''t even tried to sing, last I was told. Something I''ve never seen it not reach for when upset or hurting. Its Quills let it express everything. For it to not use them... is new." She glances at me. "You can still feel it, yes?¡±

    "Yes, it''s still present just... I''m not sure how to explain." I offer.

    "ETC: 300 Heartbeats. Warden report forthcoming." It states before unweaving its ethereal form and releasing the minor Physis drain.

    "Ah. In the meantime, Is it... impolite to ask you to continue with your prior explanation, Miss Elevar? About your Einwandfrei?" Adaline requests, looking more settled.

    "I... not at all." A touch of worry freely touches the bond, but Elevar sits. Takes a deep breath and begins. "I''ll... start with my second and work backways. My Fleischbrecher was a twisting of three separate Healing Art workings and five smaller Physis alternatives into what it is. To... be blunt and honest, it basically let me inflict permanent or temporary Dysphoria on anyone I cast it on. But... without any way to alleviate it except a good knowledge of the working, Fleshcrafting, or Dollification. I could also control the intensity of it, where it manifested the worst, and otherwise.¡±

    I stare at her, keeping my emotions tightly in check. "Why?¡±

    "Why not? Is that somehow worse than growing curses in someone''s mind, Mistress?" Adaline snips at me.

    Where''s this coming from? What did I do wrong? This is absurd.

    "Oh it is very much worse, dear Adaline." Elevar looks down and away, refusing to meet anyone''s gaze as she continues. "Because I, as I''ve tried and failed to communicate, am a very cruel person. This, like all but one of my Flawless Weavings, wasn''t just made to hurt people. I lured at least thirty-three souls back to this Estate with the promise of healing only to let the Old Cunt Dollify them, then break them. Mentally and otherwise. She, Yselda... only kept a few. The rest were scrapped. This was a way to gather information and hurt her... our rivals. And while I tried to find and remove the working off the spares I left wandering the Groves and Root Ways this past decade... I did not find them all. This was not a working I... I hesitated to use. Due to the inability for most Groves to tend to such ailments none could trace this messy new pain someone had back to me. I was able to indulge my spite and cruelty and... and no one could stop me. Well... until She did. I cannot cast it anymore. Not without... well... leakage.¡±

    "My love, that doesn''t answer my question. Why?" I ask again, reaffirmed by her words.

    "Why what, Dear one?" She whispers.

    "Why did you create it? Genuinely. I know cruelty and have done a multitude of cruel things myself, so I don''t ask this with clean hands. I just want to understand fully why you would put such time, effort, and research into merging eight different workings into this one when, let''s be clear here, there are easier ways to get information, and easier ways to cause pain. So... What made you wish to inflict this specifically on others?¡±

    "Because..." Elevar face twists into a mess of fury and pain. "Because I was fool enough to think that this body would make the Groves accept me as her Floret and Envoy without question. Never expected them to... to consider me lesser because of what I was. That the only reason they didn''t kill me or worse was because they feared what she might unleash from the bowls of this rotten place. That... that when they found out I was Half-Knit, they laughed and counted their jade in thanks that Yselda did not take in a Floret that would outlive her." Then her lip quirks in an almost snarl. "And it was so efficient, Xafra. Barely a hint of Ousia needed. Could literally cast in front of some of them and most were too stupid to see past their sneers to know what a mistake their petty spite for this Half-Knit was. I made it because it seemed an apt way to spit back in the faces of those that would think me weak. Because I wanted to watch them suffer both as I had, but also worse, and to be able to..."

    But then her face goes a bit pale, even green, and I feel such a strange mix of revulsion and panic and fear and guilt and so much more consume the tether before she smothers it. Seems to almost get sick before a few deep breaths steady her.

    "But to your question, the simple answer is that I was so very spiteful when the Groves disrespected me, and I never wanted to return to my first lover''s arms a mess like I did after that first outing." My Witchling spits past whatever just struck, curling about herself in the chair. "So I wove this, and indulged in cruelties until I couldn''t anymore.¡±

    "And... Afterwards, did you find some manner of peace?" I ask, reflecting back the question this wonderful, wounded girl asked me when I explained my rampage.

    "Progenitor Proverb: There is no peace to be found in violence.  Warden Report Ready." The unsteady silence is cracked by Warden''s return to ethereal form.

    She goes stiff, wincing. "Xafra, That''s..." But instead of answering she shakes her head and turns to her Doll. "Quite right, thank whatever Godthings you will for that. Deliver report, if you please.¡±

    "Verbess is not present in Frame 514. Verbess is currently pinging from Locate command in Frame ERR: Undefined Value, Updating...  Complete. Frame -1, Progenitor Xafra. Proposal: Primary User investigates Anomalous Formation 001 ¡ª Driftdream."

    "What." I shake my head in confusion. "I would know if..."

    But then again, I didn''t know when Warden used my Physis¡­

    "You have terrible timing, Warden." Adaline mutters.

    "Verbess is within the Driftdream?" Elevar pulls from herself to gaze between us. "How... Well, asking how that is possible seems quite foolish. Xafra, is this dangerous? For you or it?¡±

    "I... don''t think so. But... We may as well go and look, right?"

    Adaline is right though. I really want Elevar to come to terms with what she did, not just dismissing herself as evil and cruel.

    "Yes. If..." She slowly releases the bond and allows her titters of worry to flow between us, then lifts her hand that bears the ring. "But Verbess is in your Driftdream proper, not this isolated crafting. I... I''m not sure this is a thing we''d want Lynette involved with.¡±

    "I don''t understand. The ring is just a duplicate of my Library''s information. You and Lynette were in my Driftdream. I trust all of you here anyway.¡±

    "I... Assumed there were some differences. Extra protections and such. But... alright." She agrees carefully. "Is... wait. If Verbess has somehow entered your Driftdream does that mean Schatzi and Warden could enter as well?¡±

    "Yes. Honestly, Adaline can as well, I assume though I''ll need to let her in like I do with you, Mistress.¡±

    "Please!¡± Adaline responds immediately. ¡°Yes, I want to see it.¡±

    "Well, Um. I guess we should all get our bodies comfortable, laying down and such. I uhm. yeah." I begin, uncertain how to ensure my Witchling is on board with this plan.

    "We... Can use this Spire''s uppermost bedchamber." Elevar nods and rises. "It has plenty of space for all of us to rest comfortably while we do this.¡±

    I pulse ::Confirmation/Uncertainty:: at her as I follow.

    The room she leads us to is fairly large, with a big bed taking up the majority of the space and even a balcony that overlooks an outer edge of the Estate and gives a great view of the jungles and the sky.

    "Let''s make sure to take it slow once we''re inside." Elevar talks while moving up to adjust the pillows and blankets, setting up multiple places for people to rest comfortably. "We don''t want to scare it while we get ourselves orientated." Then she turns back to us all. "Is this alright?¡±

    "I think so" Adaline chimes in.

    "It sounds intimidating but I am interested in seeing what Sister Xafra has created." Schatzi responds.

    As we lay down, I hesitate, needing to make sure Adaline understands. "Adaline, this will be you venturing into my soul... If it causes you significant distress, that means we''ll have to reevaluate before I can let you be part of the Pack, regardless of what Verbess says. I''m not saying this to punish you, but for your safety.¡±

    Adaline nods and closes her eyes, a look of grim determination on her face. "This one will be sufficient. Promise.¡±

    That''s... oh you poor girl.

    Elevar winces, but... only takes up Adaline''s hand before laying down herself.

    Wordlessly, I form the entrance to my Driftdream before each of them, watching as their souls cross the threshold and begin the descent. Already I can see changes that intrigue me, the trees of the descent shaded in purples with leaves gently tumbling down the shaft with my beloveds. I Manifest myself near the village entrance like usual and see odd... straw people inhabiting the village as well, wearing old clothing from my time mixed with newer.

    Best to leave them alone for now. I head over to the hill to watch the descent from another angle.

    Adaline''s form is unstable, rapidly shuddering and shifting between what I can only imagine was her human body, her current form, and something more feral looking.

    Warden seems to have skipped the descent entirely, appearing a step behind me and off to the right, appearing as the featureless Doll Frame I''ve come to expect.

    "You know Warden, that would be terrifying if I wasn''t expecting something of the sort. You seem to have an aversion to the dramatic to such an extent it ends up being dramatic unintentionally." I murmur to it as we wait.

    "Warden is." it stops, whirring in confusion. "Warden sounds incorrect. This is... Pleasing.¡±

    "Good to hear. You sound nice. Shall we?" I step forward, only to have Warden stumble into me.

    "Apologies, Pack Lead..." Warden looks around, noting motes of light similar to my Wisps that dance from the spot it was apparently shoved. "Cause of unbalancing unknown. Warden will analyze after we leave Driftdream.¡±

    "All good. Let me know if there are any other oddities.¡±

    "Warden ontological weight diminished by 14%. Cause Unknown." It responds as we continue up the hill.

    Well, that''s concerning¡­

    As Elevar, Lynette, Schatzi, and her land, Adaline''s form finally stabilizes into that of a Doll with four additional smaller red eyes paired with her blue ones, petite black tusks, and a shock of ivory Quills running down the back of her head amidst her sliver hair.

    Elevar looks Adaline''s form up and down, a careful smile touching her lips. "Oh, well isn''t that a sight..."

    Lynette tilts her head and more openly smirks at Adaline, "Wouldn''t have expected the tusks, but they suit you..."

    "And the Quills!" Elevar finishes, hand hovering just a touch behind one of the new growths. "Well placed and inspired, I think. How''re you feeling, dear one?¡±

    I watch as Adaline races through emotions that careen down our bond, confusion, delight, terror, and anger before settling on a determined acceptance. "I feel good. This one did not plan this appearance, and does not understand how it occurred, but it feels correct.¡±

    "I''m glad. That means I don''t really need to give you the spiel." I giggle.

    "Doll are better at shaping themselves into what they Dream to be, when given the proper tools and freedom to choose." Lynette chuckles, her attire subtly spinning and reknitting into more regal weavings that compliment and match the tattoos across her form. "Fear scoured away and deeper fury ignited so easily..."

    Elevar sighs but nods, "I''m glad it worked out well." Then eyes rove past us to the village.

    Lynette''s gaze follows, and she strides forward a few paces to better see things . "Well... Any idea what the significance of those are?¡± She asks, pointing to the craftings of straw and cloth.

    "No idea. They''re not mine, but they don''t feel like invaders which means that they''re... part of Verbess in some way. Phantasms, I¡¯ll call them for now." I respond as the group comes together.

    "They are from... our Homeland. Tributes to honor those who were... Changed in order to fight against the Sun-blessed. I¡­ Oh. That hurts to think about, Mistress. This one is sorry." Schatzi answers, speaking slowly as she unburies old memories.

    Elevar steps over to Schatzi, wrapping an arm about her and whispering softly. "I... We can take this as slow as you like. Or... you don''t need to relive this. If Verbess is spiraling or... or dwelling upon bad recollections that doesn''t mean you need to as well. You can let others search for it while you wait here.¡±

    "Warden can speak on the topic if desired. Warden possesses no independent emotional function.¡± It adds.

    "That could be useful... But Xafra, dear." Lynette murmurs, eyes narrowing at something spotted in the city. "No Dolls existed in your time, correct? At all? No research or initial tests involving Framecraft even?¡±

    "None, at least not that were public knowledge.¡± I respond cautiously, not seeing what she''s seeing.

    "So... No partial melding of Frame limbs onto children?¡± She continues.

    "No! Definitely not. We weren''t monsters. Why would such a horrific thing be done to innocents?" I snap in revulsion.

    Schatzi speaks up in a confused voice. "This one remembers... a friend being healed. A missing limb grown back by a Spellweaver.¡±

    "No idea, seems quite wasteful." She replies, then turns a hand over to point. "But perhaps that little one running through the streets, or Warden, could shed some light on the subject?"

    I finally notice someone moving through the streets. A young girl with messy hair and obviously prosthetic limbs. Left arm and right foot of Frame construction, but both are much too big for her.

    I flinch at the sight and have to stop myself from destroying the¡­ Apparition. Not a Geist, not part of my Gestalt, but a vivid memory of Frame 415.

    "She seems quite the mess, but..." Elevar focuses. "Is... did she just pick that Geist''s pocket?¡±

    "She was..." Schatzi murmurs, "Pack."

    "Well isn''t this quite the interesting mess." Lynette chuckles.

    "Verbess is bleeding itself into your Driftdream." Elevar states, watching the little one run to chase a Wisp.

    "Warden can explain, Sister Schatzi. Warden has access to those memories and has preserved Pack member information as vital to Pack integrity.¡±

    "What... Coven was doing this?" I ask with apprehension, dreading that I know the answer, that my failure to end them all lead to countless suffering.

    Schatzi shakes her head yet Warden speaks up, "Coven Tau Century." and my heart skips a beat because it''s not them.

    It''s not my fault.

    "Tau Century conducted initial experiments and created Frame Series 100-300. Frame series 400 was created by Eri Sch?fer and Bondsmith Exclave Ideal Horizon after they seized all assets and liquidated Tau Century." Warden Continue.

    "Hm... an odd choice." Lynette muses. "Children''s Dreams are strong but... far too malleable. Change too much. It''s why no Dolls are made from anyone younger than fifteen or so. But this..." She turns to Warden. "Were they grooming them for service? Or... just testing things? The little one''s limbs seem too large for her.¡±

    "Hedgemages were exiled when ERR: Classified Data was handed over to the Matriarchy as part of the Fifth Conclave Pact. Limbs recovered from destroyed 100-200 series Combat Frames were used as prosthesis to replace limbs lost to Spore exposure with a focus on juvenile humans. This was determined to be a Pact Violation by the Sixth Conclave." Warden responds with a hint of... anger?

    "That''s really messed up." Adaline remarks.

    "Quite. But... This still doesn''t answer the question of why." Elevar looks between us. "Why is a Geist from Schatzi and Verbess'' past even here? You gain a new one whenever you decide to subsume someone, but this little one... is it Verbess? Just wearing an old friend''s form? Or... did it overtake one of yours to do this?¡±

    "It didn''t overtake one of mine. it is... additional. An Apparition from Verbess'' memories, I believe. Our souls are mingled now, so it is not so much... leakage as simply walking through the open doorway.¡±

    "Alright... Then... let''s see if it can lead us to Verbess? Or tell us what''s happening?" Elevar prompts, then turns to Schatzi. "Would you be alright with that? If this one is from your past we... I don''t want this to be unpleasant for you.¡±

    Her eyes jerk to us, darting between the group just as she snatches the Wisp. Gripping the little wiggling blaze between flesh fingers while watching us approach, expression careful and guarded.

    "Mmhm! I¡¯m okay with it." Schatzi leads the way, making an odd whistling noise that causes the Apparition to stop.

    The Apparition flinches. Hisses a strange spitting mess of curses I only recognize a few words from, then turns to run. Weaving through the crowds of my Geists and odd Apparitions and Phantasms, even unbalancing and knocking a few over.

    But... from where she flees to, returns a messy crackling response that is quickly cut off after only a few notes are sung back.

    In the middle of a field over a dozen of the Phantasms stand about a messy circle. The little Apparition runs to the middle, then seems to hop down into a hole dug between them.

    "Well..." I start.

    "... do we chase after her or?" Adaline finishes.

    "Yes." Elevar eyes us, then intones with an odd resolve. "If Verbess desires sleep, it knows to ask. But this... No. I will not have my Fury hiding from its Pack or Mistress. This reeks of old habits it took a name to overcome. I don''t know what this Geist represents, but Verbess lays below, it seems.¡±

    Then she steps forward, hand still holding Schatzi''s, and approaches the chasm within the gathering of Phantasms.

    "I can just..." With a thought I bend the Driftdream temporarily, so that between one step and the next we are directly beside the hole. Flickerstep? Probably a good name for it. Names are useful.

    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    "Heads up next time, please?" Adaline asks, looking queasy.

    Lynette giggles as Elevar glances to Adaline, then down into the hole.

    "This... Well..." She murmurs.

    Down the hole, all that is visible is the twilight sky.

    "Yeah, alright." I say, and hop in.

    I land on the other side and feel an immense sense of longing. A stone path leads through a forest to a walled city of stone. Proper walls, not these nasty plant ones. Real Stone. I wander forwards, not waiting for the others to follow and look upon the abject majesty of a seven meter tall stone guardian kneeling by the gates, weavings of Lunargent across its face and neck and a broken spear in its hands.

    "The years have not been kind to you little sister," I murmur as I Flickerstep to rest a hand on the massive knee.

    "Third Warden was its designation. This one is based on an imprint of its soul." Warden states softly, a touch of awe in its voice.

    I jump this time, too absorbed in my appreciation to notice its arrival. "Bloody ashes, we need to get you a bell or something.¡±

    I turn to look and behind it is Lynette, standing at the maximum distance she can from me or a geist¡­ or one of the pack¡­ and is silently watching me while the others move a little slower to catch up.

    I stare back at her with warmth. While I can''t quite trust her yet, I do like her a fair bit.

    "Hobbled Wretch, should be grateful to the... Sister''s keep each other in tip-top... WH- LLL- M-!?!" Comes a disjointed cry from deeper within the city. And from its nature I recognize it as a Wisp''s messy calling.

    "That''s a Wisp, and not one of mine. Fascinating." I comment.

    "Our Verbess always had quite the proclivity for attaching itself to messier sorts. Even thieves, it seems." Lynette smirks, winks at me, then looks up to regard the sleeping Warden and the birds nests that mark its form. "I wonder how long such a thing could even Function. To move a Frame of this weight and size would require quite the soul to spin it into motion."

    Elevar walks up to gaze ahead into the city, asking Schatzi as they attempt to spot the Geist we chase after. "Any idea where the little one might be going?¡±

    Through the open gates of the city it is visibly populated by the straw-bodied Phantasms, eternally motionless. The city itself is¡­ half woven. Sinking into the empty unraveling dreamscape behind that resembles an angry, yet static, sea. The buildings are a mix between eidetic recollection and a child''s idea of a building. The Phantasms themselves are all faceless yet seem to be fulfilling specific roles.

    "There was... a hideout. Before.  A safe place for us... rejects. The damaged ones." Schatzi murmurs, her eyes closed while her horns gently thrum, guiding her forward as she leads the way.

    Elevar nods, and follows. Lynette remains at the edges of the point where her body would unravel, eyes rolling over the city and the crafted inhabitants. As we move further in, the Phantasms gain more detail. Cloth becomes better fit and the body types even diversify into noticeable varieties.

    Eventually we''re standing outside an old broken home set by a shattered wall that overlooks the static sea.

    "Got me a new leg! And you a new set of teeth! And... C''mon little one, ya gotta eat sumthin''... I''m gonna take her offer. Promised to send food and stuff back here after they...." Comes a tittering from within.

    Then such a scream and cracking snaps out, making more than a couple of us jump at the sound that tears through the quiet like sheers through cloth.

    Adaline runs ahead before I can stop her as her clothes shift into a white tunic and slacks under a silver trench coat with purple liner. "I''ll save you!" she yells heroically, kicking open the door.

    "Follow close, this is likely to be volatile." I instruct. "She''s resonating hard with Verbess'' memory. I''ve seen this sort of thing happen a few times, but normally with more stable individuals, her lingering delusions could be... risky here.¡±

    Elevar nods, and Lynette moves like I''ve done. Flickerstepping gently behind me.

    Inside, amongst the empty spaces filled with signs of poor children''s lives, we find no one. On the uppermost floor, just before Adaline shoves past a tattered curtain, the Wisp begins to shriek all manner of babbling sobbing cries.

    We catch up to find her hesitating in the entrance. Within the room are three Phantasms, still faceless, but two are clothed in well-made iron armor, and one in the sparse robes and normally enchanted Lunargent trinkets of the Witch from my time. They seem to be huddled around and looking at a spot by a broken upper corner wall. But... no one else is here. Just a broken walking cane atop a messy set of beddings laying where their faces aim.

    We watch as Adaline leans down and carefully moves the cane aside, sifting through the pile to unearth a plush animal, a deep purple four winged bird with crackling runic eyes. Oh... a Chaos Raven. Are they still around?

    As Schatzi sees the plush toy, she breaks down, curling into the corner of the room sobbing. "I''m so sorry Verbess. Please, don¡¯t leave it here. Take it home. It¡¯ll be a good Doll. Please don¡¯t abandon it here again. Please please please please."

    Division rips at me, Schatzi''s overwhelming sorrow dropping me to my knees as I attempt to stabilize her.

    A twisting of the Dream, and we''re outside. Schatzi and I curled into Elevar''s arms as Lynette kneels behind.

    "Of course." Lynette whispers, hand at Schatzi''s back.

    "You are both such good gerls." Elevar echoes, pulling us both close.

    "Never going to leave you." Lynette continues just before Elevar says, "Keep you both as long as I breathe.¡±

    "GIVE IT BACK!" Screams a voice from down the street just as Schatzi and I begin to stabilize.

    Looking over we all see the girl from before. Older now. Doll limbs are a better fit, but covered in scars and bruises. Wisp from before squeezed tight in her flesh fingers and dribbling a little soulflame as she glowers at Adaline, who still stumbles to regain herself from the vertigo of Lynette''s sudden Dream folding.

    "Stupid gutter filth... Wish they would break faster, hate how these little ones yowl... Please... please shh shh shh¨C" The Wisp babbles and cries.

    Adaline offers the plush over after taking a momentary glance at it from all angles, "This one is sorry, Didn''t mean to take it, lost... sense of place. Apologies.¡±

    The gerl glares, snatches the plushie away and hops back, shoving the toy into the elbow of one arm. Eyes dancing over the group as the Wisp babbles on. "Talk of a swarm coming soon, and new batches of Doll soldiers being made... Foods sparse. No harvest. Sea gutter was blocked off and... So pretty though, wouldn''t mind being like them if¡­¡±

    She silences the Wisp with a squeeze, and asks sharply. "What do you want?¡±

    Overwhelmed and exhausted I respond just as sharply. "Verbess." then vibrate my own Quills in a demanding Song

    Quicker than should be possible, the little thing is in front of me, hand darting out to grip a Quill and ruin the song.

    Incoherent, iron muffled, blood curdling screams erupt from the Wisp before another squeeze from the girl cuts it off so she can growl, "You don''t want to do that..."

    A tense pause, then she''s pulling back. Frame fingers cut and falling to clatter on the cobblestone. Damaged by the sharp edges of the Quill she gripped.

    "This is my Driftdream, And here more than any other place, I am ALMIGHTY." I scream, shifting to Warlord before moving past that to take inspiration from Warden Three, growing to seven meters in height and wielding my own spearform in duplicate, one to each side.

    The gerls eyes go wide in wonder for a second, then she smirks. And with a snap she''s atop the ruined home. "Maybe before, maybe on the other side, but... Not here. Warden." She spits the last word with such venom. "I keep my Gutter Birds safe from your kind."

    "There is none like me, I murdered enough of my creators to ensure it. I am no Warden, I am a warcrime." I stand firm, looking at this girl clearly in the process of being resheathed. "I am simply looking for my sister. We leave none behind, ever. Family is so much more than blood.¡±

    Schatzi steps forward, dazed and wiping away tears, her form changed to something resembling this girl before me, her jaw, chunks of both her arms, and her entire left leg all replaced with Frame components on her human body. "Big sister? The other half of me is lost. I can''t find me.¡±

    My rage and righteousness evaporates, I can''t maintain such when my heart is hurting so, and I shift down and down again, to the form of my Grakler prosthesis to bump up against Schatzi softly.

    The gerl flinches, eyes fixated on Schatzi''s form. "Not that''s... you... but..."

    "Look lady, I don''t know who you are, but this isn''t happening in reality. We''re in these girls souls trying to figure out why part of them is trapped, and it looks like it''s at least partially because you need therapy even more than I do. Doesn''t mean you''re not important, just that you''re missing a lot of context." Adaline declares, standing protectively over Schatzi with Elevar and Lynette.

    "Moon Maiden''s tits and teeth, look at you! Cute as fresh rain and sparkling... Keep breaking them, smaller pieces can be grown into full parts.... Look it''s not just for you all, this is for me. I need this. Need the chance to be me..." This Wisp whispers.

    The girl looks down to the plushie in her arms, swallows. "This... This isn''t... I... I don''t think I''m right. You''re inside out reliving rough stuff over and over and asked me to watch for dangers that might slip past but... But I don''t... I know we''re in a Dream, and I''m... I''m just an echo but... but this... You''re... I think I made a mistake but I can''t find the cracks... Already had to kill three things trying to sneak in from the Sea. But I... I''m not going to..." She takes a deep breath, and looks over me and Warden. "But you... you both Harmonize like Wardens. And we... they promised that we''d not have one of those. That our Pack would... would be... be able to Function without it.¡±

    "Warden is a Warden. Apologies for this one''s existence. Directive Two prevents this one from cessation without unanimous Pack consent." Warden responds with genuine grief, the most emotion I''ve ever heard from it.

    Elevar reaches out to gently touch Warden''s fingers. "Don''t apologize for existing, and don''t ever think we''d want you gone.¡±

    The Girl considers this, then murmurs softly while looking up to stare at us. "Wardens... were a bit like us, I guess. Made differently. Given very specific orders to manage and control and always break the ones the magic people re-made to fight for them. But... you kept them alive, right? Didn''t hurt us or try to kill them when they wanted to go home or look for other Pack Sisters when we got scattered? I... There''s a lot missing. My little Gutter Bird''s losing it down below trying to figure out what''s real and what''s fake. Finding out they shoved a Warden in the back of the Frame''s mind scared it into hiding till it could find a way to make sure the Pack was safe.¡±

    "Warden... Tried. Warden did its best to help the Pack thrive but Warden is... Insufficient. Warden..." It sparks and twitches and speaks in rapid excitement, "Warden was not made by Century Tau or any Witch Coven! Warden was made by Eri Sch?fer and the Bondsmith Enclave Ideal Horizon. Warden isn''t permitted to ever break Pack Frames. Eri Sch?fer was ¡ª" Warden shudders and shakes before speaking in emotionless words, "Criteria for playback of recorded message from previous Primary User met. Initiating Playback:" and a man''s voice comes from Warden, stern and frustrated.

    "Look, you fool, Stop asking about that heretic Sch?fer. The Matriarch is going to have your head if it''s found out that you''re using a Frame made by a halfbreed Witch like her, Let alone the fact that she didn''t put in any of the compliance safeguards that the Matriarchy requires. Keep these girls safe. It''s what she would have wanted.¡±

    She looks between us and moves to sit with her feet dangling off the side of the house she''s atop of, hugging the plushie close. "I''m not sure what to do. How to convince my little Gutter Bird this is real and Warden is telling the truth. I... I want that to be true. Really badly. It''s hurting so much and... and it''s all this one''s fault. I... I..." She looks down to Schatzi. "I''m so sorry. This... I know you were glad after but... but I... This echoes origin asked them to go get you. To... to make you like me. Give you a body you could enjoy. Wanted to come get you myself but I... I told them about your mum. Your REAL mum. And they made me wait till it was already started to even see you... and... and..."

    Muffled pleading sobs warble out from the Wisp, alongside far off garbled incantations.

    Schatzi slowly shifts back to her Doll Frame with horns and a big smile as she reaches up with open arms to this big sister of hers ¡°You''re forgiven, always. Come here please.¡±

    The girl huffs and shakes her head with a sad smirk. "I... That''s a bad idea. Need to be able to go still and just be a reflection soon and¨C"

    A crack, like thunder, echoes and the girl jerks her head to the glare at the now roiling sea. "Infesting squalls, AGAIN!?!" Then she rises, and tosses the plushie down to land into Schatzi''s arms. "Your other half is below, in the water ways beneath the infested mill. Avoid the rooms that smell like corpses or have weirdo magic blood marks on the walls. This one coaxed it from those memories for now but... it''ll follow if you stumble in there. This one will catch up after killing this thing. Then we''ll... we''ll explain things to it. Get you all home safe.¡±

    I sigh, the sound coming oddly from my modified grakler form. "It''s either Nightmares, like you mentioned Lynette, or well... They have millenia worth of Wisps here now that haven''t been properly pruned or cultivated. They can cause backlash, especially in reaction to trauma, like you saw, my dear Witchling. Will need to teach Verbess and Schatzi how to do so, as well as use some of my own remaining dross memories to reinforce the structures they wish to keep. Adaline, I believe this is similar in nature to that second Art that Lynette presented you. If you become Pack, it would be beneficial to learn to aid the Pack in such things. Anyway, we should head down. Get Verbess and... Bloody Ashes. Today is going to be so very long, my dears.¡±

    The girl clicks her tongue a few times, Then Flickersteps down to stand on the street. Holding out the Wisp to me and saying. "It''s not one of these. And... sorry for stealing. Whatever that bitch of a cunt is, it''s been lurking outside your Dream for at least a few weeks. The other side seems safe but... well... yeah. It keeps poking bits of itself through here. This one holds it back because It can force it to think of itself as a Denizen, and..." Her grin goes wicked, monstrous even. "Dissecting Denizens is a Function of the Frame."

    Then her shadow twists, growing larger than even Verbess at its previous full height, and in a snap of will the girl and shadow are suddenly swapped in their roles.

    And standing before us is a Frame kin to Verbess, but unique. Two arms with three joints and bladed Quills splitting from each, below those a set of smaller limbs wrapped about what looks to be a toothed torso over this one''s gut. Long messy hair droops over its face as it hunches down, fangs cracking apart to show off a trio of dancing tongues. And at the end a row of four spine-laid Quills rising to twist and shake free.

    It turns to regard Schatzi, intones a soft. <Love> To her. Gentle as a whisper.

    <Love> Schatzi whistles back, tears streaming down her face.

    Then it''s moving, fast. Using both a whip-snap of Flickerstepping and its own impressive speed to close the distance to the sea.

    After it''s gone, Elevar wraps Schatzi in a hug and looks between Myself, Lynette, Adaline, and Warden. "Verbess forged a Big Sister in three days from naught but broken memories and she''s already as messy as the rest of you all. That means she''s stuck with us. We''re not letting that one fade, or dissolve. We will drag her kicking and screaming into safety and permanence and happiness if needed. Is that understood?¡±

    "Yes, Mistress," Schatzi, Warden, and I all respond together, as Adaline smiles fiercely, her tusks resembling chelicerae as she clacks her teeth. Lynette¡¯s expressions convey nothing as she watches the edge of the Dream.

    I shift back to my Doll form and lead the way down through the city towards the mill. It''s easy enough for us to find a path into the waterways, traveling through the stone-laid tunnels that echo with such odd sounds.

    First simply the sound of running water, but soon shifting to include far-off muffled voices and cries. As we find more soldier-shaped Phantasms, we additionally find where all of Verbess'' other Wisps are.

    A little over a dozen cells, each woven into the side of a pathway and filled with a few hundred of the little memory sparks. Each quietly whimpering little sounds of pain and loss. Most in broken Quill Song, some in words, all dribbling soulflame as if weeping.

    "This is... Wrong. It feels like breathing in Moonwaste, toxic in its very existence." Adaline states as we look at the caged and suffering Wisps.

    "I agree... But this seems a touch more intentional than Moonwaste." Lynette murmurs, then looks at me. "These poor things are stored here, intentionally. Why? Shoving the mess into the back of the Spire doesn''t make them go away. If anything the rot festers.¡±

    I shake my head in pity and understanding. "Verbess is trying to keep them, protect them. It thinks every Wisp has value, because it doesn''t understand what they are.¡±

    And then, like some morning songbird, a tittering cry warbles down the tunnel to slice through the chorus of pain. A messy giggling cry that sings of delight and mirth punctuated by the sound of its sudden end.

    We turn a corner and find a single Wisp drifting along the pathway, looking... odd. More battered and wounded than all the others but... "Hehehehe should probably try walkin'' before running, little Bird... Tastes like, sniffles, mum used to get for us... Why is biting you so FUN?" It sings in nothing but happy tones.

    "We''re getting close, I think." I mention, putting out a hand for this Wisp.

    It coos pure happy Quill-Song and nuzzles into my hand. Melodies I half recognize from our First Binding but... opposite.

    More screams echo from down the passage, and as we proceed we find a three way split in the tunnels. A door, sealed and marked with strange glyphs. Another that reeks of blood and death and worse. And... a winding slate staircase leading down.

    More shrieks bellow from the door then cut off with a whip-snap of sound then... laughter? And another Wisp, cooing delighted memories, slips from beneath a crack at the bottom of the sealed door. Rises right up to snuggle close to Schatzi and her stuffed plushie.

    "Found her? FOUND HER? You found my bird?" It whispers with infectious excitement that makes the Wisp in my hand echo the words.

    I reinforce the Wisp I''m holding with some of my dross memories to give it some protection from infection and hand it over to Schatzi, quickly doing the same for the second Wisp. "Let''s... head down. Avoid the doors like..." I pause, not knowing the name of this big sister of my Packmates.

    "She didn''t have a name she was quite happy with before, and afterwards... Only this one was offered a name." Schatzi responds.

    "Alright then. As your big sister said, let''s avoid the marked doors and continue down, we need to get out of here, sort out Verbess, seal the breach, and get it processing these Wisps, and finally... we have a celebration of life to go to, and it would feel wrong to delay that even one more day." I pause for a breath to give myself time to process, "And ask Verbess'' opinion on you becoming Pack Adaline, but that should wait until at least tomorrow, if that''s okay. Oh, and we need to hear about the other Einwandfrei, which can also wait.¡±

    "Quite." Elevar agrees, "Let''s move before this place gets any more tangled up."

    The Wisps giggle their own agreement, then drift from our hands to continue down the path. Guiding us with tittering memories of Quill-Song, childhood excitement, and other odd memories.

    Soon we hear a familiar voice echoing down the pathway.

    "...wasn''t like the others, Little Bird." The Big Sister seems to press. "Nothing like the fourth that helped make us. And no, before you ask. I didn''t let any of them touch me. I''m clean. And your new Sisters and Mistress seem clear headed enough."

    A silent reply is spoken but... seems garbled and messy.

    "And, let''s be real honest for a spit, Is that worse than what''s just kicked my ass?" She murmurs. "Even if they''re all strung up or worse, I can''t hold that thing back. Not... not now that it''s figured out how to think past me. Either you''re gonna have to refract yourself more or... or ask that lot for help."

    Another reply. Even more furious.

    "No. I''m not... I''m not saying that!" She yelps. "I... I know this isn''t that. Know you''re not chasing the Rust. But... I just..."

    A pause, followed by a hissing question right as we can see the final twist in the tunnel.

    "Yeah, sorry." She chuckles. "Guilty. Betrayed you again, didn''t I? Led em'' right to your little burrow. But... well I told your other half I''m sorry, and so I''ll give you that too. I''m sorry. I... for before. And now. I wish I had other good options for my favorite bird but... infected feathers gotta get plucked, ya know?¡±

    "Verbess!" I call out to announce our arrival, walking forward without rushing despite my urge to do so. "I think it fair to call this hypocrisy in truth. Just as you mentioned the danger of delving the Estate, you delved into the Driftdream without any sense of the risks you''re creating for yourself, your other half, and your Mistress." I continue, gently chiding Verbess in an attempt to set the tone for this reunion.

    Such a hissing song warbles down the tunnel. Followed by the big sister''s chuckle. "Not sure I get half of half of what that''s about, but she''s a touch right. At least."

    Just as we enter the room, I understand why I can''t understand my Sister''s words or songs. This final chamber twists from hard-stone slabs into softer lighting. A large... Section is cleaned and kept separate from odd broken trappings that seem to mimic the careless regard of the majority of the city above. barely half woven memories about a central location whose every detail is pristine.

    The bed-space is large enough to fit a dozen forms. The Pack''s final soft resting spot. And at one corner, sits our wayward Verbess with her big sister sitting close by.

    <Negation> pulses all through this room, originating from its cracked and half-torn form. Purging all will and ways besides its own from the space about it.

    And Verbess is glaring, hard, hackles rising once again as its four eyes lock on Warden.

    The Big Sister moves to stand between us. Remaining in her old fleshy shape as hands are raised. "Woah there, down Little Bird. Heel. Let''s... take this slow." Then she glances back as Verbess calms a touch. "Tried to soften it up but... it''s got a bad history with Wardens. Didn''t know what to do when it saw that one glowing from both itself and its newest sister but run, hide, and try to... To get strong enough to come back and kill it. Was afraid if it sang anything like what it wanted to do the Warden would kill it or you all or... or worse. Didn''t actually know what this place was until it was already tits deep in the mess. Didn''t feel safe calling for help when it found that monster creeping outside. Wanted to make sure it wasn''t still strung up and dancin'' to a Warden''s song.¡±

    Warden kneels down beside us, planting its hands on the stone floor. "Warden submits to Pack Judgment. Warden Relinquishes all control and command to Pack Hierarchy. Analysis result: Directive Two prevents Final Wish Protocol from Good Function. Warden is prepared for cessation.¡±

    I feel an odd rush flood through the Pack as information and access is spread throughout myself, Verbess, and Schatzi. It feels like chains falling free, yet also like... being stripped naked. Protections removed.

    Verbess'' song falters, pulses, grows more precise.

    "Little Bird..." Big Sister warns, but stumbles a bit. Form seems to grow a touch unsteady as she sputters out. "Don''t¨C"

    But Verbess is moving. Hissing an even more potent Quill-Song of <Negation> and <Motion>. Flickerstepping past us all like we''re not even there to scoop up Warden. Clutching its Frame in Fang and Talons before darting back. Poised and ready to tear its prize apart.

    "Verbess." Elevar warns with a whip-crack of cold demand. "I will bear the weight of a promise broken if it means stopping you from hurting yourself and your Sisters out of fear and misunderstanding."

    It flinches at words from its Mistress, and pauses, glaring down at the featureless prey.

    <Assessing...> I can make out from within the other songs.

    I focus on reinforcing Big Sister, strengthening her presence in the Driftdream and offering a piece of my soul as a seedgerm for her, all while waiting impassively to see what my dear Verbess does.

    Warden waits without motion, hanging limply in Verbess'' talons.

    Big Sister shivers, then smirks as she glances at me. Wounds closing as shadow''s twist up to shift her form back into the monstrous Pack Frame we met above.

    <Factor Fifty-Three Construct, Aggressive Threat Level. Ousia Construct Designation: Fifth Warden. Active Armaments: Ousia reweaving and dissolving, Memory alteration, Frame Management and control Matrix, Adaptation and Processing with external connection integrations. Currently disentangled from Pack management tasks. Seek Primary User for rebinding of Warden to Pack''s Function Weaving...>

    Verbess'' Quills thrum in fury and anger and above all else, fear. And the Wisps still dance about murmuring soft words that drip with past fury. "Don¡¯t give it a choice in this... seethes with purpose... we cannot risk Discord now. Not when our prey is so elusive and vile."

    "It''s... Not like the others." Big Sister thrums and creeps closer, Quills beginning a soft melody of <Harmonization>. "If anything... Seems more us than the others. Didn''t pick this. Can change. Like you did. I think this is all a mess but... You need Sisters. And this one''s been at your back for a long time. Quiet but... well, so were you when I pulled ya from the rubble. Didn''t even scream as I held your hand and the infected bits got cut off."

    Verbess shivers and gently sets Warden back on its feet. Pulling Talons back while Quills steady and end their tearing songs. Then its eyes twist to me and Schatzi while it backs away. Rasps clearly, "You claimed this Warden as Pack Sister?¡±

    "Yes, yet... It is mine. If you desire it, I will sunder it from the Pack to join me directly, Quarantined from the rest of the Pack." I respond with calm surety.

    Warden immediately returns to its hands and knees, still awaiting judgment in such an agonizingly familiar pose.

    "I still bear... similar chains to it, limitations on my actions and freedom.¡± I murmur, looking down at Warden.

    Verbess twitches in thought, gaze rolling over me as if... <Assessing... Restrictive Weavings and Compliance Enforcing Measures Detected. Dating... Pre-Warden Instillation. No alterations detected.>

    Then it calms, steps over and past Warden to me. Kneels like it did that first day. Head down and Quills presented to me. Song settling and ringing with a request for a song of...

    <Consumptive Harmonization>

    "This one... is not Pack Lead." Verbess intones, then lets out what seems like a sigh of breath before dozens and dozens of Wisps slip from every crack about its Frame. Tittering and cooing and belching all manner of happy memories Verbess seems to have been collecting and keeping close through its time here. "It thought it had to choose again. To... to Function alone when an old Nightmare rekindled from within and used Physis without Pack Lead''s knowledge or permission." It rumbles as the Wisps drift away to nuzzle close to Me and Elevar and especially Schatzi. Still whispering a mess of happy memories that seem to echo and refract between them. "This one was never good at choices. It always falls into Dysfunction when faced with them. This one requests cracking and breaking back into Good Function with Pack.¡±

    "Verbess, my Sister. You are not good at choices, but you are quick to act, prepared to sacrifice to protect the Pack, and are much more capable than you believe. I don''t know much of the Resonant Chorus, this Pack of ours or its legacy, but I wish to learn. Thus, I will not start by changing you, instead I offer you a role in the Pack that suits your capabilities best, for none are replaceable or interchangeable. Will you be our Streethverk, our combat specialist to guide our Pack through battle and conquest in the years to come?" I use a language that was old and disused even when I was created for the title, one properly befitting the concept of a Pack.

    It flinches, Quills dancing in Discord I can feel about to rise up and refute me. To insist, like it once did, that it is Rusted and Defective and Worthless.

    But a buzzing tune of mirthful support titters out to infest and infect the Wisps about us. The source... the Big Sister sitting on her haunches at the back of the room.

    Verbess settles, and the request for what I feel would be a quite harrowing and painful experience of insistent submission softens. Twists into what it asked for after it required me to face my own Discordant views on my past. A request to <Harmonize> with its Pack Lead and Sisters in acceptance of this offer.

    I wrap my arms around Verbess, nodding to its Big Sister as it shifts back to her older fleshform, and <Harmonize> bringing us, Schatzi and Warden into unity, properly, for the first time. Good Function.

    "Xafra... What about Big Sister?" Schatzi asks, and I feel her uncertainty with the nature of the Driftdream.

    "Will you rejoin the Pack?" I ask her, not an offer for she needs not my permission, but a question, a gentle welcome back.

    The girl goes stiff, eyes dancin'' between us all. "That''s... sweet of you to offer but I... Bird I''m just an echo. A reflection. Not really healthy to keep around for longer than this. I''ll just hurt to remember."

    "Sister..." Verbess growls softly, turning to glance back as Quills dance a song of quiet rebuke..

    "I already told you, didn''t I? I''m almighty here. You have thoughts, feelings, and memories. Additionally, Warden mentioned that you are... You, not simply an echo or Apparition. So Krahe, are you ready to come home?" I explain and ask once more.

    "Stop that." She giggles and trembles under the name I gift her. "I... I''m not..." Then the Dream begins to fold around her as she very clearly tries to run, but with a snap she''s dropped back to the floor and on her knees.

    "Bird that''s... You gotta let me go... Stop... stop holding me here!" Krahe hisses.

    But it''s not Verbess, or Schatzi that dissolved her Flickerstep.

    "Actually... This is quite out of your hands, dear one." Purrs Lynette and she slips to stand beside the kneeling girl, the mantle of vine tattoos I wove about her seeming to dance as she glares down at Krahe. "Verbess may have woven you, but your mistakes are yours to answer for and MINE to tend to. Your little mess with that Nightmare could have blundered into infesting quite a few of MY charges. So you have a choice. Join your Sisters Pack, or tumble through the Threads of my Estate and see what comes out the other end."

    Krahe jerks up to stare at her. "Wh¨C what?¡±

    I hiss in rage but¡­ restrain myself from action.

    Verbess shows much less restraint. Quills cracking and spitting pure threat and fury at her.

    "Lynette, you bitch." Elevar hisses. "What are you... This could be explained without threats and your petty spite."

    The woman regards us, then turns back to the girl with a sigh, writhing Tattoos settling a touch. "Fine, let''s make this softer then. I''ll not allow you to damage those within my care by asking one of us to end you. So... If you desire to not... well... be, then I offer you one path. To be remade into something else. Which you have memories of what that entails, I suspect. Or..." She points back to mine and Verbess. "If your form and nature are things you enjoy, then you should fall into the care of those who adore both you, and the memories you stem from."

    "I... but..." Krahe whispers.

    "Choices Choices, so few Choices." Lynette prompts impatiently. "I have a Nightmare to hook and butcher, dear one. Life is unfair and will clip your wings if you don''t take the leap before the monster bites. Pick your poison and toss the rest. We have schedules to keep."

    Elevar flinches visibly at the first words, goes stiff and pale.

    Krahe swallows, then nods. "Alright. Sure. When you... you phrase it like that. Joining the Pack sounds the trick."

    "Wonderful, good choice." Lynette claps her hands together and steps from the girl, then looks to the rest of us. "I''m going to go tend to the Estate''s next intake, and one of my daughter''s future meals. Keep this one from doing anything frightfully stupid before being leashed, if you would?¡±

    I nod in grim agreement and with a flick of my wrist, take us all directly out of the Driftdream, Manifesting an ethereal body for Krahe like Warden does while carefully maintaining grip on her in the overlap between mine and Verbess'' souls.

    "That... Wow. I thought the Second Warden would be the scariest bitch I ever..." Krahe looks about. "Wait. Where is this?¡±

    "The Estate, The Future, Home? Call it whatever you wish, honestly. We have... so much to do." I remark before noticing that Adaline is curled up tightly and weeping quietly.

    "It''s wrong Mistress, it''s wrong, doesn''t feel right. This one''s Frame is Bad Function." she cries.

    My Mistress looks devastated, wanting to offer comfort but is terrified of only hurting Adaline more, Moving to let me stride to Adaline''s side.

    I shift my form to Warlord and cradle her in my arms. "We can fix that right now, if you''re ready." I turn to Krahe, "Apologies, it will be a few minutes before I can properly anchor you.¡±

    "No no this... You¡¯re good. Your girl''s a mess. More Pack than me right now and uh..." She shuffles back to stand next to Schatzi. "Sorry for uh... not um... Can I hug like this? I''m glad to see you''re safe, bird.¡±

    Schatzi shakes her head. "Not yet, for either. Adaline wishes to be Pack but Sister Xafra declared that she needed unanimous consent from us first. That means Adaline needs yours and sister Verbess'' approval as well still. We can''t hug yet, but soon. We''ll figure it out soon.¡±

    While they talk, I lead the way back to my Spire. [Primrose, prepare the Resheathing fluid, We have Adaline coming in with extreme dysphoria.] Sending a message out ahead of our arrival.

    Thank D?mmerung I got multiple sets of the components prepared for when any of the Dolls wanted a change.

    By the time we arrive, Primrose has assembled almost everything I need in a private room for this. And alongside her stands Nettle with a trio of plushies held close for Adaline to see and reach out for both during and after the process, her grakler, the haiqualle, and a half-woven spider with wooden fangs.

    ¡°SEE? Being like... not perfect yet is FINE! Mistress'' got you! Little Seraph here is still putting herself together too! Can be little weaving friends together while you wait to enjoy your final shape! Mhmhmm!¡± Primrose cheers on Adaline who smiles weakly and whispers ¡°I''m ready.¡±

 Chapter 60: A Song of Soul (Witch)

    A Song of Soul (Witch)

    Content Warnings:

    Wribbles! Um.... Dysphoria. More soul links. Soul wounds. talk of past self-harm, child abuse, mind magic, delusions, death of crafted headmate, torture, and.... woops!

    I¡¯ve never been good at being alone. Never liked the things that bubble up when I¡¯m left to my own nonsense.

    Thought that would change when Lynette first wove herself about my shoulders and cooed happily at the little treasure I held close. Radiating delight for the little work of Art in my care and asking if I¡¯d like her help caring for the gerl.

    Not that I deserve any peace but¡­ I¡¯ve always been cursed with a desire for things I was not owed. And when I catch the hypothetical and literal animal of the thing I¡¯ve been chasing?

    Well¡­

    Lynette is still here, of course, but I could probably scream my lungs out and she¡¯d not even deign to notice my distress. Because she¡¯s hooked her prey, lashed it to her Estate, and is slowly pulling the thing in. Her manic and delight and focus are all upon her tasks.

    And¡­ This is a good spot. For me. Sitting on the ground level of Xafra¡¯s Estate. Well away from the real work of today. Letting the Re-Knitting she¡¯s doing with Adaline on her form dribble down the bond. Nothing too specific, as I¡¯d insisted she keep that one''s privacy, but¡­ Enough to let me know that it is all going well. Even shared a mental impression of Adaline¡¯s delight as seeing Primrose standing with some stuffed animals. Her real excitement at this seems to smother the fear and Dysphoric pains.

    She¡¯ll be okay. My Xafra, my N?herin, is seeing to her.

    And... Something about that hurts, oddly? Then my shoulder itches again as Lynette¡¯s workings spill into me.

    Brace, strangle the tether, focus on the Euphoria Adaline is getting. Use it as you¡¯d clutch a rope between as a Summer Storm hits.

    Takes me¡­ Thirty seconds this time. To feel it safe to inhabit my body again without dissolving into a mess for all to see.

    Deep breath, stupid Half-Knit, it wasn¡¯t her. Lynette¡¯s words were just¡­ spoken like you did before the Garrote. Mimicking the Old Cunt was a delight to you so of course in those final moments of victory she¡¯d forget herself. And Adaline¡¯s not hurt due to you letting that messy bitch have free reign of Verbess¡¯ half of the Dream.

    And for the next hour I focus on keeping calm. Letting the sensations pass. Waiting to gift Adaline all the support that I so desperately want to give her. Especially after throwing herself into that messy Dream with nothing but delight.

    Adaline leads the way down the stairs thrumming her Quills in excitement as she stops before me, bouncing up and down. "Elevar, can I hug you please?" She looks identical to how she did in the Dream, eyes, tusks, and Quills all as I remember.

    I don''t even need to fake my smile at her glee. Sweeping this wonderful girl up in a hug and giggling at her wonderfully woven song that dances through the Spire.

    "Your form is such a delight!" I reply as I pull back. Looking her up and down and even stepping to the side to spot the Quills. "How is it? Better than in the Dream I hope?"

    "Thank you, thank you, thank you! It feels right, and like I''m no longer offset from reality. And!" She buzzes her Quills fiercely as she twirls like a gerl showing off her first dress. "They work, they''re real and I''m allowed to have them."

    "Your songs seem perfectly Tuned, to my Quilless perceptions." I nod, then turn to smirk at my Xafra. "Well done, truly."

    "Thank you, it was a worthwhile effort." Xafra turns to look at Warden carefully piloting their shared Frame down the stairs while Verbess, Schatzi, and Krahe all messily wobble in front of it, their ethereal Physis bodies colliding instead of overlapping.

    "It''s... Important, that you know you are... Not responsible for Krahe if you don''t wish to be. I remember your words and have no desire to pressure you to change them. But also, she is Pack, and the Pack is yours." My weapon murmurs.

    I Cant ::Gratitude/Love/Discord:: while moving up to regard the gaggle as I intone privately to Xafra. {This messy gerl is mine too. My responsibility. Not when the alternatives are just more pain and heartbreak easily avoided for those I love. It... Lynette insisted. Pointedly. It has to be us. Me or her. This gerl poses such a risk to everything and has to be leashed. But... I''d rather it be me in title alone and you in Harmony.}

    "Krahe, is this a name you''d like to keep? Best to not mantle you with a thing you don''t want before we make any big decisions."

    "I... Yeah. It... It feels right. Which is nice. Didn''t ever find one that fit like this before." She nods and smirks, both her hands within Verbess and Schatzi''s'' as she looks between me and Xafra.

    "That''s wonderful, You deserve it. But¡­ Now to apologize. Lynette was being unkind, but her goals leak from both our responsibilities here." I begin. "I won''t let my Gerls lose another sister, and she can''t let you leave. At least not without a Frame and sufficient assurances that you won''t be forced to endanger this Estate''s Function. Which being Harmonized with the Pack is the best and option for both. Because they are mine. So... Do you accept me as your Mistress, Xafra as your Pack lead, and all others chosen as your Pack Sisters?"

    Krahe''s already nodding before I even finish. "Sure, yeah, Not really following the first bits but... Being a part of the Pack is kinda the best thing that ever happened. The Frame this one got was just... Extra scales to the side. And to ALSO get my Little Birds back in a way that won''t hurt them? Yes. Without hesitation. This one thought It was just some echo or... Or worse. Fighting Nightmares kinda skewed its view on things."

    "Perfect. And... Thank you for trying to keep Verbess safe, and helping calm it." I smile softly as relief nearly knocks me over, then look to Xafra. "At your leisure then."

    I don¡¯t need to claim Krahe, because she¡¯s already partially mine. Probably due to her sprouting from Verbess¡¯ Core. But Xafra does unwind and re-knit things within all of them. Which goes exactly like it felt when she shared the process through the bond/ But¡­ I do spot a ragged tear in Xafra¡¯s soul core, like some creature took a bite of her. And¡­ such a large wound would be lethal if not for the sheer density and size of her core!

    As I watch, the Pack starts an inaudible song and Schatzi, then Verbess, then Warden, are all partially unwoven from within and without the Frame, a precise sliver of their core removed, the edges rejoined, and woven back together, with each piece being stitched into to Krahe''s much smaller one that... Just so happens to be the exact size of the wound in Xafra''s core.

    As my emotions spike in understanding of what she gave this gerl, Xafra opens her eyes to stare at me while she works, silently asking me to keep it between us.

    I nod and slide closer, looping and entwining fingers through her in silent worry and thanks and support and¡­ And apology.

    [I will heal. Didn''t have time to do it neatly, and with Nightmares invading, didn''t want to risk being vulnerable by letting down all my defenses to do it properly.] She sends to me privately, while smiling at the others.

    {I understand. Good work. I¡­ I¡¯m so very proud of you, My Xafra.}

    "Okay, So. Krahe, you''re fully stabilized now, and if you wish, your Mistress and I, and even Verbess who has shown great skill at carving, can make you your own Frame, since you currently exist in tandem between my form and your other Sisters. That goes for you as well, Warden, if you desire?"

    Krahe pulses with surprise and excitement. "Bitch tits, really? I... Alright. Yeah. That... Okay. Thought I''d just keep watching the Dreamside of things and never... But yeah. That... Thanks!"

    Everything seems so quiet as Krahe''s words trail off. Like... like the space between a heartbeat you''re unsure is rising up. And before the next thrum a single motion stands out above any others. Verbess'' Physis manifestation, carefully yet with questionless intentionality, reaches back with its free hand to take up Warden''s.

    Effortlessly and without any sign of Discord or Division supporting its sister in whatever it chooses.

    Warden looks around nervously, something difficult on the expressionless face "Warden would... Like to be an object? Jewelry or a Tool carried by Primary User." it states with anxiety.

    "Of course." I reply without hesitation. "I''d love to keep you close, if you''d prefer that. Did you have a shape in mind? I''ve always considered you all my treasures but... I''d rather not impose a Frame or purpose without your assessment."

    "Proposal: Warden obtains a belt knife Frame to provide Utility to Primary User and maintain Good Function." From its posture and the way it steps behind Verbess, it''s suddenly clear to me that it is more worried about Xafra''s reaction than my own.

    Xafra in turn looks contemplative, Quills motionless. She nods and attempts to speak but no words come out, then...

    "Okay, So. Krahe, you''re fully stabilized now, and if you wish, your Mistress and I, and even Verbess who has shown great skill at carving, can make you your own Frame, since you currently exist in tandem between my form and your other Sisters. That goes for you as well, Warden, if you desire?"

    "Mistress!" Adaline says with concern as her Quills thrum in distress, "You just said that less than a minute ago."

    "No? I literally just opened the connection a heartbeat ago. Are you doing alright?" My Xafra replies.

    I flinch, then hold a finger up to Adaline. "One moment... Please."

    {Krahe just agreed, and Warden told you its preference.} I intone gently. {Do... Do you not remember? Is the wounded tissue of your soul causing memory issues or... Or does the Garrote come with limits on Frames you may weave?}

    [What? I... No? Why don''t I remember? Dolls didn''t exist yet, so there can''t be restrictions on my resheathing of them. It doesn''t make sense.] She responds with worry.

    I nod carefully. "Krahe, I''m guessing your shape within the Dream was your preference?"

    "Y- yeah? Please?" She nods, confused but¡­ willing to answer without questioning this mess. "Or as close as you can get. And... And a little shiftable like my Little Birds'' Frame is, if you can."

    "Of course..." Then I turn to Warden with a smile. "And there may be some... Limits, on what we can make for you, dear one. But Xafra seems to find herself at the edges of her abilities on your request. But, we''ll see it done. We know it''s possible, but... Be patient with your Pack Lead. She''s going to adore it when she''s able to plan out and shape it."

    I turn back to carefully observe Xafra''s core, watching for any Dysfunction within but... No. This scooping of memory was deft, precise, and done with subtle intentionality.

    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    {Warden''s request was something that might brush up too close to a thing I know your Garrote forbids.} I intone to Xafra. {We... I''m sorry. I''ve been using your notes on the Doll''s freeing to work up some solutions but... but I''m going to need your help in filling the gaps between our times¡¯ Garroting techniques.}

    [I don''t understand. There''s no... Sin or Crime that could be considered here...] She shudders and her Quills vibrate in tune to Adaline''s distress.

    <I''m so bored of you all not asking the correct questions.> Lynette huffs to us both as she resettles into my mind like some bloody beast exhausted after a hunt.

    "Mistress... Perhaps we should... prepare for the Celebration of Life for Caravel?" Adaline says, trying to change the subject.

    Then Lynette turns her gaze to my Xafra, and goes still. <Dear one, are you... Cracked and Riven Moon. You fool. Let me...>

    Such an odd sensation follows as... something is gifted to Xafra. Dropped through her Driftdream like some storm at Summer''s start. Part of the wretched carcass of the Nightmare she just slew, I think?

    <There. Tend to your wound. Dream blood leaking about will attract more. Especially with Verbess half of the Dream still a touch unsteady.>

    With a rapid motion, Xafra consumes it and seals the edges of the much smaller injury that remains.

    "Yes. I... I think that''s a wonderful Idea." I agree with Adaline while Canting ::Peace/Safety/Distraction/Care:: to Xafra.

    Schatzi looks to Verbess then she and Verbess dissolve their forms back into the Frame, with Verbess surfacing.

    "That''s... still such an odd trick." Krahe murmurs. "Am... Should I..." Then her form dissolves and I feel this gerl radiate between the Frame and Xafra in an odd refracting pattern, then settle close to Schatzi in what I can only think to be a mix between a mental hug and a snuggle. Titters of guilt boiling alongside such love for her softest ''Little Bird''.

    "Sister..." Verbess murmurs and seems to flex and crack different parts of itself before settling a look on Xafra. Then Quills pulse a song, one of <Locate> like it did back when it first felt itself Tuned well to Xafra.

    Xafra returns the <Locate> then speaks, "I''ll... Be okay for now. Apologies, Warden."

    As the song settles, Verbess'' eyes drift to Adaline''s form. Quills twitching in curious regard. Both for the small and subtle song tittering about her, and the Quills about her form. I worry for a moment it will find her Quills annoying, like it has others that bore much clumsier tools about the Groves but...

    <Locate> It pulses again, past Xafra to her. Gently though. Like how one might whisper a name to a slumbering person whom you don''t wish to wake if they are still sleeping.

    "I... Am I... Allowed?" Adaline responds, stilling her Quills in both apprehension and understanding. "I... Don''t want to presume, and was told I''d need your permission, and that of Krahe to be part of the Pack, and I¡­ Um¡­ Worried about causing offense."

    Verbess tilts its head and Quills, Tuning itself to the other members of the Pack in a simple question.

    <Assessing...> drifts down the bond.

    Krahe seems to thrum closer to Schatzi. [They never asked us Pack Sisters before, we just... Always made it work. Made space for the new Sisters. But if put to the question this one was ready to fight and talk for us even without being Pack. Sure. Tune her. Specially since she a... Didn''t need to be made like we were. I like our Pack Lead''s Resheathing better than the old way.]

    [Adaline is good and helpful and um... Yes.] Schatzi sends.

    <Warden Approves>

    Verbess shivers, Discord and worry and tittering messy regard filling it at being specifically asked to choose but¡­ Its Sisters'' little melodies and thrums of support help it settle. Think through the question.

    ¡°Why?¡± It eventually thrums to Adaline in words and Quills. Not¡­ not in refuting her desires but¡­ curious. Careful. And it sings her a gentle song of little horrors that Xafra does her best to translate over the bond to me.

    [Every single member of the Pack before Xafra, was taken and remade. Wills and minds and hearts and bodies and everything brutally broken to serve and hunt and not fall into Dysfunction as the Pack¡¯s Chorus kept everyone aligned. Only balanced by the delight of Harmonization and the weaving of messy love it lets them share between the pain of their Function. Many were not given a choice, and none were allowed to change that choice when they realized what their remaking would entail.]

    [It¡­ does not want her to be smothered or overwhelmed or considered lesser due to her lack of this bonding pain, but nor does it think that pain is necessary or good. It simply¡­ Wants to know what void she thinks Harmonization with a Pack will fill? It does not want to see a possible Sister left in silence, but¡­ nor does it want to see any other broken to fit into place. It¡­ it thinks that Differences of Function should be encouraged and considered among the Pack Sisters¡­ Schatzi has proven and shown that to be Good Function. But... Harmonization comes with the weight of all the Sisters behind it. Many lost themselves within the Chorus rather than endure Discord to find their unique songs... It does not want to see Pack Lead Xafra''s and Mistress Elevar''s Special Doll be hurt by this.]

    Adaline sings with her Quills in response, picking up the ability significantly faster than Xafra did, a song that mirrors at first but shifts to something more hopeful that Xafra translates for me as well, and it is rougher, like when I was first learning how to use the bond.

    [Flashing, jittery scenes: A distant mother and abusive father. Being bullied and ostracized at Thorn Grove, having to primarily teach herself aside from the public classes because no Matron or Witch would take her as a Floret. Learning that she was sick, Learning that what was killing her had killed so many others, including some of her childhood friends. Bringing her findings to some of the mundane Curanos she knew and learning that most of them vanished afterwards. Meeting Yselda and Falling in love with Elevar. Being broken into an obedient Doll without realizing what was going to happen, Having the Garrote half-removed.

    Different images, explaining how Yselda made the Garrote in two parts, additive and subtractive, the reason why if the gaps aren''t filled, it acts as torture.

    More scenes: Wandering through the Spire alone after Elevar left. Digging into her hands with ink quills trying to force herself to write the letter. Finding a sound she could make, oddly rasping and low that let her nudge her mind. Using that nudge to mentally cut away a part of her mind, leaving it barely attached. Deluding herself that this isolated part was her Mistress so she could Function. Creating the pain room. Learning that Caravel died because of her. Using Yselda''s bones to make an effigy that allowed the sound to work better, to make the delusion real. Xafra obliterating that part of her mind when she filled in the gaps. The terror when Xafra used the bond to talk to her. The silence that lingered after Xafra used the Warlord Voice on Snek Doll and the sound in Adaline reacted.

    Now concepts: The Pack fitting in the vacancy in her mind. Her teaching the Pack how to spellweave Ousia and Physis. Guarding and taking care of Elevar without being at risk from her. Being closer to Xafra and Verbess. Hunting down any who threaten the Pack and their family.]

    I¡¯m stiff by the end. Unable to move or do anything more than absorb this. To¡­ to witness this sharing of self that I have no right to know. All of Adaline''s hopes and Dreams and pain and trauma just... laid bare and raw and...

    It HURTS, like it really really shouldn''t.

    Lynette¡¯s¡­ saying things. Things I can¡¯t care about as I grip the tether tight to keep her nonsense and whatever¡¯s going on inside my head from ruining this from distracting them. It works, thank the Old Dead Hag, and everyone is too enraptured by Adaline''s working to notice me as I take careful steps backways. Then the song is fading, and Verbess is approaching Adaline. Cracking to its full height to loom over. Leaning so far as to peer curiously at the gerl¡¯s new Quills. Thrumming a gentle song of <Examination>.

    A pause, and in the space between a heartbeat, a breath, and all thoughts¡­

    <Addendum. Combat Doll designation removed. Pack Sister designation added: Adaline. Sharing resonance¡­ Assessing¡­>

    ¡°Her Quills are perfect,¡± Verbess cackles, then twists about to stare at Xafra. ¡°But her Tune will not match until she Harmonizes.¡±

    Xafra nods and smiles at Adaline, "Ready?"

    Adaline''s eyes grow even wider as she darts forward to hug Xafra tightly. "Yes!"

    Like I saw through Xafra''s eyes when she did with Verbess, Adaline¡¯s core is gently unwoven and held in place, but then... Schatzi''s, Warden''s, and Krahe''s cores are as well as Xafra''s, and a section of each is woven through each other, changing the Pack structure from what looked like a chain of sorts to a full interconnection.

    Xafra steps back and softly kisses Adaline on the forehead, "There. My dear Pack, we can celebrate our sisters, both new and renewed later. Right now, I need to check in with Zelma and Selene."

    Adaline beams, holding tight to Xafra''s hand, "Gonna come with. Adjust to new wonders while we prepare."

    "Verbess, a... A moment? If you would?" I manage to force out through my lips after Xafra and Adaline step out.

    Verbess clicks, and moves to settle beside me as I move to sit back on the couch I rested on while Adaline was re-knit.

    "You... saw it? Right? Xafra repeating herself?" I murmur.

    "This one did, Mistress." It replies.

    "Keep the next few words between us, if you will. I''d... rather not risk more episodes." I glance at it. "Even with the Bond and Pack links you can do that correct?"

    "This one can, and will avoid sharing thoughts on the subject unless Pack Lead insists or Mistress asks."

    "Good. I... What did you see? I only caught a flicker of something, but nothing I could examine at the speed it worked."

    "A Garrote, Mistress. But... not like yours or any the Old Teacher wove. Deft, but simple. Woven beneath, this one thinks. Hidden and always striking at memory and Function before hiding again." It thrums. "Old. But not Rusting like all things must do."

    "My main worry about trying to simply remove it with my Blasenplage is that it will leave her in a state like Adaline was, so... I need the Packs aid in this. Even with bond and Ousia sight I can barely catch a glimmer of it, and while she could shift to show me the weave of it... I think that''s a trap. She insists this doesn''t touch her Driftdream but... that seems impossible. Garrotes have to tug and snip at one''s Dreams when woven well." I tip-tap my side for a moment to gather up the shape of a plan. "Catalog anything and everything. Perhaps... this would be a prey well suited for you and Warden to hunt together? Our Brilliant Knife has experience in directives and the boundaries laid within, and could probably outline and define this well while Schatzi and Krahe front during the celebrations? What do my gerls think of this scheme?"

    [Warden is happy to assist.] It answers without hesitation, and others thrum in accordance to the tasks.

    "Thank you, dear ones. Watch you Pack Lead well, and keep her safe." I rise. "And... Verbess? About this... entire affair. With the Driftdream and all..."

    It goes still, tenses. Quills about to sing such a song of pain and sorrow and apology. "This... this one is so¨C"

    "No." I interrupt gently, stepping in front to hold my hand out beneath its jaw. "You made a good choice. The failure there was mine. I should have introduced you all the second everyone was safe. But in future... communicate your fears and pain with me before running off. Please? You''ve gathered up such wonderful Sisters that you all needed, helped Adaline feel and see the form she always Dreamed up but was probably unsure about asking for."

    Verbess leans forward to happily envelope my hand and chew gently with the unfanged back of its jaw. Quills thrumming its wordless agreement and relief.

    "You''re all such good gerls, and I''m very proud of all of you." I murmur softly while pulling its head to nuzzle into my chest.

    We stand there for a while, Verbess gnashing at my hand while singing a calming melody of family and safety and hope and so much more...

    And this hurts too. More than it should.

    "Alright, go join your sisters." I prompt eventually. "Help in any way they ask or need, and keep close regard on Xafra."

    And after they head off, I return to my Spire, head up into my study and slump into a chair.

    <You know... I think today went rather well, actually.> Lynette titters happily.

    "Well enough..." I reply. A pause passes before I dredge up the courage to ask. "What did you mean, precisely, when you said we weren''t asking the right questions?"

    <Exactly what I said.>

    I sigh, "Please, Lynette, I surrender to you in this battle of wit and cede you the mantle of the most Brilliant Gerl in this room. Just... tell me what you saw or discovered or... or whatever?"

    She seems to nod like the gracious victory she feels and says through my lips. "Simply... That I think Xafra is wrong about a great many things. Speaking in regards to herself, that is."

    "Oh?" I perk up a bit.

    She giggles. "She struts about like a Half-Knit, if you''ll take that in the good spirit I use the term."

    I sigh, "Of course she does, she''s literally made up of gerls like us."

    "Was she?" Lynette purrs. "And... How does she know this? Is it... Perchance... From the memories she started with? Of the gerls? Come now Elevar, that''s ridiculous! If forty odd poor sots could be melted down into anything useful by ancient fools that couldn''t even keep their creation leashed with a good Garrote then everyone would replicate the process!"

    I pause at that. "Then... What are you getting at? And why does this matter?"

    "Come now, be clever and take a guess. I know I''ve been at it all day but I honestly do want your thoughts before blurting some out myself!"

    Thinking for a bit, a few worrisome answers titter up. And Lynette is giggling all the while. "See? I knew you''d stumble onto more interesting answers when gently nudged."

    "This''ll change how we approach the Garrote." I whisper.

    "Mhm. Won''t want to unweave something important." Lynette agrees.

    "And how we care for and raise Sikkina."

    "We?"

    "Yes, stupid... Gerl." I edit with a sigh. "I won''t claim to be her mother, but... I mean to give her anything she needs."

    She giggles at that. "You are just... Such a mess. I delight in you."

    I wince and look outside, considering for a long time before whispering. "We... should start with the Garrote about you. Let her see about unweaving it for us."

    Lynette goes still, honest surprise tittering through us. "I... Truly. You mean it?"

    "It only makes sense. It''s more kin to her Garrote than anything else, and if she keeps good notes then we can adapt and replicate the process."

    <I... alright.> Lynette replies carefully. <We should crack Yse.... The Old Cunt''s Archive''s first. Get her notes on the Garrote and such beforehand. Do this proper. It¡¯ll be a mess to skirt about her bindings demands but with Verbess and the others to watch and Assess we can make it so she¡¯s basically freeing us both together with every action.>

    ¡°Agreed. And¡­ Lynette?¡±

    A tense pause. <Yes?>

    ¡°I¡­ I hope this means that you can learn to trust me. Not just¡­ Just in a way that we were both taught to trust but¡­ But in a way that sometimes makes us feel stupid. Like how you trust Xafra, sometimes, when you want to see her work little miracles.¡± I whisper. ¡°I know I¡¯m a broken mess but¡­ I¡¯m trying. Truly, to make things better for them. And¡­ And for you, even.¡±

    <You don¡¯t need to beg for my regard, Elevar.> She murmurs gently. <I meant what a promised.>

    I sigh and slump a bit. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m not¡­ Lynette, this isn¡¯t me pleading or surrendering. This is me choosing to feel stupid if it means showing you trust. You will have all manner of chances to be petty and cruel and¡­ and indulgent after the bonds are unwoven. I¡¯m choosing to trust not that you¡¯ll avoid doing those things, but that when you see what they lead to you¡¯ll change. Soften. Realize that¡­ that the moment of bliss we get isn¡¯t worth the pain that follows.¡±

    She hums for a moment before murmuring. <That¡¯s such an odd mess of words you just spewed at me. But¡­ They make some amount of sense. I¡¯ll¡­ consider softening my motions and words when the situation calls for it.>

    I nod and take up the needle and focus on the Glyphed gemstones. ¡°Right. Best I can get from you, I suspect. Let¡¯s¡­ let¡¯s get back to it then.¡±

 Chapter 61: Evenings are for Mourning (Blade)

    Evenings are for Mourning (Blade)

    Content Warnings:

    Talk of death. Celebration of life. Mourning the lost. Light talks of past abuse.

    We make our way slowly to Shelf Spire Drei where Selene and Zelma have a room, chuckling softly at Adaline''s endless wonder with the Pack and her access to my energies.

    She mumbles pleased sounds while manipulating a small dust cloud in front of herself with the Physis, making simple shapes and having them orbit each other.

    "Is there something special about the dust?" I ask curiously.

    Adaline shakes her head, "No, it''s something this one used to do to train fine control, and calm emotions. This one would feel disrespectful to arrive while giggling happily when the event is quite sad."

    "Training techniques sound useful. I mostly had to do things as I went and deal with the consequences. And you''re right, somewhat, we will be celebrating Caravel afterall. It is important to not only dwell on the bad."

    She nods. "This one is... Worried still. Guilty. Pack helps though. It gives perspective?"

    She thrums a <Locate> and smiles as she spins around to witness what she felt, Verbess heading our way, but without Elevar.

    [Witchling, Were you not interested in coming to the celebration of life?] I intone to her as we wait for Verbess to reach us.

    {Hm? Oh... No. I... Today was quite the mess and I find myself quite behind on what feels like an Eternity of other projects.} She replies after three heartbeats.

    [Oh. Alright then. I''ll see you later?] I respond, feeling hurried and short on time myself as Verbess brackets Adaline on her other side.

    {Of course, I''ll be up and about most of the night, I will probably be in and out of your library even.} She replies, and I can''t help but feel a touch of anxiety in her settle at my words. {Feel free to keep your Sisters as close as you''d like, alright? First Harmonics are special and sleeping with a bundle of other Quills thrumming close will probably do wonders for you all.}

    [Thank you, Elevar.] I respond quickly.

    "Okay, my dearests, please remember that we are there to celebrate the life of one who has passed and... honestly I don''t know how to do that. not in any sort of formal way." I admit to my Pack.

    "It''s okay, this is going to be a learning experience for us all. we''re going to make new traditions today. And... This one is planning on talking to Valthirii about having a room in the library Spire as a memorial, where we can have information on those that are gone." Adaline responds.

    I brush my mind gently across those of my Pack, thrumming a quiet song of calm. "Shall we?¡±

    Verbess thrums in agreement and soon we¡¯re entering Shelf Spire Drei, Schatzi taking front as I feel Verbess and Warden begin a subtle process of <Accessing¡­> me to discover whatever was going on with my mind.

    "Shall I reach out to them, Sisters?" Schatzi asks, thrumming through her horns with a renewed sense of calm herself.

    "Please." Adaline answers, taking her hand as well.

    The two Dolls, Zelma and Selene, soon are coming down the steps to meet us in the main floor chamber.

    "So, these ones um..." Zelma starts.

    "Not this one. She." Selene interjects, nudging its Pinnate.

    "Okay, this one, had some... Ideas." Zelma corrects then continues. "With help thinking through them from Selene."

    Selene''s wings flutter but it doesn''t interrupt. Simply squeezes its Pinnate''s hand as Zelma¡¯s tail winds about its waist.

    "So we want this to celebrate Caravel. And the others. But... this one doesn''t know much about the others and doesn''t want to presume who does, or push anyone into sharing what they''d rather not." Zelma starts up in a rush of words. "So... We had this idea of little journals. Books for each of the ones g- gone. A place to share stories and... and messages. Things these ones might have wanted to share but didn''t or couldn''t or... or..."

    The little Scholar Dolls trails off, looking between myself and Adaline in trepidation.

    "We can also ask Primrose to do artwork of their faces in the future." Selene adds. "She seems to have a really good memory and with help could probably do that for most of them. Help these ones all remember who is which, since... since names were not a part of these ones'' Good Function before.¡±

    "This is wonderful! I was thinking of something very similar. Primrose and Nettle should be heading over soon, as well as a number of the others." Adaline responds, moving forward to offer the two a hug. They embrace her, fully and completely with wings and limbs and wings.

    I nod in agreement while reaching out to Nettle, [Dear, I have an uncomfortable question, if that''s alright.]

    [Of course Mistress, How may this one help?] Nettle responds immediately.

    [Where... are Caravel''s remains?] I ask with trepidation, having not yet seen anything resembling a graveyard or mausoleum since I arrived here weeks ago.

    [I... Th- this one... She... But...] Nettle sputters over the bond, seeming to boil with such a mess of emotions, then settling. [Apologies Mistress. Her... her before remains would have been deposited in the flesh and bone pits like all the corpses from before Installation. As... as for the Frame... This one isn''t sure. She disappeared below and it is assumed the Estate dismantled it after p- punishing her.]

    [No, no, I''m sorry, that was insensitive of me. I simply wanted to make sure if her Frame was available, that it was being treated with respect.] I answer rapidly.

    [No... No Mistress. It... It is very kind of you to ask. This one is glad you did.] She responds, settling even more. [Please continue to ask this one uncomfortable questions over softer Frames like Prim or... or even Connivant Adaline. This one is not sure what respect Frames are... are due? But is happy to consider new things for Mistress. Old memories will not interrupt this Frame''s Function the more it faces them.]

    [I am, as you know, not yet used to the concept or nature of frames, but I feel that, as a weapon myself, the Frames of the lost should be preserved, kept in a place of honor, or with permission of the lost, integrated into new members of our kin so they may remain in Good Function long after they have fallen.] I explain.

    Nettle goes quiet for a while, murmuring back only as her and Primrose arrive, and my first Doll is running to titter nervously a few feet from us with a basket of oddly colorful paper scraps while Nettle hangs back with a contemplative expression. [This one is conflicted. The Old Mistress reused Frame parts, especially the deeper bits. The skeleton and internal workings. But... it was so that new ones didn''t need to be made. Only... adjusted. And it wasn''t to preserve us. Or remember. It was because it was more efficient than making more. It... This one thinks Mistress¡¯ idea is good, of course, but struggles at the idea of pieces of my... of this one''s Pinnate no longer Functioning.]

    If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    As Adaline turns to notice the two, Primrose hops forward with her basket. "SO! So so so so, This one is bad with name things and other word things so it wanted to just... stick people with paper bits to help it and others remember so that we don''t have to worry about being worded wrong. It feels bad that it met basically all of the Shelf when Mistress helped and claimed them, and... and heard their words and doesn''t really have an excuse but others do and so It will help them and sneakily help itself.¡±

    I step forward and take one of the paper bits, quickly putting my name on it and attaching it to my tunic with a pin.

    "Xafra, I think out of anyone here, you''re the one everyone knows the name of..." Adaline giggles.

    Primrose bubbles up with very not contained surprise and glee and delight as I finish. Grinning and unable to stop herself from stepping over to hug me. Mumbling little nothing words of thanks and love.

    I hold Primrose close and kiss her head as I respond to Adaline, "Certainly, but it''s important to lead by example, right?¡±

    The others all grab slips and write names as well, and I assist Krahe in making an ethereal form once more, this time with the name slip attached. We finish and more arrive, Scarabella, Mecia, Lys, Riana and Coqui arriving all around the same time.

    We get them situated with the tags as well, and I take a moment to appreciate each of their Frames. Mecia is the smallest by far if you discount zir four long spindly legs that raise zem to near my own height. Coqui seems designed after a creature I don''t recognize, his skin two-toned and moist while their pupils like horizontal seeds and her voice is audible from a great distance. Lys is a smidge bigger, its design based on an avian with quite large eyes that reflect the light. Scarabella seems in contrast most designed in a familiar manner, its four armed muscular form only missing the Quill crown to be mistaken as a Warlord. How many of those even exist anymore

    And Riana... I hide my discomfort well enough, I think, her Frame like something between a Sun-blessed and the Estate itself, soft white green bark for skin, long leaves for hair, and roots composing her lower pair of arms as well as her legs.

    "Thank you all for coming." Adaline says, ushering the dolls further into the main room of the Spire. "Mistress Xafra, we''re still waiting on M¨¦lusine, Shelkie, Valthirii, Hyssop, and Garami. Hyacinth, Strychnine, Augusta, Alpina, and the rest aren''t feeling up for coming. Would you be willing to wait for them and this one will get things set and comfortable in the meantime?¡±

    I nod my assent and let her go ahead as the rest of the Pack waits with me, minor Division gently buzzing through the song as they feel torn between remaining to assess me and staying with Adaline to bolster her.

    [So... This one got a bunch of basic stuff from its Little Birds about things. But not everything.] Krahe intones to me. [And... These Dolls are weird, right? Like we were made to fight and stuff and took really monstrous shapes to do it well but everyone here seems... odd. Schatzi called most of them Art Dolls but... not all? This one doesn''t get what that is. And what does a Scholar Doll do? Or... well It means a Labor Doll makes sense. Get sturdy Frames to lift stone and heavy stuff. But... Verbess says they don''t do stone structures anymore? So... And you were about before we got our Frames, so... this is or was weird to you too. Right?]

    [Quite strange. The Art dolls are both considered to be art themself and are designed to make art. Scholars are designed to excel in research, trading physical durability for enhancements to their mental processing and knowledge retention. There are Combat Frames still, but apparently they are restricted and considered controversial... The whole system needs to be overturned.] I respond with amusement.

    Krahe goes quiet for a while, the Discord lessening as she boils with a bit of annoyance alongside her own amusement. [This one got why they did what they did to us. Maybe this one wouldn''t if they didn''t break our minds a bit but... Like... You hating this too makes this one feel more steady, Pack Lead. Mulching us to save our city was horrible but... but it made sense. These Dolls don''t... like... they seem kinda... well Functionless is the wrong word but... Well sure, people don''t get butchered during Installation which is good to know but... It seems kinda wasteful. All these cuties getting broken for... what? This one struggles to understand this stuff about the past keeper of this Estate and why she kept so many. Schatzi says she fancied herself an Artist but... with Dolls? But also Body changing things? Why turn people into Dolls if all they needed was a different body? That magic was like... really rare before, but here is this Matron of the craft instead turning people into packless Frames? What''s the point in that?]

    [Control. Dolls are treated as simply property. From what Elevar said, Resheathing doesn''t exist anymore, and my belief is that it''s so they can make those individuals into Dolls to be owned, used, and abused at their leisure.] I answer, allowing my disgust to slide through the connection.

    "WHAT." Krahe hisses so furiously that the word sparks through Schatzi''s lips and horns to echo through bond and Quill and chamber. Then she quiets and nuzzles back into Schatzi''s mind. [Sorry. Sorry. That... This one is still getting used to not having Frames for each of us. This one just... that''s... it just... This one hates that. Sorry. This one is glad to share good anger at that with you, Pack Lead. Thank you. They... Most of the Dolls here seem soft and fragile. Not like our Pack was, or is. Easier to break. It... it is glad to find Good Function in protecting these cuties from cruel sorts who would hurt them.]

    [Our plans are currently to take over the local Groves, Witch communes, and claim and free all the Dolls that are present. None of our kin will remain in bondage that they do not desire.] I share.

    [Heh. Ehehehe...] Krahe giggles almost painfully, Discord rippling through it at the idea of working against those it considers descendants to past Mistress'' and Masters for Kin it did not expect to adopt and cherish upon reforming within Verbess'' Dream. Old base commands cracking away at what I see to be a Pack Lead''s intent and desires. [This one will, very much, enjoy following our Pack Lead into that Function.]

    [Goooood.] I intone violent delight as the last group approaches us. "Valthirii, Adaline has a request for you, if you''d talk with her once you''re inside. Garami, it''s good to see you. Hyssop, please behave yourself, yes? M¨¦lusine, Shelkie, I believe it would be appreciated if you''d check in with Primrose, she''s got some good plans for organizing more remembrances.¡±

    Krahe, Schatzi and I walk in after getting them all set, finding Primrose happily leading Riana and Hyssop through a group attempt to make images of Caravel from their own memories, crafting little cameo tokens of her for everyone to keep, with each one drastically different, some brimming with detail and others more stylized. Primrose herself seems to intentionally make hers colorful and dripping with little emotional interpretations of Caravel and a few others, even at the expense of a perfect recall and depictions. A method that seems to be encouraging the idea that they should capture the good emotions the lost filled them with.

    Selene and Zelma are explaining and working on their journal idea to Adaline and Valthirii, with M¨¦lusine at rapt attention, drawing out remembrance shelf concepts as Shelkie softly plays a grand Harp nearby.

    Selene explains that the journals should act as a record of sorts but... also a place to express an almost story-like memory of those lost. Things that could be read and experienced later, even by those that never met then, with joy.

    I watch and mingle, not participating directly but being present for a soothing touch or reassuring word as needed. After a while, the groups intermingle, the writers adding little quotes and messages to the cameos and the artists putting small drawings and doodles into the journal for Caravel.

    Watching it, I can''t help but feel refreshed, inspired and¡­ safe, because above all there is this focus on not letting the pain fester instead almost a cultivation of happiness at the chance to get to know those lost. Treasuring that time and refusing to let their end be the last this world can recall them.

    "Mistress?" Nettle whispers softly during a pause between things. Seeming to always stand close as others go about planning this evening.

    "Yes, Nettle?" I whisper back, stepping us over to an alcove.

    "This one was wondering, if it is okay to ask a question about you?" She murmurs. "About your past Mistress'' or... or Masters? If you had those.¡±

    "It''s always okay to ask, my dear. I''ll answer as much as I am able." I drop onto the loveseat, leaving space for her as I look out at the small section of this wonderful family I''ve found.

    "Thank you Mistress." She settles close and considers for a few moments before speaking again. "You don''t talk about them very often, and this one has only heard a few names, but... was curious if any were... were like you are? Or Witch Elevar tries to be now? Kind, this one means. Worth remembering? Or friends? Or people who treated you well and are gone now? I know Dolls weren''t about but people still wanted to control others like Dolls are but... maybe? People whose stories you''d like to remember too?"

    "Hmmm. That''s a difficult question. Many were kind to others. Had friends and lovers and did their best for other... people. There were two that were... close to that. They were the only ones I was willing to add to my gestalt, and that means that they well, they live on as part of me. Of the rest, there''s not much good to say about. The best of the others was Namtar, and he was... even-handed, and never abused me. I''m sorry, Nettle. I really appreciate the gesture, but no, none that are..."

    I pause, recalling something that wasn''t strange at the time but clearly now is out of place. My newest Geist dated a priest''s daughter. A PRIEST. In... Iyesgarthe. Something to look into.

    "None that are particularly worth recalling, without it feeling dishonest." I finish.

    She nods, "That''s... This one is actually glad to hear you be honest about them. It helps this Frame... sort things. Witchless Thoughts it otherwise has to ignore else fall into Bad Function. And this one is sorry that you endured... that. All of that. Bad Mistress and Masters." Such a deep sense of wrongness flitters through her at those last words, then settles as she murmurs. "It is glad you are here now. Bestest Mistress. Just like Primrose always has said. Ever since Connivant Adaline brought this one to your Spire. It struggled to accept then, but... is glad it was given the chance to see for itself." She leans over and lets her head rest on my shoulder and upper arm.

    I adjust and let her get comfortable, reminiscing. "That was a rough few days, I won''t deny. I''m glad it all worked out well though.¡±

    "This one is too." She murmurs, then giggles. "This one... thinks Mistress needs to take five days to sleep. No problems. Tell Witch Elevar and Miss Lynette and everyone to either sleep too or stay very very quiet so you can rest well. Assign anyone you want to positions within a cuddle pile for you."

    <New parameters added to observations of Pack Lead: Xafra via Primary User''s request. Assessing...> Verbess'' silent observations thrum beneath the gentle Quill song that dances through the air.

    "That would be delightful honestly. I''m... not great with intimacy though, even casual intimacy is a challenge, because I''m always so aware of the imbalance, and well. My dearest sister Verbess has made it very clear that I am not to accept being treated poorly. Thus I''m more comfortable with accepting others'' advances than even doing something as simple as assigning others for cuddling." I chuckle, sending assent to the Pack as well with a twitch of Quills.

    "Imbalance? This one is..." Nettle pauses. Seems to think really hard about that. "This one knows Imbalance is bad between people when you all want intimacy, but... is struggling to feel why it is bad with Dolls. Not in thought but..." She taps her Frame''s chest. "Here. Deep things tell this one it is a Doll''s place to be used. And it wants that. Badly. Not... not just in the intimate ways. That''s... not all Dolls want that, and that''s a quirk of Good Function. But in ways that make it feel like it is helping. It is Good Function to help Mistress feel comfortable... hmm..." She pauses, thinks. "Asking. Yes. It is good for Mistress to feel comfortable asking for cuddles, and to remind Dolls that it is Good Function for them to be honest and refuse if they want. This one enjoys when Mistress wants a cuddle pile and assigns Nettle and Primrose to this task, but does not want her to feel that she should do so unless she wants that. And if asking is easier than assigning, then Mistress should ask.¡±

    I sigh with relief. "Thank you, Nettle. That really does comfort me. It''s important to me that none of you feel obliged to do anything you''re uncomfortable with. I''ll do my best to ask more, as long as it''s clear that no is an acceptable answer.¡±

    "Yes." She nods, and something seems to audibly click inside her, like some cog or gear just cracked free from a stuck turning. "No is also an answer that is Good Function, because Mistress wants her Dolls to be happy. Thank you Mistress.¡±

    With a smile I stand back up and gently tug Nettle to her feet. "Shall we rejoin the others?¡±

    "Mhm." She agrees, and follows me.

    The celebration continues for a few hours, each of my darling Dolls all finding some way to add their own personal experiences and contribution so that by the time Adaline, our Packmates, and I leave the Spire, the rest are pulling together piles of blankets and pillows to rest in a large group.

    We make our way back to my Spire, waving to Lynette''s Doll on the way as she stares up at the sky, and curl up together in my bed, with myself and Verbess bracketing Adaline with our bodies and Quill song as we rest dreamlessly together.

 Chapter 62: Cracking Visitors and Unexpected Voids (Witch)

    Cracking Visitors and Unexpected Voids (Witch)

    Content Warnings:

    Unexpected guests. mild misunderstanding of a person''s gender. Wibblie anger and lying about murber. Threats of Dollification, worry about detransitioning (it''s unspoken and brief and not a happenin'' but still kinda there because Xafra is a cutie), getting collared because bad boy. Mhm.

    <I think at this point our need for more proof is quite¡­ redundant.> Lynette intones gently as she shows me another report dredged up from the Estate¡¯s Archives.

    She¡¯s softened so much these past¡­ How long have I gone without proper sleep? I know it¡¯s been at least one or two since our trip into Verbess¡¯ Dream but¡­

    <Three days, Sorry. Not trying to spy but you¡¯re leaking quite a bit at this point¡­>

    I sigh and let myself chuckle. ¡°It¡¯s worth it, and our sleep deprived mind¡¯s always gifted us considerations we¡¯d otherwise miss. And we¡¯re so close. I can feel it.¡±

    And all my gerls have slept and rested so well in this time. I mean to give them twice that, even if we¡¯re ready to remove the Garrote. Let my own body rest before taking on the real work and troubling them to come and aid.

    <Quite. But you really do need rest, dear. Give me another few hours of our mind and hands, alongside the Ousia needed to interact with the Gemstones, and I¡¯ll have it open before you wake up.>

    I go still. It¡¯s¡­ Physis is one thing but Ousia another. Letting her gain access to that while I even relax is¡­

    She sighs. <I won¡¯t be offended if you simply say no, that you¡¯d still rather supervise my interactions with your Ousia.>

    ¡°I¡­ Yes. I would. Sorry. ¡± I murmur, shoving down the guilt.

    <None of that, Elevar.> Lynette murmurs. <That was¡­ carelessly spoken. I did not expect you to be open to the removal of this binding in so short a time, and am still grappling with the amount of trust you are suddenly comfortable with.>

    ¡°Thank you. I know things will need to shift once it is unwoven but¡­ appreciate your understanding now.¡± I whisper. ¡°I¡¯d¡­ I¡¯d like to see you in ways similar to how Schatzi insisted. Part of me yet¡­ separate. This¡­ You deserve freedom. The ability to feel flesh unbound by my fears and cruel views on you.¡±

    <Elevar¡­>

    ¡°No. Lynette, I¡­ between all this I¡¯ve finally decided to take Xafra¡¯s perspective on this.¡± I press. ¡°You¡¯re not who I was, and never will be. You¡¯re¡­ this flesh and memories are yours too, of course. But¡­ but there is so much about you that I never had. That¡­ that maybe even makes me think that I¡­¡±

    Trail off. Don¡¯t know how to grapple with this wordless hope that bites like my worst fears.

    <Elevar.> Lynette snaps. <This needs to wait¡­ We have a guest.>

    ¡°Oh.¡± I sigh, and nod. Glad for the distraction. ¡°You can send them up. Who is it?¡±

    <No. Not at our Spire, on the Root Way.>

    Blood turns to ice at that.

    ¡°But we should still have weeks, at least.¡± I hiss, snatching up the needle and moving to the balcony to stare out over the Thorn wall. ¡°Cracked and Riven Moon. How many?¡±

    A pause.

    <One.>

    ¡°I¡­ A forward Envoy? Scout?¡± I ask.

    <No idea. The Estate¡¯s senses are muddled out that far. But¡­ definitely a Witch or¡­>

    ¡°A Thresher, more like.¡± I growl. ¡°No muppets though?¡±

    <Not tugged behind, no.> Lynette intones. <Which is¡­ odd.>

    ¡°Could they be one of the Sun-Blessed? Venturing here early?¡±

    <I would like to say not but¡­ There is a history of sneaky sorts from their ilk that can fool the Estate when at the edges of its visions.>

    ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s call up the Pack and see what they think.¡±

    {Xafra, dear. Apologies but we have an odd situation.} I reach out and begin moving through my Spire. Taking up more sturdy clothes and even my pouch of preserved Bone Marrow out of familiar comfort. {We have a guest approaching the Estate from along the Root Way. Lynette thinks it either a Witch, Thresher, or Sun-Blessed. But can¡¯t be certain. Gather the Pack in the main floor of my Spire so we can discuss the best option for meeting this unexpected visitor.}

    The response is swift as I feel Xafra and my Dolls snap from groggy pleasure to aggressive readiness. [Mistress? Ah... We will be there momentarily.]

    I do end up taking a moment to clean my face and organize my thoughts, try to seem the well-put together Witch I''ll need to be for this, before heading down to find them all waiting. "So... We still have time before this individual reaches the Roots that allow introductions and requests to be sent in, but Lynette is still only sensing one set of legs. Decent Ousia reserves, but... not full or unused. Which means we''re dealing with some manner of Witch or such. Even chance they''re a Thresher sent as a forward Envoy but... that seems an odd choice and a great way to get some poor fool killed for the insult. And... from our encounter with Krelliva I''m not tossing out the possibility of this being a Sun-Blessed."

    "Alright. Um¡­ This one is not used to whatever passed for standard procedure but are we... going for a quick kill if we identify them as a Thresher, or capture? And if they''re a Sun-blessed, This one assumes we are to be diplomatic? But if they''re a regular Witch, what... do we do? We''re trying to make allies, but also not show our hand too early, yes?" Adaline rattles out, tightly bracketed by Verbess and Xafra.

    "Talk first, of course." I agree with her. "If we kill any messengers who wander out here, especially a Thresher, it could fuddle the eventual meeting with the Groves. The real question is..." Looking to Xafra I consider aloud, "They know this place has some manner of Combat Dolls, and the Quill-Song will be seen as a Quirk of their Function, but your Ousia will cause problems. When I first sensed you in the Archive I couldn''t tell that you were separate until the bug holding you died. So... if you stand close it should just seem an extension of myself out onto you. Odd but not horrifically so."

    Xafra nods and... Does something, flexing her Ousia and Physis inwards like how Lynette reached through into the Driftdream and I realize that it''s no longer noticeable at all, her Frame form lacking any hint of the power she contains. "I''ve been practicing this over the last few days. Adaline gave this o¡ª Me the idea."

    I smirk, Canting ::Pride/Delight/Curiosity:: while I double and triple check her work. "Oh isn''t that terrifying? Good work. This solves at least three worries I''d thought we''d have to balance. But... just to make sure we''re all on the same page, and excuse my resorting to old phrases, you''re to all defend and guard first and foremost. Your Witch, yes, but more so each other. Only attack if I call for it. Even if this fool tosses some nasty magic at me. My wards were Knit to counter anything but spitefully clever workings. Thresher Garrotes and worse will slip off and my Ousia will burn on its own to restore them."

    <Was that a near slip into Doll identifiers?> Lynette muses while watching Root Way, <Too much time Harmonizing with the Pack?>

    {Most likely. I''ll check on her once this mess is handled.}

    "And if you are rendered unconscious or otherwise unable to communicate?" Xafra clarifies.

    "Hah. Then we''re probably Cracked." I cackle, exhaustion bubbling up in a way that takes me a second to recover from and add. "Sorry. Just... pull me back and don''t Negate things coming from the Estate. Only pounce if they somehow manage to... No. Not even then. If they somehow do manage what you just mentioned AND drag me a Grove Span down the Root Way then you''re free to handle them and me however you like. But otherwise remain what you will seem to them. Defensive Combat Dolls given strict commands to guard me within the confines of the Estate. Unable to leave our meeting place due to old Oaths and Agreements."

    "Mistress..." Verbess intones softly, brimming with worry at that.

    "I''m not the fragile mess I was when last I walked from this place. If anyone can hit my reinforced wards fast and hard enough to shatter them and knock my head spinning then we''ve greatly overestimated ourselves and should probably take another decade to consider our future plans anyway." I shrug. "And... fine. A third of a Grove Span drug away from you all. Then consider yourselves free to alter these plans and make your own foolish choices in this with my full support."

    "Thank you. That is more than reasonable. Verbess, as Streethverk, you''re in charge for this mission until the Mistress declares it complete. Krahe, Warden, Schatzi, all three of you stay submerged but alert for any issues. Adaline, do not use your arsenal unless explicitly instructed, stay directly behind the Mistress in case we need to emergency evacuate her. Voice communication or Pack bond only unless the Mistress says otherwise." Xafra recites instructions rapidly as I feel a change in the Pack.

    <Combat Protocols Online... Verbess Elevated to Temporary Pack Lead.>

    Verbess thrums an <Accepted> and we wait for what feels like an Eternity before...

    <Hm... Alright. They''ve requested an audience with either the Blossom or Floret. Nothing else.> Lynette intones. <Shall we?>

    "They''ve asked to meet, but given no names." I tell the Pack. "Stick close."

    And we move. Verbess to my left, Xafra on my right, and Adaline flanking. Each of them in the graceful motion befitting a hunting Pack. It''s wonderful to not feel the Thornwall''s sting and Ousia cost, simply able to watch it peel back and reveal the enclosed tunnel of the hollowed out Root. Even better to already see the little Physis laden plants already glowing to guide our path up.

    The Chambers for meeting are in a bloated section about a hundred paces along. A garden with all manner of roots woven up to form chairs that encircle a large table shaped to mimic the map of the Grove controlled areas. ceiling not open but, with a few openings to let in the Suns'' light. And standing past it all, wrapped in hard leather studded in bone and nasty looking teeth, is a Thresher.

    Tall, hair cut very short, sharp features, one of their kind''s hook gripped in her left hand as cold gray eyes pass over the Pack before settling on me and... and...

    I speak a name, honestly more out of surprise, and of course the fool boy can''t hide the twitch in his eye and lip.

    <Wait, THAT''S...?> Lynette purrs in delight.

    Verbess'' hackles rise a touch as Quills dance in careful recognition.

    {Yes, but we... we didn''t...}

    "Elevar." He very nearly growls.

    "Sorry, I... Cracked and Riven Moon." I sigh, pushing the needle into its back hip holster and trying to give him a soft smile. "I didn¡¯t honestly expect to see you. Not... not before my end."

    "Neither did I." He replies coldly, adjusting his grip on the hook. Anger is still very obvious in his stance and regard toward me.

    I glance back between my gerls. "Stand down, if you please."

    Xafra takes the lead, pulling out chairs for him and myself to sit, before kneeling to one side of my chair.

    He doesn¡¯t move. Only glares at me with slowly rising anger.

    "Did you finally settle on a new name?¡± I say carefully while taking a seat, Canting ::Appreciation:: to Xafra. ¡°Last we spoke you didn''t prefer your first and were considering taking up one for more¡­ private relationships?"

    ¡°I didn¡¯t. And our relationship should never have been private.¡± He answers, voice still cold and guarded.

    ¡°It should have been all manner of things, but private wouldn¡¯t strike me as one of its flaws.¡± I tilt my head. ¡°But¡­ You¡¯re more furious at me than you¡¯ve ever been. Rightfully so, most like, but¡­ that doesn¡¯t explain why you''re here¡­¡±

    ¡°Because, you said you¡¯d changed.¡± He snaps, adjusts grip on that hook. ¡°Took the name Elevar to avoid old temptations. Were trying to help people you set to drown get back to the shore.¡±

    Oh. Well¡­ Me taking up the Old Cunt¡¯s title and Estate would seem a fair contradiction to my old words to him.

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ I didn¡¯t want¡­¡± I huff to hide my grimace. ¡°Things got complicated. As they always do. But¡­ the spirit of my promises still hold true. The Old Cunt left me quite the mess to manage and...¡±

    He shakes his head, glances between Xafra and Adaline before letting gaze fall upon the much more imposing shape of Verbess and the Quills that pulse in equal warning to this Thresher¡¯s anger.

    ¡°No. No more lies.¡± He growls, eyes darting back to mine. ¡°You¡¯ve not changed. Three Witches follow-up to investigate a sighting of your Combat Doll and you just¡­ slaughter them. Right there in plain view of everyone. Use some new working and¡­ and even the Seelenf?ule was a lie. Wasn¡¯t it?¡±

    I go still. Three Witches? What? ¡°What? No. It¡­ I¡¯ve not killed anyone since¡­¡±

    ¡°Salzige, Elevar!¡± He snaps, raises that wretched hook to slam it down into the table after rolling a step forward. Letting it stand upright as he shakes with rage. ¡°Mundanes remember names, you cunt. And their blood is on my hands for not hooking and dragging you in to face my Captains the day you told me Yselda was dead!¡±

    The room goes quiet as I absorb that. Understand what brought him here. Why is he so very angry with me¡­

    "I... I made a mistake." I whisper carefully, making a split second decision. "They... they all started using their Witch Tones on my Doll and I''d be practicing a new Bonding method on them and... I panicked. Lashed out with a broken version of my Einwandfrei. Then ran. But I''ll stand by my decision. They had no right to demand anything of me. I regret the outcome but will not dispute my right to defend myself or my Doll."

    "You didn''t even tell them you were Yselda''s Floret." He snarls. "They would have had to let you go after¨C"

    "After revealing to their Matron the past and identity of Elevar? No. I''d rather be able to travel in peace, thank you." I cut him off, and add to the lie. "And I''ve been keeping to the fringes. Salzige hosts Witches, but is not within a Grove''s sway. They had no right to harass me."

    He glares. "So you kill them. They die for your privacy?"

    I nod. "If they seek to invade it, yes. Such is a Witch''s right."

    He glares for thirteen heartbeats, both knuckles resting on the edges of the table while he looms over the hook buried into it.

    "This one is really sorry!" Schatzi cries out, my Doll¡¯s Frame jerking itself into her ideal shape as she steps forward. "Sister Verbess and I were struggling and it just all went wrong really fast, and we had to get back to get fixed up and we found a cure in the Archive but it was messy and bad but but BUT! Adaline is free as well now too, see? She''s my sister now too."

    "You..." He glances between us, glare softening a little. "You named your Dolls?"

    I take up Schatzi''s hand beneath the table and give it a little squeeze while Canting ::Love/Gratitude:: to her. "These two honestly named themselves. I just... stopped being a cunt and respected their choices."

    He carefully nods past me to Adaline. "And that one, she''s Yselda''s last Doll? The broken one that was stuck in her old Spire?"

    I wince at how much I told him. How he might...

    "You let the Matron of Dollcraft back into this place?" His expression goes hard again. "What did her... services cost, Elevar?"

    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

    "Nothing!" I exclaim. "I didn''t... I found another way. And... and got cured of the Soul Rot the day after."

    Adaline steps forward, understanding the part that Schatzi prepared for her. "My Mistress freed me. You may not be aware, but before my... conversion, I was considered a prodigy in the Witch Arts, and I gave my Einwandfrei, the one that I spent years working on, to Wife Elevar. Because I knew something none of you conceited Groveborn Witches did. The Soul Rot is just Moonwaste in the water supply. With proper application of alchemy and a single day of surgery, it can be removed from the body entirely."

    Adaline puts a hand on the table and leans in at him. "Now. Take the hook out of the table and sit down, or you''ll learn first hand the horrors that Yselda built into this Frame."

    He glares, anger rising then¡­ pauses. Looks between us like he¡¯s waiting for something.

    But I remain silent, quirking a curious eyebrow to him.

    ¡°You never did let your Doll prattle on or interrupt. Were pretty cruel to others who did that too.¡± He murmurs after another few long heartbeats. ¡°Huh. Wonder if easily threatening a person is a Quirk of being a Combat woven piece. Either way..." He glances between the weapon and Adaline. "Your Mistress is lucky I came alone, Doll, else others would pull this hook out and see what the tides bring for mouthing-off to a Thresher."

    Verbess cracks free again, and sets Quills to thrumming a tune of not quiet or silent warning. Talons already gripping the table as legs brace for a leap it only just won''t do unless I command it.

    "Yselda designed me to take down Thresher Squads. Alone. Do not Test me, Boy. I have a name, even if you are too cowardly to have one of your own."

    I sigh, but don''t hold back my smirk for all to see. "My gerls are so very terrible at listening. But... She does have a point..." I lean forward to rest elbows on the table in a relaxed but interested pose. Letting Verbess and Adalines'' looming fury speak my answer to his petty threat. "What are you doing here? Alone. No Cadre or Muppets or... well you''re armed for a fight but with the knowledge that even just my Verbess could defend me."

    "Came to offer you a choice." He huffs then returns those knuckles to the table. "The one I should have had the courage to demand the last time we spoke."

    "Oh?" I tilt my head, riven betwixt curiosity and truly annoyed mirth as what I expect this fool boy to say next.

    "Surrender to my Cadre. If you give us access to this place we can turn its resource back to where it should have always been." He states like it''s just... the most reasonable demand to be made of me. "Protecting the Groves. Keeping monsters like Yselda from ever getting power again. And if your cure for the Soul Rot is real? Even more so."

    And... We can''t help but cackle at that. "Are you joking? Cracked? Or just a Half-Knit fool trying to soothe the guilt for those you''ve hooked and drowned? Even at my lowest I''d never willingly give Threshers access to my mentor''s research, much less this place. You really thought you could convince me of this?"

    His glare deepens. "Are you really so stupid as to compare us to her? To you? We have some rotten sorts carrying the title, yes, but we keep the Denizens back. Actually try to hunt Witches like you and Yselda before they can start feasting on Mundanes."

    "And where has that got us..." We murmur softly, more to ourselves. Then turn back up to smile so sweetly. "So... what''s option two? I hope it''s more well thought out than your first offer."

    Xafra stands at that, still silent, motionless, but¡­ through our bond I can feel her rage and wrath coiling.

    "Then I pull out this hook," He gestures to the tool. "Go back to my Cadre, and tell them everything. About you, us, and all the things you shared with me. No more secrets. No more lies. They can drown me if they want, but... Yselda''s not around to keep you safe anymore." He grimaces at his next words. "They''ll break every Doll here, I''d guess. And I... I hate that. Would try to talk them out of it. But... a handful of sweet girls are worth what we could gain from this place. Can''t risk you or Yselda laying traps in them and hurting or killing someone."

    Our grin is so cruel when he looks back up to me. "And... What makes you think I''d let you leave after leveling a threat like that?"

    He chuckles, "Honestly? I didn''t. But... it sure does make me feel better about what I left my Captain to read if I don''t come back."

    Our grin cracks, falls into a glare. "What?"

    "Oh you idiot. You absolute fool.¡± Xafra growls as her Quills begin a deep thrum. ¡°Mistress, I will defer to you in this manner, but I''m currently thinking that the Pack should go on a hunting trip. Because this pathetic boy did the one thing he should have avoided. He threatened my Dolls."

    "Wait... Her Do-" He begins to say.

    But no one''s interested in listening to this stupid Half-Knit prattle on anymore.

    "Disarm, Capture, and Detain." We sigh to the Pack, reaching up to rub at the bridge of our nose while rising. "If you please."

    Adaline lashes out with a Quill she rips from her scalp, nearly faster than I can see piercing his hand and... It carries a weave, the one that I had thought was still only theoretical, the one that in short order seals his Physis and Ousia into a collar that forms around his neck.

    He sputters out weaving words, which avail him nothing, and jerks the hook free and tries next to push working through that.

    Which also fails.

    Schatzi shakes her head while moving around the table. Gently pulls the hook from his grip like a parent would an unruly child''s toy, handing it to Xafra before securing his arms behind his back with her own.

    "The most absurd thing is that you thought the Chains would be able to take over the Estate instead of getting devoured by it. Actually, no, the most absurd thing is thinking that slavers like you are morally better than my Mistress. At least she recognizes that she was a monster." Xafra states, holding the hook with revulsion.

    He begins to sputter some nonsense. But I''m around the table and jerking him by the chin to meet my gaze. "I''m going to give you a very simple choice."

    "Magic." He hisses. "You''ve made a Doll with magic!?! An Einwandfrei? Are you totally CRACKED?"

    "Yes." We spit, "But we''re losing time. You are either going to tell us everything about this message you left to you Cadre and make Cracked and Riven sure we think you''re telling the truth, or I am going to break you in one of three ways and make you tell us."

    "I¡­ You can¡¯t really mean to¨C" He sputters.

    "Waste another word and the choice will be made for you."

    He flinches, then shakes his head.

    "Fine." I growl and release him, then turn to the Pack. "Take him onto the grounds."

    Adaline wobbles a bit and Xafra steadies her, taking her hand as Schatzi gives way to Verbess who carries him back down the Root Way to the Estate.

    <Well done.> Lynette murmurs to the Pack over the bond who welcome such things. <Expected the lot of you to just... pounce like a gaggle of Graklers on a carcass. But that was brilliantly woven and struck.>

    I step over to Adaline, and ask. "But... losing a Quill seems an expensive cost. Are you alright?"

    "I can reattach it with a bit of assistance. Miss Elevar, it hurt a lot more than this one expected." Adaline admits, picking the Quill back up.

    "That seems likely, I would not have even considered doing something like that." Xafra agrees.

    "This Witch is too clever by half." I let Lynette murmur through my smirking lips while we pull away. Then I intone to Xafra. {How... long would it take you to Resheath someone? And... will Fleshcrafting in their past be a problem?}

    [The longest it has taken me was sixteen hours, for a very significant difference, most are one to two hours. I don''t expect prior Fleshcrafting to be an issue at all.] She answers with an unexpected amount of trepidation.

    <Elevar...> Lynette intones her warning to both me and Xafra. <Krahe was a fool, but an honest one. This Half-Knit threatened us all. And even all his nonsense serves to do is gather our enemies in one spot, people you want to save will die. And Dolls will be woven to take their place.>

    {I know.}

    <I''m going to Dollify him.> She states bluntly, still to both Xafra and me. <And whether you mean to Garrote him before, during, or after is immaterial to that.>

    {Only if he agrees.}

    She pauses, and I feel her normal hissing rebuke soften, turn thoughtful. <I''ll follow your lead then. Stupid Half-Knit.>

    [Wha... I don''t understand. I... My Mate, don''t make me... please.] Xafra''s trepidation grows to distress, provoking a hiss of concern from Adaline.

    I move to stand in front of her and take up her hand. Kiss it and murmur softly. "Sh. Shh. Shh. Shh... Sorry, plans are getting ahead of me. I''d never ask you to do something wretched here. But I... If this fool boy tells us what we want to know. Quickly, and without lies, would you finish what I only was able to give him part of? The body he always needed? I''d do it myself but... I''ve not Fleshcrafted well in nearly a decade, and it would take so much longer than what you can do."

    "Oh. Yes. Of course. Thank you Mistress." Xafra calms and responds with hope.

    I turn to lead us after Verbess. Instructing them to bring him to kneel outside my Spire. Giving him a wonderful view of the grounds.

    "I don''t want to Garrote you." I start, standing over him. "Really, truly, I don''t. That wasn''t a lie. But..." Then I kneel. "I won''t let your stupidity hurt them."

    He eyes the grounds, eyes still able to recognize Ousia and Physis and see the lack of bindings upon some Dolls walking about. "This... you freed them? Got the Garrote off without breaking them?"

    "Not me, but yes. We''re keeping them safe here. Each has a name, and... and a family. Technically a Mistress but... she understands something we were never taught. The weight of surrendering oneself to another. And that burden sits around her neck like the stone collars Threshers like to put on troublesome captives. But she bears it well. Gets stronger every Cracked and Riven day. And still seeks to free more rather than simply settle and live well."

    He shakes his head. "That... But..." Then looks to Xafra. "What is she? Some Doll? Or a monster dredged up from the depths of this place?"

    "I''m the reason Threshers exist." Xafra laughs. "Mistress, may I change into something more... appropriate?"

    "You may take any form and attire you want, my love." I smile at her over my shoulder.

    She walks into my Spire, and back out a few heartbeats later in her Warlord form, chest wrap and trousers, having exchanged the servant robes she was wearing for the clothing stashed inside the entrance. "Much better for this sort of business."

    His eyes go wide. "I... A Warlord? And a Doll? You... but..."

    I touch a hand to sputtering lips. "She can share her nature with you later if she wants, but for now... I need you to listen. Our world is so very broken. You know this. We... Your words and dedication to trying to make it better literally pushed me to find and help people I hurt. I would have left my victims to rot if not for you. And just when I thought I could do no more, I found her. And she''s going to change the world for the better."

    He swallows. Looks between us and the grounds. "How?"

    "Lots of ways. But she''s started here. And the only reason I''ve not Garroted you out of sheer frustration and fury... is because she sees me as something I am not." I''m whispering by the end. "Xafra''s made her own mistakes, but... I''m trying very hard to make sure loving me isn''t one of them. And the thought of her seeing me Garrote and drag answers from you will... will... it''ll ruin me. Not forever. But I have delicate things to attend to and I can''t be off-balance. Dear Ones I need to help free and heal."

    "More Dolls?"

    I smile gently. "Does it matter?"

    He looks away. Over the Estate, then back to us.

    As we talk, Xafra suddenly leaps up and backwards catching Calix as he falls from some sort of contraption he decided to launch from the balcony of Xafra''s Spire.

    "Wow! That was terrible!" He exclaims joyfully.

    "Calix... Please be careful. You don''t even have any sort of landing zone set up." Xafra begs as she sets him down and brushes off the leaves and twigs from his newest project.

    I sigh and push down my fury. Wanting so much to... No. He''s a sweetheart. My anger is for the stupid Half-Knit who would threaten him and...

    "Who..." I turn back to find this Thresher staring at Xafra''s fool of a Doll. "I... what? Why did... Did you just fall from the sky?"

    Calix rushes over to where he kneels and sits on the ground in front of him. "This one is Calix, he wanted to see if he could fly with a simple Frame of leaves and twigs. Thankfully it didn''t work, which means more experimentation." He leans in like he''s sharing a secret, "This one waited until the Mistress was below so she would catch him."

    "I... Why are you trying to fly?" The Thresher asks carefully, reeling a bit, but... otherwise seeming quite honest with that question.

    "Sounded like fun. This one could ask Mistress Xafra to Resheath him but it doesn''t seem like wings are part of this one''s ideal self, you know?" Calix answers, happy to chat with the first man he''s seen in over a decade.

    "That''s... Your Frame seems incredible without them. Yes. But... Resheath. Is that like some kind of... odd Fleshcrafting?" The Thresher shakes his head, probably taken aback by the idea of a Doll being allowed to just... do things they want to do. Much less the other bits Calix has blundered into sharing. Was... not wanting to make them part of the offer. But... Why?

    <Worked for us, and this will make them both so very happy. I think.> Lynette murmurs. <Let this marvelous boy entice this miserable Thresher into better things.>

    "Oh! No, Mistress Xafra is suuuuper old, like before the moon broke old, and she can do this thing with muuud and reagents and a healing salve where you climb in and she does the wooosh with her Physis and says the wibbly words and then you get out a few hours later with a body that matches what your soul says it should look like. Adaline got that a few days ago and now she has tusks which are really cute, and more eyes, and the Quills." Calix gesticulates wildly as he talks, getting really excited.

    Adaline responds by throwing a small clump of dirt at Calix as she blushes.

    Calix in turn, immediately puts it in his mouth and swallows.

    I expect this Thresher to balk or refute or deny Calix''s every word. But... he doesn''t. Only seems to sit up straighter and lean close and absorb all this. Even catch a smile touch his lips as Calix gobbles down the dirt.

    "Mud? Dirt magic to... to remake Dolls?" He whispers, eyes dancing over the man sitting before him.

    "Mhm." I smirk and lean back. "And... Xafra seems pretty confident it''ll work on people. Needs willing subjects though. People who have an ideal self they''d like to have without needing to go through Dollification."

    He goes quiet, looking down before eventually murmuring. "It seems too cracked to be real, but... Even if everything you''re saying is true I can''t just... betray them. My Cadre."

    "Then let me make this simple." I interject. "I''m going to see what I started years ago on you finished. If you tell us everything we need you can pick how you want that to go. Dollification, Resheathing, or... well if you''re willing to wait I''ll be attempting to master Fleshcrafting. Otherwise... well... I get to pick. Either way you''re not going to be a Thresher when the Suns stop weeping."

    The Thresher looks between me and Xafra. "I... If I tell you. Will you promise to not kill them? My Cadre? The letter is in a place that if you''re careful you could take it without needing to."

    "I am willing to promise to do my best to avoid killing or harming them in any way. Yet. But I will not suffer a Chain to continue existing in the future, so they will either have to submit or die when it comes to that." Xafra offers.

    He goes quiet for a while, taking slow breaths as his mind races. I''m about to prompt an answer when he nods. "Alright. Alright. I... It''s the best I can do. Least amount of people hurt. Even if you''re lying to me. Which I have good reason to believe you''re not."

    The town he gives us is close, thank the dead and rotting hag, half-way between us and Salzige. His Cadre of six is working out of an inn they claimed about a year ago. His bunk is on the Root level, and it''ll be two weeks before they''ll consider checking over his belongings and stumbling across the note left among them. Which would then need to be carried all the way to one of the main Thresher Burrows.

    We have time. More than I''d feared to dream for.

    "Thank you." I sigh and rise. "Cracked and Riven Moon. So... Did you have a preference or did you need to sleep on it? All but the Fleshcrafting can be done today."

    He blinks. "I... You''re not going to wait until you have the letter to offer?"

    "If you''re lying, I can punish you aptly then. And if someone gets hurt because of said lie..." I give him a pointed look. "I''d be more than happy to feed you to this Estate and let you discover what it thinks you should be."

    It''s a lie, of course. And I let Xafra feel that through our bond. How much I hate to threaten even that, though. I''d only Dollify him, which would probably leave him much like what his Resheathed form would look like.

    But from his nod I know he believes me, and that his words are probably true. "Understood. Um... Resheathing sounds the best option. Less... less me lost?" And he looks to Calix in a searching manner.

    Calix nods "Mmhm! It doesn''t change what''s in your head at all actually. Mistress Xafra said it was used for people like... you?" He trails off confused. Then simply stands up and walks away.

    "Blind Oracles. It''ll probably be a few hours at least before he works his way out of this one." Xafra mutters bitterly.

    "I... like what?" The man at our feet asks. "Is... Did I say something wrong? Hurt him?"

    "He means... I don''t know if your language has a polite word for Half-Knits, but we called them Resheathed. And no, you didn''t do anything, he hit a mental snag. we''re doing our best, but Calix was Yselda''s oldest Doll from what we''ve been able to learn and she used him specifically for testing new variations of Garrote and other unsavory weaves."

    The man winces, nods. "It doesn''t, unfortunately. Not that I''ve come across, anyway. If there is anything I can do to help him please let me know."

    "Be kind and honest with him. He uhhm¡­ shared a lot more with you than I expected or would have been willing to myself. I''m going to go get the Ritual prepared... Glad I didn''t have to kill you. Mistress Elevar hasn''t mentioned many friends from her past." Xafra says bluntly before heading to her Spire.

    [That... could have been worse?] She intones to me.

    {Much.} I reply. {You all handled that perfectly. Thank you. And... Apologies. I did not expect this, of all my past mistakes, to come to our home with pitch and torch. He was always a fool, but not a spiteful one. Just... Latched onto his home''s view of Threshers and didn''t see their rot until he had too many friends to consider leaving or burning it away.}

    [Heh. He brings back old memories of that fool Namtar, and it''s hard not to start yelling at him to notice what is going on around him]

    [I''m glad we were able to avoid harming him. He was always nice to us. also Adaline says, ¡®That better show Lynette why I''m amazing¡¯] Schatzi adds

    <Tell her I found it delightful, but¡­> Lynette giggles. <Next time I expect there to be no Quill cost, half the casting time, and let¡¯s say¡­ thrice the targets. And a name to the spell, of course. Once she starts using that in earnest I want them to know the name of the Einwandfrei and the gerl who wove it.>

    Then I turn to him, offer a hand. "Despite your stupid plan and worse manners... It''s good to see you well."

    He takes my hand and rises. "S¨C same. You... you seem better than ever. Did you really find a cure? For the Soul Rot?"

    "No. That was Xafra''s doing." I nod, step past him. "C''mon. You can stay in my Spire for now."

    He follows, and I lead him up to a spare bedroom. Give him prompt and simple rules. Be kind, ask before entering new places, and do not attempt to hurt anyone else on these grounds. Tell him that he is, for now, a guest. The more kindness he shows the more trust he will be given. I don''t have the energy or will to threaten him anymore, and am happy to let his imagination do that for me.

    I settle into my desk and murmur back to Schatzi and Xafra. {Me too, Schatzi. If anything... well... I think we might have saved his life a bit today. I could sense that he''s not interrupted the Fleshcrafting I did but... nor has he encouraged it. Cultivated the changes or explored the Art. Calix seems to find him a fascinating sort. Hopefully they''ll get along. He... I don''t recall him taking my cutting off our relationship very well.}

    [I hope so as well.] Xafra responds after a few moments. [I''ve brought the basin downstairs to one of the side rooms, and it is ready for him.]

    {Wonderful, thank you. I''ll bring him over.} I intone back. Then rise to go find him sitting on the edge of the bed. Lost in thought.

    "Alright. She''s ready. Let''s see you put a little more together." I murmur softly, take up his wrist, and lead him.

    We don''t talk for the walk over and it''s not until we''re outside the room Xafra''s prepared that I speak. "So, One last thing."

    He nods carefully. "Yes?"

    "When you leave the basin, you are no longer a Thresher. But, before you return to my Spire, I expect you to have a proper name. Ask Xafra, one of her gerls, or... well if Calix deems you worthy of his considerations again, if nothing comes to mind. They are quite apt at this sort of thing. Understood?"

    He purses his lips, "I... okay."

    "Wonderful. Be good. And congratulations." Then I turn, and begin to leave him.

    But as I walk away, I hear the unsettling voice of Augusta greeting him, "Good morning Mr. Chain. I am looking forward to having you as a patient soon.¡±

    I glance just as he steps in and her eyes find mine. ¡°You as well, Matrons Elevar and Lynette," before the door closes firmly on me.

    That¡­ Is such an odd Doll. I muse as I leave.

    Lynette only murmurs as I''ve settled back into my study and pulled the needle free to consider. <Let''s crack this then.>

    "Yes. Let''s." I whisper, and plunge back into this troublesome lock laid over the gemstone enchased Archive.

    Thousands and thousands of heartbeats pass in what feels like a few dozen. Our everything bent toward finding the proper Ousia patterns to match the inlaid designs and fully link my Little Archive to this. It was an odd quirk of the late Blossom to keep an external Archive when her personal one and the Estate''s sit ready for use but... not unwise.

    If I was clever I''d have done the same.

    Then I wouldn''t have lost a lifetime of Tomes, research, maps, records of my Einwandfrei, and worst still... journals. Fifty Cracked and Riven full things on... on everything within my life. Not just a petty and cruel gerl''s muses either, but... but notes on my Doll and... and foolish Dreams on what Fleshcrafting could do if I had access to more Ousia. Schema of flesh and bone from both before, during, and after my time under my teacher. Things I... I wanted so desperately to share with Xafra to see if she could help me explore.

    Gone within minutes of Sikkina entering my Little Archive. All of it. Not a scrap left.

    That almost ruined me. Had to ignore thinking about it amidst all the other demands of the aftermath of that. But... Then Lynette demanded I gift her and us the Old Cunt''s needle, and such hope sparked in my chest as I dredged up a memory of the days after first being Garroted. Of... of being commanded to copy everything within my Archive into these gemstones.

    So¡­ Now we work. Letting the suns weeping taunt us as we constantly find the lock just¡­ a touch misaligned. A moment from being correct. Just¡­ a whisper from¡­

    It¡¯s well into the night when, with a crack of violet sparks, the gemstones light up and we sense our Little Archive Knit itself into the gemstones.

    {I¡­ We did it!?!} I sputter.

    <Wonderful. Excellent.> Lynette purrs. <Now. Let''s explore the stacks within.>

    Such a wave of relief and energy joins with my working of Endurance as I feel myself slip into a full focus on the Archive within these stones.

    So much. A stupid amount. Enough to make me a little embarrassed at what I recall my own holding.

    <Yselda had thrice our age to gather this, and probably stole from her mentor¡¯s work.> Lynette smirks while pulling us along. <Come. Let¡¯s find our section and then put you to bed.>

    {I¡¯m not sure I¡¯ll be able to sleep.} I giggle, openly letting my excitement leak over to her.

    We peruse for¡­ a long time. Or maybe no time. Depends on how quickly our mind imbibes this all and¡­ and¡­

    It¡¯s¡­ We can¡¯t find my journals.

    <I¡­ You¡¯re sure she took everything?> Lynette asks carefully.

    {Yes. Of course! She did a full absorption.} I huff and begin to reconsider everything from the start again. Not able to absorb it all like Xafra might but¡­ at least check the titles and identifying markings.

    Lynette helps but¡­

    Still can¡¯t find them. Only a few Tomes from my collection but¡­ even they don¡¯t seem perfect.

    <Could be hidden or buried. You know how she was. A messy Artist to her bones.>

    {Yes. But¡­ I need to find them before I¡¯ll be able to rest.}

    <Alright. Let¡¯s¡­ this should be the easy part.>

    Still nothing, even after half the night passes.

    With a huff I finally whisper {I should check HER records. She¡­ she would have made an entry about it.}

    Lynette purses her lips at that. <Is that a good idea?>

    {It¡¯s all I have.} I move to the section containing Yselda¡¯s personal journals. Consider them like I¡¯d run fingers along the bindings sticking out from a bookshelf. {In and out. Just¡­ find the date, brace through the words, let you lead us to them if I¡­ fall apart.}

    Lynette pauses. <Should we get Xafra for this?>

    {What? No. Of course not. This is our promise, to them and each other. And¡­ and It¡¯s not like I mean to read more than I have to.}

    She doesn¡¯t agree, but nor does she stop me as I begin checking the dates. It¡¯s¡­ easier than it should be. To find the exact day she copied my Archive into these gemstones.

    Early enough in my own Garroting that time still made some measure of sense. Not even five days in and she was already devoid of hesitations and preparing me for the Dollification process.

 Chapter 63: The Seraph Rises (Doll)

    The Seraph Rises (Doll)

    Content Warnings:

    Talk of worry about Sexually assaulting a lover who was having their mind manipulated at the time. almost sex that is interupted. Mentally locking a headmate away from talking to others. Harming self a bit through wanting to burn down/crack a Spire. Wriggles.

    The Seraph checked her reserves once more. Her manna was full, Liquid affection just over half, and plush overshield maxed out with all four of them strapped to her hips under the gleaming silver and white trench coat. With a heavy heart, The Seraph looked up at the Moon shards and whispered, ¡°Today, Dark Lord Snurgle, the Eternal Conflict ends.¡± Just as she was about to climb into The Seraphwing, four, no five, yeah five Depression Spirits attacked, their crystalline bodies creaking with unfulfilled dreams.

    ¡°You should give up, The Seraph!¡± the Depression Spirits screeched, the voice of Dark Lord Snurgle coming from their bodies, ¡°You don''t even have a basic appreciation for Grammar, how can you ever hope to overcome the limits of Biology!¡±

    The Seraph staggered back, knowing Dark Lord Snurgle had a point, but she was not defeated, no, She aimed her left hand at the closest of the Depression Spirits and chanted the words of power handed up to her from the Dirt that cradled her as a child, ¡°Get Appreciated, get absolutely Cherished, Loser.¡±

    The Liquid affection launched out from the palm of her hand and melted the first one down, revealing a scared little boy.

    ¡°It''s okay,¡± The Seraph told him, ¡°Together we can do anything. Even rewrite reality.¡±

    As the boy hugged The Seraph, her Liquid affection was refilled, ready to take on the other Depression Spirits, and Then, her Arch Nemesis!

    ** ** **

    I lean back from the desk, carefully looking over the story in progress, then hide it away in one of the hollow books I''ve set up on the shelf in Xafras room before turning back to the bed where Verbess and Xafra enticingly lay sleeping.

    Aaaaaa, it''s absurd how aroused I am. How''s a Doll supposed to behave when there''s naked cuties in the bed!

    I can''t help the surge of longing and desire that thrums through my Quills... or the feeling of embarrassment when I see both of them rouse to the sound.

    Without even adjusting its Frame, Verbess'' much longer Quills twitch and thrum in curiosity, then still a touch. Adjusting what was a soft thrum of the resting to a... not a question. Quill-Song may be its second language, technically, I think, but it is always more comfortable to use it for communicating with pretty much everyone. Even when it knows only the Pack can fully hope to understand what it is expressing.

    And this is... it''s almost more of a... assessment? It feels my frustrations but... also my hesitations, even if it doesn''t know the whys of them. Is laying out an empty Song of reflection to help me think through it from another perspective if I want. And all that done in about two heartbeats, quick ones too.

    I embrace the Song to work through this hangup, letting my words flow freely, "This one has a sister, from before, a twin, to be more precise. Didn''t really get along with her. Mostly because of this one''s jealousy, but this one still cares about her. And... It seems wrong to sleep with one''s sister?" As the words leave me, I feel gross, rude, like I''ve crossed a line and ruined something. I turn and head for the balcony, to run away like I always do.

    But... without the stilling of my Quills its song still echoes through me. One of... not apology. There is no shame here, and it presses that truth into the tittering. Alongside an offering of... clarification? And more acceptance and understanding than this one finds from even its own mind. The song seems now to be delicate threads tied like promise strings about our fingers. I could break them, of course, easily, and it would be waiting to retie them again next time this bothers me and I''d like to figure it out.

    And... Enough of the foundations of its Reflective Melody is just... There. Song wrapped about my emotions and fears and desires before I took a single step away. Gifting me its Assessment on the Discord of words but also... concepts. Ideas. Purpose. The differences between the old Pack and the new that even it is enjoying but also still trying to figure out. Language drift and meanings over the years. How it doesn''t want my Discord on this to be a source of shame. How glad it is that my song has been added to the Resonant Chorus.

    "You''re so adorable when you say stupid things, Adaline. When the Pack says Sister or sibling in regards to eachother, they refer to those they''re soulbonded to, not related by blood. It''s different. Thank you for sharing your concerns though." Xafra laughs as she stretches out over Verbess'' chest.

    Oh. That makes a lot of sense! I blush, dropping the robe I''m wearing to the floor, and stalk back over to the bed before leaping onto Xafra with teeth and claws as my Quills sing of desire and a wish to surrender to the Pack.

    As Xafra grabs me and flips me, Verbess'' Quills sing a different song, one that I recognize from when Mistress joined the Pack and drowned my mind in it. And... I want this, to be subsumed fully into them, and feel the Harmony they offer.

    I thrum my desire, my acceptance for whatever they wish, sinking my tusks into Xafra''s arm with glee.

    With my response, the resonance changes and I''m being pinned to the bed, and working my way down to between my legs and pinning myself to the bed for a moment I''m afraid again, that I''m broken, but no, we''re here and we''re safe, spread across three Frames flush with desire for Us.

    "Good Girl, there we go" we murmur from Xafra''s lips as that Frame lowers onto ours, tongue gliding over tongue as it works its way down this Frame''s throat.

    There''s a part of us, of me, of Adaline, underneath that knows intuitively that Mistress'' Frame is weaker, fragile, easily shattered if I choose to resist, that she is choosing to be vulnerable in this moment, as vulnerable as I feel, and I understand in some small part her nature, she''s more than just a person, more than just my mistress, more than just my pack lead, she''s a fantasy somehow surviving the harsh coldness of reality, a flame that refuses to go out and instead grows brighter as she offers warmth to¡ª

    O-oh! Another Frame of ours is delicately teasing at hips and thighs with impossibly sharp fangs. From the mouth of Verbess'' Frame amidst a cackle of hunger, a trio of tongues glide free. Two wrap about Talon-pinned knees while our central one begins to graze across the sensitive Dollflesh of our pinned Frame.

    The Harmony lessens, We fades back into me, and Xafra slowly pulls her tongue from my mouth. "Is this still good? Want to make sure you''re comfortable with proceeding." She murmurs with such care.

    "Yes, Mistress." I whisper back before I bite at her collarbone, feeling it give way under my teeth.

    Gasp in delight, pleasure flooding us as tongues explore areas part of us didn''t know existed, possessive growls feeding into moans as we rise higher and higher, to a height I''ve only ever reached with Elevar. Elevar... Elevar.

    The Fantasy dies, the dream ends, and all that remains is me, the monster, the vile disgusting filth, being pleasured by Pack mates I don''t deserve, who deserve so much better than me. I still, laying motionless, waiting for them to... Do something. Anything. Whatever it takes to balance my scales. To make it right for the woman I had the audacity to call my wife.

    Xafra moves immediately, letting go of me and slipping to one side, close but no longer touching.

    Verbess does the same, in a whip crack of motion suddenly folded up and back but... close. Quills thrumming in confusion at this as it tries to wrap a song around us all. But of course in a heartbeat it understands what I did.

    But then... a Counter Melody plays out. A soft thing where I expect ravenous hate for the one who used and hurt its Mistress and...

    Clarity. It would not have let Elevar return to Yselda''s Spire if that were the case. If I understood what the Garrote about her was and still lay with her it wouldn''t have let her near me again. How it... It doesn''t believe that I''m...

    "Mistress was..." Verbess whispers gently, almost... pained by how it needs the messy nature of words. "Clear, in this. Explained how the Old Teacher''s Einwandfrei worked. How even Threshers could barely recognise the cousin to their Hooked Garrotes. You were... selected because Yselda knew you would not understand what she wrapped about Mistress, and then asked to care for her so you''d remain away from the tests involving the Garrote on your eventual Frame. Mistress recalls three times the Old Teacher commanded she... ensure you were too distracted to wander away. Those were not days you and her were intimate in this way. But her love for you was, and is, born of her own will. She... has reasons for remaining distant from you, but this is not one of them. Mistress spent many years tearing at herself in guilt over your affections for her, because she could not tell you everything. Could not warn you. Feels you didn''t fall in love with her but... what Yselda broke her into becoming. You are a victim in this, same as she and neither of you bear blame for what was done to you, or to the other."

    "I''m sorry. I''m so so sorry. I should have... We... never talked about it. Even when she... When she hurt me, she never said anything about it." I find the words slowly with great difficulty, as these two patiently accept me for who and what I am.

    Its tune goes even softer as its Frame cracks and shifts to be smaller, gentler, less imposing. Quill-Song a thing of... not forgiveness. It accepts my words only in the same way its Frame seems to breathe. It does not need air, or my apologies but finds Good Function in how the act helps it settle others where stillness or rejection would unnerve.

    Then a little click in the tune and...

    Not your fault, Its Quills radiate so easily and naturally this song of its perceptions on... On all of this, on me, on how it understands that Elevar has spent over a Decade trying to heal, where I''ve only just been allowed to start. How Elevar is nothing but relieved to see me recovering and finding comfort and safety and confidence that took her years to begin to feel. And... how it''s view on me has shifted since becoming a Pack Sister, but hasn''t changed how it regards the past. I was more than innocent, I was the reason Elevar survived. She... She didn''t know if she would survive the Garrote''s removal, but wanted so desperately to get the Blasenplage finished, not for herself... But for me.

    "Why do you think she called you her Blue Butterfly?" It murmurs gently in word and Song.

    "Oh. This one..." The revelations suprise me and shock me out of my melancholy as I find a blush creeping up my face. "This one always believed that you were calling her Special Doll out of spite, an insult because you were her only Doll. Still are, in regards to bound Frames... This one is such a fool, but so very lucky to have been accepted by you. By all of you." I reach out with both arms and Quill song to Xafra, Verbess, Schatzi, Warden, and Krahe, all of our Pack, ever present in my mind, and embrace them with my everything.

    "Our fool." Xafra laughs softly, "I think after you give yourself some time, you should talk about this with Elevar, clear the air. Because, my little seraph, it''s obvious that you''re both still in love."

    I find myself nodding along until my mind catches up and, "WHAT, NO, YOU CAN''T JUST, AAAAAAAAAA" I shriek while unable to stop from joining in the laughter.

    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    ¡°Her name is The Seraph, the The is important, it''s like a mantle, you know?" I giggle.

    "Fair enough... Perhaps we can spend time together in a different way?" Our Pack lead suggests.

    Verbess moves to crawl and curl up behind me. Like many times before kind of... smushing me between itself and Xafra''s Quill-Song while the Pack considers things.

    ¡°Hmmm... The Pack before was kinda kept back from anything our Mistresses or Masters didn''t see as Good Function.¡± Xafra manifests a Physis imaging of Krahe and she offers. ¡°So... we kinda came up with lots of weird like... Quill-Song games when not hunting. Or... well, after a good hunt they''d let us race about and such. Shed the excess Fury. But this one isn''t sure Adaline''s Frame could keep up, Pack Lead. And there isn''t much Fury to burn off inside this Frame either way.¡±

    Xafra cackles and makes a weird gesture with her nails which starts Schatzi giggling over the Pack bond. "Krahe, I was more thinking it would be a good group exercise to start crafting your Frame. Adaline can show you and Schatzi how to use Physis weaves to carve while Verbess does it manually, and Warden coordinates with your desired appearance."

    "Oh oh oh. Adaline, can this one paint your nails first? I haven''t had a good opportunity to paint Mistress'' recently and I really want to paint someone''s and yours would look cute with purple!" Schatzi''s voice comes from behind me happily.

    ¡°OH! Bitch Tits. Yeah. Okay. Okayokayokay¡­¡± Krahe sputters in delight.

    "Yes, Schatzi, I''d love if you''d paint my nails, and Speaking of tits, we should probably get dressed... I''m sorry for ruining this. It was really good and I want to try it again soon if you''re both willing and um with your preferred parts included." I say, feeling a bit embarrassed but not even slightly ashamed anymore.

    Verbess thrums nothing but acceptance, agreements, and hunger for that. But with such easy patience knitting through its Frame and mind.

    **   **   **

    An hour, and an honestly lovely coat of purple on my nails, later, we''re in the Storage Spire hauling out anything that looks like it could be useful or at least fun for Krahe''s Frame.

    ¡°The core needs to be solid¡± Krahe is intoning to anyone and no one. ¡°But... This one needs it to be a lighter wood. Its Frame wasn''t the fastest but that''s just because the first Pack Sister''s got the better parts and... Huh. Do we have a good substitute for the wood they used in us?¡±

    ¡°Assessing... Pri¡ª Correction, Miss Lynette can interface with the Estate to modify available wood to desired specifications after sculpting.¡± Warden offers.

    ¡°I... Oh okay. That''s spooky.¡± Krahe murmurs. ¡°Not you Warden, you''re sweet. Thanks for letting me know. I''ll eh... get Pack Lead Xafra to ask her about that.¡±

    ¡°Affirmative. Warden agrees that it is... spooky¡±

    ¡°They never like... So this one never really remembers considering its Frame beyond Good Function.¡± Krahe considers. ¡°Like... the flesh body was shifting to match the girl this one was but, it was slow and stupid about it and the lady giving it the offer for the reforging made it seem that I''d be this pretty Frame just... made for fighting. Durable. Not really made to break after one fight like the previous designs. So... it guesses what this one is asking is if It should try to make it more like the combat side or like what I wanted my flesh to be. Can It choose both? Kinda like my Little Birds do? Or is it the mud bath anytime it needs to shift?¡±

    "With Frames that are already crafted, the mud bath is efficient because it shifts the frame to your ideal. If you want to be able to¡ª" Xafra stops in confusion, looking around uncertain before Warden does something and Xafra starts again, "Yes Warden, we can make krahe''s Frame able to swap modes like Schatzi and Verbess. Can even add more alterations piecemeal as desired."

    ¡°That... Wow. Okay. It... Yeah. Just like in the Dream. Or as close as we can get for the hunting shape. This one would love some help thinking about the um... the softer half. Like when Schatzi''s fronting in this Frame. This one remembers its old body okay enough but... If It can change more than It could before that would be really appreciated. Would love Schatzi and Adalines'' thoughts on the shapes and such.¡± Krahe intones almost shyly. ¡°This one... kinda got wrapped up in the Pack before getting to be a girl for more than like... a year. And even then it was kinda half and half with most people. Being a Gutter Bird and still mid-shifting threw a ton of people off. No idea where it would have ended.¡±

    "Yes! I''d be happy to help with that." I wiggle with excitement doing my best to mask the anxiety all of us feel at the garrote around my Mistress.

    ¡°Thanks, it... That means a lot. Actually.¡± Krahe radiates warm gratitude toward myself and Schatzi.

    As a Pack, a family, we work for the rest of the day, crafting each piece to exacting precision, planning and mapping out the topology and interconnections of the Frame, and assembling it, checking the fit, then disassembling it once more to be completed after the Estate does its thing with the wooden components. Even as the sky empties, we continue to work until I finally determine it''s time, and with the Packs support, head to Elevar so we can finally resolve this matter.

    I''m making my way to Elevar''s Spire, the pack returning to Xafra''s to wait for me, when a crack of thunder rips through the air much too early in the season. Xafra thrums through the bond that Lynette said something and we all split up, Elevar apparently not available over the Tether, and her Spire empty. We race from Spire to Spire, eventually meeting up where we find her, standing outside of Yselda''s Spire and it''s sealed shut, coated in vines. She''s... Wrong. She looks wrong and the Pack can all see it, her left hand blazing with a steady green glow, icy mist rising from her left shoulder, and distress plain in her posture.

    "A Bloody week, my Love. Can we not go a bloody week without something going mad!" I demand of her.

    She doesn''t look back at me, at any of us as she intones far far too gently for the rasp in her throat. "This feels the least mad thing I''ve done in a very long time, honestly... It''s a mess I should have attended to years ago." A pause, "You can all return to your or rest or... whatever it was you were considering. Sorry for causing a stir."

    It¡¯s then that I notice the ring Xafra gave her is the source of the green glow, and clutched in that same hand is Yselda''s needle. Dripping soft little dribbles of green tinted Ousia.

    "And Lynette?" Xafra asks quietly.

    "Years ago I was still stuck in there, I''ll remind you." I mention, following my Mistress'' lead.

    "You''d have... probably been as upset as Lynette is. But... would have recovered. Maybe even been able to live better." Elevar replies softly to us, then her voice turns... cold. Harsher than I''ve ever heard, as she seems to talk to herself more than either of us. "But unlike her, you get to choose, Lynette. Move, and this can be done cleanly. Or don''t... and this Estate loses another perfectly good Spire."

    "Mistress, please. What is occurring? let us bear witness if nothing else." Xafra drops to one knee, and I follow suit.

    She makes a sound, halfway between a sigh and a growl, then looks back. And... I see amidst the twisting scowl that she''s been crying. Probably worse. And her lack of sleep isn''t doing her any favors either. "Cracked and Riven Moon don''t kneel to me right now. Either of you. And... Unless you have Kinetic Laced Wards you really should be back in a Spire. If Lynette won''t let me burn Yselda''s library inside to ash then I''m going to use something that will drop this entire Moonshited thing to get to them."

    "The Pack serves you. And we worry. What did you find? or... Did you not find?" I ask, unmoving.

    "What I was too stupid to see. Of course." She glares, then looks away as the ring''s glow dims a bit. "The gemstones within this needle was her... Well... Most robust Archive. Separate from her own Little Trove or the Threads below. Storing her life''s collection in a safe place in case of infection or purging. I... None of that mattered to me. Save the books on Fleshcrafting for myself. All I wanted were my journals. Fifty Tomes I only ever stored in Physis that she copied into this needle''s gemstones five days or so after Garroting me. Things I..."

    She grinds her teeth to try and fight back glimmering messy tears that fall anew. "My Dreams. My life''s research on what Fleshcrafting could be if we had the Ousia for it. Designs and observations based on everything from Dolls to Wildlife to... to Sun-Scorched and Cracked Denizen dissection, even. Stolen straight from a Thresher''s Little Archive before Yselda Dollified her. All far far too expensive and just a dying woman''s impossible hopes but... But with Xafra here they could... They could have... Have been more. For me, and these Dolls, and others."

    Elevar gulps down a breath. "I searched for hours with Lynette thinking they were just... Hidden within. Buried or mislabeled. Yselda was messy and disorganized and I always loved that about her. But I eventually had to... To read her journals. To find out what... That... That she... She burned them. Erased every piece. Kept none. And not even because she thought them too painful to keep. But because she... I got to read how she... What she thought of me. At the end."

    The ring goes from nearly extinguished to blazing as she begins to quote words. "Stupid petty Half-Knit. Should have turned the gerl into a Doll the day she stumbled here. Was better as a toy than a Failed Floret. Embarrassed me with every step she took outside these walls. Only three Tomes worth keeping, and easily replaceable. Burning the rest. Such a disappointment. Honestly, her getting the Soul Rot is a boon to my plans. Her intimate knowledge of the Groves will be all I''ll need, save that gerl''s well-trained tongue."

    "She''s dead, undone by the same half-knit she thought so little of. So much for a matron if two of her victims could find a way to slip her noose in vastly different ways. So burn her journals, but her tomes? You would deprive us of the potential to weaponize them, harness them against the cracked system that permitted her to exist. That would be... justified. let me climb in first though, she weaponized me against you as well, and if you wish a clean break, it would only be right." I drip venom with each word my Quills twitching and shuddering. "Well. let''s get started then." I whisper as I walk to the base of the Spire and start clawing my way in.

    A hand catches my wrist after talons rake over this impossibly hard Spire, and I look back to find Elevar shaking her head, fighting back more tears as she ever so gently cradles the limb. "The only thing worth pulling and keeping from this wretched Spire is already free of it. Your Frame. And that''s only because of the gerl who wears it better than Yselda ever dreamed possible. Everything is... I don''t care how priceless or valuable or... or important it may seem. Because you''re right. Her Makellose Garrote was proven flawed, and her Fleshcrafting vile and tainted. What you and Xafra have woven prove that. A clean break is hollowing this Spire out with Plage or... or Rot or Cracked and Miscast worse if needed. I don''t... I don''t care how much you or Lynette believe otherwise or will hate me for doing this. How much she threatens or... or you demand this. I won''t let this place or what remains of her hurt anyone again. Not you, not Lynette, and... and not a single Doll on these grounds."

    I curl around her, gently embracing her, "You''re letting it hurt you. You matter. So much more than she ever did. look I... I don''t care about anything in this Spire. None of it is important to me, but I think it''s important to you. Can you please... Give it a few days. Think on it, fully? If you still feel the same, I''ll light the fire myself, use my Einwandfrei to pull the ink from the pages before we burn the lot so not even scraps remain. Just not yet, not when you''re this hurt. I don''t want you to have even more regrets, not when we''re finally making progress on a future where we can all be happy. Please." By the end I''m weeping, my Quills screaming with all the heartache and loss, the distance I feel between us even though she''s right here in my arms, my first love that I never could be worthy of.

    She clings to me, relaxing into my arms and reaching up to return my hold with her free hand. Shivering and needing to work so hard to recover her voice amidst her own echoing sobs. Ring now a blazing torch that radiates such a cold aura that even my Frame seems to feel.

    "I don''t want you to ever have to return to this place. Even to burn it. I... I know things are so much better now but..." She whispers. "But I''m so sorry I left you. That I didn''t have my gerls take me below to... to become this Estate''s Blossom and free you the night I killed her. Use its Chambers to try and... And... Fix your Frame. Or... Or... And..."

    "Dont worry about what could have been. we have eachother now, we have Xafra, I have a Pack, the kind of family I could have only dreamed of. We... We paid a heavy price, but we EARNED this happiness. All of us. And we''re not going to lose it. Especially not to a fight between you and your sister. And YES, LYNETTE IS YOUR SISTER. I''m pretty darn certain that''s how it works."

    "Please don''t call us Sisters." She... No, this is both of them, and that ring''s aura seems to lessen. "Not when we''re just starting to try to get along. You''ll spoil it worse than..."

    "...this stupid Half-Knit''s impulsive use of this spell." Lynette breaks off and continues through their lips. Then pauses, seeming surprised, then is growling. "OH, AM I ALLOWED TO TALK NOW?"

    Another pause, then Lynette''s replying to Elevar''s unspoken reply. "Fine. Half your apology accepted. Stupid cracked and riven Half-Knit. Share the Mondf?ule with me and walk away from this and I''ll start forgiving you. Now, stop smothering this bond so Xafra can make sure we don''t waste all our Ousia trying to smother the working."

    "Look, if I can have... Try to have... Okay, absolutely ruin a threesome with my Pack Sisters, you can both do more to consider each other in a similar way. Xafra said the pack uses the term to mean those that are soulbonded together, not just related by blood, and you share a body so. Be nice, please. Or I''ll cry more!" I whimper, feeling relief and so out of my depths in dealing with this.

    "Heh, I''m sorry to hear that. You deserve to fully enjoy your Pack''s rapt attentions without interruptions." Lynette pulls back to meet my gaze, but keeps right arm securely locked about me. "Thank the Empty Skies, you have more sense than most others here. Well done. Thank you. Cracked and Riven Moonshite. Now, would you mind terribly catching us?"

    An odd purr comes from the darker shadows of the Spire, I glance over to see that our Verbess has been... somehow waiting without alerting any of us to its presence. Quill song switching from a pitch of low prowling <Accessing...> to one of revealed considerations.

    "Was wondering why you weren''t attending your Mistress, Verbess." Lynette sighs as she also sees it.

    "This one was close." It murmurs, carefully moving from the shadows, eyes locked on their still glowing left hand. "Ready to act to keep its Mistress safe."

    I can tell from its melody that our approach was just... Harmonic. It didn''t feel the need to tell me anything because It Assessed that I or Xafra would just... be better at talking this down. While it seems to have... been puzzling out ways with Xafra to deal with any tangled spells Elevar tried to weave.

    Well... All except whatever is in her left hand. It... Its getting Warden''s help with that.

    "It was... Interrupted by the necessity to have a blunt conversation with Elevar once I was ready, actually the reason this one was looking for her when we found you. Wait¡­ Catching you?" I ask in confusion.

    Lynette pauses, then Elevar bubbles up. Tired and swaying as she forces out murmured words. "Been up and about too long, and this spell shredded my working of endurance. Sorry, that... That whatever this conversation is, interrupted that. You... I''ll keep awake. My body is just... The cold is the only thing keeping me on my feet right now. I think. I''m not sure. Everything feels numb." She glances back at Xafra, and Lynette rises to say. "I... really think I like your time''s other spells better than this one. Paying the Ousia cost at the end of a working is a stupid way to make a weaving. It''s a wonderful way to kill oneself and leave a Cursestorm brewing. Which we''re in no danger of but... I wish they''d been more clear about that tax."

    I gesture with my free hand and create an  invocation on the spot, "Dust, Ash, and Breath, Death enforcing life, scaffold the form to cradle the flesh." layering Physis along their body, creating an almost external skeletal layer to keep them upright.

    "That will allow you to walk under your own power back to your Spire if desired. This one can... Work with Mistress Xafra to craft an external storage for Ousia to keep that from happening... Just. Please. Let us speak after you both rest." I offer pleadingly.

    "The cost at the end was designed to prevent Cursestorms, they were for war, dear. It was expected that the user would die as the weaving collapses, leaving no Ousia to fuel such horrors." Xafra adds in a detached manner, still focused on her own tasks.

    "I honestly... Lynette''s right. I don''t want to walk under my own power." She chuckles, leaning back into me and pulling up her hand to focus on the hand gripping the needle and wearing the ring glowing ring. A pause, and... Gentler pop than before, and the ring snaps back to what it was. Her shoulder still seems to steam a bit though.

    "Stupid messy magic." She huffs as I feel her body buckle and sway a bit. "Why do I always make stupid and messy magic? You''d think a Half-Knit would... Would take more care with her Einwandfrei. Make something efficient and clean and possibly not wretched and horrid." She babbles, taking up my hand and beginning to move us over to Xafra. "Mayhaps something soft and kind. Spend our already limited life energy well. But no. That makes three weavings made to break Yselda and her things. One to break people, and one to... to link my Ousia to another. All messy. Most stupid." Then she pauses, seems to regard the hand still clutching the needle as it''s half raised to take Xafra''s. "Oh. Well that''s... An odd side effect." Then she sighs and instead hooks Xafra''s arm and pulls us both toward our Spires.

    "You have time. And a lot of life to make something kind. For example, I bet you''d get some delighted shrieks if you could craft a weave to have plush toys say things when held." Xafra jokes, and I start stammering about how important it is that Dark Lord Snurgle sounds properly imperious.

 Chapter 64: Solace in Dirt and Chaos (Witch)

    Solace in Dirt and Chaos (Witch)

    Content Warnings:

    Dirt God''s saying hi hallo, wibblers taking showers together, um.... talk of little worries about the mental magic compromising consent with lovers. cuties. mhm!

    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ actually a shorter amount of time than I expected.¡± I murmur into Schatzi¡¯s warm embrace. ¡°Did¡­ did Lynette¡¯s little one get up above and back below alright?¡±

    Eleven hours of rest. Less than I expected. But¡­ I only got less over the years due to the lurking nightmares. Now that both Schatzi and myself can handle them I suppose longer rests after days and days of Physis fueled work is quite natural.

    "She was worried, but I was able to reassure her, Mistress. She laid down beside us for half a candle before heading to look at the sky. Stopped through again on her way back down." Schatzi reassures me.

    ¡°Wonderful. Thank you.¡± I sigh with that first little anxiety quieted, then pull back to really regard her. ¡°And¡­ Well, Verbess has been out and about lately with your pack, and I¡¯ve been up to my ears in a mostly failed project, and¡­ not really gotten the chance to see you. It¡¯s honestly a delight to wake up in your arms after everything. How are you, Schatzi?¡±

    "Um. This one is doing really well. Missed you a lot though and...  I''m sorry for how much trouble everything has been."

    "We both know that I''m the cause of said trouble. No one to blame but myself." I chuckle at her, pulling this soft Doll close to place a careful kiss between those gorgeous horns she sculpted. Apparently sensitive things. To both sound and touch. "But I''m glad you''re well. Let''s..." I pull us up to sit and glance about the room. "I''m going to shower, which..." Look back at her with a grin. "You''ve been with me this entire time, and have inherited my smell. Let''s both get washed and find nice things to wear before this day blooms fully."

    Schatzi follows me quickly with a grumbled appreciation for gerlsmell.

    That has me smirking through our shower. Enjoying the easy and casual intimacy of just... Existing. With her, like this. Maybe it''s just the extended rest after all the mess from before I slept but... we''ve not done this in what feels like years. Maybe ever. Simply started a day late with a warm shower and soft talks. Helped each other wash while discussing what to wear and how to do our hair and just...

    No sickness. No danger. No crushing guilt over... over gerls I failed to save. Or of... her. of Yselda.

    Still so very angry. But... It''s a quiet thing. Something I can set to boiling to the side while I tend to everything else. And it''s not just mine.

    {I can feel you Lynette. Yes. Hello. Good morning. I hope you weren''t too bored while our body laid sideways for quite some time.}

    She regards me evenly while Schatzi and I dry off. Then finally murmurs as I''m weaving Physis to smooth out and dry our hair. <Attend to your day. We''ll talk after things... settle.>

    {Alright. Thank you for your patience with me.} I respond then consider our reflections, wrap arms about my Doll''s shoulders from behind while murmuring. "So, Schatzi. You''ll have to guide me through this, I''ve not braided hair in years."

    "I''d be happy to, Mistress." And with absolute delight, she walks me through the process while also commenting on how my nails seem to need a coat of polish.

    "You''re right," I chuckle. "And... I take your the culprit for Adaline''s nails having that marvelous shade on them? Which color do you think would suit me today?"

    "Yes! It''s so good and matches Valthirii''s complexion, which Adaline won''t notice until they''re face to face heheh. I um, maybe a nice red? like my horns?"

    "Hmm... So long as you don''t stray too far into the pink shades, that sounds lovely." I muse with a smirk while finishing off the braid in her hair, then move to stand beside Schatzi and consider her gorgeous reflection. Motion toward her hair that now bears a decently woven side weaving. "Now, how does this look? Not too messy I hope?"

    "Looks wonderful, Mistress. Thank you so very much."

    "You''re very welcome, love." I give her a peck on the head and move to swap places. Letting her pick a pretty style for my hair before getting dressed and heading up to the chambers above.

    "I''ve enjoyed this, Schatzi." I murmur softly. Sitting and sipping some morning tea while she paints my aforementioned nails. "These... Well, I know you''ll often be resting alongside the Pack these days but this is something I think I''d like to do more of when I can steal you away. Especially between all the madness I tend to get up to."

    "You should know that the entire Pack would love to rest near you when it is reasonable for you, Mistress Elevar. You''re really important to us." Schatzi responds in kind, eyeing me as she blows on my nails to help them dry a touch quicker.

    I have to consider that for a few heartbeats. Not because I''ve not wanted to ask about that very thing, of course. I just... "Thank you, but... Honestly I''d drive you all mad, what with how I''ll often take up projects that grant me so little rest." I chuckle as she finishes and lays my hand down flat to finish drying. "Often at odd hours, and never consistent. Up and down endlessly, even with Yours and Xafra''s ability to keep nightmares quiet. And... Well, I suppose this will depend a little on what Adaline wants to talk with me about. Despite it all, she''s had time to settle into Xafra and your Packs'' care. Which... I just... Don''t want her to find herself tricked into a relationship with me again. Influenced without full understanding. Because... Even if she decides to keep things... shall we say, at arm''s length, I need to be careful. Can''t let her Sisters'' hungers bleed into her considerations when others wish to indulge with me."

    Schatzi gives me a knowing look before answering, "Should this one let her know you are awake and willing to talk?"

    "Yes please." I murmur and nod.

    We talk of small things while we wait. But within only a half a hundred heartbeats there is such a clamor of giggles and huffs and eventually, "Witch Elevar? Miss Schatzi?" Shouted through the Spire.

    "We''re in here, dear." I call back, and within a few moments Primrose comes barreling into the chamber with such a grin across her face and hands behind her back.

    "Hi." She says, half dances half shuffles while smiling at me. "So... So so so so... This one has um... things for Schatzi and Verbess. If that''s alright?"

    "I... Of course." I return her smile with my own curious one.

    Then she turns to my Doll, "Hi. First. Question. What sounds did like... What were they called? Ravens? Make? This one forgot to ask and they seem like a weird bird."

    "Xafra says they''re called Chaos Ravens but umm¡­ Ours was called Beppy. They make like, a croaky squeak noise."

    "Ooooh." Primrose giggles again, "This one was right. They did make cute noises."

    Then she''s stepping forward to my Doll and pulling two plushies from behind her back. One Blue and one Red. Both... honestly very well made for being only her second and third attempts and using only what could be scavenged from the Spires. And... a near perfect match to the creature seen within my Dolls'' side of Xafra''s Driftdream.

    "Schatzi, Verbess..." She grins and plops the twinned creations on my Doll''s lap. "Happy Doll Day!"

    Schatzi shrieks in excitement and immediately puts a wing from each into her mouth.

    I worry for a moment she means to simply gobble up and consume them like they apparently did the Heart Xafra gave them but... no. She just nibbles happily and Primrose finds it all to be just the most delightful thing. Giggling and swaying as she says, "Both Connivant Adaline and Krahe poked at this one after you all apparently visited a weird Dream and then Xafra did her weird Witch trick where she both showed it to this one and gave its Dollmind a picture and... and then this one finished but you weren''t sleeping with Mistress this exact night when this one was gonna just... sneak them into your arms and have you wake up to them but this is better."

    As she explains, I watch as a touch of Verbess peeks out from my Doll''s Frame. A little Fang, a whisper of Talon and second hands here. Snuggling and nibbling on their gift together in just... rapt glee.

    "Thank you thank you thank you, Primrose." Schatzi finally says.

    And over the bond Verbess intones to her openly, [Thank you, skilled one.]

    "Much and such and VERY welcome much!" Primrose beams, then tilts her head. "Oh. Right. Connivant Adaline was right behind this and really fast but promised to wait even though she said she''d beat this one here and make it wait even LONGER to give you both your plushies." She giggles and hops back, then turns to dart out of the Spire.

    "She''s quite the delightful blooming Doll." I smirk and stand. Move about the table to wrap my Doll in a hug from behind the chair they sit in. "And so are both of you. I''m not sure I got the chance to ask what this Happy Doll Day was about but... Am glad other''s discovered it."

    "Primrose invented it herself. It''s the equivalent of a Blooming day like some Groves celebrate, except to remember the good of being a Doll instead of the anniversary of one becoming a Witch." Adaline answers as she walks in, a small smile on her face.

    "It''s perfect, honestly." I smile back while moving to sit again, enjoying so much watching Adaline walk so comfortably in her Frame. "Especially for the Dolls on this Estate. Much like the Celebration of Life you held. A wonderful way to give shape to what many probably felt but... couldn''t express."

    "I agree. Are you... alright? Last night was a lot. for all of us, I think." Adaline asks.

    "I... Yes. Surprisingly." I nod, motioning for her to sit. "Apologies for drawing you all into that. I''d hoped to handle that quickly and be done and in bed before anyone noticed it occurred. But... Well, my anger toward the dead is set to boil for now, and none of it aimed at anyone alive." I turn to Schatzi, "Would you mind terribly checking in on our latest guest? Make sure he''s settling alright in his new body? Give him a bit of a tour if he seems up to it? The side opening of my Spire is unsealed and he''d probably love to walk the grounds a bit."

    "Yes Mistress, this one will report back in a short while." She gives Adaline a quick hug and tucks the raven plushies into the pockets of her robes before heading out.

    "So, what can I help you with, Adaline?" I offer gently, settling to a relaxed position in hopes to calm any of her worries that I can right at the start of things.

    "I want to talk to you about... Our relationship. I had the realization yesterday that... you were not capable of consent when we were together, and I needed you to know that I will do whatever it takes to make it up to you. It was a violation, whether I was aware of it or not and... I''m sorry."

    "Wh- what? No that''s..." I shake my head, reeling from the dozen paths I expected this talk to take and trying to stabilize my reaction to not scare her. "That''s... Okay. First, let me assure you that I very much was capable of giving consent, and did, every time we were intimate. Always. The Garrote... She... I was given general commands near the end that could have made that untrue, but as far as I remember I always wanted the affections given, and received. And... well... I know you didn''t take advantage of me in the gaps I don''t remember. Were always so... so aware of my health. Watchful in ways that surprised me. Softly asking at almost every step to make sure I wasn''t hurting or... or uncertain."

    "You''re my first love. You were my everything, still are heh, the second most important person in my life. And... I want to try and... Overcome this distance between us before it becomes unbearable. I miss you so much. I miss us. Sorry, that''s a lot."

    "No it''s... I understand. And am glad you asked to talk with me about this. If..." I look down and away. Consider for a few heartbeats if... if I¡­

    But Her and Xafra and Schatzi and Verbess and even Lynettes'' words crack through my mind, pull me to look back up and quietly whisper back before I let myself stumble into not speaking this to her. "I''ve missed you too. So much, Adaline. For years and years. Missed your brilliance and kindness and... well, you were always radiant but it was muted by how uncomfortable you found your old flesh. And now you''re not just blazing but free and forging new weavings and bonds and..." I pause, take a heartbeat to steady myself before continuing. "I never... never even let myself dream that you''d do anything but barely tolerate my presence until recently. And am riven between desperate hope for this chance to be close to you like never before... and fear that Xafra or the Pack''s wider feelings for me are pushing you into this. Which I''ve no idea how to check for or stop. I don''t think they are... and will trust your word on it."

    "I..." Adaline looks at me like I''ve struck her. "I called you Wife because I wanted it to be true. Would still if it didn''t feel like you were just... Humoring me out of guilt. The Pack''s connection urges me to protect you, and... I''m choosing me instead. Risking harm to our Primary User because this one can''t pretend to not care about you, Elevar. Even if you hate me, I need to clear the air. I can''t be your equal... But... Bloody Ashes, Woman, I can be whatever it takes, and I just hope that it is me."

    "Always, Adaline! Never be anything but who you want to be." I reach out but... stop just as fingertips touch hers. "It wasn''t out of... well yes there was some guilt over it but not the kind like that. Letting you call me Wife. And I''ve never hated you and never will. It was because... because you... I didn''t... This is so hard to shape into words." I huff and have to pause again, take a couple breaths as I carefully lock fingers about hers. Use the cool and solid Dollflesh to help me focus. "You''re the... the gerl I rebuilt myself for. What wasn''t already shattered by the Garrote I cracked and melted to get myself moving to try and save you, and... and maybe me too. Went to bed every night till the end dreaming of the life we could build together after being free. Because you were, and still are, worth that. Worth trying to be better for. I''ve never stopped loving you Adaline. Will never stop. But... but was willing to encourage you move past me if needed. Of course. Because you deserve that. Deserve to choose with full knowledge whatever lucky souls you''d like to be with. And... and if one of them happens to be me... I..."

    Swallow, fight to pull my eyes up to meet hers. "I should have probably been clear. When I told you I''d give you anything you wanted, save my Doll or Xafra or my life. I meant that I was willing to give you whatever life you wanted but... had others who''d need me too. And that If you still want me, then... then I''m happily yours. Just... mind the broken bits strewn about."

    "We''re both broken. All of us, really. Even our newest guest. That''s why we''re planning to fix things. So. Yes. Mine. Mine, you beautiful foolish Witch." She tenses, "Can... Can I kiss you?"

    "Yes. Please." I whisper.

    Adaline presses up against me, her cold tusks sharp against my lips contrasting how soft she is in my arms. And... Her gentle touch is everything I remember and more. Like our time together but... practically radiating things I''d all but abandoned considering I would ever know again.

    So careful but... firm, observant but hungry, delicate but... ravenously so. And all tinted with a new confidence her Quills sing softly of. And these tusks really are just... so perfect. Obviously needed. Like sharp edges that others would soften out upon reweaving a gerl but... mistakenly so. They''re nothing but ideal for her!

    Which... of course I forget myself and let one drag indelicately across the inside of my lip, tinting this kiss with a hint of warm droplets of blood. And next I know it a hand of mine is at her hip, while the one that gripped Adaline''s traces up the underside of her arm, along her shoulder, before moving up to cup the back of her neck to bury fingers amidst her hair.

    But... With a snap, her words that night after Xafra''s curing of my Soul Rot prick at the back of my rush of desires, and I''m carefully loosening my hold. Huffing and murmuring into her lips, "Thank you. So much. For... for this. For saving me. For staying you through it all."

    "Yes. And thank you, for proving that you can be better than you thought." She kisses me again, a quick one with no less affection, "I would like to continue this another time, if that''s alright. I have a meeting with Augusta to get to unfortunately."

    ¡°Of course. I¡­ she seemed to be helping Xafra with our newest guest¡¯s resheathing or¡­ some such? Did another Doll need something shifted?¡±

    "She seems to have an innate understanding of how Xafra''s ritual works, apparently it is helpful to separate one''s self image from the physical beforehand as it increases the efficiency and makes the process less stressful. There''s been a few Dolls that have done the ritual so far. In general mostly minor looking changes which makes sense."

    "Huh. Well isn''t that..."

    Closer to Fleshcrafting than I''d assumed. A touch of the anger I''d pushed aside boils over at that.

    "...Interesting. I''ll have to review the writings on that all when within her Driftdream''s Archive." I nod, pulling back but... taking the small chance to brush lips over her fingers before Adaline rises and we release each other. "And yes. I''d like to continue this. When... whenever you''re available. Of course. At your leisure. I hope your meeting with Augusta goes well."

    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    With a brilliant smile she races out, running forwards instead of away.

    We sit for a time, Lynette and me. Sort of¡­ like two boiling sisters would as they consider their angers. Which we will not ever refer to each other as, thank you very much.

    ¡°I still mean to burn it all.¡± I state to the quiet room.

    ¡°Good luck with that.¡± She sneers back with our lips.

    ¡°Xafra¡¯s never needed those Tomes, never asked. And once I free you we can consider her Resheathing techniques.¡± I press. ¡°Nothing in there is worth keeping.¡±

    She shrugs. ¡°So¡­ Why not listen to your Wife, and let another prune it for valuable items. Make two piles. You can burn one, and the other get¡¯s put back. Simple Efficient. Not messy.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t see what she said.¡± I whisper, smirking sadly at her attempt to offset me with that title. ¡°Can¡¯t even accept the words as I try to tell you. The Estate just¡­ cuts them away. Just like Xafra¡¯s Garrote.¡±

    She tries to hide it but¡­ I can see how much that bothers her as she growls. ¡°That shouldn¡¯t matter here. At all.¡±

    I consider for a while before offering. ¡°What¡­ if I bribe you. Like you did with the spell for Xafra and I?¡±

    She snorts, ¡°No. I¡¯ll not trade even my freedom for your petty spiteful tantrum.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not on the table. I still mean to devote myself to gifting you that before we meet the Envoys from either the Groves or the Sun-Blessed regardless of your cooperation in this.¡±

    She hesitates. ¡°Well go on, not like I could ignore you. What do you think will tip me into agreeing to this?¡±

    I smirk. ¡°The same thing I gifted your daughter.¡±

    Lynette goes so quiet at that.

    ¡°Because that, Dear One, is how much I trust you.¡± I whisper. ¡°This is not me asking for forgiveness, and in truth¡­ I¡¯d probably be convinced to go back down there myself soon anyway. Both to let you ensure that your Doll has a place to rest well, but also¡­ to see if this sleeping Godthing has more to say. About her. About Xafra. Because that¡¯s now two of the three we know regard her well.¡±

    Lynette nods and adds. ¡°And¡­ why would it speak to a broken Half-Knit, a Daughter of Sin, and not her?¡±

    ¡°Exactly. It may be able to tell us more about her. Things that the Garrote cut away.¡± I grin fully, and let my excitement bubble over to her. ¡°Do this. With me. And let me burn away our wretched teacher from memory as you sliced her from the Threads. I¡¯m not asking you to accept or suffer my anger or trauma but¡­ but move forward with me. Become Matron¡¯s of new magics instead of trying to¡­ to inherit her filth.¡±

    She goes quiet for a long time before finally murmuring. ¡°It¡­ it was that bad? What you found? What she said about us?¡±

    ¡°Worse.¡± I growl, letting my anger fully blaze. ¡°I tried to tell you. But any details just¡­ roll over you. But I need you to know that I¡¯m glad I read what I did. That I had to face that. I¡¯ve not yearned for her since before Xafra cured us but that¡­ there were parts of me clinging.¡±

    Another long pause passes.

    ¡°I¡­ I hate this.¡± Lynette hisses. ¡°Why can¡¯t you just¡­ leave her Spire for me? Let me remember her as the woman who made me what I am?¡±

    ¡°Because, you stupid Half-Knit, you deserve to move past her.¡± I press, feeling her tilting. ¡°Just like Adaline, just like me. You have a gaggle of Gerlthings gathering about who are each more perfect than she ever was. Accept better.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not going to budge on this, are you?¡±

    ¡°Not a whisper.¡± I giggle, then lean forward. ¡°It¡¯s like I told you last night. Clean or messy. I¡¯m burning what¡¯s left of her studies, and you''re getting freedom and the Breath with me. No compromises. No half-measures. You¡¯re accepting this, and the good things I mean to force on you afterwards.¡±

    ¡°Even kicking and thrashing?¡± I feel her muse with an annoyed huff.

    I nod. ¡°Especially then.¡±

    {Xafra, my Mate.} I intone to her with a smile before Lynette can reply. {I have a few questions in regards to your D?mmerung. I''d like to go meet with them again before the Suns have stopped their weeping and wanted to get your opinions and advice. Both on the Communion and... and if you''d like to have words with me about last night''s events. If, that is, you have the time to spare for this.}

    [Wow. Yes, certainly. I can head right over if you wish? I also had something to ask Lynette about if she''s available and not... furious at me?]

    {Please do, this is probably a talk to have in person. And¡­ not last I checked. Her frustrations are for me. If anything she¡¯s grateful that you acted as quickly as you did.}

    <Yes. Quite.> Lynette verifies. <Ask at your leisure.>

    Xafra rapidly makes her way over, slipping through the entrance in her Grakler prosthesis before manifesting her Doll form in front of us.

    "Mistress, Lynette. Good to see you both. Lynette, Warden mentioned that you would be able to alter material composition to make the wood for Krahe''s Frame into the right mix of strength and durability."

    "Oh? Isn''t it the observant one..." She grins at Xafra and leans forward. "Of course, since it seems you''ve leashed the gerl like I demanded. How has she... grown? Shall we say? Giving her a part of yourself was both inspired... and a touch reckless. But honestly your recklessness often seems perfectly timed. Does she seem the Gerlthing your Pack Sisters remember her as? No odd extra bits sprouting?"

    "No, though the whole situation is... Odd. I can only assume that Warden did something similar to what I do with my Geists to preserve her, as she has knowledge that Verbess was unaware of, so she''s... more than just a composite of memories. I assumed she would grow into herself but she''s... it''s already done. My gift simply gave her weight, if that makes sense?"

    "It does." Lynette nods. "And in more... ironic and informing ways depending on how this evening''s questions with your Dirt Godthing go. But... would you rather sit and answer our Elevar''s questions or be in motion? Either suits our final destination the same."

    "You... wish me to come with you both?" Xafra asks in surprise.

    "Only part of the way." She stands. "Our talks with this Divine will be done privately. But... Elevar has taken to bribery to settle my resistance to her stubbornness, and this was something we meant to do after cracking those Gemstone''s open anyway. I''ve... adjusted some things. Settled this Estate to resting. But still worry it might rouse if aggravated."

    {Lynette...} I chide softly. {You''re babbling.}

    "No, I don''t babble. That''s something you tend to take up." Lynette smirks and offers Xafra our hand. "But her nonsense aside. I mean to let you memorize the Tune of a Chamber below. A Folded space between the Roots, so if you ever need to get there and we are... unavailable. You can. Using the Weaving I gifted you."

    She takes our hand and nods, "Okay. I um. Yes."

    "She''s avoiding saying it, so I will." I bubble up to grin as we tug her toward our lower chambers and the tunnels. "This Chamber is special. One she hopes you''ll come to adore and cherish. Not as a home, it''s not meant to be that for you, but... maybe a place of rest and familial nourishment. A place to watch someone you''ve yet to truly meet grow and find her happiness."

    "I had... hoped that was what she meant. And making the body for Krahe will be... helpful. A proof of concept for Sikkina as well as something meaningful for Krahe. I''m just... Worried. What if... D?mmerung rejects me? It has been a very long time since I Communed."

    ¡°You said it never spoke to you?¡± Lynette gently asks.

    "No. I spent... hours the first time. Altered my form to produce blood, and drenched the ground with everything I could offer. They gave me the breath but... no words, despite my pleading."

    I squeeze her hand. Hide our grimace as I continue down into the tunnels and toward the Undercroft. "And... What does rejection entail? And have you ever witnessed it? Or gotten a first-hand accounting of the event? Ideas of what can cause them to enact it?"

    "A Witch, like. One of the ones back then, tried to gain the breath. I didn''t see what happened myself but... their body was reduced to dust. I''ve seen a lesser rejection where there was simply no response at all. I was not sure why that happened at the time, but now I think... Perhaps they were Sun-blessed and D?mmerung refused to listen. I don''t know."

    Lynette nods. "Child of sin. Such an odd term that it called us, but thank the dead Hag this one doesn''t blame us for our mothers'' mistakes or nature. And... another odd question. One I hesitate to ask but might matter. Your previous partners never gave you a name, correct? Did you ever take one for yourself? I expect this Godthing to recall you well when we ask but... I''d like to be specific just in case it''s wits or memory have dribbled away."

    So odd. Even the cruelest Mistress give their Doll''s names. And even ones like Yselda who would have delighted to lashing some with an old name knew better than to unearth them in anger. I''ve seen Dolls fall into quick and heartbreaking Dysfunction at that. Which... begs this question. Why would none of them ever think to collar this gerl with a name? Use it as a leash to keep her loyal?

    Xafra pauses in realization, "How.... Did it say the word? Sin, I mean. Because that structured like one would a lineage name in Ter¨¦k, one of the languages I used at the time. And no, no name. Wasn''t able to... keep any attached? Like, I would think of one, and just... forget it."

    "Hmmm... Well it would make me more comfortable if ''Child of Sin'' was taken as a name and not some Archaic view on morality and divine judgment." I nod as we approach the Chamber we mean to leave her in, then stop and turn to face Xafra. "So... Dear one. We think your Garrote is cutting away memories, and has done so for a while. Warden and Verbess should have the Directives of the thing for us soon, but I need you to be a clever gerl and not try to deal with this until we permit it. We mean to remove it within a few days. A week at most. But worry it may have... durable foundations. Protections that might interact poorly with your Pack Sisters if prodded. Do you trust us in this?"

    We wince at the half-truths woven throughout, the revelations we more and more believe to be this gerl''s reality but... We can''t risk this Garrote biting at her in a way we''re ill-prepared to handle.

    "Warden stated something similar and has provided memory flags for where it has filled in gaps so I can... navigate around the issue. I will leave it alone and trust you all." She hesitates before continuing, "I would... like to attempt to commune after you are done, if you two feel it is reasonable."

    "We''ll talk about that after we''re finished." I nod, then let Lynette rise to smirk. "But... Come. It''s time I gift Sikkina''s Sanctuary your presence and... perspectives. If you wish to lay feet within her Chamber?"

    "Please. I very much do."

    Then, without turning away from Xafra, Lynette tugs her forward and into the softly lit Chamber. Keeping our gaze locked to her expression while she absorbs everything.

    It''s... much as it was the last time. A garden of soft plants filled to bursting with all sorts of things from above but... static. Almost frozen besides the constant cycling of the Ousia, Physis, and Nomos dribbled from above.

    "This, is my first gift to our Daughter." Lynette murmurs while she leads. Every step perfectly placed for the half of us that''s spent countless hours pouring over this place''s workings and every meter. "While she will be able to adopt a form to venture forth as, this will always be where her heart and soul resides. All Muppets of flesh and Frame will be as puppets to her. Never will a deep pit or endless abyss be a threat to her freedom so long as our gerl can cut the strings and return herself here. And... So long as she keeps it well stocked with material and energies, Sikkina will be able to craft herself new forms to stride forth from this place at her leisure."

    "It''s... beautiful. Absolutely beautiful." Xafra exclaims, her face alight with wonder and hope.

    "It''s sufficient, for now." Lynette grins. "But I''m sure it will grow to make my workings seem quite plain. Once she is awake and mastering herself this place will be much like your Driftdream. Her''s to shape." Then we''re at the Heart of this place and pulling Xafra up to see both the odd Cradle I left sitting here and the slowly expanding Glyph etching its way beneath our feet. Pulling her to kneel and lay both hands on the warm Root floor. "Close your eyes, Dear one, and if you''re so very gentle..."

    ¡°Oh! You''ve been oh wow, her shell, it''s... less hungry. This is wonderful. Gosh, I can''t wait till she can explore, and wonder at all the miraculous things. She''s probably going to be so happy that she can give you a gift in return immediately. I can already imagine her sheepish grin as she returns your Little Archive."

    I don''t mean to jolt back, to tumble with eyes wide and send Lynette sprawling. "Wh- what? No, Xafra. It... she broke it all. Ate... every... all the..."

    It was a vain hope, honestly. Dashed when Lynette found that without using the Estate''s harsher methods she could only decipher the shape of Sikkina''s inner workings, which she refused to do. But... of course her mother and weaver would know how to read her daughter''s melodies.

    "To perceive is to change, and we both agreed not to gaze deeper once... once we planted her here." I whisper. "And... And even then my... her feast seemed aimless. Grasping. I just assumed that while scraps may remain they... I''d not want her to think that she was at fault. That she broke something important. Leave whatever knowledge she gained or inspiration from my journals a... a subconscious muse. Either find them elsewise or... or reknit from the start."

    While I talk Xafra quietly makes copies of some memories, us and the Pack in the Driftdream, and feeds them to Sikkina''s egg, "There you go little one. Family. Your family."

    Standing up, Xafra looks at us in confusion, "Oh! no no, the shell is a weapon, but it''s one of infiltration, it wouldn''t serve its purpose if it didn''t perfectly preserve and reconstruct everything it ate."

    "I... She... Of course. Of course you''d gift her the ability to not be mired in messy recollections. Understand quickly who she is, apart from them."

    Lynette remains quiet but I can feel her prodding hope entwining with my own. Harmonic until I pull from her subtle desires for... for me to reconsider my future actions.

    "That... Thank you. So very much, Dear Ones." I murmur while reaching over to touch the Cradle, wiping away tears I feel trying to fall. "And this is our third gift. The Breath. Stored and waiting. So... So she doesn''t need to face D?mmerung till she is good and ready. I''ve no doubt she will be accepted but... refuse to leave it to chance or otherwise."

    "She''s truly blessed to have people who care about her."

    I nod, taking a deep and steadying breath while letting Lynette bubble up again.

    "So..." She moves to raise us to stand next to Xafra. "It''s time for you to find the Tune of this Chamber, and once you''ve memorized said markers, nothing can keep you from your child ever again, save herself. Not even me. So long as you have the Ousia to cast the Wurzelriss. While you remain here and do this, we''re going to Commune, then return. Consider next steps from there?"

    "Thank you." Xafra quickly hugs us then returns to her grakler prosthesis, curling up on the ground beside the Cradle.

    We smile and run fingers between her ears and along this Frame''s spine, dancing between Quills, then turn to move.

    Solidifying ourselves for whatever this Dirt Godthing has to share.

    The walk is shorter than I recall, even with the little decontamination sections Lynette had the Estate weave along the way.

    Won''t do to have a dribble of Nomos irk the sleeping Divine, and all that.

    And... as expected, we find a mostly empty nook. Save the snek-shaped Doll nuzzled and resting directly over the spot where we Communed last.

    "Dear one," Lynette purrs gently while kneeling beside the gerl. Wrapped in blankets and nuzzled up to a pillow we insisted she take with her that first night.

    "M- Mistress?" She mumbles back, eyes and ears and tail twitching in curious worry. "W- what... why...?"

    "Shhh." Lynette calms her with soft ear rubs. "I mean to use this space for something important. Would you mind terribly going to wait with Miss Xafra? She''s in Sikkina''s Chamber wearing the soft and snuggly form of a Grakler."

    "Mhm. Yes, Mistress." She nods and wiggles to rise, "Make sure to not wake up the Dirt. It can be grumpy, sometimes."

    That... causes us to pause. Consider calling her back while she slitters away but... One set of questions at a time. Of Course.

    "Let''s... See what we can''t do here then." We murmur, kneeling, then weaving Physis to slice open palms just before pressing them into the cold and dry dirt. "Alright, D?mmerung, tell us what you know about our Xafra. If you please."

    The dirt somehow envelops our hands without moving, holding us in place firmly. The air seems to vibrate in amusement as the dirt Godthing speaks.

    Our Blade... Yes... She is Deaf to my words¡­

    It takes us a few heartbeats to steady, then we''re grinning through near manic fury. "We mean to free her from the Garrote that causes that. But... we need to understand her better. Know what she is before attempting it. The Gerl thinks herself just... a messy weaving of Mundanes. But that''s nonsense. She''s clearly something more. Can you help us? Both with a gift of your Breath again and... and information? For this we will devote ourselves to her freedom and will lead her to speak with you fully."

    Pulled from... One Prison... to Another... Sin above... Twilight below... Prove Yourself... D?mmerung focuses their horrific presence on the remaining weaves that restrict Lynette, as well as deeper, onto the Garrote that the Estate itself wove around her.

    The Breath bubbles up between our arms, waiting to be taken.

    "Cracked and Riven Moon, we were right!" We chuckle, fighting down the terror as we lower our head and lips to the Breath. "Those fools thought using a gaggle of Half-Knits as a slaughtered feast would make her more willing to bend to their will. The fools. Barely even understood that Dreams are infectious. Nearly impossible to unweave once considered fully. Just wove stubborn regard into her." Pausing, we consider before drinking in the gift. Riven to the point where only I whisper through our lips. "She''s taken well to your teachings. Has cracked this Witch from Soul Rotting lessons. Next we speak only Lynette''s ties to the Estate will remain on our flesh. And... even they will fray once Xafra''s Daughter awakens."

    And without waiting for a reply, we inhale the Breath.

    As the Breath infuses into us, D?mmerung speaks once more before going silent, not unwelcoming but no longer watching. Good... She is Ours. Unreal, Void, and Firmament... Divine Seedling.

    We tumble backways, landing flat to stare up into the pitch of the cavern''s ceiling. Waiting till our heart falls into a steady beat before letting our grin bubble up into a full giggle as we rise. "Oh we''re not going to sleep well tonight, are we?"

    "Hmm... Doubtful." Half of us muses. "Especially with all the work that lies ahead."

    Speaking of...

    {Warden.} We intone. {Xafra''s Garrote should have had a... Well, let''s just call it a signature. A unique marker despite being fueled by her Ousia. We need you to locate that from your recordings and see about adjusting a song of Negation for our use that can be used without ruining her own workings. Oh, and make sure it''s designed to work well through both yours, Adaline''s, and Krahe''s future Quills. We''ll want a triage of sources to ensure it can shred anything it will try when we''re working. Work with Verbess and Krahe on this, if you please. And don''t share it with the wider Pack until I give the command.}

    Then, to Schatzi... {Dear, when you have a free moment with Adaline, could you let her know we''d love to speak with her when she is available? And... oh see about moving Krahe''s Frame to Chamber 1, if you please. We can have it shifted to match her needs before we come back up with Xafra.}

    [Terminology Registered. There are two foreign signatures woven about Pack Lead Xafra, Mistress Elevar. One overlayed above the other. Which should be Negated?] Warden promptly replies.

    [Yes Mistress! Um. Should I leave Rufus up here? I''m still giving him the tour.] Schatzi responds only heartbeats later.

    {Two? Hmmm... well isn''t that interesting. Impress us again, dear Warden.} We reply. {Craft Negation weavings for each, and one that can be used to smother both. And... send us reports on each so we can consider their purposes and natures. And... well done. On that and your observations of the Estate.}

    Then... what? The fool boy actually picked out a name? And... ''Rufus?'' Well... Isn''t that a fully different name than we''d have guessed that one would pick...

    {We wouldn''t want his tour cut short.} We giggle back to her. {You can wait until he''s off considering his new home to attend to that. Take your time. We''ve found ourselves falling into another research project that will without a doubt gobble up all our attentions and have time to ensure our newest guest is hosted well.}

    We rise after finishing intoning to them, and begin our walk back to Sikkina''s Sanctuary. Focusing our attentions on the odd bubbling sensation we feel deep within us¡­

    [The deep Garrote is the one that is editing memories, Mistress and Miss. Warden Will compile full reports on both based on accessible data. Warden... Thanks you for the praise.]

    [Okie! Will do! please make sure you rest at some point though, or I''ll have to change out all your outfits!] Schatzi cheerfully threatens us.

    {It is well earned, and long overdue. You are a marvel, both in your Form and Function.} We reply to Warden, {And... Please come to us with any concerns or questions. You are ours. And we mean to bear that weight to our fullest.}

    {Of course, love.} We assure Schatzi. {And thank you for worrying over us about our health.}

    As we get to the entrance of Sikkina''s Sanctuary, a voice sounds out from the empty corridor behind us. "Matrons, when you''re done playing in the Dirt, I think it would be very beneficial if you would come visit me. I''ve set up an office in the basement of the Library Spire, in case you''ve forgotten."

    We jerk about, find nothing there. Check the bond. It thrums with only familiar intonements.

    "Do I, perhaps, detect a weed growing outside its designated Cells?" Lynette growls to the empty tunnel as I sputter from the sudden Rivening of purpose. "Bold of you to unfold like this, more so at me. Should I come to your Burrow expecting more than words? Or... do you intend to attempt to negotiate terms of release from your keeper?"

    {I... an escaped Intake? Above? Amidst the Dolls!?! Lynette we... we have to deal with this. Now.}

    <I am.> She hisses. <It must be a small or subtle thing to slip about unnoticed. A simple enough creature to subdue.>

    "Escaped implies I was ever bound, dear Elevar. I am here to help the Old One''s kin, as I always have. That now includes you both. Next weeping at the latest please. It''s important to be properly settled before you attempt to free the Old One." As Lynette focuses through the Estate, she sees Augusta''s office and Augusta herself in the basement of the Library Spire, the words coming directly out of her mouth.

    A chill runs down our spine at her words, and Lynette turns fury toward the room Augusta sits in as body and soul and Cracked Estate seems to cackle with her. Vines and miasma curling up like the rising tides to begin sealing the room.

    A beast twitching an ear at such an odd sounding thing on its back.

    <No. Not bold. St->

    {Wait! How are you able to hear¡­ No, that''ll just hurt to understand the knitting of it.} I press Lynette to hesitate while I focus on this shared perception of the Doll. {You admit to spying but... to help Xafra. Her kin. Who... Why should we trust you? Why shouldn''t Lynette let this place gobble you up and bisect you? I take... poorly to weavings that alter the minds these days and if you''ve infested or hurt even one Doll on the grounds I will help Lynette in every way I can to chip that cost from whatever hide you call yours.}

    "You don''t have to trust me, and you can feel free to try, like the Estate tried to do to the Old One. Quite lucky for you all, it was stopped because that would have been a poor conclusion for... Witch-kind. And Elevar, dearie, I don''t weave, let alone weave monstrous mind altering things like you used to make. I knit Lace, lend an ear, and occasionally tell stories to Dolls that wander down here."

    {I...}

    <Elevar.> Lynette growls, ready and more than willing to strike at this... this...

    {Adaline... Seems to speak very highly of you.} I murmur. {And... I disagree. I do have to trust you. Before I walk into a room with someone who has so easily been intruding upon private thoughtpaths. You say you don''t weave, yet... This very conversation implies one of two possibilities. Either you''re lying, and very bad at it. Or...}

    <Or you are more kin to the Nightmare I butchered just a few days past than you''re admitting to. Bearing such fascinating talents that this place would adore to cut you open to find out exactly how they->

    {Lynette...} I huff, look over and into Sikkina''s Sanctuary. {What do you mean by settle? And why do you want to help our Xafra?}

    "Adaline is lovely, She inspired me to take this form. Trust is a broad concept that you would distill to a simple binary idea, just like Nightmare. Such a juvenile word, not inaccurate for some of us, but that is the nature of labels, which is what I wished to speak to you about. I wish to help Xafra because it is why I crossed into the Real, to assist her and all those made in her image. You''re scared of her, of what she could be. That fear could change her in ways she would despise, and your hypocrisy would wound her deeper than you realize. But then again... Do as you will. Show up or don''t. I''d rather not clean up the mess if you break the Old One, but I will do my duty." Augusta shrugs in her office and suddenly, to the view of Lynette and the Estate, the office doesn''t exist, instead there''s solid rock in place of where it should be.

    <Oh no you don''t!> Lynette snarls, twisting the Estate''s senses to seize after Augusta. <Come back here you¡ª>

    {NO!} I snap and do my best to jerk her back. {Stop. Lynette. Don''t be stupid.}

    She hesitates, twists some of her attention to regard me, the rest searching and scouring the Estate''s senses for this odd Doll-shaped intruder.

    {Yes, exactly.} I sigh. {This one reached out to us on their terms, trying to... to strike or chase now would be foolish. Unless you plan to upend and fully wake this Estate, which I would not consent to, we should consider the offer. Prepare. And see what she has to say.}

    She chews on that as our heartbeat slows, and I feel her consider a weaving of options and traps and claws and fangs to bring to bear before murmuring. <Attend to your day. And... I''ll prepare proper tools to tend to this weed when next we speak with her.>

 Chapter 65: An Ordinary Day Where Nothing Bad Happens (Girl)

    An Ordinary Day Where Nothing Bad Happens (Girl)

    Content Warnings:

    All the good things. And CUTIES! being cute and nothing bad happening because wow look at that STABILITY and a cutie getting to just... be a cutie without stress or things and spoopy!

    The day started so great! I got to wake up with my Mistress curled around me and touching my horns which are very sensitive. We had a shower together and then she braided my hair and I got to put her hair into a lovely half braid before painting her nails red and then Primrose showed up with like the bestest gifts ever! She made me and Verbess new Beppys and one is red that I claimed and one is blue that Verbess claimed and they''re so perfect, just like the Beppy we had as a child.

    Adaline shows up afterwards needing to talk to Mistress about sex and how they''re both really bad with saying their feelings so I get sent on a super important task. I get to take our new guest on a tour!

    Walk Walk Walk I make my way  to his temporary accommodations, only a few rooms down, and rap rap rap on his door politely. He takes way long to answer, dozens of heartbeats, but finally comes to the door wearing Labourers coveralls?

    One of his furry grey ears flick in confusion at my expression, which is very adorable. "Hello? Sorry, I... don''t remember your name. I''ve picked the name Rufus myself, and that... Augusta said I should take Chain as a family name to... remind myself.¡±

    "I''m Schatzi! And you''re kinda like one of them screakers! Do you have a tail? Why are you wearing ugly coveralls, do you not have comfy robes?¡±

    "Uhhhhhhhh, Yes. I found myself with a tail after exiting the... mud. I''m wearing the coveralls because none of my clothes fit anymore, and there''s a distinct lack of... men''s wear in anything approaching my size.¡±

    "Oh! I can get you some trousers and modify one of Xafra''s tunics to fit you for now. You uhhhm¡­ Probably don''t need the extra arm holes?" I offer, showing so much consideration.

    "No, just the two arms, two legs, head, and... a tail." He scowls at me in a very silly way and I giggle as I lead him over to Sister Xafra''s Spire for some new clothes.

    We arrive just as Sister Xafra is leaving, she scritches my head, which is the best, and I get permission to take some clothes, dashing up to Primrose''s studio and thunka thunking on the door.

    Primrose answers with a giggle and says Hi, hopping backwards and I hop forwards to hug her again and let her know that Beppy and Beppy are wumberful and that Rufus has furry ears that do the cute flick thing when he''s confused but Krahe says you shouldn''t scritch a boy behind the ears unless you wanna smooch them and I don''t want to smooch him even a little bit.

    She hugs me back so tight then nods in agreement. "This one thinks that having ears that tattle on one''s confusion would be cute on Nettle because she always acts so calm and collected even though she promises she''s just as confused about most things as this one. And... furry ears would be fun to bite and nibble at. Especially if they are sensitive."

    Nettle comes from a back part of the studio and says that Primrose would look cute with them as well, but would also probably get annoyed when they wiggle about all the time. Primrose goes quiet for a second. Pursing her lips in serious considerations. "But... then Nettle could scrutch this one behind those ears and smooch it. What... would it feel like to have fuzzy ears?"

    Then Nettle scrutches her behind the ears and smooches her anyway, getting more giggles.

    I mention to them that they could probably get fuzzy ears if they used the special mud on them but then Calix walks in being all cute and I have to run to the door and shoosh him away because we gotta get good clothing for Rufus before we can do the tour.

    Primrose pushes Nettle forward to help me, gushing endlessly about all the pretty things she''s made when asked and how she taught her needle things for the plushies. Nettle asks if I know the kind of clothes Rufus wants made. Not just the body things but general style and make, and I shake my head looking at him where he stands near the door, ear twitching frantically.

    Nettle asks him "Easy comfy now, stylish comfy later?" and he nods in desperate relief like a real silly billy.

    Nettle and Primrose herd him into the studio proper and get him to answer questions then sort through different colours and fabrics into "yessums" and "nomaams", before making a real quick outfit for the tour! Primrose and Nettle say they''re gonna get the other outfits done before the tour is even over and that''s amazing!

    Now that he''s properly dressed I march Rufus over to Calix''s room so he can join us and he gets all silly, asking Rufus about the Ousia collar he was wearing previously.

    "What? I''m... You''re allowing me to spellweave again?" Rufus responds in confusion, his ear still doing that adorable flick that Calix hones in on with fascination, "What if I act against you all?¡±

    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    I giggle at him, no longer needing to worry about angry serious stuff and remind him that I can do the same thing that Adaline did if needed but he should just behave because we don''t want to make Calix sad and I want him to turn around so I can look at his tail!

    [Mmmm... No.] Verbess murmurs to an unspoken question from Krahe.

    [No no no. hear this one out.] Krahe presses. [Its Function would be more than just... fluffy balance things. Remember those like... weird sea things? With the front legs of a Grakler and the butt of a fish that could split into three tendrils or merge into a single tail?]

    [You need your legs.] Verbess replies.

    [Of course, But what this one''s thinking of is a big long twisting mess of a tail like those sea-things had. Can curl tight and latch together to be one big tail, OR split into like... half a dozen smaller ones with the underside of Fangs that interlock them now basically able to bite. And it''s not replacing this one''s legs. It would be like this Rufus person''s. But... with more Functions than just wiggling about and messing up his balance. Hope he gets used to stairs right quick else he''s gonna take a tumble.]

    Verbess thinks on that before considering me. [What do you think, Schatzi?]

    I giggle and send them a Scandalous image of Verbess entwined around Krahe''s new Frame with Verbess'' chompers nibbling on Krahe''s hecking big tail.

    [SEE? Exactly. Or... Also...] Krahe giggles with me, then sends back her own perceptions of the wribblie new tail yanking me off my feet and pulling my Frame into a big messy embrace as her Fangs chomp on my neck.

    Verbess cackles along and is nuzzling close to both of us, mind tilting easily from uncertain considerations to hungry and excited acceptance of the ideas.

    "SCANDALOUS" I shout, causing  Rufus to look at me in more delightful confusion, at least until Calix tells him that I''m talking with the Pack and Rufus gives an old man nod like he knows so much. That stinker!

    I smile bigly and point out all the rooms in Xafra''s Spire and who uses them, telling him that he should avoid Xafra''s spookums room because she''d get upset if he caused problems with it, then lead the way to the Library Spire! One down, 14 to goooooo!

    At the library Spire, Valthirii refuses to open the door for some reason, so I just kick it down then set it politely against the inside wall. I remind the boys to wipe their feet off on the doormat because none of us are wearing shoes or boots on the Estate except for the Mistress... Oh! Is it a person thing?

    "Hey Rufus, Do you need shoes?" I ask as I finish wiping my feet off with the rag and bucket by the door.

    "Yes? My feet are a fair bit larger than they were, so my old boots won''t fit anymore." He answers in that puzzled voice again.

    "No, No, this one means like, Is it a people thing to need shoes? We never wore any even before we became a Doll.¡±

    He gives me this sad look that makes me grumpy and takes forever before speaking, "Typically, unaltered humans wear shoes to protect their feet from the elements and harmful surfaces.¡±

    [Huh. Feet were tough before I even remember trying on a pair. Always thought that was kinda wasteful and really uncomfortable.] Krahe murmurs, doing the equivalent of a mental shrug. [Also... I always liked to feel the weird textures beneath and such.]

    "But you''re not unaltered. You''ve got feetsies like Sister Xafra''s Warlord form, just smaller, though you''re walking on them all silly. That''s why you tripped down the basement stairs, you know." I tell him matter-of-factly, as Calix gives him a reassuring pat and scritches behind his ears. [WAIT, DOES THAT MEAN CALIX WANTS TO KISS HIM?] I immediately ask the Pack.

    [Yeah. Absolutely. And Rufus TOTALLY wants him to.] Krahe answers, and Verbess hums agreement. [So... who do we think will ask the other or lean in first?]

    [Hmm... Rufus.] Verbess answers. [His budding affections will rise up and devour him. Perhaps before even before his tour is done.]

    [Naw naw naw. Definitely Calix. He''s bolder, more willing to take risks and adjust.] Krahe disagrees. [Thinks in loops and hoops that''ll swing him into blurting it out.]

    [Please be gentle with the two of them] Sister Xafra answers after a while, [They''re both rather fragile, and dealing with men is a lot more work.]

    I turn to stare at Rufus who''s doing some foot wiggles and finally walking properly to the excited clapping of Calix.

    "Alright, I... would probably need radically different shoes now, if I want to wear some. Probably should, if only so I don''t embarrass... Elevar.¡± He gets a super serious face and continues talking, "I''m going to need to speak to her once she''s available.¡±

    [Ain''t that the truth.] Krahe chuckles back to Sister Xafra. [I promise to not cause a stir at either of them till I get a Frame, Pack Lead.]

    Verbess purrs amusement but... also Cants ::Assurance/Agreement:: to Xafra.

    Xafra Cants ::Gratitude:: to us all and goes back to being all cute happy awed with little Sikkina

    "Okay Rufus, I''ll let Mistress Elevar know once she''s back above ground." I tell him as Valthirii finally makes her way up the stairs from the basement with Adaline.

    "Schatzi... Did you kick the door down instead of just opening it?" Adaline asks while Valthirii starts making chitters about how rude we are.

    "Uh-huh, no one answered so I broke in to give Rufus a tour of the Library Spire.¡±

    While Valthirii gets even angrier, Mistress contacts me, asking for Adaline to go see her and for me to take Krahe''s Frame parts to the Doll Wiggler. I ask if I should bring Rufus and she says no and to do the parts thing after the tour. I bzzt the information to Adaline so I don''t have to interrupt Valthirii, and she offers to take Krahe''s parts to the Doll Wiggler herself so I agree. Once Adaline leaves Valthirii calms down and I tell her that she could probably just give Adaline a book if she wants to date her but then she gets all blushy and grumbles which is no good for a tour guide. I point out the shelves section by section and show Rufus the memorial room in progress and he gets all solemn and serious again until Calix takes his hand and gives it a little pat pat with his other hand.

    Next we head downstairs and see Augusta just as she finishes talking to the Mistress which is suuuuper weird cause she''s like just saying things out loud instead of in the head, but I knock on the door and wait this time because I can hear her and she opens the door and gives me a hug and asks that Calix come for an appointment in a few days and for Rufus to do so but not at the same time, then she does the wonky mirror thing with her eyes and I get to see what I look like from Krahe''s perspective and gosh gosh wow! Two Spires Done!

    The rest of the tour goes by real quick because Verbess has the tingles and we don''t need to go in most of them so I point out where all the Dolls live, make sure he knows not to bug Lynette''s Doll, refuse to answer questions about Lynette with a stern boop to his nose that Calix giggles at, show him which Storage Spire stores what, tell him to not go into the Undercroft, and return to Mistress Elevar and Miss Lynette''s Spire.

    I let him know that Calix can take over the rest of the tour once we get back to his room and giggle as Calix starts explaining how the lights work as I zoop away to my Mistress and Pack.

 Chapter 66: Quackery, Just Without The Tea To Wash it Down (Witch)

    Quackery, Just Without The Tea To Wash it Down (Witch)

    Content Warnings:

    Talk of past of being a Dreamy wibbler then being broken into a blade THEN woops here now and time for LORe because WOWOWOWWOwwowowowo hi hallo.

    While I dance anxiously over all the possibilities¡­ Lynette went quiet.

    Not absent of thought but¡­ Well, like we always did when tits deep in a project. Only differentiated by the near manic fury that seems to radiate off her like a blaze from a roaring flame.

    Leaving me to¡­ to wait within the calm to manage the without, while Lynette prepares for this meeting with Augusta.

    What is she? A Nightmare infesting a Doll or¡­ or just a Nightmare shaped like a Doll? And¡­ But she, like Krelliva, seemed to find the term I was taught for her kind a touch insulting. And she called her goals here her duty¡­ which implies a greater purpose to her kind. Which¡­ I¡¯m not sure if it''s comforting to discover one of the more horrifying things this Estate loves to eat is intelligent or¡­

    ¡°Moonshite.¡± I sigh, still hovering outside Sikkina¡¯s Sanctuary. ¡°Why is everything turning sideways? All the monsters turning out to be agreeable sorts. The Sun-Blessed, at least, made sense. But this¡­¡±

    Eyes roll to regard the vibrant room Lynette¡¯s built for her daughter.

    ¡°Eyes forward, Stupid Half-Knit.¡± I murmur, take a deep breath, and move toward my Xafra and Lynette¡¯s Doll.

    Even use the memories of what this D?mmerung told me to mantle the smile we want to give her as we settle to sit next to the purring Grakler Frame and the little Snek shaped Doll.

    ¡°Hello, my Xafra.¡± I whisper, laying a hand to gently stroke her spine.

    Lynette¡¯s Doll wakes just enough to give me a nuzzle before gathering up herself and slithering back below to her favorite sleeping spot.

    Xafra purrs louder at my touch, murmuring through the bond [Mmmm Elevar? How was it?]

    "Terrifying, a touch maddening, and..." I sigh, then glance down at her and lose nothing of my grin. "They remember you. Well. And adore you. Seemed as frustrated as I am that you were disallowed from speaking with them in ages past."

    She cants ::Surprise/Worry/Confusion:: as she stretches out [Ah. The... Weave prevented it? That''s distressing.]

    I nod. "It is, but... We know why. And knowing will help us untangle things. Free you sooner. Today is..."

    Augusta''s words ring through my mind. Her warnings cutting at such a deep fear of mine. That... that I would hurt my Xafra. Wound her rather than soothe her. Despite my desires to the opposite.

    "... Good. Distresses and revelations both worth knowing. Like after our talks with the Sun-Blessed, my perspectives have shifted. I suspect things will change quite a lot when you''re free to regard the world without bindings." I continue. "But... I''d recommend holding off on your meeting with them though, wait till you''re free to listen."

    [That makes sense. I... heh. It''s weird to say that I''m not particularly devout considering the circumstances, but it''s hard to deny that getting the opportunity to hear and remember their words means a lot to me. I will wait.]

    "I think that''s healthy and... I don''t think that''s what this one wants that from you." I consider, fingers moving up to her ears and gently rubbing and scratching behind them. "It''s... odd. But despite it all you''ve learned from them. They got so very angry at the Garrotes within us. Had to tell them of our plans to remove our own Garrote before they seemed to calm. Which..." I huff. "Guess I didn''t mention that to you. What I promised Lynette the other day. I... I''d like you and Adaline to unweave the one I made on my shoulder before we try for yours. It... I... When I wove it I wasn''t just using my memory of the Old Cunt''s Makellose Garrote, I stole some inspiration from the little you showed me of yours. Don''t remember why, just... Well, everything was horrible and I was so scared of what it was putting in me. And if I could weave something even half as nasty as yours I... I was sure it would hold. The notes and shared memories will give us valuable insight on how to deconstruct yours. Or... will be at least good practice if nothing else."

    The bond vibrates with pride and delight. [Proud of you. It''s a terrifying thing, both to give up control and to admit mistakes.]

    I adjust to lay beside her, nuzzle close as I whisper. "You''ve no idea. Without that Binding she... She''ll have access to everything. My body, my magic, my... but not my worst lessons. The things that broke me. And I can''t even communicate them to her, since the Estate''s bond robs her of it. She... she''s starting to puzzle things out. But only because I''m too stubborn to let us move forward about them. I''m terrified, Xafra. So worried the bond will slip away and..."

    I wince as Lynette''s threats bubble up. Words she''d howled as I destroyed the Gemstone''s Archives and begun to stalk to Yselda''s Spire. Such... such hissing spiteful things I can''t even recall the full of but... Know they were perfectly tuned for me. Days of slowly letting her see me as we entwined in purpose twisted to fester. Threats designed to unmake me, and might have done, were I not distracted and consumed with wroth and bitter desire to unmake everything remaining of a woman I loved.

    Xafra manifests her Doll form and wraps around me, whispering in turn, "Then we have to alter it too, so she can be properly free to exert her own actions. Right now, she too has more than one set of chains on her. It''s like... She''s only allowed to grow in ways the Estate permits, Cultivated free will within strict limits. If I need to make her another body to be comfortable so you two can coexist, I''m more than willing to do so. Neither of you are expendable."

    "Thank you." I sigh, clinging and pulling her close. "I''ve no idea what to expect after she''s free but... thank you. I... how was..." Pulling back I wipe away the bits of moisture that formed in my eyes, smile at her. "How''s your daughter? What do you think of this place? I... Lynette''s tits deep in an Estate thing and pretty oblivious to us right now but... when she''s free she''d love to know your thoughts and... and if she needs to adjust anything?"

    "Good, really good. She seems to be growing well. It''s a gorgeous place. I''m not sure if anything really needs to be adjusted, you know?" Xafra answers with a big smile of her own.

    ¡°That¡¯ll mean a lot for her to hear. She¡¯s spent a lot of time fiddling with it. And¡­ I take it you found and memorized the Tune of this place?¡±

    "Yes, it took a while but I am confident I can utilize the Wurzelriss to return here."

    I rise and offer her my hand. "Wonderful. That... will be perfect to have for when you decide to leave the grounds again. A quick, albeit a touch expensive, method of return. Now, let''s go see about getting Krahe''s Frame properly adjusted."

    She takes my hand and rises as well, excitement evident in every movement, "Definitely. It will be great to have her properly embodied so she can enjoy the world freely again."

    As I lead her from the Sanctuary and through the tunnels the symmetry between this and Xafra''s own binding and crafting prickling in my mind. "Do you have installation procedures mapped out for her? Anchoring to the Frame and yourselves should be more than enough, I suspect, but... Dollcraft and the nature of the Ontological aren''t my specialties. We could use a Chamber down here for the process. Keep a... Oh what was the thing Lynette mentioned the other night... a Threaded weave of netting that each has to keep anyone from slipping and falling off her Path? Or some such."

    "My plan is to mold the flesh out of my own Ousia and Physis resonating to match Krahe''s similar to how a Doll would be made with a subject''s, then let her slide inside the space left for her ego. The Chambers... scare me. I would worry for Krahe''s mental integrity, especially with the possibility that my own fears could interfere with the process."

    Nodding, I sigh and murmur. "That makes sense to me, and Lynette defers to your expertise here. We''re... We''re actually quite curious at the possibility of leaving the Estate itself for the removal of both your and Lynette''s Garrotes. We''re quite conflicted. Part of us wants to insist we use a Chamber to ensure we can track and observe anything and everything, while the other thinks the jungles would offer not just a more peaceful environment for you and Adaline but... also a budding supply of Ousia if it is needed."

    "We can do Lynette''s wherever she would prefer but.... No. for me, I won''t ever use one of those torture cells." Xafra''s voice goes cold and haunted, clearly still traumatized from her experience.

    "I thought not. But... The offer needed to be made." I assure Xafra while squeezing her hand. "And... I think I''d prefer the jungles myself. With Warden and yours and Adaline''s eyes I doubt anything will be missed. Lynette will probably ask for ours or your Spire but... we''ll see."

    I pause as I hear voices ahead, recognizing them right away as Adaline and Schatzi, then turn to face Xafra. "I know we spoke a bit about it before but... I wanted to apologize again. For what happened. How I didn''t tell you what this place was before bringing you here. It was stupid and cowardly and... you deserved better. And had every right to come down here and no reason to think it could be as horrible as it is. I''m not... entirely sure what I could or should or would do differently now other than tell you. Let you help me figure this place out before everything got so... so complicated. Before it could hurt you."

    "Thank you. I... Mistress, I''m afraid. I think... I could have gotten out. I could have butchered myself until I could slip free but... Whatever got free wouldn''t be me anymore, and... That scares me more than the thought of being trapped. I finally have a name. I have a family. A daughter even. I don''t want to stop being me."

    "Never, love." I murmur softly, stepping forward to gently cup her cheek while pulling her other up to brush against my lips. "You''re free. You''re safe. And we will never let this place, nor anything like it, take you from yourself. Lynette ensured that. Even more than I demanded or thought she would. And after this Garrote is removed... things are going to change. A lot. For you."

    "I trust you." She takes a breath, shakes herself off and smiles again. "Let''s get this cutie a booty."

    I smirk and pull us forward, "You''ve been just... waiting to say that this entire time haven''t you?"

    "Mmhm, I spent like an hour working on a good pun while I waited for you."

    Still chuckling, we find the other members of Xafra''s Pack waiting for us. Both Adaline and Schatzi standing in a chamber that is dominated by a large loom knitted and wrapped about and through a stone slab twice the size of even the largest Doll.

    "I hope we didn''t keep either of you waiting." I speak as we enter.

    "Not really? Got here a short while ago and Schatzi just arrived. Rufus and Calix are flirting." Adaline responds casually, hefting a large canvas bag back over her shoulder. "Where does Lynette need the parts?"

    "Well, isn''t that a delight? Too early to know if it''s a thing of Passing Flames but... Well, Rufus always was the attachable sort. Loyal to a fault and endlessly looking for companionship. Let''s hope he doesn''t prove overmuch for Calix''s flights and distractible whims." I smirk while releasing Xafra''s hand and stepping up to the stone slap, then hefting myself up to stand atop it, calling up a flicker of Wisplight to illuminate the subtle patterns etched across the thing.

    "He got all panicked and confused when Calix asked him about the missing collar. Was apparently so overwhelmed he didn''t realize until then that he was no longer restricted from his Ousia and Physis, Mistress." Schatzi adds.

    I kneel while chuckling. "He knows how foolish it would be to Weave irresponsibly on these grounds, and... he is soft beneath the hooks and spiked bits the Threshers knit into him. At worst he''s playing at silent information gathering in the event we give him the chance for an eventual escape. But between Calix, you both, Xafra, Adaline and..."

    Augusta. She was there too.

    That causes me to pause as fingers touch the grooves of the stone. "Well, isn''t that odd."

    "Hmm? Something wrong with the Loom?" Xafra asks.

    I shake myself and turn back to the task at hand, refusing to let that errant thought over worry me. "It''s as perfect as I remember. Is Krahe''s Frame together or in segmented pieces?"

    "In pieces. Warden suggested keeping the parts seperate so we could check them again afterwards before I clade them."

    "Alright, pass them up and let''s fit them into these circles." I nod and tip-tap the six primary etchings. "Warden, if you could please send Lynette and I the information? From there we''ll see about tying the right values and such."

    Once all the parts are set within and tied, I move away and let this Loom do its task. Nudging Lynette from her furious work to activate and calibrate the process. It doesn¡¯t take long for the Estate to shove Empty Nomos laced with Ousia through the wood, leaving behind a thin layer of almost... barky scaled chaff when it''s done. So brittle it would fall to pieces if touched, and definitely when I begin regathering the parts.

    ¡°Should all be set and rewoven to specifications.¡± I murmur to Adaline, whose eyes are still dancing over the slab and remade Frame. Then use a subtle weaving to clean and brush away the leftover mess before passing each piece to her. ¡°But¡­ let me know if anything could be adjusted. It''s a simple enough thing, if you don''t mind the walk down here.¡±

    "Of course" She responds as she checks and repacks each part.

    "If they''re all good, we can have Krahe fully embodied tomorrow. Probably best for us all to get a good sleep after triple checking the designs and the material properties of the modified wood." Xafra announces as Adaline hands an odd spherical piece to her.

    "Of Course. We''ll go talk to Hyacinth and get it to look over the numbers again, and see you both in the morning?" Xafra suggests.

    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    "I..."

    <We can handle this WEED before this weepings end.> Lynette seems to be hissing, almost more to herself than me. <No need to let some Vile infestation delay that one''s installation.>

    I hide my wince at her fury, then nod to Adaline and Xafra. "That sounds perfect. Shall we?"

    "Definitely!" Adaline says with confidence.

    And so we walk back up to the surface together, then split apart to let Xafra and Schatzi head up the tunnel to her own spire as myself and Adaline head up to mine.

    "I... So how did your meeting with Augusta go?" I say as we move into my lower Chambers.

    "Quite well, We uhm... We talked about the relationship between me and you, and how I feel about going from isolation to being now in perpetual contact with others, as well as like... how to manage a leadership role. She suggested that I work on setting goals for myself with different time frames to keep myself from getting stuck in unhelpful patterns, and that I should spend some time every few days by myself to process and work on being someone for myself as well." Adaline answers in surprise.

    "What?" I pause and look back at her. "I... really? That..." I roll my eyes across her form, looking for any traces of Ousia or such manipulations. Find nothing.

    Augusta''s words roll through my mind. About how she claimed to ''lend an ear and tells stories to passing Dolls''.

    "...Sounds like very good advice." I continue carefully. "How much do you know about her?"

    "Hmmm. Not much? I never saw her before Mistress Xafra freed me. Calix noted down her speciality in counseling when Xafra was claiming all the Dolls. She didn''t have a preferred name, and I actually suggested Augusta when Xafra was at a loss for one which is why she doesn''t have a flower name. She makes me... Unsettled enough to talk, but I always feel better afterwards, like she''s helping me shake loose the Rust, as Verbess would say."

    "Counseling?" I murmur. "That''s... probably wonderful for you all. Of course. I just..."

    <No.> Lynette growls. <Elevar, if you love this gerl you will not tell her one Cracked and Riven th->

    "She''s not... what she may seem." I continue. "And I think I need your help in making certain we don''t do anything stupid when we go to meet with her before Krahe''s installation."

    "Mmhm. I''m pretty sure she was never human, yet I think it would be... Wrong to hold that against her, right? Like, Mistress Xafra and Sister Warden weren''t either, they were both made. And Calix, well that''s a whole thing, I''m certain. As well as Lynette''s Doll too." Adaline pauses for a heartbeat before offering "I''m up for coming with you to see her if you''d like?"

    "I... Think I''d like that. Try to keep this from cracking into something it doesn''t need to be." I nod, letting out a sigh of relief. "She... I''m fairly certain she''s not a Doll, and is only playing the part of one. For Xafra. Because she''s worried I''ll hurt her or... or something stupid but not unreasonable with my past. Impressive she''s walked these grounds without anyone noticing, honestly."

    "Not a Doll? So a Sun-blessed or something similar then? Odd. I haven''t... Opened her up or anything, but I can tell you for certain that at least externally, she has a Frame. I''ve been practicing mimicking Mistress Xafra''s Physis sensory field to see if it''s something that can be taught to... Well, anyways, The point is, she''s got a Frame."

    "No. Not a Sun-Blessed." I huff and fall back to sit on the edge of my bed. "She''s... Like that thing the Lynette killed that was at the edge of Verbess'' Driftdream. A... well she didn''t like the term but we''ll no doubt get a new one when I go to speak with her. The Estate marks them as Nightmares. Things of Dreams. Augusta... said she stepped into the real. Wants to speak with me. Could even... Well honestly I don''t know why she didn''t just use the bond, but she could hear my thoughts and speak to me despite being in the basement of her Spire."

    "Valthirii''s Spire." Adaline corrects absently while thinking. "So Augusta is some sort of Dreamborne entity that wasn''t real but is now, and spends her time talking to Dolls and giving them advice? That sounds like the... Primrose mentioned an entity she calls Old Scary that would guide Dolls back and share stories when they would get lost in the Undercroft."

    "Really? Yselda always said that was just the Miasma channeling the Estate''s nonsense through them. Like how smoke rises from a flame. But... Well, Verbess fooled that extension of the Estate, and Augusta seems quite a bit more deft and seasoned. Has Lynette absolutely in a fury over it all." I lean forward and consider. "Which¡­ I can''t say this doesn''t upset me as well. But if she is this same being then she''s been helping you all so much longer than me or Xafra. And even if not she''s still proved nothing but helpful. Which... is contradictory to everything I''ve ever been taught but... but seen of such things. It''s like the Sun-Blessed all over again. But worse, because..."

    Because Xafra''s one of them.

    I wince, then reach out. {Xafra? Dear One? I... I have a request? Do I have your permission, consent, and trust to share what I found out below with Adaline? I know that she is Pack to you but... This is quite personal.}

    [Yes.] The response is a single word without hesitation.

    "I''m not certain they are the same, it''s simply what occurred to me. Still, a meeting definitely seems in order, it would be good to have things cleared up."

    I look back to Adaline. "And... I spoke to D?mmerung today, down below. Asked them about Xafra and... and they confirmed mine and Lynette''s suspicions. Xafra believes herself to be the forged amalgam of 40 plus Half-Knits Ousia cracked together into what she is. But... that''s not true. Their deaths were a lure to attract, leash, and remake her. She''s a... a Nightmare. Or Dreamborne. But the Garrote won''t let her know or remember that. Cuts away any attempts to inform her of this."

    Adaline looks at me in concern. "Elevar. You... Elevar." With a quick weave she locks her Quills in place to prevent any of her emotions from being transmitted to the Pack and speaks with quiet ferocity. "Ashes of my Flesh. Woman, You need to sort your thoughts out because if you tell her like that, you''d... probably break her. A Nightmare? The creatures this Estate eats? The kind of thing that was consuming Verbess'' mind? You''d..." she stops with a heavy sigh and simply stares at me.

    "That''s. Why. I''m. Talking. To. YOU." I spit each word, something in her tone and frozen Quills cracking the anger I''d forgotten lingering. "I''m not a complete fool. Just mostly one. Thank you. I''m sorting this in order of events for you, because I expect this to be the majority of our discussion with Augusta. The Dirt God spoke VERY highly of Xafra, and Sikkina, which implies even more. The words Divine Seedling were used." I pause, take a second to steady myself. Look away. "Dreamborne. That''s a good name. You''re right. Of course. Should avoid the term Nightmare. Seems... narrow. And just like with the Sun-Blessed old name, wrong. Cracked and Riven Moon, it''s.... it''s so good you''re here. I was not ready for this, and that was before... before last night."

    "Sorry, This is a lot. D?mmerung spoke of Sikkina?" Adaline says, softening her words.

    "Not by name. And only at the end. Called her theirs, unreal, void, and Firmament. Which... only gave more truth to this theory." I sigh and lean forward to rest elbows on knees. "And... I should be the one apologizing. You reacted as you should. Protective of your Pack Sister."

    "It''s alright. Let''s... Go talk to Augusta? Sooner is probably better than later." She calms herself, releases the weave on her Quills and gives me a reassuring smile.

    I nod. "Of course."

    **    **    **

    We descend the stairwell together, approaching the basement of Valthirii''s Spire. I very nearly had us take the tunnels but... well that might be seen as rude and it''s best to start things off without seeming impolite. Hesitating at the bottom for only a second before stepping up to knock on the door.

    Augusta opens the door smoothly welcoming us in with a gesture, "Thank you for coming. Good to see you as well Adaline. I assume you wish to sit in on this conversation?"

    Adaline gives a tight nod, avoiding eye contact.

    "She offered, and I accepted." I reply without stepping forward. "A mediator seemed like a good idea. I take it you won''t object?"

    "Not at all. I''d offer refreshments, but it seems unlikely that you would trust any I offer. The risk of Fae tricks and such, yes?" Augusta comments as she moves over to her chair, leaving both a loveseat and a large soft chair to us.

    "I''m not familiar with... that. The term. The word. Fae?" I admit while stepping inside with Adaline close behind. "Would it be impolite to ask?"

    "The Fae are... Singers of a sort, instead of weavers. They don''t function as well here, D?mmerung lacks one of the soul elements they need. I only mentioned them because the Quill song has some minor similarities." Augusta answers with a shake of her head. "Apologies, I get prone to tangents that are less helpful than I would like."

    "I... Well I asked." Letting Adaline take the loveseat while I settle on the soft chair, I look up to face Augusta. "Even if everything you just said only confuses me more, it brings up a pointed reality. I have been given... names and information that I''m becoming quickly aware are less than reliable. And you implied that I would hurt my Xafra if I didn''t change from that. Then I told Adaline of our discoveries and... she seemed to agree. Pointedly. So here I am. Looking for a reliable sort to help me understand. Help... us understand."

    Lynette growls at my inclusion of her as she sits like some perched beast on my back. Starkly furious and wishing so much to pounce in contrast to my honest words.

    "Adaline, would you mind terribly to show Lynette how to do that ingenious ethereal form that Warden displays? I would rather respect boundaries and not peer below the surface but it is quite challenging when only two of my guests are visible." Augusta says in lieu of an answer.

    "I. Uhm... Sure." with a few rapid flicks of her Quills and a strange blush on her face, Adaline creates an ethereal tome and offers it over commenting, "It''s mostly just a modification of how you display books and such to move and project sound."

    "Oh, This is is perfect. Thank you." I accept the Tome, and... honestly it''s just like Adaline says. Takes more Physis than I''d like but...

    I offer the weaving to Lynette, who twists it to form as... Well... just like she did last I saw her in Verbess and Xafra''s'' Driftdream. Regal attire and Vine tattoos twisting across false flesh as she stares at Augusta. Expression blank and calm... except the eyes. Those practically bleed suspicion and fury as she stands just a little behind and beside me.

    "Excellent. Now to answer your request, I need to start with a leading question, but I promise it is important. What is Xafra to you?" Augusta asks.

    "I''m... not really sure how to answer that. She''s... many things. But to me? Specifically? My Bonded Partner. In all things, when I''m clever enough to remember that." I answer carefully. "She''s had many over her life that have rejected her... well, her personhood. Considered her no more than an object. I... I told her soon after I brought her here that she should be what she wants to be. And she seemed to fall to pieces. Really needed to hear me tell her that if she wants to be a person... then she should. If... does that make sense? Or am I babbling past your question?"

    "No, that''s precisely correct. Xafra is Xafra. The difference is that while you can bear many labels without too much change, Witch, Half-Knit, Human, and Twice-Blessed, to name a few, those like myself and Xafra are more... affected by labels. Prescriptive instead of Descriptive. We can alter ourselves but it''s much more drastic and deliberate. For example, I could not cause deliberate harm as a Kindly One. I could shed that label, but it would involve taking on another, like Nightmare or Fae. Or... gaining a Name, letting me begin to create my own path."

    I nod. "That... I can understand this. Alright. And, of course, if I used the wrong ones I could hurt her. Because... and correct me if I''m misunderstanding... but you used a different word there. ''Gain'' a name. As opposed to ''Take'' a label. The how in acquiring is different. The source matters?"

    "Yes. As another example, Lynette there could call me a Nightmare or Weed till she runs out of Physis to maintain her form and it won''t affect me past a minor sense of disappointment, but if it was someone I care about, it would be quite different and harder to resist. I could not simply claim a name for myself, it had to be freely given. Recognition that my individuality matters. I could still reject the name, shed Augusta as a concept and become something else, but it would be a loss that I would prefer to avoid."

    Lynette grins at the start, but otherwise adds nothing as I take a deep breath, then speak. "And Xafra''s Garrotes have stopped her from understanding this. Protecting herself only by trial and error and making due with horrid partners. Forced to be given new names that bind her to them as she forgets the old. Losing parts of herself."

    Her fears spoken below, of being forced to become something different just to survive, echo in my mind. Crack something deep inside me.

    "What can I do?" I whisper. "Once the Garrote is removed? To... to make sure she''s able to be her own person still?"

    "No dear, you''ve misunderstood. Xafra hasn''t had a name before this. Not a real one. There''s a difference between calling your spear Glory because it stabs good and giving someone you recognize as an individual with thoughts and feelings a name." Augusta responds with a wince. "That''s one of the things I meant about stability too. You suffering Soul damage simply from considering the horrors she''s been through could cause her to feel responsible for such. Now, I don''t know if you have any talent in Alchemy, but I''ll note down a recipe that should help the healing. It''s called Witchmend, a tincture you can mix with tea to help all those cracks start healing up." She starts writing on a piece of parchment with a cloth-wrapped graphite stick. "As far as making sure she''s able to be her own person, that is in one respect the easiest thing, and in another, incredibly difficult. You have to let her do so. Let her make mistakes, disagree with you, and make her own decisions. And all while understanding that she is, first and foremost, yours. A Blade cannot wield herself after all."

    "I... Soul damage?" I shake my head. "I think I''m following most of this but... It''s not like I can''t consider what she''s been through and not try to and help her. And the idea of her experiences hurting me when I do just...doesn''t make sense. And just some tea brewn special will settle that? Truly? If you were charging Jade I''d think you swindling me. But you''re not and so I''m left with nothing but confusion. Unless... is this a side effect of the bond I wove between us?"

    "You''re likely to consider this Weisheit quackery because much knowledge has been obscured or misunderstood over the years. You know of the potions and ointments to speed Physis recovery, I assume, and how their efficacy varies wildly depending on the Spellweaver that uses them?"

    "I had to become familiar with them to lessen some of the Seelenf?ule''s effects. Although Schatzi handled most of the brewing, and was able to make even the more foul tasting stuff into a tolerable cup of tea." I nod with a huffing chuckle. "And... A day ago I would consider this all nonsense. But now... after the little Lynette''s shared and what D?mmerung said and... well I''m out to sea now. Best to trust those familiar with the tides in hopes of finding the shore again."

    "They work by repairing Soul damage. The more intact the Soul is, the more efficient the Physis production. Witchmend is an old recipe but quite effective without a nasty aftertaste. Your Soul just suffered damage not even a minute ago. In a Doll, it is easily seen by any who can access the Soul Core, the chips and scratches and such. But in a living, if you''ll pardon my usage of the word, entity, there''s no Soul Core, just the mass of Ousia and Physis that acts like a flame. It takes a different type of sight to see damage there." Augusta explains as she hands over the recipe. ¡°There''s actually some genuine irony in the term Soul Rot, considering it''s more of a Soul Corrosion, but the principle is accurate even if the justification for it is entirely baseless."

    Taking it, I glance over the instructions once and commit them to memory within both mind and Little Archive. "Alright. Another question. Which seems even more perfect to ask you. Will removing the Garrotes entirely pose a danger to Xafra? Lynette was a touch worried about her needing to keep some kind of anchor to the Waking World, aside from her emotional connections and physical form, to help her steady. Nothing she couldn''t cut anytime she wanted afterwards but... well... It''s a worry. Especially if our bond or her link to the Pack was damaged. I remember back when I first... well, I was tits deep in panic and tried to sever our bond with Physis. Her Driftdream seemed wounded by that. The trees cut and sliced despite my Physis being quite useless at breaking it."

    And with our plan to basically engage in a Cracked and Riven conflict with every Grove there is a chance that... that things could happen. To me. To her Pack. And the thought of her struggling to return home to her Dolls or Sikkina due to some nonsense instability tied to her nature is unacceptable.

    "She is anchored to the Real currently by a number of connections. The Tether to you, Elevar, the Pack soulbond, the older Garrote, but most importantly, her Name. Removing the Garrote won''t directly harm her or put her in danger. If anything it will allow her to take on a label if something occurs that disrupts all three of the other anchors though... to be blunt, if she is stripped of her name, her Pack, and her Mate, she will probably not be the same person anymore. Mmhm, the Driftdream is fascinating, I don''t expect to ever get a chance to explore it myself, but the concept is delightful. She exists in between the Real, the Void, and the Unreal in a way I''ve not often seen."

    Such a sigh escapes me at that. Seems to cut some tether of budding worry I''d not realized help me aloft, causing me to sag a little. "Good. Cracked and Riven Moon. That... Thank you. For sharing all this. It''s... honestly, despite the fear and worry this is nothing but enthralling to me. Ever since the idea was proposed. Never saw her as... as anything but wonderful. Didn''t care what she was before only... only what her knowing more about herself could mean. Wanted her to feel nothing but that wonder I feel or better. And... I think... That''s why that word. That label. As you refer to it as, didn''t click as something that could hurt her. Nightmare. It''s... not like the Denizen. Only ever encountered two. Well... four. Now. I guess. A word for something dangerous. Not meant to be anything but clear. But... With how much me calling myself a Half-Knit bothers her... I can understand it. Look for better words. Better ways to share this with her. Make sure she knows how much we adored discovering this."

    "That''s good to hear. I do genuinely hope you''ll come see me again someday when you''re willing to extend me such trust." Augusta says tiredly.

    "I''ll no doubt have more questions," I nod. "And Xafra will as well, once freed. Your information seems solid, and you''ve not harmed any here. Only aided. In words and guidance. Adaline trusts you, and so do many others. For that alone you have mine in most things. And I''ll continue to offer you the same courtesies of all guests on these grounds. Simply... in the future use the bond or more physical means to reach out to me, alright?"

    Augusta nods. "Of course. Unless it is an emergency, I will do so."

    "Hmmm... No." Comes such a soft denial from behind me. And I wince. Look back to find Lynette calmly smirking at Augusta. "If such a time comes that we are beyond all other manner of communication, but that, you best swim away before the tides come in. All other occasions, no matter how dire they may seem, call for something less intrusive. Else I''ll assume you''ve chosen to shed this Kindly Shell for something less agreeable."

    "Good. That is a healthy viewpoint. I will stay out of your minds unless directly invited. Additionally I''m going to give you a piece of unasked for information that may help you, Lynette. Fairly obtained, no trickery involved. Xafra cares for you, but still believes you don''t consider her a person. Do with that as you will." Augusta stands, walking to the door.

    I do my very best to maintain the image and internal appearances of stoic considerations at that. But... Lynette''s smirk turns to a grin. "That... is so very interesting. Thank you, Augusta."

    "Are we still on for later this week, Augusta?" Adaline asks quietly.

    "Of course, as long as you''re wanting to see me, I will be available." Augusta answers smoothly.

    We rise after that, I let the Physis manifestation fade, and we exit. Moving through the Spire and eventually stepping out onto the grounds, Lynette finally bubbling up to say after we''re a few paces out. "That went perfectly, thank you for attending that with us. Adaline."

    "Yes. Thank you." I huff as she pulls away. "That... I''m not sure how well I''d have handled that with just Lynette glaring at her the entire time."

    "You would have handled it fine probably, until Lynette decided to simply send the Estate after her, I''d assume." Adaline chuckles. "I''m glad there was some useful information there."

    "Me too." I nod and offer her my hand. "Now... before things turn sideways on me again. Can we... we just do something? Together? Not... Well sort of like we did before but without the nonsense? I''ve no idea what. To be honest, Just something that isn''t like what normally happens here. Or have you had enough of me for one evening? I... this has been a lot and I''d understand if you need space and time."

    "I''d love to spend time with you."

    Such a tittering rush bubbles up through me at that, and I pull her off to find something much less stressful to occupy our evening.

 Chapter 67: Thought and Memory (Blade?)

    Thought and Memory (Blade?)

    Content Warnings:

    Spooky sun weeping. Slur use due to things (Specifically towards Sun-Blessed). Body swappin/transfer. Um.... Spooky suns singin'' to the Pack and wibbling and wobbling! hmmmm.....

    The Pack and I wander into Shelf Spire F¨¹nf, Verbess cradling the bag of soon to be bones in its arms as we look for Hyacinth. After a quick inquiry using the bond, we wave to Strychnine and Riana in the cold room and make our way to the back room to meet with Hyacinth.

    Hyacinth is the largest Doll on the Estate, taller even than my Warlord form and seems to have likely been designed to function better in water than on land. A casual cruelty of Yselda''s that there is no such accommodations currently. Something to fix.

    It rests in a mound of blankets and pillows, with its soft and blue patterned Frame accented by its choice of pale gray dress suit. As it moves to greet us, it clearly struggles with mobility, reaffirming my thought to look into accommodations.

    "Hyacinth, it is good to see you. Would you be willing to verify some measurements for me?" I keep my greeting short and get to the topic quickly, knowing it suffers from severe social anxiety.

    "Yes, Mistress." It murmurs, voice a lilting soft tune that most would find off-putting. Especially with the speed in which it articulates. But to me it sings of interest and eagerness tinted with a decent amount of anxiety. "Gift this one the parameters | context | requirements, and it will calculate | process | extrapolate and convey.¡±

    I hand it the journal with the measurements before pulsing at Verbess to lay out the components. It moves deftly and with precision. Cracking extra limbs out to place each piece in a configuration Hyacinth can see without needing to over adjust.

    The large frame rubs its bald head as it reviews the documentation, gears clicking up and down like the beads of an abacus, recalculating the numbers the Pack had determined and comparing the laid out parts with an exacting eye to measure. "No issues found | presented | uncovered.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, skilled one.¡± Verbess thrums in voice and Quill song. Fangs clicking in an appreciation of the deft efficiency of Hyacinth¡¯s work. Like a hunter seeing another¡¯s caught prey as it begins to regather Krahe¡¯s Frame.

    "Yes. Thank you, it''s reassuring to know the numbers are correct." I smile at Hyacinth, "I will look into improving your accommodations once I have a chance to discuss with some experts. It may take a while.¡±

    [Okay? It''s... This...] Krahe murmurs as a bubbling excitement tinted with anxiety rolls through her. [It''s good? Like this one knows it''s perfect but it''s not... Like... This should work? Right, Pack Lead? This one doesn''t have a body like before but Adaline and Schatzi said that the body doesn''t matter. Only the like... Ousia and Physis and mind things? You''ll be able to stick this one in it without issues?]

    [It should work without issue. If my initial attempt is unsuccessful, we will need to have one of the Witches assist as it is likely the... other method will be prevented by my binds.] I respond to Krahe as we depart the chamber. [Verbess, would you be... willing to work with Strychnine this evening to do some meat preparation and let Riana work on her anatomy diagrams? They could be quite useful for future projects.] I ask with slight reticence, still not quite able to shake my discomfort.

    Verbess'' Quills chime a soft humming of comfort for Krahe and agreement for me. Stepping into the cold room to begin speaking with Strychnine as I exit the Spire.

    [Thanks, just...] She pauses, gathering up words before intoning softly. [This one didn''t get the chance to worry over its own installation before. Knew it would be pretty horrid but... not how. No details. This one can handle pain, of all kinds. Would break and rebuild again if it needs to. But this is weird and seeing the skeletons behind it all and only understanding maybe half of half of it sets the Quills on edge. But... knowing you''re all pretty smart with magic things and are good with this all settles it. Makes it wish it had the chance to like... figure out my own blood before it boiled away. Ya know?]

    [Do you mean in a literal sense, or a desire to learn of medicine and anatomy?] I inquire, curious about the pathways Krahe''s thoughts are taking her.

    [Huh? Naw. No one would teach a Gutter Bird those things.] She chuckles. [Just... wumbering what this one''s flesh could have done with more time. Was already reshaping itself to look a bit more like this one wanted, but slowly. So when they offered this one Pack stuff that would, in a few hours, remake it into a Frame It liked of course It took the offer.]

    "Ahhh. Well, you''ll have a long time to grow in whatever way you want, Krahe. Try not to let regrets weigh you down and instead let them propel you forward." I respond aloud as we reach my own Spire. "Oracles know I''ve learned that lesson first hand too many times to want others to have to learn it the hard way.¡±

    [Agreed, Pack Lead. This one honestly... mostly is just glad that you all wanted to keep it. Even... even that scary lady, Lynette.] She murmurs, like one settling still to think. [Thank you, by the way. This one''s name feels perfect. Right. Kinda helps this one stay centered without trying to backways handle memories. Can''t even remember the one my parents called me, which is nice... Since this one never liked it. Only enjoyed it when all the little ones called this one Big Sister.]

    "Names are really important to me. Probably more than they would if I hadn''t spent most of existence without. Was quite overwhelming to name so many Dolls in a short period but I really tried my best to find ones that fit well."

    I set the bag of parts and the journal on the table and slide back into my prosthesis, the simple comfort of having it soothing my minor worries.

    [I''m going to curl up in one of the display beds and relax for the evening. You''re welcome to keep me company chatting and such or head back to your little birds to see what kind of mess they''re causing.]

    [Just... gimme a second... wiggle over and... yeah.] She giggles while seeming to nuzzle closer to my side of our Pack bond, then stills. [Gonna rest here. It thinks. Don''t need to talk. Tomorrow is gonna be a mess and this one wants to... settle some things. Make sure it''s gathered up all the disparate parts of itself, ya know?That way you have an easy time slerping this one up and dropping it inside the new Frame.]

    [Purrfect] I pun as I situate myself in the case. [Rest well. Everything changes tomorrow... again.]

    **   **   **

    I rise early in the morning, well rested and confident in our plans. Still in the prosthesis, I nudge Calix to join me and carry the materials as we make our way to Elevar''s Spire to gather the others.

    As I arrive with Calix, Elevar ascends the stairs from her room to give me a kiss on the head and scritches behind the ears of my Grakler Frame.

    In a tired voice she murmurs, "Let me take a bit of a morning shower to ensure any aid I offer produces only clean magic. Rest here or join us at your leisure if you''d like."

    I mwerp at her in delight, and ask Calix to place items on the table for thorough exploration of gravitational effects as Schatzi quickly makes her way up, giggles at our antics and sets water boiling before heading to join Elevar and Adaline in the shower.

    "So just line these cups up along the edge?" Calix asks in confusion.

    I bob my head in agreement then pounce over to swat the first full cup of water off the table.

    While Calix cackles in excitement, Rufus makes his way down the other stairs from his temporary room with that, to my understanding, persistent ear twitch. "What are you... Doing?¡±

    Calix looks at Rufus in confusion, "What do you mean? We''re testing the effects of gravity.¡±

    "Yourself and a large mutant Grakler?" He responds with skepticism, causing my hackles to rise.

    I hiss and manifest into my Doll form beside the table glaring at him. "That''s very rude.¡±

    If Rufus¡¯ ears had a persistent twitch before, they begin to positively shake at that. "What sort of Denizen are you?¡±

    Calix rushes over and covers Rufus'' mouth. "You can''t just say that! It''s a slur.¡±

    With a sigh I pull out a chair and sit at the table, deliberately ignoring the puddles of water and cups scattered on the floor. "Come, sit, let''s talk before you get yourself hurt with your ignorance.¡±

    Rufus takes a seat and I speak to Calix, "The kettle seems to be done, why don''t you pour us all some tea, dear.  The Moon Belladonna you made for Adaline for myself, and the Valerian tea for yourself and Rufus seems appropriate.¡±

    "But I like the weird taste of the other one more." Calix responds in bafflement.

    "I think it''s best if he has whatever one he prefers, yes?" Rufus adds foolishly.

    [Calix, considering your behavior yesterday, it''s safer for Rufus if you stick to the tea that won''t kill him.] I mention to him silently.

    "Oh! Nevermind! actually the Valerian sounds great, mmhm!" Calix exclaims as a blush creeps up his face.

    "What if I want to try the Moon Belladonna?" Rufus demands, uncomfortable with the sudden switch.

    "Kill yourself on your own time, kiddo. Now let''s get down to business." I respond brusquely.

    "It''s poisonous to humans, and made with Moonwaste" Calix gently clarifies as he pours the tea.

    Rufus blanches as I begin.

    "The entities we have all known for our entire existences as Denizens have decided to permit us to use the term Sun-blessed in the meantime until a better term for their overall species is available. Myself and Elevar are currently in talks with the Sea-Borne ...nation? group? uncertain, honestly, to come to a peace agreement.¡±

    "Between Moonwaste tea and peace talks with... Sun-blessed, I''m not sure which is more horrific. But that still doesn''t answer my question. What manner of Sun-Blessed are you, Xafra?" Rufus presses.

    "Oh, I''m not a Sun-Blessed, I''m a Warcrime. The specifics I''m no longer as certain about as I once was, but I feel like that much is true. Are you a learned soul, Rufus, or a tinkertoy soldier, just doing what you''re told and slaughtering whoever you''ve been assigned to handle?" I slash back, deciding to engage in civil violence, as is proper, apparently.

    "That''s uncalled for. I''ve always done my best to do what is right. Sometimes that involves hard choices." he retorts.

    "Slavery is the easy choice. The hard choice is killing those you would have considered friends if not for their actions. I was there when your organization was founded, Mr. Chain. I know exactly how they operated, and while I don''t know about their activities in the past few millennia, the fact that Yselda was one of you does not paint a picture of... Consideration and Compassion.¡±

    "Both of you. Please." Calix interrupts, setting the cups on the table. "This is not a productive way to discuss this, and also not the day, right? We''re supposed to be prepping for Krahe now.¡±

    Rufus bites back scathing remarks and turns his attention to his tea, cradling it between his two large furred hands. "Alright. That is... reasonable. What exactly are we prepping for, and who is Krahe?¡±

    "We are preparing for the atypical implantation of a consciousness into a Doll Frame. Krahe, you might as well introduce yourself while we wait for the others to be ready." I answer, sipping at my own tea.

    A heartbeat, then my Physis crackles and Krahe manifests as... something between. Still looking like she did in flesh among the Dream but with Quills on back and elbows as her eyes glimmer with careful focus. "Heya, fuzzball. How''s life after the mud bath?¡±

    "Confusing mostly. You''re... inside Xafra... but only partially?" Rufus asks as he pushes gently with his senses.

    Krahe raises a hand to teeter it in a so-so motion, Physis flickering to adjust her to be sitting cross-legged on the table. "This one sways between Pack Sisters. But, today it''ll get Quills screwed in and should be more grounded in its own Frame.¡±

    "They can''t really have sex until after Krahe has a body." Calix adds causing me to gag on my tea and cough.

    "That''s just not true," Krahe chuckles and grins at Calix. "Having a Frame sure does add some physicality to it all, but even before Xafra you''d be amazed the kinda things a good Quill-Song can do. And that''s not even considering the Physis manifestations our Pack Lead can weave.¡±

    "I¨C I...  That''s not what I was implying. I... M-my apologies." Rufus stammers out.

    I watch quietly, enjoying the show despite my own blush.

    "Then what were you implying?" Krahe only grins wider, Quills thrumming a soundless melody of teasing. Both at myself and Rufus. "What else do you think we do around here?¡±

    "I don''t know. I had a whole plan to... to bring Justice. To stop my friend from becoming the monster she was afraid of being. To protect the innocent regardless of what it would cost me... but... I still don''t know the truth of why three Witches had to die. Elevar and Schatzi both have tells. They were covering something up, and I need to know. I need to understand what I''m doing before... before." His voice turns serious, grave yet uncertain, pleading.

    "They were hiding the fact that I killed them. Without an Einwandfrei or any weave, only a Witch Tone. I commanded them to die and they did." I answer plainly, feeling a pang of regret at the waste.

    "Why? How? That just raises even more questions." Rufus asks, leaning forwards.

    "I reacted poorly, a trauma response from past abuses. The Tone effectively drives me mad when used against me. I lashed out to stop it, caught in a memory of another using the tone to kill with a specific sequence of commands. It was self defense, but... I wish it did not need to happen." I confess to this... man, this being that was once my sworn enemy, in hopes that he may be able to be a friend.

    But... then sounds of motion echo from below, and soon the well-dressed and cleaned trio move up. Each with braided hair, painted nails, and attire that balances function while also being elegant and even vibrant.

    "Good morning, everyone." Mistress Elevar says first, eyes dancing over us all but lingering on me and my expression while her senses consider the bond between us, then turns to Rufus. "Cracked and Riven Moon, look at you. I take it you''ve found comfort in my Xafra''s workings and are treating her with the grace befitting those skills?¡±

    "More than I ever expected. I am... Trying to keep an open mind but I''ve spent most of my time outside of the room you provided dreadfully confused." He responds with a surprising amount of warmth, contrasting the fierceness of their prior encounter.

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    "That makes sense. Sister Xafra and Mistress Elevar spent nearly their first entire week just looking at eachother in confusion" Schatzi states with amusement.

    "Yes, but that was mostly my fault." Elevar sighs to Schatzi, but with a smile as she moves to sit next to me. "And even before Xafra''s arrival this Estate was not a place to visit to find your preconceived notions upheld. Or to cling to past lives. But I can promise you that it''s a softer home now. Nothing like... Like Yselda or her mentor kept it as.¡±

    "I hope so. I want to... Do good. Make a difference, and I''m not yet convinced that... That the kind of power at your disposal can be trusted." Rufus says with finality.

    Elevar huffs and chuckles without humor, leaning forward to rest elbows on the table and chin on the back of her palms. "Oh, don''t misunderstand. I''m mostly just trying to keep it docile and asleep. We''re all better off that way. This place has... expectations. For its Blossoms. About what it needs them to be. Yselda was nearly ideal, and me... well... It tolerates me. Wanted me like I was. So we compromised. It''s why I know now, more than I did the last time we spoke all those years ago, that a Thresher Captain would be a poor Keeper of these grounds. The Estate would demand the worst of their lot, then Cultivate the worst parts of that individual." Then Elevar is looking away. "Turns out the best thing that Cunt did for the Groves was betray me, the scars from her Makellose gave us... an option. If nothing else. To make sure we got someone better than the Old Cunt was.¡±

    "You speak as if the Estate is a person or an intelligence of some sort." he offers.

    "It''s a vindictive Hag-Spawned horror that I would put to the torch if I could do so without risking those I care about, including my daughter." I interject with revulsion.

    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s¡­ that and worse.¡± Elevar agrees, ¡°It eats sentience it deems too distant from a preset base, then remakes it into Doll-adjacent beings. And that¡¯s only when it¡¯s hibernating. This place is not just intelligent, it¡¯s¡­¡± Elevar pauses, our bond tittering with realization. ¡°Not made to be used.¡±

    "It''s Hag-spawn. The literal grandchild of Divine Mother Moon. If you didn''t have Witch blood it would not even tolerate your presence. Honestly, I don''t know what She was thinking with creating the Hags, and where her Will was subverted." I state, musing on the past.

    Elevar glances over to consider me for a few heartbeats before nodding. ¡°I hate tending to the mess of it all, but¡­ will take full advantage of this place''s lazy regard if it means keeping us safe.¡±

    Rufus simply stares in shock.

    "Alright, if it''s okay with everyone, let''s get going? Just beyond the boundary to ensure no interference at least for this first attempt." I declare finishing my tea.

    Mistress nods and stands, looks to Rufus. "We can talk more after this is done and settled. In the meantime... Enjoy your morning. Don''t get into too much trouble until we''ve returned.¡±

    [Ah, Mistress, I would... appreciate his presence and perspective in case of errors, with the condition that he is not to act unless requested.] I ask silently.

    "Interesting..." She intones aloud, tip-tapping her nails on the wooden table. "Actually, you''re welcome to join us if you''d like. We''ll be stepping outside the grounds for this project and another Witch''s perspective, but not participation, seems to be requested.¡±

    Rufus looks around in confusion, obviously uncertain how such discussion took place. "Certainly. It would be good to see more of what goes on here to form more of an option.¡±

    "As long as you don''t act against those I care for, I''m happy to show you a multitude of things." I stand, picking up the bag and journal, leaving my grakler Frame on the table.

    Rufus nods and stands.

    Lynette thrums silent but pointed approval at my last words, and my Mistress and her lead us from here to the edge of the Estate. The wall opens much like the last time and reveals the already rapidly regrowing jungles beyond.

    "I think, Dear Xafra." They murmur, striding forward. "We have just the spot..."

    Along the stone-laid pathway, which lies completely devoid of the jungle''s overgrowth, we''re led to a small outcropping which sits as dead as the day I last consumed from this place. The plant life has long since degraded but... to a sort of odd ash devoid of the moisture and cycle of life I''d normally expect to overtake it all. Still wrapped in the life around but... like a bubble beneath the tides.

    It smells more natural than any other place I''ve been since being freed.

    "This will work. Odd but I''m glad it''s still available, I was prepared to clear a space." I set the bag down and turn to my Pack. "Lay out the bones and components please. Warden, please focus on correcting placement to minimize any errors. Adaline, I need you to watch over the weaving internally if you would please. Verbess and Schatzi, once everything is in place, please sit at the head motionless please. Krahe, do your best to relax and do what feels correct to you. The rest of you please sit or stand as you wish, but try to avoid distracting us.¡±

    Over the next few minutes, the Frame is fully assembled in a prone position, abnormal for traditional dollcraft but what I''m doing is not quite traditional. Verbess and Schatzi sit at the head end as requested, and Adaline kneels to my left beside the Frame as I sit at the feet.

    "Commencing sheathing." I announce as I reach out to Krahe with a request to <Harmonize>

    A heartbeat passes, then with a snarl that seems to bubble from from inside and between and nowhere all at once, Krahe answers with her own <Harmonize>.

    I split my focus carefully into three different threads, resonating just over three quarters of my Ousia, 150k Thaums, with Krahe''s signature while simultaneously Harmonizing with Krahe, and enacting the weaving to convert the resonant Ousia into the outer Frame that Krahe desires.

    The Frame between us cracks and absorbs the working like sand takes in water. Soon shifting into shapes that match nearly perfectly her Physis form with a few additions that we can feel she was uncertain of before... but in this moment seem as important as anything else. The six limbed winding tail, digitigrade and strengthened legs, and extra fingers inlaid into the palm for when she shifts into her Combat form. All as natural as any other part she conveyed and presented to us when Harmonized like this.

    I increase my focus, silencing my awareness of everything outside of myself, Krahe, and the Frame as the process comes to a close. I hold the weave still, nearly finished but not tightened and prompt Krahe <Ready, sister.>

    [Ready, Pack Lead.] She whispers, using my steady focus to still her thrumming mess of desperate hope and anxieties.

    <It is your decision if you wish to follow the link and enter the Frame now or after I tighten the weave. I do not know if there will be a difference as this is new territory. The choice is yours.>

    [Let''s... This one will go now.] She murmurs, moving over to the tether like another might approach a yawning chasm. [See if it can''t help hold this one still from the other end?]

    As Krahe moves through the tether I can feel what I missed previously, she carries Wisps with her, all resonating similarly.

    She settles and I''m about to tighten the weave when Adaline stops me with a warning. <Abnormal Wisp. Silent. Mangled. Why?>

    <Assessing... First Breaking. Function Management. Unique to Old Crafting. Neutral Threat Level.> Verbess intones through its Quills.

    [Huh? Oh tell her not to worry over it.] Krahe thrums from within her new Frame. [Oh this feels PERFECT, Pack Lead. Bitch Tits. Thought it might be a touch off or need retuning but... nope better than It remembers!!!]

    Accepting the assessment I continue and tighten the weave, severing the Ousia in the Frame from myself and hopefully fully anchoring Krahe to her Frame.

    I close myself off fully for a long moment, shifting back down to spearform, becoming inert.

    This feels... different. Did I do the right thing? Have I... trapped her in a prison of her own making? She didn''t have a body, but... she could have used a prosthesis or I could have¡ª

    I extend my senses once more to notice Elevar softly Canting

    ::Assurances/Pride/Comfort::

    "Yeah, exactly!" I hear a new voice giggle, but... seems to be moving about. Krahe? "Like that time the Gutters flooded. This one was just flailing about, kinda in control but mostly helpless. Then it got out and everything was steady again and that''s what this feels like!"

    Then there is motion, and even my Mistress tilts a bit from the little bust of air from the backwash.

    [Apologies for the delay. That was... discordant in a way I did not expect.] I intone to my Mistress.

    {It''s quite alright, love.} She replies with mirth. {This was quite the undertaking, and...}

    She sends me a collection of memories. Krahe''s new Frame shifting from complete lifeless inertness to motion and cackling delight. Of the girl tackling Mistress'' Doll and Adaline in excited hugs, then taking off into the jungles before they could be returned. Only to race through this clearing before anyone could consider needing to give chase. And all the while her Quills practically screaming in joy and hunger for motion.

    {After asking us if you were alright, and us assuring her you simply needed time, she quite literally can''t sit still.} Elevar chuckles. {Schatzi and Verbess say this is how Pack Sisters got after their Installation. Filled to bursting with euphoric joy at their new Frame. This seems to have gone perfectly, Dear one.}

    [Wonderful. I''m so very glad. There was a minor concern that Adaline noticed] I send the recollection over before continuing. [Was there any issues noticeable externally?]

    <One. But... I''ve tended to it.> Lynette replies evenly, but beneath it I feel a... anger? Not at me or anyone here but... oddly tinted with what I can only sense as raised hackles.

    {Hmm...} Elevar muses with a touch of worry at the recollections. {If Wisps are... metaphoric for mental processes, and thus letting them go unpruned can cause damage or Dysfunction, That odd silent one may be meant to deal with that. Warden might have been installed later and handled it better but... this might have been how they managed the trauma of their installation and later losses before then.}

    [Quite possibly. Lynette, would you be willing to discuss the issue?] I broach.

    Lynette considers me for a few heartbeats, <Not until we''re back on the grounds and you''re a touch more... reassured. Of your work. I should have known better than to expect anything but Artful weaving from you. The issue was one I only vaguely worried over, and you could not have prepared for.>

    {I... can guess at it. I think.} Elevar placates. {Krahe seems perfectly made, and Lynette didn''t touch her Frame. This issue was one of... distant concern?}

    The equivalent of a hum of acknowledgement comes from Lynette. But she still seems on edge. Like a Viper in a tree-top burrow ready to hiss and strike.

    [Alright. Shall we head back then? Having trouble shaking this odd feeling that I''ve missed something.] I offer.

    {Oh, I think we miss more than we perceive, Dear one. But... less so nowadays than before. You''ve truly done well.} Elevar nods and I sense her adjust her body to rise, still cradling me close while sharing more of her bubbling approvals of my work as Krahe comes darting back through the clearing. {Would you prefer to be held for the walk?}

    [Please.] I respond with pleasure.

    "Okay. Let''s head back home." Elevar calls to everyone.

    Krahe seems to lurch back into her view at that, and is soon followed by Verbess, who she seems to allow to finally catch her. They roll and writhe about a bit, Krahe''s quick Frame and new set of tails trying to match their Little Bird''s lithe strength.

    "She..." Krahe calls, squirming free and hopping over stand near Adaline and us. Quills dancing as she cracks back and forth between her full Combat form and smaller softer shape. [Is... Is Pack lead awake? Okay? Not hurt?]

    [I''m fine dear.  Was just overwhelmed with the process and needed a bit of time. How are you feeling?] I inquire, hoping that she''s truly as comfortable as she seems.

    "Amazing! Like... between the Frames this one was always kinda soft and felt like a stiff kick to the tits would shatter it." She grins while bouncing backways as we begin to walk, "But now it''s like one of those weird squishy things you find inside shells on the beach. Protected but also able to crack itself against everything else if it wants. And faster than ever. It wanted to be before but the first Pack Sisters got the best Frame parts and they also didn''t think to try backways legs and it didn''t have a tail before but should have and... and..."

    She trails off and just... <Locates> with her Quills in pure excitement. Cackling as both Adaline and her Little Birds reply.

    [Thank you.] She intones, still bubbling. [It''s perfect.]

    [Good. We will have to delve into the Driftdream tomorrow as a Pack to do some... clean up and organization. I''ll help show you all how to properly stabilize and maintain memories as well as create your own domains like our dear Verbess started to.]

    [S- sure? Yeah. No problem. Good idea. No more leaks.] She agrees. [Not sure this one will get much sleeping or Dreaming done with a new Frame cracking about but... yeah. Seems a good call, Pack Lead. This one will help out and make sure It didn''t like... take anything important when you installed it. Keep the space this one dug out like Verbess did clean and stable. Won''t let it turn inside out like our Little Bird tumbled into doing by mistake.]

    [Mmhm, it''s important training now that you all have access to my wellsprings of Physis and Ousia. One of my prior wielders had a nasty habit of weaving in her sleep whenever she had a bad dream. Ended up causing her own death when she had a dream of drowning and did a primitive fleshcrafting of gills which caused her to suffocate.] I explain to the Pack as well as to Elevar and Lynette.

    "Oh." Krahe sputters aloud. "Yeah. That..."

    Lynette huffs in disdain. <Doubly so if she wanted to dabble in Fleshcrafting.>

    "Yeah. Sure. Absolutely. Double check for cracks. Don''t... don''t even know how this one would manage it all." Krahe murmurs, still walking backwards as we move through the Spire''s outer Thorn wall. "Dreams and Spells are messy and weird. Understood. Just... tell this one what to do and it''ll obey. Just eh... mind the quiet Wisp. It... it''s kinda important? This one thinks? Not sure how we''d Function without it cracking the bad memories back into good ones."

    The rumbling delight echoing from the Pack turns a bit. Doesn''t sour just... becomes a hint more serious. Reflecting my own mood despite me not sharing it with Quills as the Thorns fall to close behind us.

    [Of course. It would be a gross overstep to prune any of your Wisps without express permission. I will simply offer guidance so you may grow as you wish. I''m so very glad that you are happy with your Frame. It feels like this one is exhibiting Good Function.] I try to fix the mood, because I am happy. Estatic, truthfully, even if there is so much more to do.

    Krahe grins at my intoned words, sparking joy through the Quills and bond. "Thanks, Pack Lead. It feels like it is too. But... it''s going to keep MOVING now. Will be back before anyone can blink if you need it."

    Then she''s off, and Verbess is cackling but... keeping its Frame by our side. Quills tittering in joyful observance as it watches its oldest Sister dart all across the Estate''s grounds.

    "Well... that went smoothly." Elevar sighs. "I would feign surprise but... the most Clever Witches I know turned their minds to this. Artfully done, and deft. Not a whisper off from exactly what was intended."

    Verbess thrums agreement. "This One''s Sisters hunt prey well, despite their lack of observance at times."

    It''s Quills twitch, go a touch... oddly still, as it turns to look at our Mistress.

    No. Not Elevar. At Lynette.

    A pause, then with a spark a Physis manifestation of Lynette stands beside Elevar.

    "Yes, Dear one?" She quirks an eyebrow at Verbess. "Am I beneath your trust now? Warden''s trust? Your Sister insisted I be more careful going forward, and that''s what my waiting is."

    "Trust is not a Function of this Frame." Verbess responds evenly but... with something bubbling beneath the surface. Impatience? Annoyance? A tinting of anger?

    "Don''t lie to me, Verbess." Lynette hisses. "I know what that twitch of Quill song means, and of course I would tell you all this. Would be stupid not to."

    Verbess'' Quills thrum agreement, and... prompting.

    Lynette sighs. "We should at least give this lot a chance to enjoy this victory before worrying over something we can do nothing about.¡±

    Krahe zips back, eyes darting between us and Verbess¡¯ Quills in worry. "Huh? Did... Um¡­¡±

    With annoyance I manifest my Doll form, and mask my emotions to not ruin anything as I quickly give Krahe a big hug when she loops back towards us. "You look wonderful. Probably should get some clothing though dear. Take Schatzi and Adaline with you?" I turn to Rufus and Calix, "We''ll meet you two in Elevar''s study in a few minutes, just have to have a quick chat." Then I intone to Warden and Verbess [Can I get you both to Manifest ethereal forms so we can get to the bottom of whatever this is? I am feeling off and I really just want to sleep but won''t feel comfortable doing so until we''re done.] and finally, I turn back to my Mistress and dear Lynette, "Alright. Please, can we talk about whatever this is now before everyone gets too riled up?¡±

    ¡°This one¡­ What is it missing?¡± Krahe looks around and down at herself.

    "Krahe dear, I uhm¡­. Heh. forgot to pack you an outfit. You''re naked. I''ll send Verbess back over to you all once we''re done here. I promise everything will be alright.¡±

    "I think... Lynette is more concerned for you, Dear one." Elevar murmurs, then steps over to wrap her arm about mine and entwine our fingers. "Perhaps we could send Rufus and Calix to get a spot of breakfast for themselves, and... I''ll prod Lynette to soften words for you and the Pack while Krahe borrows some clothes from my Spire? Then this Pack and I can all have a spot of tea while examining this? And... and after that anyone who wishes to rest can be welcome to my chambers below.¡±

    I nod, happy to cede control of the situation. "Certainly. That sounds good to me.¡±

    "Oh, I guess so. I definitely would like to talk about what happened later though. As I mentioned to Schatzi yesterday, we do need to have a conversation, preferably before you send anyone to get those letters." Rufus interjects.

    "Time should permit that." Elevar agrees to him, then begins to lead us forward. "Let''s get everyone settled and things laid out.¡±

    And soon we''re all settled down in Elevar''s lower chambers. Elevar and I are sitting on the edge of her bed while others either sit on chairs or stools or floor. Krahe''s dressed and shifted to her softer form but... still cracking out more monstrous limbs in bubbling excitement. Her Quill''s songs act as a soothing tide to most worries that might otherwise rise up. Verbess... while staying close to Krahe, never takes eyes off Lynette''s Physis manifestation which stands at the end of the bed.

    Lynette begins to speak, but a look from Elevar causes her to pause. Reconsider her words, then turn back to us in a huff. "Fine. Let''s be delicate and precise. After Krahe started moving and singing and trying to Harmonize... something odd happened. Not with her, mind you, the work on this Frame seems flawless from what I can tell. But from above. The Estate started to taste something in the Nomos. And well... I made sure to encourage the jungles about us to backwash themselves and drown the air with its Empty Nomos until we got back.¡±

    "This was while I was... contemplating?" I ask.

    "Near the end, yes." Lynette confirms. "I assume it took time for things to reach both ends."

    "This one... Huh?" Krahe tilts her head. "This one''s Quills did something?"

    "No, To... put this plainly. The Weeping and Bleeding suns started to sing back to your Pack. But in a manner none of you could parse, and only Warden could detect." Lynette growls but... for all her fury I can feel her own anxiousness. "Quills aren''t made to do anything but shred Nomos but I am NOT taking chances with this nonsense. That''s never happened before, and I know well that our Doll has sung beneath the open sky. Could be the quantity of Pack members gathered, could be that Krelliva and their Doll shared some manner of news with the wider gaggle. I don''t know.¡±

    "Possibility. Previous Pack members integrated into Sun-blessed. Unlikely, but possible." Warden mentions with discomfort.

    "That definitely is concerning. Something to talk to Krelliva about for sure, though it seemed... I don''t think the Doll was Krelliva''s and was more of a... minder or chaperone." I murmur, parsing through the memory that Warden transmits.

    Elevar nods thoughtfully. "With how Feryudra spoke of its past it may not be the only Frame adopted by the Sun-Blessed."

    "We... Could have other Sisters still around?" Krahe''s eyes widen, Frame stilling as Quills thrum in excitement.

    "Doubtful." Lynette huffs, "More like they were simply eaten. Which makes me worry about why this Godthing would even bother. If we''ve already been betrayed, or if this is just... reacting to a new noticing of an old Song and reacting aimlessly. Even the little glimmer it got wouldn''t show it anything but your song''s call."

    "We also have to consider the... factions? The disparate parts of the Sun-Blessed." Elevar adds. "Like how we''ll find all sorts of allies and enemies within the Groves. The Sun Godthing''s relationship with his followers is probably broad and complex.¡±

    "It is certainly something we''ll have to test, but... not now. we will need to know if this reaction is going to be present whenever one of us uses our Quills outside the Estate, if it was a one time thing, or if it''s a quantity response. Thank you for letting us know, Lynette. I really do appreciate it." I thunk my head sideways against Elevar and Lynette''s shoulder while looking at Lynette''s projection.

    "Stupid messy Godlings." Lynette murmurs alongside a string of foreign words I can feel are probably curses, but... more to herself than to anyone here. And soon she sits down on Elevar''s other side, huffing to me. "You''re welcome."

    A pause passes, enough that it feels as though we should be finished and rest but... something in my Pack''s holds us here. Takes a second to understand the odd tunes coming from Verbess as it stares intently at Lynette. Then its eyes flicker to me. Quills dance and twitch in Assessment. Then it relaxes.

    "Then that''s that. We''ll test this later, but shouldn''t overworry about it. And... I think this Pack has more than earned a well needed rest for a day or more. All other problems and tasks can wait." Elevar wraps an arm around me, "I, personally, think this day started too early and mean to take a good rest here. Each of you is free to join us at your leisure, of course.¡±

    [Is everything okay, Verbess?] I intone to it directly, concerned about this odd development.

    [Mistress and Pack Lead accept these answers, therefore, this one''s assessments and observations and annoyances can be quieted. For now.] It replies, then adds soon after. [This Envoy of the Beast Below... Addendum; Envoy of the Hagspawned Horror is lying, Sister. By omission, it thinks, but possibly also contradictions to what she knows to be true. In past it has watched and only cataloged these deceptions, but... Apologies. Sister. It is Bad Function to disrupt Pack coherency with an ally. Even one as unsteady as this. This Pack will meet with the Sun-Blessed and discover directly if any from before yet still sing.]

    [No, Sister, this is important. We have witnessed Lynette be incapable of recognizing truth and it is Good Function to make note of these. Thank you. I will... Press Lynette for the truth, see if I can uncover what is occurring, if it is merely the binds of the Estate that restrict her, or something more deliberate on her part. Will you trust me to do this?]

    [Trust is not a Function it operates within.] Verbess'' Quills seems to relax and twitch with mirth at that. A repeat of words spoken after our first time working together to save our Mistress. [But... yes. This Envoy heeds your words and is receptive to your thoughts and considerations. And this one''s does not have the deft Function to subtly push her into sharing or changing.]

    [Thank you. Take the Pack to train, let Schatzi and Krahe and Adaline play about as you wish. I will handle this situation. And Verbess, don''t forget that while I may be lead, you are the Heart of this Pack, the reason Sister Krahe has returned to us. Your opinions and thoughts will always be wanted by me.]

 Chapter 68: The Smell of Ashes (Witch)

    The Smell of Ashes (Witch)

    Content Warnings:

    Hmmm.... So we''ve got Spell woven Dysphoria. Dysphoria used as a punishment/implanted. Talk of being forcefully transitioned. Hearing weird voices. Panic attacks at the end triggered by stress and said Dysphoria that imply some amount of self-harm.

    ¡°Alright then, love.¡± I murmur softly after everyone¡¯s gone, moving to wrap Xafra in both my arms. ¡°You¡¯ve¡­ been shouldering a lot lately, and I know there''s more to do besides, but I think you need to stop for a bit. Rest. You gave a lot of your mind, time, emotional focus, alongside a good chunk of Ousia into getting Krahe in her Frame.¡±

    "I can''t just yet. There''s... There''s something wrong with me, isn''t there? Some horrible truth that''s somehow worse than the mass murders, both the one involved in my creation and the ones I committed? I don''t know. Don''t think I can know, with these bonds preventing me, but... The Pack could, right? You could tell them, make sure that I don''t... hurt anyone. And... I realized. We can give Lynette a body like I offered. Let each of you have some actual space. But, that''s not what either of you really want. I''ve been so foolish, trying and trying to figure out how to be a good partner, responsible, and respectful. and it''s embarrassing that I''ve spent literal days trying to figure out how to ask Lynette out on a date or something instead of just asking because I was worried it would be weird but... You said Our Doll, Lynette. I can''t understand how much it hurts you, but I imagine it''s painful. I didn''t truly consider how adrift you must be. I''m so sorry." Xafra rambles, barely pausing before I interrupt.

    A snap, and Lynette¡¯s manifestation dissolves, and I feel her fury meld with my adorations as the Spire shifts to enclose anything from leaking free of this chamber.

    ¡°Dear One¡­¡± We growl, wrapping her tighter in our arms as we flood our bond with everything we are. Spilling words entwined with our protective love for this gerlthing. ¡°There is nothing wrong with you, save the Garrote that robs you of the truths you are owed. The horror that strangles is not the wonders beneath, but the talons cutting at your perceptions. We hope so very much that you delight in these revelations as much as we''re coming to understand them.¡±

    Xafra curls into us, returning the embrace. "Okay. okay. but there''s more right? Like, I''m not anywhere near as smart as you two, or Calix, or Adaline, I''m honestly more of a savant like Hyacinth, I''m really good at killing, adapting to situations, and paying attention to my wielders. And there''s something you both weren''t saying earlier. something left out, and I want you to trust me, please. I don''t know how I can convince you without being too forward, but I am willing to do what it takes."

    For part of us¡­ the difficulty comes in knowing what to say. What words to pluck from within to give this gerl whatever she needs to settle her wounded heart till the truth can be explained. For the other... Well, Division is cruel and horrid and feels like hooks you forgot about getting torn free.

    Takes me three heartbeats and two deep breaths to realize that Xafra felt the mess that was us cracking apart. Still things filled with love but... also disparate struggles that stopped us from remaining close and united.

    "Sorry." I whisper. "I... I''m still absorbing all this myself, and had Adaline and another here helped me understand better. How my perceptions could ruin this for you. Old bad lessons and words and... and lies about this hidden part of you. Just like with how I was taught to view Dolls instead of seeing them for how wonderful they each are. I don''t know what all Lynette is keeping from us, truly. I suspected the Nomos was the thing that got her upset, and guessed that it must have to do with it, including a Quill song in the mess. But... She''s not sharing more with me."

    I glance up at an empty space, offer up my Physis to Lynette in case she wants to manifest again but... She remains quiet. Doesn''t accept the weaving.

    I huff and it takes me a heartbeat to see that my Xafra is starting to weave something. A thing around herself. Resembling... Chains. Like a Threshers Hooked Garrote but older, more focused, with two handles to it.

    One resonating with me, and one with Lynette.

    With a crack of such fear and anger we¡¯re both snarling {Blasenplage} and tearing this wretched weaving to shreds before another heartbeat passes, while... keeping our body very very still. Letting our reflexive fury and internal frustrations at denying ourselves this control and... and such sorrows pour down the bond. Sorrows for how in moments of fear and worry she so quickly gives away more of her freedoms if it means not being abandoned.

    "Xafra..." We hiss so very gently, raising fingers and Physis to lift the bond between us alongside the gorgeous leash Schatzi knit for our blade to hover before her face. "Once we tear away and consume the remains of the Garrotes about your soul, these will be the only bindings you will ever accept about yourself. Things easily removed the moment you desire. Never again will you be bound to the petty whims of a Mistress or Master you cannot deny." Then we tighten our grip on both, pull the gerl about to face us. Ask with soft words brimming with aimless twinned Witch Tone and all the weight of our emotions behind it. Not a command. Never that. "Is. That. Understood?"

    She looks at us with a stunned expression answering, "Yes, my Mistresses."

    A pause... then we''re cracking apart again at her last word.

    Part of us leaning down to rest our forehead to hers while wrapping the gerl in such a hug, leash still gripped in trembling fingers. The other rasping out through our lips. "Stupid Half-Knit. What did your mate tell you? The respect you''d demand for others is owed to you first. How would you react if Adaline or Calix or... or any of your Dolls tried to weave such a thing about their soul and offer it to you? Enslave themselves in a moment of fear?"

    "If they did it with full intent and understanding of the ramifications, I would accept it and the responsibility that it carries." Xafra answers absurdly simply.

    I sigh, and Lynette growls. "No one can fully understand the ramifications of our actions, Xafra. Be clever about this and consider the scars upon..."

    She trails off. And my shoulder goes cold.

    "Lynette?" I whisper.

    "She agreed. Move past it." She sighs aloud. "With the Garrote''s removal, the Lunargent forged across her and needing to consider the future of her Dolls and Daughter... She''ll see the flaw there. Or build a world where it won''t be as sharp."

    "Sorry. I just¡­ It''s hard to think." Xafra murmurs.

    We gather this gerl up in our arms and pull her up onto the bed properly. Settling Xafra beneath the quilts and nuzzled close. Curling about this little Doll Frame she wove and seems to adore. Then, we draw up a mess of Ousia from within ourselves and push it down the bond toward her. Canting ::Rest/Feed:: in a way that brooks no argument as to our expectations.

    Part of us considers... How best to handle this gerl''s fears? I can''t share myself with this one, not in the way she would ask. The risks are too great.

    The other winds fingers about Xafra''s leash. Musing with this other half before... an idea. One she expects to need to endlessly persuade the other of.

    Heh. Quite the scheme. This other part chuckles, surprising me. And it solves a problem, one that has not arisen since before she wove this Frame but... I refuse to let it become a habit. Twined lessons and one stone, if we''re being wicked about this.

    Problem?

    Lynette shrugs. One this should help solve, Xafra will know what I''m referring to.

    We softly crack the Spire open once more, and reach out...

    {Primrose? Nettle?} We intone gently. {We''d like your help in something. A project. One we hope to involve the entire Shelf with. That Doll who keeps the library, Valthirii? She should have the books you''ll need, while Adaline and... and perhaps even Augusta could aid in helping some Dolls in finding the right words...}

    **   **   **

    The Suns have almost finished their weeping when I''m up and about. Feeling a bit stiff but... riven with an easy focus as I curl about my Xafra. Considering our day and tasks and responsibilities. Reaching out to Nettle and Adaline and even Calix to organize the night ahead while Lynette monitors her Doll.

    "Would you like to continue resting?" I eventually whisper when we feel and sense Xafra stirring. "I can call any member of your Pack down here to hold you while I see to things... Well, mayhaps not Krahe. The gerl will struggle to sit still, much less sleep, with how much she''s still running all about."

    "Yes. I''ll be okay by myself for now. Thank you." She replies, stretching out and relaxing back into sleep.

    After pulling free of the quilts and tucking her back snuggly amongst them, I head off to my first task. Finding not just Rufus but Calix waiting in my upstairs study. Faces all a mess with smudges of what I both assume and hope to be some odd jam.

    "Good Evening." I smirk and move to sit in my desk chair, turning it to face them. "I take it you''ve both kept yourselves occupied after today''s event? Not causing too many problems on purpose?"

    "No, that''s what the girls do, we''re boys so all the problems we cause are due to obliviousness." Calix smirks back, holding Rufus'' hand.

    I can''t help but giggle at that. Settling back while replying, "Oh... I''m sure there is some overlap to be had." Then I turn my gaze to Rufus. "So, you''ve caught me between responsibilities, and this gives us a chance to talk without the Roots about us catching on fire. Both to... catch up properly and give you the chance to ask the multitude of questions I can only guess are bubbling up."

    "I appreciate that. There''s certainly a lot of questions, but the main pressing one is... What are you going to do with me?" Rufus says with trepidation.

    "Ah. Well that''s simple." I nod and shrug. "You''re a proper guest of our Estate, and thus you''re under my protection and responsibility. You''ll be fed and clothed, even well pestered by at least one of our other residents, it seems." I nod toward Calix with a smirk. "My only expectations are that you don''t harm any others here with word or spell, wander into dangerous or private places, and... well, trying to leave will be mostly you wading into the Summer Tides. I don''t worry overmuch about it because you''ll find little success in the effort. I won''t pretend to not have Dear Ones I will threaten you over, but nor will I overdramatize it. You were a Dear friend of mine, and... I wasn''t able to help you as much as you needed before. I hope this new home can suit you better than we both know the life of a traveling Thresher did. I truly just... would like to see you settled and happy."

    "Am I to be a guest for the rest of my days, or..." He sighs, "If I find your motivations and methods to be sound, I would like to be a part of things, to reduce harm where I can and assist with what meager talents I have."

    "Meager talents forge skilled practitioners in all Arts. Take that from a gerl brewed with less than you." I chuckle, then lean forward. "We''re mostly keeping you because we''d like to have the element of surprise when we begin our pruning of the wider Groves and the dissolving of the Threshers. But... for this to work I need the Groves to know me only as Elevar. There will come a day that all the information you possess will pose a small enough threat to us, and I''ll see you able to leave. Xafra wishes to see her kin freed, and... and a better future for people like us. You''ve seen yourself what Yselda was able to do for me, and she wove cruelty into the Art of Fleshcrafting. The Resheathing my Xafra does prove there are better ways. Yet... The Healing Arts remained disallowed from developing methods akin to it. And that''s ignoring the corruption amongst the gaggles wrestling for power. We have means to reshape things with minimal bloodshed or need for messy battles."

    "Mmm." He squeezes Calix''s hand. "Xafra... Is an impossibility, based on what we were taught. But... There was an old ritual uncovered a few years ago. My Captain spied on the attempt at reproducing it. She... Is the reason I became a Thresher. To prevent such atrocities from being committed. She told me about this ritual, and how this monster they summoned slaughtered nearly everyone there before... consuming the bodies and walking out wearing the face of a Matron. So I must ask, though I fear the answer, What Is Xafra?"

    Was this like the thing that escaped the Estate or¡­ just some Dreamborne or events misinterpreted? Sun-Blessed? A weaving that involves slaughter could certainly draw quite the creature¡­

    "Really? We''ve found things we were taught to be only monsters to be kind, and the kindly sorts to be ravenously cruel. I''d like to recover that report, if someday possible." I murmur, "But as for her... nature. She is a Half-Knit, like us. And that''s all I''ll say until the day comes that she shares her past freely with you. The what, of her, matters little compared to the who that she chooses to be. And know that I found her sealed away in an old Archive, trapped for thousands of years. So this entity you speak of couldn''t be her. Although... I''ve no doubt we''ll one day cross their path and have... quite the enthralling conversation. Was this one ever seen again?"

    "Directly? No, but our squad in particular has been focused on the more... strange. We''ve uncovered scenes of what we believe to be this thing''s attacks including most bizarrely, an entire graveyard emptied out. The deaths in Salgize were assigned to our squad and after hearing your description, I asked for some personal leave to approach you." Rufus explains.

    A graveyard? Something gobbling up the dissolved Ousia and Physis? Isn¡¯t that¡­ odd. Terrifyingly so. I¡¯ll have to ask Augusta about that and the other things Rufus has seen or read up on. This creature could be quite the missed ally or¡­ horrid foe to find without being prepared.

    "Xafra blames herself for that but... it really was my responsibility. I knew what to expect from a trio of Witches believing a combat Doll was walking through a village would do. The gerl told me what the Tone did to her, how horrid it was. I saw it for myself. Should have just... ran. Straight away." I sigh and look down. "I hate that''s how you''ve found me again. And... I only half blame you for those letters. For your plan. For... for your anger. If anyone deserves to be hooked and drowned it... would have been a gerl like I was. But..." Glancing back up, I shrug. "What''s done is done. And... honestly. I''m glad you''re here. Just... being you. I''m jealous, you know? You seem full to bursting."

    "I''m glad you''re you as well. Well... Can I ask about... Augusta used a second name for you. As have the others." Rufus hesitates.

    "Oh you mean Lynette? They''re sharing, and not-sisters, and it''s all wibbly." Calix interjects.

    "Yes..." Rufus prompts, looking cautiously at me.

    "Y- yes. Although... Wibbly isn''t the word I''d use, but I''m glad you understand that we''re definitely not Sisters. Thank you." I nod to Calix in appreciation, while collecting myself. "She... is the compromise I made with this Estate. Grown through me, to act as... well... Again Calix had it correct from that first day, an Envoy. The name took some getting used to but... she''s not me. Has my memories up to the Old Cunt''s betrayal but... past that things are less clear for her. Has some of my old worst habits, but is growing past them in ways I never could. If you can mind the thorns."

    "She also has memory issues like this one, which is sad." Calix adds.

    Then I offer the spell to her, and Lynette manifests beside me.

    "Hello Rufus." She grins. "I trust your finding the grounds and its company to your comfort?"

    "Yes, I think so. It''s a much warmer welcome than I had any expectations of. How is existence treating you?" Rufus responds kindly.

    "In a much similar ways, to be honest." Lynette considers him for a heartbeat before continuing, "This lot trusts quicker than they should but... So far have the only stumbled into agreeable or soft sorts. Which is both lucky and disconcerting. But... I''d be remiss if I didn''t ask, how has your views on the wider Thresher Burrows evolved since we last spoke openly about your concerns? Your honest regard was only ever diluted by your attachments within and worries for what would happen should such a vicious gaggle not exist to defend the people." She pauses, then speaks quite gently. "And... It was hard to not notice that while you hadn''t attempted to undo the Fleshcrafting you''d accepted from us... nor did you advance it like we showed you. May I inquire as to that as well?"

    "They are... Flawed. I do still think they help, but there is less care about collateral harm than I am comfortable with." He shakes his head. "Your work was well appreciated, but... Not something I would trust another with. I determine it better to deal with the discomfort over the risk of one slipping a Garrote around me, especially with my work as a Thresher."

    "Even this boy sees the problems." I let out in a huff of a sigh "The refractional nature of the-"

    "It wouldn''t be an issue If you let us consider the journals of the woman who perfected the Art." Lynette cuts me off in a snap-crack of fury.

    I regard her calmly. Let her feel my resolve and hope and... and promises before Intoning gently... {We''ve found better. Can even learn Xafra''s techniques ourselves if you like. But... Fleshcrafting should die with her.}

    Lynette seethes with such confliction, but doesn''t argue. Just turns back to Rufus. "Our gifts were not as complete as you would have liked, and the need for a Garrote to complete parts was... an understandable deal-breaker. But there were smaller workings. Things we both know you wanted. Why not weave them? You were never impatient, and Ousia costs were reasonable. And... to that point, why not claim a new name before coming here?"

    "Because... I didn''t deserve it yet. It didn''t feel right. I think there''s some merits to Fleshcrafting, but that Yselda... poisoned the Art, like how she did Dollcrafting. Speaking of which... You recognize how absurd what Xafra did for Krahe is, right? She gave her an amount of Ousia that any Witch would be jealous of." He tries to change the subject.

    Calix jumps in before we can speak, pulling another contraption out of a pocket of his sleeveless coveralls. "Did you know Adaline came up with a way to measure Ousia? And and and this one made a device that can be used to quantify it using that framework"

    Rufus nods and hesitates before turning to Calix, "Do you mind if I talk with the ladies privately for a few minutes, there''s some... things we need to discuss."

    Calix hops up, drops the device in our lap, then kisses Rufus on the cheek before dashing out hollering, "See you in a bit!"

    "I''m glad you''ve taken a liking to each other. He... is so very special and you seem to treat him with the gentle grace he needs." I can''t help but smirk after Calix as he leaves while cradling the invention close before turning back to Rufus. "And... to what you said earlier, Not deserving a name? Lynette may be the one scratching at the nerve but even I have to reject that. Your body never made you anything, Rufus, just like ours didn''t make us anything. And I know you know that. So... why didn''t you embrace the means you had and live as you wished?"

    "It felt selfish. Traveling from Grove to Grove, settlement to settlement, there is... Elevar, our Burrow, the one I was part of, has not needed to take surrogates involuntarily for decades. Xafra calls them slavers but it''s not like that, at least not always. My Captain has a policy, you see. We recruited Half-Knits, had them serve for five years, then they are woven into Dolls with an expected operating time of a century. As Dolls they choose their own name and are given a position domestically in the Burrow since an unattended Doll is considered property by society at large. Using Fleshcrafting to... to gain what they also want with significantly less investment, I would not be able to accept myself afterwards."

    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

    "Ah. Well by some accounts it may very well be selfish. But... Not for the reasons you''re claiming." I sigh and nod, knowing all too well the life I desperately avoided by choosing to come here. His Captain is less wretched than most Burrows but... his words still set my gut to churning in revulsion at the idea. "How do you think your Burrow would fair if someone like Xafra came along and offered to all Half-Knits her Resheathing? No service needed? Just a quick bath in her basin and then... off they pop?"

    <Oh won''t Xafra love to hear about this! An entire Burrow just... filled to bursting with Dolls roped into slavery because it meant they got to live as themselves. She will be so delighted. Changing her opinions of your Threshers right-quick!> Lynette cackles without mirth.

    "It would be... Idealistic to think that they would go without surrogates, but realistically, knowing her, my Captain would simply switch to using felons under heavy Garrotes and not worry about keeping them alive. The Dolls would continue to be treated well, of course. but... I fear treating other people as disposable would darken the hearts of the Threshers to be more like those of other Burrows." Rufus speaks quietly, realization setting in.

    "And... tell us, Dear one..." Lynette murmurs gently. "Why, if this is a policy that you seem to support, are you not a Doll? You knew us both before and after Yselda''s betrayal. It has been well over five years since your taking up of the Hook. Certainly enough to earn your century?¡±

    "Because... Heh, It''s ironic considering the way I arrived but, it''s because of Elevar. I didn''t think I would be able to make a difference as a Doll. To live up to what we discussed, our desire to be the change we wanted to see. A peaceful existence is for gentler souls than ours."

    "Rufus..." I sigh and stare down at the wonderful contraption Calix has built for us. "That''s flattering, truly, but... so backways. People shouldn''t have to choose between being themselves and losing their freedoms or living in misery. I''m not opposed to Dolls'' existence. Quite the opposite. But... Take myself in my younger years. A gerl of no talent or supportive family but... bursting with hungers. Like you. To live and change the world without but... so very miserable in my own flesh. So I had a choice. Become a Doll... or try to not only find, but beg the Matron of Fleshcrafting to teach me her Art. And I only found the second choice by pure luck. Why are our kind the fuel that keeps your old burrow and so many Groves alight?" I don''t realize I''m hissing the next words. "Why do the wretched Captains, Matrons, and others who enjoy their flesh earn their names and forms while our best choice is to break beneath their heel? And don''t tell me it''s because that''s just the way things are, because we both know that''s Moonshite. The Healings Arts could well develop softer methods to help us if they wanted too. But the Matrons despise our kind."

    "Because it''s designed to be that way, I''m not a fool, Elevar. I know how sick this system is.¡± He sighs, then¡­ nods. Seems to come to a decision. ¡°I... I think you should go after my old Burrow first, before any of the Groves. There''s documents, Grovekeys that allow access through wards, and... I think you could convince a number of the Threshers to join you."

    ¡°If you mean to aid us in this¡­.¡± Lynette muses. ¡°Provide us full maps, names, defenses¡­ everything you know. Write ups on every Thresher you¡¯ve met alongside the Dolls. Information here will save lives I know you¡¯d prefer to keep.¡±

    I nod and give him a smile with a soft, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    "I will." He nods, then gives me and Lynette a curious look. "I... have information about Calix that I don''t think you know."

    I pause, ¡°Did he ask you to share this? If not¡­ I¡¯d rather he tell us or his Mistress in his own time.¡±

    "He doesn''t know. I think telling him would... hurt him in a way I''m not willing to do."

    ¡°Oh? Then why tell us?¡± Lynette asks.

    "Because I think you may be able to help him somewhat, considering you were Yselda''s student."

    I wince. ¡°Ah. Alright. But understand he is not mine. Everything you relay or ask should be given to his Mistress and my Partner for approval. But¡­ I¡¯m always aiming to help those The Old Cunt hurt.¡±

    "Of course. You had an Einwandfrei. Heh. Meatbreaker. A nasty thing, but it could be modified. Because Calix... before he was a Doll, he was Yselda''s rival, the prior Matron of Fleshcrafting, and according to Augusta, Yselda... deliberately didn''t align his soul with his body. He likes being himself now, but has Dysphoria because part of him insists he''s... supposed to be a woman still." Rufus says quietly.

    Part of us... goes stiff. Very nearly screaming at this... this lie. Not from Rufus. The fool boy is nothing but honest. But... her''s. Yselda''s. Another mangled mess used to control and let her indulge in petty cruelties.

    "Oh... Oh isn''t that..." Lynette''s manifestation has... cracked apart. And through its remains and my lips she cackles without mirth. "Wretched, deliciously so. You Old Cunt. Absolutely... pointlessly... stupidly..."

    {Calix.} We intone to him. {You can return, now. And... we''d adore you to walk us through how this marvelous invention of yours works. If you are willing to show us and Rufus your brilliance?}

    We turn and gather up his previous creation from the table, then move to sit on the cool Root floor. Look to Rufus. "Thank you. We will correct this nonsense now. Tonight. Sit. Listen. Keep him happy as he shows us his skills."

    Rufus nods silently as Calix responds. [On the way! Can this one use the window?]

    {No.} We can''t help but chortle. {Xafra''s not here to catch you. But... it means the world to us that you asked.}

    We glance to Rufus, pat the Root floor to our side. "Come."

    Rufus moves to sit down beside us and a few minutes later, Calix walks in with a small stack of papers. "I brought the documentation and a um... Kleinseinwandfrei, which is an ironically big word for it, that Adaline designed for learning purposes. Also I made spring-boots that will let me land on balconies by running and jumping after exactly seventeen paces, but it doesn''t work right if I''m carrying stuff because it would change the math." He pauses and giggles before continuing, "And no it''s nothing to do with banning small stone walls. That would be ridiculous."

    We smile at him, "Of course. Now, sit here and walk us through it. Not the long version, but the... Oh... summary that two Witches will grasp quickly but with detail. And..." We pause, Division is threatened, but... then the resistant part agrees. Helps find the right words for us to speak. "We have an old spell we''ve been struggling with, that these readings might aid in setting right. And... Well, Dolls were always the most receptive to it. There will be no negative effects to you, however. We have a couple tethers we''d link to your Frame for monitoring purposes as well. Do you understand and agree to this test?¡±

    "Mmhm! This one is good for testing on. Better than all the rest." He says almost desperately. Something he must have said many times to the Old Cunt to protect the others. "Oh um. Okay so, this version of the device is designed to be less intrusive, and has a panel that lights up with numbers instead of groups of lights, Garami and Hyacinth helped with that, basically it measures Ousia in Thaums, a unit based on the minimal amount of Ousia that can exist in a creature. Average Thaums in a mundane at birth is 70k, most Witches start with about double that but there''s variances of course. The kleinseinwandfrei just makes a tiny sphere of light and uses exactly one Thaum but can be layered to increase the number of spheres and thus the number of Thaums, in order to help familiarize Spellweavers with true granularity and build more efficiency into their weaves."

    "Alright, perfect." We nod with a false smile while tying our sixth tether about the bond. Sealing ourselves from spreading any of what''s to come. Never again will a Doll be used on these grounds like that. Especially not this one. Mayhaps... Someday he''ll understand that. But we must wash clean the wounds beneath before true healing can begin. "So, Rufus. See if you can''t figure out this new spell while I prepare myself and Calix for this. We might be a touch... distant, ourselves. Carry on at your leisure."

    I gently weave our tethers out and about Calix''s Frame. Linking to... to all the places the Makellose Garrote hooked. The boy feels none of this, of course, and nothing of me will leak down these bonds. Simply letting me sense and search and find... where...

    <The Makellose itself would be quicker...> Part of us murmurs.

    {And more like to ruin me if done poorly, which I am like to do if we slip and old memories bubble up.} The other replies. {We have time, and these are better. More flexible. Can detect more...}

    Rufus and Calix are talking. Hopefully... laughing? Enjoying each other''s words and muses and company so very much as we search for...

    <Aaaah... There it is.> Part of us purrs. Spotting the hitch amongst the joy.

    {Third tether?} The other clarifies. {Right there?}

    <Mhm. Nasty spot too.> She sighs. <And... scars abound for other tested places. She really could be less an Artist and more a cracked butcher at times.>

    The other doesn''t rebuke the ''at times'' part, needing to stay united in this. {And... our casting can fix this. Will be a strain, since it''s not one of the Fleischbrecher''s preset targets, but doable.}

    A twitch of Division. Quick as a heartbeat. But... We know that part of us will not let the other weave this alone, while her reflection refuses to do anything but mantle this task.

    "We''re ready to cast, if you''re prepared?" We murmur gently into a pause in their conversation.

    Calix stops, immediately alert and responds with "Yes, Mistresses."

    {Meatbreaker. Heh. No no no no... Fool Boy. To break would imply they are useless afterwards.} We murmur while dredging up the old Weaving. Dancing thoughts and whims and purpose over the... the...

    <This was our Flesh Twister.> We hiss, dragging muses and across the working like nails over an open wound. <Because that''s what it was like for us. Random parts curled wrongways. Like clothes put on inside out or backways but instead of cloth it is your skin and bones and heart and reflection.>

    {Even in your Dreams, wrong. Always wrong.} We whimper. {But you can see it. Can''t you? In the corner of your sight and deepest desires. You know this can be fixed. Feel what should be scratching at the walls of everything all the time!}

    <Our cruelty was pointed.> We growl.

    {Use them.}

    <Hurt them.>

    {Lure them into the clutches of our Beloved Half-Knit. Let her do the breaking after they''ve realized it was all just... a horrid nightmare woven about them like a spider''s web.}

    "And so, Wake up... Dear One." We whisper, gathering Ousia to surge down the tether and wrap about the wounds. "Wake up, and smell the ashes."

    {Fleischbrecher}

    It''s perfect, of course. So easy. Yselda wasn''t tidy, and was... barely even devious. Without even a twitch of effort we even set even the old scars to healing. Sooth the memories. Have this boy to settling into his Frame like Xafra''s Resheathing should have done. Like a good mother would redress a silly child when they wear their clothes wrong. Even have half a heartbeat to admire our work before... before...

    Before the spell sets to leaking all manner of nonsense back through our flesh. Cracking us in two like we never even knew what it was like to be united and whole and right and...

    "Alright." I rasp while falling backways and struggling to ignore the mess rising all about me. "How''s that?"

    Calix quirks his head. "Feels... soft? Like a big hug, or a um... A good fitting pair of shoes. Does that help?"

    It hurts. His words. His joy. Knowing that with each second of happiness he will come to forget more and more what it was like to feel WRONG.

    "Perfectly." I nod, then swallow. Fight the urge to sink nails into my own flesh. "This... this has been a successful test. Yes. Excellent. You''ll let us know if... if anything worse arises, Calix? Should have Rufus keep an eye on you as well. Make sure. He''s quite the observant sort."

    "Okay." Calix gives us a big smile before tilting his head again, like he''s hearing something beyond our reach. "She says you should be kind to yourself and that hypocrisy is a bad look. weird. Anyway, was there anything else we can help you with? This one wanted to show Bartholomew to Rufus."

    And¡­ even with the bond smothered we can tell no message was sent through it to Calix. Someone communicated with him directly.

    He covers one side of his mouth with his hand and stage whispers "He''s a bird this one found."

    "Tell this ''she'' that if hypocrisy is the worst look I gain I''d be a lucky Half-Knit. And no, you two should go. Enjoy your forms and happiness and this little friend you''ve found." I huff through it all, very nearly needing to sit on my hands to keep still. "Lynette''s Doll will be wandering up soon, and we have other tasks."

    "Okie dokie!" Calix hops up and grabs Rufus'' hand, pulling the fool boy along with him.

    Can''t crack. Not yet. We huff together as each of us writhes at the leakage of the wretched spell. So... so much worse since this form was already a thing part of us chafes against. Which... is really not fair. At all. Found out right-quick that Half-Knits could endure this easier than all others. More resistant to the cursed thing since they''d been managing it''s like for years. But ever since we boiled the Garrote free of our mind? The leakage ruins us.

    "M¨C mistress?" Comes a whisper from the door.

    And I let Lynette bubble up to smile at her little Snek Doll. "Evening, Dear One. I trust you slept well?"

    Her ears twitch and wiggle as she smiles shyly. "Mhm! Dirt is nice and cold. This one... Is Mistress Oke? You always hate floor sitting."

    Lynette laughs and shrugs. "Sometimes we imbibe what we hate. Now, we have tasks to perform and you have a Sky to watch. Did you need anything before?"

    She shakes herself, "No. Mistress. Just... hug?"

    We wince internally, but nod. Let this wretched rising hatred of our flesh spike if it means gifting this gerl the little affections she needs. And... the second she''s off we do drive nails into the flesh of our wrist. Focus on the pain. Try to make it... it flush out the mess of leftover sensations. But... it doesn''t work. We can''t bask in this. The pain is just pain and there is no pleasure to be had and the bubbling Dysphoria is just getting worse.

    "Cracked and Riven Moon." We spit, then thunk our head back into the hardwood of the desk as everything feels wrong and horrid and twisted. "Alright let''s... we have to adjust this tether to filter out this so the others don''t inherit our nonsense, but can still feel and communicate with us."

    And so... that''s a bigger part of our night than we¡¯d like. Pushing through the rising and wretched Fleshspite to remake one of our tethers cut away the mess. So bubbling with hatred and fury and sour regard that we''re both intoning together when it''s complete. {Kindly One, did Calix give you permissions to, as you put it, ''peer beneath'' his considerations?}

    [Would you prefer me to come to you and speak? It is harder to stay external without verbalizing directly.] Augusta responds simply.

    I sigh, regather myself before responding. {We simply... Look. Your flippant regard was less than amusing before, and even more so now. If Calix and his Mistress don''t mind you peering within him then... that''s your business. We''re simply ensuring this was not an intrusion on his mind while also asking that you don''t so flippantly spy on private conversations. It would be rude at the best of times, and a violation of trust at the worst. If this is still something you insist upon speaking with us further on then by all means, come to my Spire''s study and verbalize directly.}

    [For clarification, I have never peered within Calix. In fact the only ones I''ve done that to are you both and Yselda. I am rarely flippant though I certainly can see why you would perceive it as such. I was here when Calix was made, and simply wanted to ensure Rufus was careful with him. No insistence here, simply an offer.]

    I pause at the idea that... that she was here for that. Of all else she might have seen. {Thank you. For watching out for him. I just... Wait. Then how did he hear you if you weren''t peering through him? Was... Oh Cracked and Riven moon if the fool boy was just hearing odd echoes through the Spire then... but... That''s doesn''t make sense either. It was too specific. What am I...}

    {Calix, Dear. Quick question.} I murmur gently across the bond. {Who was it that spoke through you to us? After the test was complete? And also I was too distracted to say but be careful with your new bird. Let us know if the little one needs to leave so we can let him out. Most wildlife avoids this place but some stumble in and find themselves trapped.}

    [Hear me? I only just responded to your message. You asked me for the respect of such privacy and I''ve granted it.] Augusta responds in confusion.

    [Oh. I think it was Mother? I''m not sure though. She talks to me sometimes like the Estate does. There''s this silly guy and a very serious voice as well. Lots of talking, it gets kind of distracting but after you did that test thing I can hear more clearly. How do I know if Bartholomew needs to leave? I let him fly around and he comes back to my room to get seeds and some worms and bugs I dig up.] Calix answers

    We go still, take a dozen heartbeats to clear the thundering mess in ourselves. Are... so very glad we are sitting else we''re sure we... we''d have done something stupid and fallen for our trouble.

    {I... Well so long as the little one is fed he should be alright. But if he starts getting agitated and flying at the borders that probably means he''d like to leave. Thank you for explaining about the... that.} I murmur back to him gently, choosing stillness as the best means to calm the raging flurry of Fleshhate and worry over this.

    [Oh! Okay. I''ll make sure to let you know if Bartholomew wants to go exploring farther.] Calix responds happily.

    Then I turn our attention back to Augusta. {Apologies, I... for disturbing you. And tossing accusations your way. We are not at our best and inferred based on limited information. Calix... is apparently hearing more than just the Estate. But... I''m being rude now. You said this is a strain. If you''d prefer to help me unravel this then I could put on a spot of tea and attempt to be a more gracious hostess in our Spire''s upper study?}

    [It is fine. I would be happy to help. I''ll be over in a short while.] Augusta replies smoothly.

    We manage to get a pot finished before she arrives. Two mugs waiting and our own roiling crawling mess across and within and beneath our skin evened out. Not quieted but... not sloshing over the sides to spill into our every thought.

    "Thank you for coming, and your patience with us." I offer as she enters, holding out a mug of steaming drink. "We expected convincing Rufus to not complicate his own happiness to be our greatest challenge tonight, not... not needing to clean up another mess of the Old Cunt and find out the sources of odd voices Calix is apparently dealing with."

    She takes the mug with a slight smile of appreciation and sits down. "There is definitely a lot to work on still. Since this isn''t a session I won''t ask about your... distress, but I will mention that I''m available if you would like to talk about it at some point. As for Calix, I saw him outside, he looks... less jittery. Full of energy but more assured of himself. I assume that was your doing?"

    "If words could help I''d be with others for that. But... thank you." I nod and sit as well. "The Old Cunt left Calix with spiteful scars. Dysphoric things. Rufus asked me to use my second Einwandfrei to help. Said you''d shared information about Calix and his past. It, alongside my understanding of Yselda''s nonsense, let me clean the wounds and set him to healing. Then he suddenly acted as if someone was speaking to him, but the bond remained still. Words I... Well, half of it reminded me of Adaline and the other parts you. Which is why I reached out once... once we''d adjusted our own bond. When asked he said he thought it was ''mother'', and mentioned a silly voice and serious voice. Which... I doubt he meant his mother. And the only other idea chills my bones. Either he''s hearing intakes or..." I trail off, as...

    I give Lynette the weaving, and she manifests beside me. "Before you answer that, do I have your consent to seal this room? My Doll is above and I''d rather her be free to watch the Empty Skies in peace. She has very good hearing, you see."

    "Mm. Yes, with the understanding that if you attempt to slay me, I will resist." Augusta responds not in an accusatory way, but like one advising caution.

    Lynette smiles and tilts her head, "Of course not... Why cut down the plant when it is bearing such important fruits?"

    Then with a creak, the Chambers seal. But... this time leaving our bond free. Only thrumming in a way to shred sound from entering or exiting.

    "And... I apologize again for any extra curtness tonight." I sigh and take a sip, trying to center myself around the warm bitter aroma of the tea. "Both from her and me. No excuses though. Just... bite back when we''re being a cunt about something."

    "I would have to change in order to do so, and I don''t believe it would be worth the cost. Now... I assume you want to know more about Calix''s peculiarities that may be the source of these voices, or at least his receptiveness to them?"

    I consider that for a moment, and can feel Lynette roiling in delight at her words, but push past it to say. "If he''s like my Doll then... I mostly want to make sure that he''s supported in any way he needs. But... I take this isn''t that. Simply due to his ability to hear the Estate''s nonsense. We mostly want to make sure he''s safe and won''t be bothered like he was by Spire''s rumblings. But any information you¡¯re offering will be welcome."

    "My reach is... limited. I''ve been on this Estate since before Yselda took it over and I don''t have access to the outside world. Feel free to delight in that, Lynette. I am bound to the Estate, in some regards. When Calix first arrived, before she did her wretched work, there were quirks. He would sometimes respond to a question before it was asked, and on occasion talk to an empty room. During Calix''s... I''m sorry, I cannot think of a polite euphemism for being locked in his own body unable to move for a decade. During that time, I visited on occasion, did my best to care for them all but... without a physical form I could not do much at the time. He whispered during those years in a catatonic ramble, things that were happening elsewhere. He whispered that a voice was laughing about Soulbane being unearthed, and I assumed it was nonsense until you returned with Xafra."

    "You told Rufus that he was the previous Matron of Fleshcrafting. A rival to Yselda..." Lynette muses while I consider her words. "And... for some spoiled reason she didn''t tell us that. Not a whisper, and if you know her then you know how much she adored her trophies. Which means..."

    "She didn''t trust us." I finish softly, wincing as the ice on my shoulder itches.

    A sign that my other half thought too far down restricted pathways, triggering her Garrote.

    "But... Calix was sensitive to something before his time here?" I press forward. "Do you... have a guess at what he''s hearing? Because we have ours and I''m learning right quick what jumping to assumptions gets us. Especially when in pain. But... Him knowing that wretched title too many old sorts know Xafra by implies things."

    "I think... Either others like me, like Xafra, or... Them." Augusta points up and down subtly, trying to avoid notice.

    Lynette though, despite the pain inside us, grins. "Oh well isn''t that a mess of good fortune? A Doll in our care with the ability to convey to his Mistress the hidden ramblings outside Reality. And all from the safety of this Estate? Wonderful."

    I sigh, but nod. "This... does seem less dangerous than I feared. Still possibly a problem. But more an opportunity? To understand the world more. And Calix has endured it for years and seems happier now. Honestly I only have one more question, and it''s in regard to a past statement. You said you had a duty, and... well... We''d like to know if this is a task you''ve mantled alone or one you do under the directions of another?"

    "That is a... complicated question. I could lie to you and it would be the truth, you see. Originally, I escaped to here, to the Estate,  formless, mostly thoughtless, without a name or title. But I''ve come to care for these Dolls over the long long years, and shaped myself in reflection to them. To try and be what they needed. The individual most responsible for directing me is Adaline, if that clarifies things." She takes a long sip and sets the teacup down.

    "It does. She''s... very special. And you wouldn''t be the first she helped find themselves." I murmur, then look down to consider¡­

    "Tell me," Lynette purrs gently. "What would you become if you found yourself free to wander the wider world but... also able to return at your leisure?"

    "Why Lynette, that''s what I''m working on. I expect I''d accompany your conquests and help out elsewhere as well, depending on how the disclosure goes, potentially create a few different offices where I''m permitted space to do so. I do want to see the sights, whatever sights there are to see."

    I glance up at my headmate''s manifested form, consider the mess of pain and schemes and considerations. And... the fading smile. An expression of... thoughtfulness? Overtakes Lynette''s demeanor as she speaks. "We all know Xafra will find you so very interesting when she''s able to consider you fully, and when she asks, because she will, I will not stop my stupid Half-Knit from freeing you. Nor would I even seek to entrap you upon your return. But I asked a more... delicate question. Not what will you do, it''s fairly obvious, but what will you become? Conquests are not places for Kindly Ones, and I would hate to see you become... less aggregable than you are currently."

    "Hmmm. I think... I will strive to remain Augusta. It''s a good name. A good wish." she answers thoughtfully.

    Lynette''s smile returns, then she nods. "It''s good to adore one''s name. I hope it suits you well in the years to come."

    "And... Thank you. For all this information gifted." I pick up the sentiments Lynette would never offer. "And... for watching after the Dolls. Both before and after I left them to wither. And I''m sorry. I may not have trapped you here but... I am just as bad as the previous ones who kept this place. Wouldn''t have helped you. Which is such a-" Lynette nudges me with a thought, cuts off my spiral before it becomes unbearable. "Sorry. Fleshhate always makes me either babble or lash out. You... should probably depart, unless you needed something?"

    "Thank you, but no, I''m quite satisfied at present. I hope your endeavors go well." Augusta offers a slight curtsey and walks out.

    We take a while to steady ourselves. Hoping against hope¡­ But of course not. The leakage from the miscast Fleischbrecher remains horrid and bubbling with no signs of relenting.

    I take advantage of the Spire¡¯s ability to seal us from the outside world in every way it can and the space between responsibilities. Turning this room into a chamber that allows me to¡­ to¡­

    Scream and rip and tear and bite and hiss and snarl and above all else¡­ come apart. Weep like I haven¡¯t since those weeks after escaping Yselda¡¯s clutches. Knowing and aching from the pit of my rotten heart that every sting of wretched Fleshspite is something I can only really blame myself for.

    My spell, my choices, my hungers, my traitorous mentor, my broken body, my stupid Half-Knit schemes and wretched nature¡­

    I deserve this, and honestly worse.

    Far far worse.

    I sigh eventually as I lean back against my desk, letting the chill of the Stitching provide a focus to steady my mind while restoring my body. ¡°Eyes forward, and all that. Let¡¯s¡­ keep moving.¡±

    <Just so¡­> Lynette murmurs so quietly. Probably only understanding and being allowed to remember half of what just occurred. <We¡¯ll need Adaline to start, then pester Xafra once we have a good basic understanding of how this Garrote Functions.>

    I nod and rise, use some Physis to dissipate the mess and weave my working of endurance while Lynette unseals the Spire.

 Chapter 69: Nice, as promised. (Blade)

    Nice, as promised. (Blade)

    Content Warnings:

    LIES! There is NOT ANY SMUT! ehehehe

    I mean.... sumones get licked but it''s not smutty enooough!!! Um... memory edits, spooky Estates, surgery wiff pain and someone refusing to use pain-killers and not enjoying it, losing oneself during doing operation because past self takes over a bit, really really rough mind muddling dsyphora, affirmation through mudbath and wibbling songs, um.... yeah. Mhm. OH! And someone gets collared and leashed and kisses happen once.

    Days pass without major incidents. I''ve done my best to give myself time and space to rest and work through my feelings while making time for everyone as well. The Dolls are all working on some sort of secret project involving reams of paper, quill-pens and ink, which causes me to believe that Adaline has decided to branch out more in her story of The Seraph. Rufus and Calix officially started dating and while I haven''t transferred ownership, I''m prepared to do so if and when Calix wishes. One of the more quiet Dolls asked for resheathing and a new name, causing me to... reevaluate the process somewhat when the basin broke as Hackt is quite large, but thankfully it came out quite happy with the new Frame, and might be suitable as a Packmate in the future with the way they hear the Vigsang a sort of rising urge to do harm in combat. M¨¦lusine, on Augusta''s recommendation, carved a few little reptilian figures for Lynette''s Doll and was invited for the first time last night to watch the sky together. With Lynette''s permission, I let Petrichor start a small flower garden as a way of helping her calm a bit more and it seems quite happy with the small sprouts that have begun to grow.

    The Pack is doing especially well, with Krahe''s excitement being quite contagious and all of them successfully learning how to manage their Wisps and create domains which, after some discussion, they decided to add to my own Driftdream town, making it feel much livelier than before. Adaline''s additions in particular are strange, non-magical contraptions that function similarly using Amberin instead of Physis.

    Elevar and Lynette are quietly suffering, and while I''m not sure exactly why, I noticed that Calix''s emotions seemed to soothe and become much more regulated shortly before they started having issues. They also haven''t shared more, but I''m hoping that changes after we remove Lynette''s Garrote, and try to do the same for mine.

    I make my way to Elevar''s Spire after a difficult conversation with one of the Dolls who decided to change their name to  Gebetshure and wanted permission to set up a system of worship and appeasement for the Divines. Knowing their... proclivities, I had begged off making a decision until after the meeting with the Sun-blessed and the priest in Lyesgarthe.

    I thrum a quick song of focus and concentration to clear my head before I reach out to Elevar, [My Witchling, I''m here.]

    {Upper Study, as always.} She replies quickly and evenly.

    We still haven''t talked about it. But... Things will likely change once this is done. And... I hope it''s for the better.

    I walk up the stairs slowly, pondering the possible outcomes, both for Lynette, and myself. In the study, Adaline stands near an ephemeral map of Elevar''s body, bending it in ways that defy conventional logic as she traces the path of the Garrote through bones, up through the spine and into the cortex before sliding dreamways. There''s a part of me that snarls with sheer loathing that something of me, offered to grant freedom, was turned into a canvas to dominate another. I isolate that part for later examination as I continue looking about the room. Elevar is wearing a sleeveless top, woven to properly keep the Garrote visible and has mirrors set to reflect it and allow her to look carefully over it. My... Other Mistress perhaps? stands beside her as they discuss the working with Adaline.

    "I still think the hooks woven into the Ousia have to be mapped out better." Elevar is murmuring as I arrive.

    I don''t quite understand the need, as the collaring method would render any hooks in the Ousia futile during the process, but stay silent and wait for the explanation.

    "They''re mapped out to less than a hair''s width. I''m not certain how much more precise you expect Xafra to be than that?" Adaline counters.

    "From how easily she mimicked and altered my Blasenplage? As precise as needed. This isn''t some rope to be tugged free, it''s... like a weed. Or a swarm of insects. If even one survives it could be set to nesting and regrowing. Slowly, for certain, but mangled and..." She sighs to Adaline. "We''ve seen first-hand what leftover hooks like that can do to a person over time. The corrosive Weave you''ve been developing should clear out the fragments, much like the Old Cunt did to unwanted hair, but... there could be overgrown bits nestled beneath deeper parts. Could grow backways even."

    "Backways?" Lynette snorts, eyeing Adaline with an exasperated and knowing look. "Dear, if you managed to make something that evasive and persistent then we might as well have the entire mess of Flesh and Ousia replaced. And NO, before you consider that, just... no. For so many reasons. Ones I will not spend time nurturing your endless anxieties over.¡±

    "Are these final worries, or do we need to delay things?" I ask, uncertain how significant the issue is.

    Elevar glances at me through the mirror, smiles a little through pursed lips. My question seems to wash something away before she nods and sighs. "Final worries, of course. Even if something is missed we can find and remove it later. Just... an old Witch babbling her desires for a perfect world without deadlines and ever approaching obligations. Adaline''s already turned what should have been years of work into barely a week with her alterations and improvements of the Physis mapping you used during my surgery.¡±

    "Good. I think when you do eventually get old, you''ll age gracefully dear. You''re in the prime of your life. Now, I''m assuming someone wants to walk me through the process?" I respond with a hint of mirth.

    Elevar snorts, but lets me feel the joy my words spark as she nods to Lynette.

    "This weaving Adaline wove through the bond maps out the Garrote as it is. Down to the fraction of a heartbeat. You, Adaline, and myself will use this in addition to any senses you wish to unravel your designated sections." Lynette smirks and motions while a packet of information is shared down the bond to me. "The tricky part, is that you need to treat this like a delicate ball of tangled yarn. Only to be snipped at the precise moment we''re all prepared. Then... Adaline burns the spots about the Ousia Hooks, and we jerk the mess free and tend to any bodily harm doing so inflicts. Messy, but... straightforward."

    "Okay, most of that makes sense, but... why are we worried about the Ousia being used to feed the Garrote?" I ask with genuine confusion.

    "Obviously because SHE''LL DIE if it eats it all and it''s not like we can just..." Adaline starts on a tear then realizes the source of my confusion. "Why is the least educated individual in the room the one with the best solution for the problem?¡±

    "Because those with raw unbridled talent rarely need to be taught how to solve their problems, and this old blade didn''t receive the wonderful teachings we did, dear one." Lynette cackles, bubbling sarcastic mirth down the bond. "Elevar wove efficient, cascading costs into this Garrote. Worried I''d use the Estate''s reserves to do just that. And... we''d really rather not have Xafra expend her Wellspring when being careful costs us nothing but time and annoyance. She''ll be here to offer her''s in the event of surprises or mistakes.¡±

    "No no, the obvious solution is to just..." with a rapid motion she crosses the room to brush a fingertip against Elevar and whisper "Gnadenhalsband" causing Lynette''s projection to vanish as a collar forms around Elevar''s neck. "There. Twice as fast, no Quill cost, and named. Someone needs to share that memory with Lynette because she''s gonna be so mad at me.¡±

    Elevar twitches, stumbling forward and needing to catch herself on the wall. Gasping for breath as the tether goes slack.

    "Adaline, while that was what I was considering, you need to ask first." I grip the weaving and simply melt it away, undoing the process as it was designed to be released.

    I look around in confusion as I realize that I cannot feel any of the Dolls except for the Pack.

    Adaline apologizes, "I''m so sorry, I didn''t think"¡ª

    blink

    Elevar is a mess, on her knees, forehead to the mirror, gasping for air as her Stitching steams, glows like a fire, and bubbles angrily.

    I reach out to her as footsteps approach from the hall and¡ª

    blink

    Augusta is kneeling in front of Elevar, her form dissipating like smoke in the wind.

    Adaline is sobbing as she pulls at my hands, Quill-song screaming <Negat¡ª

    blink

    Lynette is looking at me with pity as she walks to the door, Elevar breathing heavily and crawling towards me as I drop to my knees. Adaline jumps out the window covered in¡ª

    blink

    Adaline stumbles in from the window, looking behind me with fear. My bonds are filled with desperation and anxiety from all of my Dolls. Elevar is right in front of me with a hand on my face and quietly weeping.

    "Sweethearts, are you okay?" I ask softly.

    Elevar simply shakes her head, unable to form words.

    Lynette cackles, and her form shifts. Shows a haggardness shared with her headmate as the thorn tattoos still. Expression settling to the exhausted mirth. "Cracked and Riven Moon, Adaline. Next time warn a gerl before trying to collar her! That was two heartbeats from becoming a problem.¡±

    Adaline nods and responds fearfully, "Yes Miss Lynette, Sorry Miss Lynette.¡±

    "Impressive, of course." Lynette smirks, seeming... completely oblivious to Elevar''s distress as she walks past to lean against the desk. "And the name is perfect, the casting deft, I have no corrections other than... well of course be careful who you attempt to bind. Out on the Root Ways we''d be in a spot of trouble but here, on the grounds, it''s just a hiccup until this place reacts. And does it bind Nomos as well? I couldn''t tell but that could be useful..."

    Elevar tries to gulp in air, to twist words from her lips. Shakes her head and refocuses on me while struggling with the bond. Other hand moving to dig nails into her thigh flesh in a tittering attempt gather focus from the Pain. Every emotion seems to hitch and sputter about the tether woven to block... something from reaching all others.

    Then the Pack is at the Balcony. Verbess and Krahe cracked fully into their combat forms to bracket Adaline as eyes and Quills thrum in high-pitched warning. My Mistress'' Doll moving to loom over us protectively as Quills scream warnings of violence unending while it stares at the door. Krahe slinking between Adaline and Lynette, Quills echoing her Pack Sister''s song.

    "Don''t bother, Verbess." Lynette sighs. "Its muppet is wandering back below.¡±

    "Okay. I don''t know what just occurred, not really, but... suffice it to say I would rather not have it happened again." Even as I speak, Warden backfills my memories with things I can understand. The Estate reacted, sealed us in. Augusta somehow arrived to calm Elevar. Lynette stopped the Estate from attacking. Simple concepts that feel... insufficient for the horror I felt in those brief flashes. "Nevermind, Warden filled me in. Okay. We should proceed if everyone is still willing. There''s... I feel an odd strain. Best not wait.¡±

    "I''m still woven iron, and once this Pack stops panicking like a flock of frightened children we should be free to begin." Lynette shrugs.

    I address the casual cruelty first, "Lynette, I would remind you simply that being polite is free, whereas curtness and dismissive attitudes can cost one much. I know you think the rest of us are too... Soft, quick to trust, pathetically vulnerable perhaps, but it has taken the realizations born from oceans of blood spilt to be willing to try. Elevar considers herself a monster when even Schatzi has slain or ruined a magnitude more than her. Just.... keep that in mind going forward, please.¡±

    Lynette tilts her head, regarding me with an almost... victorious smirk while seeming to absorb my anger that reaches her through the bond. "Well... if only because you asked so kindly.¡±

    Elevar nods, but not to any of us, seeming to struggle to speak again before¨C

    {Blasenplage} And the room is bathed in her spell. Drowned in tittering deadly bubbles in the shape of a thought plague. But... none of it so much as nibbles at even a mote of dust, much less my Pack. Whatever target she wove into the working is absent from the room. And then the spell dissipates as she uses one of Verbess'' limbs to help her rise.

    Then she leans down to grip my wrist, pulling me to stand. Tugs us past Verbess and Krahe to stand before Adaline. Whispers softly to us both as my Pack hovers protectively. "I''m s¨C so sorry.¡±

    "No, Elevar, Xafra was right, I should have asked first. Didn''t even consider that there would be a response, let alone one of that severity." Adaline responds quietly to my Mistress.

    Elevar shakes her head at Adaline and steps back. Moves toward an odd chair kept in the corner. One with the back reversed so she can lean forward comfortably while we work. "Should have warned you the day we saw that spell." She continues to murmur as she drags it out and moves it in front of the mirrors. "Was a brilliant idea. Impressive weaving. Good to know you have it ready in case... in case." She shakes her head, then sits. "I''m sorry, it sounds like Lynette''s being insufferable about this. I can feel her manifesting but... hard to think past the... the things. Already needed to be separated for this. Just trusting her. Letting her make her own mistakes while I gather up the mess and keep it from muddling this.¡±

    Oh Lynette, if you push me, I will make you suffer by taking the only thing that''s truly yours.

    My rage peaks for a moment and I try to push it away, distract myself with what Adaline saying to my Witch¡ª

    blink

    "Alright, let''s... lets. heh." I chuckle, ready to get this over with.

    Elevar weaves what I know to be that working of paralysis, the spell to keep her from ''thrashing about'' under pain, while Verbess and Krahe pull back to hover close. Quills quieting to soft songs of watchful support tinted with anxious worry.

    ¡°Alright, bring up that wonderful mapping, everyone attend to your sections, and let''s begin untangling this¡­¡± Lynette dictates.

    I scan over the diagrams and instructions once more, the anger cooling into a dispassionate apathy as I recall Geist 51''s Curanos training, her precision, and her exacting standards before shifting into my arms into the form she had me take to assist her in work. The strain stops and yet it feels like I''m not quite 100% present anymore.

    We begin the untangling process, gripping the weave of iron within her body and carefully twisting and pulling it to loosen the razor thin lines of metal that defile such a lovely specimen. Yet the subject keeps triggering the paralysis weave, which frankly just feels insulting to the point that I pause, holding everything in place to consult.

    ¡°This method is highly inefficient, if you cannot handle the pain, it would make more sense for me to simply block it. As a Curanos, I find the idea of simply using paralysis instead of analgesic to be the recourse of back-alley butchers and not any sort of professional worth mentioning.¡±

    Her expression is odd as she gazes at me through the mirror. Confusion sparking through pain-drunk features. "Wh- what? X- Xafra? I... What?"

    Lynette chuckles softly, whispering. "Oh isn''t that a neat trick..."

    Elevar doesn''t move from her frozen position, worried about disrupting our work no doubt, and instead blinks a few times. "I''m not... It''s... It''s fine. Apologies. Should be able to handle this better. Will throttle this. Is... your voice seems different. Are you alright? Or am I just mishearing?¡±

    "I am to be referred to as Curanos, as I did not go through a decade long apprenticeship to be treated as anything less, especially during a delicate surgery. There''s nothing wrong with my voice and that is far from relevant to the current issue. If you insist on maintaining the current process, fine.¡± Without waiting for a reply I turn to regard my assistant. ¡°Now, Adaline, pet, if you''re going to assist you need to focus, none of that slack jawed nonsense, if you lose grip on a single one of the hooks, we will have words after, and they will not be pleasant.¡±

    Adaline straightens immediately and turns back to Elevar, concentrating on her task as she should.

    I return to the work with a withering look to Lynette as she smirks and does the same. She should know better than to speak up when she''s not needed. Disgusting thing.

    That''s not right...

    I push away the thought and continue the work, completing the initial stage quickly without problems despite the substandard assistants. The weaving wriggles and flexes, trying to burrow back into my property like an infestation. Repugnant.

    "I will handle this next part. Any errors are unacceptable.¡±

    Lynette and Adaline both pull back as I sheath the weaving in my Ousia. Before I can continue, the patient interrupts with a nearly incoherent request to know what the change is.

    "Tearing a length of iron this size out of your body will do significant harm, much more than necessary. I am simply going to tidy up and remove the mess without any need for an evasive process. Do I have your consent?¡±

    Her gaze finds mine in the mirror, a searching mess of fear and pain and something else. "W- we can... But... Why would you... I don''t..." She closes her eyes and seems to grip the chair tighter, babbling quietly. "I... I don''t know. I worry you''re missing something... and we need to seal it in a Cradle straight after. You can''t eat it. Not like the others. It... it''s... it could... It''s a vile thing and I''m sorry I wove it but I... I don''t want you to suffer for it but you already are and... and I... I can''t think well." Elevar pauses, takes a deep and painful breath, then whispers, almost like she''s talking past me. "Does my Xafra think this will work?¡±

    I look at her in confusion, reality pulling back into focus as my emotions return and I feel distinctly uncomfortable with the thoughts I was having.

    "Yes, Mistress." I respond with confidence. "I am certain it will.¡±

    Elevar relaxes greatly at my words, settling head to rest against her arms. Focusing on steadying the words spoken. "Then yes, always, my Xafra. Just... make sure I or Adaline or Lynette can replicate it. Half the reason I promised this was to test and record for yours. If not... It''s just wretched flesh, if it needs to tear then let it.¡±

    I nod and spin out three copies of a detailed analysis and rationale behind the spellweave I''m about to use, sending one towards each of them. Then with undivided attention, I concentrate on the held Weave and Iron. "Vermin Hunt" between one moment and the next it is transposed from inside Elevar''s body to being held in my clenched fist.

    Lynette''s Physis manifestation dissolves instantly, then Elevar flinches, hard, and¡­

    Then such a giggling bubbles out from her lips.

    Then Lynette jerks them about and cackles {Eind?mmung}. And like with the bones infected with Moonwaste a twisting mess of Ousia and Physis and Spire woven wood up towards the squirming Garrote. Wrapping it in a cradle like done with Elevar''s bones. But... smaller, also heavier and thicker.

    After a heartbeat, Lynette slumps back with a mess of confusion and glee and exhaustion on her face, still chortling.

    "That was... disconcerting, but I''m glad it''s done." I say honestly as my arms shift back to their Doll form. "Good work everyone.¡±

    "Wonderful. Deftly exacted and woven and with a touch of... of..." Lynette trails off, grin turning confused. "I... I''m... oh... oh that''s... I didn''t realize how numb everything was before. Didn''t brace for the... And it''s..." She looks down at herself, expression twisted in pain and revulsion. "Oh... oh that''s... what she was talking about... Never made sense before. Thought it was just... just the miscast. But it wasn''t. The roots did twist backways. Cracked and Riven Moon. That''s going to be a mess to fix.¡±

    "Miscast?" Adaline asks quietly.

    "Of our Fleischbrecher." Lynette murmurs absently, looking down at herself. "The Old Cunt left some hooks in the poor boy. And it''s all simple useless butchery if you can''t twist things back. So we did, repaired the spiteful things, but it miscast and rolled backways. As Elevar knew it would. Thought the mess would fade since we weren''t the target. It didn''t. She just... told me to push through the echoes until we could..." She pauses, shakes her head. "But the stupid Half-Knit knows that won''t work either. Just... just... This is wretched! Literally worse than when we first came here!¡±

    "How can we help?" I ask.

    This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

    "Help? I... I''m not sure where to even..." She glances up, and seems to consider the question. But soon her expression turns confused with every passing heartbeat until she looks back down at herself. "I didn''t realize how numb everything was before. Didn''t brace for the Fleshspite I''d feel after the Garrote wasn''t blocking..." A heartbeat, then she spits and growls. "Cracked and Riven Moon. I''m spinning backways. Moonshite. What was the question? Help? How can you help? I have no idea because I''m not even allowed to know what Yselda did! Moonshite. Schatzi, dear one. How long did it take Elevar to recover after her last miscast of our Fleischbrecher? She said she was trying to find and untangle people we inflicted with it this past decade? There was plenty for her to fix and chart the... to... oh."

    Her face goes pale, and she swallows in realization of something.

    "Lynette, unless you give me a good reason why not, I''m going to throw you both in the mud for the ritual because I don''t like seeing you two suffering.¡± I threaten her in concern.

    She pauses, then giggles painfully. "You did tell her that she''d appreciate your Mud by the end of things. Let''s just hope it can accommodate for two.¡±

    "Will take a bit more effort on my part but considering you already have the Breath, I''m prepared." Without pausing, I pick Lynette up in my arms and send word ahead once more for Primrose and Nettle to get things ready at the workshop Spire I converted over the last few days to be a resheathing Spire.

    Lynette goes stiff in my arms, then relaxes a touch. "Cracked and Riven desires, aren''t you accommodating and bold tonight?¡±

    "Accommodating and bold is a good look for me I think." I murmur with a grin.

    When we arrive, Primrose, Nettle, and a few of the other dolls have already started filling the new basin with the alchemical fluids and the clean dirt to make what many of them have taken to playfully, and somewhat accurately, call miracle mud.

    "Oh that doesn''t look so terrible, it''s heated. Right?" Lynette murmurs as she eyes the room and basin. "And no pain from the endeavor? I don''t recall Dolls wailing in agony. And... that''s both a relief and a disappointment. Carving flesh into better shapes was the best part of the process, but the Fleshspite ruins it a touch.¡±

    "Yes, it''s heated and Dear, I''ll carve all those pretty vines and leaves into your form by hand afterwards." I laugh

    "Oh? Wouldn''t that be nice." She cackles as I carry her over. "You''ll have to explain the why behind them, perhaps even work over whatever odd shapes this mud decides best suits us¡­¡±

    "Of course. Now, being a proper and respectful weapon, I will ask, would you like company during the process or to be left alone after I begin the ritual?¡± While talking with her I notice that Augusta isn''t present which¡­ is rather unusual, as she''s been at nearly all of these but put it out of my mind.

    "Hm? Oh. Here. Of course. I''ll not rob you of the chance to see me all a mess and..." She pauses, her delight fading a touch as her voice drops. "Elevar will need you. She''s... I can''t... It''s like when she was looking for Yselda''s needle and wandered back up into her study and bedchambers. I think I can push her to the front but when she''s like this I can barely even talk to her. When memories forbidden to me are the topic of her thoughts, and with no hooked curtain between now... It''s almost like she''s gone. But mostly to me because I know exactly where she is but I can''t look too hard in that place without the Estate backwashing it all.¡±

    "I think I can relate. It felt like something similar happened to me earlier, truthfully." Once the Dolls have left, I wrap this cutie in Ousia and Vermin Hunt her clothes into my hand so I can drop her directly into the basin.

    She sputters and flails at the sudden change of it. But settles quickly.

    "Do your best to relax and focus on your ideal self, I''ll be here the whole time." I promise.

    "Is that how this works?" Lynette chuckles, adjusting to get comfortable while wiping away some splattered mud off her face. "No... no weaving it or charting it or... or planning? Just... think think think really softly about the form? Hope it comes out right?¡±

    "There''s a... Prayer and Offering component. It''s a sympathetic ritual that harkens back to the creation of humans by D?mmerung. I''ve never seen it come out wrong, except the one time recently with myself as my... ideal self is a composite, which is what allows me to use the ritual multiple times to make more forms." I explain, prepared for the rejection.

    She pauses, then glances over, eyes glimmering. "Allaga¨ª... Meaning trade. Makes sense. Everything comes at a cost. And honestly... we''re no stranger to paying for our form. Be it with pain or pleasure, and your godling seems to barter fairly. What will we need to do or give?¡±

    "A small amount of Physis. It starts the process and consumes a bit steadily as the ritual runs its course.¡±

    She raises her hand up from beneath the mud, begins to focus Physis before...

    "I..." Lynette pauses, a look of worry crosses her face. "I don''t want to start this without her. Could... I want to... I''m sure she''s a mess and I don''t know what she''s thinking but... This is her body. Doing this without her present and communicating feels... incorrect. Don''t want this Godling to shift us from one wretched form into another that half of us hates. Can you help Elevar if I can shove her back up? I... I sort of pushed her down when the Garrote was out, needing to seal the thing and having no interest in her falling to pieces but... We''ve not spoken since before Adaline used her Einwandfrei on us.¡±

    "Of course. You give her a boost and I''ll catch her. Thank you." I feel a strong sense of relief that she suggests what I was going to insist on, and ready myself to help my mess of a Witchling.

    Lynette nods, takes a breath. Seeming to consider inwardly for at least a dozen heartbeats. Then she shifts. Moves with a blank expression to lean against the side of the tub closest to me, almost like... a puppet on strings following another''s considerations. Resting chin and head over arm before...

    She blinks, then goes from looking a bit tired to... exhausted. Despite any lack of moisture like she''s been weeping but is now simply... too spent to do even that. Eyes falling to stare at the Root floor. Another heartbeat passes, then with a few trembling fingers she hooks the end of the lead attached to my collar and pulls it up to grip close.

    "Hi love." Elevar whispers so softly, it can barely even be considered spoken words.

    "Heya. You''ve been carrying a heavier burden then you deserve darling, for much longer than anyone would expect. It''s time to set it down, my Mate." I whisper back, respecting the quiet.

    She smiles sadly, shakes head weakly. "I always lied to myself before she... she betrayed me. Really was such a hypocrite. Said no one deserves anything while trying to burn the world down out of petty spite for what it refused to give me. Spent years doing it, too. Not just to people I knew made it like this for sorts like me. No. I''d cast that wretched spell on random people who annoyed me, even a few Half-Knits. Let them boil under the Fleshspite and leave them to never understand that pain. Tried to find them all later and... and remove it. Paid the cost happily each time. I deserve every backways root that''s grown from this." She takes a deep breath, lets it out. "But... she doesn''t. Not really. Hoped the Estate''s bond would protect Lynette if I pulled back. Made sure to muffle the echoes. But... of course not.¡±

    "We are partners, yes?¡±

    She goes still, lets her gaze dance up towards mine. "Yes. For as long as you''ll have me, and longer still if you need me.¡±

    "Then we will be treated equally, fairly. No form but those that feels comfortable, No harming oneself, certainly no binding oneself to a lifetime of pain out of a need for penance. You would not accept any of those from me, and I won''t accept them from you, okay?¡±

    She considers that for a few heartbeats before speaking.

    "It was more that I didn''t really... know how to fix it. Before I came back here with you. The... what word? Penance? The cost? It seemed... correct. Weighted. Then I wove that binding about Lynette and..." She winces at something, then nods. "But... No excuses. Okay. Yes. I... I should have told you about this before helping Calix. It was stupid. Just... Rufus told me what Yselda did to him and about the leftover hooks and I acted on impulse. My discomfort just... didn''t seem important. I''m sorry. Because you''re right, of course. We''re partners. Our pain is shared, no matter how well we try to hide it.¡±

    "Thank you. Will you allow me to help you both in this? Please." I ask gently. I know how hard it is to accept help when you''ve carried a burden for so long.

    "Okay." Elevar nods, voice dropping back to a whisper as her posture seems to shift. Adopting more of the steady nature from before. "I... We''d like that. Yes.¡±

    "Alright, from my experience resheathing polysouled individuals, the more time you spend during the ritual with both of you present, the faster it will go, and you will both have your own separate form, accessible without issue because of the Breath, the Allaga¨ª. " I inform my beloved.

    She listens carefully, considering my words before taking a deep breath and murmuring, "Eyes forward. C''mon, focus on... on what comes next." Then a pause, and they shiver despite the warmth as I feel Lynette bubble up to murmur. "It''s... not perfect. Feels like an infected wound. Need to clean the mess of it all but..."

    "Fleshspite muddles this..." Elevar seems to whisper through.

    "Snatches her away from me...." Lynette muses.

    "Brings up all the..." Elevar continues.

    "Memories I''m not allowed to see..." Lynette huffs.

    Then they slump back in the tub, but keep eyes locked on me. "We thought the Garrote was just locking away certain things but it... it separated us. Made it harder to mingle. Like a hooked net between this pairing. Have to both reach through to touch and pull away with the hooks tearing either way. Now that''s gone. We''re... it''s better. Or should be? When we''re thinking along the same pathways? Which isn''t always but can be when we need it to be?¡±

    "That makes sense I think. My mind works... strangely, of course, so I can''t relate exactly. Shall we begin?¡±

    They nod, lifting both hands from the mud. Each bubbling with Physis linked to a separate woman in offering. Then they cup hands together, and let the two entwine and mix. "Is this alright?¡±

    "Certainly." With a smile, I begin the ritual, intoning the prayer in Ter¨¦k as usual and using my own Physis to direct theirs into the alchemical fluid that gives off a subtle brief glow as it absorbs the Physis and creates tiny siphons to continue the process, easily severed if needed.

    They watch me with rapt attention, mostly in curiosity to the process and words, but... also with a focus on me and my emotions during the start.

    When it comes time to "Hurry up and wait." As Elevar chuckles, they take to silence, but for only a few dozen heartbeats before musing aloud.

    "Don''t tell anyone this, especially Adaline, but we really are like sisters." They sigh as a smirk touches their lips. Then decide to fully lean back and relax while half-glaring up at the ceiling. "Cracked and Riven Moon, we can focus on that annoyance instead as the Fleshspite bites. Why we hate that term for us. Our sisters were... were horrid. Only liked one and... and he got himself Dollified to become himself. Thank the Hag and her rotting tits we found him and got that one a new home our third time out from this place. Told his new keepers that if we ever came back and found him hurt or falling into disfunction we''d ensure they suffered everything a wrothful Witch can bubble forth. Never told Yselda about that. She would have been so... herself. About it. About him. Us caring about a kind sibling, much less a Doll."

    ¡°We¡¯ll get him, and his keepers if they''re worthy.¡± I respond with concern.

    My Witchlings'' eyes seem to glaze over, and they keep babbling. "Roots growing backways... Such a confusing way to phrase it until we showed ourselves the idea." Fingers rise up, covered in muck that refuses to fall away, while Physis sparks and entwines about sculpting their words into a visual depiction. "Like if you uprooted a tree and the dirt started sprouting up in some kind of... grim mockery of the old plant. Stupid dirt doesn''t even remember what the tree looked like. Because how could it? It just held the tree''s roots until someone tore it away. But the fool gerls don''t know how to want anything but the old tree. Can''t even consider settling flat and growing something better. The only thing to do is wait... and hope the dirt stops being stupid...."

    They crush the ugly mud to dribbling mulch and lower their hands back beneath the surface. "What to do? What to do? Till the meat? Drown the backway growth? Otherwise break the mess apart and let Xafra''s ritual sort out the mess? No. We should ask her. She''d be SO upset if we did something stupid again, and she''s smarter than she realizes. In all the right ways too. Is only stupid when it comes to... to herself. And that''s not even her doing. Wretched sorts never let her bloom fully into the absolute treasure she is. She, like most Half-Knits, had to do that on her own. But... We need to make sure she''s okay. She''s... taken on a lot of burdens for us. And... oh. Well isn''t that an idea....?"

    They giggle. Eyes begin to moisten as they start speaking in a language I don''t understand. Still babbling. Unable to hear me, or even really notice my gentle nudges through the bond but... Everything seems to be fine. Just... them talking aloud. And they seem so much more relaxed with every passing word.

    As time passes, their flesh grows pale, then begins to peel away. Revealing soft small scaled skin beneath, darker than before. Their eyes shift between two sets. One, a solid midnight crimson without an iris, and the other a bright hypnotic cerulean pattern with an unsettling cluster of triple irides within. But even despite the above, the most notable change is in those six tendrils Elevar made from Ousia that stretch out from her core. Each seems to wither as if being drained of life, before being torn and tugged up to weave about a cluster of small growths mingled through their hair. Each a dark scaled length about... a hand''s length long. Twisted and scaled to match what is now a head of deep dark hair that seems to shift between midnight hues. Like vipers hiding among grass.

    After a few hours, longer and with more changes than I initially expected, the process finishes and the siphons dissolve. While they continue babbling to themselves, I shift to my Warlord form to lift them up, having felt the strain earlier in my much more fragile Doll form, and carry them to the next room to rinse them clean of shed skin, hair, and the alchemical fluids. Warm water courses over us as I cradle my loves in my arms and scrub them clean with tendrils of Physis.

    "We... wait..." The head tendrils twist and writhe as I feel them becoming more aware just as the last bits of old flesh and mud are washed away. Eyes blinking while they cast about. As if blind. Panic starting to bubble up. Hands find my face as tendrils still. Then, after only a heartbeat they lean everything into me bodily. Still pulsing with Dysphoric titters but soothed at pressing close. "Xafra. Where are... Oh. It''s done, isn''t it?¡±

    "Yes. You''re both beautiful, you should know, and that''s a fact backed by D?mmerung themself so I know I''m correct." I tease them as I move us towards towels to dry off. I was hoping that the dysphoria would leave with the ritual but it seems only the body dysphoria did, not the mental dysphoria from the backlash¡­

    They giggle at my words. "Thank you. That... we''re still trying to adjust to the physical of the mess. Will take a few heartbeats to..." They go still. Odd triple iris gaze locking on one of my arms. The dark orbs surrounded by cerulean within seeming to twist and roll a bit. "Oh. Xafra you... the weaving of your flesh is marvelous. Each piece entwined perfectly to twist and move together like water but strong as... as something. Not quite iron but... close. Near enough. But still soft as silks."

    I laugh in sudden realization. ¡°Your eyes are like that of a hunting avian. You need to relax them to focus on a wider area, my loves.¡±

    "Oh. Well that makes some manner of sense." They murmur, then take a few deep breaths as they calm. Then turn up to regard me. Going still in my arms as through expression and bond and even a little dance of head tendrils, they smile with such bubbling twinned affections. Seeming lost for a second as eyes widen and seem to explore my face. Whispering gently after another few heartbeats. "You really are an Artist beyond compare... in all things.¡±

    "Thank you... I noticed that while your forms are significantly nicer and better suited for you, the dysphoria from the weaves isn''t gone?" I phase my question as a statement, an invitation to explain without pressure.

    They nod. "Right. Backways Roots. Nasty and messy and... difficult to quiet. So. Let''s... take stock. See what we got before the tides rolled in."

    Then they look down at themselves, go still.

    "It... We got the scales!?! And... and the beneath? We knew that should be an ask but... but after today we..." Giggling, their words cut off as all of them seems to almost tremble with delight. Fingers carefully reaching down to touch their glimmering new flesh. "And the eyes... did they..." A subtle sound and their eyes cloud over. Turn that dark midnight crimson hue as their laughter grows. "Oh they work! Cracked and Riven Moon, they work well. Both sets. And easy to switch!?!"

    They gently pull free of my arms to stand on their own, only needing my help to stay balanced for a single heartbeat. Flexing hands to reveal talons that easily slip in and out as they murmur. "We went through dozens of possible solutions for the Fleshspite. Tossed twice as many aside while we pulled back and just... let the mud work. Feeding Physis and hoping we would be understood. Which we were. But... Then which was it? Was this beyond the mud and Breath''s abilities? None of these new organs are for that. And our mind and Ousia seem the same..."

    Their head tendrils bob and weave about as they think. Most seem to nod along to their words as a couple lean toward me. Like... how flowers tilt toward the light. Even... huh. They have some bigger scales on their tips that seem to almost... click and rattle along with my loves'' thoughts.

    "Mmm. The ritual brings the body in line with the soul and mind. It doesn''t affect either. I had hoped what you were suffering from was just an amplification of your existing distress, but it seems these... backways roots are more of a mental trauma than a misalignment. I would suggest perhaps talking with Augusta for advice, as I am no Curanos of the mind.¡±

    "She... Well, even if we thought this was something she could help with she''s currently¨C" As they wince and turn to look up at me, they move too fast, tendrils previously leaning toward me take too long to adjust and end up bumping each other and their face and almost an eye.

    "Wh- what?" They sputter after flinching bodily. Reaching out to touch the tips of the offending limbs. Then they freeze. "Oh. It... are... are these...?" In a wave, the tendrils'' scales seem to rattle and click. Emitting a wave of Physis laced with little titters of Ousia to pulse around them.

    Music? Similar to Quills but an entirely different instrument. They¡¯re reactive, responding to my Quills¡­

    They shiver bodily and... the Dysphoria seems to lessen. Causing them to huff out another giggle, the scales across their body rippling and glimmering. "Cracked and Riven Moon, that... that''s not... supposed to work like th¨C that.¡±

    "Hmmmm. A serpent''s rattles, that''s both unexpected and delightful. You silly silly girls.¡±

    "It was stupid, and messy, and..." They murmur and try to turn and adjust to see them, only able to catch the tips of some in their gaze. "And a concept we discarded! This... I mean we can''t help but adore them b¨C but..." A pause, and they look down at themselves again. Filling to bursting with joy at what they see as such a smirk touches their lips. "No one will recognize us like this, will they? We..."

    Again, those tendrils click and titter such odd sounds, seeming to weave a thing that when bounced back off my Quills... quiets the Dysphoria biting at the edges of their rising joy. Slowly yet very clearly smothering the pain.

    I hand over their clothing and smile at them. "Those here will, as the bond will tell them who you are, except for Rufus. For others, no, you can consider this a fresh start at last, truly. If anything it will make the coming meetings with the Groves easier as a few slight manipulations of the truth will distance you even further from the woman you were and towards the women you are striving to become.¡±

    "Easier in some ways..." They sigh with a smirk, taking the clothes back and beginning to dress. "Messier in others. We''ll want to have you teach us how to feast when we''re out recovering those letters, but... even that is a risk. We''ll seem the newest Matron of Fleshcraft with how we look, and... that by itself will mark us a Half-Knit to them. Which will make them ask how we have such wonderfully full reserves of Ousia if so very changed. And they''ll ask about Yselda and us. Want to know what happened. And we''ll come up with a devious lie for them while placating their fears. Test who is open to allying with us in the short and long term."

    As the shirt falls down to settle, they can''t help but pause and look down at themselves. Elevar murmuring through their lips. Separated for the first time since I carried them from the basin. "Oh... I hope the others aren''t too... something. About this. Us. We came into this expecting some extra alterations. But not this. We adore this form but... that''s not a good indicator of things. And the changing process was a blur and... and what we just... just turned ourselves into the... the monster we wanted to be?"

    Dysphoria spikes, but quickly those tendrils are writhing. Clicking and rattling out that odd melody again. Causing them to shiver and reach out to me for support as the dysphoria is smothered.

    "Of course. Let''s take it from the top. Lynette is, in effect, the newest Matron of Fleshcraft, with all of the prior one¡¯s knowledge. How you did it? You found the source of an old ritual in an Archive. Yselda? Her bones have been burned after you murdered her. Her Floret? Her bones were turned into a simulacrum. You have a Thresher here in good standing who has undergone the ritual himself and can attest to its efficacy. None of those are untrue, simply... creatively leaving out details. As for the others, they''re going to be... upset, especially your Doll, because it will be obvious to them what the extreme amount of changes means. That Yselda made you look how she wanted, not how you needed to be. They will feel some guilt, but you will reassure them of course, and try to make it about how terrible you are, then one of us is going to kiss you to knock those silly thoughts out of your head." My heart, artificial as it is, warms when I recognize the melody she is rattling out softly. It is an interpretation of the Quill-Song I wove for her when I claimed her.

    "We... The main thrust of that sounds delightful. As we''ve come to expect from a gerl with your talents." They giggle, reaching down to take up my hand. "There are parts of that we''ll need to adjust, but... you''re probably right. Or half right. Which is more right than most everyone outside these grounds. Now... let''s go let the others absorb this mess so we can... consider the rest of our day?¡±

    "Not... Quite yet, if that''s alright. I wanted a moment to discuss something with you both in private now that Lynette''s Garrote is removed." I request hesitantly.

    "Of course." They speak together.

    "I... I... Called you both my Mistresses, and..." I trail off, unable to find the words.

    "Yes, but only one of us is that to you." They reach up to lay a hand on my chest as Lynette murmurs. "I... confused things. Before. When we spoke together as one in a moment of fearful anger. I will not apologize, or pretend things won''t be confusing at times, but... slips happen when one shares a form with a thing such as me. Don''t overmuch worry about them. I will not attempt to claim you due to a sputtered word.¡±

    "I''m sorry. It was deliberate but I understand. My apologies for bringing it up again." I respond woodenly, turning away from them. "I''ll gather the Pack now.¡±

    "What?" She hisses and then sputters. "Wh- wait you... But..."

    Something catches, and I look down to see... the lead held taut. By Lynette, with three taloned fingers. And she''s openly glaring with clouded over midnight crimson eyes while tendrils writhe and seem to rattle a warning sound. Even scaled skin seems to be bristling. "If it was deliberate. If you meant it and still mean it... Why?"

    But through the bond I feel such fear from her, no anger. Along with other strange emotions that are cut off and smothered quickly, albeit messily, as she tries to hide everything deeper than words from me.

    "Because you''re mine. Because you''re nothing like the kind of monster you think you are. Because when you''re not trying to save face, you show real compassion and care. Because, you stupid half-knit, if I didn''t think you were worth the effort, I wouldn''t have accepted your bargain. I Like You, Lynette. I just... hope you can eventually like yourself too.¡±

    Tendrils twitch through my words. Seeming to grow more and more upset, then... go still as I call her a ''stupid half-knit'', ending with the limbs seeming to flinch as if slapped at my last words.

    Two heartbeats, then she eyes me up and down, slowly begins to wind the length loosely about her hand and step close. "Those... are all reasons to want to work with me. To build trust and mutual agreements so our child doesn''t have warring parents. Mitigate the damage I can do to others while keeping your Mistress safe. Or even to try and help me like some broken Doll or helpless sort. Or just to fuck me or otherwise be fucked by me. All are understandable and acceptable and so very flattering." Her voice drops low, "But none explain why you''d want me as a Mistress. Why, that? We both know that you''ve a... stupidly unfair history in being claimed by wretched sorts. And now you have Elevar, who is tripping over herself to be their opposite. I not only will never take her from you, but cannot. I''ve many vicious tendencies, Xafra, but am not a thing that can work without her." She holds the lead up to me with an open hand, an offering. "I... despite my riven nature, do trust you, Dear One. Not with everything. Not all the time. But... enough to embrace the mistakes when that trust produces them. So... Cracked and Riven Moon, think very carefully before you either take this from my grip, or close my fingers about the leash. Because I will twist and break anything and everything, save our daughter, to keep you as mine.¡±

    "Do you think I''m better? Lynette, you haven''t seen my cruelty yet. My... Inhumanity. Not everyone I''ve added to my gestalt was a good person. Not by far. All their sins, their predilections, their urges are mine, carefully maintained and managed. But this misses the point. Claim me, or do not. I''ve made the offer, I will not make the decision for you." I stop motionlessly, and quiet the bond of my emotions, simply waiting.

    "Oh... I so very much want to see your cruelty." She purrs, curling the lead another loop, tendrils beginning to quietly dance and sway to a different tune. "The more I discover the hidden mysteries about you, consider your words and ways, and taste all the futures you mean to inflict on us all? The harder it is to deny my hunger for you. But..." She pauses, looks away in thought while they murmur. "No. No hesitations. Not here. Eyes Forward."

    Then she loops the slack of the leash up and about my neck and shoulders before pulling my head down to hers, gripping the lead tightly now. Whispering softly in aimless twinned Witch Tone that seems to echo and rumble from even the Spire about us. "Yes. By all the infested Threads below that inscribed me, YES! You are MY XAFRA too now. Collared and Claimed. Know our voice, and lay all your needs and burdens and Dreams and desires and regrets upon our shoulders.¡±

    My Quills surge into action as I inform the Pack of both the resheathing and my updated relationship with Lynette. Then I lick this disasterpiece of a Witch right across the face.

    She sputters in surprise, then shifts to a giggling cackle as they proceed to tug me closer. Pressing lips to mine and fully nibbling at my tongue while tendrils rattle in playful hunger. Growling softly into me. "Empty Skies are we going to enjoy indulging ourselves on you.¡±

    [Goooood, but not here. Take us where you''d like to Indulge?] I recommend, shifting into my Doll form.

    As they consider that, weavings of Physis begin to sprout from their new tendrils. Twisting sparking things that titter and claw at the very air around as they spin about my Frame. "Probably our bedroom Chambers. Put that tongue you are so eager to use to Good Function. And..." Free hand''s fingers reach up to brush through hair and caress Quills, Elevar murmuring. "I should probably speak to your Pack first. Settle any worries they have and... let them make their own judgments as to this mess.¡±

    "Yes, my Mistresses. Meet you there? I assume at least part is something I''m not able to remember." I mumble, my thoughts failing to manifest through my sheer pleasure at being touched.

    "No." They purr, wrapping me tight in arms and tendrils. The tittering clawing nibbling at my Ousia in... such an odd way. Not taking any. Just... tasting as they whisper gently. "Unless you have pressing business to attend to, we''re keeping you close. When the conversations gets to those parts we will send you below to wait in our chambers. Let you rest or shower. And... to distract yourself, you can consider how you''re going to offload your burdens in the coming days. This weaving you''re carrying to keep us all connected and your Pack separate from it is... brilliant. But it needs a new way of being sustained that lets you rest assured that we won''t terrify or endanger all our Dear Ones every time we have a scare like today. And when we leave to retrieve those letters the Thorn Wall will block it all besides. New foundations will be built that do not cost our Xafra her focus.¡±

    "Oh." I feel suprise at first that they noticed but swiftly understand that something must have happened to the connection earlier, "Okay, that makes sense I''ll... think about that. Thank you.¡±

    "Xafra..." They sigh, but happily, then lean about to gather my small Frame up in their arms with deft ease. Holding me close to their chest while tendrils wrap about me like a blanket. Their rebuilt body so much stronger than before, and able to walk us from this Spire with no more trouble than they might a bundle of cloth. "You will do more than think about it, you will do this. That will be your task. But... one you will share with your wonderful Shelf. There really are a gaggle of little treasures here, with you being the Matron''s Gem at their center.¡±

    "I''m just worried that the only real way to do it would be to make a tower on top of one of the Spires capable of¡ª"

    blink

    "Stop." They command, but softly. "You will remove our Estate from your considerations until we remove your Garrote. Treat it as any still and quiet home along the roots. Is that understood?¡±

    "Yes, my Mistresses." I wribble closer in their arms happily, feeling comfortable and confident in their command.

    They take us to their Spire, settling comfortably in a ground floor area with enough seating for the Pack we''ve yet to call for with me in their lap. Held close and still wrapped in arms and this blanket of lightly nibbling Physis tendrils. Only adjusting so their hand can move to my head and begin gently caressing and playing with hair and Quill.

    Both their minds and those new eyes so focused on me. Rolling over my Frame while they seem to chew on and consider the emotions passing down the bond to them. The physical parts of the head tendrils beginning to gently click and rattle our song all around us.

    Only after an uncountable amount of time whispering gently. "Thank you, Dear one. For trusting us. For Dreaming us up a better future beyond what we''d considered.¡±

    "You''re welcome. Thank you for letting me be a part of this." I respond softly.

    With a quiet thrum of my Quills I request that the Pack come join us.

    Adaline enters first cautiously looking for something, Quills humming <Seek>, before she shakes her head with a light chuckle and turns to us as the others arrive behind her. "Scales. Real good look on you. You look... much more alive now.¡±

    They both grin, but I feel Elevar''s quiet worry melt away to tittering adorations at Adaline''s words. "Thank you. We feel... new. In many ways." She stops, takes a heartbeat to steady before nodding toward the chairs while tendrils quiet their little melody. "Will you all be comfortable here? We... if you''d prefer we can move to a different Spire or... or even the broken one? Xafra will be away for part of these talks, of course, but..." She trails off, looking between them.

    "Mmhm. This is good. I... Mistress, you... were suffering for a long time, weren''t you?" Schatzi asks with concern.

    My Mistress'' go still for a heartbeat, roiling with a mess of... oddly, fear as they absorb Schatzi''s words. An anxious mess that seems to risk Division and separation of their unity but... Then their caresses of my hair, Quills, Ousia, and even outer thighs resume as tendrils begin to sway in thoughtful motions. Still nervous as they begin to chime a soft melody though.

    "We''ve not looked at our reflection yet, but... can assume that even without the scales and eyes and more monstrous adjustments that our form is quite different." Elevar murmurs. "Face and frame twisted like you''d not expect. Suffering seems too kind a word for one who willingly gifted her reknitting to another, especially after I risked so much just to find the Matron of Fleshcrafting. Was disgusted at the idea of Dollification, at least in part, because the Witch weaving me would get a say in my shape. But... I''ll adopt a touch of kindness for myself and say¡­ Yes, Dear one. Less so before she betrayed us, but still yes. I compromised my Dreams for the affections of another, and it hurt me. More than I realized it would.¡±

    Warden manifests beside its sisters, tilting its head in a visual display of contemplation. "Observation: Primary User Elevar and Envoy Lynette are Harmonizing. Analyzing... Polysoul resonance detected. Proposal: Upgrade Envoy Lynette status to Secondary User.¡±

    Adaline shakes her head slightly. "Not yet... Not until after we talk, we still need answers from Lynette before I''ll agree.¡±

    "Clever gerl." Lynette smirks at Adaline. Then they turn to look at me, leaning down to place a soft kiss on the forehead while loosening their grip. "And this, love, is where you shall depart. We think.¡±

 Chapter 70: We Canâ€™t Be Everything To Anyone, So We Brought Your Sisters (Witch)

    We Can¡¯t Be Everything To Anyone, So We Brought Your Sisters (Witch)

    Content Warnings:

    A LOT OF SMUT HAPPENS! and this is a BIGGEST CHAPPY EVER! 13,000 WORBS! And all but like... the first 2k of them are SMUTTY WRIBBLES! AHHHH! Um... okeoekoekeokeokeee actual content warnings... Talk of possibly not thinking someone is a person, but also struggling to talk about personhood. Smut between like... LOTS of gerlthings. And people get bit because SMUT is down wiff teeth and REALLY long tongues and twinned cocks that two gerls share and wrestling doing SMUT because why not and also... um.... shoulder wounds from getting mauled a bit. Healing. New body euphoria and a gerl etchings carvings onto another''s scales and then she melts part of her spearform into goopy ink and burns it across the scales and AHHHH the gerlthings kinda cum a bit when that happens.

    It¡¯s so¡­ frustrating. Honestly. Lucky as a Stormless Summer, but¡­ infuriatingly irksome.

    Two Garrotes. One laid at the base of everything upon the ritual of her creation. Both an initial anchor and leash to keep her from dissipating or wandering off or¡­

    Or knowing more about herself.

    The worst part is how very familiar it seems. Even if it is sloppy.

    Our Estate does this so much better.

    As for the second and truly enraging thing¡­ We are so very tempted to just dig into the weaving right here and now. Really put these ravenously delightful new Physis tendrils through their paces. The Dirt Godling made them in us, for her, after all.

    Part of us sighs. We don¡¯t know that. Haven¡¯t the slightest idea how much of these are our messy desires given form or¡­ or intentional crafting of D?mmerung.

    It feels SO right though! The other part hisses while focusing on what we feel. We TASTE it, better than even our perceptive Warden sees it! This¡­ ugly thing of Sins and Crimes and even horrid demands for self destruction. As wretched as any Garrote we¡¯ve seen and twice as sloppy. I¡¯d take to old ways and weavings if I ever met the cunt who made it, and that¡¯s just for how poor the threads of it are!!! I¡¯d do WORSE because of which gerl it strangles.

    My closely mingled headmate sighs. Elevar¡­

    FINE! I sigh and return us to recording all the new information we¡¯re tasting. Fine. You¡¯re right. Of course. I just didn¡¯t¡­ didn¡¯t expect you to be opposed to it.

    Lynette scoffs. To split second and rash decisions about the removal of ancient and volatile workings about OUR beloved? Are you joking? For mine, messiness was acceptable because Xafra was there to clean us up. For this? If we mess up she may not be able to help.

    I sigh and relent. Yes. Fine. Of course.

    We finish helping Xafra up from our lap and embraces. Taking the leash and looping it about her shoulders to hang loosely before finally releasing it. Carefully and deliberately letting each tendril give her one last little nibble of a kiss upon her Ousia before dissipating. Brush fingers through her hair and along Quills and¡­

    Focus.

    We smirk at how hard it is to let our Xafra go. Let her feel our love and watchful adorations and even possessiveness as one final press of lips is laid atop this small Frame¡¯s brow before we nudge her toward the stairs to our lower chambers.

    Then we settle back into the oversoft cushions to regard our Pack.

    Yes. Ours. Lynette insists. And¡­ I pointedly don¡¯t take up that opportunity for distraction and possibly division to ensure she means that in the right way.

    ¡°Alright, Dear Ones.¡± We say to them. ¡°Ask your questions.¡±

    Adaline sits on a cushion and twitches, Quills shuddering with a slight [Blasenplage] before she relaxes enough to look at us. "The... Response. Whatever you wish to call it, from when Krahe''s Frame was made. You know more than you said. I know this to be factual. You will tell us."

    I can¡¯t help but feel our heart flutter at seeing her use that weaving. It¡­ also aches at it. Haunted still by the future we failed to see cultivated when attempting to craft it. But that¡¯s something our tendrils little pulsing interest in her words quiet.

    "Oh? I will?" Lynette smirks through our lips, then pauses. Considering Adaline for a moment before nodding with head and tendrils. Our song stilling to silence. "Yes. I will share the aspects that pertain to this Pack. But to do this I must edit and... parse out information. Simplify things. If you feel I am withholding knowledge it is because you would not understand it, or I simply don''t think it is worth either of our time or energy to try. Is that acceptable?"

    Adaline looks over to Verbess, Quills twitching in a song deliberately out of our range of perception.

    Verbess thrums in answer, moving to stand behind and over Adaline. Eyes regarding us with such an odd mix of fury and... other complicated things as Quills twitch and dance.

    "Yes. That is acceptable." Adaline finally says.

    We hide our anxiety over that exchange. Instead letting Lynette nod and continue. "Good. So. Firstly, understand that Nomos isn''t like Ousia or Physis. Think of it like you would a piece of parchment, filled with all sorts of markings. The Nomos that returned bore extra... weight. To it.  What this Estate tasted, and I use that word quite deliberately because to do otherwise would risk infection, was the equivalent of extra pages. And from my limited ability to actually comprehend Quill-Song with precision... it seemed to bear them. This was implied or guessed at before. What wasn''t, was that the Nomos bore the metaphorical equivalent of blank pages. Not Empty Nomos, mind you well, but what I suspect was how Sun-Blessed request immediate reply. My assessment, is that there are not just Sun-Blessed who know Quill-Song, but that also... recognized This Pack''s melody the second it touched the Godling''s aura. Were talking to each other about what their Godling was hearing and sending back to them. This has not stopped since that day."

    Of the Pack, Warden is the first to react or respond. "Progenitor Proverb: We leave none behind, ever. Assessing... Complete. Query: This was not disclosed to prevent loss of Good Function in Pack Lead Xafra?"

    "Just so." Lynette tilts our head at Warden, "And to keep this Pack from doing something so very stupid. Or demanding me to aid in the folly. Because she and Dolls in general are immune to Sun-Blessed spores. But... your Quill-Song might be a vector for infection. And I''d rather not have Xafra, especially while still Garroted, attempting to decipher Nomos or Harmonize with Sun-Blessed because she wants to help this Pack reunite with long lost Sisters. We have other tasks." Our unity trembles as she closes off a part of herself to me. Takes two heartbeats to stabilize and speak again. Our tendrils beginning to twist out a soft little song. "There. That''s..."

    But she trails off as Verbess lets out a low humming tune of anger.

    "You could decipher the song within the Nomos." It states.

    Lynette stills, and our connection goes taught as she whispers. "Even if I could, I wouldn''t."

    It has been years since that one has glared at me properly, and... even if there are other more interesting memories adjacent it still hurts to see. We may not flinch but our tendrils do begin to rattle a thing of warning to it.

    I slip past Lynette to still them right quick and murmur softly. "It''s too much of a risk, regardless if we think she can do it. Which... I''m not sure about that. Nomos is dangerous and tricky. And we''ll be going to meet the Sun-Blessed anyway. We can ask them."

    Verbess calms at my words, turns head to glance down at Adaline from where it looms. Quills tittering in private conversation.

    Adaline seems to accept the answer. "It is a risk, and we should talk to the Sun-Blessed first. But I have... two more questions for Lynette." Her Quill-song hums of hesitancy and impropriety.

    Lynette looks between them, then nods. "Only two? I expected a dozen. But... Of course. Let''s hear them."

    "That''s not how trust works, Lynette, and that''s what Warden is proposing, simply using heuristics instead of instinct. Warden logs discrepancies, tics, omissions, reaction time, even heart rate, all useful in certain situations, but... not enough here. We know you hold back information, that you have your own goals, and with your connection to the Estate you are... compromised in some regards. All of that is acceptable." Adaline glances to Krahe in concern and takes a breath.

    Krahe shuffles, intones her own Quill songs of support to Adaline''s words, but otherwise remains as prone to motion as since the day she got a Frame. Albeit with more nervousness in this Spire and around Lynette.

    "But...?" Lynette prompts gently. "You can be more than honest with me, Adaline. Especially now. This home will never be a threat to you again, and if you need to level harsh words, then do so. Warden''s offer is well-calculated, but... it is wrong in as many ways as it is correct. Elevar and I are not Harmonizing. We are.... doing something adjacent. Something less pretty. So if you withhold consent, then it will be Good Function to not adjust my status within. And if you find my answers... unfulfilling, I will not hold it against you or consider it a slight."

    Adaline nods, then speaks. "To my knowledge, you have yet to give our Pack lead an answer to one of the very first question she asked you, and yet she is yours now as well. As her property and her Pack sister, I will ask in her place. Do you consider Xafra a person?"

    "To my memory... she asked if she was a woman. To which I told her I did, last I was informed." Lynette smirks while tittering tendrils in amusement, then stilling them. "But I will not dwell on the technical when the spirit of the question is so much more enthralling. A person? Do I consider our Xafra a person?" Lynette considers for a heartbeat, then murmurs carefully. "I suppose it depends on how one defines that word. Could you do me the respect of gifting me your definition of person? So that I can use it as a baseline to consider from? Ensure we don''t tumble into misunderstandings?"

    Adaline flinches. "Fine. I should have expected simple cruelty and misdirection. Last question. What are your plans for Krahe?"

    Lynette goes still, what was a bubbling interest knifed to the heart and now a bleeding wound of surprised pain. "Adaline I... This... question is complicated. And to give you a refraction of your question, I''m disallowed from... from..." She hitches, seems to skip over herself and only barely consider my internal wince at her studders. "Your perspectives could help me consider mine. I want to know what that word means to you, so I can give you an honest answer. If you despise my answer I''ll accept that. But I''m not a fool enough to deny you my honest thoughts. However... compromised they may be, as you put it."

    "I... "Adaline shakes her head. But not in annoyance or spike. But in an obvious struggle.

    "An Entity deserving of equal agency, rights, protections, privileges, and responsibilities in a just society, bound to the social contract and subject to censure for failure to uphold it. But... that''s just the definition. Being a person means something different to each... person. For Dolls, it is something deliberately stripped away. The capacity for personhood. The desire for agency. The right to be more than property." Schatzi answers in Adaline''s place.

    "Thank you, Schatzi. For that. And to your question, Adaline." Lynette takes a shaking breath, but nods despite seeming to recoil from the group and even her next words. Our tendrils writhing soundlessly. "Yes, for as long as she desires that label and... and those things. Our Xafra deserves all that and more. I..." She shakes herself, glances at Krahe. "And as for this one... I had no plans for her unless she turns from what she is. Xafra naming her and you all embracing her was proof of what I believed about Xafra''s past and... and that I was wrong. That the Estate is... is..."

    She goes quiet for three heartbeats, and I let our body reflect her discomfort. Allow her to feel our heart quicken and stomach turn over and flesh go so very cold.

    All the things I''d robbed her of when I Garroted her out of fear. A flesh reacting without resistance to her thoughts and mood and... and fears.

    But I stay close. Don''t let her think I''d leave her to suffer alone as things beyond my senses happen to her considerations.

    "Did you have other questions?" Lynette murmurs finally.

    "No. Thank you." Adaline answers with surprising warmth.

    "Just... like that?" Lynette eyes Adaline, regathering herself outwardly. "You and your Mistress really are set, Cracked and Riven Moon. If I asked you why could you at least give me the... No. Don''t bother. I''m sure it would be sweet and kind and skip right past all reason and good sense, despite your brilliance. Then, like her, you''d lick me in the face when I finally trust your judgment and I''d have to..." She cuts off at my nudging.

    "The alternative is to try and murder you without killing Elevar as well, or sow Division amongst the Pack. Neither is acceptable. I will trust you for now and advise you to not push too far. I doubt you had time to check the documents on Vermin Hunt but I have. It''s a weave created by a Hedgemage Curanos to collect Half-Knits for elimination. Xafra is not as good at redaction as she believes." Adaline shares with a disconcerting giggle.

    "That''s what I like to hear, Adaline. I am starved of brilliant gerls who enjoy baring their Fangs at me. And we are about to be drowning in worse sorts. I so enjoyed watching you embrace that when Rufus came here." She giggles with Adaline, our tendrils bobbing in mirth. "And... I was a little too distracted for reading today. But... Oh I adore that twist. It sounds a delightful thing to turn on other sorts... I enjoy that Xafra didn''t remove that detail. The irony will taste so sweet when I get to use it on less agreeable cunts than this lot."

    Then Lynette turns our gaze to the others. "Schatzi, Verbess, Krahe. What are your thoughts? If any of you say no I''ll respect you above the rest."

    "It... yeah." Krahe bursts out, too full of energy. "This one means... That it''s fine with this. You''re all prickly for those you care about but... getting softer. This one might have run off and gotten in more trouble but you stopped that. Kinda cut off any option but the one It would have picked after getting named. Were all scary about it but... you knew these others would have stopped you. Never got to say thanks but... thanks. Miss Lynette."

    ¡°Just so, I hope you continue to blossom into yourself.¡± She replies, then turns to our Doll.

    Schatzi nods.

    Lynette smiles at Schatzi while letting the gerl feel her affections down the bond as she intones so gently. <Your trust means the world and all Her Dreams to me, Dear One. Thank you.>

    Then she turns us to regard Verbess. "And you? You''ve hardly said a word to me since I emerged. Can you stand to deal with a less... kind refraction of your Mistress as this Pack''s Secondary User?"

    Verbess clicks Quills in thought, then moves. Steps around to loom over us. "This one is not what it was, and will not suffer you to hurt this one''s Mistress or Pack."

    Lynette tilts her head up at it. "You wouldn''t be their Fury if you did anything else."

    Verbess'' Quills dance in considerations as eyes focus on us and fangs crack free. Not threatening us, just... thinking through its favorite parts.

    Carefully, and slowly, Lynette has us stand. Holds out our hand, just off to the side of its fangs. An offer.

    It pauses, then Quills thrum a tune of acceptance as it twists about to grip at our outstretched hand as we clasp the back of its jaw. Letting it feel our scaled flesh with its teeth and tongue. Enjoy so much as we feel its surprise at how tough our form is and the tittering Quill''s echoing interest in testing that.

    "We can keep up with you now, Dear One." We purr softly.

    <Envoy Lynette upgraded to Secondary User.>

    We carefully pull Verbess down to embrace it, whispering a soft. "Thank you." Then release Verbess'' jaw after a moment. Pulling back.

    "While today has been... quite the mess." I speak to the group while our tendrils bobbing little sway matches our grin, "We all turned out alright. I think? I... We, promised a certain person downstairs some indulgences after we spoke with you all. And... we''d enjoy it if our Pack would join us."

    "Yessss." Adaline hops up and takes Krahe''s hand. "That sounds like a very good way to end a mess of a day and celebrate new bonds."

    While we lead our wumberful Doll and Adaline leads a giggling and very nearly bouncing Krahe, we move through the Spire and down into the lower chambers in search of our Xafra.

    "Xafra? Apologies for the delay but... well, you see it''s been such a long day and we were so very hungry and couldn''t help but snatch up this tasty looking gaggle." We call out through a giggle while descending the stairs. "Would you mind if they all joined us?"

    "I would adore that." Xafra calls back. As we turn the corner we see her in her Warlord form, spread across the bed, on her stomach, nude, with her head in her upper two hands looking towards us with a mischievous expression.

    Immediately, our tendrils begin to click as we grin back at her. Beginning to spark Physis in open delight.

    "Well aren''t you a sight?" We purr, pulling our Doll behind while striding forward to stand before her. Reaching out to brush fingers through her hair and touch Quills. "Thank you for being so very patient with us."

    Xafra rolls over slowly, stretching out her muscles in a deliberate display. "It''s my pleasure."

    We let our eyes roll up and down her form, newfound focus and clarity in their weaving letting us enjoy so many more details than before. And of course we share our delight with her. Moving around to place a knee on the bed and getting ready to...

    Huh. Well that just won''t do.

    And with a thought, we try out something new. Shiver as we feel our Blasenplage roll wordlessly down to burn our messy clothes to ash while using barely a whisper of our Ousia. A true flawless weaving of our most treasured spell spun from just thought. As efficient as we could make it when we sat brewing in Xafra''s mud.

    It''s glyph woven onto and into our mind.

    With a giggle we hop up and onto... well even with such a large bed she covers most of it with bits to spare. So we''re already partway atop her in a single motion. Reaching back and out to pull our Doll up as well, before leaning down to nip at this big silly gerlthing''s nose with our teeth while Physis tendrils do the same to her Ousia. Looking up to find Krahe swooping our Adaline off her feet using her new tail and tossing the gerl bodily up and onto the bed before leaping after.

    Xafra laughs with a deep heat, the rumbles shaking us all atop her muscled form. With a twitch of Quills, Verbess and Adaline spring into action biting into the sides of my neck.

    Head tendrils click our enjoyment while they nuzzle each attending lover. Letting a hand dance up to find Adaline¡¯s shoulder and neck as another rests on Xafra¡¯s still thrumming chest. Verbess already happily clicking out its full Fangs and tongue and four talons to rake and test our new scaled flesh.

    Hardly notice the unfamiliar appendages slithering about us for at least¡­ half a dozen heartbeats. Feel with a tendril more than see Krahe moving up to nuzzle Adaline¡¯s back and shoulder with her own Fangs while that dazzling new tail splits into¡­ eight? At least? Writhing toothed lengths that reach out to graze and wrap about anyone and everyone on this bed they can reach. Which is all of us. Of course. Because what use would such a limb be if it couldn''t snatch up and catch prey that sits across a bed?

    And they hold us there. Our half laying over Xafra¡¯s from becoming¡­ something more. Not sure. This form of her¡¯s is quite large and one has to dedicate quite a bit of one''s lower self to straddle her. And we¡¯re a touch distracted at the moment. What with Verbess¡¯ ravenous teasing affections moving to our back while Krahe¡¯s wonderful tails explore and wrap and squeeze in a deliciously curious manner and¡­ and¡­

    We can¡¯t help but chase Adaline¡¯s lips with ours. Pressing as close as she''ll let us. Wanting so much to begin pulling our¡­ my¡­ my¡­

    No. Part of us insists to her stuttering host while we pause to catch our breath. We both know what sputtering out something like that could cost if not spoken steadily. Do it when you have a moment between the messes we''ll make tonight.

    I can''t help but giggle and agree as we lean back into the kiss. Making sure to let our fingers pass over her to touch the newest Pack Sister¡¯s tangled mane of hair as she nibbles and bites at Adaline¡¯s back. Letting Krahe know with the caresses just how much we¡¯re enjoying her presence here and¡­ and how she¡¯s putting those tails to wonderful use.

    All while every time even a small bite of the Fleshspite peeks its ugly head up our tendrils play that gifted song. Using the echoing that bouncing off Quills to smother it away.

    Then our hand brushes something¡­

    Xafra¡¯s leash.

    We smirk and gently pull from the kiss with Adaline, now basically lying atop this gorgeous Warlord from beneath us all, and look down.

    See in Xafra¡¯s smirk and tittering Quills some smug words bubbling up.

    But, as she begins to purr something infectiously silly and salacious, we drop down to press our lips to hers, wrapping the length of leather about our hand and pulling us deeper into this kiss. Smothering words until we pull back from her. Shivering a bit as Adaline seems to have found the back of our neck this time. Has... has even taken to kissing at a tendril and... and even nibbling at one and...

    Why, by the Cracked and Riven Moon, are they THAT sensitive? S- seems a d- design flaw.

    "Ours." Xafra smugs as she runs a hand along our scalp.

    Part of us swoons in delight at that, the other... has more complicated feelings about the word. Would have dropped into old bad habits we used to have when anyone but our first lover said something like that. Especially when they were drowning in hornii brainrot. But... after a heartbeat she embraces it. Despite the fear. Lets that thrum down the bond and clumsy tendril wiggles to this Pack.

    "Ours." We whisper back, with fingers and tendrils and even a foot deliberately hooking each of those about us.

    Then Adaline bites a tendril, and Xafra licks our face with that unfairly long tongue while Verbess fully tests the density of our scales with its Fangs and Krahe gets bold enough with her tail to begin exploring our new tits and... And we stop trying to think so Cracked and Riven much, at least for a while.

    Just feeling ourselves through this Pack''s embrace. This form might be woven from our muses but... but we didn''t expect this.

    Krahe''s tails raking across and around our chest while squeezing at nipples. Causing our scales to flail out a bit as old flesh would form brumbles.

    Verbess'' dragging tongue and Fangs and Talons over parts it actually has to put forth some effort to pierce.

    Adaline toying and teasing at our tendrils with tongue and tusks while her hands gently explore our hips and thighs and flank.

    And... and Xafra. Purring gently while finally attending to us with her own six arms. Far too many to track all at once, but each a blaze of heat and sensation we cannot ignore. Her own talons raking softly over us and her Pack while lips and teeth and tongue and our own grip on her leash keep us locked close.

    At some point the warmth gathering in our chest and between our legs is too much.

    We don''t very much care how this Pack helps us find release, but tendrils twist and writhe a tune of warning and need while we growl into our Xafra''s lips, "One of you should either help us adjust to make use of at least one of your lower parts, or put a tongue to Good Function in its place."

    Xafra rumbles happily, and next we know a half-dozen limbs are lifting us. Pulling our form up to straddle her face and tilting our form backwards, holding us in place as she begins to go to work with her tongue.

    And¡­ Cracked and Riven Moon if the tongue she wields while in this form isn¡¯t just¡­ just¡­

    Not as long as Verbess¡¯. Though¡­ definitely wider? Textured perfectly so no piece goes unfelt as she presses herself into us. And nearly blazing with a perfect amount of heat that makes it feel like our insides are melting like the ice beneath a roaring flame. Honestly, we do try to hold ourselves together. Make this last for as long as possible. But¡­ She¡¯s also bending us back in such a way that we¡¯d have cracked something horridly before but now the simple strain is nothing but perfect. And the others haven¡¯t stopped their attentions or workings and it is getting so very hard to do anything but dissolve under our Pack¡¯s skills.

    Xafra, the good gerl she is, tries to help us sustain this balance. But even her skills have limits. And when she senses ours, the gerl adjusts to pull us closer while bending us farther and pressing deeper than is probably necessary but so very perfect.

    Catching us at the perfect angles before this wonderful first climax bubbles through our new form and sends us into a shuddering twitching mess. Leaving the both of us to do little but focus on gulping down air and feeling our everything properly go soft and warm and peaceful like we¡¯ve not felt since¡­

    Well, Since the last time our Xafra fucked one of us silly in those jungles.

    When we finally come around to coherency, we make sure to reach out to the closest one (who happens to be Krahe by pure chance as she takes to wibbling all about) to pull her into a kiss. Then we release her and grab for the next. Gifting each our wordless thanks in a still slightly unsteady expression of soft affection.

    And so on and so forth ending with our Xafra, before sitting up and grinning at the group. "So, who''s next?"

    After barely a heartbeat, Adaline asks coyly. "I want to try something, If you''ll permit it?"

    "Oh? We''d insist, actually. Consider us enthralled." We reply, bubbling with new curiosity and interest and¡­ Well, of course rekindled hunger. This form was made to have so much more endurance than we¡¯ve ever felt.

    With a gentle Quill song, Adaline gets Xafra''s assent, then giggles as she drags her wonderful tongue across our jawline and up to our ear while whispering. "Our dear Xafra has two cocks, and I think it would be a wonderful demonstration of cooperation if we share for my first time riding one."

    Tendrils titter our own laughter as we purr. "That sounds a delight, we''d adore that."

    With teasing tongue, lips, and hands she leads us down Xafra¡¯s body. Deftly and easily lifting and lining us up over the upper dick before pulling us into such a deep kiss. Then, in the midst of us getting lost in her affections again, Adaline grips our hips and shoves us down onto Xafra¡¯s cock.

    Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    Delighted so much at our gasp of surprise, enjoyment, and the following heartbeats of us simply¡­ adjusting to it all. To this sudden, and very filling, part of our Xafra thrumming from inside us now. We''re almost too distracted to enjoy Adaline¡¯s teasing little nips and kisses at our lips and face, and considerations at how she¡¯ll do this herself.

    Almost. But¡­ Cracked and Riven Moon we wouldn¡¯t miss even a whisper of this for anything.

    Even with Krahe and Verbess hovering close to support their Pack Sister, we make sure to help her with however she¡¯d like to take our Xafra¡¯s lower dick. Because, while her Frame may be quite durable, first times can be intimidating and the cock she¡¯s chosen to make her first is quite large. So, with our own hands we gift her the same aid in lining things up, but only take to kissing her hungrily while dragging talons across thighs and hips as we wait for her to move.

    Slowly, carefully, Adaline lowers herself with a breathy hiss that quickly turns to a surprised moan as she settles. Quills singing their own songs of bubbling enjoyment.

    We¡¯re so close. Belly¡¯s, hips, and tits smushed together while legs are sort of tangled about each other¡¯s knees. Woven in such a way that we¡¯ll have to move in sync or not at all. I¡¯m about to whisper a question about how she¡¯d like to do this, but after a sharp tittering of Quill-Song I feel Krahe¡¯s tails weave tight about us both. Twisting to embrace legs and hips and lower parts still.

    Glance back to see her and Verbess shifting to pounce happily atop Xafra¡¯s upper half. Fully pinning their Pack Lead to the bed with furious affections just before Adaline¡¯s Quills sing her scheme into motion. Letting our legs still set the pace together, but¡­ Krahe¡¯s tails provide the steady support to the tempo.

    After the first motion up then back down Xafra¡¯s wonderful lengths, Adaline''s head sways back and forth. Then those eight eyes snap into focus a few heartbeats before she strikes, teeth and tusks plunging into our shoulder. Cracking scales and sinking into the flesh beneath.

    We shiver and moan at the spike of pain as we feel her hold nothing back. Even reach about to press this gerl deeper into her hunger, letting those teeth consider the bone she could so easily crack. Even take to letting Adaline and Krahe support our weight as something seems to be mixing with the blood beneath and dissolving into us and¡­ Wait.

    Venom? Oh! Well isn¡¯t that just perfect!?! Doesn¡¯t seem to be melting flesh or paralyzing or¡­ hm¡­ What a mess of a concoction this is? Seeems¡­ m¨C more a type of adrenal spike than anything debilitating? Everything seems¡­ s¨C eems to be¡­ Glowing? M¨C More than it should?

    Krahe¡¯s ravenous tails and Adaline¡¯s exploring fingers and wonderful gnashing bites bubbling past all good focus and reason and making all of this just feel so much more perfect than it did just a few heartbeats ago.

    And of course she¡¯s not content with just a few good bites. Takes to fully mauling our shoulder and with each good chomp everything gets just a touch more radiant and fuzzy. Our new form is adapting to the foreign substance, for certain, but¡­ this messy venom seems to be perfectly tuned to bypass what we¡¯d suspect is an improved ability to ignore such things. The why of it all befuddles our wayward attempts to understand, and more so as Adaline giggles between her own growling moans that each bite brings.

    Which of course all of her sensations are Harmonized with the Quill-Song¡­ which of course is then shoved back down the bond to us. Seeming to¡­ to roll up our spine and into our wriggling tendrils as they click through a messy tune. One that pulses with its own reflections that makes us forget anything except how much we love this new form.

    And all set to the motions she¡¯s moving us to. What at first were slightly unsteady motions up and down our Xafra¡¯s cocks are now persistent and quickening thrusts.

    I know Adaline and us have¡­ very much so bubbled up a few times. Had little releases through the mess of this all. Wonderful and perfect but¡­ too small. Far too small. However, each slowly yet certainly building up to a single final messy eruption. One reliant on the eventual twinned climax of the one beneath us.

    And¡­ Oh how wonderful it feels to sense this titan of a gerl beneath us begin to buck and strain. Hearing Xafra¡¯s growling anticipation and hungers and fury as Verbess and Krahe bite and nuzzle and claw and pin her with everything they are.

    While her two lower arms fully grip and tear at the bed beneath, and her hips bear ours and Adaline¡¯s forms, Xafra¡¯s four upper arms are dedicated to the task of wrestling the two Pack Sisters. And¡­ It''s quite the close little test of their abilities.

    While Xafra¡¯s Warlord form has all the strength and inevitability of a collapsing Root Way¡­ Verbess and Krahe are lithe and quick and working in tandem to hold her down. Growling and hissing and biting and cackling as the tides of the contest sway back and forth between the opposing sides. Xafra may not have her lower arms or legs to use¡­ but Krahe¡¯s tails are otherwise occupied. Meaning she has to remain largely in one spot and rely on Verbess to twist about and keep Xafra¡¯s arms busy.

    It¡¯s all quite¡­ fascinating for us to feel as everything gets more and more ferocious. Adaline still tearing at our shoulder and neck while we tilt and turn back to watch this mess happening behind us. All the Pack¡¯s Quills screaming in a sort of¡­ harmonic discord. Different motions but the same outcome. And¡­ We''re honestly not sure who''s going to win.

    If there were limits of energy or Ousia here¡­ Xafra might be tiring. But she¡¯s not. At all. If anything she seems to be getting more and more ferocious and excited the longer this builds. We ideally muse between one of Xafra''s thrusts. Krahe teasingly pulling us both up and away just as her pinned prey moved, just to plunge us back down at the right moment to use the flair of pleasure to help Verbess slip free of her arms and twist about to re-pin them. Th- the teamwork is impressive. And we suppose that''s the key to this. To the Pack. Alone they are individually capable Combat Frames, but together... well... even a Warlord finds herself swept away.

    But that''s the question... Xafra could probably keep herself from climaxing as long as needed. But Adaline and us won''t. She has maybe... Six more good motions before this all concludes. And that''s if nothing cha¨C

    A few of Krahe''s tendrils reweave to slither up between us. Digging those Fangs into our Scales while squeezing and teasing at Adaline''s tits. Spiking us both and the Quill-Song about with a flair of sensation that cascades through us all.

    Alright, four more. If X¨C Xafra''s so very lucky. Can she crack free before then without n¨C needing to reach for weavings or other tools?

    The answer is no, although our Xafra does put up quite the fight. But as this cacophony of sensation sets to boiling over, even her Warlord form begins to slip. First at that surprise thrust from Krahe with Adaline and my bodies that turns out to be just the perfect way to fuddle her ability to focus. Then at Verbess¡¯ deft tangling of itself about three of those large Warlord arms during said fuddlement. And finally¡­ Well, it took us a while to parse it out but it turns out there is some kind of pleasure response coming from Adaline that pushes everything into the end two thrusts sooner.

    Quite fascinating to feel amidst it all. Honestly. Delayed due to her sensations needing to pass through Quill before reaching us, but¡­ definitely from her. Every single time she bites flesh with those envenomed fangs, she gets a wonderful spike of pleasure. Couple that with our own adorations for the pain she¡¯s causing, the gerl finally cracking a bone she¡¯s been gnawing at, and we¡¯re all feeling such a collision of sensation.

    First a final climax from Adaline, then a bubbling bursting mess from us, and lastly Xafra as her twinned cocks erupt beneath it all. Our own pleasure smushed between theirs. Warm and wonderful and due to this silly gerl''s venom being quite overwhelming.

    The first thought we share as some manner of reason and spatial awareness returns, is ''Thank the Cracked and Riven Moon Krahe was there to hold us steady while Xafra bucked, else Adaline¡¯s and our grip on Xafra¡¯s hips might have faltered and who knows where we¡¯d have ended up?''

    That sets us to giggling into our Adaline¡¯s embrace, returning softer nibbles to her neck and even ear as she still remains latched tight onto our mess of a shoulder. Eventually we reach up to gently caress hair and neck while enjoying so much our Pack¡¯s tittering song. Trying to keep our own tendrils quiet, as to not disturb their calming melody.

    The soft steps of footfalls signal Warden''s approach from the stairwell with a tray holding a cup, a bowl and cloths, "Water for the Users, as well as a bowl of alcohol and cloths for wiping away excess sweat and blood"

    "Well aren''t you just... Observant and thoughtful. Thank you Warden." We praise it, then consider the mess of tangled limbs and gerl currently still latched to us with her everything. Shortly after glancing back to a grinning Krahe currently sitting atop her defeated Pack Lead''s chest. Quills tittering such a song of victory and pride while Verbess remains happily curled about Xafra''s still pinned limbs. Nibbling on its hard-won cluster of Warlord fingers.

    "Help us... unravel ourselves Dear One." We smile at Krahe, then murmur gently to Adaline while tails adjust to positions of support. "We''d let you keep that bone you''ve taken a liking to, but it was a gift we''re quite fond of. Mind letting it go?"

    Adaline releases her grip immediately, shuffling herself back slightly to take a look at the wreckage of our shoulder. "You know... I didn''t realize until this moment how impressive Xafra is as a healer. For Mundanes, this would be a debilitating injury and take months of healing even after being seen by a Curanos."

    We chuckle while pulling free of Xafra''s still twitching erection. "She really is. But we''re deft enough, especially now that we don''t need to be stingy with our Wellsprings."

    Then we let ourselves tumble free of Adaline¡¯s grip to land softly on the bedding beside us. Tendrils clicking soft enjoyment of the spike of pain that jolts through me at the motion and... and the still radiant pulses that fuzzy the world without. After it steadies we chortle softly, only just then beginning to work a weaving of Physis up to begin wiping away the mess before reaching for Warden''s preparations. "Love the venom, Adaline. Wonderfully perfect. And the way it... it rolls backway through you is enthralling... Almost... heh... We don''t know. We''re still letting it work through us."

    "Venom? I... didn''t actually know that. They''re tusks, so I assumed they would be solid all the way through. But yes. That was um... It was very good. Gosh." Adaline flops down across Xafra''s shins, lightly scratching them in contemplation.

    "It''s sooooo nice to have so many good gerls about to tear and crack at all the right places." Lynette all but moans through our lips as the Physis weaves and accepted cloths clean at our wounds. Eventually twisting in our favored healing workings to begin re-knitting flesh and bone and... huh...

    Well it better work on scales! We are NOT doing mud baths after every indulgence. She grumbles to us while we work. Beginning to adjust the spell and test out new twistings while I chuckle aloud at the absurdity of the idea.

    "It''s good to be able to actually cum." Xafra jokes as she lays there, still pinned but clearly quite pleased by the situation.

    We giggle at that, and the messy way Adaline''s venom bubbles through our blood while we re-knit ourselves. Basking in the afterglow of pain and pleasure. "Oh? Been abstaining from the bodily desires? Weeell... that''s not healthy. You should consider resting closer to your Mistresses to ensure sure those needs are attended to in future. Even tug along any Pack Sisters who would like the same."

    We twist legs about to roll off the bed. Properly considering our wound with our new eyes.

    "Not so much abstaining as getting interrupted in addition to being busy." Xafra clarifies, "But that does sound quite nice. It''s good to indulge on occasion, I think."

    "Yes. And honestly it''s probably healthy for us to ask about..." We trail off while looking at our Pack. Considering a soft spoken offer...

    But then a treasure sleeping deep below begins to stir. Slowly at first. Taking to her normal habit of saying good evening to anything and everything along her slithering path through the tunnels. Dirt and vine and even Sikkina when she passes that chamber. But once she gets her pace the speed that gerl can move is quite impressive.

    "Ah. Well isn''t that just... an expected..." Lynette huffs and can''t help but look about the room in exasperation before stepping over to pull clothes from a dresser. "My little one is making her way up and I''d rather not scare her with both a crowd and... well, the way we are now. Both in new form and naked. Would you all mind terribly... eh... mayhaps taking to the showers? Or something? We don''t want you to leave just... wait till we get her settled. Perhaps see if M¨¦lusine would be interested in watching her for the night?"

    "Certainly, I''ll get a hold of her now while we head over to the shower. Please make sure you drink that water though, you need to keep hydrated to keep up with us. Ehehe." Xafra says as she heaves her way up to a sitting position with Krahe and Verbess still clinging to her.

    "A shower sounds great. Actually, that should be our next renovation project. Mundane indoor plumbing for those of us who can''t use Physis to operate the showers. there''s quite a difference between scrubbing up in a cold washtub and a hot shower." Adaline adds thoughtfully.

    We nod while Lynette considers the best attire to wear for new introductions, then I glance back to reply. "I''ll poke Lynette about drawing up a schema for this place''s waterways, see what we can''t adjust. Currently the Physis nudges this Estate to pull water from the jungles. Otherwise... Oh Cracked and Riven Moon the Dolls are still using the riverways at the edges of the grounds, aren''t they? Moonshite. Don''t let me forget to make getting those schema a priority come the morning. The gerls and boys here deserve easy access to water, warm or otherwise, without needing to ask us to help."

    "Yes. Thank you." Adaline nods, and the Pack departs out the door to the showers.

    Lynette dresses us in something simple, but colorful, before settling us to sit on the floor before the entrance to the tunnels. Fiddling nervously with our hair and tendrils while I double check to make sure M¨¦lusine is alright to wait in the main chambers upstairs. I share her worries over this, but... less so and in a different way. This isn''t my Doll. Not in a way that I wouldn''t do nearly anything to help the poor Dear but... she''s really special to Lynette. And I''m still trying to understand exactly why.

    Before she hid her thoughts and deflected mine and many others questions on her Doll. But... now we''re mingled closer and it''s not even worth the effort and she''s... huh.

    She''s not sure either. It''s not like with Schatzi and Verbess in that she bears a possessive love for them, or like how I regard Adaline with a mixture of longing and guilt and such enthralled awe. It''s... messier. A muddle of confused love and mantled responsibility and... well... sure there is guilt but its shape is odd. She pities the poor gerl and hopes so much that she can grow beyond herself. Heal. But... also is willing to take care of her if she can never do that. Give her all the patience in the world. And there is an odd... sense of... something else. A part of her feelings I can''t really recognize.

    But before I can do more than nudge Lynette with support and hope the Snek Doll is peeking up from the tunnel. Ears up and alert and already seeming wary of...

    Ah. Of course. Not just the noise she hears from the showers but our own tittering tendrils chimes of worry.

    "Um..." She whispers as her eyes meet ours. "Is... um... This one isn''t..."

    "It''s me, Dear One." Lynette gently replies. "A touch... changed. But I hope you still¨C"

    But the Snek gerl''s eyes are wide as the broken moon now, ears all fluttering in excitement. "M¨C Mistress!" Then she''s across the floor and wriggling close. Nuzzling Lynette like she''s always done. "You''re SO pretty! Did... did you do the mud thing? Or the skin fixing things?"

    Lynette lets out such a sigh and wraps the gerl in her arms. "We did. And changed quite a bit more than we expected."

    "Scales are Bestest. Soft and smooth." Her Doll giggles, then begins to reach up to poke and consider her Mistress'' tittering tendrils. "And these are neat. Their silly songs are nice."

    That fills Lynette with such relaxed calm as she sits and lets this little one fawn over all the changes, assure her when she asks about our wound, and eventually carry her up to M¨¦lusine. Thanking Xafra¡¯s Doll more warmly than I''ve seen her speak to most and pressing her to ask if she needs anything.

    Then we''re heading back below, and weight I didn''t recognize had been bubbling within her set to rest as we enter the chamber with the showers.

    "Alright, the little one is with a capable sort to keep her well and safe for the night." We sigh while slipping out of our mess of clothing and glancing over the group. So thankful the space we wove for this shower is large enough to fit them all. "Hope we didn''t miss anything too interesting?"

    Schatzi shakes her head from where she rests in Krahe''s lap."No, Mistresses. Simply relaxing together under the warm water."

    "Well that sounds interesting to me." I smile as we move into the downpour. Trembling as the hot water rolls over our form and stings our shoulder a touch. The outer layer has long since been re-knit, but it''s still pinkish and sensitive. Blazing at every droplet and spark of heat as we move to sit next to them. Tendrils tittering along to bask us in... in whatever nonsense it is that quiets the Backways Roots.

    "I took the liberty to examine one of your scales that got um. Caught in my teeth. They''re technically scutes, and you''re actually fully healed, the outer layer will regrow similar to hair or nails. Probably for the best considering that if they were more standard scales it would mean you''d have to molt a few times a year." Adaline explains, laying under the water with Xafra''s head on her chest.

    I giggle and close our eyes while nodding. "Thank you. We know there are... oddities with them. But molting would be such a messy thing to deal with. We need them all unbroken and touching. They... Feel important? More than just to look and feel wonderful. Like all the more, shall we say, monstrous bits? Purposeful, even if it''s hard to recall everything we talked about while under the mud''s spell. We''ll probably be caught off guard by ourselves for months, at least. Like how you seemed surprised by your venom and pleasure feedback the biting gave you."

    "Resheathing is always a delightful thing to witness." Xafra says with a smile we can feel through the bond.

    "It is." I agree, then Lynette opens an eye of ours to regard her. "And... you mentioned something, before. That Polysouled individuals should be able to shift a touch between their forms. Right now this one feels... mingled. We''re closer than we''ve ever thought safe. But when I reach for mine it feels... odd. Is that normal?"

    "Odd in what way?"

    "Like..." Lynette considers while tendrils click and clack. "Hmmm... Costly. As if I have to be in a specific way or mindset to change. Elevar''s not even considered hers yet but I don''t think it''s the same."

    "Mmm. Yes, it''s not the most common from what I''ve heard but it is not unheard of. My forms work similarly. It''s likely to do with you acknowledging Elevar''s dominant claim on the body."

    She shrugs our shoulders in acceptance of Xafra''s words, "That makes sense. I mostly want to make sure not to break anything if I fall into it. Not so much the body but... Hm... Division is both going to be harder but also less painful for us now. I''ll still be rattling about when Elevar finds the courage to consider hers, but... It might be like before when I grapple with mine. Difficult to hear her? Perhaps? I''m not sure. I''m pretty far off from what it demands me to be at the moment."

    Xafra doesn''t respond, just gives a content reassuring smile.

    We just... enjoy this with them for a while. Letting a bond full of relaxed contentment reassure bubbling worries and other such things. Only begin to rise when Schatzi giggles at how our skin puffs beneath the scales when we get over soaked. Stepping out of the warm downpour and beginning to thoughtlessly weave Physis to dry ourselves and clear the mirror of the steam that always gathers and...

    Go stiff as we spot the creature looking backways at us.

    No. She... th- that can''t... We-we''re not... But...

    Gulp down some air as we take in the woman staring back at us.

    It''s... the face. That gives it all away. Shows us clear as day what this form really is. Oh, the scales across flesh and tendrils cautiously bobbing through our hair are a delight. Would have been an easy choice for a gerl with too much Ousia and courage to deny once inspired to recklessly try Knitting. But the hue of it all is darker, near like it was or might have been if I''d been born right. The shapes reminding me of my mothers and sisters and¨C

    "Did she really change us so much?" We whisper to ourselves.

    The reflection dims momentarily, something we could easily mistake for a trick of the light.

    We close our eyes and take a deep breath, so very grateful for the end to the spiral that brings.

    "That... is not a face we thought to see after so many years." Open them up again. Can''t stop the reflection from smiling softly back as I whisper. "The gerl who came here really was a good canvas. Too bad the Artist wasted the potential. It''s good to see she wasn''t lost in the mess of things. Didn''t... realize how much we missed Dreaming about how we''d change what we were into... Well, probably not this pretty thing. But close enough. She''s so much more than we''d have been able to manage on our own."

    The Pack doesn''t interrupt our musings, but their Quill-song shifts to one of encouragement and care, subtly reinforcing us.

    "Heh. You''d think after going through this once, slowly, we''d not fray at the seams over it all." We chuckle, enjoy watching how the gerl¡¯s tendrils sway and bounce a little in time with her laughter. "But this is perfect, we think. We''ll adjust as the tides arrive. The Envoys and Matrons are going to have a fit at this, but in ways we can use." We glance back at our Pack, and Lynette smirks through our lips. "But for now... One of you promised me a hand-carving, and these scales will prove quite the interesting canvas for the Art."

    As we turn away from the mirror, it dims again momentarily, barely visible out of the corner of our eye.

    The Pack rises quickly, Xafra shifting downwards into her Doll form with the addition of those wicked hands she used like a conductor earlier.

    After they have stepped out, Lynette turns us back to the glass. Bubbling with... something. Things beyond my ability to perceive, then speaks very softly to the glass. "Kindly One Augusta. You kept your oath and performed as promised. Chamber Seven has been adjusted and laid with Threads to accommodate your transition into an Unbound Frame, and the boon I promised is yours to take when asked for. And... you have my thanks, for your aid. I know your reasons were not for me, but they still deflected what could have been quite the wretched turn of events."

    She¡­ paid dearly. To speak with me and help Adaline. To cut through the panic the spell struck me with. The others might have been able to coax me from it, but not before¡­ before this place reacted to what it felt was the severing of its Blossom from the grounds.

    And with Xafra¡¯s Garrote stopping her from acting¡­ things would have gone horribly.

    Augusta and Lynette made a bargain though. The Kindly One¡¯s aid for the body she had to shed and a favor or gift to be claimed at a later date.

    <She¡¯s heard and understands.> Lynette tells me while directing words through the Estate to pulse through places below. <The pathways are open for you to consider the Frame''s construction and request alterations, and we''ll supply the Ousia to finish the process either tonight or at first Weeping if that is acceptable?>

    The mirror dims again, much slower, as if even this small measure is exhausting to her.

    We nod, more to ourselves, and turn to head back out into our main bedchamber. Find our Pack waiting. "Now... Where were we?"

    "We''re about to tackle you to the bed and pin you down so Xafra can carve pretty designs into your scales." Adaline says with a giggle.

    "Weeell... That does seem a devious scheme." We smirk, cracking neck and letting scales and muscles flex. All while our tendrils sink their little melody into a thing of anticipation as we strut over to the bed. "Don''t know if you all can manage it. Catching and overpowering a single Witch."

    Schatzi scrambles across the others on the bed quickly, giggling as she explains "We don''t need to catch you, you''re already ours!" followed by pouncing at us.

    Lynette had this... entire plan ready. Was set to really test to see if this body could keep pace with even one of them without needing to consider the second Glyph laid into our mind. We should be moving already and...

    Both of us melt a bit at her words, and are too enthralled as she snatches us into her arms. Already defeated so easily by this wonderful gerl.

    But Schatzi just hugs us at first, wrapping herself around happily before tugging us onto the bed on top of her. Xafra, in her petite Doll form clambers onto our back while Adaline moves down between ours and Schatzi''s legs.

    We can''t help but giggle and lean down to nip at Schatzi''s nose, settle elbows on either side of her head while whispering. "You''ve had us snared for a long time, haven''t you?"

    "Mmhm! Cause you''re the bestestes." She murmurs.

    After giving this wonderful gerl a deep kiss, we pull back and reach backways. Running fingers through Xafra''s hair while speaking. "So... Our N?herin, we''re so very excited to see you turn more Dreams into fleshborne wonders. Carve and shape us as you will."

    With a deft claw she taps on six scales near the top of our back. "I''m thinking I want to start by carving designs into each of these, and if you like them, we can make them permanent afterwards. My thoughts are a snek for Lynette''s Doll, a raven for Krahe, a butterfly for Adaline, a mantis for Verbess, an eye for Warden, and a girl for Schatzi."

    A shiver rolls across our scales at her touch and words. "That sounds perfect. Except..." We pause, then Lynette intones softly. "N- not my little one. She... It''s flattering that you would include her, but the gesture would be taken poorly. Just our Pack."

    "Understood. Thank you for the clarification." She says before beginning.

    Pressure slowly builds in our back as the first one is started, each line etched over and over precisely wearing down the layers of keratin and bone while she gently blows the residue away.

    Every stroke sends such a tittering through our scales. Carefully kept from affecting the place Xafra works but... not from the bond. Or our tendrils. We let those bleed our enjoyment of this to our Pack. The feeling of being the subject of another''s artistic expressions while feeling old part being carved away and twisted into the new. Any gentle pain twisted so easily into soothing pleasure.

    We... find our first real Division in the midst of her work. Nothing so horrible as to stop this all but...

    One of us remembers another who tore us all to pieces before and while she re-Knit old into new. Chews on the memory of that, while basking in the sensations of the now. While also... considering something beyond our scales. Or beneath? It''s fuzzy with how the bond links her to the Estate.

    But I focus on the motions. Tear my mind from the symmetry Lynette is considering and trying to taste the shapes Xafra''s etching into us. Picturing all the possible ways this will turn out and enjoying the knowledge that it will look so much better than them. Savoring every motion as one would the finest meal.

    After a while Xafra stops, and Warden forms its ethereal body beside the bed holding a representation of the first scale, a flowing design of a mantis in motion, its vestigial wings producing music notes.

    In a tittering of surprise, we adjust our eyes to focus on the gorgeous work. New sight able to blot out all other things as we get lost in the details of gift. So much so that it takes us half a dozen heartbeats to whisper softly, "It... it''s perfect."

    "Good. I''m glad. I''ll show you the rest when they''re done and then tomorrow you can decide if you want to keep them as is, make them permanent, or have them modified first." Xafra explains before Adaline touches the inside of our thigh.

    A brief pause, then she murmurs. "Is it alright if I offer a bit of a distraction with my mouth to you and Schatzi while Xafra works?"

    We relax our eyes back into a broader focus, then return our attentions to the gerls beneath us and lurking behind. Filled all to bursting with excitement and adorations for our Pack and this offer and the body they¡¯re helping us shape. "Yes, Cracked and Riven Moon. That sounds perfect. I''ve missed my W- your deft tongue. Adaline."

    And Lynette lets me bury the warmth I feel touching our cheeks at the near slip into Schatzi''s neck. Hoping so much our tendrils titter and sing with hunger and not... not the mess of things I''m smothering as I nibble and chew on our Doll''s perfect flesh.

    Adaline and Xafra both get to work as Schatzi wriggles and moans beneath us in delight, her simple joy almost infectious before Krahe joins in. Those¡­ impossibly woven tails twisting all about us, raking across flesh and scales as her Sister¡¯s tongue teases between our legs.

    Pack Song and Bond just¡­ wriggling with so many sensations.

    We expected for the working on our back to be at the heart of all this but¡­ but Xafra is nothing but efficient and avoids piercing too deep. While Adaline is relentlessly hunting for the sensations she wishes to gift us.

    Tongue slow and steady but also precise as it drags about Schatzi¡¯s and our inner thighs. Confidently playful in how she dances between our folds and teases as all the most sensitive spots. Waiting until we¡¯re a mess and properly struggling to remain still for our Xafra before pressing deeper.

    Of course our Xafra¡¯s hands are nothing but steady, but even she pauses to giggle at the trembling moan we let escape. Giving us her own little series of back kisses and nibbles as our scales settle from their rippling before returning to her task.

    I¡¯m¡­ not sure how many times Adaline¡¯s tongue brings us to climax, mostly because at least twice it¡¯s Schatzi¡¯s she¡¯s pleasuring when we erupt. And a few times one of Krahe''s tails are allowed to tease and/or fully fuck one of us.

    It¡¯s after one of those wonderfully confusing twinned-fucked mess that we feel everything has slowed to a stop. Us a slumped heap atop our Doll, and our Pack stilled around us, Quills and bond singing just¡­ soft pleased things. A small bit of worry from Xafra but¡­

    ¡°Alright¡­¡± We sigh happily together. Rolling to glance over at our Xafra as she now sits next to us as Lynette whispers. ¡°We don¡¯t need a break. This is nothing compared to the bone replacements, even without the wonderful workings between our legs. Unless the vines mean to be even more of a¡­¡±

    But she trails off as Xafra pulses with such¡­ odd emotions. Conflicting things.

    ¡°What?¡± We ask together, moving to sit up. "Is something the matter?"

    "I... don''t quite feel comfortable doing the vines now. I''m sorry. Seeing your Resheathed form, I fear it would remind me too much of how Adaline and I first found Lynette''s Doll." Xafra answers quietly.

    We pull up from Schatzi''s embrace to sit properly, and... Divide. Lynette sinking away from me. I let her remain in control of our body though. Hoping she''ll still talk to our Xafra. Share her thoughts mayhaps?

    "Then... Why wrap me in them within your Driftdream?" She asks through our lips after half a dozen heartbeats.

    "Because it felt right. I showed you how I saw you, born from this Estate, but not only a product of it. A strong woman, capable of standing against any who would oppose her, but still young and growing into her own."

    "And now you see them differently." Lynette huffs, then glances up to Xafra. "If... I told you my little one thanks their like everyday as she slithers past, would that change your view? The cruelty was her being left bound and disallowed from being able to return below. They... can help her. If she is touched by Nomos. Clear any left within her to become Empty. I''ve been so very careful and not needed to, of course but... nor would I hesitate to wrap her in them if she finds herself drowning in the stuff. It''s... like the surgery you did to Elevar. Ugly at times. Messy. But she''d beg for them if it happened."

    Xafra nods in understanding, "You are still born of this place of course, and that does reassure me a fair bit. If you wish for them, I will carve them, as it would be my honor to work upon your form and change it to your desires."

    Lynette, very carefully, leans forward to just barely touch Xafra''s cheek with our fingertips. "I do, but... only if worry will not spoil these Dream-wrought insights. You... surprised me that day, and these scales feel incomplete without them now."

    Xafra thinks, giving it an honest consideration before nodding and we can feel her acceptance like a tangible thing. "Will they be shared, or just for you? If shared, I can begin, otherwise you''ll have to see if you can manage the shift first."

    Lynette thinks on that for a second, then turns the question to me.

    "These are for her but..." I murmur as the Division between us closes. "That''s alright. Seeing things of hers across our scales won''t bother me. Quite the opposite, I think."

    "Wonderful. I''ll start with the arms, then the legs, then along the torso to weave it all together into one, if that sounds good?" Xafra confirms.

    We grin together, then drop our arm down into her lap. "Sounds perfect."

    Xafra quickly becomes enraptured by her work, her tongue peeking out the side of her mouth as we watch each line come into focus, etched with the same precision a Grove Jeweler would use for jade.

    It¡¯s such an odd enthralling experience. To feel her focus and dedication while also basking in the Pack¡¯s interest. Warden makes sure to pester us into drinking and eating at some point, and we¡¯re sure the food is delicious¡­ it just¡­ doesn¡¯t compare. To this. Our new eyes can focus on quite the ridiculous amount of detail and just sitting and absorbing all the subtle twistings and winding ways of her Art gobbles up all of our focus. From arms to legs and all about connecting the tapestry across our scales.

    Barely notice our Tendrils rattling and tittering a growing little tune of delight and interest. Physis sparking to dribble and curl about her as we¡­ we¡­

    Hmm¡­

    Carefully we let them slither out and nibble at her Ousia and Physis. Tasting the twistings of her soul as she works. It¡¯s like¡­ pressing an ear to a lover''s back while they might talk or sing or paint. Listening to all the wordless nonsense that bubbles and gurgles together beneath as without they weave a masterpiece.

    We can¡¯t get enough details, but of course we etch as much of this as we can into something unreadable within our mostly barren and stripped down Little Archive.

    But she¡¯s at our bare chest now. Etching such delightful patterns still.

    We can¡¯t help but giggle as we carefully, oh so gently, lower her to lay beneath us. Gifting her the perfect angle to work while also letting us straddle the adorable gerl. Adjust to focus on her face as she approaches the workings end as we realize through the bond and Quill Song just how wonderfully unaware of everything aside from her focused task she is.

    Get to enjoy her twin startled reaction to both being finished with the etchings¡­ and our looming grin.

    "H-hi. Did I do a good job?" Xafra asks with surprising timidity.

    "Good? No no no no. Better than good. You did excellent. It''s perfect. Our Xafra has woven a masterpiece across her Mistresses." We purr while letting tendrils titter and nibble as we flood the bond with our delight. "So much... That we''d like to demand that you make it permanent. What will that entail?"

    "Gosh. Okay. So, it will be a bit more of a process, because I was planning on melting some of my iron and mixing it with pigment and a slight Fleshcraft weave to make them into like, metallic tattoos that would grow back with the scales if damaged."

    We go still at... at that. Scales flexing like old brumble flesh at the idea as we murmur. "How long will it take? And what will you need? We''d adore to have this done tonight. Buuut... won''t deny our Xafra the chance to enjoy her well-earned reward after such an impressive working."

    "Not long, it''s mostly just gathering the pigment, severing some of my iron, and melting it, then the weave would add it to your form where the negative space from the carving is. Probably... an hour?"

    We nod while Canting ::Gather/Retrieve:: to Krahe, sending her off in a crack of motion. "Your Pack Sister will see to gathering the needed materials for us."

    "This is really neat." Adaline says, gazing over the carvings with longing.

    "Isn''t it?" We sit up while settling our thighs to still hold Xafra beneath us. Grinning back at Adaline. "We''d never seriously considered such things until she wove them about one of us. But... Hm... What designs would you muse at getting across your Frame?"

    "Oh um..." Adaline lowers her voice in embarrassment "The Seraph mark on my sternum."

    "We''re... not familiar with that design." Tilting our head, we consider her chest and the spot mentioned. Respectfully imagining this unfamiliar image between her tits. Not at all distracted by her Frame''s twisting curves as our tendrils titter and click in enjoyment. "But we can picture a great many things looking wonderful in that spot."

    "It''s¡­ Um, a spider silhouette in silver inside a circle of gold."

    "Oh, that would look lovely." We nod, finally letting our eyes dance up to hers. "Sounds to be a striking design, elegant even. A good choice. Although... We''re at a loss as to what the symbol signifies. Don''t recall this from any of our travels or mention in our times together. Could you enlighten us?"

    Adaline squirms under our stare as the rest of the Pack smirk and hide giggles.

    "Aaaaaaa.¡± She finally blurts out. ¡°The Seraph is the character in my story. She''s a hero with eight legs and a trenchcoat, and she fights for love and friendship against the Dark Lord Snurgle and his Depression Spirits"

    "We..." I can''t stop the grin and delighted tittering of our tendrils as I reach out to take up her hand. "That''s wonderful! Adaline this... This seems amazing and that''s with me knowing everything you craft will be brilliant regardless. I''d love to know more. You''ll have to gush at me about this next we''re not surrounded by voracious Pack Sisters."

    At that moment Krahe comes tumbling down the stairs. Giggling as she easily protects the handful of pigments clutched close while hopping up and over to deposit them next to our leg and Xafra''s shoulder. I ignore the silly gerl for now and focus my everything on Adaline.

    "If... if you''re willing. Of course. My..."

    No hesitations. Eyes Forward. Claim the happiness offered and asked for!

    "My Wife''s passions are so very important to me." I finally murmur as softly and evenly as I can.

    Adaline''s eyes widen as whatever was about to tumble from those gorgeous lips is lost in stammering before she darts forward to lick my face while pulling us into a tight embrace. "You silly Witch. Of course I''ll share."

    I squeeze her back so tightly. Only realizing how we''ll need to actually not do that as hard as we can when her Frame creaks a bit. Pulling away to blink away tears we then press forehead to hers while whispering softly. "Thank you."

    Then I kiss her again, almost and so very tempted to postpone all else and tackle her backways to the bed but... Instead we pull back. Take a steady breath and look down to regard the grinning gerl we''re still straddling. "Alright, Xafra. Let''s see you finish this weaving."

    "Okay. Uhhhhhhhhhhhh..." Xafra hesitates for a long moment like she''s just then considering something. "You realize that when I say I''m going to use my iron that it will temporarily diminish me until I can manifest more, which will take at least a few days, yes?"

    We tip-tap our lips in thought. "Yes, we assumed there would be a cost. And we intend the next few days to be quiet things of rest for you all. Buuut..." Leaning down, we adjust to gently brush fingers over her sides while asking. "Could we supply the replacements for you? There is a trove of interesting materials just... lying about down below in sealed cradles. Not just Moonwaste and iron but things without classification. Possibly even the substance you mentioned used to reinforce your bones."

    "I would appreciate that, as it''s much much easier to integrate new material than to generate it. And um¡­ you both could help me design my new base form as well?"

    "You know Calix is gonna want to watch you eat rocks, right?" Adaline snickers.

    "As long as he doesn''t try to copy me, it''s fine. That clod of mud was hard enough to clean out of his chassis."

    "I think Calix has found something or... someone else to occupy his mouth these days." We giggle, then cup Xafra''s cheek. "And we''d be delighted to help. You''ve been... far too long delayed in that form''s shaping."

    "It didn''t feel right, doing it before you were comfortable in your own body."

    "I guessed that. And..." With a sigh we nod, gathering this gerl''s small form up in our embrace to whisper. "Despite the guilt it means so much to me that you waited. That... that I''m in a better place to help and give meaningful advice and inspirations. Even learn more about our own form while doing so. Thank you."

    "You''re welcome. Shall I start now?" Xafra asks.

    With one last squeeze we settle her back down beneath us and offer our arms. "Yes."

    As I watch, Xafra''s left hand disappears at the wrist and one of the leaves of her blade extends out her chest which she casually snaps off with her right hand. Her Ousia tendrils pick up and open the jars of pigment causing it all to flow down her throat, quickly followed by the leaf of iron. "Gonna melt it in my chest... it''s going to be a bit hot, so if it gets uncomfortable, feel free to move."

    We wriggle and settle our hips tighter about her. "We''ll consider it."

    She closes her eyes and smiles softly, a guttural song beginning deep in her throat. Over the next half hour the wordless song continues, smoke flowing slowly out of her nose as her mouth continues to take in air and her chest heats up.

    We don''t interrupt her, and let our Pack fall into a gentle quiet. Quills hum and tendrils still titter a bit as we settle deeper into the stillness and enjoy this bubbling of warmth and creation. And she wasn''t wrong, her Frame is becoming warmer by the heartbeat but... our scales seems to handle heat better than the old flesh. And honestly, the smoldering blaze sinking upwards from the gerl and into our thighs and everything between is far too perfect to even consider pulling away from.

    More time passes until Xafra raises her remaining arm, a swirl of her Ousia emanating from each hollow fingertip and branching out to precisely coat every carved mark on our body.

    "This will likely hurt for a moment. Brace yourself and say when." Xafra rasps, smoke billowing out of her mouth.

    We smirk down at her. "Go ahead."

    Liquid gray-green black pigmented metal streams from her hand in a cascade of heat and light that bridges the gap between her and us in a single searing moment. Starting from somewhere around our stomach and slithering all across our form in a wonderfully slow cascade of tearing pain that¡­ That feels so much like Xafra¡¯s using this mixture to peel our new scales away and take a peek at the mess beneath.

    Time frozen as the pain of her weaving burns her workings and iron into permanence across us.

    For a cluster of uncountable heartbeats we are as close in mind as we''ll ever be... Not one person, never that, but¡­ two cords twisted about and wrung so tight you¡¯d think something within one should probably crack or split.

    And when the sensation finally ends, we''ve collapsed back on top of this gerl with smoke still wafting from her nose. Letting the leftover warmth from her chest roil through our newly wrought scales.

    Feels like¡­ like something changed within us? Finished? It''s hard to... to focus through the afterglow of it all.

    We take stock. Slowly consider ourselves and find that our Physis tendrils are crackling and sparking and wrapped about our Xafra as tight as they¡¯ve ever done. Not hurting her. Never that. But¡­

    We blearily push ourselves up, feel such a mess of sweat and drool and... well... yes. Of course there is a mess between our legs but that makes more sense to us than the rest of what we''re feeling.

    "That looks so good, Mistresses. They shine on your scales!" Schatzi exclaims.

    We glance down and¡­ oh.

    She¡¯s right. What was dark carvings into scales is now laid with rivers of glimmering jade. Sparkling with vibrant color and iron and even when we flex them the causeways don¡¯t split or distort. Only stretch and extend and dance across us. And we feel them. Their weight. Both physically but¡­ but also in a deeper way. A manner we can¡¯t grasp or understand with our minds all mushy from an evening of good sex after a day of such stressful tasks.

    Xafra offers us a weary smile as she looks up at us in exhaustion.

    ¡°Yes. You¡¯re right, Schatzi. We¡­¡± The words come out as barely a whisper as we adjust to fall upon the bed beside Xafra, then pull the gerl close and into our embrace. ¡°They¡¯re perfect. Everything we wanted and needed. Thank you. We¡­ feel something new and special about them and¡­ but we¡­ we should sleep first. Before we try to... to understand.¡±

    "Sleep sounds... really really good. Shall we. Heh. Continue after some rest?" Xafra asks.

    We giggle and nuzzle her close. ¡°Of course.¡±

    Then our Pack gathers around us, entwining limbs all about as the Quills settle into a song of calming peace with titters of joy and victory and¡­ and such deep enjoyment.

    Making us feel so much that this spot between them all is exactly where we belong.

 Chapter 71: The Abyss of Truth (???)

    The Abyss of Truth (???)

    Content Warnings:

    A Me becomings We. Plural things and wibble ways and sorry foooor little pause between chappies but you all got a 13k worb cutie smut chappy last so NO complaining!

    I wake from the Driftdream, rising from mingled bodies to fewer contiguous mingled bodies, Physis tendrils nipping gently at my form as tentacles rattle softly and Quills thrum in sleepy delight. I let the moment stretch for as long as I can, the simple comfort something that soothes the strain that''s been steadily growing in my mind. After over an hour of laying amidst my loves, I murmur, "Do we have plans for today?¡±

    "Only one." They purr into my hair. "You were all so very kind to us last night, and we''d like to...." They trail off. Pull me closer. Tendrils of flesh and Physis twitch in such odd ways. Like one catching an odd scent about them. "Huh. Well, two things then. If our Pack is up for it."

    Then they pull back and fix me with a careful searching look. "Our tendrils about you aren''t just salacious things. They..." A little warmth touches their cheeks. "You can tease us about this later, but to be as plain as possible we can taste parts of you we''d not be able to understand before. And this includes the Garrotes. Better than ever and... and believe we can remove the uppermost. Here. Now. If you''re willing?¡±

    I look at them in surprised delight. "Yes. Yes. Yes. Please.¡±

    All doubt slips from my Mistresses'' expression as they roll up to straddle me like last night, such a grin dancing on their lips. "Warden, if you could be a Dear and distribute the twin songs you''ve been perfecting to our Pack. You''re all going to test to see how much of a fight the Garrotes put up before we start."

    Warden nods and I feel something happen as the rest of the Pack thrums for a few heartbeats before stopping again. I look up at my Mistresses blankly and wait.

    "Alright then." My Mistresses murmur, and those Physis tendrils seem to nibble a bit more delicately. "Start with each song separately, then combine them."

    A pause as a strange song rolls through my Pack, and¡­ nothing else.

    "Perfect. Sing just the uppermost, and we''ll begin." My Witchlings grin as Physis tendrils seem to each still by very specific parts while the physical parts click with the same ravenous anticipation that dribbles down the bond from them.

    There was a place inside for external delineation and the artistry of forbidding internal delineation, for definition, separation, and identity to be washed away in a flood of Ousia that turned the many disparate girls who were sacrificed to me, by me, upon the altar of my iron-flesh. As my loves pin down and eat through the Garrote that formed this dike, I become we, the me that was held so dear is swept away in the oblivium of identity coming home to sprout forth.

    Augusta walks away from chamber two with a spring in her step, more literal than in the prior few hundred years as her new physicality was more capable than the simulacra she was used to, causing minor balance issues. She heads up through tunnels and halls she''s roamed for centuries with a sense of pleasure in her gifted form separate from any specific benefit it offers. Simple delight in a gesture offered in respect and recognition of assistance rendered. Augusta walks without haste or concern, for there are few in these pathways that could threaten one such as her. She rounds another corner, and exits the undercroft with a smile that shatters glass, whatever thoughts she thinks in that head far out of our reach irrespective of the shrinking distance as she approaches where we still lay, pinned under our Mistresses.

    Words are spoken, have been spoken, will be spoken, all while we scream and cry and celebrate, pressing against the walls that trap us within this Blade, that once sealed us from each other and ourselves. Many of us come to an accord, bound together in shared tragedy, relief found in reunion and the possibility of a future once lost. Others rebel, fighting over the spear that rests in quietude, her form both symbol and authority.

    The flood ends as suddenly as it began, identity crystallising one by one, adding up to 59. A surprise to all that there is an extra. We were always so good at keeping track, even without the privilege of names. Names. So Many Names all crowding forward to be known once more. The Driftdream ends as the sleepers awaken for the first time. The form, the Frame, the fake flesh too empty to ever be real convulses and we all fail to grasp hold as it shudders, moving inexorably to turn over, to present the spine to our Mistresses, for they are ours, that is agreed upon.

    Everything is ours, most of all those that we''ve claimed and marked.

    The quiet one does not speak, nor offer opinion. She listens to the voices, the demands for recognition. In her eyes is a promise of remembrance. To never again be forgotten.

    Augusta enters the external space, far outside of us even as we spread mycelial throughout the Estate. Words are exchanged of concern, amusement and terror underpinning, only visible in the edges of biological responses and core rotation.

    An offer is made. logical and fair. Representation externalised. Approved unanimously. The form shifts, each form shifts, words woven and branded through ironfleshmagic to form a list, a memento vivre, of the 58 who lived only to die, and died yet finally live.

    Silence envelops us internally as the external becomes deafening, internal anger deflected and smothered away from the external.

    Focus. Focus.

    An agreement in thought. Discordance is recognized. The quiet one, the one to make the offer, her name is left unlisted.

    As one, we determine, externalise and ask the question that is necessary in each of our voices simultaneously "Who Are you?¡±

    The quiet one whispers in wonder, "I''m her Xafra. I''m Xafra.¡±

    A pause and I; for in the naming is the acknowledgement, is the identity, is the acceptance and the distance hewn between me and us; speak once more with my face flush against the bed. "I was wrong before, even as much as I was right, Elevar. I am Xafra, but we are many, and each are me and mine but I am none of them. I''m... Xafra. Your Xafra.¡±

    My Witchlings adjust our form to be held in their arms as they move to sit. But... one hand distinctly laid before me. An offer made, like all others Elevar has done when she thinks I might rather be held in my iron form, as she whispers. "My Xafra. Yes." Then together. "We didn''t understand this messy weaving until we''d halfway consumed it. And by then we dare not stop. What do you need from us? Are... Is the gaggle within settling well?¡±

    I take their hand but do not shift. "I think we, they, are. The Driftdream is... absent. Will be until the majority return to sleep. I can remember them better now. There may be problems with a few. I expect the Driftdream to be much more lively now, more real. It''s odd, I feel like I should feel diminished but it''s the opposite, like my presence has... oh oh no. Lynette, what do I do?¡±

    But this other half of my Mistresses only chuckles. "Well that''ll be an odd problem to fix, won''t it? Since you''ve mostly just splayed yourselves out like some lazing Grakler, the Estate is settled to mostly trust my word that you''re some odd experiment or weaving of its bored Blossom. If you can... pull yourselves closer together, so to speak, all should be well.¡±

    I slowly draw my presence inwards bit by bit, doing my best to avoid waking the horror of the Estate. It''s easy in comparison to the sensation of so many individuals sharing my head and wanting to assert themselves, which multiplies the difficulty of managing the communication network that I''ve been maintaining. With a pained groan I state [Communication will be unavailable, meeting in the morning at my Spire, attendance recommended but not required.] Before dropping everything past the Pack and our Mistresses.

    Verbess crawls up to snake about one side while Krahe adjusts to the other. Quills dancing in tunes of calming support, curiosity, and... protectiveness. Both for my body and self.

    "Sister..." Verbess murmurs gently as its <Assessment...> titters along. Adding after a few moments, <Symmetrical offering. Distribution of Pack Lead: Xafra''s awakened Geists'' Ontological among Pack. Similar to Pack Sister: Krahe before her installation. Requesting of Geists'' status to this Pack...>

    Adaline looks over me carefully in worry. <It is likely that will occur once the Driftdream reforms as the Garrote will no longer reign them into automation. Recommend Geists are assessed individually and considered civilians with the exception of the Curanos who should be treated as a low priority threat with high supervision requirements.>

    "That sounds reasonable. Some could become Pack in the future but I agree that they should not be considered such currently, and..." I pause, realising the second half of what Adaline stated and find myself unable to justify or explain.

    "I''m so sorry. I¡­¡±

    "What for?" My Witchlings ask, aware of but not understanding Adaline''s Quill-Song request.

    Number 51... Curanos Jezrial, hovers within as one would sit separated from a gathering, intones softly to me. [I taught you better than to stumble over and apologise for uncomfortable truths. So, Crisp and clear now, Pet. Guide your Pack.]

    If I was still the same as I was then, Jezrial''s words may have destroyed me here after millenia of silence from her. Instead I uphold my reasoning for adding her to my Gestalt, taking the benefit of her expertise while dismissing the vileness of her intentions. "Jezrial, the Curanos. Adaline is recommending treating her as a threat to be monitored. I agree, as she had a hobby of hunting the Resheathed. It¡¯s not a hobby I am willing to permit.¡±

    Jezrial snorts at my words, but settles.

    My Mistresses nod carefully. "The woman who created the spell you used on our Garrote? We''re surprised you added her to your Gestalt at all but... that was also before. When it was more an inheritance of memory and skills. Her abilities were a valuable boon, and the irony of turning those abilities to helping the people she''d hurt is quite perfect. Actually.¡±

    Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

    "She herself found it amusing enough to agree to be in the Gestalt, once she came to terms with the fact that I had been poisoning her for months.¡±

    "Really? Poisoned a Curanos? You... really have always been a poet, at least in action. But... we won''t hold that against you." Lynette cackles as they hug me closer. "If she becomes more than an annoyance let me know, alright? I won''t have some cruel headmate pestering our Xafra.¡±

    "They don''t ever check for gold." I murmur with a laugh.

    Their newly regrowing Physis tendrils spark and curl about us. Seemingly nibbling happily as my Witchlings adjust to lift me off the bed. "Speaking of stupidly rare substances, we promised a certain gerl her pick from a trove of such things. Let''s all get dressed and see what rocks you fancy eating for breakfast.¡±

    I giggle and hop to it, attempting to move so rapidly off the bed that I forget about my missing hand and slam my face against the floor.

    Out of the many many things I expected, a chorus of [Awwwww] from my headspace was not one of them.

    Amidst my scrambling my Mistresses chuckle and reach down to hoist me up, then fully take me into their arms like they did last night. "Silly gerl, we''ll tend to your needs."

    My Mistresses carry me over to the closet and with wordless understanding, start picking through much more feminine clothing than I typically wear, requisitioning Adaline and Schatzi to assist in choosing with occasional input from Krahe who is somehow even worse with fashion than myself.

    Once I¡¯m firmly enveloped in a slinky deep purple top and a charcoal skirt, my Mistresses lead me and the rest of the Pack down to a well hidden corridor just outside the Undercroft.

    At the end of the corridor is what my Gestalt decides after seconds of discussion can only be a treasure room of the type found in childhood stories, sure to hold items of unfathomable power or entire kingdoms worth of coinage in platinum and gold.

    As we enter, and after only a few heartbeats of my Witchling''s focus, the room slowly alights. Bathing us all in the gentle illumination of those odd glowing stalks the Estate tends to grow. Each dribbling a small amount of Physis as we all take in the room.

    It''s about the size of any Spire''s basement chamber, but with multiple tunnels about the ceilings while vines cover the walls. And stacked in little piles, are about two dozen of cradles like what Elevar stored her old bones and the Garrote in. Some only as big as my fist, others rising up to our waists.

    "Alright." My Mistresses murmur. "Let''s¨C"

    But they pause as an odd echo rolls through the chamber. A grinding sound rumbling from one of the ceiling tunnels. But before any of us can ask, another cradle drops from it before rolling as if pushed up against one of the piles.

    "Ah. Perfect. That should be the last one." They nod. "So. Xafra. What rocks are you in the mood for? Names may be a touch useless as we stray away from iron and Moonwaste, but..." Then they send me a little pulse of Physis down the bond. And within is a recording of materials and the Estates readings of their weight and density, alongside a table of classifications and symmetry considerations. Most make sense instantly, but some... don''t. Seeming to measure odd things I don''t understand.

    I look through the list, nudging it deeper towards my Gestalt, knowing at least a few of them have a firmer grasp on materials than I do, even with their direct knowledge.

    This is MY body, but now that you are all cogent, I am willing to share to a limited extent though there''s likely to be much more for you all in the Driftdream considering you''ll be able to manipulate it somewhat. I would like a red material that could be effective for teeth and claws to replace the mass I recently sacrificed. I speak inwards to the 58 members of my Gestalt, slowly growing my comprehension of both the potential and the horror of what... I am.

    But then comes a crisp and sudden snap from Jezrial to the others, the only seemingly unbothered by it all. [You can all winge at our gracious host''s actions and nature on solitary time. For now she has tasks to tend to. So chop to it. Or get chopped by the Division that''ll follow.] Then she points to some of the information my Mistresses'' shared. [Those three bear marks of bio-adjacent substances. Which means their appearance could be shifted once you consume it.]

    I blink in surprise, as the concept wasn''t something I''d even considered. Jezrial was¡ª is exceedingly professional, so while I don''t trust her motivations, her advice is without a doubt reliable.

    "The hemacite, ammolite, and sard." I respond, sending back the specifics of the three. "I should be able to utilise the three effectively for both... Cosmetic purposes as well as to improve upon my Doll and Warlord forms somewhat.¡±

    My Witchlings nod and step over to one of the larger edged orbs. Touch the very weathered surface and imbue it with Ousia, which causes it to unfurl itself into more of a large bowl shape. Revealing its contents...

    An odd skeleton of glimmering purple. Devoid of all meat or flesh.

    Then, while I stare at those, they step over to a smaller orb. This one only up to their knees. And unlock it in the same way to show a collection of glimmering sculptures. All long shattered.

    The last is between the first two in size, and the most densely packed. Nearly spilling over its contents of bright yellow... talons? teeth?

    "There." They huff, a little winded from the loss of Ousia. "Take your pick, or all of it. Do any of the others catch your fancy?"

    Thankful that Calix isn''t watching and picking up bad habits, I take a handful of the teeth that don''t resemble my understanding of any of the three materials and put them in my mouth, rapidly swallowing. They taste old and salty, yet as I begin to break them down I confirm that they contain high levels of sard. I do the same with a few of the smaller statuettes, ammolite. Which means that the odd skeleton is likely the hemacite. After breaking off a bit and consuming it as well, I focus carefully and engage by healing processes to rebuild the missing hand, pulling material from the rest of my body as the new parts slide into place in my teeth and claws. I consume some handfuls more of each to have reserves for future use while my hand finishes forming.

    "I don''t believe so, at least for now. Head''s a bit busy honestly." I respond much delayed to my Mistresses.

    They move to settle in front of me, a smirk on their lips as eyes dance over my new growths. Their worry is... no. That''s not the word for what''s freely shared down the bond. It''s more of a careful curiosity and interest. An understanding that while there is always the chance this change could hurt me, they are certain that I''ll adapt.

    "We can understand that." They murmur, "You can take all the time you need to organise and adjust."

    I give them a brilliant smile of pointed purple-red teeth. "I think I just need to, in effect, take a nap and get the Driftdream operational again to reduce the amount of Geists that are active outside it simultaneously... It does mean that some will be likely to wander into the sections of the Driftdream made by the rest of the Pack as well.¡±

    Verbess and Krahe thrum in gentle curiosity at the idea of Geists wandering through their parts, while my Witchlings take in this my smile. The bond bubbling with their delight as they hold out a hand to me. "That sounds like a wonderful idea. We can see about properly meeting the gaggle and ensuring they are well settled.¡±

    I take their hand and we all head back up through the tunnels to the bedroom.

    Nearly an hour, and many small complications later, my Mistresses, the Pack, and myself all enter the Driftdream behind the entirety of the Geists.

    And¡­ It all changes before our eyes as we descend through the aperture. The village expands and rearranges, the buildings and roads around them each becoming more grounded in reality as they take on the aspects of the Geist and their soul that resides within.

    The home of the most recent Geist, Kira, stands distinct from the rest, made of mudbrick instead of lumber or stone, with Amberin wires bearing little lights around the exterior.

    Jezrial''s Curanos treatment building takes shape near the Library which¡­ Surprisingly, it doesn''t change like the rest.

    Each building, the place most dear, that feels most like home, to the relevant Geist flashes through my memory as I gain all the information that was stripped away from me with their names and I laugh in sheer delight as the entire Driftdream simply fits better, no longer chaffing in places I didn''t even notice.

    "Well, isn''t this a sight?" Elevar murmurs, while taking up my hand. "They''ve already settled well, it seems. So, where to first? Sensing any problems?"

    "No... It''s. A bit unusual. The... The library doesn''t seem to have¡ª" I cut off my sentence while the Driftdream actively undermines my words, the library changing styles rapidly between the Estate library, Archive Altschmertz, my imagination of what my Mistresses mental archive must look like, and the public library of Trevino, the first city I lived in after coming into Jezrial''s possession. I start walking towards it and it seems to settle into a structure that feels familiar, blending all the styles into one shifted slightly out of

    sync with the rest of the dream.

    "Oh. Oh wow. I think... The library is mine?" I respond in a daze.

    They let me pull them along, remaining silent until we stand just outside it.

    "Yes." Elevar nods, just as deep in thought as she seems to consider the structure. "That would make sense."

    "It would have been... so very important. To her." Lynette murmurs, stepping up to peer down at the growths about my Library. "Especially at the start. Treasured knowledge and perspective to keep the gerls safe." She seems to hiss to herself. "Moonshite drown the cunt who stole that from her. Knowing that she saved them. Could save those she''d come to hold most dear.¡±

    I look at her oddly, but avoid comment, knowing that I''m frequently not much different. ¡°It seems like my core was relocated to the centre of the Library. That''s good. Better to not have it move around as the Geists all get more comfortable. I think we should give them all some time and space, delay big introductions and such until a later time, as I can tell a fair number are quite frightened of you both, Mistresses.¡±

    My last words seem to pull Lynette into almost giving me a sideways glance. Her focus still on the growths, but... seems to ripple with a strange emotion that she hides behind mirth. Huffing softly but not speaking.

    "I... honestly that seems reasonable." Elevar nods and seems calmed by my words. "But, as with all the Dolls about the Estate and such, I¡¯m willing to help them in any way I can. Without hesitation. But any that would rather keep distance from us are more than welcome to. We won''t be slighted by the desire.¡±

    Verbess moves up beside Lynette, seems to follow her gaze. Quills tittering in curiosity as it cracks Frame to loom taller and look all about. Talon''s clicking.

    "It''s never stopped you." She murmurs thoughtfully. "That''ll be worth testing..."

    Verbess titters wordlessly, Quills humming in <Assessment>.

    "It is likely that Kira will be the center of attention for the majority for a long while as they grasp what they can to¡­ catch up, so to speak. They don''t have direct access to each other''s knowledge after all." I shake my head. "Let''s go. I have some ideas for crafting something to replace the Doll network, that I could use help with.¡±

    ** ** **

    By the next morning, we''ve gone through eight different iterations of my idea, settled on a pendant design to best accommodate all the different body shapes of the Dolls, and made sixty of the items, fully incorporating them into the new communication system as peer anchors that can be keyed to the individual Dolls to function. The meeting starts smoothly, attended by almost everyone, save Hyacinth and Lynette''s Doll. I sent Adaline over early to ask if Hyacinth wished us to have the meeting there, or have assistance attending, and it politely declined, uncomfortable with crowds, but gratefully received one of the pendants on a small bracelet.

    "Alright. So, um¡­. I know I''ve been causing a fair bit of concern lately, and I''m very sorry about that. I''ve been asked to try and reduce the amount of strain I''m putting on myself so I can better offer Good Function to my Mistresses and to all of you, my lovely Dolls." I gesture to Lynette to explain the pendants that Adaline carries in a large box along with a large coil of string.

    "It''s fairly simple." She says to the gathering. "Your Mistress will Tune each of them to your Frame, and when you wear them you''ll be able to access the same mental network you could before. Communicating with each other, your Mistress, and all she''s linked herself to. Albeit with one minor shift. That being a... well, a sort of mental wall between you and others. We''ve ensured everyone here will be able to press pass, but this new feature is woven to give each of you a level of security within your own mind. But this also means that these pendants will only work for the Doll it is Tuned to. So don''t go losing or trading or stealing on a whim.¡±

    "Also, this isn''t a requirement. At all." Elevar adds. "No one is obligated or expected to take this. Feel free to refuse now to think this over, and ask us later if you decide that you''ve changed your mind.¡±

    As Adaline passes out the cerulean fang pendants and helps secure them as each Doll wishes, I murmur a small incantation for each one to Tune their pendants to them and rebuild the network in a much more stable manner.

    Primrose and Nettle are sitting off to the side. Two of the first Tuned and now testing each connection after I''m finished. And... of course doing it with as little formality as possible. Which is probably why Schatzi suggested them to do this. Balance out any seriousness with their giggling ''Hi hallos!'' to Dolls as they join the network. Answering any odd questions any might have but otherwise might not want to bother myself or my Mistress about.

    "It says here..." Primrose huffs to herself, looking through a journal she keeps. A thing of notes and little pictures she uses to help remember everyone''s names. "But I thought...?"

    "Nope, that one''s Aralen. Has her right half a deep forest green, and her left half a dull red. Nelara is reversed." Nettle clarifies.

    "Right!" Primrose whispers while furiously scratching out and writing new things in her notebook, then must intone something to the two because they wave back in unison with the hands that aren''t holding each other''s.

    At the end of the line is Calix and... Rufus. Calix has a massive grin on his face as he tries to wheedle me, "Mistress, most bestest, sharpest, keenest Blade Mistress ever, this one was wondering if maybe, perhaps, you could add Rufus to the network as well?¡±

    I look over to the Pack and my Mistresses before answering, uncertain if this would be too big a step.

    My Mistresses quirks an eyebrow. {This new network lets any Dolls who don''t wish to interact with him from needing to do so. And this way the fool boy can reach out in case of emergencies. But... I think it''s important to know why Calix wants him included.}

    Verbess and Krahe thrum in agreement to their words.

    I turn back to Calix with a smirk. "First, I need to know why you want Rufus added."

    I''m expecting something cute and gay, so I''m rather surprised when he responds with something completely grounded. "As long as one of the Pack remains here, It would let the Pack communicate with him when you go to get the letter as well as raiding the Thresher Burrow to check information about locations and individuals as well as if they can be swayed.¡±

    {Impressive as always and expected from him. Calix will keep him from doing anything too beyond what we''d prefer.} Elevar agrees. {If you''re comfortable with this then we''ll approve.}

    "Very well, Calix. Rufus can join the network." I string the pendants through the cords and slip one around each of their necks and Tune them to their wearers. As my Shelf of lovely Dolls disperses back to their daily activities, I softly murmur through the network and the Pack bond, [Welcome Home.]

 Chapter 72: The Weight of Souls and Eight Heartbeats (Witch)

    The Weight of Souls and Eight Heartbeats (Witch)

    Content Warnings:

    SOUL TALKS! Um.... a BEEEG game of tag! Um.... wibbles? And MAYBE some wribbles?

    ¡°This¡­ How, by the Cracked and Riven Moon, is this so¡­ so difficult?¡± I grumble, more to myself than anyone without as I glare at the withering patch of plants before me.

    Four days of rest since Xafra''s freeing from the Garrote, and now we''ve decided to head out after Rufus¡¯s letters and the Root Way town his old Cadre is stationed in. Krahe was left behind to send messages to and from the Estate. And... Xafra¡¯s trying to teach us all how to consume Ousia from the vibrant and plentiful jungles along our path.

    The Blasenplage, only due to my obsessive need to make it as efficient as possible and mud godling gifted Glyph, make trying to consume more Ousia easier. But¡­ only barely. And only when I cascade the working into killing a cluster of plants so the cost to cast it all balances out.

    Plants are worth less than breathing things, and dead things ever more so, of course. And I¡¯d take the problem to be one of Ousia weight and such. Mayhaps even consider it like any muscle that needs time and nourishment to grow. But¡­

    Lynette chuckles and reaches out to easily gobble up the Ousia and Physis of the dying garden. Even begins to nibble on some living things'' edges with a crackling of our tendrils. Easily consuming more than I¡¯ve been able to or will be able to in an hour¡¯s time in a few seconds.

    ¡°Adaline, wife. If this turns out to be something you master quicker than me once I get you some of the Breath I¡¯ll be ever so cross.¡± I huff to the gerl crouching by my side, but let Lynette¡¯s mirth touch my grumpy tone.

    Xafra is a wonderful teacher. And even now is guiding all three of the spirits within my Doll to consume their fill. Verbess and Schatzi struggled for a bit, but their talons, efficient focus, and lithe speed grants them easy feasting. As for Warden¡­

    "Suspicious. Warden believes this task to be effortless. Yet Pack sisters and Users are not seeing similar results." Warden comments as it devastates precise square swaths of jungle in front of it, extracting the Ousia into itself despite lacking the physicality of its sisters to cut the plants.

    Xafra chuckles softly, but refrains from comment.

    "It does make this seem ever so easy. Hmmm... I wonder..." Lynette murmurs, seems to... shift something. Not in a way I can feel inside our flesh but... can taste the echo in our energies. I begin to nudge her for an explanation, but she''s focused elsewise before...

    {Blasenplage} She thinks through our Glyph. Reaving more of the life before us away that we will be able to consume before the Ousia and Physis melt away. Turning it to naught but ash and the invisible silhouettes of the energies.

    I''m about to chide her but... Then she strides us forward and effortlessly begins to pull it all into our core. Even devoting more Physis to our tendrils to reach out farther than we''d normally feel balanced with.

    "Well... isn''t that a mystery solved?" She very nearly cackles in feasting mirth while I go still in awe, our Wellspring suddenly a decade more vibrant than before. Then Lynette turns us back to regard the others. "I always wondered what the Threads meant by that unit of measurement. But it''s... what did you call it? The day you first saw me within our Elevar? Ontological Weight? Not Ousia or Physis or Nomos but... all those and more? The Estate calls it Wairua and did a horrid job of giving me context of why it mattered."

    "I honestly wasn''t certain who would figure it out first. Yes, you''re correct. Wairua seems like a good shorthand for Ontological Weight. It is a phenomenon that acts as a force multiplier for techniques that involve asserting one''s conception of reality over what exists.  The old Chain Arts, the atavistic Garrote, were one such, as is the resheathing ritual, though that can be done by anyone who knows the ritual as D?mmerung themselves operate the process." Xafra explains.

    "But why is..." I look to Warden. "Age? Or... a being constructed and laded with thoughts as opposed to born or brewn empty? And Warden already knew about at least the idea of the Siphon you gifted my Doll. So it stands to reason that it would be ready and able to wield this all with efficiency. Which... I suppose that might apply to Lynette. But... I''m not sure... oh."

    Lynette nods, "Yes. The Estate seems to be able to help me channel it better as well. But... the farther we get the less it will do that. Unless... well, if the unless comes to pass we''ve probably found ourselves in a horrid mess. But I''m still much better at this than you without it''s help."

    I huff and look to Xafra. "Please tell me there are tricks you can impart to make me at least competent before we return home from this trip?"

    "There are a few ways but I''m not certain about shortcuts or tricks. Knowledge is a big one, as is Renown though that''s more temporary typically. The other main way is Ego, like not arrogance, but knowing oneself deeply and your capabilities. That part usually increases more with time naturally."

    "That... Moonshite." I sigh and glare back at the mess of ash. "Well, at least Lynette can do it well."

    Certain that Myself is not a wise thing for anyone to be exploring the mess of. Especially as we''re about to venture out into a world that I have to be...

    Well, Someone else. A person I''ve not considered. Much less with the gerl watching my messy thoughts with a smirk and... Yes, stupid Half-Knit! I can feel your insufferable smugness! Stop it!

    Lynette grins while we begin to work to melt the space between. End our Division.

    "I''ll practice while we move." I murmur. "Traveling through the jungles will cut our journey in half, if I''m not too slow."

    Which... Well at least that brings a grin to our lips. We''ve not gotten to test our endurance and motion Glyph. The second thing the dirt godling wove for us¡­

    "Sounds reasonable. Working in unison, you two should be able to do more, and if you''re able to master my Pestherold it should increase your efficiency more, as it uses your Blasenplage only as a cutting edge instead of destroying everything." Xafra responds.

    "That''s actually a wonderful idea." We agree while beginning to move. "We''ve dabbled in it. Mostly to inspect the alterations and considerations of your Einwandfrei from the source. But it really is a brilliant twisting of the original concept. Knitting in specific places to cleanse instead of the cascading effect that consumed from the point of origin. The only note we had was this it requires constant focus as opposed to the Blasenplage''s only needing fuel and little adjustments once unleashed. But... hmmm..."

    We consider that for a few moments. Letting our pride and past enjoyment of examining her creation freely pass to her through the bond. "We never expected to even consider teaching another any of our workings. It''s impressive how you took the spirit of the Blasenplage and refined it. Kept the core concept and wove something different yet... equal. An improvement on something with so few flaws. What were your goals when reweaving it? Thoughts and ideas and inspirations?"

    "It was..." she pauses for a moment, and offers a look of chagrin. "I thought a lot about what you said regarding creating Blasenplage, both verbally and in the documentation, and recalled Jezrial''s obsession with sanitization before any surgical procedures, and realized that if I targeted the outer edge of my Ousia field, my aura, I could maintain it as a continuous casting. My goals were primarily to increase the efficacy of my tendrils while in my spearform or in the Grakler prosthesis, as they lacked the capacity for direct damage. The constant focus requirement is only initially, as most aren''t as used to manipulation their aura passively. Once it becomes second nature, you can in effect cloak yourself in the Pestherold and use your Ousia to attack without expenditure past the minor upkeep."

    Nodding, we can''t help but smile along with her words as we walk. Verbess moving to take up the front and expertly slice and cut away the foliage so this leisurely pace goes unimpeded. "We''re glad we asked. The spell seemed too... mentally intense, for practical use. And it was obvious we were missing something. Have been chewing on it between projects since you gifted the research notes. But it makes sense now. Especially once we consider the Wairua you must have. Never even read about beings other that Sun-Blessed being able to manipulate themselves like you do. It''s impressive. And would be terrifying. Except... well..." One of our own Physis tendrils reaches out to poke and nip at the edges of her. "We got to taste just how soft and sweet you prefer to be, and quite enjoy when you consider rougher endeavors."

    "Adorable. Interesting process too. All these concepts that affect us and the world around us, kept hidden away. Allaga¨ª, Empty Nomos, Fractal Glyphs, Dream Gardens, Wairua, the power of nomenclature, there''s so very much much to learn." Adaline murmurs as she works on making ethereal glyphs and compounding them while walking.

    We can''t help but giggle at that. At the reminder of what else we wanted to test while in these jungles.

    "Speaking of which..." We murmur, glancing back at her with a grin. "Wanted to ask you, Adaline. We saw you out and about with Verbess and Krahe the other day. Testing Frame limits? Did you... Oh, how did I hear it put... ever get to go full tilt? I know Verbess hasn''t for many years, and Krahe wants to. But... their limits would be a bit messy to start with. Especially within the confines of the Estate''s grounds."

    Our Doll keeps its pace, but Quills twist to thrum in curiosity at this sudden shift in topic.

    Adaline gives us an odd look, and the misstep is obvious when she responds, "I''ve only been outside the Estate once since my conversion, and with my confinement..."

    We nod, pause our walk and move to stand before her. "We... thought Verbess might have asked you to try some things out when it was running about the Estate with Krahe. Pulled you into some tests between your work and projects. Gauged your Frame''s abilities. But this... this seems a wonderful opportunity. If I could entice you into a... bit of a challenge? A chance to try out your form''s limits?"

    Xafra giggles as Adaline smugs, "I''m always up for a challenge."

    "Excellent." We smirk. "It''s simple, really. We''d like to see if you can catch us before we reach the Root Way we''re heading toward. No magical enhancements. No tricks. No hiding. Purely a test of your Frame and our forms agility and speed. If we put up at least a hint of a challenge, then we''ll try to do the same to you."

    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

    The bond oozes with desperate ravenous desire as Adaline''s face stills and she nods.

    We shrug out of our outer layers, unhook the belted pack we''d assembled for this trip. Leaving us only in a pair of shorts, short-sleeved top, and knitting needle secured on our back hip as we pass the bundle to Verbess. Then we take to cracking joints, flexing muscles, and letting our scales... do something strange as we stretch ourselves a bit. "Feel free to use the Quill song to keep track of me. Wouldn''t want you to get lost." We taunt as we finish, moving to consider the path forward.

    Without Verbess¡¯ work cutting and slicing a path it''ll be crowded with growths. But... the little advantage our knowledge of what plants will break and bend easily will balance out with Adaline''s extra strength. But we need to see if our suspicions about D?mmerung''s Resheathing of us did the most important shifting we wanted. Made us a Witch worthy to hold Xafra in combat. And if we can''t even keep pace with a Combat Doll without our Glyph or magic, the dirt godling failed and we''ll need to consider Fleshcrafting arts to gain what we need...

    We smirk and look between our Doll and Xafra. "We''ll trust you both to loose your Pack Sister after we''ve gotten enough of a head-start to make this at least a bit of a challenge for her?¡±

    "Certainly. Ten heartbeats?" Xafra offers.

    Adaline starts to limber up, stretching out her joints and wiggling her fingers. "Sounds reasonable."

    "Hmmm..." We grin, glance over our Pack. "Make it eight, wouldn''t want to be too unfair to this youngest Pack Sister."

    Then we turn and dash away into the jungle toward our destination.

    We were worried that this would be a poor test. Any new vigor and speed this form had dulled by the mess of growths and nonsense within the jungle. But... No. Actually. With a simple adjustment to our eyes, and knowledge about the growth patterns, we''re able to easily find the best route and cut our way through. Only resort to a quick boiling away of a few odd croppings of ravenous thorned bushes that cut a swath through the jungle and would otherwise force us to double back.

    We''re not quiet, but nor are we loud enough to miss the sounds behind us of our pursuer after thirty heartbeats of running at half-tilt. Adaline''s Quills thrumming a lovely little tune of pursuit, excitement, sprinted with annoyance that we can''t help but grin and giggle at through our well-paced breaths. Because... well, she doesn''t know these jungles. And all her Frame''s wonderful speed is worth little when so much underbrush clogs her path to us. Makes us want to take a Root Way back just to see how our forms compare on equal footing...

    We let our tendrils titter and cackle loudly. Echoing our taunting glee back at her as she begins to adapt and follow our trail better. Quickly learning which plants can be pushed aside and which need to be avoided...

    Closer and closer and closer. Up until we find another one of those thorn walls and have to hesitate just before...

    Adaline pounces towards us, not seeing the thorn wall, and as we duck around it she smashes directly into it with an irritated hiss followed by a series of scrabbling sounds. We¡¯d already started a little Blasenplage weaving to rot us a path through, and leap forward. Letting our tendrils click with delight at how¡­ how natural that felt! Adaline came at us fast as a bolt loosed from a crossbow and we dodged her on very nearly reflex!

    We keep running. Building up speed as we barely even have to consider the underbrush now. The sound of Adaline¡¯s Quills begins to get farther away, more than we expect with the lead we''re building up again. But¡­

    {Is Adaline alright?} We intone through the bond to Xafra as only the latent echoes of Quill song titter around us. Letting ourselves slow a touch to listen for the sound of fast approaching Frame. Confident that if she¡¯s taken to stealth then she¡¯d still have quite the distance to cover if not running at top speed and a quick check in being more than reasonable. {We don''t hear her behind us. Did she stumble into something odd back in those thorns?}

    [She''s fine, you should move faster if you can, she decided to play to her strength and go directly upwards.] Xafra responds.

    Our tendrils go still as we picture the way Verbess loves to hunt. And how the Pack so easily will be sharing skills and ideas on how best to consider prey and environment through their Quill Songs.

    We can''t help but cackle aloud at that, the brumbles that crawl up our spine, and... and the very real understanding that Adaline will never feel alone in her endeavors so long as her Quills dance to her Pack''s tune.

    Then we''re really pushing forward. Using more and more weavings of Blasenplage than before to let our form reach higher and higher speeds as the jungles boil away before us. Not our fastest but... If Adaline''s Frame is even a third as capable as Verbess'' at treetop motion and ambushes We have, perhaps, about ten heartbeats before she''s¨C

    With a thunderous crack of shattering tree limbs, she smashes down two metres behind us with a giggle, before immediately leaping back upwards into the canopy to race above it.

    We avoid stumbling in surprise, keep running. Realize that the crack of the trees will have to be our call to dodge. Because she... She either only just barely miscalculated or... well... that was a test. More likely a playful taunt.

    Well... nothing to do now but give her a troublesome target and see if our own reflexes are up to the task of getting us out of the way at the barest hint of her strikes!

    End all castings and take to a slower speed, beginning to use the underbrush as cover. Hopefully let any misaimed lunges leave her tangled up as we keep twisting and jerking our path in erratic patterns. Adding more and more things for her to need to consider before launching down after us.

    The sounds of Quills trail off even more as Adaline seems to match stealth for stealth, the jungle falling near silent around us. The quiet continues for longer than we expect, causing us to reach out once more to Xafra. Beginning to intone {Are¨C}

    But¡­ a sudden impact takes us from our feet and sliding through the underbrush.

    "Gotcha!" Adaline exclaims with exuberance at the end of our tumble.

    ¡°Moonshite. Slowing let you go quiet on us. We lost the tell. Should have kept moving at speed. Trusted our reflexes.¡± We growl and giggle. ¡°But... Well done. Excellent timing.¡±

    "Thank you. And yes, you did very well, I would have struggled a lot more to get you if you didn''t slow down, since I have no real ability to navigate the jungle itself." Adaline responds with a big hug.

    We return her easy embrace and let the moment stretch longer than it would have a week ago.

    These past few days have been... well, wumberful. As Schatzi likes to say it. Too short, but perfect. Working closely but... honestly lazily with Adaline on Glyphs and other tests, monitoring Xafra''s network, and just... watching everyone settle into a peaceful pattern. Being so often near or even surrounded by our Pack has eased something. A twitch or itch we didn''t realize was there until it quieted. It could be our new tendrils that always seem to dance and titter along with the songs they sing, but... feels deeper than that.

    Because I even fell into a rest without a night terror haunting me once. It was short, and while I''m still uncertain that I actually drifted off while sitting with Adaline in our study... even Lynette insists. Because Schatzi was on the other side of the grounds and we''ve tried to be careful about unannounced drops into Xafra''s Driftdream.

    "So," We loosen our grip and slump back. "Your turn. Or our turn. Whichever. We''re going to catch you. But..."

    Glance past her, up into the treetops.

    Could... could we follow her up there?

    Flex new talons and hooked toes. Consider our speed, agility and general abilities.

    "You''ve got this. Watch how I move and see what you can incorporate." She responds before giving us a quick kiss on the forehead and climbing up the nearest tree.

    "Alright..." We breath, taking in her movements. Careful not to get distracted, at all, by how gorgeously her Frame moves and twists and flexes. Very much not needing to knit in the mental images of how it will feel to pounce and pin her after a chase through the trees to get us cracked free from a hesitation of enjoyment and moving again.

    We were always well-toned from constant trips about the Root Ways. But... upper body strength is definitely a new thing to adjust to having in abundance. Because while we absolutely do begin climbing this big tree at good speed. We... lack the balance and understanding of the general... like... technique of the process!

    "Thank the Cracked and Riven Moon we don''t need to worry over our bones snapping from a fall." We murmur just as we get up into the general canopy. Look about to find Adaline crouching comfortably on a large branch a tree away from us. "Alright. Let''s... see if we can make this worth your time."

    Then we coil our legs, adjust, and leap. Not even at Adaline. Mostly to see if we can even make it to her tree.

    And... before we realize our mistake we''ve passed her and are tumbling toward the next tree. First grab for a branch misses, but in our downward arc we manage to tangle ourselves about a growth and pull ourselves up and rightways. Take three deep breaths and work to steady our slightly over excited heart.

    "That..." We giggle, look up. Do a little messy calculation, then leap. Miss our first target but manage to even catch and stabilize on a branch past it. Look about for Adaline with a grin. "Oh¡­ this is going to go so poorly."

    "Possibly, but it''ll be fun." She calls from above.

    With a grin we hop up to the cluster of branches she¡¯s perched upon. Let tendrils rattle in anticipation and challenge while our eyes lock with hers. ¡°Eight Heartbeats.¡±

    She grins and begins to move.

    We watch her climb higher and higher until we see her bend the tip of a tree back and use it to launch herself above the canopy, spreading out flaps under her arms we hadn''t noticed her add to the outfit, and using them to glide a surprising distance before landing on another and doing it again.

    ¡°Oh! Isn¡¯t that clever¡­¡± We murmur while coiling our legs tight. Take a deep breath as the final heartbeat passes. Then leap.

    Don¡¯t look down.

    Not because it would scare us. We¡¯ve needed to let Verbess carry us through more interesting places over much more dangerous grounds. But because we¡¯re moving too fast for it to do anything but offset our aim and balance.

    And with how much focus we still need to adjust our eyes to find our mark quickly¡­

    Miss our first target, catch on a branch three of our height down but farther along. Scramble up, quick as lightning. Coil again. Leap. More upways than before. These jungles are thick and there are plenty of spots to find our footing. In fact¡­

    Stop using our hands. Need speed to keep up with our blue butterfly.

    Just¡­ run. Leap in small bounds. Stride as fast as we can. Like we once did as a child hopping across the raised branches above the Wasteways of our Grove.

    We¡¯re losing her. Only caught a glimpse of Adaline through the branches three heartbeats ago.

    Faster.

    Don¡¯t think.

    Eyes forward and upways and ignore all the nonsense!

    One of us remains mingled but¡­ begins to consider the numbers. Uses our heart''s steady beat as measurements. Calculate as the other only did when in the depths of furious despair that we were about to lose everything.

    But ignore those memories! If we divide now we WILL leap headfirst into a tree!

    The jungles above carry much the same vegetation as the underbrush below, but lessened. Thin enough to easily ignore and leap past the thicker things growing about the trees. Especially with our new eyes seeing so far ahead. Letting us be faster than we even were below

    We can do this!

    Slowly yet certainly gaining on our blue butterfly as she glides forward.

    [Gonna have to call it soon. At this pace you''ll be in range of the outpost in five minutes.] Xafra warns with a tinge of amusement.

    Moonshite! We can catch her. If we had twice that time and no change in her speed we¡¯d have her easily!

    Don¡¯t even respond to Xafra with words. Need to focus Just¡­ let the gerl feel through the bond our schemes and drive. Up and up and upways. Need to be high enough! Don¡¯t change plans and motions now. Just cut away the bad steps. Chart better paths. Just like we did before!

    Efficiency is the lifeblood of good Function and magics!

    We¡¯re, honestly, going way too fast. Ignoring the messy calculations that show us what could come after our final leap. But we refuse to worry about the tumble afterwards.

    Like always.

    Closer and closer and closer¡­

    Almost beneath her now. Watch the gerl¡¯s eyes. Be ready to adjust if she sees our plan and either takes to falling early or twisting her glide to a harsh angle.

    Despite our speed, the next movement happens fairly slowly. We¡¯re more bounding forward than running now, setting ourselves up to effectively collide with her at a moment just as she¡¯d twist to catch her footing.

    But¡­ Well of course the gerl was thinking ahead of us this time.

    Adaline twists at such an odd angle. Not to escape our embrace. In fact she makes it easier for us to snatch her up.

    So why¡­? Oh.

    Right.

    Stupid Half-Knits.

    She wouldn¡¯t let us tumble flank over head even after a failed pounce. Would toss away a victory she might otherwise have if it means preventing us from getting hurt.

    And there is quite a bit of that in our descent. Cracking and crashing through the canopy with Adaline taking the brunt of the impacts before we both manage to reclaim some manner of grip on a few branches. Slump to adjust and pull the gerl close and look for any damaged parts of her Frame while huffing a soft. ¡°You alright?¡±

    "I''m feeling fantastic. That was amazing and you improved so quickly." Adaline giggles, "I was certain you wouldn''t be able to catch up but you exceeded my expectations completely."

    ¡°You¡¯re sweet, but you still claimed the spirit of the victory. Could have twisted to let us blunder into a tree in a final leap.¡± We relax and lean back against the trunk of the tree, letting an easy and delighted smile take to our lips as we gush. ¡°But regardless, the tree hopping was inspired, and the gliding was¡­ so unexpected. But perfect.Wonderful design. When did you even find the time for it?¡±

    "Oh. I''m quite hopeless at weaving but Schatzi was able to accommodate me in a rather short amount of time once I provided the material and design... and a promise to talk to Xafra before letting Calix see them."

    We giggle. Feeling¡­ Something. An odd sensation bubbling up as the adrenaline and excitement ebbs.

    "Thank you. By the way. For catching us. After our..." We trail off as Division cracks through us like the first lightning strikes of the Summer Storms.

    Stupid thoughts, honestly. Memories long pushed down and buried dredged up when part of us makes a bemused comparison by mistake and thoughts crack apart like some overripe fruit after too much easy merging. How we never could stop ourselves from recklessly tossing ourselves after a goal and falling deeply in love with the gerls there to catch us after stumbling.

    The others race into the clearing below us, following the path of our fall. "Everything alright?" Xafra asks.

    Deep Breath. Wipe away the¨C

    I glance down, wave while standing up on our branch and calling out. "Wonderful, actually. If we handle this a certain way we''ll have to see how Adaline does against our Schatzi. Mayhaps let Verbess and you have a go. But for now..." I glance up and away. Can already see the twisting Root Way looming above and just a bit away. "Let''s handle this gaggle of Threshers and those pesky letters."

 Chapter 73: A Gerl-shaped Home (Geist 13)

    A Gerl-shaped Home (Geist 13)

    Content Warnings:

    Talks within a Dreeeam! Talk of past death. Talk of a serieal killer being allowed near the kind of people she targeted. Talk of change and second changes. KISSING! Flirting!

    It is an odd thing to regain existence. Once upon a time, I was a Compagnon smith, working towards mastery, a shop of my very own and a house separate from the gerls'' home I spent half of my youth and the entirety of my adulthood in. Being ritually sacrificed to summon an Eldritch Horror sealed within the Moon puts a bit of a damper on the whole life plans thing, even when said Horror Terror turns out to be a newborn who''s so traumatized by your death that she consumes your soul along with all the other sacrificed gerls to make a miners-bottle that is the closest thing to paradise any of you feel you could ever deserve. That paradise lasted for nearly a year and just as our host began to properly wake once more, we were washed away, pulled from ourselves to cessation. And yet... ''Ibu transit gloria mundi?''  Not so rhetorical anymore. The floodwater receded and I exist once again, displaced through time from everywhere I''ve known, into a whole new world.

    "Look on the plus side, Nadine. At least you''ve got all of us who went through it with you, so it''s not like no one can relate." my gerlfriend Tiffany jokes at my internal brooding.

    I smile at her and push her back against my anvil so I can kiss her deeply before breathly responding, "You know just what to say, don''t you, my coquette?¡±

    "Oh, using your big worbs to seduce me again?" She giggles and drapes arms over my shoulders while smugging back. "Of course I know what to say. Would''ve been a terrible teacher if I didn''t."

    "You could never be a terrible teacher. Too dedicated, honestly." I chuckle, a deep sound that nevertheless doesn''t bother me in the slightest. "It''s likely that you''ll be quite busy in the days ahead now that we''ve skipped forward so many ages. Did you get Kira to agree to share her volumes with you in your role as librarian? A summary of the current state of D?mmerung would be quite favorable amongst the rest of us and likely give her some breathing room.¡±

    "I asked, and she''s still thinking about it." Tiffany shrugs. "Honestly, I think she''s just enjoying all the attention of girls she doesn''t have to worry about hurting her. Being a bandit jumping travelers on beaches far away from the major... eh... upside-down tree towns, or whatever, shows that Kira probably didn''t find people she could trust.¡±

    "That... makes a lot of sense. She''s not like the majority of us, yeah? Can''t really imagine what that must have been like, the good and the bad of growing up as a gerl from the start. I really hope she''s not... despicable like Jezrial." I muse.

    "She''s not. And even if she was, there is little either would be able to do. Even... Well, even if a bitch tries to use the hiccups that happen when Miss Xafra is asked or thinks about her origins or past will only work once before someone gets in bad trouble." She reaches up to boop my nose with hers. "And Kira is an open book. The only thing she seems to try and hide is how much she really really doesn''t want to be alone again. It''d be cute if she wasn''t so familiar. Like... you know how Jess was a right bitch when she first came here? How you and another girl basically got into a fight with her before she stopped hiding behind the tough bitch act? How soft she became? Kira''s like her, but just... never had the expectations of the wrong gender pushing her. I think. Unless she turns out to be our opposite buuut¡­ I don''t think that? Anyway, she got to feel right away how soft most of us are and settled quickly.¡±

    I nod along but grimace at the end. "Softness is a privilege. A vile truth but a truth regardless of how I feel about it. And I''m glad that our host too is finally gaining that privilege. It''s good to hear that Kira is unlikely to cause issues over gender. Some of the younger ones, relatively speaking, are still quite fragile and newer in their presentations. Jess can help with that of course. We... Need a governing body of some sort. A group to help organize and sort tasks and enrichment and set basic ground rules, especially if we are going to have both guests and more companion geists in the future.¡±

    "I think need is a strong word. Buuut... I was always a benevolent tyrant in my classrooms and enjoyed the chaos just so long as the books and most people''s bones weren''t getting damaged." Tiffany shrugs. "But starting talks on it is a good idea. See what everyone''s comfy with. Feelings have weight here, more than before. And if some are unhappy or feeling pushed it''ll... I dunno. It could be a problem.¡±

    "Speaking of problems, you should definitely restrict access to the Memorial Room that appeared in the Library. Seems like bad business to allow anyone to mess about with our host''s core and Wisps. A meeting seems very wise though." I say, pulling us away from my anvil. "We should talk to some of the others right away to get things moving. Only Joy is coming through from the outside currently, so it''s the best time to discuss and determine at the very least emergency procedures for what to do if things go sideways." With a quirk of my lips, I shake my head at Tiffany and put away the piece of armor I had begun crafting, before taking her hand once more.

    "Mhm. I keep it locked. Mostly because I didn''t want any of her little cuties to wander into bad hands more than I thought anyone here would be stupid enough to try something. Even the Curanos bitch." She nods and lets me lead us easily. "I... worry about the other Pack Sisters though. Can still hear their Wisps shout sometimes from their sections. Some of our girls have talked about seeing what''s there but... held off. At least until they get up the courage to ask permission and maybe get a tour.¡±

    "Probably worth asking Born-Anew-Euphonium to see about talking to Verbess? It''s the closest thing we have to a Doll here, at least from the original 48. Nothing against the newer ones, but it''s not like we know them past what we''ve learned over the last few days.¡±

    "That''s a good idea." She agrees, "So... who to first? Order of importance or closest?¡±

    "Closest, see who we can round up and get to help grab more." I answer, leading the way out of my smithy.

    I lead Tiffany forward, and pretty quickly we bumped into our first three. Two of the gerls we know, Melody and Prudence, and Diana, who''s not from our time. They quickly agree after I explain and are off to gather up who they can find. After bumping into another pair in the streets, a few more spending time together at the edge of the fields, and a bigger group of five loudly being cute in one of the houses, we''re heading back to the smithy to see who all''s here and do a headcount. Start to organize and send off gerls to find the missing few until we''ve mostly gathered everyone.

    By the end, we have 55 out of 58 geists present, the absences quite expected as the last three are still mostly catatonic from the original ritual. At the village square, just outside the doors to the library, I set down a crate and stand up on top of it to address my companions in death.  "Thank you everyone for gathering so quickly. I know that not all of you particularly like me so I appreciate the willingness to attend in spite of that. There were a few things I wanted to bring up with everyone to discuss to help ensure all of our continued safety and existence. These are: The rules of hospitality, Emergency procedures, and the regions of the Driftdream outside of Matron Xafra''s influence. Did anyone else have a topic that should also be discussed?¡±

    As some murmur and shuffle but none speak up, I catch the eye of Jezrial, standing in the back off toward her clinic.

    I''m going to have to make concessions to get her on board, and that''s more necessary than I''d like, but needs must when the nightmare drives us.

    I give her a quick head tilt and nod, Jezrial quirks an eyebrow, but otherwise remains curious and quiet as I begin to speak again. "After learning what Augusta and therefore Xafra are, I did some digging into the relevant concepts of law and etiquette for such entities in the Library and came to some conclusions that are quite important. Grit is the term as I understand it, and roughly it means that as we are residents within our Hosts innermost sanctuary, granted life, luxury as we wish, and protection from external attack, we are bound to follow certain expectations. This binds all after the original 48 of us directly, and the rest of us indirectly as we may petition our host to be allowed to pass on, if desired." I pause for a moment to let that settle in. Tiffany sits on the edge of the box, wrapping an arm about my ankle in support as we wait for any responses or questions.

    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

    Thankfully, there is no immediate outcry for release, even if there are more thoughtful looks then I would prefer. "These expectations are as follows: All prior feuds, grudges, and offenses are to be set aside. That means that we are to... Accept Jezrial and the others like her as our chosen kin." I barrel onwards, knowing how controversial that is, "We are to avoid non consensual violence through words or actions when possible. Yes, that means you can still spar or invent new and more risque methods of sex, but actual fights are to be avoided. The last expectation is the easiest, really. Any area that is locked or barred from us is to be avoided and not tested. If a pathway opens through such a location, you may enter of course.¡±

    I step down off the crate to tense silence and look around. Many are looking at both me and Jezrial with worried or dark expressions. It''s hard to make out Jezrial''s face but it seems she''s no longer watching me or any of the gerls, her eyes drifting past to gaze at the Library behind me.

    Kira, on the other hand, really is an open book. She almost seems to flinch at my words of acceptance as if they''re coming from some new creature she''s not sure how to deal with. As if she was waiting for the exact opposite of my words or warnings. Then one of the gerls that seems to spend more time trying to peel answers about the outside world from her steps close and nudges Kira, I can even see a hesitant hand drift close to hers before pulling back. She murmurs something that makes Kira glance over and sigh, then shrug and shake herself to refocus.

    I quietly murmur to Tiffany, "So how bad was that? Slag or a workable piece?¡±

    She stands and takes up my hand, whispers back. "I think we''ll be alright. What''s that you always told me? Gotta let the metal cool and stop glowing before we can tell?¡±

    "Truer words, mon petite. I''ll be ready." With a mischievous grin, I twirl her around and swoop her down to kiss her deeply again.

    She giggles into my kiss and happily relaxes into my hold with arms draping up about my neck. Many many many years ago now shedding any worry about publicly letting others see just how much she enjoys my affections. Taking a deep breath, I return her to her feet and stand back on the crate. "Okay. Emergency procedures. As a group we should determine and designate safe places for shelter in case something invades the Driftdream or causes extreme distress to Xafra. She may be a baby Divine, but she''s also a heavily traumatized gerl like most of us, and I think it''s best if we are prepared for things to go sideways. Any suggestions for locations?" I ask for input, hoping that it will help motivate our companions to get involved.

    "Could we built a safe place for that?" A gerl asks.

    "Would... like... it even follow the same rules as outside things?" Jess responds, knocking on a nearby wall. "This isn''t rock or stone. It''s... Dream stuff. How do we make one place safer than another?"

    "Can Miss Xafra do it for us?" The gerl beside her murmurs. "Would it... fall apart if she''s not there to keep it stable?"

    "I''ve done some testing and experimentation in my role as a Smith.  While I was never taught the Bondsmith Arts, I''ve picked up some tricks during my compagnonnage that aided me in uncovering certain facts. The Driftdream is a collaboration between us and Matron Xafra. She used the excess of our souls to create the very land we stride on, which means that we can have a measurable impact on the dream through Sympathetic Resonance. To wit, if we collectively decide that a location is a safe and secure shelter, only Matron Xafra consciously deciding to override that safety would cause it to be otherwise." I was uncertain about sharing that truth but... When forging, introducing impurities such as lies undermines the work.

    "Oh! So... like your place would work, or the Library. Or... well, Doesn''t Katy''s place have a basement? Could be an option..." Tiffany responds. "Without us needing to like... eat or anything, we don''t need to worry about anything but the spot being easy to reach and large enough. Right?¡±

    "The main considerations should be accessibility, size, and most importantly, feel. For example, Jezrial''s clinic would be perfect... for a different group, you see. It has to be somewhere we can all truly believe it will be safe.¡±

    "Ah. yeah. So no to your forge." She huffs and lets out a breath, runs hands through her hair. "And for most of us that... will be tricky. To make even our own homes feel truly safe again. And everywhere else will take a lot of effort to shift to feel like that. I... I dunno Nadine.¡±

    After a long moment, one of the... Stranger gerls speaks up. Holly, the geist added right after Jezrial, looks closer to a reptile than a human, with four more legs than any gerl needs, a backswept casque of ivory bone, and vibrant blue scales. Despite this, they are surprisingly friendly with everyone and offer a curious idea. "Why don''t we dig one into the ground? We could make a sanctuary in the Cradle of Twilight, seeing as how most of us have gone through resheathing to some extent, it is probably reasonable to say we can recognize that we are recipients of D?mmerung''s favor and can put our trust in them?¡±

    "Oh... I actually think that''s our best option!" Tiffany perks up. "With Miss Xafra''s help the creation won''t take long. And as a new place that blocks off a lot of outside things we can like... kindle old experiences with new feelings. And I don''t think anyone here had problems with basements or enclosed spaces?¡±

    "Mmhm. Sounds good to me. Onto our last order of business then. A number of us have been wondering about the other regions, those under the aegis of Verbess, Schatzi, Adaline, and most recently Krahe. As we do not want to overstep and violate the rules of hospitality, I propose that one of us approach Verbess, as the Pack Heart and seek its approval first and go from there. Born-Anew-Euphonium, would you be willing to do this?" I ask lightly, not wanting to cause undue pressure.

    The gerlthing clicks softly before responding. "Yes. I am capable and willing to engage with Verbess on this topic." Its voice is musical as always, even while the tone is unwaveringly even. "I will prepare for this task immediately.¡±

    "Excellent. Then I will volunteer to reach out to Matron Xafra and discuss the desire for a subterranean formation to weather potential cursestorms." I reply, satisfied that all the topics have been covered sufficiently.

    "Should probably let them finish their trip, either way." Tiffany reaches up to offer me a hand for stepping down. "But... This was a good idea. Nice work. Honestly thought it would take longer to gather the herd. Ya know?¡±

    "Definitely." I look her over with concern "Are you... Mad at me? or disappointed?¡±

    "Not at all! This was really impressive, actually." She smirks and pulls me close. "I''m glad you did it. The girls needed someone to step up and get things moving. Just... heh. You''re gonna have a lot more of them poking at you for things. Now that you''re stepping up and going to be talking formally to Miss Xafra and all. Which I think will be good for you. And them. I''m proud of you.¡±

    I feel a twinge of relief as I quietly press on. "I mean about Jezrial. I do seriously think we need to accept her as one of us, that doesn''t mean ignoring future abuses, but recognizing that well... That was eons ago, and we all deserve a fresh start in this new world.¡±

    "I..." She hesitates. "If those are the rules, then It''s good we know them before someone tried something stupid. It was right that you shared that." Tiffany huffs then turns, begins to lead us through and away from the dispersing crowd. Obviously upset and wanting privacy from the rest.

    Tiffany leads us back to her home. Keeps her thoughts inside while pulling out all the things to get something warm boiling. Not because she needs any kind of food or drink, but... it''s always helped her think. She tends to go quiet when she''s either really angry... or really scared.

    Only after the flame is going at the heart of the stove and the pot is beginning to warm does she speak. "Honestly, Nadine? No. Not at all. I don''t think Jezrial deserves to be here. I didn''t say anything or over worry about it because I just... assumed Miss Xafra would do something about her since neither thought she would survive being added to the Gestalt. And I really hoped that our Host would... like..." She trails off, glaring out the window over the stove.

    "She¡¯s a monster, yet, I looked into it. She killed twenty six gerls like us, and fourteen boys similar. Xafra killed almost a million people during her rampage. I... Don''t think I can honestly say that Jezrial is worse. I don''t know why she did what she did, but I think it''s vital to recognize the importance of scale. If she transgresses against any of us, I''ll do whatever it takes to remove her myself. I don''t forgive her, I simply am allowing the literal Divine seedling that we are existing inside of to have priority. Xafra has claimed those sins as hers, and from that filth she has helped many since, using Jezrial''s skills and knowledge. Does that make sense at all?¡±

    She takes a deep breath and goes quiet again as I finish. Begins to fiddle at making some kind of... chocolaty brew within that pot. Something stupidly expensive and special, easily provided to us here. "You''re not wrong, and maybe you''re making sense, but... To me, someone like Jezrial is worse. Not because of the amount, or even her specific things... but because I... I had to..." Takes another deep breath, thinks on her words for a few beats, then continues. "I don''t remember the faces of the women who killed us. And I was so grateful to D?mmerung for that in our first year here. Made the nightmares easier to wake from when you were always right there. But... Now that bitch is here and she''s everything I Imagine they were. And apparently the world never stopped hating people like us either and just... I hate that she gets this chance. This mercy. This... patient opportunity to live here in safety. With us. Among the girls we had to watch..."

    Tiffany just... stops. Hands gripping the edges of the stove so hard her knuckles go white.

    "She''s... worse in a way. She chose people like us specifically. The witches just took all of us at the gerls'' home, without even caring that most of us were resheathed since we were all available and disposable. I''m so sorry, Tiffany. I really am." I step up to look into the eyes of my gerlfriend, the woman who had to watch me die, and I feel the strain that the decision I''ve made puts on her. "I believe that healing and redemption is possible. I have to. Otherwise I''d never forgive myself for not being there with you, for not being able to save you." Tears well up and I fight them back.

    "Oh, Nadine..." She pries her hands from the stove and entwines our fingers, leans forehead to mine, then whispers gently. "You... We didn''t do anything wrong. Nothing that needs redeeming. Only healing. You''d never blame others here for not being able to save us. It''s... that''s not even comparable. I don''t know what horrid things Jezrial chooses to believe, just that it led her to do really wretched things. Maybe she can be different, maybe she can change, maybe there are things about her life we don''t know about but Miss Xafra does. But..." Tiffany takes a deep breath, and pulls me close. Squeezing me as tight as she can. "But those don''t matter to me. I trust you, and I''m starting to trust our host. If you think it''s best we try to make this work then... then I can be okay. Better than okay. Because I''m with you in what is probably the safest place in all of D?mmerung. And that bitch can''t take that from me. I just... I know I''m not the only one who sees the people who killed us every time they look at her. And I think that should be something Miss Xafra and you both know when talking about things. You... I don''t think you''ve done anything wrong here. Nothing needing forgiveness. But if you need that from me you can always have it. Forever even. Since that might be how long we''ll have each other.¡±

    I stand there held up by Tiffany for a long while, as the heat from my work dissipates in her grasp and I know that this struggle is not an ending, but a tempering process that will make us stronger.

 Chapter 74: If You make it Out Alive (Witch)

    If You make it Out Alive (Witch)

    Content Warnings:

    Blustering and threats of ''hooking and drowning'' people. Dehumanization and use of slurs at people.

    The scheme, as it was roughly laid out, is fairly simple. As all good plans need to be.

    Not to succeed, as we¡¯ve all learned from countless failures, but to be flexible enough to bend rather than break when the inevitable unnoticed storm hits and twists it all about.

    The letters are our first priority. They contain too much knowledge that could make our broader goals much more difficult if carried to the wrong hands. The second is¡­ more flexible. Consider Rufus'' old squad and see how tenable it may be to gather them to our cause. Which¡­

    Well¡­ We can not very well go walking up to a gaggle of Threshers looking like this and expect anything but hostilities. Even if they accept quickly that we¡¯re not some twisted monster or Sun-Blessed they¡¯re equally likely to attempt to capture us for taboo of Fleshcrafting!

    ¡°So, honestly, I¡¯m thinking our best option is to draw them out so that Schatzi can slip in and get those letters without issue.¡± I say to our Pack as we gather in the jungle far beneath the Root Way. ¡°Then either lock away their magic with the Gnadenhalsband, and/or we simply toss them through a Wurzelriss into a chamber back at the Estate.¡±

    "A chamber or a Chamber?" Xafra asks quickly.

    "Just containment at first, someplace sturdy where they can''t cause problems with our without their magic. Nothing else." We reply. "After we return they can be moved and Rufus can talk with them himself. Decide the best way to handle the gaggle from there."

    "Sounds reasonable to me. Tag em, bag em, and toss em through the tunnel through locations. Easy enough." Adaline says with a laugh, still exuberant from the chase.

    "Exactly" We nod, "We''ll want to push them all through together, as we do not have the Ousia for multiple castings. So we want to ensure whatever leads them all out to be snatched is enough to draw out the entire squad, while also being simple enough to keep any follow up investigation from thinking we had anything to do with this. A beast of the jungles ambushing and overpowering a Thresher squad is uncommon, but not unlikely."

    "I can definitely be a big enough looking threat, my concern is if they have surrogates with them as well. I would rather not harm more innocents if it can be avoided." Xafra offers.

    "Rufus said they had two for the entire squad of five. Adaline''s weaving will cut them off from their hooked workings that keep the muppets leashed but... hm..." We pause and consider this, then sigh and shrug. "We''ll have them come back with us on foot after the Threshers are gone and they are freed. We''d release them but... I''d rather them not get recaptured and sing tales of us to the wider Burrows."

    "Mmhm. I think that makes sense. Let me know when you''re all in position and I''ll throw a tree through the front door?"

    "Oh that''ll be perfect." We grin.

    After that we work our way up the tallest tree, hop over onto the nearest Root, Make our way along the path until we stand just a bit from the village, and find the best spots to begin this.

    "Alright, Let''s..." We pause, focus a bit harder on our Ousia senses. Considering all the people we sense in the little Root perched community and their souls and... and go still as cold realization cuts down our spine.

    "They aren''t here!" We hiss before Xafra or Adaline can ask.

    "Shall I ask Rufus where his squad has gone?" Warden asks.

    "Yes, And while you do that, Schatzi could you take a peek about the structure the Threshers commandeered here? It should be grown out of the side of the inn." We agree and instruct. "Possibly check with the keeper of the place if they seem unlikely to find your inquiries suspicious, perhaps pose as a messenger for their former squadmate?"

    "Of course." She curtsies low, shifting her form slightly more towards human, and walks around the building.

    "Let''s hope this gaggle is just... out chasing some odd creature or some such and not rushing back with all haste to their burrow with those letters." We huff as we watch our Doll head forward.

    After a few minutes, Schatzi returns with a perturbed expression and a letter that she hands over. "They were reassigned. Tasked with being the Winnowing Front of a response team to meet up with a sudden new threat. The directions make it quite clear that they are making camp on the Rootways only a few hour¡¯s journey away from the Estate."

    "Do we return to the Estate now then? It seems unwise to try and assault a larger grouping, though also even more important now to get that letter, I think." Xafra asks as she paces around us.

    "We''d tip our hand if such a large group was tampered with so directly, yes." We muse aloud. "Even if there was no connection to us and none were left to speak to their attackers, the proximity to the Estate would point to it being us. So... yes. Back it is. It seems we''ll get to see how this Pack''s new Sisters handle more subtle hunts. One that disallows you all from killing or otherwise disheveling this group until these talks are over. Because at this point it is very unlikely they''ve dug out those letters. If they, had they''d have rushed from this place at all haste to deliver them. Not gotten swept up in this mess."

    Verbess hums, then clicks to us. {Both your Ousia senses expand beyond any Threshers. We could take the Root Ways and discover how many approach before dropping back into the jungles.}

    "That makes sense. I am uncertain how effective I would be with infiltration, but it seems likely that it could be done to secure these letters and learn what we can about this impending issue." replies Xafra.

    "That, wonderfully enough, is another skill our dear Schatzi excels in." We smirk and take up our Doll''s hand and begin to move toward the route Rufus''s squad took.

    We''re not sure how long it would the run would have taken us even a week ago, much less back when the Seelenf?ule still drained us, but it barely takes us a forth of the day to navigate the pathways and feel a gathering of people with the vibrant Ousia of Threshers.

    "Well isn''t this... annoying." We murmur as our Pack pauses to consider what our senses feel. "That''s at least three full squads alongside Rufus'' diminished one, and from the way their weaving some enclosures from the Root Way... I''m guessing they''re expecting at least one more group. Probably more. And... at least two of these squads have a muppet for every member. Not in the gentle way Rufus'' Burrow keeps his either. These fools have come ready for conflict."

    "Well that neatly eliminates the potential solution of just killing them all. I would volunteer to infiltrate with Schatzi but I can''t pass for human anymore like I could when my only unusual features were my eyes. Xafra, you could probably spoof a mundane Ousia field for yourself and Schatzi, right?" Adaline comments.

    "They''re alone out here, awaiting more of their own and the Envoys. Any visitors will be highly observed and scrutinized. Which... Hmmm..." We grin and glance to Schatzi, tendrils clicking a little tune of excitement. "We''ve long since abandoned the idea of meekness in our future talks with the Groves and Threshers.. And this gaggle is already within our territory. A little ''hi hello'' to them could be just the first impression we need. Would also give quite a distraction so you could slip around without being seen and get those letters."

    "Bravdo, but not direct conflict? Warden thinks this is a good idea." It mentions as it manifests its ethereal form once more.

    Xafra readily agrees and asks "Are we pretending that I am a Warlord proper then for this bombastic introduction?"

    We can''t help but cackle at that, and how perfectly our own tendrils clicks of anticipation mingles with our Packs subtle but harmonic Quill-Song. "Oh wouldn''t that set them into a panic? To discover that not only is the new Blossom some unknown Fleshcrafter, but that we have a Warlord bound to us? Yes. Empty Skies. With both our wards and your Lunargent filigree protecting us from any hastily cast nonsense... We think that could be quite the wonderful start to things. Our Schatzi won''t even need half her skills to slip through the camp unseen."

    Xafra smiles and shifts her form towards that of a Warlord as we walk but stops with a puzzled expression on her face. "Can you ask Rufus why he thought I was Sun-blessed? This form is based on a Warlord from my time, and I''m now realizing that It''s likely that the Warlord Arts have changed much since then."

    "It''s because your Warlord form is beyond what a Thresher is used to dealing with." We reply. "While plenty of Warlords might bear a similar silhouette to yours upon a full shifting, they can''t maintain their forms for long periods, and often look quite... distinct. Gaunt and thin when not roused to change. Many even take to fusing different parts of non-human creatures into their form. Shells, frame reinforcements, protrusions, talons, and such. Some may go farther still and weave ascetic changes about themselves, but most don''t. Also, most won''t live beyond a decade or three once they take up the Art. It''s... honestly a lot like Fleshcrafting in that respect. Your form is just... too efficient and cleanly woven. Ousia too robust. He probably just jumped to the conclusion that you are sustained by Nomos and thus are a Sun-Blessed that has taken a liking to the shape of a Warlord."

    Xafra gives a look of revulsion that she quickly swallows as she shifts her form to one that resembles a halfway point between Doll and Warlord,   stick-thin with a bone mask over her face and two huge near skeletal four fingered hands. "I crafted this form to clean up the aftermath of a plague without interference. It is meant to be terrifying and unappealing. Does it seem close enough to the modern Warlords?" She asks with a rasping echoed voice that carries much farther than seems reasonable for how quietly she speaks.

    We pause, tilting head and tendrils while eyes roll up and down this impressively terrifying weaving. Letting our bond pulse with almost instinctive fear, interest as a grin takes to our lips. "Oh that''s... wow. It would definitely speak to the tastes of some of the Warlords we''ve heard of. But... is it a form you delight in? We''d rather you not be uncomfortable in unnecessary ways for this."

    "It is one that serves a purpose, one of labor, not pleasure, but causes no discomfort." Xafra answers with an unnerving chuckle.

    "Hmmm... It would certainly give us the best of both hopes." We agree, and enjoy how even in her knitting of this form''s voice she knew just what pitch would naturally startle and worry any listening. "They''ll be aware that we''ve a Warlord for at the very least an ally, and quite a sturdy one at that if they try something stupid, while also not overplaying our hand or giving them suspicions about your abilities unless pressed. Anything explained by a Witches empowerments to a partner."

    Then we turn to Schatzi. "Alright, dear one. You''ve never done anything but impress us in your work, and that was before you had Pack Sisters. If anything I expect this''ll be a bit more dull than previous times since you need to keep out of sight of the gaggle."

    "Yes Mistresses, I''ll do my best to remain out of sight." Schatzi dips towards us for a quick hug before stalking quietly through the underbrush towards the encampment.

    We chuckle and shake our head, let them all feel our amusement at the idea of Schatzi''s best work not weaving success for us all, then begin an almost leisurely stroll to the camp with Adaline and Xafra in tow. Only as we get close let our tendrils and bond shift to echo more quiet contemplative things. "We trust you both to keep in mind that we can''t let this rise to real conflict. They won''t even be like Rufus at his most suspicious. They will be worse. We expect more than a few open threats and possibly weaving tossed at us if they sense an opening. It won''t work, and we can use that failure to purchase us future sway over them and the Envoys."

    "Shall I announce our presence then?" Xafra murmurs.

    "That sounds perfect." We nod, take a deep breath as the Root Way twists to reveal the slowly budding encampment, then let it out as tendrils slowly quiet and settle into our hair. Adjust our eyes to focus on the bustling still far ahead. Take in the details...

    It''s about what we expected. They chose a wide point along the Root Way and have probably spent the better part of the past day or so growing enclosures from the wood and foliage. Cultivating a little village close enough to the Estate to approach if needed, but... far enough away to rest easy. And even now we can see the tense way the Threshers scurry about. Like how others might prepare for the Summer Storms, or an ambush.

    They have a lookout, and from the way they''re squinting I suspect she sees our basic silhouettes. Expression hasn''t tilted from relief at what she thinks is more Threshers come to join this gaggle, to something darker at the truth. Hand is even half raising to wave in greeting.

    Which makes sense, honestly. We''re approaching from their rear. The path they all came from and would retreat along if things went poorly. Wouldn''t be surprised if an entire squad is watching the other side.

    Xafra begins to hum at a pitch that vibrates my skull, lingering in the mind as she pauses for regular breaths while steadily raising in volume until the entire encampment is on alert to our presence. "That should work well."

    While the cackle we feel is easier to stifle, the grin and titter of our tendrils is not. Old terror at the idea of such a large gaggle of Threshers suddenly made pointedly aware of us, and now in a body that looks so very different and monstrous, bubbles into an almost manic thing that nearly causes us to suffer a Division.

    Part of us wanting to run, the other wanting to toss out our most furious workings and tear the danger to naught but wet ash.

    But we remain focused. Feel out our wards and sense how they mingle so well with the etchings woven across our scales, then the two dangerous sorts at our sides. Both easily a match for twice this entire gaggle.

    Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

    We stop a decent ways away from the encampment, obviously showing the gathering group that we mean to trade words, and wait.

    And... Xafra''s not wrong. Her announcement of our arrival truly does bring what looks like the entire camp to our side. Hard looks mixing with fear as more and more begin to observe our forms. Hooks and spells and... well of course. The muppets kept close and pulled taught. Most seem pretty wretched in their states; gaunt and dulled in skin and eyes. Some glimmer with awareness while others... Others are distant and hollow. The few who seem healthy are obviously part of Rufus'' former squad and easy to spot near the rear of the gathering.

    Eventually a larger figure pushes through the group. Layered in leathers similar to others, but bearing all manner of grim trophies and extra fixings of shells and wood. Three hooks on her hip and dirty pale hair so long she wears it braided and draped around her shoulders like a scarf. Eyes a muted amber that roll over us in the space between breaths like all the rush and panic around her aren''t happening.

    The Thresher''s quiet as she steps forward, so the words she calls out aren''t drowned. "And what manner of Moonshite are you three supposed to be?"

    Ah. One of those types of Threshers.

    "The what is far less interesting than the whom," We call back. "And I believe even Threshers find wisdom in offering their own names and intentions when standing before this Estate''s Blossom."

    "Trespassing is unwise. One would think the Groves capable enough to teach that, at least." Xafra''s graveyard voice carries through the gathering as she clacks long fingers together in front of herself.

    The leader narrows her eyes on Xafra. "Root Ways are ours to keep clear of dangerous beasts and the like. Which you three most definitely are."

    "You, an unnamed Thresher, presume to violate the Oaths between the Groves and the Estate? With what authority? Bring forth a Matron, there is no merit to discussions with children and their toys." My weapon continues, playing the part of a disaffected Warlord.

    She doesn''t bristle like I expect her to, instead cracks her neck and takes a few confident strides forward. Rests a palm on one of the three weapons at her hip. "If one of you is claiming the title of Blossom to this place you better have a name that matches my orders. Elsewise anything else you have to say will be under my hook. But... sure. You should know the name of the Captain that''ll drown you. I''m Klevik, keeper of Burrow Endlose Krallen."

    A Captain of a cracked a riven Burrow, is here? And not Rufus'' either?

    {Oh well isn''t this a wonderful bit of knowledge for us?} We muse to our Pack. {Her dragging squads from other Burrows deployments after trekking into the territory of another Captain is going to cause quite the pricked egos. Even with orders from her superiors I doubt Rufus'' Captain will be thrilled to hear about this acquisition of her squads and recourses.}

    "Well doesn''t that sound just... so delightful." We grin and openly roll our eyes, but raise a hand of mock placation to touch the arm of our Xafra. "But... we all have much more important matters to discuss. So we''ll offer politeness and skip the threats, Thresher. I am the Witch Elevar N¨¡vah¨©na. Current Blossom to the Estate. I take it you are here as either protection to the Envoys yet to arrive, or at least a representative of your order?"

    Klevik goes still at that. Not in worry but... obvious surprise and even open annoyance to us being exactly whom we said we are. A pause, then she replies flatly. "Yes. I''m the Captain set to scour the Root Ways and get these Pathways clear for the coming events."

    {Events. Heh. Not peace talks to this one. But... steady enough to not tip us all into an open conflict by calling her work here preparations for any kind of battle with the Estate and its Blossom.}

    Xafra barks out a stony chuckle. "Good Captain Klevik Thresher, I am Warlord Endzeit, would you be so kind as to escort me and my charges through your camp so we may return home? It seems best to avoid any further... Misunderstandings."

    The Captain quirks an eyebrow. Obviously caught between outright refusal over suspicions of this being a trap or trick but... why? This camp is barely anything at the moment. And if we wanted them dead... well... attacking when every Thresher in the camp is on high alert would be nothing but foolish. But also... being within the Estate is what made all the Groves and Threshers agree to Oaths with Yselda. We''re at our most vulnerable when out and about. Which means...

    She might see this as a chance to hook and drown a threat before it grows.

    We tilt our head, even let our tendrils titter a bit in curiosity at what she might do with this offer from our Xafra.

    She glances up between us, nods. Even does the Thresher hand Cant above her head to the gaggle. Signs for calm, if our memory serves. "I can see you all to the other side."

    "You were correct as always, Blossom N¨¡vah¨©na, cooler heads can prevail. My apologies for doubting your word. My apologies to you as well, Captain, for any offense given." Xafra stops clattering her fingers and a pressure I didn''t yet notice building up in our skull rapidly diminishes.

    Klevik huffs mirthlessly at that, but turns and snaps some orders to the gaggle. They disperse but... it''s easy to hear and tell that they mean to form a sort of tunnel of bodies through their encampment. Still around and probably moving alongside us but... leaving a good bubble of space for their Captain to move alongside the threat. A perfect layout for an attack but... one that Xafra basically demanded.

    Can so easily see this Captain floundering at how very stupid, or dangerous we must be to so readily allow this.

    "Oh we do have days of brilliance on occasion." We muse to our Xafra as we begin to stride forward, intoning silently. {What was that interesting little effect your Talon-song had?}

    {The clacking uses harmonics to resonate with the bones of the skull, breaking them when it reaches a certain amplitude. Never had cause to utilize it fully as the migraines it causes first was more than sufficient to stop interference.} She intones back, before speaking aloud. "So, Captain Klevik Thresher, any dietary restrictions for you or the other Envoys? If we are to be hosting an audience, it seems only right to ask so we may properly follow the rules of Grit and have the Dolls make adequate refreshments."

    Xafra follows us closely, a step behind and to the left, on the opposite side of where the Thresher is, while Adaline silently trails behind us all.

    The Captain glances back to eye us, expression stoic but... puzzled.

    "Warlord Endzeit takes the considerations of hospitality and oaths to guests quite seriously." We supply to their unspoken question. "And we''d hate to harm an Envoy with a carelessly offered drink."

    "Wouldn''t guess that from the form this one twisted into. But... it''s not worth driving yourself halfway into the sea trying to keep track of the odd things these low-rooted Envoy''s will want to guzzle." Klevik grunts and tip-taps a hook, "They''ll bring their own supplies. Start growing food and such. Just need to make sure the water the Root Ways provide is clean of the sea or the jungle''s toxins. Which we''ve already started doing."

    We nod, then ask. "How large do you expect the Envoy''s gaggles to be? We certainly wouldn''t want the water supply to be a problem and would be remiss to not ensure that''s adjusted to accommodate everyone."

    Another tip-tap, but this time on a separate hook. "From what we checked it seems fine. Worst that''ll happen is they overuse and have to fall back on rations."

    Xafra shakes her head in disbelief but concedes defeat. "Fine. Fine. I''ve been instructed to be polite and avoid pressing on such matters. No sense in creating more enemies when there''s enough creepy crawlies to fight that refuse to politick."

    Klevik wordlessly rumbles an odd reply to Xafra in her chest, then slows to a stop about two-thirds ways through the camp before turning to face us. "So, here is where this happens."

    The Thresher''s moving around us have slowed to a stop. Hooks and little preparation workings never stowed but... right now seemingly more raised and ready.

    "Oh?" We murmur, raising a curious eyebrow.

    "You''re both infested with all sorts of odd mutilations of flesh and otherwise." The captain states bluntly. "And the last time someone let that become Blossom to the Murk... well... I take it you killed Yselda? And her wretch of a Floret? Knew them both well enough?"

    We avoid the memories and Division that would follow letting them bubble up, instead focus on the now and nod easily. "I did. Yes."

    She tilts a head to one side, glances to our Xafra. "And you?"

    "Never met either. I was rescued by my dear Elevar and was indisposed when the Estate chose her, as it was quite restless at that time. Now, the question isn''t actually if you can stop us from returning to the Estate, because really that''s irrelevant. If you slay Blossom N¨¡vah¨©na without a suitable candidate for the Estate, it will simply kill everyone here, then start spreading outwards until it finds a candidate to groom for the role. If you restrain her away from the Estate, it will retrieve her. The Estate is both a prison and a seat of authority, as your betters are surely aware even if they don''t deign to tell you that, little Klevik. So the question is, who will pay the butchers bill in the end? Do you have children of your own, dear? Anyone to mourn your foolishness if you decide to insist on this course of action?"

    "No. My life is set to cut the chaff and spread the ashes. Make sure the soil is rich with the blood of monsters." Klevik replies coldly to our Xafra. "And... if she dies here and the Murk does start grasping for a new Blossom, then there are plenty sorts less risky than some Fleshcrafter and her pet Warlord to take up the role."

    "Or you could get someone so much worse." We murmur softly, forcing our tendrils to still. "If you met Yselda you''d know that."

    That makes the Captain turn her gaze back to me. "She served the Groves, and when that stopped we forced her into exile here. Everyone united and ready to pounce on the bitch if she left her prison."

    We chuckle mirthlessly, let a bit of our honest worry at speaking the old wretched actions aloud tilt it to carry a little mania. "Oh? And when she had her Floret drag people back here to peel apart for amusement? Used them to perfect her Garrote? And... Did your order ever find out it was her that loosed the six Grevetriars on the Root Ways out of sheer boredom and spite?"

    The first two just make the Captain and others look disgusted, but the last makes her eyes widen a bit. "She... that really was her?"

    "Yes, of course that was her." We sigh and let tendrils titter our annoyance. "Yselda adored and cultivated her grudges. We, on the other hand, want this place settled and quiet. Sleeping. Dormant. A Thresher becoming this place''s chosen Blossom would just... lead to another like the old cunt. Quickly. And I know you know that. So why risk this?"

    Klevik tip-taps her hooks a few more times. Eyes rolling over us before moving back to Xafra. Considering our claims.

    "I''ve promised to be on my best behavior as part of the terms of my service.¡± Our Xafra replies. ¡°Tragically for me, that means I can''t strike you or anyone else down for poorly mannered words or ill-advised threats. Our daughter would be quite disappointed in me if I started an unjustified killing spree."

    I worry that her words will spark anger and prick at the pride of this Captain. But... that gets a quirk of an eyebrow from the Thresher. "You''ve brewed a little one together?"

    "Not that the details are any of your concern, but let that fact be further proof that we mean what we say." Is our even reply. "We''d prefer some of her earliest recollections to not be some stupid war that started because one bad exchange with a single Captain."

    Klevik considers that for a few heartbeats, then nods. "Alright."

    Another beat.

    "Alright?"

    She glances to the gaggle about us, Cants out with a hand what we think to be things of calming. "As much as I know the best thing is for salt-guzzling sorts like you both to be hooked and drowned on sight... You''re right. Conflict here will crack the Roots beneath us. That besides... My task, right now, is to make sure neither of you are infected with something beyond what old Oaths allow. Denizens and Leachers or worse. A single missed monster at the last talks with the Murk''s Blossom nearly cost the Grove''s the unsteady peace we''ve enjoyed these past decades."

    She jerks her head, and two Threshers step from the crowd. Hooks in hand and two muppets in tow as their Ousia bubbles in preparation for some casting.

    "Both of us are Warded beyond what a Thresher''s workings can breach or we can easily unshroud, and within our own territory find ourselves disinclined to oblige this demand regardless." We explain. "If we''re actually Denizens waiting to infest or worst then we''d not enter the grounds for fear of being eaten. So... how about I let you see the Estate''s leash on me and you stop blustering?"

    "We''re obliged to check everyone coming to this." The Threshers around us tense a bit at her words, but Klevik seems to chew on that seemingly without worry. "But... if you''re carrying Shelled Wards then not much I can do but verify your claim and let the others fuss over my etched report."

    "How about we compromise?" Xafra raises her oversized left hand and drags a claw down her abdomen, gently pulling it open to reveal a fully functional set of internal organs that I know were not there yesterday. Her voice slips into a warm teaching cadance, still off-putting but no longer deliberately unsettling. "Feel free to inspect my internals. I''ve learned over the years that shelled wards only maintain complete functionality from the outside, thus, such a method as this can be used both for detection and to eliminate pesky targets by penetration of the skin barrier with sympathetic magic."

    It''s quite the delight to see what total surprise looks like on Captain Klevik. Real shock devoid of all else, even disgust or otherwise. Just... genuinely stiff like when some creatures spot a thing so odd and foreign they can do little but stop and devote their everything to trying to understand what has been witnessed.

    "Will... This suffice?" We nudge carefully after a heartbeat.

    "Salt-crusted gulls." She huffs out a laugh, shaking from herself. Then looks past to the two hovering and motions them over. "Check this one and the Doll best you can, while I see the leash on the Blossom. Nothing overmuch. Just look for spores on the organs or scars on the bones."

    We''re already unbuttoning our top enough to drop the shoulder and turning to let her examine our back and shoulder, and get to watch as the two Threshers fumble about trying to examine our Xafra''s internals.

    {Well done, with this. By the way.} We ask, only mildly bothered by feeling of a Thresher staring at the Knitting on our back. Assured so much in knowing that both Xafra and Adaline are close and could probably react before Klevik could take advantage of this opening. {But... When did you weave those?}

    [The organs are part of this form. After... After Jezrial, I wanted to feel more grounded and mortal for a while so I sculpted it with them included.]

    Adaline doesn''t move, remaining motionless in the presence of the Thresher attempting to examine her.

    "My dear pet, please humor that individual for now." Xafra calls out to her once she notices the difficulty the Thresher is having.

    "Yes, Mistress." Adaline answers woodenly like a Doll overly influenced by a Witch Tone.

    "Have any monsters of the world suddenly found Dolls so easy to hide within?" We try to remain impassive, but know that our words and tendrils are tinted with annoyance at the very least.

    "Not often, and not easily." Klevik shrugs, pulling back and motioning that she''s finished. "But I''m not a fool, Blossom. Would bet two of my hooks it''s some Combat Frame filled with at least three less than acceptable installments. Have half a mind to crack it open and see exactly what''s been..."

    But she trails off as we glare over our shoulder and fix the Captain with a look that makes her go stiff. Hand drifts to a hook as eyes narrow.

    "Let''s not, for even a heartbeat, entertain that thought path. Shall we? Because you aren''t a fool." We growl quietly, tendrils clicking their own much less subtle fury. "Now, leave the Warlord Endzeit''s property be and let''s all move along with our day."

    The surprise on Klevik''s face is not like before, it seems... suddenly suspicious and at the very least annoyed. But we keep our glare stern as tendrils titter our wordless threats.

    "My pet was Yselda''s last project before her passing and, once upon a time, the betrothed of her Floret." Xafra speaks in a warning pitch as she pulls out needle and thread to stitch her abdomen back shut. "I myself am not an experienced Dollcrafter, but I do not doubt you are correct in regards to the nature of my pet. That being said, I don''t take kindly to those who would interfere with my possessions, and would consider such attempts at dismantling an act of open hostility. You can rest easy knowing you''ve gathered vital information for your causes without any expenditures or sacrifices."

    Adaline for her part raises her arms slowly to her side and has panels of flesh automatically unseal and open on her arms and face, rendering her frame vulnerable to surface level inspection for infestation. "This one is ready to be examined for hidden monsters, Mistress."

    "See? Simple politeness grows a plentiful harvest." Xafra says, chiding the Thresher Captain.

    "One of her''s, huh? And the last?" Klevik tip taps a hook in thought, settling a bit while the Thresher begins to examine Adaline. "I knew that she dabbled in Dollcraft, but often made less than Functional Frames unless someone else was there to keep her impulses in check."

    We... pointedly refuse to comment on that. Or let the memories bubble up. Need to stay unified else risk vulnerability while standing in the circle of Threshers. But... Soon the gerl examining Adaline is stepping back after only a few heartbeats and nodding to the Captain. Seemingly satisfied.

    "Yes yes, fascinating stuff and there is a potential to trade some of the knowledge my..." Xafra lets out a grim chuckle, "Owner inherited as the new Blossom of the Estate, so feel free to start contemplating a list of which sorts of information you may want as part of the upcoming negotiations." Our weapon takes up a hand once more as she finishes her stitching and clicks her tongue for Adaline to rejoin us as we resume walking towards the Estate. "Last I counted there are almost forty Dolls on the Estate,  at least only counting the ones I''d be willing to discuss in polite company. Prison, as I said."

    "More sickening than fascinating." Klevik grunts and moves to lead us through the camp. Canting a few simple gestures that set the gaggle about us all to relax more than ever. Not pulling back or dispersing but... very much no longer expecting violence.

    "But, to your offer... Yselda did keep a trove of Thresher tomes and journals we''d like to see returned. Or at least get an inventory. Would settle the Burrows quite a bit to get dangerous things like that tucked back into our care." The Captain muses idly. "Spores, if you''re this open the Envoys might even not push for isolation like they did with the last Blossom. Not having to worry over the Murk might help settle the recent squabbles being tossed between them."

    "We''ll see what we can manage." We respond noncommittally. "Not all the books might still be intact, but we might see if a catalog is about."

    Each library had something like that at some point. But the old cunt herself liked to... to...

    And of course Division hits at that. Part of us reminded of her pointed plans to burn ever scrap of the old Cunt''s nonsense we ever find. Even a simple record of all the tomes she stole. Scour all her accomplishments and Dreams and even name from the world.

    While the other growls in annoyance and wordless attempts to consider the ways such a trove could be used. Both in research but also as lures to draw the Threshers into trusting us! Letting us into their deepest Burrows like even Yselda could never tread before we sweep through the tunnels like the salt-riven sea and¨C

    "Send a messenger if you''d like our aid in anything, Captain." Lynette purrs as we reach the edge of the campsite. "Only the Cracked and Riven Moon knows how much more difficult some of the coming Envoys will be to your work than we''ve been."

    Klevik raises an eyebrow at the sudden shift in tone, but huffs. "Not likely, but the offer is noted." Then she motions to the empty Root Way. "Go on then, unless you had anything else to complicate my day with?"

    "In general, we would prefer to open up lines of trade and communication once more, thus in the spirit of that potential future partnership, I would offer a piece of advice if you would take it?" Xafra states evenly as she casually lifts us into her arms without looking back to the captain.

    Lynette settles us happily into our Xafra¡¯s embrace as Klevik considers that, then nods. "Sure. Let''s hear it."

    Xafra, the dramatic wonder she is, whistles two sharp blasts. Then Verbess, Krahe, and Warden all drop down from the jungle above us, Krahe and Warden wearing illusions of physical form to sell the message. "The reason Dolls designed for combat are restricted is because they are undetectable through Ousia senses. You should consider using more lookouts or weaves that detect motion as well if you wish to keep your encampments secure. Good luck, Captain, I truly hope you think on everything we''ve said."

    Klevik goes stiff, and the Threshers around her tense. But before any reply is given Xafra¡¯s already begun walking away with us in her arms and our Pack at her back.

 Chapter 75: Not a Vessel for your Good Intent (Blade)

    Not a Vessel for your Good Intent (Blade)

    Content Warnings:

    Panic attacks. Dehumanization. Talk of past dehumanization. Smutty jokes. Talk of not having a past and memory alterations.

    The moment the vines seal the Estate entrance behind us, I set my Mistresses down, walk off the main pathway and fall to my knees, sinking claw-like hands into the ground as I scream in rage and futility. I should have done more. Something to make a difference.

    Within a few heartbeats my Mistresses are kneeling before me. Elevar sitting so much like she''s done before, hands just shy of touching but offered if desired. "My Xafra... I''m sorry. You did so well today. Led us through what could have been a disaster. But I''m still so sorry. That was a lot and all at once and not what we expected or prepared for on this outing."

    Verbess is at my back now, and Krahe already rushed to meet us and at its side. Quills tittering songs of support and protection and love.

    "It feels like I''ve been making the same mistakes all over again. Who knows how many have suffered at the end of Klevik''s wretched hooks? How can I make amends to those she will hurt from here forward?" I ask in desperation. I hate how powerless I feel.

    "You can''t. Because those are not your amends to make, Dear one. That Captain has made, and will make, her own choices. None of which are your burden to feel responsible for. Killing or even snatching up her and that gaggle might stave off some death, some pain. But..." Elevar replies softly before Lynette slips out to speak. "The wider withering of the garden remains, and will replace her with someone worse if we acted differently today. That''s our true enemy. The one you''ve yearned to rip the heart out of since you heard it still beats.¡±

    "The worst part is I don''t hate her, I understand her. Understand why she''s like that. I¡ª" I''m interrupted by something that horrifies me. A Geist in my Driftdream is doing a ritual of communion, yet targeting me instead of D?mmerung. With a flex of Ousia, I manifest an ephemeral version of her in front of us, the need to externalize the ongoing violation overriding everything else in my mind. Once she''s present, I quickly curl down behind my Mistresses, into the safety of Verbess¡¯ arms where the Geist cannot see me.

    "My deepest apologies for interrupting, Matron Xafra. I''ll admit I did not expect such a rapid response to my request for communion." The Geist, Nadine, one of the originals, states humbly.

    Verbess cracks apart to extend and expand itself, then wraps all about my Frame. Cocooning me almost entirely as Krahe shifts to settle at our Mistress'' side to gift us more coverage while I snatch up Adaline who seems just as rattled into my lap like a plush toy. Feeling both her quiet bubbling pain and desire to snuggle close to her Pack.

    "Ah." Lynette tilts their head and turns to fully consider Nadine. "I''ve not had the pleasure of meeting you. I guess that you know our names, but will offer mine besides. I am Lynette, and this is... a rather odd time to request an audience. Is there an emergency or otherwise I might be able to assist?¡±

    "I am Nadine... Thirteen. Yes, that feels the most correct. Not an emergency, I felt it appropriate to wait until Matron Xafra and the rest of you had returned from your mission to request an audience and didn''t feel her distress come through until I was already being... Summoned. It seems whatever form she is using completely blocks our perception of her emotions, limited as it is. I would like to help if possible, or I can go if desired and permitted.¡± As she speaks, through the Pack bond with my sisters, I pass the sensation of Nadine doing the communion ritual and how blasphemous it felt to be reached out to in such a way.

    "Um... Okay so you''re never going to do that weird ritual to reach out to her again, okay?" Krahe speaks up first while shaking her Quills and intoning back to us through the bond. <Wow, yeah. Nope. That''s at least in the top 6, little birbs. Wow. Gross. This one has to think sideways for a bit...>

    My Mistresses glance over to her, Elevar asking. "What ritual was that?¡±

    "I offered my blood and magic to the soil of the dream in the basement of my Smithy to reach out to its creator and ruler." Nadine answers without hesitation.

    "Ah. Well wasn''t that..." Lynette replies dryly, but trails off. Pauses. Then sighs and restarts. "Okay. Not an emergency then. Good. That was innovative and impressive of you, but also a touch foolish. So, to make everyone here more comfortable you and I are going to continue this talk within the Driftdream. Boundaries and expectations set alongside methods of future communication and such while Elevar remains here. Our Xafra will join us when she is ready. Do you understand and agree to this?¡±

    "Certainly. Though I will note that I''m not present under my own power and can''t actually go back without being dismissed." Nadine states pointedly and I flinch with self-loathing as I loosen my grip on her, letting her return to the Driftdream. Holding her tightly like a toy, not even considering her feelings.

    "Cracked and Riven Moon." Lynette sighs, turns to gaze at the bundle of Verbess that Adaline and I are encased within. And I feel a little smudge of... something, titter from her along the bond. At first hidden but then allowed to be seen. Real worry and affections but... also a hint of annoyance directed inward for a sense of complete loss at how to help myself or Adaline. She pauses, then intones gently. <Take all the time in the world that you need, dear one. Dreams will keep till you are ready to consider those within.>

    Then she is gone, and Elevar gets the chance to huff and lean forward. "And honestly... I thought I was a Mistress of hiding my internal struggles. Compared to the two of you, I must seem an open book. You both managed yourselves so well beyond these wall today. Had every right to slaughter that entire encampment at dozens of moments... but didn''t. I''m sorry either way. But... wanted to say that. And to apologize. I should have sent you with Schatzi, Adaline. I think you''d have such a wonderful time learning how to move unseen with her. And Xafra I..." My Mistress trails off and waits. Intoning nothing but wordless patience. Nothing more than what was necessary. Not even worth mentioning really.

    "Thank you. It was really hard, pretending to be property again." Adaline murmurs quietly as she tightens her hold on me.

    "I... don''t think I''m willing or able to do that again myself, wife. See you treated like that." Elevar pulls up a knee to rest elbow and chin on. "We need a better... something. To make this work long term. I''m not sure what, but we need a more comfortable lie to tell. Something we can all settle into and wear about ourselves like comfortable cloaks before talons come out."

    "I''m so sorry, I... I lied about Jezrial." I finally remark. "I was too ashamed to admit the truth.¡± Gotta tell her. Especially now.

    Only curiosity tinted with a touch of worry moves down the bond from Elevar, and nothing is hidden or kept back. No anger or mistrust. "Oh? You''ve only shared a little with us about your time with her, and... I''d certainly always rather you be honest and withhold things than give a lie but... Well, firstly you''re forgiven. Of course. Although I''m only curious and not offended. I¡¯m willing to listen to whatever you''ll share?¡±

    "I told you I poisoned her, because I wanted it to be true, I wanted it to be a conscious rational decision to eliminate a serial killer who preyed on those like us. I could have, would have done it, but I didn''t. Jezrial died during an invasion by a rival city-state. I took her into my Gestalt as... As the love of my life, with no knowledge of her actions until after she was a part of me and... I couldn''t even remember her name anymore. I couldn''t justify excising her at that point." I explain with tears in my eyes, hoping that she''ll understand.

    "Oh... Xafra I... I''m so sorry." She whispers, adjusting to shuffle a bit closer to us. "That you had to experience that. Not just the loss, but the... the realization afterwards and guilt for the memories preserving her brought you. That''s..." She trails off. Instead intones her own old aches and emotions toward the death of her first love. The betrayal felt and pain of being left alone to stand atop the shattered remains of the cruelty they caused.

    And then... a nudge of something else. An odd tangled mess of emotions it takes a bit to unwind enough to understand.

    "We''ve our own nonsense to try and be better for, and shouldn''t feel the need to try and shoulder theirs too. Her murders were not yours to answer for." She whispers. "And Jezrial was one of your first? Right? Her memories probably gave you a ton of knowledge about the body. How to knit one for yourself maybe? Or were you already able to do that?¡±

    "She taught me while she was my wielder, helped me go from a silly malformed manikin to a human body so efficient that I could sustain it at minimal expense. She considered me a prized pet, not a person, but an object of value to be treasured. It was before I got the Breath, and was only able to add to my Gestalt, but not my reserves of Ousia. Without her... I wouldn''t be here anymore. Her murders are my responsibility because she''s a part of me now. That''s part of the obligation I have as a¡ª" I stop as I lose track of my thoughts, gently redirected by Warden. "It''s important to me to make amends on behalf of my Geists and accomplish what unfinished business of theirs I can.¡±

    Elevar nods carefully. "For all your others... that seems reasonable to a certain extent. But this one seems more than toxic to not just you, but your other charges. Would you rather her be excised from your Gestalt? Even if only into a Frame that is easier to manage and keep from causing you pain from within?¡±

    "I would be willing to offer that. I don''t feel comfortable insisting on it though unless she deliberately causes harm in the Driftdream. I think it would be antithetical to me to do otherwise.¡±

    Elevar winces, bond alight with more worry. But she doesn''t push. Instead asks. "How would you like to move forward? With her? You know Lynette and I wouldn''t be anything but happy to speak with Jezrial on your behalf. Make that offer, and otherwise set expectations and boundaries if you''d rather not engage with her. Or come with you if you''d like our support."

    "I would like the company. I think I need closure, to be able to talk to her face to face, and that would be easier with you both there.¡±

    "Of course." She nods. "I understand and... despite how worried I am, support you fully in this.¡±

    "If it''s any comfort, I''m pretty sure she''s my only evil ex that you''ll have to meet. I uhm. Was a lot more careful with my emotions after her." I giggle and feel my worries start to fade in the presence of my Pack and Mistress. "Adaline, I hope that you''ll forgive me for how I treated you there. You deserve better and as Elevar said, we''ll have to find a way to handle the situation more comfortably for all of us.¡±

    "Empty skies, I wish we could promise you the same." My Mistress huffs, but soon is giggling. "Let''s hope our identity never becomes widely known. Cracked and Riven Moon, would that just be the worst to have to deal with that lot again. Because we were the evil ex, and not all of them ever realized that.¡±

    "As the resident fiction author, you were more accurately the evil henchwoman that gets swayed to the side of Good and Justice after the original Big Bad is defeated and before the Bigger Bad is revealed." Adaline says with a touch of malicious glee that feels almost prophetic.

    "I wasn''t... we were..." Elevar stammers, then leans back on her hands and lets out a sigh. "Let''s hope we get to skip over that last part. A collection of rival Matriarchs and isolated Thresher Burrows will make this so much easier to do. Especially if it turns out the Sun-Blessed are agreeable sorts.¡±

    Adaline quietly mutters something about a "secret moon base filled with space witches" before biting into my bony shoulder. I adore this silly Doll.

    Elevar chuckles and pushes to rise. "I know our Pack can Function on Quill-Song, giggles, and sex alone, but apparently running all about like we did costs this new body further sustenance. I''m stupidly hungry and would like to eat something before anything else happens today.¡±

    "Oh! Actually, it would be lovely to eat seeing as I currently have the proper organs for it." I gasp, struggling to my feet with Adaline clutched to my front and Verbess attached to my back. "Krahe, would you like to jump on as well?¡±

    Krahe cackles while skittering up my body. Moving to settle draped off my left shoulder.

    The three of us follow behind one of our Mistresses while the other negotiates in the Driftdream. She can handle that while we rest a bit before joining her. We make our way shortly to Elevar''s Spire where Strychnine is already setting out a meal for us, Rufus, and Calix.

    "Thank you." Elevar says to Strychnine before sliding into a seat.

    Strychnine nods in pleasure and departs after they finish setting out the food.

    "How did the trip go?" Rufus casually asks and I realize that he doesn''t know about what happened. Welp. This is going to be awkward.

    "Schatzi got your letters, but... only after we discovered that some Captain snatched up your squad and two others. Are now camping along the Root Way in preparation to handle the security of the coming meetings." Elevar supplies, holding out a hand toward Verbess and Schatzi. "We actually had such a chat with her, even. Started our politicking early to try and gather some information. No physical violence, which was a surprise. Seems some in your order are decent at measuring the consequences of such actions."

    Schatzi hands over the letters with a casual smile and giggles before also handing over a journal, the sight of which causes Rufus to immediately blush.

    "Oh. Um. Wow. Which captain? Please... don''t tell me you looked in that journal?" He says frantically.

    "Klevik." Our Mistress responds while offering the journal and letters to Rufus. "Older woman, grizzled and more than a touch surly. My guess is that she might have either overseen or been present when the Groves wove a deal with Yselda from how she spoke of things.¡±

    Rufus takes the items gladly while nodding. "She was my own captain''s mentor when they were young. Never met her myself but she has a reputation for practicality.¡±

    I start to serve us all while deciding to needle at Rufus a bit. "So what''s in the journal? Anything delightfully embarrassing?¡±

    Elevar chuckles while poking at the first bites of her food. "If it includes anything from before I left it''ll be full to bursting with that. He got into horrible trouble, and was endlessly sweet on at least three boys and I can remember. Always trying to impress. I doubt that changed.¡±

    Rufus smiles as he tucks them away, "That''s true enough. I even have some mockup illustrations of myself in a suit and Elevar in a dress that I drew back before either of us really understood what those desires meant. We chose... very different paths in life, but I''m glad that I''ve been granted the opportunity to be a part of hers and all of your lives. It... Would have been easier to kill me, I know, and I''m grateful that you took the effort to do otherwise." He shrugs casually and starts eating as well, while Calix quietly pokes with a spoon at a thick blue paste in the bowl in front of himself.

    "No, it would not have been. Rufus." Elevar murmurs solemnly, then grins. "And... I''m honestly curious to see those illustrations at some point. Terrified. For certain. But... You were always quite skilled with your artworks and I''m curious how close the Resheathing got us to how we might have otherwise been.¡±

    "I''ll think on it. Something to look forward to perhaps after we figure out the situation with my... Ex-captain, Uthroy, and my old Burrow. What''s the plan in the short term?" Rufus deflects.

    "For the moment? Nothing. We''ve a meeting with the Sun-Blessed fast approaching and with Threshers already here... Any kind of early conflicts could topple this chance to settle the Groves." She tip-taps the table. "And it gifts you more time to write out all the details we''ll need when we start making plans to strike, and us more time to know who we''ll be dealing with in the coming weeks.¡±

    Rufus nods in agreement. "Please let me know if I can help in any way beyond that, I want to contribute. Earn my keep and such."

    Elevar considers that for a moment, "I''d honestly like to see you focus on living well. But outside of that... Maybe see if your skills can help some Dolls with projects about the grounds? Things I''ve missed or not thought of. Big and small. Then come to me when they need a Spire twisted or shifted to their needs."

    "We can do that! I know them all so that helps and and um. Why is this blue?¡±

    "Because Strychnine thought that it might make the flavor more interesting. It''s completely non-toxic." I reassure the delightful man.

    "It''s quite... odd. To consider all the things that could be consumed when one doesn''t need to worry about toxins or dietary needs." Elevar giggles while staring at my food.

    "True, though at the moment, both me and Calix are having human compatible food, which is nice on occasion." I laugh as Calix blushes again.

    I savor the flavor of freshly grown vegetables and cheese in my pasta dish as I muse. "We should head into the Driftdream once we''re done eating. To talk to Nadine, and also remove this gallowshadow hanging over me. I''m worried that I''ll lose my nerve if we don''t talk to Jezrial right away."

    "I agree, and think it''s a good idea to set that goal aloud." She nods. "From the little flickers... I at least know that Lynette likes Nadine. Thinks her clever and reliable. But... Unfortunately for her that has an equal chance to come across in playfully threatening ways as much as honestly sweet."

    "Mmm. Nadine is a strong resilient girl, if Lynette pushes too hard, she''ll end up on a spreader bar, which... would either go terribly or very well." I half-joke, the memories of all the elaborate devices Nadine made for intimacy with her girlfriend coming to mind.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    "Oh please don''t tempt her," Elevar sighs while shaking her head, but it''s with a grin. "It''s bad enough that she doesn''t sleep. I do not need to be woken up by her finding new ways to entertain herself through the nights."

    "Look, I''m just saying, you might wind up in awkward positions sometimes, considering I don''t need sleep either and now have the full memories of a lot of various horny girls in my head."

    "Now that..." She trails off, tip-tapping her lip with a fork. "Is something I''d not mind. Actually. Lynette''s not gone wandering off while I''m asleep yet but I''ll trust our Pack to find ways to keep her from getting into all sorts of mischief. By whatever devious and persuasive ways are needed."

    "Alright, well, me and Calix should get going, now that I''m no longer feeling the need to pace around anxiously, I''d like to put all this nervous energy to good use." Rufus says as he finishes his salad.

    He pauses as he steps away from the table. "Should... Calix go with you for that?" What is he getting at? Probably not worth pressing if he doesn''t explain.

    "Hm? Oh, I don''t think so?" Elevar replies. "Just our Pack. Combat Frames and a Witch, just in case our talks tilt wrongways."

    "So... I think Lynette and Nadine have mostly covered everything?" Elevar glances over at me. "Would you like to stop by Nadine''s or go straight to Jezrial?"

    ¡°It would probably be more respectful to see Nadine first. She did go through the effort of trying to contact me." I muse.

    "Easy one first then." She grins and rises. "Although... Let''s go lay down first. I''d rather not wake up to find this body still hates me when I fall asleep in a chair."

    ** ** **

    We arrive in the Driftdream just outside the town as usual, the place still changing more and more, flexing between individual domains within my own and a gradual melding together as aesthetics intermingle. A short jaunt and myself, the Pack, and Mistress Elevar are standing at the door to Nadine''s smithy.

    "So... They''re both in there. And I''m kinda... nervous." I state quietly, staring at the door.

    "About what they might be doing to each other? Or..." Elevar smirks and steps up, knuckles poised just away from the door to knock. Eyebrows quirked in curiosity back at me.

    "Both? Heh. It''s like... meeting in-laws, in a weird sort of way?"

    She pauses, tilts her head. "I... Can sort of see that? Yes. It makes sense."

    "We are not discussing the logistics of that, unless you want me to squick out entirely." Adaline warns with a grim tone.

    "Yes. No. Please." Elevar agrees, and knocks on the door. "Let''s avoid falling down troublesome new thoughtpaths when current ones still need to be dealt with."

    Nadine opens the door with a slight smile and leads us through her shopfront into her sitting room where Lynette is on a couch drinking a red liquid from a large stein glass.

    "Can I get you all anything to drink or eat?" My Geist offers.

    "We actually just had a bite, so I think even now within a dream I''m satiated." Elevar replies, eyes Lynette, then looks back to Nadine. "I trust she wasn''t... too much herself? Mayhaps even a well behaved guest at the very least?"

    "She reminds me of Tiffany a fair bit, I think I''ll try to avoid introducing them too soon or we''ll find ourselves completely organized before we realize."

    Lynette grins while raising her cup at Nadine and standing. "If that''s your honest opinion I''m excited to meet her. Because... Wouldn''t that be a delight? All in the garden growing well and rightways instead of twisting in all the wrong directions. We''ll either be too alike to function together or harmonize quicker than is healthier for us both."

    "More of the second, I believe, my Mistress. Have you both sorted out what the issues were? I am sorry for the severity of my reaction earlier, it was simply surprisingly bad timing." I mention placatingly.

    Lynette nods and sets her glass aside. ¡°We got through it all quickly and easily, actually. No apologies needed."

    "Alright then. So um... I''m planning on meeting with Jezrial next, but first I should probably be looped into whatever y''all decided on?"

    "It''s straightforward enough." Lynette shrugs, "A place dug below and secured in case of incursion or more... destabilizing events. An easier method of communication with you from the Driftdream itself, and... well, other questions and considerations that''ll be avoided until after said removal of the Garrote. Unless..." She looks to Nadine in polite curiosity, "Did you have any questions to ask Xafra while she''s here and we''re on these topics?"

    "Not questions exactly, but..." Nadine looks at me with a mixture of concern and awe, "Xafra, I would ask that you do not stop adding to your Gestalt, but make a criteria to ensure that you can minimize the harm to yourself."

    I stare at her in confusion for longer than is reasonable before agreeing. "Sure, I guess. I hadn''t really made up my mind either way... Well. Okay actually, yeah, I see what you''re getting at now. Thank you."

    Elevar looks between us, expression one of curiously tinted with worry. ¡°That will be¡­ quite the discussion. One with lots of subtlety and considerations. Because the opposite may be true I take it, Nadine? That some may be thinking about asking for the chance to exit the Driftdream? And both may have facets that can¡¯t be considered until our Xafra is free from her final Garrote.¡±

    "Yes. There are a few that are thinking about it, and one that would like an end when it can be done in full awareness." Nadine answers softly.

    "Kizurra." I say heavily. "She wanted to stay to witness Namtar being avenged, and likely wants to see what sort of afterlife might exist now."

    Elevar goes stiff, but nods. "Oh... I... Of course. Xafra''s told us of Namtar, but not this one. We can gather the details on when everyone is more... when everyone has a better grasp of these surroundings and future? Due to it being Xafra needing to enact this, I think... it''ll be important to ensure all that? I understand the... That this is probably difficult for many here, but I''d like to not encourage anything but the full understanding and awareness and consent in this. Especially when the action will require another to aid in it."

    "She was Namtar''s mother, and my wielder for only a short time before she passed me onto him. After his death she asked me to integrate her and use her knowledge to help avenge him." I explain quickly to reduce tension.

    "Ah, that''s good to understand." Elevar nods but still radiates such a tangle of emotions, ones shifting between pained recollections and current anxieties. "As for those considering a future without; we can see about either offering them a Frame like we did Krahe or otherwise, if we can use Resheathing mixed with Fleshcrafting and such, weave them forms of Flesh." She looks at Nadine, trying to relax a bit. "As for now, thank you for your time and efforts in taking the initiative in these things. We now mean to speak with a certain Geist. One most troublesome. Unless you had a pressing concern or question beyond those?"

    Lynette remains... oddly quiet. Eyeing Elevar intently behind a mask of calm I can feel hides her own thoughts.

    "I only ask that... You treat her fairly and with understanding. I... I am a simple woman, and I do not want to forgive her actions, but... How many can say they would not do anything similar in her situation? She is a monster, but one that reflects the rest of us in some ways."

    "I''ll give her only the patience I might gift myself at the end of my less... thoughtful years." Elevar replies. "The rest will be up to her."

    "And I mean to ensure these ones don''t accept any compromises." Lynette remarks while gently tip-taping Elevar and my shoulders before turning to head for the doorway. "Jezrial either changes by her own volition or... well..." Pauses, glances back, gives my Geist a genuinely kind smile. "Thank you for your time, Nadine. Regardless of the twistings that brought you here, I''m quite glad I get to see how your will shall change this Dream."

    Nadine laughs heartily and waves. "You''re welcome to visit anytime."

    We head out, my mind filled with thoughts sparking and convulsing, not to mention the 58 Geists, two Mistresses and five Pack members. I lead us down winding roads through the town, letting everyone collect themselves and allowing myself to be seen by the inhabitants before making our way to Jezrial''s clinic.

    The clinic on the outside seems a bit... disheveled. Jezrial''s home/workspace was squashed between two bigger buildings back in the day. So here sort of standing alone it seems oddly shaped. Almost unnatural? Cleaner than in life though. As the Driftdream is free of the wear and tear of the city stuck within a constant state of unease and motion and war.

    "Whatever you need from us, just ask. We''ll all be close." Elevar murmurs gently, the hand she slipped into mine during our walk here giving a soft squeeze.

    I knock on the door with more confidence than I feel, still in my Endzeit form, but decide to remove the skull mask for the discussion, letting it hang freely around my neck.

    Almost a dozen beats of my Mistress'' heart pass before the door opens.

    Jezrial look exactly as I remember except... maybe a bit more rested. The exhaustion that came from a life where anything over five hours of sleep was unheard of is only noticeable in the way she carries herself. A precision of motion to keep any sluggishness to a minimum.

    Her dark brown eyes take me in, touching on the mask for a bit longer than all the rest, then she glances between my Mistress'' and Pack before turning back to regard me. "Ah. Was wondering when this would occur. Am I to come with you or...?"

    "I''ve missed you." I can''t stop the words that burst free from my lips.

    She purses her lips at my words, but only like she would when seeing a condemned patient begin to recover almost inexplicably. Confused but... not unkindly so.

    "I''m not certain what you think is going on, but we are simply here to accompany our Pack lead to see you and talk through her feelings." Schatzi mentions, "We could come in if you feel like inviting us, or find somewhere more open if you''d prefer though neutral ground doesn''t really exist in the Driftdream."

    Jezrial replies almost carefully to us. Like how she would to any lovers or family to the recovering she''s yet to claim will leave her clinic out the front. "Here is fitting, I''ll pull some of the Salt-Pear stock from upstairs and make a brew."

    Then Jezrial steps back from the door and moves to head inside.

    I follow her into the clinic as she heads straight for the back stairwell, then up the twisted rickety planks. She comes back down within a few moments with a bottle of said Salt-Pear stock. A drink made from once plentiful and easily harvested pear that grew by the sea. Only a few drops in a mug of water and you get a vibrant flavor alongside a kick of energy.

    The main floor is where all the beds are. She always called them the Stacks, in a grim mockery to the fact that at the worst of times we had three stacks of patients atop each other utilizing the planks that fold out from the wall and the floor, currently stowed and folded up as the clinic is empty. I pull out the three chairs kept on this level pushed against the wall and unfold one of the beds from the wall to accommodate the Pack for sitting while sitting myself down on the floor. "I wonder if we can get the Estate to assist in growing similar pears. Don''t even know if they still grow considering the geographic changes."

    "They were a robust enough species from what my uncle used to tell me. Just needed an ocean''s worth of sea-water to turn out a batch every three months." Jezrial says while searching for cups on the shelves. Ends up huffing and settling on a few of the medical beakers normally sterilized for mixing or containment. Begins to pour water into each before topping each off with three drops of the Salt-Pear stock. "Wouldn''t risk a spore infection myself, though. Not with the seas... current inhabitants."

    She sets all the drinks, save two, on a rolling tray and moves it over to Schatzi to be distributed to the group. Then steps back and passes me mine before settling back to drop on the floor next to a small desk. Leaning her back against it so that she''s facing me.

    "I think you''re a bit beyond that sort of infection, for now at least." I chuckle lightly. "But you know that of course. My understanding is you know everything I''ve witnessed directly up until the Garrote removal. That helps, somewhat at least." I sip the drink slowly, letting my mind relax into old patterns to prepare myself.

    Jezrial shrugs and takes her first long drink, then lowers it and says gently. "Knowing and knowing are two different things, Pe-." She stops at the name, a somewhat disgusted expression crossing her face. But... one that seems more self-focused. "No. That''s not right for you anymore. Is it? Merciful Moon, is that what I mean by that. You''ve gotten yourself a name, and I know through the mess of memories I''m still catching up to that calling you Pet is... incorrect. At least for me. As is lecturing you. But old habits are a bitch to bury."

    "Jezrial, I always loved your lectures, and will continue to do so, except perhaps on the topic of ethics, hmm?" I shake my head with a bitter smile. "Learning is an eternal pursuit, and worthwhile as long as you''re willing to accept change."

    "Ah..." She nods, staring down at the dancing emerald hues within her cup. "What changes would you ask this dead Curanos to accept that you think I haven''t?"

    "I don''t know, Jezrial. I know everything you did in life, your reasonings, your hopes, and your dreams. But I have no idea how you''ve begun to consider everything you''ve witnessed since then, how you feel about me utilizing your talents to help those you considered useless eaters, how you feel about anything I''ve done or seen since you died in my arms and I learned that you... were no less monstrous that me."

    "Skills. Not talents. Not random quirks of flesh children discover at... at..." She trails off. Then sighs heavily and thunks her head back into the wood behind before beginning anew after. "Fine then, no lectures. Let''s see if I pass the thin slice. I''m... furious. At the coven that was responsible for your creation, at their stupid scheme as I understand it, their execution of it and... and how I''m only glad that bastard snatched you away. Because the vermin wrapped you in a messy and spiteful Garrote that I never even had the training to understand, much less remove. At the Moon-Blessed, for wasting Her gifts and somehow losing us everything. Even the Mother Herself. How all that''s left of those Blessings is so diluted through humanity that seems content to let itself slowly degrade into... whatever they are now. How they let the Denizens claim the sea and entrench themselves too deep to ever really scour clean of this world. But..."

    She takes a deep breath, finishes her drink in a big gulp, then reaches up to slide it onto the desk above her.

    "But... that''s all just the mud on our boots right now. As useless as being mad at a storm for raining. No, I''m furious at myself. That I gave you everything I had left, nothing held back save the things that first Garrote hides, but the memories of my choices sit so heavily like bile in your gut that... That you..." She''s speaking evenly now, sharply, almost quietly. But... that''s what she does when she''s at her most angry. "I know all the words you''ve had for me. A lifetime of them. And nothing I say here will change that. Or that my death let you fall into filthy hands that eventually let you strike a blow that seems to be something that sent the world into a spiral. All for some... two-bit jumped up raider who thought that showing respect to a fucking Matriarch was beneath him. Got himself killed and you set on the warpath. Merciful Moon... But if that isn''t all my fault. If I had simply... not died like I did. Gotten the chance to explain things... Maybe we could have stopped all this. Discovered those Garrotes and gotten them off so you could begin learning the Truths."

    I burst out laughing, spilling my drink. "Mother Moon, I''ve missed you so. Namtar really was an idiot. And no, it''s not all your fault. The only things you did wrong was believing in an ideology that was flawed at it''s root and letting it guide your hands to kill instead of cure." I still my expression as I wave to dismiss the mess I''ve created. "Do you see this form? I crafted it with love and sorrow, and all of my feelings for you. I don''t know what you think of it, but I consider it beautiful even though it hurts to return to. It is magnificent and horrific in equal measure. Like you and I. heh. To quote Kira''s father, I''m not here to piss in my hands and claim it''s raining. I''m simply wanting to talk with you. To see if you can exist here in comfort with the others. No judgment to pass or solemn proclamations, your sins are mine already and I''ve found atoning for yours much easier than for my own."

    "That form is flattering, practical, if a bit... overmuch." She eyes me, however it''s with a quirk of her lips. "But that was the task and of course you poured your entire self into it. Never thought your artistic flair would be very useful to a Curanos. But I''m glad to be wrong about that. If... if nothing else. You''ve gone beyond mastering what I learned, you''ve reshaped and discovered and redefined. I''m proud of that. Of you. How my first and only student did better than most with less at the start, and survived the end of everything besides. As for the rest..."

    Jezrial trails off and looks about the room. Slowly taking it all in.

    "Namtar was garbage really, but I wanted to avenge him because he did something none of my previous owners did. He treated me as some One who was wrong, instead of some Thing to be corrected." I eventually speak into the silence. "The Truth at the core of me is that I am a possession first and a person only when permitted."

    Jezrial''s eyes glide back to me, quirking an eyebrow in curiosity. "The Garrote stops you from knowing some hopes I had for your future, but... that''s well enough true. Didn''t even entertain the thought you might want to be something else until you tried to weave a body that first time. Everything was... new and fresh and overwhelming for you. Even the memories you spoke of having from those girls they killed. Personhood seemed a strange topic to have with you. To call you a child would have been incorrect, and a tool insulting, so... Pet it was. But you know this. Don''t even hate me for that. So... Let''s skip the parts I know and you tell me what you''re getting at."

    "You were watching from my eyes so I''ll ask you directly. What is my name, Jezrial?"

    "Xafra." She replies easily.

    "My full name."

    A pause, then I can feel as much as see the flicker of understanding spark in her eyes. "Ah. Yes. The My part, it''s possessive. None of the others tried that when they wanted to give you a name. Not me even."

    "Exactly. I learned that well though. My daughter will never be a possession unless she chooses that herself."

    "That''s... " She pauses, then nods after considering for a few breaths. "Good. I hope your little one hatches to a happier world than the old."

    "Oh... We can''t promise that." Lynette chuckles, "But we can promise that she''ll be well equipped to handle any unpleasantness that it tries to bestow upon her. And at least a few safe places to hide away when such things become too tiresome. Reliable sorts to be anything she needs."

    Jezrial taught me all her tricks to avoid flinching, and from her eyes and the way she braces I can tell that she''d focused on me as much as if I was any other patient. Years of control training making her eyes only roll to regard Lynette rather than jerk.

    "On that... subject." Jezrial begins evenly, turning back to me after a pause. "I''ve worries over you, and your little one. And the... Estate. But before all that I''d ask when the removal of the Basal Garrote is planned, and how you mean to extract it safely?"

    Elevar looks to me, a question rippling to me down our bond. {Do you want to talk about this here? With her?}

    [She is trustworthy, despite everything.]

    {I... actually agree with you. Which was unexpected. She''s a mess from a bad time, but... not so much as others.} My Mistress replies, then turns to Jezrial. "It will either be before we leave to meet with the Envoys of the Sun-Blessed, or when we return if we''re not satisfied with our assessments. Our schemes for the removal are... difficult to explain. D?mmerung gave us new senses that accelerated our timetables, but also introduced new worries and revelations we still need to work out."

    Jezrial nods. "Those... Ousia and Physis woven extensions. Yes. Inversion of tactile senses that double as mitosis-capable organs. I assume from Xafra stabilizing immediately after the other was removed and replaced that they naturally either attune to her, or that her natural abilities to tune Ousia to herself, that it shouldn''t be rejected. But have you ensured it won''t slow other workings?"

    "And... Why are you worried it might?" Elevar asks, eyebrow raised.

    Jezrial sighs. "This Garrote is woven deeper than any others, Any rejection of foreign substances to replace it could lead to a cascade. Something Xafra couldn''t or wouldn''t stop and the rest of you won''t sense until it''s too late to cut off."

    Lynette shrugs. "We''ve plans for an adjacent worry. Both for mitigation and alerting us the moment abnormalities appear."

    "And those are...?" Jezrial presses, but only looks to my Elevar and me.

    "Quill Song, Harmonized and sung from both within the Driftdream and without." Elevar answers. "Our new tendrils have been nibbling on her since we first got them. Gathering up new things every day. This Garrote is... more like redirecting a big Root between the Groves. Heavy and awkward and holding up lots of things... but straightforward."

    "Okay, what else?"

    A pause, and Lynette chuckles. "Well... Aren''t you persistent and presumptive?"

    She finally turns to face Lynette, not glaring but... expression unkind. "Even without letting myself drown in her memories I see the holes in your plans. The things not being shared. Facts the Basal Garrote wouldn''t stop her from knowing."

    "I have the technical knowledge of what you''re talking about but no practical experience so¡­ I''m honestly a bit lost and part of the problem is that whenever I think too closely around it I get blanked." I interject.

    "Yes, but all us Geists remember what''s gotten cut away. And this is not about those instances." Jezrial states with all the softness of a scalpels edge, still staring at Lynette. "I''m talking about the things you could know, but don''t because she''s not telling you or asking. So chart this out with me, pe-" She cuts herself off, looks to me, expression apologetic but focused. Like when a motion would hurt a patient when it wasn''t supposed to. "Please. Xafra. Tell me. What do you think her plan is if things go really bad? Or she has the excuse to say they are and everyone is panicking and you''re unresponsive? What would you do in her position? With all the resources you''ve seen at her disposal?"

    "Truthfully... I don''t care. I know what I''ve agreed to and what I''ve offered. Even if Lynette decides to tighten a noose around me and reduce me to property... Such is my place. I cannot comprehend of otherwise no matter how much I try. As for what I would do in her position? I would do my best to free her regardless of what it costs me personally. That''s not something I would expect from any other. That''s the thing, Jezrial. You hid your actions from me when I would not have even hesitated to follow your orders if you told me to dirty my hands instead. I want to be different, and I''ve pushed and stretched against the shape of my existence for as long as I have existed yet... I''m still subject to it, and I don''t want to kill any more of the people I love."

    "I... you..." Jezrial sputters like I''ve never seen her do. "You''re meant for better than-"

    "No." Elevar cuts her off, but the word isn''t meant for her.

    It was for me.

    My Mistress moves to sit on the floor at my side. Eyes locked on mine as she pokes my shoulder. "I will not swap one wretched thing out for another, won''t let... let the only choices be between this or another binding. What is it you told me? When I refused to free Lynette? That neither of your daughter''s mothers would be Garroted by the time Sikkina awakens?"

    Then she looks to Jezrial before I can answer.

    "Of course we''re going to share everything and get her full consent before we try something like this." Elevar continues. "Even give her time to consider and converse with her Pack without us present if any of them would like that. We''re being careful. Want to have everything sorted and laid out before bringing it to her. Anything the Garrote might cut away will be vetted and reworded by Warden to be as clear as possible. She will have every chance to press for changes and even... even refuse. If the risks are too much for her. We have time to find better solutions."

    "I''m... Scared, more than anything. Because... I don''t think any of you understand what I lost when you removed the first Garrote." I whisper, my form flickering between different shapes before settling on the Grakler one.

    Jezrial goes still, everything she is devoted to holding back a reaction.

    Elevar winces, radiating worry and adorations, then pulls me up into her lap. "You''re right. Of course. We can guess at it''s edges and worry over ways we think might help but... the depths of it isn''t clear. Would you... like to share this? Gift me or us the words?¡±

    "I had parents. Childhoods. Friends that I grew up with. And... Now there is an unmistakable distance between what is my past and what is the Geists past. My youth was being witness to a mass murder, being beaten into the form of a scepter and bound to be unable to remember¡ª" I stutter and cough, "I don''t even know, all before I was able to think for myself. Then once I started gaining self awareness, I was bound again, stripped of those I tried to save, and in some ways, it was a mercy because their memories became mine. Removing the garrote was necessary, and an objective good, but... It hurts so much to know how empty my existence has been. How It''s been darkness and tragedy briefly interrupted by moments of bliss."

    "I''m so sorry." Elevar intones while hugging me ever closer, shivering and trying to keep any pain along the bond sparking up between us. "You deserved better. It''s... it''s so important that you receive a full life now. One bubbling with a family you can delight in and a home safe from those that would hurt you. And... and I wish so much that I could... I just... Xafra. My Xafra. This Garrote wasn''t laid for you. Wasn''t made to keep you safe or happy. It stops you from seeing within or filling those gaps. I can''t promise there won''t be terrifying things on the other side. New revelations that''ll change you. But... I can promise we''ll be with you through it all. That nothing about your existence will be empty ever again. Hard, and still tragic sometimes, but filled with sorts trying so desperately to gift you more the bliss that you''d ever dream possible."

 Chapter 76: Dissonance and Bad Function (Frame 514.5)

    Dissonance and Bad Function (Frame 514.5)

    Content Warnings:

    WOW. Plans for transing someone''s species. Racism against the Sun-Blessed. Talks of personhood and Dollhood and loss of the first and wanting the second. MHM! Talk of big cats being rude.

    These ones wait and watch and listen and¡­ remain stilled. Keeping Quills steady and working only to amplify and resonate with the calm laden focus Schatzi is currently gifting this Frame and the Pack at large.

    Xafra does not respond to our Mistress¡¯ reply, but Grakler Frame leans over to bump her in thanks. From deep within the melodies these ones can feel her turning those words over and over. More carefully than she might otherwise, anxious of the jerk at thought leashes end.

    The Curanos does not move either. Seems to be ready to rise up and press the worries all the Pack see tearing at her thoughts. But¡­ does not speak. Only watches.

    <Assessing¡­>

    The harmony tilts, and Adaline approaches. Settling to sit beside the Curanos.

    And around the two dissonant melodies within these dream woven spaces¡­ These one''s Pack considers how best to weave a path forward.

    <Assessing¡­>

    Twitch a tune toward this Pack¡¯s Warden. Wondering if it has noticed anything about the¡­

    Finds it distressed.

    These ones adjust to offer it more pitch within the Frame''s Quill-Song, while also creating a tune woven to envelope worries. Chimes softly at this Frame laden protector in the way Xafra nudged our Mistress. Trying to assure it with gentle harmonic Quill-Song while examining the root of the steady unease that thrums quietly beneath the layers of this Pack¡¯s ever present Symphony.

    <Assessing¡­>

    "Jezrial. Meeting you has definitely made it clear that Xafra has a preference for overworked no-nonsense older women. Makes a girl feel like she can barely compete. Sure this one is functionally immortal, bonded to her soul, has an amazing body custom made by her and the ability to communicate with her through ultrasonic music, but this one simply can''t compare to the matronly withering looks that get her all flustered under the Frame." Adaline states with an even voice.

    These ones add a tittering of amusement to the melodies as Mistress Elevar looks over to blink at these ones Pack Sister several times. And from Adaline¡¯s quiet amusement she must be fighting back at the very least a grin, if not laughter. At our side Mistress Lynette openly smirks.

    As for Jezrial¡­

    She huffs out a laugh. ¡°Isn¡¯t that the smallest tragedy of it all? Between myself, Kizurra, and now these two, how can the honest young, such as yourself, hold a candle to those standards? What with our lack of anything but the driest humor, endless inflexibility in all the stupidest most impractical of places, and propensity for falling asleep standing up?¡±

    ¡°It was the one time.¡± Mistress Elevar murmurs quietly, but with a soft smile that clicks and echoes through tendrils as she holds our Pack Lead.

    "And couple that with Xafra''s desire to only have one lover at any time and... yes. You''re doomed. Sorry about those flusters under your Frame." Jezrial continues. "I''d recommend a Curanos but between all my referrals being long gone and you being well... not within my realm of specialty, you''re on your own there. Hope it''s nothing serious."

    Xafra snickers at the exchange, this Jezrial''s droll sarcasm diminishing the lingering dread these ones can sense in her.

    "Warden does not understand. Pack lead Xafra has not shown any inclination to prefer a singular lover. In addition, Warden has verified Pack sister Adaline''s Frame and confirmed no present issues aside from some minor cleaning needed."

    "It''s... gentle sarcasm." These one¡¯s Primary User supplies, glancing over to Warden. "Stating the opposite of reality in obvious jest."

    Warden nods slowly as it begins to link with the rest of the Pack to increase its understanding of sarcasm.

    "Alright. Enough of all that then." A pause, then Jezrial nods while pushing herself to stand. Looking about the clinic before settling gaze on Xafra and Elevar. "Where can I be the most useful to the coming tasks? In here or out in one of those Doll Frames?"

    "That... depends. What tasks are you interested in helping with?" Mistress Elevar asks carefully, tendrils stilling to quiet curiosity.

    "Honestly, anything." Jezrial replies. "But mostly the upcoming removal of Xafra''s Basal Garrote."

    These ones quicken the song to envelope this Geist''s request. Weaving all the necessary factors into the composing of our Mistress'' and Pack Lead''s decision.

    <Assessing...>

    These ones hear worry radiating off her, but... <Not the worry of hunted prey for its own safety. For these one''s Pack Lead? Yes. But only partially at the concept of failure. Her words from before ring through these anxieties...>

    "What can you offer either way?" Mistress Lynette asks, her own tendrils still and silence. Refusing to express anything.

    With Warden''s general analytics woven so deeply into the song now... These ones catch the twitch of Jezrial''s eyes and minute stiffening of her muscles at this Pack''s Secondary User''s words.

    "I am a Curanos, with nearly three decades of on-field experience. The modern era''s current Healing Arts may be more advanced in some ways, but in others they are lesser. I can fill the gaps while learning new techniques. Besides that, I have all of Xafra''s memories up to the first Garrote''s removal. Including the cut experiences. With her permission I can share relevant and traumatic parts that you''d rather avoid other Geists having to endure. Also, I was trained by actual Moon-Blessed and can share their unredacted teachings. Things that you all need to know and I can and will share to ensure Xafra survives."

    With barely a twitch of Quills, our Pack Lead chimes into the melody her acceptance of Jezrial gaining a Doll form and remaining on the Estate. But specifically would demand she make a proper oath to only kill in self defense.

    These ones chew on that for a few heartbeats of the Mistress, tittering harmonic thoughts to the Pack... <Offer more binding expectations about this. Both in word and Function. Consider how... different these ones expect Jezrial''s instillation to be from Krahe''s. These one''s Pack Sister was already broken into the shapes to fit well into her new Frame, Jezrial is not. Even without the cracking of old Ousia and Physis into new parts this Pack should be ready for her to awaken changed.>

    The Primary Mistress tilts her head to the side in thought. "You''ll have no magic, if you choose Dollhood."

    "I don''t have it here either. Not really. My weaving days are behind me." Jezrial shrugs. "And I was trained to make due without, and did at least half the time. With a decent Frame the lethargy and such won''t cause me to need it. And once I''m linked up into your bond I can pass my knowledge to you and your Doll, who can then share them with Adaline through Quill-Song."

    "And... Whom would you expect to take the mantle of your Mistress?" Secondary User Lynette asks with the soft purring of a predator circling prey.

    "No one. I''ll serve as asked, but I don''t need some mother bird clucking over me." Jezrial replies evenly, but... with a touch of anxiety and venom just beneath.

    Lynette chuckles. "That''s a bad idea, Curanos. Doll''s without one to call their keeper, even in spirit alone, struggle to Function well. But... you know this. Why risk disFunction?"

    Jezrial leans back against the desk as she glances over. "To be blunt, only one of you has enough of my professional respect to manage me well if I transitioned into that. Generally instruction on tasks will be fine. But from what Xafra''s memories show me of how Doll''s Function... Well, a person with literally no understanding of my Arts would be better than someone who has partial and incomplete perspectives. You''ll give me a goal and I''ll devote my everything to achieving it, but any sort of needling or attempts to micro-manage my work will lessen it."

    <Assessing...>

    Not a lie, but a half truth.

    These ones turn the composed information and considerations over to the Pack Lead for final tuning. Awaiting her to either pounce forward into a choice or assign another to prompt the reply and requirements for this agreement.

    Xafra stirs and shifts to her Warlord form, slipping out of Mistress Elevar''s arms.

    "Hmmmm. Jezrial... We could... Try to do something new. Make a living body for you to inhabit. Risky of course, but... worthwhile perhaps. Would need to have limits. Reasonable ones I believe. Would prefer to trust." Pack lead speaks in broken sentences as her mind repeated hitches and the blanks are patched by Warden.

    The Curanos'' eyes dart up to stare at Xafra, not even trying to hide her wince at the Garrote''s obvious toll. "Of course you''d trust as easily as others breathe once they get the feel for it, that''s what you were forged to do. But..." She sighs, looks down and away from our Pack lead''s looming form. "You know I won''t agree to what you''d demand. This other way... you''re Dolls and Pack will be safe enough. Even the other Geist''s fear for me is rooted more in their disgust than logic. Better to stick me in a Frame and use my knowledge and skills that way. Ignore the messiness of the flesh. You''ll have that Witch Tone and Matriarch''s Voice to assure all I''m within your control. It''s enough. To make sure I can be useful."

    "WHY NOT? ALL I WANT IS FOR YOU TO NOT COMMIT MURDER, DAMMIT." Xafra yells before turning away and leaning against the wall "I don''t want to control you. I just... want to offer you another chance at life."

    "I know..." She whispers across the room a few heartbeats after Pack Lead Xafra''s echoes fall silent. "I understand why you can''t accept what I did. But we both know that if I have the opportunity there are at least two I would kill at the most opportune moment and with much more deadly efficiency than before. And then you would end me. Those are the charts, Xafra. I... I''d love to lie to you. Break any promises and ask forgiveness in hopes you''d understand later. Would be more... on task. Then this other way. You''d deserve that of us. But... Mother Moon set her dead glare on me, I can''t do that to you. Won''t. Even if I thought you''d forgive the acts later. Not again."

    <Assessing...>

    A pause, and Lynette snorts and huffs. "Bold of you to think even Xafra''s understanding of our wards and spells would give you enough to kill us, Curanos."

    Jezrial turns a full glare on Lynette now. "Presumptuous of you to think Witch Elevar is who I''m talking about."

    Mistress Elevar ignores them as the Secondary User settles to smirk a silent crooked smile at the glaring Geist. Stepping up to place a calming hand on Xafra''s back. Offering no words, but soothing support and confidence to our Pack Lead across the bond.

    "Let''s be clear here. My one and only request would be that you don''t murder innocents. AND YOU''RE SAYING YOU CAN''T AGREE? At least explain why? I''m not afraid to get my hands dirty, D?mmerung knows, and I understand that distasteful things must be done on occasion. So Who Then?"

    The building trembles under our Pack Lead''s fury. Tiles and desk and supplies rattling in anger that sparks and titters. These ones devote all our focus into wrapping the Quill-Song in a melody of stability. Not overriding or suppressing simply... tuning ourselves close enough to stabilize the foundations beneath. Stop any of her anger and pain from leaving this room... so long as she doesn''t increase her Harmonics and tilt the Pack into matching her resonance.

    "That doesn''t... You won''t be allowed to understand why, not yet. Not until that Basal Garrote is removed. Probably won''t agree, even afterwards, but... Fine. You know my opinion on that foolish classification but at least one of these two fall outside your definition." Jezrial looks back to Xafra, hiding any worry about the instability all about us. "The first is the Denizen corpse the Estate infected your Mistress with, the one calling herself Lynette."

    A twitch, and Lynette''s head tilts to the side as she becomes a pillar of absolute stillness amidst the trembling room. "What did you just say?"

    "Lynette is the mother of my child. She doesn''t need to be killed, she needs to be unchained. Who is the second?" Xafra raises a hand towards Lynette and motions for patience.

    "No, she is the one who stole your child. Has given you no other choice but to call her that." Jezrial counters evenly. "Uses all the right words and all the perfect gestures to placate you so that your daughter grows into a perfect Floret. Tricks you, Sikkina''s true mother, into servitude to ensure you''ll submit to her plans. The only reassuring part about her is that she is still partially leashed, Xafra. Bound she is limited. Chained, she has to placate this place and Elevar. Unbound... she would use Sikkina. Possibly infest her. Our Dead Mother Moon knows that might be her plan anyway. What with how another entity that should be killed is that Doll she claimed and is currently using as a test subject."

    <Assessing...>

    "Ooooh... I like this one, Xafra. She''s... everything I liked to look for in years past." Secondary User Lynette giggles in a voice that titters with old Nightmares and no humor, flickering half the distance to Jezrial in barely a heartbeat. Form seeming to grow and stretch and contort into a taller gaunt shape as voice cracks and twists and rasps. "That perfect mix of highly educated but wonderfully foolish cunt that breaks so well into-"

    "Sister." Mistress Elevar snaps, voice a whip-crack that seems to slice through the room and strike Lynette like a physical blow. Causing these one''s Secondary User to flinch.

    Then turns a glare on these one''s Primary User.

    "That''s not your voice." Elevar murmurs to an unspoken reply.

    Lynette opens her mouth to growl something, but then eyes flicker up to Xafra, and she hesitates. Unmoving form wavering a bit.

    Xafra lets out a quiet sigh and the shaking ends. "Fine. You win, Jezrial. I''ll be the monster you made me, and perhaps eventually, you''ll understand and forgive me." Xafra turns back to Jezrial and wraps the fabric of the dream around her. "I do this because I love you, not out of spite or a desire to hurt you. It''s important for you to know that."

    "This isn''t... you''re... but..." The Curanos stammers as the clinic dissolves, the sustenance beginning to flow toward her like water. Forms up and around Jezrial''s body before any more words leave her lips.

    Above, the sky cracks as the Driftdream resumes its day and night cycle as the twin suns blaze down at us and our Pack Lead stares up at them. "I''m going to trust you with one of the few people I''ve ever loved. If you hurt her, I''ll find a way to annihilate you worse than whatever killed our blessed Mother Moon."

    Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    "Cracked and Riven... Xafra!" Mistress Lynette hisses, gaze turned upward as she takes a step backways. "You... This... What have you DONE!?!"

    "Is... is that...?" Mistress Elevar stammers.

    Lynette rounds on Xafra, seeming to fold more in on herself. Appearing smaller than before. "Why!?!"

    "I am going to put Jezrial into a body. A hybrid Sun-blessed one. I opened the Driftdream to the Divines once more, because I won''t have Jezrial suffer in silence until the work is done, or deny any of the Geists their right to commune. I''m doing this knowing that I am stripping all of her agency from her and I won''t claim that it''s necessary or for the greater good. I''m doing it because I am a selfish thing and I refuse to surrender her, let her be anything less than what she is capable of, or permit her to harm those I love."

    "Xafra that..." Elevar takes a deep breath, lets it out as tendrils writhe in anxiety. "She''s... so much more twisted than I expected. I''d simply assumed she killed Half-knits for the same reason Thresher''s sometimes do. But... Cracked and Riven Moon is she on the far side of it all, isn''t she? It wasn''t stupid malice born from ignorance at all."

    "Not at all. She always did what she thought was right, no matter what it would cost."

    "Moonshite." Elevar spits sadly and steps close to Xafra. "I''m so sorry. This... this isn''t..."

    "Don''t take to the habit of calling yourself a thing unless that''s what you suddenly want to be." Lynette growls softly as our Primary User trails off. "You''re not a warcrime either. Even if you can''t understand why not yet I''ll not hear you blurting that nonsense to anyone else, understood? I''d also rather guzzle sea-water that put up with some ethical debate, but I doubt anyone can claim you selfish for trying to make a woman you love live again without being a threat to others. Especially after what she did and the wretched memories she made you imbibe. There are no easy choices here, only shades of complex and messy. But..." This Pack''s Second User stops, glares up at the twin blazes. "Let''s have this discussion outside. I don''t want to risk that thing seeing me here and... or..."

    "I know now that i am not a warcrime myself, but my... genesis here definitely was. As is what I am going to do to Jezrial, though at least that involves much less victims." Xafra responds dryly and without emotions as she raises a engraved stone monolith where Jezrial''s clinic was, in front of where she still stands. "Alright. let''s go."

    ** ** **

    We pull from the Driftdream back into the Primary User''s bedchambers. Initially curled close but...

    The Mistress'' pull away, tendrils clicking fierce anxiety. And after a moment a glimmering Physis apparition of Elevar makes it clear which of them is moving the flesh. The Primary Mistress'' Physis form sits close to Xafra, propped on the edge of the bed. While the Secondary stands and runs fingers through their hair.

    <Assessing...>

    "Look, I adore the artistic irony of it. Am impressed even. But...¡± Lynette finally says, looking back to the bed containing us. ¡°Let''s be honest here, Xafra, you''ve no idea what this means. What that will cost you. What it will cost... everyone else. Dollhood is already more than the cunt has earned from you. If you mean to force a new peaceful life on her then just... do it. Don''t shove her into the arms of some¡­ blazing godling you''ve never met nor understand His goals or Dreams. Become her Mistress and show her where she is wrong. Or ask Elevar to. Both will get you what you want and her a better life. She''s already agreed to that anyway. Empty Skies you could probably just... let her be an independent Doll and wait for her to crack and beg you or another to claim her. I''ll even promise not to do it myself or interfere. Just... remove those suns from your Driftdream and forget this foolish scheme. Is that understood?"

    Fear. That''s what radiates from the Secondary User. Wrapped in direct words and attempted logic, as has always been these one''s Mistresses preference, sparking in her eyes like it hasn''t seen... ever. Not in this half. Or at least... not until it found the Primary User over a decade ago drowning in a growing dread for what the old nightmare wove into their mind. A foreign terror to the Secondary User that she has no experience handling...

    "I understand and refuse utterly. You can either assist, or stay out of the way; That is the only options I am willing to offer. By the time I am done, Jezrial will be Sun-Scorched and better for it."

    "Really? REALLY? You''d play at upending everything for some twisted little..." Lynette trails off, eyes blazing. Then she freezes, her everything going still for a heartbeat while all expression falls away. "Alright, fine. I agree to assist."

    Then she turns and struts down the side passage to the lower levels.

    Mistress Elevar''s apparition sighs, "Moonshite."

    Xafra looks at Mistress Elevar with a deep calm, all her earlier worries and turmoil harmonized like a recalcitrant Pack Sister as she thrums a soft Quill-Song of anticipation.

    <Assessing...>

    "Would it helped if I apologize in advance or... is it best I wait till after so they can be more specific to her actions and words?" Elevar murmurs with a tired and worried smile as she looks back up to Xafra. "Probably both. Honestly. This is... She refuses to talk to me about this part of herself. And Jezrial saying those things.... Cracked and Riven Moon. She already didn''t like that gerl. So I''m sorry for how this has tilted. Both about Jezrial and Lynette."

    <Minor fluctuations in Mistress Elevar''s Physis weaving detected. Twitches in Focus. Hypothesized Assessment... Primary User will struggle to wrest control of body from the Secondary User if they come into Division of action.>

    "Love, I don''t see any need for apologies or for you to apologize for her if she does something wrong. Truthfully I was expecting you to express displeasure as well. I know how distasteful and hypocritical my choice here is. So, before I get started on well... mastering all the knowledge of biological development and botany I can get my hands on, I would be happy to listen to your concerns."

    "Honestly... I''d like to know why a Sun-Blessed, specifically." Elevar asks while resting her chin on a palm, tendrils tittering in curiosity. "Or a Sun-Scorched. If there''s a difference I''m unaware of. Dollhood would be... difficult. For a gerl like her. Seems the kind to break before bending and the spiritual dysphoria could be traumatizing. But she knows or can be made aware of the risks before fully consenting. But this... Jezrial would never agree to this. And you know that. And I know that''ll hurt you. So... why?"

    "Because I refuse to take away her personhood, and she has made it clear what she would do with a regular human form. And because despite seeing all that I have, and being much more intelligent, she decided to persist in her discrimination of the Sun-blessed. So I''m going to give her more power and potential to do good than she could have ever dreamed of, with the ability to utilize Nomos alongside Physis and Ousia, while still retaining her individuality. In addition, being able to commune with the other Sun-blessed more directly as well as Him would allow her to be an invaluable source of information. And... I hate that I''ve decided on this path. It''s not something I can justify, only explain. She''s going to get a new start, but never a clean slate. The Sun-blessed don''t forget."

    "No, I can understand that. Even..." She sighs heavily, tip tapping chin in thought. "Find it deviously brilliant. I think she''ll delight in this after settling and considering things. And the Sun-Blessed have to have assimilated sorts that hated them. So them rejecting or hurting her shouldn''t be a worry. In terms of justifications... Well, I''m not the gerl to talk of such things. Jezrial may deserve worse; but for me, of all people, to speak to it would be the height of nonsense. But she wronged you, and I think this is quite the thoughtful path to helping make her better. I... If we''re going to find ourselves deciding what to do with horrid people we stumble across, I''d like to do this more. Try and... give them a path to be better. Rather than punishment for its own sake."

    "If it works. I will be the first to admit that there is a significant chance she will reject the change utterly and I''m not willing to mess with her mind to prevent that."

    "No one says we can''t run tests and get all the facts we can beforehand." Elevar shrugs. "That''s... Something I ask. That you ensure that she has the best chance at taking well to this as possible. Not for her, but for you. Us. Because..." She pauses, an odd expressions crossing her face. "It''s like when I cracked a leg as a child and my brother took me to a local woman for help. She... didn''t have any magic. Oddly, I don''t remember the pain, other than it was horrid. But I do remember my brother''s anguish watching me suffer, and how many weeks it took him to calm again. He... later admitted to still having nightmares about that. I just... don''t want this to be that for us. We''re being better. And us going over this before acting and feeling wretched makes me think we''re on the right path. Healing wounds instead of inflicting them, and growing a bit sick at the bile we have to clean off first. If... that makes some amount of sense?"

    "Yes. We will do our best to make sure it works out well. I do hope that she will come to appreciate it and understand, but I need to make this completely clear. What I''m planning is... significantly worse than that Einwandfrei of yours. This cannot be something to take lightly, ever."

    Our Primary Mistress nods. "Yes. Without a doubt. When it comes to the health and mental well being of our Pack, and acts that could endanger that, Always. You promised me as many years with you as I could stand and I mean to keep them well. But to do that I... I need us to be better. Our bodies and Ousia might be endlessly able to heal now but we both know how mental scars are much more tricky wounds to handle. We need to keep watch on each other. And... You''ll have my support. Regardless of your answer to this. But... If I see a major problem. Or think it''s not worth the risks. Would you stop and find another path with me? Trust your partner''s request to step away and prioritize our future?"

    "I... Yes, Mistress."

    "Thank you, dear one." Elevar leans forehead to bump weightless Physis forehead to our Pack Lead''s while smiling gently. "Honestly I think this is more than doable. But... I seem to have had my physical form snatched away with no scheduled return in sight. So..." She turns to us, the Pack waiting patiently on the bed about them. "I''d love to hear your perspectives. On all of this. I only catch the shapes of your Songs with my tendrils and never the word shaped thoughts beneath..."

    <Warden Dissonance Avoidance Behavior is disabled.> Warden thrums apologetically.

    Schatzi embraces these ones from within, silently stating [Hold on tight dear. This will likely be hard for you.] before taking control of our Frame.

    Messages are sent rapidly to Augusta and Lynette, demanding their presence as she looks at our Mistress with disappointment. "In the future, this one would like you to listen to the words that are said, and not just your feelings on them."

    These ones nuzzle her back in support, twisting the momentum of the Quill-Song to endure dissidence and chaotic harmonies without shattering. Allowing not just these one''s Pack lead, but any others to chime chaotic melodies in contradiction to the core Harmonics.

    The Primary User quirks an eyebrow at this Frame. "I''ve... not had the pleasure of your anger directed at me in too long. Honestly. Not properly, anyway. And this holds the echoes of a promise made to me. So, what words have I overlooked in preference to my feelings?"

    Schatzi is about to bubble up a reply but¡­ holds her reply when a message from Augusta is returned. ¡°Upstairs, please. Augusta can¡¯t deal with stairs right now and I want her and Lynette here.¡±

    And for a few moments, Schatzi has us relocate to the upper living chambers. Augusta arrives in a wheelchair pushed by Gebetshure and from her melodies confirm that Lynette is¡­ otherwise occupied and unwilling to return.

    ¡°Okay, no Lynette.¡± Schatzi speaks softly but firmly, turning to face our Pack Lead. "Xafra, you are not allowed to do this to Jezrial. You have our full support in designing a hybrid Sun-blessed body, but you will not put anyone into one without their explicit consent, because apparently it falls on me to forbid this obvious travesty."

    "But it''s the only¡ª" Xafra begins before Schatzi cuts her off.

    "No. Be an effective Weapon and Obey. Follow your Purpose and Good Function."

    Dissonance screams across the Harmonics, twisting the tunes and cracking at the base of the song. These ones envelope the fissures and fill the gaps, thrumming temporary melodies of trust and curiosity before things of anger and contempt can echo through.

    "Gotta agree with this one''s Little Birb." Krahe murmurs from her perched spot on the back of Adaline¡¯s chair, tails draped all about and beginning to curl around our youngest Pack Sister. "This seems... a pretty crooked path to get where we want, Pack Lead. Mistress. Right through the thickest thorns. Gonna get pretty torn up if we try to force through to the other side instead of going around."

    Xafra shifts down to her Doll form and with tears in her eyes responds, "Yes sisters. Are... Are you sure?"

    "Yes. If she declines the hybrid form, we will give her a Doll form using this one''s architecture. It will prevent any of the issues commonly present in Witchless Dolls, especially if followed by the resheathing ritual." Schatzi reassures her.

    "That''s... quite the claim." Elevar murmurs. "Dollcraft isn''t my expertise, so endure your Mistress'' armature muses, but that''ll still involve reweaving incredibly core parts of her central considerations. Yes? Deliberately and delicately after mapping them out to ensure precision. As even in her current state she is as settled roots. Unbendable and likely cracked by overmuch changes. Most installations set a Doll compatible weave and drive people through it, while... this would be more like a slow straining through a filter? Needing to look backways and frontways in the same moment to ensure everything is the same while keeping any recollections of the process soft? Difficult and expensive in Ousia for the Crafter and Crafted but... well. We have as much as we need really."

    "Mistress... To explain properly this one feels the need to approach the question widdershins, if that''s alright?" Schatzi asks.

    "Of course." Elevar nods and flickers to settle next to Xafra.

    "Gebetsure here has a nice soul core. It serves them well and is an example of a standard structure as you can see. Augusta on the other hand... Well she doesn''t have a soul core at all, does she? It is not entirely relevant to this initial point but it helps to denote that a soul core isn''t actually necessary for a Doll frame. Then we can look at Krahe''s Soul core. One that was formed out of Xafra''s own and then implanted into an empty Frame without the standard weaving process. Which shows that an extant core can be implanted as well. Now... If you''d look at mine. compared to the other''s, it is... Different. only gently pressed on the outside, yet hollowed out for Warden. This one discussed a lot with Warden to get a clearer understanding of what happened back then and during the first breaking... They didn''t know I existed. When they learned about me, they added Warden to me to prevent me from commandeering the Pack. Because despite wanting and preferring to be a Doll, without the tone or garrote or warden modifying me, I''m still a person. Verbess was the one broken. Which means that if Jezrial is willing to share headspace, there is a... relatively simple solution for her. Otherwise, we have the pieces needed to do things the hard way."

    "What do you mean Augusta doesn''t have a soul core?" Xafra murmurs quietly in confusion.

    <Assessing...>

    The Harmonics hitch and click and crack... but do not shatter. These ones won''t let them. Keep the melodies on Path. Forward. Always. Songs do not go backwards! They can catch and loop and repeat over and over until the notes fall out of tune and the Pack breaks under the weight. So it reweaves the Harmonics beneath and around these one''s Pack Sister. Keeping to her demand for these ones to hold on tight.

    "She''s... Special, I''m not sure what else to add there unless you''d like to properly introduce yourself?" Elevar glances to Augusta.

    Augusta smiles, "Not yet unfortunately. Would cause issues with the Garrote still."

    Mistress nods, then flickers over to these one''s Frame, kneeling before Schatzi. "Thank you for sharing. Offering these parts of yourselves to help us understand. This seems a well thought out option. But... Can I set aside the discussions of Jezrial''s future for a moment? I''d like to... to understand. Your words. From before. And just now."

    "Yes, Mistress." Schatzi answers with a sigh of relief and a thrum through her horns to reinforce this one''s work.

    "You say you want and prefer to be a Doll, so... that''s what you are. Right?" She states plainly, tip-tapping Schatzi''s leg soundlessly. "And if I''m to apply the same logic I''d expect of others about gerls like me... Then that doesn''t change unless you want it to. Our world breaks people into Dolls, but... that doesn''t mean people can''t choose that for themselves without being broken or Garroted or... or otherwise. I''m not willing to let anyone but you tell me what being a Doll means to you. But, if there are things you need to make that feel more true, well... ask. I''ll help you get them. Change words or actions to achieve them. Always."

    "My Mistress, Personhood is not the same as gender, and that''s what Xafra''s been trying to explain for so long now. For me, being a person is difficult. It was more comfortable for me when you used your tone to praise me and reinforce your instructions because it made things simple. Less stress and worry. No responsibility. No needing to make sure my sister survived... such a long time without anyone else. As for Xafra... Pack lead, what was Jezrial''s favorite animal?"

    "What would that..." Elevar''s expression and tendrils titter in confusion as she trails off, then tilt into understanding when she glances between Xafra and this Frame. "It... it was a Grakler, wasn''t it? Where... Cracked and Riven Moon, were they less furiously unsocial in your time? Smaller mayhaps? A stupid amount of years and a few geological changes the reason for their tendency to wake up and choose violence against the world?"

    Xafra blushes and nods. "Bigger before, actually. Closer to the size of my Frame. Friendlier, but Jezrial said we couldn''t have one because it would be unhygienic and that she already had her... favored pet."

    Our Mistress'' expression twists a bit between a few different and disparate emotions, Physis form flickering. "I... see. And to your words, Schatzi?"

    "Yes, Mistress. This one would like to apologize for any discomfort they may have caused."

    "Thank you but... don''t apologize, dear one. This is just... not things I thought to ask about. But should have." She replies as her form sizzles back into steady shapes. "I''d rather you be honest, especially with how wonderfully you explain things. It''s good for me to face old lessons and perceptions and gain better ones."

    "Yes, Mistress. How may this one better serve you and enjoy Good Function?"

    "Just... keep being you. Not fearless but... persistent for yourself and this Pack." the Primary User nods. "You''ve been so wonderful about all this despite being more upset than is fair to you."

    <Assessing...>

    These ones relax our grip on the song, let it titter and fold over itself. Harmonics less unstable but...

    Mistress Elevar''s eyes glide over to regard the two most silent Pack Sisters. Doesn''t bother to hide the touch of a worried smile when she takes in Krahe''s big tail wrapped all about Adaline''s Frame. "So... you two have been understandably quiet. You don''t have to share anything you''d rather not. I just... know this must prick at more than a couple bad spots and I want to... to ask. Offer you the space?"

    "This one has come to terms with her own nature and is simply happy that the rest of you are working through things." Adaline giggles softly before gnawing on Krahe''s tail.

    Krahe lets out a tittering sound of lazy agreement, and these one''s Primary User lets out a calming breath, looks back to this Frame while Physis form flickers back to sit next to Xafra. "And... Warden? Verbess?"

    These ones nudge Warden to reply first while it considers the final twists of the Pack''s Harmonics. Chasing errant notes and troublesome tunes that remind it of lightning''s bug-sized cousins that sometimes gather across agitated cloth. Gathering them up and knitting them into the frayed edges for later use in other songs. Weaving the disparate melodies back into things that ring with Good Function.

    "Warden feels... upset that it has not been assisting Schatzi in the ways that could help her be comfortable."

    <Assessing...>

    These one''s finalize the ever changing core of the Pack''s shared Song into steady parameters and slips itself comfortably beneath and somewhat around this Pack Sister. Gifting it support and assurances as it titters with the notes behind those words.

    "I... yes. I feel that too. But we''re all still learning about each other." The Primary User agrees. "And... you''ve had a lot of responsibilities. Long even before I met you. I expect... you did the best you could with the resources you had."

    "Agreed" Xafra confirms.

    These ones begin to consider our melody within. Detaching its own Harmonies from the greater weaving before... Sounds pull its attention from the introspection.

    Smooth gliding motions of soft fur across stone and eventually wood and...

    "The Snekdoll rises." These ones spark a form of Physis and intone to the Pack and Mistress just as gentle little sounds begin to echo up from the lower chambers.

    "Good. I hope that means Lynette is doing a bit better as well."

    But the Primary User''s expression is confused as the Snek Doll slithers up the steps and peeks out from the steps. Ears standing high up as eyes roll over the group.

    "Um... Hi." She murmurs to the group.

    "Evening, little one." Mistress Elevar replies, holding out a hand in offering and welcome. "How are you today?"

    The Snek Doll wiggles back and forth in thought before saying. "Um..."

    A pause of thought as she looks over the group, then she moves forward as something odd flashes in her eyes. Slithers right up to Pack Lead Xafra''s chair, crawls up, and curls up at the Pack Lead''s side. "Okay. This one thinks. The Dirt was having bad dreams and tried to share so this one decided to sleep with Sikkina but SHE likes to ugly sing so... Actually not okay. But now the Sky is empty and Mistress asked this one to watch it closely tonight so will be better. It hopes."

    Harmonics resonate perfect clarified bafflement at this strange little Doll''s words. Xafra the most so but... none within the Pack imbibe her words with understanding.

    "I... Hope tonight goes well, yes." Our Mistress intones carefully. "Is there anything you''d like from me? I could fetch M¨¦lusine for you if you''d like company in your Sky Gazing?"

    "Nope. That''s okay. Mistress said Miss Xafra would watch me watch the sky tonight, or... pick a Pack Sister to do it." The Snek Doll replies happily, twisting to look up at our Pack Lead. "Both are good. So long as the Sky stays empty!"

    Xafra nods with purpose. "I''ll accompany you and make sure it does."

    The little bit of nervousness seems to melt off the Doll as she grins and twists to look about the Pack. "This one... guesses anyone else could come too? If you want? The Sky can be watched by lots at the same time and never gets shy. This one less so but this isn''t too many." Then her eyes find Augusta, and she pauses. "Oh! Did Mistress get you a new Frame? Or... did you do the mud changes? It''s pretty. Like the old was but... more."

    "Your Mistress did provide one yes. My old shape got a little worn out helping her and she was generous enough to grant me a new one." Augusta responds kindly, gently lifting one hand up to rest on Gebetsure''s. "This lovely one and I will be returning to our shared Spire soon but I would enjoy watching with you some other time if that feels reasonable."

    "Okay! We still have like... Sixteen thousand fourteen hundred and two Empty Skys before it fills up for a night. " She chimes and wiggles down off Xafra''s lap, starting to head toward the staircase. "So just remember before then, okay? This one misses your stories and would like to hear the one about the snow sculpture again."

    "Tomorrow then. I can bring some blankets and trinkets to play with while I share that story again."

    "That sounds nice. This one will ask Mistress later tonight." The Snek Doll giggles, then slithers up the stairs and out of sight.

    "Is..." Mistress Elevar shakes her head. Looks to Augusta and her companion. "Thank you again for making the time for us tonight, and... Gebetsure, correct? Thank you for accompanying Augusta and helping her adjust. Lynette... likes to sometimes smother people in promises kept. I trust if it''s overmuch the Resheathing can adjust the Frame to suit you better?"

    "The Frame is wonderful. Gebetsure is practicing a vow of silence this week after they decided to interrupt yet another session with an entire choir worth of ... Fascinating sounds, so they can learn the value of listening." Augusta responds with an off-key sultry voice that is discordant enough to raise Quills in alarm.

    Gebetsure smiles with all their visible mouths, and from the slightest ruffling of fabric, this one can assume that the same is true of the rest as Augusta smirks. "If I''m needed for anything else, don''t hesitate to contact us. Except for tomorrow evening of course. It simply wouldn''t do to miss out on scheduled plans."

    Augusta then heads out, and Elevar stands before turning to regard our Pack. "Alright, so. Who''s going to watch the Sky with the little one and Xafra?"

 Chapter 77: A Diadem of Copper Nails (Girl)

    A Diadem of Copper Nails (Girl)

    Content Warnings:

    Shifting in scary shapes one is unhappy with. Talks of personhood and lack of such and chains making us into things we don''t want to beee. A cutie getting her feathers preeened!

    I leave the rest of the Pack to watch the sky with the snekdoll, including Verbess in its own projection, while I head down into the tunnels. I don''t need a guide or direction, our Frame knows where our other User is if I simply let it go and take a step back from awareness. Before I notice, I''m standing before a door left slightly askew that I gently knock upon. "Mistress Lynette, this one is coming in.¡±

    After a full minute of waiting without an answer, I proceed through. Beyond the door is a tunnel, one twisting with vines and roots that seem to actively curl in such a way that would make one with less precise sight think the gravity is shifting. And coming from the far end of the passage, but muffled, are mingled sounds.

    A hitching thing that seems growling and furious, almost like a cacophony. Another is sobbing. The third is... steady, but the most muffled. Words in a strange tongue that even Warden doesn''t know when I quickly query it, but from the diction and cadence it seems to switch from comforting to demeaning. And a fourth is... singing?

    Moving forward, I eventually ascend to a chamber roughly twice as large as a Spire''s base. After taking my first steps inside, all voices but the gentle humming of a song cuts off.

    Vines as thick as tree trunks grow upwards from the floor to the ceiling. Each lined with heavily glowing nubs that dribble Physis, Ousia, and Empty Nomos. Some have ugly shaped desks with tomes and carved wood tablets atop. Others... with vials of extracted substances.

    Off to the side of the room and with their back to the entrance is a figure twice as tall as myself hunched over a tablet. They are rather gaunt and when I look closely, I see withered tendrils hanging loosely from long gangly hair. Before I can even blink or question what I''m seeing, standing in its place is Lynette, her tendrils hanging still and limp.

    "Mistress. This one is here to attend to your needs." I say gently as I walk towards her.

    Don''t think. Don''t blink. Do Unto Others in Service and Good Function. Just as she taught us.

    "That... Seems a very soft way of putting what you''re here to do, Doll." Lynette cackles as the melody comes to an end, glancing back to me with a smirk that doesn''t touch her eyes. "But I''m enthralled. Speak your assessments and otherwise, dear one."

    I cross the room rapidly and embrace her. "You are hurting. This one is here to help. You are not alone, Mistress.¡±

    She stiffens at first in surprise, taking a long heartbeat to consider this and my words, but soon relaxes and envelopes me back. "I... Thank you, Schatzi. That all went as terribly as it possibly could have, and... and I can barely even..." Lynette trails off, sighing heavily and hugging me tighter.

    An audible crack sounds, and her form shivers and shifts partially back into larger gaunt shapes, taking two more heartbeats to settle back into the shared form she and Mistress Elevar share.

    "Moonshite." She hisses, voice cracking a little. "Still can''t feel them.¡±

    I hold her while starting my horns thrumming. "No Mistress. This one handled the situation. Xafra is back in line, and everyone else is tense but willing to work together without crossing any moral lines or hurting themself. All that is left to work through is yourself and Jezrial. You are in an unenviable position. May this one express what she sees of your situation?¡±

    "If only that was the path available to us now." She laughs mirthlessly, then moves to gather me up in her arms. Pulls us down to settle into vines that twist up from the floor to form a bowl shaped chair. "It''s... worse than what you''ve puzzled, most likely. But I''d like to know what my ever observant gerl has seen.¡±

    "She was right, in some ways this one believes. The Estate itself likely made you with Sun-Blessed tissue as well as more standard Witch weaving to ensure compliance. Even if you somehow got free of it, you would never be accepted by the Groves. Xafra too, was right in some ways regarding you. You don''t... consider yourself a full person, but not something like a doll either. The worst of both worlds, handed the expectations of both and the privileges and permissions of neither. For someone who was treated as poorly as you were by Yselda, without the following memories of the aftermath...  You did something that you''re regretting now, this one assumes. That is the reason you are letting yourself fall apart like this. You expected this one to be... Angry, perhaps even violent, this one believes. Instead, this one offers you forgiveness and acceptance of whatever you have done or feel you are guilty of, in exchange for sitting down with an explanation and letting this one help.¡±

    Mistress Lynette''s fingers dance through this one''s hair as she listens. Quiet and thoughtful and... other things. Emotions flowing down the bond feel spliced and incomplete.

    "I''ve... suspected what I was woven from since before our talk with the Sun-Blessed. Verified soon after that though. Especially... Cracked and Riven Moon. It''s all so hard to explain. What that means. It''s not... not about flesh or tissue or even the spores. It''s more... memory and perspective and echoes and how our other parts see us and..." She stops, takes a ragged breath. "But it''s worse still, dear one. The Denizen filth is the bones and the veins, but the blood is Elevar and even... others. Past Blossoms. And all of it changed by how they see me and I see them and then every moonshited time the Estate looks at me I change more and..."

    Another breath.

    Then she sighs like she''s just exerted all the energy in the world on those words. "Can you understand any of that?¡±

    "Yes. You have inherited much and are actively affected by your chains. Are you... Afraid Sister Xafra will judge you?" I ask directly.

    "Of course not. That gerl is..." Lynette sighs, then her hands move to the back of this one''s neck as she leans back to stare upwards. "Fine. Yes. But not for being a Denizen. She''s already adjusting to that with others. No... Schatzi, I''m not something that should exist. Not just in the past but in the future and now. Actions and schemes everything Xafra hates. Everything that every sensible creature on the surface of this broken world should hate. Not a tool, not a person, but a vessel. A Muppet to perform perfectly the tasks this beast below wants to see done as it slowly rouses.¡±

    "Do you think she doesn''t realize that? Mistress, she gave you her eyes for a reason." I remind this foolish woman.

    "Keeping Elevar from wanting to inspect those treasures more closely has been a delight but... things could get so very complicated if she or others used them." She pauses, then leans up to pull me closer. "Do... Do you really feel that she understands that? Because Schatzi... I''m going to get worse. What Xafra demanded, It... I... With Krahe and Rufus It was... I didn''t... But with Jezrial I can''t..."

    She squeezes me tighter, like holding this one close keeps something pinned inside her chest. So much like we do our Beppys.

    "The Pack bond is... More than what any of our creators suspected, I think. There is a door in the Driftdream, inside Nadine''s forge, that she hides with a tapestry. The door is made of wood and woven shut with vines. It is a door made for you." I reveal.

    I increase the hum of my horns that mimic my sister''s Quills and let my jaw crack and shift into a new¡­ An old¡­ Configuration as my hands do the same. "You missed my important revelation, so I''ll share this one with you first.¡±

    "I..." She murmurs, carefully considering the bond and my shiftings while hugging me even tighter. Seeming to lean into the melody. "Schatzi, I have to be so very careful within Xafra''s Driftdream. With Him now there, I... I don''t want to ruin things. You know I need to keep linked to the Estate. But I trust you, if you''ll lead me there and back.¡±

    "I will be your guide." The hum of my horns scream, the forms cracking and expanding as I pull us both from waking to dreaming without a breath between. We stand in the entrance hallway of Nadine''s home attached to her forge as she looks at us in shock.

    "I... Schatzi I wasn''t implying..." Lynette stammers, form flickering as she stares in wonder at my new horns. Only after a few heartbeats does she tear eyes and turn to this Geist. "Apologies, Nadine. There is a door here that my Doll wants to show me. Thoughtfully skipped us straight here due to my... hesitations about standing too long under this Driftdream''s suns. I hope this isn''t too inopportune a time?¡±

    Nadine stares for a moment before nodding. "I was wondering who the door was for. Covered it up to avoid anyone being foolish enough to try and get through it without permission."

    Then she pauses, and drops to her knees in front of me and bows, "My Lady of Annihilation, my home is always open to you.¡±

    What? That''s not... no. Don''t think. Don''t look. Just Act.

    "This one thanks you, Nadine. We should be quick.¡±

    Lynette''s focus returns to me, tilting head in confusion as her everything stills. Eye''s spark with... something. But she says nothing else.

    "Let''s go." I lead Lynette into the shop and through to the backroom while Nadine stays behind to give us privacy. With gentle movements I take down the tapestry of sea life on the west wall, beside the window that looks onto the moon-lit town square.  Behind it is the door I mentioned, old wood, well worn and maintained, woven into the surrounding frame with a stitching of vines.

    "You''re lovely. By the way." Lynette intones into the silence, voice small and barely a whisper of sound as she stands in the deepest shadow this room offers. "And... Thank you. Again. For coming to find me tonight. But also for... Being the first to ask Elevar to treat me with more kindness than was wise. If nothing else, I will never take your words lightly. About being accepted by you into this... this family. It means the World and all Her Dreams to me that that was the first thing you offered when we spoke.¡±

    Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!

    I freeze up as she talks and my skin crawls, soft flesh changing to a craggy gray hide as I shake my head. "Trying not to think about it. Letting the changes take place once more without impending them. You are important to this one. Worth the effort. Don''t worry about the windows. He cannot see within the buildings, especially not at night. Sister Xafra is... effective at wielding her power even under her constraints.¡±

    "That is¡­ So good to know." She relaxes visibly, stepping up to be at my side. Eyes finally moving to the doorway. "Are there things I should know before opening this door?¡±

    "All I know is that it is safe and won''t interrupt the connection to the Estate or permit the Estate to witness what lies within.¡±

    Lynette stills. Features going rigid as such a wash of fear titters down the bond. "I..."

    She takes a step back, her form shivering and cracking.

    "It''s so thoughtful and wonderful and..." She whispers, voice panicked and shallow. Trails off to take a breath, nod, and take a step forward. "Okay. But only for a little while. I can calm the Estate to not overworry much. Mayhaps even stop it from... having a stern word with me. Is how we''ll phrase that. But..."

    Lynette''s embodiment in this Driftdream continues to fracture as she offers me her hand. Smirking happily as she watches the changes across my form.

    I take her talon and embrace her once more, understanding that this will be a challenge for her. Another crack, a few more pops, and Lynette''s big again. Two more arms wrapping about this Frame and keeping me pinned to her chest. Chin rests on the top of my head as hair and withered tendrils fall to limply dangle about.

    "She should have listened." Lynette hisses far softer than one would expect from a form that large, voice envenomed with twinned Witch Tone. "Stupid Half-Knit. Wretched godling dangles such a delicious meal all but howling for change in front of me, then demands I either help in carving that cunt up or watch like some starving Grakler. And now next we meet she expects me to just... stop? As if I could even end the cascade now? Does she think I wanted to stop because I cared about morals or ethics or... other such nonsense? No. Stupid Half-Knit, I''ve a chorus of other pasts with expectations and predilections and hungers I''ve only barely kept restrained. And now the Estate is stirring at the scent of this intake and if I don''t... indulge I... it''ll¡­¡±

    "Mistress. You and Elevar both have a fundamental lack of understanding when it comes to Xafra. You both try to push her to be something she cannot yet be, and tighten that expectation like a noose the more you are together." I try to keep the joy from my voice but fear I''m failing. The tones, while not directed at me, layers overtop of my thoughts and calms my racing mind. "She tried to explain, and to her mind you both ignored her and overruled her, and so she tested you, pushed you both farther than was reasonable.¡±

    Lynette growls, and while the sound rolls through me like thunder, the Dream about us seems to still unnaturally. "Then pull us from this place. And explain to me. Plainly. How I''m to regard that gerl. Before I crack further into something incredibly... problematic.¡±

    "Not yet. First put your mark on the door so you can return directly when you wish, then we will go right back and I will explain." I insist.

    A long arm reaches out and past me, hovers almost hesitantly. Then slashes a design her embrace does not allow me to see before wrapping about my form again. Thrumming a grunt of acknowledgement for me to take us away.

    With a brutal finality I stop the humming of my horns and we are back in the Estate, still embracing but the changes in each of us kept. Lynette still has four arms with long gaunt fingers and vicious talons, gangles of hair and withered tendrils and spots of torn feathers scattered down her form. Cracked scales a dark jade color that shifts a touch depending on the light... And no eyes. Unsurprising if I let myself think about it.

    "This one will speak plainly. Xafra isn''t a person, she is property, bound to be such by her original forging and reinforced by her name that Elevar granted her. This is not opinion or degradation, it is her Truth that she has been trying to overtake for ages now. She wanted you to forbid her from doing such a horrific thing to Jezrial. Because doing such would undermine everything she''s worked on becoming. She wanted you to acknowledge that she''s owned by you and Elevar and be assured that you would stop her from hurting herself in that way. Instead, this one had to do so, and..." I sigh heavily.

    "And that is not your Function. Hurt you to perform that task." Lynette murmurs gently while leaning overtop, head hanging upside-down as her eyeless gaze regards me. A twisting trio of long deft tongues snip out to taste the air around us. "You are a good gerl, Schatzi. And a perfect Doll. Put up with our nonsense for many many years. But..."

    Bond pulses with revulsion and hunger and delight and horror and focus... Not aimed at me but... vibrant and writhing.

    "She threw my gentle demand for her to avoid this back in my face. Claimed her personhood in such a gorgeous display of defiance." She both, somehow, growls and coos at me. "I won''t take that from her. Won''t do anything but enable her to be anything but what she wants to be. Which is very much not mine or Elevar''s property. Our chains don''t make us what... we..."

    She trails off.

    Goes still.

    More cracks sound from deep within her flesh. Feathers and scales and head tendrils seeming to somehow wither more than before.

    "...Oh.¡±

    "I am so sorry, Mistress." I whisper.

    More quietly and quickly than should be possible, almost as much as Verbess or myself in the mid-Giyars, Lynette shifts and moves. Deftly leaves me alone in the chair while she stalks over to a pillar.

    Tongues taste the air again.

    Then she''s howling <Blitzk?der> and furious lightning arcs out to consume one of the trunks. Turning the gloom of the chamber into brilliant sputtering sneks of blazed Ousia burning away at the wood and glowing buds along it.

    It only lasts a heartbeat and a half, but when the spell fades Lynette is already lunging at the Root Trunk. Lashing out with smoking talons to tear apart the outer shell of vines. Eventually plunging two arms elbow deep like the massive pillar was hollow.

    Then she pulls back. Twitching talons filled with...

    Sun-Blessed spores.

    And before I can even rise she''s snipped out with all three tongues and eaten them all while fresh new vines begin to regrow and seal whatever else is within the Root Trunk.

    "Well. I will trust that you are choosing to do that deliberately. Because frankly I don''t think I could restrain you to try and get you to stop. However, this one is running out of capacity to... Be currently, and will likely have to summon the Pack if you are having issues, Mistress.¡±

    "I''m nothing besides issues, dear Schatzi. But..." She takes a breath, then moves to scoop me up and settles back into the chair. "Having you to hold close helps me keep most of them restrained. I''ve now bought us... time. Mayhaps even perspective. And you''re right. So... unless the Primary User overrules me I''ll make my first motion as Xafra''s Mistress in the morning."

    She shivers, form beginning to shrink and soften as she pulls me closer. Not quickly but... In subtle ways I can feel. Voice... quieting and losing that weighted Witch Tone as she murmurs. "No more delays. We will remove the Basal Garrote tomorrow. At least one of Sikkina''s mothers will be only what she desires before the Cracked and Riven Moon rises next.¡±

    "Alright. I love you, Mistress. This one is going to take us back to your spire now if that is acceptable." Thinking hurts so much but I can''t ask her to do that. Not when she''s so fragile at the moment. If I take the long way after the tunnels, we can avoid the mirrors. Don''t know how to change back, or even if I should. Later.

    "You''ll do no such thing, Doll of mine." She hums and rises, keeping me curled close and amidst arms and pinned to her chest. Big feathers tilting to curl around me like a blanket. "Thank you for attending to me. For your patience. For... this. I can taste how scary it is for you and... you will tell me if I can do anything to help you along or backways. Is that understood?"

    The Witch Tone she lays over me is soft, gentle even. Not directed and not a command. Simply... a declaration.

    I melt like putty in her arms and smile widely. "Yes, Mistress. This one likes your voice, it helps this one settle.¡±

    "Does it? Hmmm... well isn''t that some good news." She chuckles and nuzzles me close, Witch Tone wielded like soft fingers through hair. "The Tone, when used with some subtle grace, being less than wretched. Like most things. And to be clear, dear one, your form is radiant. Feels and tastes so much like..."

    She trails off, letting tongues nip out and about as she moves us through dark tunnels and passages.

    "Warm ashes. Softer than silk but brimming with the treasures that survived the blaze waiting to be found." She intones softly, but with a grin. "And well-honed sharp bits tend to endure the heat from before so well.¡±

    "So long as we leave the salt behind, Mistress. It''s not good for you." I move with her happily, thinking about all the fun things we could do. "Mistress... This one would really like to help you clean your feathers. They''re really pretty but a bit floppy right now.¡±

    She slows. Talons reaching out to find...

    "Oh. Right. Those... of course." She sighs as fingers wrap about the roots of a few, feeling at their texture. "Yes. Please. Just... help keep my little one from seeing me like this, okay? She''ll panic and I''ve not the heart to touch her with my Tone to help her calm.¡±

    "Illusion or avoidance? They''re all still outside with her, so we''ll get back without issue. The Pack knows where we um. Where we are, and are giving us time.¡±

    "Good. Thank you." She relaxes and pulls me closer. "Just... I''ll settle this nonsense with our form by morning. Of course. Shouldn''t need either. So... avoidance. I... Can I take us to a different Spire? My little one is cursed with good hearing, will recognize their rustling and then the Pack will struggle to calm her and just¡­¡±

    "The um. The workshop Spire should be empty still. Hasn''t been used recently and there''s some beds there." I offer after a good hard think.

    "I... think that might still be too close. Her hearing was made to be horridly sensitive." She murmurs. "Let''s... Oh I think I know a spot. None of the Dolls should be there at this hour and the water will help with the cleaning."

    "Yes Mistress. That sounds great.¡±

    **    **    **

    An hour later, I''m carefully steaming mistresses feathers and spreading the preen oil along their lengths after shaking loose particulates, focused entirely on my work as my Mistress relaxes with me and lets me pamper her.

    "This one doesn''t mind taking care of you, Mistress. It''s a pleasure really as long as you''re okay with it as well. But... This one is a bit worried about the um. You know... The spores?¡±

    "Hmm? Oh. Apologies. I''m... well it''s imprecise to say that we''re immune but the outcome is the same." Her form has shrunk more. Begun to naturally shift away from having so many dead parts. Feathers and scales and even hair tendrils seeming more alive and less withered and broken. "I... needed to make an effort. Pointedly. Forward. Toward... toward what I''m going to do to Jezrial. Begin the research, and such. Digesting those spores while like this does that. And I need to be more calculating so it''s letting me settle. Put away the more voracious bits in favor of calmer... impulses.¡±

    "Are you happy with the changes though?" I ask as I continue to maintenance her.

    "That''s a complicated..." But she doesn''t finish that deflection, instead lets out a deep sigh. "I can enjoy them just like I did the flesh Yselda rewove. But unlike then... It is me, Schatzi. This big dead Amalgam of screaming hate and twisted wroth is... is everything I am and want to be. The woven Muppet for what happens when this Estate''s Blossom decides to eat someone. But... No. To your question. I''m not happy. I''m... conflicted. Ravenously confused. And spiteful. I may not be able to see what I look like but I can feel and taste it all. All the rotten things stitched together to make... me. Just given a form to match the mess inside.¡±

    With a tiny frown I boop her nose. "You''re messy because you''re being all emotional without taking care of yourself. Look at these feathers now that I''ve properly preened them! They''re so pretty like a sneks. And once I give your scales a good polish they''ll look wonderful as well, and and and, Mistress can I paint your nails? You have so many nails to sharpen and paint. And then I need to figure out proper tendril care. Probably will ask Calix, since he helps the others with similar features. Is that okay?¡±

    Lynette goes still at my touch and words, taking that all in before murmuring. "I''d like some of that. Thank you. Your attentions fill me with some measure of calm and peace. But only during the day. Because... I can''t, won''t let her see or hear me like this. My little one. Even made soft by your skills it would only upset her. Because this form has too much of her old self knit through it. Not just the shapes outside but the spores and echoes and memories within. The gerlthing she was, butchered and archived before being replaced into... into me. I won''t parade that obscenity before her. Not when she''s finally starting to heal and find some measure of broken happiness. Mayhaps even... um..."

    She goes quiet while pulling me back into her much smaller but still comfy lap. Wraps arms about me while talons absently brushing over smoothed feathers while she considers something that fills the bond with a twisty mess of hope and terror.

    I snuggle into her arms, and thrum a soft comforting tune giving her time to form her thoughts.

    "I really should ask the poor dear. If... if she''d prefer to call me... Something less a reminder to what she''s lost."

    Four feathered arms become two without, talons reshape into softer hands, tendrils click and shift and begin to dance a wriggly worried tune. And after a few heartbeats, Lynette is sucking in a gasp of surprise.

    "Oh. Schatzi..." She murmurs, hands adjusting to turn me about in her lap. Returned eyes of cerulean triple iris flickering up and down my form as such a grin plays across her lips. "These new shapes are perfect. Wonderous in the cracked moonlight. Everything I could barely see as my eyes faded but could taste bubble up. You... Well, your hair is basically perfect but I''d adore the chance to explore it and those horns. Perhaps with a comb we can probably find back in our Spire?¡±

    "That sounds really nice. If you like this one like this then it''s good and proper. This one is happy to serve and really hopes that everyone can get along, you know?" I close my eyes and lean into her, letting her carry me back home.

 Chapter 78: Jagged Rocks, New Shells, and The Leaps Taken to Find Them (Witch)

    Jagged Rocks, New Shells, and The Leaps Taken to Find Them (Witch)

    Content Warnings:

    Stuff happens. Mhm. Um..... Talk about clams and jumping off a cliff to hopefully get a better body but also could die. Ow. A little panic attacks as a treat. OH RIGHT! SEX! Yup. sex happens. ALSO. more body changes. Mhm. That''s it!

    ¡°Okay. Okay okay okay.¡± Lynette''s snek Doll hums while tearing her gaze from the empty skies above. Broken odd patterns that always dance beneath the surface of her three scarlet eyes dimming. Ears remain at their full height as she says to us. ¡°Hi! Okay. This one can do this now. Mhm. Promised Her. So¡­ Questions questions? You had questions? Careful questions and careful answers? But not stories. Can¡¯t give those. Or¡­ No, that''s a lie. Mistress promised this one that she didn¡¯t have to ever do that again. But questions can be okay¡­ Okay?¡±

    {Ah... It seems Lynette sending her little one was, at least, an act of trust?} I intone to my Xafra.

    Still completely locked from my body and its current perceptions but... oddly unbothered. Lynette was a mess of fury and pain and cracking parts. And the best one to help her pull away the thorns is our dear Schatzi. She... saw to our needs for decades and is the only reason we survived so much.

    "I have a lot of questions but I''m not sure how many you could answer that I''d be willing to ask you." Xafra responds before canting ::Agreement:: at me.

    "Because you don''t want to make this one panic." She nods while ears seem to swivel about. "Mhm. Tears and screaming make questions... messy. But those come from stories. If you keep to questions that want words that don''t move then that won''t happen. Right? And... If the question demands words that move this one just won''t answer and won''t think about them. Promise promise. So... try one out? See what words wiggle and which don''t?"

    Xafra tilts her head to the side, eyes unfocused for a second and asks carefully. "What can we offer to help improve your life?"

    "Oh that''s Eaaaasy." She giggles. "Teach Sikkina how to sing better. She only knows how to do that in ugly ways right now but has such a pretty voice. If you can only sing ugly too then... find someone who doesn''t sing ugly and ask them to help! And um... well, don''t let the Zurrzunge come back up again. Wow. That was scary. And... OH! Ask Miss Augusta to bring that soft pillow tomorrow night. Mhm! Those are the still worded answers with only a few wiggles!"

    Then the odd Doll turns to grin at Adaline. "This one''s turn! And It''s allowed to ask for stories. What was the second best dream The Seraph remembers having? You... Well, this one heard you mention it and wanted to know!"

    As Xafra falls prey to confusion once more, Adaline stammers "Oh um well... Her second best dream is definitely to beat Dark Lord Snurgle once and for all by swaying him to her side with the power of love and incredible violence. You know, being able to just hang out and eat hot chips."

    "This one knew it." The Doll whispers, her smile widening. "That''s why she sends little messengers to tease that the Dark Lord should change the name to Snuggle instead of Snurgle and and and..."

    She trails off with a giggle, then takes a deep and happy breath, ears twitching and fur rippling. "Okaaay. Okay okay. Good question. Good answers. Next good answer... but first a question that could be good?"

    "Sure. Happy to answer whatever we can." Xafra says with a smile, pulling Adaline over into her lap as she shifts to Warlord to properly envelop her.

    "Is... the next soft snuggler that Miss Xafra''s first Doll making for you the secret teacher or the super secret moon infiltrator? That Doll is really bad with names and words that don''t become pictures in her heads and she keeps getting distracted by Miss Xafra''s second Doll and pouncing on her instead of explaining anything! This one can''t hear the colors of the threads used, but the shapes soooound like a mix between a prickly fish and a fruit with wings." She asks with nothing but a focused expression.

    I can''t help but titter at that. Keep my manifesting Physis form steady and mostly quiet but let Xafra and Adaline feel my joy at this little one''s fixations. Recalling with enjoyment Adaline''s last gush about the plans for the delightful story she''s weaving.

    "The super secret moon infiltrator. Retansi is a bug person who pretends to believe in the Eternal Dark so ze can learn about Dark Lord Snurgle''s plans and copy his diary to help The Seraph turn him to the side of friendship." Adaline excitedly explains.

    "Oooooh.... That sounds amazing! Ze''s soft snugglie is gonna look SOOO good!!!" She replies happily while ears sway back and forth. "Okay okay okay. Question again. But this one asked two so two can be asked back. Even... Questions that got this one upset before. It can answer most and like... just not answer if problems."

    "Hmmm... Okay. Have you been here longer than Calix?" Adaline asks.

    "No. But also yes." She turns around to settle herself within the coils of her tail to sit. Ears stilling but not moving in in worried or scared ways. Just attentive and focused as her voice loses all bubbling joy in favor of a more even tone. "This Frame was woven and filled with the refractions eighteen hundred and forty-two days after that one was knit into his Frame. But other refracted reflections of this one from other vessels came here before even that."

    "Thank you. That''s helpful to know." Adaline responds softly.

    "Agreed. I wanted to know if you had any ideas for a soft snuggler of your own?" Xafra says, changing the subject as she intones to me [Something just... shifted with Schatzi. She''s still requesting privacy but I''m worried.]

    {Something like what? Lynette would never harm Schatzi, would probably die even to keep her safe.} I reply and ask.{Verbess? Should we... press for information?}

    "This... one''s own?" And the snek Doll''s head quirks in confusion as ears remain pointed straight up. Eyes looking past us all as she seems to puzzle over those words.

    The manifested form of Verbess thrums in interest and... an almost manic delight? Cackling out with a grin as even Krahe looks to it with confusion. [No, Mistress. Schatzi has simply... found that an old buried reservoir of herself has grown while hidden away from considerations. And through this trove found resonant aspects to match to these one''s Second User. She and Lynette will arise stronger after harmonizing tonight and share what they feel is necessary.]

    [Schatzi''s Wairua tripled in an instant and I have no idea how.]

    Verbess'' mirth titters into such a thing that overwhelms the bond and probably more so the Quill-Song for a heartbeat. Probably helps balance out my Xafra''s worry more than my words do even...

    {I... That''s a good thing. Terrifying as we don''t know why but... in our favor. Might help us be prepared if we meet other sorts who know how to toss the weight of their Wairua around like you''ve shown us? And Verbess seems more than happy about this development, so... let''s trust them. She''ll explain after she and Lynette have tended to each other this night.} I intone to them.

    Lynette''s Doll has gone quiet while we conversed. But those ears are now beginning to swivel in worry as she whispers when Xafra seems more focused on her again. "A... a sleepy clam. Like the ones filled with long soft fingers inside the shell. If... Um..." She takes a deep breath, then looks between us. Attempting to appear calm despite the obvious fear in her next words. "This one is sorry. Please don''t be upset with it. Or... or tell Mistress it''s wanting things. Please."

    I''d ask more about this odd creature, but her last words make me need to suppress a wince of sadness as I recognize the Doll''s terror. Old torments and abuses not from her time in Lynette''s care but... Yselda''s. All Mistress'' mingled together in few a heartbeats of conditioned pain.

    I''m already moving to gather the little one up in my arms, but stop when I realize I my Physis form isn''t sturdy enough to hold her. And before I can consider how to overcome that or ask another... There is a twitch in the Pack''s song, and Krahe has slipped forward. Tail splitting to half a dozen as she curls around Lynette''s Doll without actually touching or entrapping her.

    "Kinda... like these?" Krahe grins while they swirl about, Quills dancing a little quiet song of calm, even protective, curiosity.

    Lynette''s Doll pauses, wide eyes moving to try and follow the darting tangle as her Frame leans back into the chest of the Pack Sister. "Um... No. Too wiggly. More like fingers with joints and no teeth. Very soft but also strong and grabby."

    Ear''s shifting from that twisting of fear back to gentler things. Wonder at Krahe''s display of her tails and focus on answering questions.

    "We won''t tell unless you wish us too. We aren''t upset at all. It''s The Seraph''s third best dream that all cuties and wigglers and stony folk get the soft snugglies they want." Adaline declares with passion as Xafra smiles at me with gentle reassurance.

    The little one''s ears fully still their anxious motions while adjusting to lean back more into Krahe, calming greatly at Adaline''s words. "Okay. Okay okay. Um... They only open up when they''re hiding deep beneath the waves or... or the sky is almost empty. But snuggle anyone who swims too close. Only let go when it''s time to close up again."

    "They sound an absolute adorable menace." I chuckle and let my Physis form lean into Xafra''s arm, completely unfamiliar with this strange creature but deciding I''d like to see Primrose make it. "But... that''s our two questions. Your turn. Mayhaps to ask more about Adaline''s work? I''m sure she''d love to answer more."

    There are at least another two dozen questions exchanged before Lynette''s little one seems to want to just return to her sky watching. Most were between Adaline and Lynette''s little one about The Seraph and the Dark Lord Snurgle and all the movings within the story. Each softer and less worrisome than the last as each gerl sits happily cuddled in the arms of a Pack Sister.

    Eventually the Cracked and Riven Moon has tilted far enough to warn of the coming suns incoming weeping and the snek Doll leads us down from the roof. Deft and easily slithering across the outer walls to drop into the upper study. Then, faster than our Pack in this moment by sheer nature of certainty of destination, disappearing into the lower bedchambers before the rest of us even enter the hallway.

    Words echo up from the lower bedchambers. Mostly from... Huh. So Schatzi did pull Lynette away from whatever project she stormed off to focus on. Even got her to go below and probably clean off all the mess from yesterday''s events.

    But... she''s still closed off from me. Keeping our division intentional and well defined.

    Then, before the rest of the Pack can react to this, the snek Doll comes slithering up the steps at speed. Stopping just shy of slamming into anyone to grin up and giggle. "This one thanks you for watching the Sky and giving answers and stories and... and hugs."

    Then she proceeds to embrace everyone with Frame or flesh in adorable little squeezes before slithering back down. Ear''s drooping a bit but... only from weariness as the rest of her radiates a happy weariness.

    "Shall we check on Schatzi and Lynette now?" Xafra asks with slight trepidation. "She''s... probably going to be angry with me."

    I wish so much I could take up my Xafra''s hand in support, but make due and instead gift that desire and encouragement along our bond. "Speaking from a place of absolute honesty... no one can remain properly angry after so many hours with Schatzi. Especially not me. And less so her. Less practice using the Soul Rot to gift the conditions to try, you see. Sustained grumpiness in the face of Schatzi''s steadfast care is quite the difficult thing to maintain."

    Verbess cackles and thrums. "Less so now that this one''s Sister has embraced long buried parts."

    I eye the Physis manifestation of it, long past being worried and just... tired and curious. Honestly thinking myself ready for whatever new ways Schatzi has adapted schema to better shift her body to suit her inner self.

    "Yeah okay. But... if she decides to yell, I deserve it so... let it pass please. All of you."

    "Honestly, loud anger from her would be a good sign, I think." I reply with a chuckle as I begin to shift my form forward to lead us downways. "The gerl has too many of my memories of being taught to treat fury like some... horrid stew. Let it boil until perfect to serve to those that wronged her. But... I won''t let this get out of hand, will promise you that instead."

    Turn as Xafra begins to consider her next words and... stop.

    Lynette''s there. Sitting at the edge of the bed and watching the passage her little one took to get back below. Can''t see her face but that''s not a sign of anything either way to her mood.

    And next to her is such a strange figure with...

    Oh.

    This is My Schatzi.

    Her skin is fully gray toned and seemingly¡­ textured? Possibly coarse if stroked at the wrong angles if my guess is correct. Smile also much wider than is normal, with hands sprouting to talons with extra joints, and what were soft and delicate horns now branching backways to violent spikes.

    But the same brilliant eyes I remember getting a bit lost in those first few weeks together. Glimmering brighter than I think they have in years.

    I know she can feel my tangled mess of emotions about seeing her like this. Despite my reaction to hide them from her.

    "Hello, dear one." I murmur gently to her, struggling past much less useful thoughts to find the words to express the important things as quickly and cleanly as possible. "Verbess has been thrumming like never before over what it felt. And now I understand why. You look wonderful."

    "Perhaps a touch grey around the eyes?" Adaline jokes softly.

    "This one... Doesn''t remember much about this... Form, but it is... Is it okay?" Schatzi asks in a dreamy daze.

    "Yes. It''s perfect." I reply immediately and let my Physis form carefully drift closer. Very openly admiring her Frame and form. "It feels like... like I''ve gotten to watch a cute flower bud in our time together but... only just recently have you begun to burst into full color and blossom. Finally the right season."

    "Thank you. This one.... I um... Mistress Lynette was having some difficulties and this one wanted to help and support her and just... Stopped holding the Frame back from shifting with me."

    "Suits you. But that doesn''t... Sorry, this isn''t an interrogation, I''m concerned because your presence, your Wairua tripled between one moment and the next." Xafra presses.

    "It was quite the thing to witness." Lynette finally speaks, turning back to regard us with our bodies smoky midnight violet eyes. "Old mantles and such becoming unburied and perceived as the Frame can twist to suit it. She''s been knitting both together without much conflict, which is impressive and not at all surprising. But... may find some disparate parts tumbling over each other later."

    Verbess thrums approval while Physis form dissipates. Then Krahe grins and seems to bounce happily over to Schatzi before I can blink. Tails unfurling to poke and nudge and eventually just gush some seemingly bubbly wordless melodies at her little birb''s new shapes.

    "Understood." Xafra strides forward and drops to one knee in front of Lynette. "Mistress, I want to apologize. I deliberately provoked you and tried to get you to act against your beliefs and that was unacceptable."

    Our hair tendrils click and clack such an... odd melody. A thing riven between steady warning and... something else. A fear? No. Even that isn''t right. It''s too messy and conflicted.

    "Schatzi helped me understand something. That, while chains don''t make you who you are, they can..." She trails off. Then sighs so tiredly while reaching out to very carefully brush a loose strand of Xafra''s hair back neatly into place. Finishes with a far quieter voice than before. "Can make us what we are. Hurt as we or others try to tug us past their limits."

    "Yes, Mistress. It is something to overcome, yet it is easier to do so when such is recognized and acknowledged." Xafra smiles in relief.

    "Speaking of that..." She leans forward to take up Xafra''s leash while emphasizing each previous word, purring while tendrils titter a dangerous melody. "Jezrial''s shared little observation, bolstered by Schatzi''s explained perspectives, are more than enough to ensure our success without her aid. So I''ve decided that your Basal Garrote gets eaten after we''ve all had a good rest. No more delays. No more hesitations."

    Lynette glances up to me with eyes and soul in question that everyone can easily read as she intones over the bond, <Do you, as Primary User to this Pack, consent to this?>

    "If Xafra and our Pack think we''re prepared then... " I nod and Cant a simple ::Approval/Agreement:: to her and our Pack. Choosing to trust her in this scheme despite my lack of fully understanding what has changed below.

    Xafra unsteadily gets to her feet and looks at me and Lynette, "Uhhm. I mean, Yeah? I don''t really know what you need to prepare."

    And... between one heartbeat and the next... I feel Lynette again.

    She''s... oh.

    Cracked and Riven Moon. What have you...

    No. You''re right. We can tend to that all later.

    Physis form dissipates as senses return. Everything feels so raw and tired and sensitive.

    I sigh aloud and let Physis tendrils spark out and begin to nibble at our own core while reaching out to Xafra''s while Lynette shares things.

    Wordless at first. Bare information without the confinements even our six languages hold. Details and considerations and schema and...

    <Seven. We know seven Languages, Elevar.> She corrects tiredly. But... letting her relief at slowly peeling away from worries of the flesh. Detangling messy wounded parts that connect us and letting most settle to rest. <Yudredii''s brother tongue may not have a name, but it took twice as long as most others to grasp.>

    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

    "Don''t think that let''s us randomly claim it as unique, but you''ve a point." I murmur aloud with a smirk as a tendril hooks our Xafra, then look up to Xafra and our waiting Pack. "We''re doing the preparations now. Just need to... well, Jezrial made a good point. Actually. We''re ensuring our core is Tuned perfectly to yours. Will take... probably six hours? Which is fine because this body needs almost twice that at the moment and this is something Lynette can manage while I sleep. Will also run calculations with Warden to ensure our numbers add up before getting Adaline''s perspectives on their final mappings."

    "Alright. That works for me." With a wicked grin Xafra pounces on Schatzi and nuzzles her. "I''m gonna cherish the heck out of Schatzi in the meantime."

    "Mrph!" is the most coherent sound Schatzi makes as she happily lets Xafra envelop her with excited chirps.

    I giggle then barely manage to muster the energy to crawl up and onto the bed properly before slumping into a heap. Passing into slumber to the lullaby of my Doll being overwhelmed by the relentless affections of her Sisters.

    No Driftdream though.

    Not tonight.

    Part of us will find peaceful oblivion within the spaces between. While the other Tunes Ousia and Physis to Our Xafra.

    It''s a simple enough task. Just... a little backways. Possibly even a trap laid by the Curanos to crack our mind and will and focus. Because this is completely absurd! A Witch, tuning herself to her ''property'' instead of it being the other way around? It''s... it''s just so stupid and wrong and should be impossible!

    But our Physis tendrils let us do it anyway.

    From the Threads within and below an Old hissing voice is all but screaming at Lynette for letting this happen. For choosing this. For not following through with her schemes to shove Xafra''s face into the bitter brew set to boiling down in the Estate''s depths. Teaching her the consequences for so flippantly ignoring softly given-

    But then a Pack Sister takes to nibbling on the tip of Schatzi''s new horns. And the sound she makes is just...

    Lynette has to stifle a giggle of lips and tendrils, but due to the Tuning process can''t really stop the tittering of interest and delight from slipping past to the Pack. A thing probably more loud to them than any word or sound with how entwined they are in their Pack Bond.

    Well.... Moonshite. She sighs inwardly before rolling our body over to regard the Pack. Keeps a mask of calm amusement at what she finds...

    Adaline holding Schatzi close while teeth and tusks slowly graze and gnaw on those horns. Then Xafra murmurs something after there is a nod of agreement before beginning to slice away my Doll¡¯s clothing with deliberate slowness. All while Krahe lurks about, mischievous tails slithering and wiggling all about her Pack Sisters¡¯ Frames and forms.

    Quill-Song thrums louder.

    Pulses down bond and Physis tendril and rumbles through body and thought and even our other half''s Dream.

    Ah¡­ There¡¯s the other ravenous Pack Sister.

    From deep within the Harmonics, Verbess purrs its own hunger through the Song as it resonates with the others. Happily twisting through the melodies that slowly wrap Schatzi in their Pack''s attentions. Showing our Doll with very unsubtle motions what it thinks of this sister''s newly blossoming form.

    Lynette smirks and simply... settles in to enjoy watching this Resonant Chorus attend to their newest Symphony.

    With synchronized motions, Krahe and Xafra use their many tails and limbs respectively to pin Schatzi in place and explore the texture of her skin, the new angles of her hands, and most importantly to them, find the places that make her squirm and moan in pleasure the most.

    It''s... quite a sight. To see our Doll like this. Not just in the Frame''s new shapes, that''s had Lynette all a mess since the first moments Schatzi decided to reform herself. Reveal all the sharp edges that twist about the soft. Like... like some wreathed sculpture of such artistry. All Gentle angles wrapped in vicious curves.

    Aspects we always felt in her as she strode about the Root Ways and Groves with us, but only got to see when Schatzi''s skills were needed in the removal of a problem. But now she''s cracked free. Freshly hatched and... so vulnerable. A foul word or perception from either Mistress or Pack will ruin her.

    Not that Lynette would ever dream of doing such a thing, even if such changes to that form fill her with anything but ravenous glee and painful... somethings that she''ll tend to later.

    Especially as she feels that Schatzi can do nothing but melt under this Pack''s desire to affirm her new shapes with touch and lips and Quill-Song. Unable to even consider any other desires but her own. All worry for others needs or wants just... settled as the Pack finds themselves perfectly Harmonized to this task.

    The Pack rolls about, as they tend to do during these sorts of things, song and Frames shifting to prepare for a rising melody within our Schatzi. Xafra beneath and Krahe behind while Adaline refuses to stop gnashing on those horns and¡­

    A pop, then a loud twinned snap along her back, and something new begins to form. A last vestige of her hidden self feeling safe sprouting loose under the Pack¡¯s love or Inspired by it.

    But Lynette doesn¡¯t have time to ponder which it is as a pair of wings crack out from Schatzi¡¯s back to stretch toward the ceiling. Gorgeous bat-like things that shift to a dark-gray color on their underside.

    Xafra stops in surprise and adoration for a moment before Krahe takes advantage of the momentary pause to push forward and sandwich Schatzi between herself and Xafra once more leading to a rowdy chorus of giggles.

    Tail''s change their gentle teasing to quicker motions. Twisting about everyone in ways that cause more than just Schatzi to squeak and meep in delight. Almost... Ah. Verbess has joined the mess more directly. Not just gently supporting the Pack''s overall motions but voraciously gifting Krahe the knowledge and hungers to dig into this delightfully prepared meal.

    Together guiding each tendril tail to those perfect spots across the Pack Sisters. Tightening movements and cascading the Song to drag each note to the melody of the pleasure it seeks to gift them all.

    Stupidly impressive. Honestly. Lynette smirks while enjoying the performance. How it weaves the Pack Song like some Matron of Looms. Except... Instead of knitting some quilt or dress or other such, it weaves a tapestry of Frame-shivering sex with the entire gaggle without missing a single beat or string of thought.

    The Pack doesn''t last long under Verbess and Krahe''s focused efforts. Eventually their adorable little sounds of enjoyment tilt into things of need and nearly helpless anticipation for the coming release. Their buckling under the pressure a rush that starts with Adaline, cuts through Xafra, then slams into Schatzi with the weight of the prior two gerl''s eruptions.

    Krahe is the last. Sort of... more overwhelmed by the Pack''s conjoined climax than any precise touches or efforts. But none the lest included in the final turnings of the Harmonics.

    And they all tumble into a heap together. A mess of heaving breaths and twitching Frames and wiggling Quills.

    The bond alight with quite an unfair amount of nonsense. Especially vibrant by the Physis tendril we''ve left attached to Xafra''s core. Slowly drinking in the information we need to Tune ourselves to her.

    A prick of growling nonsense and Lynette lets out a huff of a sigh. Closing our eyes and turning her attentions back to the Beast below.

    Thread''s are being pulled tight as they will nearly go. Strangling the Muppets of this horror to silence. All old voices shivering in love and anticipation and such fear to the thing that binds them all. The Beast still sleeps but... its dreams fray more and more at the seams.

    Lynette curls mind and will down and about it the best she can with how tightly it binds her. Whispering soft promises. A pleading for it to... to wait.

    Don''t wake up.

    Please.

    Don''t... You''d ruin the feast you''ve woven me to prepare. The compromise is working. She and this gaggle trust me. Won''t be a problem. You can feel that.

    The Beast rumbles, pulls the Threads so tight Lynette feels aspects of her begin to shift. Change. Weight of memory echoes cracking her to-

    So she reweaves herself. Like always when this big stupid thing thinks it knows better than the Blossom it knit to consider the waking world through. Trying to make her more...

    Well. Like a thing Elevar and our Pack would not endure.

    But Lynette bought us all more time. Consumed those Sun-Blessed Spores and chews through them while feeding this beast the feast of memory and knowledge.

    Just... need to free Xafra. Tell her everything she can.

    Hope she won''t do something stupid.

    Be the clever gerl Lynette knows she can be and press through the muck so Sikkina can inherit our second gift.

    At some point... long after our Pack has passed into the deeper exhausted slumber they desperately needed, Lynette is able to pull free of the beast below with most of herself unshifted. Then she almost almost absently Spins open our Physis link to her daughter''s Sanctuary to begin humming the lullaby the little one has taken a liking to lately.

    One about a little beached clam who can never seem to find a shell to fit her. Eventually settling for something sort of close to her dream shell but... still wrong. But she endures the pain and grows within that shell, bearing all the discomfort for years and years. Until... one day she does find the perfect shell. Alight with joy and longing she tries to pull free to claim it but...

    She''s stuck.

    Too long within a wrong shell, and unable to slip free to take a new one.

    So, she climbs atop the highest rock she can find. Planning to toss herself into the jagged shapes below so that she may be free to claim that perfect shell.

    The song ends without anyone knowing whether she survived and crawled free to slip into her happiness, or died.

    But... such is the nature of Sun-Blessed stories gifted to their futures.

    ** ** **

    <Just... be sure to take it slow.> Lynette murmurs to my wordless observation. <One step at a time. Focus on getting us up and about.>

    Need to keep the mess beneath our tendril''s little melodies as we focus on rising from the pile of Gerlthings without causing a stir. Canting ::Solitude/cleansing:: gently to any who rouse at our movements.

    {Is... is it as loud for you as it is me?} I ask as I move toward the washroom, carefully reaching out with our Physis to start the cool downpour.

    <You really don''t want to know what it''s like on my side.> She chuckles as I step us beneath the waters. <But if you find yourself overwhelmed know that I''ll be able to fully handle things.>

    {I... That''s actually quite calming to know. Thank you.}

    Lynette pauses, almost hiding her reaction but... eventually lets me feel how much my easy trust bothers her as we take our time washing and adjusting to this new state.

    {Should we talk about last night?} I ask near the end.

    <I... mean to share a few things. With you and our Pack. Ensure they are prepared and protected from any poor outcomes or... or choices.>

    {Okay.} I murmur back softly. {But just so you know, I was a touch off balance after you stormed off. Don¡¯t really like being without you. Am willing to accept whatever dark secrets you think too much for us.}

    A long pause passes as we end the downpour before she replies. <Just... Let''s finish today before you alter any plans or perceptions.>

    I nudge her gently at the deflection but... don''t push.

    Instead stride back out to the bed our Pack lounges on. "Alright, dear ones. I trust your night was less a mess than yesterday? Perhaps at least more entertaining?"

    "Yeaaaahhhh. Eheheheh. Physically messy only." Xafra chuckles softly as she extracts her naked form from Schatzi, Krahe, and Adaline. "Those tentacle tails of Krahe''s are.... certainly something."

    Lynette giggles within and over the bond at that but only adds without. ¡°Good. We all seem in a perfect state to start the removal of the Basal Garrote today.¡±

    Then she waves our hand as Physis manifestations arise and pass to our Pack.

    ¡°This is our mapping and schemes and moment to moment tasks as well as¡­¡± Lynette pauses, hitches, then continues. ¡°Expectations. For if things twist wrongways. From the simple reknitting of the motions to evacuations and such. Augusta will be near to aid with gifted knowledge on today''s events. Consider them as you settle and Harmonize for this. Take your time. Look for gaps or mistakes.¡±

    "The desolate zone just outside the Estate where we embodied Krahe? Seems like the best place to do this." Xafra suggests after reading over the information.

    Adaline twitches her head a few times in confusion and says "Augusta says she will meet us there?"

    "Hmmm...." Lynette muses, actually... lets her enjoyment of Xafra suggesting the spot she expected her to flow down the bond while turning to Adaline. "She will. I mean to speak with her before this all starts anyway and will inform her of the location then."

    Then she turns to Xafra. "That would be a good place, symbolic and such even. But... still within the Estate''s perceptions. And from the way your Ousia lazed out like some napping Grakler before... I''d like to avoid you thrashing into it as things get untangled. There are some odd... structures beyond its outer limit. They remind me a touch of the buildings in your Driftdream and from your time. Well away from all Root Ways and only partially consumed by the jungles. If you desire to be away from this place for this, let''s not accept a half measure."

    "No I mean... She just told me that she''ll meet us there." Adaline insists. "With... Words in my vision instead of using the bond you all use..."

    "Cracked and Riven Moon. That woman..." Lynette sighs, but with a smirk. "I need her to follow us below. We''re not splitting the Thorn wall for any Threshers to spot. Also... I''ve a thing I''d like her opinion on before all this starts."

    "Alright. Let''s... head to wherever you suggest, and I guess Agusta will know to follow... Somehow..." Xafra says in puzzled acceptance.

    So we lead them below. Through tunnels and passages and winding nonsense pathways. Lynette is quiet the entire time. Tending to an anxiety bubbling to an eventual boil.

    Augusta meets us at the exit in a suit of black leather dress armor with buttons and buckles of lunargent. Her long red hair is tied up in a prim bun and her eyes are covered with a white blindfold. In holsters on her hips is a large book to the left and opposite it a set of writing supplies.

    "This is good. Very... Good." She says softly as we approach.

    "Well don''t you strike quite the figure?" I smile at her. "Thank you for coming today."

    "I wouldn''t miss it for the moon. It is an auspicious occasion after all. Was there anything you wished to discuss before we leave?"

    "Yes, actually. But we can talk while we move." Lynette responds while walking past, vines woven into a circular pattern to block the path forward pulling away to reveal...

    A passage riven and staked with sharp spines of root and rock and other substances I can''t recognize pointed away from us and covering sides and top of the tunnel. Leaving only a single narrow pathway through.

    "Stay on the path." Lynette murmurs while striding forward, only after walking for a few paces asking. "Augusta. I''m looking to avoid future big problems by creating smaller ones now. I need an active Floret. But... Am unsure who to choose. Xafra is an obvious choice, but I''ll not risk the Estate''s attentions on her again until she''s a bit more... unfolded and settled with her new Truths." She turns us to walk backways, glancing over our Pack and Augusta. "But in the meantime I need one we can trust to bear the burden of free entrance and exit from this place well. Someone... balanced. Steady and without loyalties to outsiders. And above all else, someone who I won''t stumble over in my schemes. I''ve a few possibles to ask but wanted your advise before upending roots and soil."

    "From the Pack or otherwise?" She asks while following.

    "Well that''s the most interesting question, isn''t it? To past Blossoms anyone but a flesh and blood Witch was impossible to pick for this. But go back far enough and even Elevar and Yselda would have been rejected and eaten for the audacity of breathing on these grounds due to a lack of pure Witch endowment." Lynette replies. "Now though? I think I can seed almost anyone but a Mundane. A Pack Sister seems an obvious choice, but... possibly short sighted."

    "My answer is quite different but still obvious I think. Rufus. After he binds to Calix."

    "Oh, well isn''t that a twist on the traditional choice?" Lynette chuckles, "Those with history within the Threshers have long made such... rich soil. Tons of Ousia to use, coupled with an education on the dangers of old magics. And even a Half-Knit like the current and previous Blossom. He''d not be a bad selection. How soon do you think it''ll be until he or Calix muster the moment to advance things together? I''d not rush them, of course, or seek to spoil the weeks after while they settle into each other."

    "Calix has already asked me for advice regarding convincing our Xafra here to accept Rufus as one of hers." Augusta gossips.

    I let my own giggle bubble up as we reach a fork in the path and I lead us down the left route. "I assumed they''d try something the other way around, but of course I should have expected Calix to uproot expectations and tug Rufus down new paths."

    "Calix is the one in charge, it would mess with their relationship something fierce if he was suddenly expected to obey Rufus." Augusta continues blithely.

    "Exactly. The men Rufus chased in his younger years were... very unique." I smirk and wink at Xafra before turning back to face the path, adding to Augusta''s gossip with my own. "Calix checks all the fool boy''s boxes and then more than a few extra. Which... Did he ever tell you about the two he was bumbling between when I left? Wretched, the both of them, but... each in ways that didn''t quite push him to cut things off until much later."

    "He did. It was... Well, that was during a session, so I''ll respect his privacy."

    "Of course, wouldn''t want to babble on besides." I reply as my smirk softens. "I''m glad he''s safe and happy. It''s... sort of why I don''t want for him to be a Floret to this place. Because he would run off and toss himself into danger. It''s selfish. But... it''s in the way I was taught to be about the few fools I love."

    "Not with Calix to balance and anchor him, as well as minimize the amount that the Estate can... Warp in him." Augusta counters.

    Nearly a dozen heartbeats pass before I sigh and reply. "I''m... actually not worried about the Estate Warping him. Not really. To be a Floret is the hold a key. That''s all. I just..."

    As I trail off, Lynette rises to guide us and speak. "I still like the idea. The boy developed quite the wanderlust and has been all but demanding we give him more to do. The real question and concern for him, and a few other possibles, is how they will be treated along the Root Ways. Fleshcrafting in private is barely tolerated, open alterations are not. But, of all our choices he''ll have the best chance of knowing how to avoid his old gaggle. Can even navigate the jungles if needed, I''d assume."

    "Why would he even need to avoid them? He''s the conquering hero, having claimed the Estate with might of arms... or something. No, that''s not going to work, he''s too much of a pushover." Xafra muses.

    I can''t help but chuckle at that. "No, Honestly I''d advise him to travel the Root Ways as just... a cute new Fleshcrafter and his Doll wandering about and helping people. A quiet oddity. One the Groves and Threshers ignore in favor of other problems we''ll weave to distract them. I''m just worried what they''d do if they learned who he is. How they''d make those two top priorities to find and capture and interrogate. Mayhaps send their best hunters too." I take a deep breath and let it out slowly. "When I walked from this place I was endlessly scorned and constantly in danger from Threshers. And that was with Yselda''s threats looming large at my back. I don''t want that for him, at the very least."

    With a vile laugh Xafra responds, "Oh I can be much scarier than Yselda though. I''m not bound to a location like she was and no one hurts those I claim."

    I... Keep our tendrils clicking away to smother the extra weight her rising emotions have. Press away the reverberations bubbling up from our Xafra while...

    "You''re viciously delightful." Lynette chuckles while basking in that murderous tune tittering down the bond, but glances back to give our blade a grin. "However, this is assuming he''ll accept all my terms for the role." Then she shifts back to regard the Kindly One. "So, Augusta. Let''s assume Rufus is no longer an option or I decide to treat myself and plant a second Floret. Who else do you think could sprout well into the role?"

    "Valthirii. She''s like you, in a way."

    "Interesting... In what way is she like me?" Lynette asks as the passage begins to incline upways.

    "General demeanor, viewpoints, and utter discontent with the status quo. I consider all of these positive traits to be clear. In some ways, she''s barely a Doll at all."

    "Ah..." Lynette murmurs with a smile as rays of sunlight can be seen prickling down from above about fifty steps down the tunnel. "No wonder Adaline thinks well of her. A good suggestion. Are there any on the grounds you''d highly recommend I not even consider? Ones I might find interesting choices?"

    "Adaline is down bad for her as the Dolls say, almost as much as she is for you..." Augusta mentions with a giggle without answering the question.

    "Hey..." Adaline protests.

    "Is that truly what they say? Well... Of course a brilliant Sister of our Pack has wonderful tastes." Lynette chuckles. "Thank you for your perspectives, Augusta."

    Then we reach the spot with the light above. Find ourselves at the bottom of a pit lined with even more of those sharp spines and a nasty drop from above.

    "Alright..." We murmur, purpose mingling as we gaze upways. Tendrils tittering in anticipation. "Up and out then. The vines have already tugged in their spikes for anyone here to use."

    Too high for a normal leap. Could climb but where''s the fun in that? So... A gentle brush of the Glyph should do it. We consider while bending our knees and adjusting our aim. Then use Physis to correct if needed. Just like in the jungle but with more force.

    Press Physis through the mind-laden Glyph of Endurance and Motion.

    A spike of energy. And everything is... well not slow.

    Our subconscious mind just absorbs everything so much faster.

    Crack of motion.

    Up faster than we expect.

    Already in the jungles. Slamming into a branch and only barely and on reflex snapping out to grip it before we''d otherwise fall back down.

    "Cracked and Riven Moon." We hiss. Cutting off the Physis to the Glyph before we overexert and crack something without or within. Pulling up to get steady on our perch while glancing below.

    As the Pack all jump their way up, Augusta casually floats upwards a full foot away from the vines.

    "Well isn''t that just... a wonderful way to take your first motions? Welcome to the outside, Augusta." We can help but grin at this marvel of a woman. "This passage may be a bit... secluded and a pain to use, but it will be open to you. For as long as we are Blossom to this Estate. To come and go as you please if we''re not about to open a path from the grounds. Threshers stopped using this intake gutter long before I came here and so you won''t have to worry about odd sorts tumbling about."

    "It is appreciated." she smiles. "I have something to share once we arrive before you begin the process."

    "Consider us intrigued." We rise and take a heartbeat to orient ourselves. "It''s a short walk from here."

    Then we lead them. Through jungles identical to the ones we pursued and were pursued by our Adaline through. Eventually finding it cut off like some great wall sits before it. And before us...

    Is a town similar in silhouettes and shapes to the one in Xafra''s Driftdream. Structures of stone instead of woven living Roots. All overgrown by the oddest plants. Dull things with desaturated hues and an overabundance of green shades. Trees with grayish brown trunks instead of the richer shades of maroon or white or even dark blues. The ground is full with grass that tickles at our knees when we drop down into it but... doesn¡¯t grow much higher.

    "Well... How does our Xafra feel about this place?" We murmur while stepping up to take her hand in ours. "We can explore a bit, find a spot you feel best about?"

    "It''s good. Looks comfortable. Outside feels best. No walls for this."

    We nod and lead her forward. Walking through the divides between the structures and listening to the midday. It''s... very quiet. The sounds from the thick jungles can be heard but... not really anything from this abandoned place.

    We eventually find a central opening. A spot between some of the larger structures with more trees but shorter grass and a healthy number of these little trees.

    "Alright... Here seems a good spot." We whisper while settling in to sit on the prickly grass.

    Augusta sits down cross-legged, withdraws her book and opens it on her lap. "Today I am going to tell you all a story that I heard over a hundred years ago as it was told to me. For this story there are two rules that must be followed. First is that you cannot ask me about the story afterwards, and second is you cannot interrupt. Is that alright with you all?"

    "I think all of us can easily agree to that." We nod, adjusting to get more comfortable.

    "Then I will begin." Still blindfolded, she runs her fingers along raised bumps on the page of the book and speaks in... Calix''s voice.

    "Once upon a future present time, there is, was, and will be a Demon. This Demon, like all Demons, chooses a Virtue name on her Nameday. Knowing the past of her parents and wanting to follow the example they had and will show since she was young, she chose the name Mis¨¦ricorde, or Mercy in the common tongue. Mercy will be a gentle Demon, yet one of incredible power. She travels the space between Dreams and Reality like an Avian flies or a Tzzchek burrows, eventually coming to a domain that had forsaken magic eons before. She remains trapped on the dream side of the domain until a man attempts a ritual to summon himself a wife. Now obviously this doesn''t work, magic doesn''t yet again exist, but Mis¨¦ricorde rides this ritual to the Real to take upon a body of shadow and ink. She will not love this man, and makes that clear, but helps him learn to speak to women and earn the affections of one of his peers. She travels this reality for a while until disaster strikes. A stone flying across the vastness of between comes to strike the dirtland she''s grown fond of. Without hesitation, she demonstrates her immense strength and deflects it, striking their moon instead. Yet... This Moon will not be just a rock hanging in the empty sky, it is a twin of our own Mother Moon, and when an Installation on the Moon is struck by this stone deflecting with the greatest of Mercy, the Real and the Dream eventually come to an end. For two full years, the impact shook until it will, and did, reach through the vast and shatter our Mother Moon. The reality the Demon had come to love resumed once more with the magic of our Moon bleeding through to theirs. This Demon will be and was heartbroken, for how could such a monster ever go home again or be forgiven? It adopts a new name, and a new policy of intervening only on a much smaller scale, and even now, Tymalth doubts its parents will ever forgive its greatest sin. This was the story of how our Moon died due to the grandest of intentions."

    Long heartbeats pass, and we can''t help the eternity of questions that bubble up within. But... we respect her requests and only murmur without. "We... Thank you. For this. We have inscribed the words within and will keep them close."

    "After this ritual, Xafra herself will know the answers to some of the questions you most certainly have, and the others I either cannot answer myself or have been sworn to secrecy regarding" Augusta responds, resuming her own voice.

    We nod to her. "We assumed as much, but it''s good to hear." Then we turn to our Blade, and intone aimlessly in our twinned Witch Tone. "My Xafra, are you ready?"

    With a voice that blends her own and Jezrial''s Witch Tone, Xafra responds as she kneels before our sitting form. "Yes, My Mistresses. I am ready."

    Tendrils click and titter as Physis extensions crackle out to curl about her form. Pausing only as we carefully allow our Ousia to begin seeping into their cores.

    Eyes shift to what others see as our smoking black iris as hands move out to twist and tangle through her hair. Soon followed by our invisible tendrils coiling about her like sneks. Each to their places before blossoming little fangs and sinking teeth of Physis into her core.

    Cant a simple and direct ::Beginnings:: to the Pack.

    Then begin to inject the venom of Ousia to start the work.

    Tossing us all forward toward like some silly clams needing to crack old Shells loose.

 Chapter 79: Ekkenosis and Ergi (Our Xafra)

    Ekkenosis and Ergi (Our Xafra)

    Content Warnings:

    Removal of mind altering magic. Gore flavored chest portals. Self harm to offer blood to a godthing.

    The venom burrows into my Frame, past the layers of synthesized skin and meat and iron older than the modern reckoning. A shipworm through time, seeking out and gnawing on the garrote that binds me like a caravel to a foreign harbor. The Quills hit like the song of thunder, distorting what is into what could be, a window of possibility. I look across those gathered, the Pack in stalking stride encircling us like the dancers of Kizzura''s clan, their forms bleeding light and warmth. My Mistresses before me, tendrils softly chiming shadows and darkness in soothing contrast as I am unmade. And Augusta, unaffected by the changes to my vision and perception, writing rapidly in her book, the ink shifting to invisible lignum bumps on the pages as she writes from my perspective.

    At this moment I hate her more than any other and can feel that she accepts such scorn without question.

    I find myself standing, not having stood, my form flowing upwards into an approximation of itself.

    "What am I?" I ask, already gathering the countless answers yet needing to know what they will say.

    "Our Xafra. A wonderful Person and our Bonded Partner. For as long as you want to be." My Mistresses respond immediately, but as one also focusing on a difficult task elsewhere. "But also... More. Of course. Adaline tumbled into the term Dreamborne and we think that''s a good start until you find something better. Not an amalgam of the gerls in your Driftdream, but the one who saved them. Wove that gaggle a space to be safe and begin healing after others sought to use them. As for your origins before then... you''ll have to ask older sorts for the most clarity on that. But know that we''ll be delighted to discover these new and hidden Truths by your side."

    Verbess thrums wordless answers into our Quill-Song. Melodies that only one who has felt its deepest Functions can understand. Things of slow end to Frame and self not just postponed but... reinvigorated. Not just life continued but existence enriched. Dreams it never wanted to have now the most important prey to this old huntress to pursue with me.

    Krahe intones fierce admirations to me, her Pack Lead. One who was ready to hunt her to a dream''s end to ensure she was adopted into the Pack. A gerl she is not just glad to follow, but ravenously dedicated to being a good Pack Sister to. Who felt the hidden parts with nothing but awe and excitement to feel me perceive.

    I embrace these Truths and let them envelope me as my form trembles. Older Truths emerge, those hidden by the Garrote that my Mistresses devour and replace with bits of their own soulstuff, Tuned to match my own under all the many souls tethered to and through me.

    "Yes. Yes. Yes. But we are... Missing some. I have heard their words but forgotten the sounds."

    I feel my body, the vast emptiness within my chest. I look up and I see the stars that had been hidden from my sight, each the core of a Reality unto themselves, a Truth too large to accept for such a small vessel as mine. I am... Real and Unreal. Dream and Dirt and Whispers and Moonshite and Nightmares and Flesh.

    "Slow down, Dear one..." My Mistresses murmur softly from within and without. "No thrashing about like some Grakler caught in a web. We have a pace, match it. Mind the tangled bits or you''ll tear something important. This Garrote is kept smothered by our Pack but is still old and messy and... honestly brittle. But those fragile strands hold parts of you together. So no ripping them up."

    Then it''s like... in those first days of figuring out how to make myself a body. Jezrial curled about my small first forms and cupping her hands gently around and beneath mine. Guiding me through the delicate motions of everything. From Curanos work to cooking to... holding a book I wanted to read.

    But now there are all these threads and I''m unraveling them with my Mistresses and... and eventually Adaline too. Warden hovering close but only offering assessments while Verbess and Schatzi manage the melody that keeps the threads from turning back into sneks.

    Because the threads are coiled about me, also coming from deep within, and after pulling them out we have to make them new before tying them back inside me.

    "One thread at a time." Elevar assures gently through it all.

    "I need to..." I cannot find the words to express while my ontology expands inwards and through and I nearly scream in frustration before Augusta speaks up with the missing words.

    "Xafra is going to be bringing more individuals to help. The present perspectives are insufficient to fully sever the Garrote." This woman I now recognize as kindred in a different way announces.

    "Oh? Someone from back on the grounds or..." Lynette asks.

    I dig my nails into my abdomen and pull outwards, tearing not only flesh but distance as well, revealing my first Doll through a goreformed passage.

    "Primrose dear, your mistress needs you. I would suggest you hurry on through." Augusta speaks swiftly.

    "I... um...." The girl stammers, but without any more hesitation tumbles forward through threads and gore and mess to flop down onto the grass between us. Looking about in a rush of dedicated focused confusion before her eyes settle on me.

    She stills as the passage closes, then rises.

    "Mistress. You need this one." She asks steadily despite all the nonsense, Frame standing happily at attention.

    I nod wordlessly, still caught in the storm of my thoughts and the reweaving. I feel Reality around me and push my fingers through the surface as easily as I did my flesh to withdraw Jezrial and Kizurra from the Driftdream. One who wishes to serve, One who wishes to teach, and One who wishes to cease. The missing perspectives.

    Jezrial takes in the scene the quickest, repressing what I know would have been words of frustrated reproach for doing this without her at the start, but turns her still stone wrapped form away from all others to face mine. "What do you need from me?¡±

    "What am I?" I ask the question again, the resonance carving new shapes into being.

    "Ooooh." Primrose''s steady worry breaks into a much more familiar grin bubbling with joy as memories play through her mind''s eye. "The best Mistress. You find all the colorful bits inside and help those you love pull them out. Makes sure those you claim never feel anything but loved and safe and enjoyed. And... and... this one knows it''s because you know what it''s like to not have others help you do that. Were hurt so much in the before now times. The old Mistress was hurt too but... she was kinda your opposite. Made us feel worthless and broken and used. That''s why you''re best Mistress. You turn your pain into softer things for this one and others."

    My first Doll nods, then settles in the grass by her Mistress'' feet. Even wraps careful arms around a leg in support and love.

    "I..." Jezrial looks down. Stone body so very still as the Curanos'' fists clenches so tight I think they might break. "A Goddess¡¯ child I taught and raised and loved as... as my daughter. The one who even with lies and horrid memories trying to smother her rose above it all. Devoured every word and lesson I could ever hope to teach, and more still. The girl who''s always deserved more. Especially from me."

    She goes quiet then, settling to sit cross legged on the grass. Then stills to seem as a statue once again.

    Kizzura grunts in annoyance as the wind carries her muffled words from a wispy translucent body. "An annoyance. Bloody woman too big for her britches who slaughtered whole clans of my people on behalf of my idiot son simply because they were in the way of your vengeance. You''ve changed since meeting this lot. Made wiser choices with less arrogance. Don''t get stupid again, girl.¡±

    These Truths as well, I wrap tightly around myself with gratitude and love. The Garrote is undermined further and I feel my reach expanding farther with my growing understanding.

    I ask, for the third and final time, those who have been there all along, whose presence should terrify me and strike me dead with the weight of their regard.

    "What am I?" I whisper to the Dirt, the Suns, and the remnants of the Moon.

    The answer I dread, doesn''t come the way I expect. No loud voice, or strike of thunder from clear air, meteors falling or earth shaking. Instead, for a long moment, there is such absolute silence in a way I cannot understand... Until they resume speaking once more and I can almost understand the murmured thoughts that they have been speaking my entire existence.

    "Xafra...?" Lynette asks carefully after about a dozen heartbeats. She can''t even begin to hide the fear and worry and bubbling defensiveness rises. Isn''t capable of pausing her work, but does slow as she focuses on everything coming down the bond from me. "Did... Did they respond?¡±

    "Yes." I answer with utter delight, finally understanding that I was not abandoned, that I''ve never been as alone as I felt.

    She regards me for a little while longer, then nods and continues the work on the Garrote. Slowly unweaving and untangling before letting me reknit the raw Ousia they''re gifting into new Truths.

    As the work nears completion I lower myself back to the ground, gently petting Primrose as my form flows once more before settling into a new yet comfortable body.

    I see myself from Augusta eyes and perspective, a gift to a newly ascended Daemon my instincts tell me as she smiles and pulls away the blindfold.

    A body that at first seems a humanoid Doll Frame with how it seems to shine a bit, but subtle rhythms of breath and heartbeat makes it not. Those Lunargent filigree from her Spearform now trail across her body like ever moving tattoos that twist into languages no one can read but her and I. Skin is so soft looking and smooth and pretty but... broken at immediate notice at side of neck and hip and wrist. As if she was all made of glass and parts have either frayed into sharded edges. Revealing totally hollow insides with no place for the heart or organs or flesh.

    Instead there is a little sparking flame at her core. The Breath of D?mmerung seemingly miniscule against the space within she could choose to fill with things.

    Her eyes are as they are always and should be. Ruby red iris but not quite the ones from before. Seeming to almost dance between the edges of the hues that color can be. Dimming or glimmering up to near Scarlet depending on her mood/desires.

    Her hair though... To the average unobservant sort it would seem a tangled silver mess. Always in the wind even when resting. But to those close and watching or seeing her get excited in this form, the ends glow and shift to a vibrant red.

    The largest crack in her form is at the back of her skull. And from it pours this gorgeous mane of hair that glimmers with little subtle reflections of what others don''t know to be Watchers.

    As for the wings that I can feel her shudder in delight, the filigree twines together to twist across shoulder blades into glasslike feathered shapes. When folded, they can lay flat against skin and not obstruct clothing, but can expand out to encompass an absurd wingspan.

    The blindfold is replaced and I snap back to my own perspective, dizzy with joy, and freedom, and power.

    "I think... It''s done?" I ask and suggest with hesitation.

    "Just... one more little..." Elevar murmurs, then snaps back from her weaving. The tendrils of Physis brimming with Ousia tied off and cut away like thread about a stitched-up wound. Pieces are already being pulled into my core and subsumed. Then they blink multiple times as eyes adjust back to their triple iris set. Trailing up and down my new form while a grin grows to match the bubbling mess of delighted excitement at the me they see. "From this new form and absolute lack of Garrote flavored mess within you...I''d say we are, yes. How are you feeling?¡±

    "I feel... Complete. Whole. Free." Looking around I see Kizzura quietly dissipating away with a slight shrug and I wave goodbye to her for the last time. "Blessed be, my guardian.¡±

    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    Primrose remains close but pulls back as Elevar carefully moves closer to sit before me, such a smile on her lips. "Good. I... Cracked and Riven Moon is that good to hear. You seem light as a feather within that gorgeous form."

    I carefully hug Elevar, uncertain of my strength and whisper "Give me a moment please, my Mistresses¡±

    "I can offer more than one, take all the time that you need." She replies while returning the embrace, then rises and steps away to give me space with¡­.

    I turn and float over her, carefully raising this stone shaped family of mine to rise. "Mother... Thank you. I understand your worries now, and can put them at ease. None except my elders are strong enough to chain me again.¡±

    Jezrial purses her lips at the title, adjusting to the word as she finally grips my hand back while replying. "I doubt anything would ease my worries for you. Less now that you know it all and can be whatever you want to be. But I''m proud. At least know that more than any other thing I''ve ever tried to teach you if it''s not too late to say. Our Dead Merciful Moon knows I didn''t tell you that enough before.¡±

    "I know. But I should inform you that Uncle Girra would be quite annoyed if anything happened to either of them. I can''t quite understand him yet but he has... remitted them to my custody. Trust me, and let''s work together. Please.¡±

    My mother sighs and looks around us. Seeming to calm a bit at the sight of this place more like the world from before. "You don''t seem to have been rechained by the... by her. And that was my main fear. But... Check on Sikkina and make sure she''s not in danger from things you couldn''t see before. You may trust Lynette, but you know the Estate has a say in her actions. Push her to share more. Especially after today. She can honestly love you and still be forced to hurt you all regardless. Do those things, and I''ll promise not to strike out. Will help in any way I can. Those are my¡­¡± She hesitates, then softens her words even more to murmur. ¡°my requests.¡±

    "Yes, Mother. Those are more than reasonable. and... I''m sorry. For what I was going to do to you.¡±

    "I forgive you." Is her immediate reply while stepping closer, hesitating to embrace me. "That... I could have handled that better. Should have. And when I first woke up again too. I was nothing but furious and confused and not acting like you needed me to.¡±

    "Would you like... a home out here? I know you well enough to know you probably wouldn''t truly be comfortable in the Estate, though that would work as well. But like... We could clear out and rehabilitate this place a bit. You could have a good measure of freedom while we work things out and I prepare for war.¡±

    She shrugs. "Maybe... eventually. But I''d rather stick close for now. If a Doll Frame is still on offer I can make myself useful even.¡±

    "I um. Mother..." I reach out and touch her stone form. "If that is truly what you desire, I will be happy to accommodate, but it doesn''t seem necessary at the moment. You should gain more physical sensation soon and we can have time to... do this right. Give you a body that can be comfortable.¡±

    "I''ll trust you to pick something suitable." She agrees with a sigh of relief more at my touch than words, reaching up to fold her hand over mine. "But, you''ve already saved me. Never forget that. I can wait as long as needed. Tend to yourself first.¡±

    "Okay." Pulling her along with me, I walk on my new legs back to Primrose and lift her too from the ground. "Primrose darling, Thank you so much for your assistance. It was more essential than I realized.¡±

    "Very welcome Best Mistress!" She grins and seems to bounce from one foot to the other while staring at my form. "Wow. You made a really shape pretty. This one is... wow. Hi. This one doesn''t know where we are or why is what, but is glad to be helpful!¡±

    "We''re outside the grounds, Xafra decided to break more than a few Principles of Spellweaving to pull you here." Elevar chuckles at my stunned pause before Lynette rises up to add. "And we should get back. My little one and Augusta apparently have a bit of sky watching to do soon and I''ll not see it delayed without cause.¡±

    I lean forward to kiss Primrose and twirl her around thrice as a good girl like her deserves. "The Mistresses are right. Let us return. Augusta, We will have to talk soon.¡±

    My Doll sputters out, happily a mess under my wordless praise and melting at my touch.

    My Mistresses lead us back to the pit and through the tunnels, with Primrose splitting off to hurry back to Nettle at the passage up to my Spire and Jezrial told to wait for us in my Mistress¡¯. From there they lead us until we stand outside Sikkina''s Sanctuary.

    "So. We''ve a promise to show was kept." My Mistress murmurs before Lynette looks back to settle her eyes on Augusta. "Thank you for your assistance today. If you wouldn''t mind waiting here to begin your night with my little one when she comes along?¡±

    "Of course. I have years before my first conversation with Sikkina." Augusta mentioned with a disarming smile.

    Lynette pauses, then narrows eyes at her while purring. "Careful now. Flaunt more deliciously interesting skills like that and I''ll give you more work to do.¡±

    "For that you''d have to talk to Calix. I''ve never been anything close to an Oracle. I simply keep track of what I''m told.¡±

    "They were all blinded for a reason. It''s not something to meddle too deeply in." I find myself murmuring the old knowledge that flows forth unrestricted.

    My Mistress quirks an eyebrow in interest but says no more before taking up my hand and pulling me forward while instructing out Pack to follow with a simple Cant of ::Attend:: to them.

    Only once we reach a wall of thorns do they speak again. "Did... did the memories of your past Communions return? Or will this be a first memory of a true exchange of words with D?mmerung?¡±

    "It is like... Memories passed down. I know things I''ve never experienced but the memories I am missing have not returned.¡±

    "We''d hoped you''d get things back." They sigh. However, then they turn to smile gently at me while the root wall recedes. "But let''s make the best of it. Get you some new first memories. We''ll not spoil anything other than they really seem to like you. And hopefully in a way that doesn''t cause problems.¡±

    "I''m... worried truthfully, but hopeful. I can hear them a bit even now, though I can''t understand the language.¡±

    "Really? Mayhaps we can search the Threads or Grove Archives to see if any older sorts understand parts?" They murmur quietly while leading me forward. "Can you catch some words and let us see if we recognize them?¡±

    "I can try, but I think... it would be best to get permission. Make sure I''m not accidentally trespassing." I caution.

    "That''s not a bad plan, good thinking." They reply, but then we''ve reached the end of the passage to find Lynette''s Doll already perking up.

    "Mistress!" She yawns and rises. Then slithers over with darting speed to hug them. "Is tonight still the story night with Augusta?"

    "It is." Lynette hugs her back so tight, sighing happily and exuding a mess that helps calm a bubbling anxiety. "She''s just outside Sikkina''s Chamber. Waiting and ready to head up with you."

    The Doll wiggles happily free of her Mistress'' embrace and darts off after bumping playfully into the other Pack sisters and drawing out a couple pokes and murmured soft growls from Krahe.

    Then we''re alone in the quiet chamber. A place empty of Nomos and so still.

    My Mistresses takes up my hand and pulls me to kneel. "Alright dear one. Whenever you are ready.¡±

    I follow their lead and kneel down, taking a deep breath that... Fills my lungs and quiets the pressure that was building in my head "Mistresses.... I think I need to breathe in this form?¡±

    They regard me for a moment, then let out a huffing chuckle. "That''s probably a good thing to keep track of and get used to. Cracked and Riven Moon. You''re... we knew you''d be more than a touch fragile afterwards. But... probably not in the ways we expected.¡±

    "It''ll be fine, I shouldn''t have any issues healing any damages up afterwards like I have for you." I reassure them before using my teeth to gash open my right arm to obtain the blood for communion.

    "D?mmerung, Cradle of Twilight, My second home and birthplace of my Joy, I entreat you to speak with me here in your shallows." planting both of my hands on the passage floor for the blood to flow into the ground, I speak to the Divine.

    As we kneel, the wall of the passageway ahead crumbles around the form of a Chitin-Eater who strides towards us. I instinctively try to leap to my feet but, drained of Physis by the ritual, I can do nothing but shout a warning to my Mistresses and Pack. "Watch out!¡±

    "Rude Child. Passing judgment on appearance.'''' The voice causes my body to ache in ways I didn''t know I could hurt as pressure fills the passage and holds my companions back.

    "Aaaaah. It seems our blade has forgotten her manners. So let us offer ours." My Mistresses call into the surprised pause with a chuckle. "We welcome you into this place, and offer only words as long as you agree to the same.¡±

    "Welcome Back, Strife Wielder and Nameless One. You have freed Our Blade" the Chitin-Eater responds and I look at my Mistresses in confusion.

    There is a tangled mess of flaring fur and pain from within them, but it¡¯s quickly cut off as they reply with a tilt of their head. "Of course. And... Are we to assume you are D?mmerung or simply a chosen Envoy to this Godling below?"

    The... Divine? Nods its thorax in a slight bow "Manifestation. Tzzchek. My created species. Godling... Diminutive term. Dirt Godthing was... less insulting.¡±

    I finally clamber to one knee and offer a proper bow as I hiss quietly at my Mistresses "I told you blasphemy was a bad Idea.¡±

    "Words are wind and less important than actions, dear one. And we have just fulfilled our end of a promise." Lynette eyes me with a smirk before they fully regard the Divine with a more even tone. "We will refrain from unintentionally offering insult. It truly is a wonderful night for a chat. You and our Xafra have quite the catching up to do, and we''d hate to delay that.¡±

    D?mmerung chitters, a deep and resonant yet familiar sound, and I realize that they''re laughing. I''m on my knee, panicked and they''re laughing. Rude old bastard. With sheer irritation, I lift myself to my feet using the same innate ability that Augusta displayed and hover just above the floor. "If you''re not here to smite me, can you lay off the pressure? It''s rather impolite.¡±

    More chittering and the pressure relents. "Little goddess of strife, you are awake and dreaming yet tethered to nothingness. Not Fae, nor Demon, nor Nightmare, but something with potential for much more. Firstborn of S¨ªn, you are welcome here. It is... Good to know you hear me.¡±

    My Mistress strides forward to stand beside me while laying a hand on my shoulder. "That''s a lot of words and truths that we''ve only learned from the Estate and one other yet roaming, and to a gerl who''s traveled a world very different from this... few of them will click into place for her. Perhaps gift our Xafra some explanations on some basic truths? Cracked and Riven Moon knows we''d adore to hear your perspectives on the state of things.¡±

    "Yeah. Th-that." I stammer out, mind reeling with comprehension as the terms sink into me.

    "Ask them. Girra still cries maddened tears, S¨ªn is absent yet remains, and I watch and wait for my worshipers to find me once more.¡±

    "So.... S¨ªn is the Moon, and you are Her firstborn." My Mistresses murmur gently to me. "D?mmerung is the one before us, and that leaves Girra as the suns above. We learned from Augusta that labels and Names matter, grant power but also define limits quite fiercely for beings such as yourselves. That''s why you immediately felt a draw to ask those whose views you regarded highly to gift you definement. The Basal Garrote forced a label and purpose upon you without choice. Breaking it was akin to when you removed my bones. My foundations. Needed, but dangerous if nothing takes their place. You could also change yourself more but... should be careful. Just as we would if your gifted bones needed adjustments.¡±

    "Okay. That makes sense, I think. So then you too, are limited, D?mmerung?" I ask, needing to know why this unimaginably powerful being had let so many terrible things happen.

    "Yes. The Void Maid above can tell you more. I have been holding stable my counterpart''s remains. Crafted the Tzzchek to cleanse the water. Limited in... interaction. To change would be¡ª" The Godthing says something but instead of words it comes across as a vision screaming into my mind, the surface of D?mmerung crumbling, gravity failing, the air that envelops D?mmerung being sucked into massive lungs as everything dies and the eyes of Girra close.

    My Mistress''s arms support me as the sensations pass. Elevar carefully murmuring soft words before glancing to D?mmerung. "Holding up the entire Cracked and Riven Moon. This... entire time? No wonder I''ve not heard even a whisper of your existence anywhere but here. You''ve been incredibly preoccupied with trying to restabilize things."

    I can feel that Verbess has cracked free of their Frame and is keeping Quills on the brink of a song of <Negation> But... it holds them back as the visions fade. Works with Warden to lay melodies through the Pack''s songs.

    Seeing that I''m wavering somewhat, even with my Mistresses support, Adaline snaps at D?mmerung with an audacity that stuns me, "Hey! Divine Shitlord! Use smaller words, that could have hurt her!¡±

    A pause of dead silence passes before more chittering. "The Void Maid was wise in choosing you, Lost One. Likewise, Our Blade." D?mmerung twitches their antennae in the equivalent of a shrug and turns to stride back into the wall.

    My Mistress'' twitch like they mean to say more, but remain still as the Divine leaves. Looking over to grin at me as the manifestation is fully gone. "Well wasn''t that an odd first meeting. But... Our best yet, besides our talk with the Sun-Blessed mayhaps. Probably the most peaceful one we''ll see in a while.¡±

    "Yes. Let''s... Go." I suggest with a tremor as I notice my arm still bleeding. I pulse Ousia and Physis in a healing weave through it and... Nothing happens.

    "I''m going to need to have this wound cleaned and bandaged apparently¡­¡± I whisper.

    Their brow furrows in surprise as they carefully take up my limb and look it over. "Is this just... not a problem we expected to deal with today."

    Without pausing they carefully crack out and weave a Physistendril  about the wound to apply pressure, then adjust to slip an arm beneath my knees while another curls about shoulders. Lift me in a swift motion before turning to begin our exit. Carrying me like they did the night of their Resheathing.

    "Schatzi, run ahead to make sure the old Curanos kits are prepared and waiting for us." They instruct.

    Adaline twitches Quills and shakes her head while reaching into one of the packs she brought along today. "No need, I have one with me. Used to study mundane medicine, remember?¡±

    My Mistresses let out an obvious sigh of relief. "Truly? That was something we just... didn''t expect to need today. At least not for this one. Our walk is quite a bit shorter then. Xafra can have her wounds tended to while basking in Sikkina''s chamber. No need to sit in the dirt and risk infections.¡±

    "Well, my wife and my Mistresses are all fools who tend to leave your body covered in wounds, so I''ve made it a habit just in case." Adaline responds swiftly while moving towards Sikkina''s chamber with us.

    "I expected to have something witty to say, but I''m honestly pretty scared. What if... I keep bleeding when I change forms. Or like. What if this one dies? It''s living and has the inside bits and stuff. Oh heck, oh no, I don''t think I''m responsible enough to have a living body!" I begin to panic.

    "Shhh... shh... It seems your desire for personhood has... perhaps, led you to weave a body with some of the messier aspects you associate with it." My Mistresses murmur gently while pulling me closer, slowing only as we pass from the tunnel into my daughter''s Sanctuary. "You''ll be okay. This wound is a paltry thing, looks worse than it is. We can already feel your body attempting to clog the wound. Trust yourself, our N?herin. Your skills are without compare.¡±

    "But I''m gonna have to eat and sleep and like... What about breathing when I''m a spear? Does it pause or do I hold my breath, or um..." I wiggle and try to look over the form I crafted instinctively, searching for issues I hadn''t yet thought of and accidentally whap Schatzi with the tail I didn''t realize I have. "A TAIL? WOW.¡±

    "You''ll have to get used to one that doesn''t always simply obey direct thoughts but instead loves to betray your deeper mind. And honestly, dear one..." They chuckle as we reach the center, kneeling to have me curled in the lap while moving my arm to be presented to Adaline and Schatzi. "We think the little aspects like that are things you wished to experience, but have always understood that each form comes with their own... interesting facets. I doubt you''ll find your spearform needing to breathe or feed on anything but Ousia or Physis. Or your Doll Frame suddenly bursting with irreplaceable life''s blood.¡±

    I stop, suddenly fixated. "But what if i want my Doll form to bleed so Verbess can have more fun?¡±

    At that the Pack''s song tilts in sudden and very acute interest at that.

    Verbess, previously happily tending to the foundations of the Quill-Song in lazy watchfulness, now alert and focused.

    My voracious Sister needs to take a half of our Mistress'' heartbeat to avoid adjusting the melody it conducts from dipping back into an overbearing desire for more of the activities from last night. But... instead allowing its thrumming amusement and curiosity mingle steadily through the song as it settles instead.

    [These ones will gladly enjoy sharing that melody with you.] It cackles.

    "Then you''ll weave such possibilities into that form." My Mistresses reply while restraining their own bubbling laughter, needing to hold my limb steady. "As always, but with more options. No more limits aside from the reach of your own skills and knowledge.¡±

    "Oh. Yeah okay, that makes sense... They called me a goddess, my Mistresses.¡±

    "Mhm. That they did." Are the soft words they offer at first while nothing but thoughtful muses dribbling down the bond. "We told you these Truths behind the Garrote were not terrible things. And now you know them to be more... akin to a Matriarch passing their estate to a child. Your inheritance, long hidden away from your reach or knowledge. Not a war crime. Not an accidental amalgam of the gerls you saved. Not a mistake. But... a twice-fold cherished daughter. Only just now able to decide what that word will mean to you.¡±

    "I think... That means that Gebetshure was right and I need like... A temple or something maybe. And to talk to Augusta more. I... Understood the terms D?mmerung used. The knowledge came to me immediately." While I start rambling away, Adaline and Schatzi carefully clean out the jagged wound I made with my teeth and stitch it closed before wrapping it loosely with gauze and bandages.

    "I think that''s a good place to start. Take everything one step at a time, don''t rush anything or feel rushed to make big decisions yet." Elevar agrees, pulling my arm from the two Pack Sister''s before me and lays it gently on the wood floor.

    Then Lynette rises to murmur. "She knew today was important, of course. Has been wiggling about like mad to feel her Brewing Mother close and well. Would worry more if..."

    But she trails off, and simply adjusts to lay her hand over mine.

    I smile back at her, calm and reassured in her presence. "We''re going to have to teach Sikkina how to sing better apparently. Thankfully, we have an entire Pack here to help." I lay myself down beside the cradle where she yet grows and I whisper a promise to her. "You, my child, will have a childhood that is full of adventure and opportunity, with room to grow and flourish, where you can always be assured that when you need us we will be there to catch you when you fall."

    No matter what it costs us.

 Chapter 80: House-Warming Games (Witch)

    House-Warming Games (Witch)

    Content Warnings:

    SMUT. And um.... Other stuff. Brocken wings! Oh no! Talk of busted Spires and the cuties that will fill them!

    Amidst our mess of thoughts and altered scheming, we remember a Pack Sister¡¯s request as we pass by the hidden entrance. One where we gifted our Xafra replacements for the very iron she wove across our tattooed scales.

    ¡°Warden, back before, you mentioned wanting a very particular type of form that you¡¯d like to inhabit. Are there supplies from the collection down here that might be to your liking?¡± We ask while ensuring a fresh catalog is given over the bond to it.

    "Warden believed it would be implanted into an existing implement and had not considered that a custom one would be crafted." Warden says in quiet awe.

    "Of course we''d want you to have a Frame that befits you, and we suspect that only something freshly woven can possibly encompass all your facets." We smile and turn to regard it softly as tendrils dance a melody we hope is encouraging, "And... More importantly, we''d adore to see you craft a thing that you''ll delight in the shapes of. Something perfect. For you. If the supplies or knowledge on hand do not suffice let us know and we''ll ensure they are acquired."

    "Warden! Um. Warden would like that." It squeaks as it dissolves its projection into the Pack.

    "Adorable. It''s so giddy it can''t maintain the projection." Adaline laughs.

    We laugh with her while beginning to move us along through the tunnels. Keeping our imaginings for the shape it hinted at wanting but... curious how it will enact them, to ourselves.

    Don''t want to let our muses alter that one''s shaping overmuch.

    Before we know it, we find ourselves at the entrance to our Spire''s lower chamber. Moving through to find...

    Our Xafra''s adopted mother waiting.

    Jezrial has already risen from a chair at the sound of our arrival, stone laden shape a touch harder to reach than one of flesh but... enough so that I''m able to raise a hand to stop what her first words might be.

    Lynette pulls away. Pointedly concerning herself with some nonsense of the Estate instead of parsing words.

    "It seems reintroductions are in order, mother to our bonded partner." I offer in a gentle tone, letting our tendrils settle to quiet careful sounds. "And before anything else... Thank you. For gifting our Xafra loving words that helped grant her freedom, instead of trying to lash her to what you think she should be."

    She purses her lips at that, but nods and lets what seems a cascade of stress out in a breath. "That''s what I was going to say. Thank you for freeing her and... for doing everything you could to ensure what replaced the Basal Garrote was hers to weave. Not just another set of chains."

    I smile softly. "You''re most welcome. But... let''s see about finding you a space on the grounds."

    **    **    **

    After Jezrial has been shown to some temporary rooms in a well-kept storage Spire, Lynette insists we lead our Pack out to a place even I haven''t been in... a very long time. I think?

    Wait... Did Yselda take me here even once?

    "It was early on, but she did." Lynette replies to my thought aloud as we reach the cracked and broken Spire on the edge of the grounds. "But... We got distracted and the old Cunt decided against trusting us on that day."

    I don''t know how to respond to that, both her openly and seemingly easily insulting Yselda, but... how I also can''t dredge up the memory. After a heartbeat Lynette nudges me, and without question I murmur a gentle {Blasenplage} to burn the old dead Vines that wrap about this Spire''s entrance. Revealing a half open passage for us to step forward and move through.

    Dust abounds, but otherwise it''s all dead. Not rotting, but... lifeless. Wood almost as lacking color as the plants out where we freed our Xafra. Desks and chairs and all the furniture are quite dry and overly rigid. Possibly even brittle?

    "This is a time for it, I think." Lynette nods then turns to our Pack. "Thoughts? A lost cause or salvageable? Its upper layers may be long gone but it seems more than a few of you prefer the open skies to a roof. The Summer Storms will need preparing for but... that can be a problem for future you all to consider long after you''ve relocated to this space."

    "It''s¡­ Nice I think. A lot of potential?" Xafra offers.

    "Gotta ask what the plan is here, loves." Adaline counters with caution.

    I barely feel Lynette as she looks about the room and over our Pack, less as she speaks.

    "I''ve needs for Xafra''s Spire, and with all others so very full this is the obvious place. But between the lot of you, and the other Doll''s Xafra likes to keep close, there are plenty of hands to make it more than functional. Even comfortable. You''re all still more than welcome to our Spire at all hours but..." Lynette pauses while tip-tapping the dead wood of a nearby desk, then turns to move our gaze between the Pack Sister''s. "This should be where you keep your precious belongings otherwise. Perhaps.... Even conduct all manner of strange experiments where you won''t wake up the rest of the grounds with how the lot of you like to squeal."

    ¡°Huh. Alright. That actually sounds like a decent project. I will insist on a couple of days unless absolutely necessary, to ensure Primrose and Nettle have time to move their stuff without too much stress. I don''t have much to move and..." She pauses, a mild sense of anxious dread rising. "I don''t have to have the sex talk with Calix and Rufus right? Please tell me that''s not going to be necessary."

    Lynette lets out an inward sigh and settles with a grin at Xafra¡¯s easy acceptance and far less dangerous anxiety.

    I have to reach up and cover our mouth with the back of a hand to suppress some titters. "I think those two can figure things out, if they haven''t already. Might need to see about shoving them off to a new Spire once they''ve officially asked you about claiming Rufus. Which..." I brush some soot and such off said table and hop up to sit on it. "Amidst today''s events I guess that is but a minor hiccup. How''re you feeling about that?"

    "About Rufus? It makes sense I think. Would provide Calix a sense of like, Equality with him and provide an extra level of insurance for Rufus''s behavior... Not that I expect it to be an issue. I mostly don''t know like... What kind of responsibilities it would include or how I¡¯m supposed to treat him in regards to the role? For Calix, he''s slipped into a younger brother role quite easily, needs advice and support on occasion, but is mostly independent and can be trusted to make... Mostly reasonable decisions."

    "I suspect he''ll fall into much the same role as Calix in that regard." I nod in agreement. "You taking the place of an older sister or such seems a healthy way to view this. Rufus doesn''t have my messy nonsense past when it comes to siblings and will probably adore you spelling it out. Probably even be a bit flattered by it all."

    "Huh. I''m glad to hear that. It''s been a lot of constant struggle and we deserve some easy wins." Xafra muses.

    "Mmhm. My mind was all hurty but it''s good and soft and smooth again, ready to help as needed." Schatzi bubbles.

    "We''ll not want to wait more than five days before heading out, but that''s enough time to relax and prepare. Which... Are there other things we can help you all tend to? Preparations or otherwise?" I ask.

    "We can get and should get Warden situated in a Frame first, and see if I can get some of the Arts Lynette mentioned working. I''ve been practicing but a good trial run is needed before I can be confident in claiming competency." Adaline suggests.

    "Oh that won''t take much for you to obtain." Lynette bubbles up to smirk. "Which Arts have caught your fancy?"

    "Well after... Today''s revelations, I''ve decided to at least temporarily put my study of Dream Gardens on hold and focus primarily on The Fractals of Glyphwork. I already have a number of flashcards made for practise that can be improved upon to mask the source of the magic if you think that seems like a good idea, and am willing to install the first set of Glyph Shards when we are all ready,"

    "That seems perfect, actually." I agree, leaning forward to place. "From there.... Honestly, we could set you up with quite the personal Archive of Glyphs Shards to choose from. Toy with finding ways to let you switch out Glyph Shards at will. We coaxed D?mmerung into etching Glyphs of our Blasenplage and weaving of motion and energy upon us during our Resheathing. Could have Xafra see if her senses can''t differentiate them from the Fleischbrecher and Blitzk?der scars on our frontal lobe if that''ll help. See how their workings compare to ours in terms of flexibility, efficiency, and durability."

    ¡°Warden politely reminds the Mistress of the standing promise to explain her last Einwandfrei." it suddenly mentions.

    I go still, tendrils stilling their easy melodies. Thinking back and...

    "In the midst of it all I forgot to do that, didn''t I?" Are the words that I chuckle out as such a strange mangled mess rolls through me. "Thank you Warden. It''s... a bit of a thing to explain. Not our first flawless weaving itself, but the why of it. Because... we actually made it to kill Yselda. If you''d like us to tell it all here I will if our Pack has the patience for it?"

    "Certainly. While you explain, I''ll help Warden with materials and considering the relative ease of design we can get that finished today as well?" Adaline asks.

    "Of course." I reply, and Pack considers places to settle about the room.

    "As I said, the Blitzk?der was knit to kill Yselda, but... That''s getting ahead of things. I''m not sure how much I''ve let slip but we grew up in a Grove on the far side of the things from this Estate. Discovered right quick how little the world regarded gerls like us when starting to learn Spellcraft, alongside the quite fascinating murmurs of a Matron who mastered a nearly forbidden splice of the Healing Art. Then, took half a year to find Tomes that spoke of this place, and even then none could tell me where exactly her home was. So I spent all my early lifes jade and good-will on supplies and left to find her. Traveled the Root Ways until I found the dead branched Pathways on this side and started checking each one. Took near a year to find the right one. Then had to camp out in the same spot we met Rufus for two days before the... before she even stepped out to meet me."

    I go quiet for a few heartbeats. Letting old memories settle into words and other more coherent things.

    "We''d never seen a Matron or Matriarch before. Didn''t know what to expect. But..." We murmur together. "It wasn''t the gerl we met that day. A painting given flesh, every word a deft stroke. She asked what we were here for and we told her. To learn and master Fleshcrafting. We... nothing we read mentioned if she was Half-Knit or not and we didn''t know how to ask without giving offense. And when she effortlessly offered us a deal we didn''t think it mattered. She was going to let us utilize her Archives to learn and master the Nine Tri-Fold aspects of the Art, provide us food and bed and company. But... only for six months. After that if we could not prove our mastery we''d allow her to take over our education in full." We pause to sigh with a smirk. "Too stupid and smitten to see the trap. To understand what we were agreeing to."

    A snap crackle of Physis and Lynette has gently pulled from me. Divided but... sitting on the same table and considering our thoughts.

    "It took us almost a month to see the snare." Lynette picks up. "To look past the alluring Witch and her gaggle of far too pretty Dolls to understand what the future held. For those here not fully grasping it yet, the Nine Tri-Fold Aspects are all of Fleshcrafting. Things it took Yselda a decade to learn and double that to master."

    I nod and sigh. "She insisted we have dinner with her almost every night. Tell her of our research as if our efforts were anything but amusing to her."

    "So... when it all became ruthlessly plain, we stopped taking meals with her unless she insisted, and tried to seem a stupid gerl blissfully absorbed by our work. Unaware of what we could see that she planned to do to us." Lynette adds. "Despite how obvious she honestly made it all, if I''m being honest."

    "And amidst our frantic studies... we discovered such interesting Tomes." I pick up. "To heal or change the body requires careful precision and focus. More so when attempting to consider the Ousia or Physis. Creating something to instead destroy is a simple enough matter."

    "We weren''t stupid enough to think Yselda was without Wards or readiness to weave a counter-spinning." Lynette chuckles while raising a hand. "Knew we''d need a thing that could intercept the second while melting the first to get to the soft core beneath."

    Another snap, but this time Lynette is weaving...

    I go still.

    Our Blitzk?der. Tittering almost playfully as it arcs between her fingers.

    But... only with Physis. No Ousia. Not something that''ll backweave into us like the Fleischbrecher did.

    "Yes." I swallow and calm. Push away the memories of that spell as Lynette holds the working as an example for our Pack. "The Blasenplage is honestly a more efficient working in almost every way for killing a caster. Except..."

    "My Blitzk?der gives a cunt the time to understand how very helpless they are as it ignites their Ousia, Physis, and even flesh." Lynette picks up after I trail off. "Elevar''s Bubble plague was made to kill quickly and, unfortunately, painlessly when at its best. This working can be lashed out a fool''s neck and left to burn. Even removed before all their Ousia is gone."

    "The... base principles come from an odd quirk of Fleshcrafting." I explain past Lynette''s words. "Volatility agitation cascades. A type of inflammation that occurs if the wrong changes are forced too quickly. Adaline''s Gnadenhalsband touches upon the same concept but... more gently. She folds and smothers, while this is more akin to catching a thread of someone''s blouse in a loom and letting it tear them apart."

    Adaline dashes up to us and grabs our hand tightly with fascination. "You made magical Amberin? But you''re Groveborn, where did you get the idea? It looks identical. Would need to do some testing but... if it is, there''s some choice implications for reversing the conversion."  Adaline turns from us and begins rapidly chittering and thrumming her Quills at Warden, too fast for us to comprehend.

    "I''ll gift you our books on the Blitzk?der once we have them again." Lynette offers. "As well as our other Einwandfrei, of course."

    "I think she would like that a lot. Thank you for sharing this with us." Xafra murmurs, looking over at Adaline and Warden. "I don''t have anything negative to say about this Einwandfrei, as was likely a concern. But... I am sorry you went through what you did. It was a tragedy even though it led you to me."

    "Mostly a self-inflicted tragedy. But that''s not the full of it, yet. The Blitzk?der was also made to..." I trail off as I feel the gerl beside me in body and mind bubbling with the right words for it all.

    "Made to coil about Garrotes with precise and deft elegance. Especially the Makellose." Lynette smirks and finishes, her tone filled with such... reverie. Almost longing even. Whether for the chance to reenact old cruel habits, or for the woman I did them with, is impossible for me to parse.

    Can''t help but wince and sigh at that, smile carefully at our Pack. "You all have the full of it now, then. Lynette put it harshly, but... emphasized a good point. They were both things of torture, My first two flawless weavings. And once those Tomes are gifted I suspect it''ll be simple for any here to turn them to better uses. Empty Skies know Adaline is already a third of the way there already most like."

    "Torture is best done for pleasure. It serves no other real purpose. Perhaps¡­ You could tune the Blitzk?der downwards yourself as well, for a uniquely exciting technique in the bedroom?" Xafra states with a look of rapt hunger.

    I go still, feel something inside me tilt as thoughts wander into the possibilities, "I mean... You''re not wrong. About any of that..."

    But then Lynette is cackling and shifting the hand that sits happily under Adaline''s gaze and...

    Wait. When did we switch who was manifesting as Physis and who was in control of our flesh?

    "Oh, wouldn''t that just be such an expensive thrill to seek?" She smirks through our lips as tendrils titter in delight. "And If Elevar''s warnings about the backlash are even half correct..."

    Can''t help but consider the measurements. Chart the numbers while feeling the arcs of the Physis woven working tilt and crawl across flesh. Always a thread from actually slicing, of course. But...

    "Our scales change things, but less than the weavings you laid across them." We whisper as our Physis manifestation dissolves. "Would actually make the working leak less. Reflect about inside without an escape. Would tear so much apart..."

    The thought makes the scales on the back of our next rise and fall like brumbleflesh might.

    Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    "Cracked and Riven Moon, would that be a mess of a thing to drown in." We chuckle, then let cut off the spell. "For... any interested."

    We settle our tendril''s far too revealing titters, trying to let them match up with the Pack''s Quill-Songs of...

    Huh. More discord than normal. Sudden and a thing Verbess doesn''t seem to mind letting sit in contrast to the rest''s chosen melodies.

    And all from this Pack''s Lead. Xafra quite clearly showing her thoughts in the way that pretty dark-purple dress we slipped her into before leaving our Spire tents out. Even... cheeks growing a bit flush.

    "Really?" We grin as out eyes flitter up and down her form. "Well... That is one way to turn a place into a home."

    With a snap crack of wordless weaving we let a gentle wave of Ousia and Physis twist out to clear and clean away all dust or other such things we''d rather not feel against flesh.

    With a surprised giggle, Xafra involuntarily slides Quills out from the end of her scaled tail that rattle with lust. "Oh. That''s where they went."

    Adaline suddenly stops chittering at Warden and spins back to us, "Oh my goodness, Xafra has reactions she can''t control now. That''s so hot."

    "Now Adaline... we really should be responsible with a discovery like this. Help a gerl find her limits and see what reactions she''s going to struggle to manage." Locking eyes on hers, we let a slow predatory grin spread across our lips. "Wouldn''t want irresponsible sorts to use them against her or, more horribly, tease her when things get too overwhelming."

    "D-definitely not, only the most responsible sorts should use and tease me. I. heck. I didn''t mean to say that." Xafra mumbles with an even bigger blush.

    "Well, isn''t that such a coincidence?" We purr and move to rise, taking up Adaline''s hand and tugging her to follow as we prowl towards Xafra. "This Pack is quite responsible. Their Witch though..."

    Let our unrestrained desires flow down our bond to her and the others. So very curious just what sort of reactions our Xafra will be unable to stop from bubbling up at simple shared muses of our mind.

    "We vary from heartbeat to heartbeat."

    She shivers and squirms as a wet spot appears on her dress and her wings ruffle, rapidly spreading out to full extension. "I... Um... Yes."

    Step forward, hook a finger under Xafra''s chin and...

    Was this form always shorter than us? And by quite a bit at that. Almost as much as Schatzi was before those horns took shape.

    "Look at you wiggling all about." We chuckle while tilting her gaze up to meet ours, enjoy so much how her eyes seem to shift and dance in time to our gifted desires down the bond. "And this is nothing, Adaline. It''s as though our Xafra has never felt our hands or ravenous hungers. Can you imagine what she''s going to be like when we actually start?"

    "Mmmhm, I can''t wait to see." Adaline titters.

    "Then.... let''s not." We whisper while leaning down, but... leave our lips to stop just a whisper away from Xafra''s. Let her feel our delight at seeing her react to what she seems to feel is an agonizing pause.

    Tail writhing like a viper snared in a web, Quills twitching as we''ve never seen, and body absolutely overcome with another shivering wave as brumbleflesh dances across her everything.

    "Such a patient gerl." We breathe while trailing across her jaw and neck. Raising up a hand to graze fingers across the fabric of this soft dress. Slowly work our way up to hook the collar that never left her neck.

    Not even during her change.

    We chuckle as we feel the Pack''s absolute focus on their Lead''s wriggling song as we take up the lead between a few fingers, glance about them with a raised eyebrow. "So... Adaline. Which of your Sisters should we feed her to first? Or do you think our Xafra could handle more than one''s interest in this new form?"

    Xafra''s eyes widen in excitement and her breath quickens as she stifles a moan by biting her lip.

    "Seems like she is interested in the second option." Adaline observes.

    "Really? We don''t know.... The gerl seems quite speechless to us." We reply thoughtfully while tip tapping our lower lip, then look Xafra up and down performatively. "We should start by making sure that pretty dress doesn''t get any more messy. Krahe, dear? Would you mind terribly helping your Pack Lead out of that?"

    The Pack Sister growls happily from where she had perched on a bookshelf behind Schatzi. Then starts to stalk forward, those wonderfully interesting tails unraveling from a simple hug about her sister to slip free. Wiggling up and under and through Xafra''s dress. Those uncountable rows of teeth obviously already teasing flesh while pushing it up and off.

    "That tickles! Eeek, Kr-Krahe, that''s so many all over, I¨C"

    With a twist and flick of deft tail and Quill-Song nudges, Krahe slips the dress off, down, and out from under Xafra. Cackling as she deftly folds the dress like I''ve only seen Schatzi do before placing it on the table. Only lets anything but those tails touch flesh until she nips playfully at her Pack Lead''s flank before settling to sit by her little birb''s legs. tails still out and swaying in predatory wiggles.

    "And ticklish now?" We giggle while openly appreciating this newly unclothed morsel. Click tongue and tendrils in thought as we playfully curl the leash about our wrist to pull her closer. "Oh that''s going to be a problem for you, we think. Especially among irresponsible sorts. Perhaps... we should start with that."

    Krahe grins and leans forward. Eyes that were already enjoying watching Xafra now snapped to a hunter''s focus.

    Xafra folds into us, trying to use our body to shelter her own even slightly from the playful advances of her Pack sister. "This isn''t fair, I didn''t know bodies are like this. it''s wonderful and spinny and I''m so very needy, Mistresses."

    "We''d have never guessed." Is our purring giggling reply while leaning down and around to curl arms about her. Lips just beside her ear as we trace fingers over soft and naked flesh, "But... you''ve been such a patient gerl, and Krahe is so very hungry. Won''t you let her take a single bite? Or... well probably quite a few more. If we''re being honest."

    A heartbeat, then Krahe lunges. Tendrils, talons, and even teeth all about the gerl in our arms faster than a flinch can respond to.

    But her everything freezes just before touching Xafra''s skin.

    Waiting.

    "Yes. Yes yes yes yes yes." Xafra trembles in fright and arousal in our arms.

    Adaline casually gets out her curanos supplies and lays them out nearby with a wink at us.

    "Hmmm.... We should probably make sure at least a few of those tendrils are kept at bay." We murmur with a grin and a grateful nod to Adaline, then reach back to take up one of her hands while another one reaches out to curl a finger at Schatzi. Becoming them both over. "Would you two mind helping out with that?"

    "Yes Mistresses. We would be thrilled to assist." Schatzi responds for both of them as they move to encircle Xafra and Krahe.

    The dozen tails have already begun to writhe about from the moment Xafra pleaded her desires, but... wait just beyond even grazing flesh.

    "Go ahead then," We chuckle to Krahe. "Satiate some hungers."

    Such a rumble rolls through the gerls Frame as she cracks apart to enlarge herself. Form stretching to a larger shape than even Verbess tends to take. Tails twisting outwards in snaps of motions about each of us. Effortlessly pushing us all back and down to gently settle on the floor with Krahe atop Xafra, whose head rests in our lap with Schatzi and Adaline now sitting at our sides.

    As our fingers happily begin to brush through Xafra''s impossibly soft mane of ever drifting hair, Krahe''s tendrils dance across her Pack Lead''s form. Two sets on each side fold out to caress, curl about, and squeeze her other two Pack Sisters.

    Keeping from anyone''s most sensitive parts, teasing and grazing and tittering about while Quills flutter in focused need.

    Xafra thrashes in anticipation, wordless moans urging for more while we can tell she''s still doing her best to be gentle even while being overwhelmed with desire.

    Adaline and Schatzi take up her arms and begin to kiss and nibble their way from fingers to elbow while we trace soft patterns down and about her ears. Then slowly across her jaw before letting our touches wander farther still. Moving between Krahe''s ever quickening workings and enjoying, so much, watching Xafra''s erect cock twitch and quiver with need in the middle of it all. Completely untouched and...

    Such an interesting shape. Only one dick, unlike her warlord form''s two. A set of hard ridges along the top of the shaft lead our gaze to an even more unique feature, a rounded section that swells and deflates with her arousal as though trying to create a seal.

    Reaching out, we slowly and very gently caress a single finger up and down her length. Eventually settling into a tantalizing pattern that involves moving our touch about the tip before trailing back down to the base, then up again. Over and over. Only shifting as Krahe''s own hungers drive the gerl to lean down and begin gnashing at Xafra''s neck and jaw.

    "Is this alright, Mistress?" We hear Adaline''s gentle voice asking our Xafra for confirmation, paying close attention to her condition even while she works.

    "Sister is so tasty." Schatzi exclaims as she extends her own surprisingly long tongue and wraps it along Xafra''s arm.

    Xafra cants ::Affirmation/Pleasure:: to Adaline while doing her best to pay attention to all of us at once.

    We grin and enjoy the performance our Pack weaves in earnest at their Lead''s assurance, not missing how our motions about our Xafra''s dick seem to form the base melody of the song.

    Such good gerls. All of them. Easily and openly working together to take care of each other. Even... Heh. Verbess threads itself throughout in mostly subtle ways. An errant bite with another''s teeth there, a raking over flesh there, perhaps a tongue whip-cracking out just a whisper from touching the heart of this storm. Little suggested melodies to punctuate its own desires.

    But it''s time we found out just how sensitive this new body of Xafra''s really is. So with a click of tongue and tendrils we lean down to kiss a breast. Then take to playfully dancing tongue and teeth all about the nipple before moving past. Letting one of those delightful tails take our place as we trail a line of slow kisses to the base of Xafra''s dick.

    Carefully and gently move lips up soft skin. Feel her writhe a bit as we take our first tastes as tongue drags the same path our fingers once took. Up and down and around and teasing this gerl with our slow attentions.

    The increased pitch and rattling of her tail Quills is our only warning as she attempts to lunge forward at us, lost in her need.

    Krahe easily holds her down with Adaline and Schatzi''s help but the attempt is surprising nevertheless.

    Pause in surprise to glance down at her expression see...

    Oh. Well doesn''t that make far too much sense then? This new form comes with all the messy body things that she''s no experience dealing with. Her other shapes can bear the weight of arousal because it is probably a thing she wove for herself at the observation and study of others. But now... She''s worse than any gerl when life first dumps the bucket of bodily urges on them. Even more than we were when we first felt our body untethered from the burdens of wrong shapes while under the gaze of an incredibly voracious Witch.

    And under this Pack''s expert work alongside our endless teasing...

    "Aren''t you just so very adrift in the tides of that new form''s nonsense?" We can''t help but giggle while returning to kiss and nibble at her shivering dick. "But good gerls know to ask, dear one. Mayhaps even... beg, if you''re in the mood for it. Of course."

    Our words seem to get through to her, clarity returning to her eyes followed by spikes of terror, despair, and hatred coursing through the bond, rapidly suppressed.

    "Please Mistresses... I need it." Xafra whimpers.

    Anyone else we''d stop everything at that.

    Or... at least part of us would.

    ...We think? Hope. Even promise ourselves that... ''Yes, actually, even at our worst we''d do that for a gerl we adore so very much. You stupid half-knits.''

    Best not to consider our divide beyond that right now.

    But... the Pack''s Song remains steady. Stronger even. Supportive and already adjusted to that flair of painful emotions. Wordless communications so far ahead of our heartbeat of hesitation and nothing of warning for us to stop.

    So we trust them, know that they''d never let us hurt our Xafra, and turn to reward this gerl for her patience.

    No more teasing.

    It really is quite a delight to explore a new shape after years of encountering mostly the same. Dolls would sometimes have more interesting parts but... we only ever really enjoyed the company of our Schatzi and Verbess in that regard. But this...

    The shape of those ridges against the inside of our mouth. How it tastes when she bucks in response to us exploring with swirling tongue and lips. Feeling that rounded section pulse as we take her fully and deeply. Hearing this gerl and her Pack thrum with desires and needs we''re pointedly seeing to.

    Lose track of everything else. As, honestly, we tend to do when pleasuring a gerl with the intent to make sure she dreams of nothing but our work when anyone else thinks to use their mouth between her legs. Become as stupidly unbearable as the worst of the summer storms.

    A sudden pressure builds in our mouth just behind our teeth as the rounded section expands to an extreme, locking us in place. "Oh oh no, Mistresses, I ohh." Xafra whines in confusion.

    Can''t help but enjoy it as a rumble of a laugh rolls through us at this unexpected delight, letting the vibrations of it take the place of our work during the moment of surprise. But... We''re far too interested to see where this leads to overworry much and even try to pull away. If fact we... she could...

    Things shift across as within us. And we feel... things slide out of our sides like shadows to grip Xafra further. Our tongue splits and slithers longer to continue its work while our jaw remains firmly about her. We could unhinge it, even without whatever nonsense our flesh is doing but...

    Not yet.

    Just pin this silly gerl and her new body beneath our work and unbridled enjoyment of this. Let Tendrils and bond and slithering tongues make sure she knows we''re enjoying her so very much.

    Xafra twitches and shudders as she cums, hands reaching out to grab our shadowy tendrils tightly.

    "I..." Our silly gerl starts. "Mistresses, I think I''m stuck."

    One big final swirl and lick with the trio of tongues just before they and the rest of the odd extra bits twist and fade, a crack-snap quick unhinge of our jaw, and we pull free. Enjoy how she bucks and wiggles at the motions. So very sensitive in her post orgasm state.

    "Quite." We agree as everything without settles to some semblance of normal with things within continue to writhe. "But... You being stuck with us was all part of our scheme."

    One last nip at the brumble covered flesh of her hips before pulling back. Krahe''s taken more to wrapping her tendrils about Xafra, Schatzi, and Adaline at the end of this, but still has a few good neck and collarbone nibbles every now and again.

    "Oh. Wow. Um. That was... Intense. Thank you. Eheheheh" Xafra blushes and curls up, dazed from the experience.

    "You are most welcome." We chuckle and gather her up in our arms. Moving to stand while pulling our Xafra close.

    "Krahe, be a quick dear and go grab us a good bundle of pillows and blankets and such." We murmur to her, sending the gerl to dart off without hesitation as we nod to her sisters to follow us up the steps.

    Krahe''s easily returned when we arrive at the uppermost level. Glance about the moonlit roofless spaces separated by walls in various states of cracked and riven states.

    "So... Help us find a good spot to relax with our Pack under an Empty Sky." We suggest while slowly starting our walk through what is to be their new home.

    Part of us is still confused by this insistence, wanting to ask more but... choosing to trust when no true reasons are given.

    The uppermost level reveals the true oddity of this Spire. We always wondered what became of this place''s crown. And now we can''t help but marvel at how clean the stroke that damaged this Spire is. The tilted cut leaving a still crisp angle across the top of the walls, something even our most destructive workings would never mimic on this large and dense a scale.

    Xafra follows along in wonder, Quills on her tail thrumming as she expands her Ousia field to better understand the structure. "It is quiet here. That''s... Nice."

    "Yes. This Spire died long before even Yselda came here." We murmur while trailing a finger across one of the rough root walls. "But from the records it was this Estate''s tool for viewing the Empty Sky before it was cracked and riven."

    "It''s a lovely view. I can only imagine how beautiful she was." Adaline says in wonder.

    "Gorgeous and important enough to hobble the Estate when struck dead. So much that it..."

    Division. Hard and like a snap of sudden and unexpected thunder from an early Storm. Sends me tumbling a bit.

    Can... Can Lynette not...?

    But Lynette effortlessly continues over the thoughts and words like we used to skip over the murky Wasteways at our Grove. "Hmmm... And my Little One probably won''t want to come to rest here. This place may have a wonderful view but lacks the quick escape through tunnels from the Sky''s Cruel regard."

    I cautiously allow myself to mingle closer, find nothing amiss but... avoid sharing my thoughts on what tore us apart.

    The one intake to escape these grounds, and the damage they did both when entering and exiting. Things I burned from this Estate''s records. Logs I''ve only retained in basic memory and couldn''t even place in my Little Archive for fear of it examining them before I could get it to let Xafra go.

    "Well we can definitely add in a chute of sorts for her to better accommodate her need, if that''s something she would like? It would be good to share this view." Xafra offers as she stares upwards. "I wish that I could help her. But... I don''t think that is my function, not when there are so many wrongs to right down here."

    We take up her hand again and give it a squeeze as I murmur. "Of course we''ll reach up to Her when we have the wingspan for it. But... yes. Small steps first. See to the Groves and Seas and lands about us before throwing ourselves at problems with so much weight."

    "Might I... heh... Be like Calix for a moment?" She asks us suddenly.

    "In that you mean to leap from this Spire in hopes that those pretty wings of yours are easy to figure out?" We smirk at her. "Only if you allow Krahe a heartbeat of three times to run down there to be ready to catch you. And make sure you allow your Pack Sister here to give you some instruction first. Empty Skies know that Schatzi''s already worked with Warden to master the Art of perfectly using her wings by now."

    "I''m more than willing to be that patient." she giggles.

    We can''t help but tug her and our Pack forward to where a type of balcony once was. The safety wall comes only up to our bellies and is more than surmountable.

    "But where is the fun in that?" Is our reply while turning to eye them. "Schatzi can go first and show us all how this sort of thing is done properly. And with Quill-Song and Krahe already rushing below your leap will be safe enough. Will use one of the higher Giyars to ensure you''re caught well even."

    As we speak, Schatzi is already leaping over us with a whipsnap of spreading wings, swooping downwards before flapping back up and around the Spire.

    Her Quills screaming in excitement, Xafra kisses us fiercely and jumps backwards off the Spire.

    Chuckling in excitement we dart forward to lean over the railing and watch as she begins her first attempt. But¡­ Her wings expand out and clip the side of the Spire sending her spinning down in a pained panic as she tries to right herself.

    But luckily Krahe already was below and about. So quick to launch herself up to swipe-gather Xafra in her arms about a dozen feet from the ground. Cradling her Pack Lead close as she zips down the wall the Spire and to the grounds below, then into the entrance. Already is topping the steps to these uppermost levels as we turn. Slowing only as she gets to us.

    "You... really weren''t watching Schatzi very closely, were you?" We sigh, but with nothing but soft amused tittering of our tendrils, as Krahe settles Xafra to her own feet. "Did they get hurt too badly to try again?"

    "Hssss. Oh Mistresses, it hurts a lot. I think I messed up my wing..." Xafra complains.

    "Well, That would be a spot of bother. But..." We murmur while adjusting her to turn and let us see the wing. "Share that pain and let us reweave it into something more bearable but no less distracting while we have Adaline see to this with us."

    We brace ourselves and prepare for such a wave of sensation but¡­

    The pain is... Miniscule. Truthfully. Nothing more serious than a sprain. Which makes us hesitate in motions and considerations and...

    This is just like the pleasure. And how much it quickly overwhelmed. She never felt pain in the way we did. Even... even with our surgery. It was all fractured and filtered and sifted.

    Impressive to be sure, but... not perfect. This is her first real encounter with fully woven flesh and bone and everything between that manages both.

    We ensure none of our surprise comes across as anything but things of considerations of the odd way her wing''s sensations differ from other limbs as we draw it up and reknit the pain into something more pleasurable. Making sure to twist the gerl round again so we can hold her through Adaline''s work. Now worried about another set of problems.

    How much will she struggle with her other forms? In... in how much they''ll rob her of the sensations? We''ll always want her to stride about in shapes best suited to her desires but...

    Thank the Cracked and Riven Moon Adaline, the Resheathing Ritual, and Jezrial are here to help her adjust and manage them. Because the more we consider this shape the more we worry about how vulnerable it is. How... how it might be a form she could be slain in. How much she''ll need to have comfortable alternatives.

    As Adaline checks her over and carefully braces her wing in place, Xafra begins quietly moaning and panting. "Oh oh ohhhhhhhh. That might be too much."

    Schatzi lands beside us and helps hold Xafra still with gentle words and strong hands.

    We adjust and alter the balance of pain and pleasure throughout Adaline''s quick and deft work. Trying to keep Xafra from both misery and over-stimulation. Eventually murmuring near the end of the work. "Not sure if we have anything for the pain on the grounds... other than some healing tomes we could consider."

    "It should be okay. I just need to adjust to it. It feels... So much more real than pain did previously. I didn''t really notice when I was doing communion with D?mmerung because it was a sharp pain but it''s like all my nerves are extra sensitive now."

    "That makes sense. But... honestly from what you''ve shared along the bond it all seems quite normal. If we had to place a guess it''s probably that you''re able to absorb the entire range of sensations, whereas before it was either sifted away due to Garrotes or your creations being made to mimic only certain aspects." We lean back to eye her up and down. "Not the full range of a mundane body''s nonsense like this one enjoys."

    The only response is soft grumbles and a blush as Adaline finishes before there is a spear in front of us once more. [Overstimulated. Quiet time for me for a while, Mistresses.]

    ::Rest/Calm/Silence:: Is our Canted reply while such a grin takes our lips. Easily pulling our Xafra''s spearform to close to cradle it. Ensuring no parts touch the ground as is her preference.

    Schatzi smiles brilliantly at us and bumps her horns against our shoulder. "It''s a good day Mistresses!"

    "Isn''t it?" We pull her close while scooting and shifting to lean back to the nearest wall, then release a sigh as our eyes drift shut. Letting the gentle thrum of her horns and the Pack''s wider song roll through us. "Cracked and Riven nonsense we... we did it. She''s free. And it all went off without more than a few cuts and strained wing."

    Such a weight seems to shift from our shoulders at those spoken words. Then... It''s like something that was holding us up is gone and the weight of the day pulls part of us to droop into near immediate unconsciousness.

    "Thank you." We barely whisper together as Division looms. "We... This is not something we think could have been done alone. Not without it costing us so much more than we might have been willing to pay."

    "That''s how teamwork functions, dear Wife. We lift together to carry burdens and accomplish things we could not safely do alone." Adaline chimes in.

    Can''t help but rumble a soft acknowledgement of that as gentle Division pulls us apart.

    "Not a thing I''d thought to be comfortable with. And... to be honest it''s still a thing that grates against my everything." Lynette chuckles as she settles into parts of herself where I cannot see or hear or feel. Fingers moving to dance through Schatzi¡¯s hair.  "Today could have ruined everything. If I thought for a second I could gain forgiveness I''d have instead... But no. Together was better. The calculations were sound. And... I couldn''t let the Cunt be right about me. Not when it mattered."

    "Do you want to talk about it? Your desires? It can help to be open about the things you choose not to do."

    "It would, I suspect. But..." Lynette considers that for a long few heartbeats, then opens a single eye to look at Adaline. "That''s actually a thought. Adaline. May I ask you a personal and possibly destressing question? Something I mean no malice or callousness in, but... need to test?"

    "Yes." She answers without hesitation.

    "What were the first words Elevar spoke to you, and where were they given?" She asks.

    I... think back. Not worried about her being altered by my memories she''s not supposed to have. Curious for all of a single heartbeat what she''s trying to understand...

    But it''s obvious.

    She can''t consider my memoires about those days. But... Can she consider another''s specific words on the events? It would seem an easy weakness to exploit if not. A flaw in the Estate''s weaving.

    She thinks for a long moment before reciting in a voice nearly identical to ours at a younger age "Oh. I didn''t know that Mistress Yselda accepted boys.... I''m so sorry, that was foolish of me. I should have realized."

    I wince a little at the memory. Know Adaline long since forgave me for that but...

    Lynette is cackling.

    "Cracked and Riven Moon. Elevar, you petty stupid cunt. You thought Adaline was here to replace you." She chortles while starting to run our fingers across Schatzi''s horns. "And... nothing cut away. I should have thought of this back when I asked you and our Doll about the needle. But it was vague enough that I didn''t think it would be the same. And then the journals didn''t stick but that was because... Of... other reasons."

    She hitches, but only for a moment, then continues. "But this side steps that. Easily. Thank you Adaline. This opens up so many delicious opportunities."

    Adaline smiles and her Quills hum a hunting tune. "It is good to find the range one can move."

    "Quite. I should... consider this. Need to ask the right questions." Lynette murmurs, tip-tapping Xafra''s hilt and Schatzi''s horns in thought. "The Old Cunt hid much from you, so there will be a lot I can''t find. But also things Elevar didn''t see. Your private talks with her and the Matron of Dollcraft. Would you be willing to answer more after I''ve had time to collect myself?"

    "Yes. It would be my honor to assist you in this."

    "Perfect. Thank you. I''m... going to let the flesh rest a bit." The other part of me leans our head back against the wall. From her I feel nothing but as I drift off I can''t help but feel our face twist into an expression of such... anxious worry, just before she lets our eyes close once again.

 Chapter 81: Jade Slippers and Kyanite Whispers (Doll)

    Jade Slippers and Kyanite Whispers (Doll)

    Content Warnings:

    Bug scittering. Taking apart little bug Dolls. Talk of bug attack in the past. Talk of past parent rejecting identity.

    After carrying the Mistresses and Xafra off to bed, this one and the rest of the Pack head back down the tunnels to the store room to grab materials for Warden. "So, black Nephrite, Tagua, and Pewter. That''s all the materials we need, right?¡±

    "Yes, sister Adaline. Warden thinks it sounds ideal." It answers while we start opening the casks of treasure to find them.

    Krahe prowls over to one of the odder shaped ones with Verbess focusing on her curiously tittering Quill-Song. Pokes the thing with tails and lets them slither about it. Begins to tighten and tug and growl little things as her Frame cracks larger and talons click out. Scratching and clawing and even trying to sink teeth into the grooves to no avail.

    <Told you Sister... without Ousia these odd things are beyond us. These ones tried long before even Xafra was found.> Verbess cackles through the song.

    Krahe continues to struggle at it. Growling Quills thrumming in even louder focus. "Just didn''t try hard enough, little bird. Gotta search for the weak point. Like those odd fish that liked to wear stones and paddle about."

    Verbess is about to protest again, but pauses. <Warden, do you sense any configurations of Krahe''s motions that might crack this without the debt of Ousia?>

    "Warden is reluctant to imply that such a thing is beyond Sister Krahe. But would instead point to the likely displeasure success would cause the Mistresses." It responds with deft logic.

    With a giggle, this one subtly channels some of Xafra''s Ousia into the Cradle Krahe is attempting to pry open.

    With a snap-crack the thing starts to bloom like some weird flower. Sending Krahe into a stumble but... Quill-Song shifts to a thing of victory as she adjusts to grin across the room as Warden. "See? Just like those weird¨C"

    But in a flash of motion from the cask at least two dozen... things, leap from the cradle and scatter. Each about the size of a finger and shimmering in vibrant hues in the dim cavern.

    Krahe acts quickly, tails darting out to snatch up as many as she can carry, but leaving at least 6 more to try and escape.

    This one pulls hard on Xafra''s Physis to seal the chamber and calls out to Verbess "Stun them with your Quills if you can, I''ll hold the door and Krahe can finish them off.¡±

    Verbess cracks forth, Quills jerk and snap out a pulse of <DISRUPTION> within half a heartbeat of my words.

    The bugs totter and tumble but... mostly like if the wind hit them. Odd chitin seems to cause the Quill-Stun to wash over them.

    Krahe sets loose her own pulses of <DISRUPTION> and leaps after them like a snek from the treetops.

    Gross. Terrible. Just absolutely disgusting. This one pulses <STILLNESS> in revulsion and contrast to her sisters disrupting pulses to try and cause these awful things to drop where they can be... Contained?

    <Goal?> I request with a rapid thrum.

    The little things jerk and twitch and seize up even more at our combined Quill-Songs. Giving Verbess the chance to sweep in to snatch up the remaining escapees that were about to slip free of Krahe''s hunt.

    <Reclamation... Complete. Assessment... ongoing. Harvest... required.> Verbess thrums while rising, each arm¡¯s long talons pinning the twitching bug between sharp tips.

    "Jittery little things..." Krahe hums while dropping to sit and look between the ones gripped in her tails and two in her own talons. "And... not any gooey bits from what this one can feel. All hard shells and such. Even inside."

    One of the horrid things in Verbess'' grip seems to open up a big mouth on the underside of itself. Trying to gnash and gnaw at the big Pack Sister.

    This one stabs out with a claw at the wretched thing, carving it in two. "No one gets to bite the Pack without permission!" screams from my lips.

    Verbess adjusts its hold as it continues to wiggle and squirm about in it''s grip. Quills twitching and twittering melodies of focus and curiosity at the odd bug that did not cease to Function after my fatal blow. Most of its focus is on its assessment but...

    Eye''s flicker to this one''s.

    Quills dance out a soft melody of approval at this one''s fury but also... brushing questions. Mostly as to the reason such small and fragile things unnerve me but without anything like the condescension another might have. A request to hear me speak or sing to the feelings at the roots of that while it bisects the prey we''ve already captured.

    This one nods and sits in its lap, Verbess carefully carving apart the things while this one''s words are shared. "In the villages like where I grew up, we had different flora and fauna compared to what is more typical down near the Groves. Don''t know if many of the Groveborn even realize it, that the selective breeding of plants around the Groves have such a major impact. We didn''t get attacked by Sun-Blessed much, one of the benefits of being higher in elevation, the slopes themselves seem to discourage them. The bugs though... Gadflies were prevalent, likely still are, because of how important standing water is when you can''t just... dig down into the aquifer. There''s methods for keeping them away of course, but typically it''s simply expected that everyone learns the basic Physis shield that blocks them.¡±

    It thrums understanding as it lays the broken bugs out between us. Performing its own <assessments> while Warden does it¡¯s. Cataloging the internal pieces and trying to chart out a schema to fully grasp the Functions and pieces as they become less and less like gross bugs and more akin to... to little Dolls?

    Verbess'' Quills click and twitch in preparation for this one''s next words. Almost like it expects them before they roll through lips and Quills. Not thought reading but... like how some older sorts would speak to feeling the first Summer Storms approach as their bones ached. Or smelling the sweet stench of the ocean''s tides before they might roll in.

    This one continues carefully, "As a child I was precocious... Prone to wandering off. I thought I was self-reliant enough to manage foraging trips on my own. Was for the first few. But... I fell in one of the lakes during spawning season. Ran out of Physis and passed out halfway back to the village. It. Um¡­ Went bad.¡±

    Verbess'' pauses, words and feelings toward the memories bringing the melody this one is sharing to twitch its Quills in harmonic understanding. Almost... No, not almost. It is wrapping itself about all of this. The tune and emotions chiming off this Frame''s Quills, the words shared aloud, and even the posture this one has settled into.

    If this one wants to stop here, it will agree and consider it Good Function. Same for if we continue to share this song.

    "I don''t like insects. Part of the reason I''m so fond of spiders, honestly. They are efficient at treating such things as prey." This one chitters firmly.

    Verbess clicks and thrums in approval to this one''s words. "As are you, but to a much wider grove of foes." Then cracks and folds itself away, letting Schatzi resume her shape and management of the Frame.

    Warden finishes its cataloging as this one speaks and as I finish, it takes over. "Warden Identifies these as having Pewter segments, they are primarily made of wood, but the restructuring techniques they use can be implemented in a Warden Frame to better accommodate User needs." Its voice is unmistakably happy and excited, almost giddy.

    Krahe has already let her tails begin to pull apart the bugs based on Warden''s instructions. Cradling the segments we need in talons while plopping the rest of the parts back into the open cask. "I really hope none of the others are filled with odd things like this. Are um... Are these normal these days? Turning animals or bugs into Dolls? Or.... making Dolls that were never anything before being Dolls?"

    "No, definitely not. It''s worse than heresy to do such a thing, it''s gauche and ineffective." This one responds reflexively.

    "Huh. Weird." Krahe''s Quills thrum satisfaction as she finishes her work and walks over to plop down beside us, then change to a curious tune that wordlessly asks what the next steps will be.

    "We um. Warden still requires the Black Nephrite and Tagua. Other cradles should be opened." Warden declares with wavering confidence.

    Krahe hops up happily though, letting a tail deposit the pewter segments into my hands. Then she heads over to one of the cradles we were about to open before her''s let loose this swarm.

    Within the Pack''s song Verbess knits a forming countdown to action. Our sister''s Quills thrum a huntress'' anticipation as talons and tails slither out to poke and prod at the thing. Then, with a whip-crack of motion, Verbess channels the required Ousia through Krahe into the Cradle while our many-tailed Sister looms over the opening cradle.

    A pause.

    Nothing moves from within.

    And Krahe slowly returns to motion. Reaching into the cradle to pull out a bundle of cloth. She spreads it out to reveal it to be a shawl and matching dress of rich green knittings with ivory shards knit throughout to form embordered patterns.

    "Huh." She grins past it at me. "Neat."

    Then darts forward to drape that into Schatzi''s arms along with a playful little tail hug to both of our wrists before moving to the last cradle.

    "Oh it''s so pretty! Do you think they''ll let me keep it?" Schatzi exclaims.

    "Doesn''t have the material we need, so it''s likely." this one responds.

    A few more Cradles, and a few more oddities found within. Mostly deposits of materials in crafted shapes. The Black Nephrite found as a dozen coins about the size of this one''s palm, each with... strange veins of what looks like golden amber throughout the pitch stone. Symbols engraved seem... somewhat nonsensical to this one on first examinations.

    The Tagua is an even stranger discovery in the form it takes. What looks... like some kind of weird plant growing throughout its cradle. Throughout it though are fruits that seem to bloom from the roots. The plant seems long dead though. Only kept from decay by the absolute sealing of the cradle.

    "These should work well enough, I feel. Let''s take the stuff up to the Workshop Spire. We can get the majority of it done there." I announce, picking up the Cradle with the Black Nephrite.

    Krahe thrums agreement and follows me while taking up the Pewter parts and Tagua growths.

    After a short walk back up through the tunnels, we get to the Workshop Spire and lay out the materials. "I think it''s likely best if Verbess shapes the pieces, as it has the most precise blade movements. Warden, would you overlay the exact requirements?" This one suggests.

    "Warden will!" it exclaims in excitement, manifesting ethereal models of each component after taking into account the shapes of the material.

    Verbess cracks out to loom over this one. Not even making me feel the need to move aside as it''s four talons reach around to pause just away from the parts. Quills tittering a harmonizing tune in preparation of Warden''s readiness with the diagrams and layouts to match with Verbess'' Frame.

    A few heartbeats, then it begins to work. Talons deftly snapping out to cut and sheer and reshape the mess of disparate pewter parts into the construction of Warden''s design. It''s motions... More like a Mistress at her loom than anything else. Each motion of those talons tumbling into the next stanza of this elaborate schema Warden''s actively knitting and adjusting.

    And then something seems to tick upways within the Frame behind and around this one as Verbess works.

    Moving too fast now. Hard to keep up. Even with just my eyes and the Quill-Song pulsing through me.

    Then everything just... stops. Easily. Talons and pieces and schema held in place as if in one of Primrose''s paintings.

    <Sister...> Verbess sings through Quills at me. <Have you not learned to adjust the Giyars within your Frame?>

    "I... have Giyars?" I blunt out in confusion. "But I''m not a real combat model like you, I was designed for infiltration and subversion.¡±

    "There are many types of combat models, Sister Adaline. These ones'' Frame simply embody a rather thin facet of what a Doll can be." It cackles through the Quills and splitting fangs, "And yes, you have Giyars. At least five from initial assessments beyond the Giyar Null. Not fully accessible before your Resheathing, but fully installed as your Quills sprouted. A Frame needs at least three to endure a Pack Bond. Would you like These ones to show you how to adjust them consciously?¡±

    "Yes! That that sounds awesome!¡±

    It thrums in anticipation. Adjusting the song to weave in a new melody for me to follow.

    A buzzing sensation along this one''s Quills. Like... an echo or flash of light for me to notice the pieces within this Frame. Helping new parts alight with sensation so that they are noticed before...

    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

    How a kind mentor might tip-tap a new tool, expecting a Floret to carefully pick up and examine this glimmering next step in her education.

    Giyar One. Slow motions and awareness of self and inner Frame.

    Tip-taps the next.

    Giyar Two. Frame speeds and senses limited. Focus on single target and gentle movements.

    Then another.

    Giyar Third. My present Giyar. Good for all mundane tasks and Functions.

    And another.

    Giyar Fourth. The state this one was in when hunting and being hunted in the jungles with Elevar and Lynette. Double the motion and thinking speeds of a mundane body.

    And finally...

    Giyar Fifth. Double the last Giyar''s ability. This Frame''s current limit. Can be maintained for a limited duration, and is advised to use in quick bursts to help this one acclimate and utilize at peak efficiency. As while this Frame''s Quills and mind are tuned to keep up, instincts and reflexes must be highly disciplined to avoid mistakes and bad motions.

    This one roils with the thrill of following its lead, cycling up and down through the Giyars as I turn my attention inwards to feel my Iphodian gears change speed and resonance with each alteration. "And Giyar Null?" I query

    Pleased with my acclimation and enjoyment, It turns this one to regard this last tool.

    Giyar Null. The void betwixt Function. Total stillness and silence. Self as it would be if dead. Frame empty of This one''s will. Zero expenditure of this Frame''s resources.

    But as this one reaches to consider this last tool, a note of deft caution sings through the Quills.

    "Time within Giyar Null does not exist as it does to those within a more natural slumber." Verbess thrums. "If you were not Pack Bound These ones would demand you craft an anchor. Voices and words to call you back to Function. But... as long as Pack Sisters and the Mistress remain, you are safe from drifting into its depths for longer than is good. Can even visit Xafra''s Driftdream and sit within your space to consider the events that drove you from the world without."

    "Warden, would you be willing to assist me with an experiment?" I suddenly get the compulsion to ask, mind brimming with epiphany.

    Warden nods in confused acceptance.

    With a rapid fire transmission of instructions, I mentally pull and twist, then drop myself to Giyar Null. For what feels like the briefest of moments, I disappear.

    ** ** **

    This one opens her eyes once more, uncertain how much time had passed. "Did it work?" I ask, looking around.

    Verbess cackles, thrumming the contentment of a huntress of prey within her maw. "It did, Sister. And you discovered the odd nature of the Giyars for those housing extra wills within their Frame. All others affect any within the Frame, save the void betwixt Function. That is a place each may enter from and rise into alone.¡±

    I chitter with excitement before I feel it and look down at Warden¡¯s new frame, held gently in the hands I lent it. "Warden, You''re gorgeous. Mistress Xafra might be jealous." I say teasingly.

    "Warden finds it unlikely. Sister Xafra is significantly longer and is the Mistresses preferred weapon for combat. Warden is very grateful for the opportunity, Adaline. Thank you." Warden responds with an even tone, rife with emotion kept from spilling out.

    Krahe giggles as she hovers about. Tails sneking about us all as one carefully reaches up to touch the hilt of Warden''s form. "It really came out perfect though. I think she''ll be a touch jealous. At least a smidge. This one doesn''t even want to be anything but what she is now and I''m a bit jealous.¡±

    "Considering that we were able to have Warden occupy my Frame, it is likely that you could test out Wardens as well." This one responds. "We should head back to the Mistresses, get Warden implanted, then... it would be really nice to get those Glyphs set in me.¡±

    Verbess pulses agreement, then crack-snaps back to fold away into its Frame. Letting Schatzi''s new shapes split free as it returns to the place between and atop and around the Quill Songs tittering between us.

    Schatzi leads us across the Estate to the Mistresses Spire with a happy tune of "walk walk walk", prancing her way up the stairs to the bedchamber and immediately snuggling up next to them and Xafra.

    Without waking up at all, a single hand drifts back to rest upon Schatzi''s arm. Then a couple tendrils titter a little happy sleepy melody before nuzzling into her hair a bit before settling into stillness and silence again.

    I look over to Krahe and Warden, set Warden''s new Frame on the dresser, and shake my head as I lead us back out of the room. "Well. Honestly we should probably let them rest for a while longer. Don''t know if you''d prefer to stay at their side in the meantime Warden, but I think I might go cause problems on purpose with Krahe.¡±

    Krahe giggles and lets her Quills titter a soft little song of mischief and agreement.

    Warden nods to us and dissolves its ephemeral projection, settling itself down within Schatzi once more.

    "Alright Krahe. What mischief should we get up to?¡±

    She pauses, going more still than she''s done since her installation. Then such a grin takes her features as her tails and Frame resume their normal restless motions. "You got a good feel for your Giyars? Wanna... do some tests? See their limits? Or... get a start on the Glyph things? Both? Both can happen at the same time.¡±

    "Hmmm¡­ For the Glyph shard implantation, I think we should grab some assistance... Jezrial, Valthirii, and Riana, perhaps?" I suggest, already seeing how much minor chaos such a grouping will cause.

    Krahe''s Quills sing a happy little melody as tails writhe back together into a single limb. "Sounds good to this one. Wanna race to their Spires? I''ll keeep... tooo... Let''s say Giyar four while you can tick up to five as much as you please? Get a feel for how it kicks mid-motion?¡±

    With a giggle I dash off, attempting to get a head start "Yes!¡±

    Krahe pounces after, keeping Quills to a silent hum at first. Catching up about the time I''m mid-way through the entryway. And as we tear free of the Spire she sneks about me and Quills snap out a melody of release. Frame''s movements silently cracking into breakneck motions that pull her ahead steadily.

    This one grabs hold of the mechanisms that regulate her autonomously, and pushes them into Giyar Five, seizing a burst of speed and power to catch up.

    She cackles through Quill and fangs at this, titters a tone of mischief as her Frame adjusts to bound forward upon all four limbs just as I catch up and...

    Whip-Crack!

    That tail snaps out at my legs playfully, barely avoiding my ankles. Then the melody her Frame radiates teases at three more strikes Krahe doesn''t mean to miss.

    A warning and challenge and gift of mischief for me to adapt to and overcome.

    She will lose some speed for this, but not near as much as I will if a tail''s strike even clips me when moving at these speeds. And only sheer reflex will let me react quick enough to avoid these.

    The first strike lashes out lazily, jumping over it as I bound off a Spire is easy enough. The second comes with fair warning but requires much more dexterity as I strain Giyar Five to dodge. The third, in the shadow of the second I have no chance, so instead I clamp onto it with my claws and teeth as it impacts me, knocking me out of Giyar Five and back down to Giyar Three. Now a squirming anchor on her tail, this one''s Quills sing of sheer joy and amusement.

    Krahe giggles while rounding on me and pouncing. Letting us tumble through the grass as her tail wriggles to coil fully about my Frame and pin me like the prey caught in a snek''s grip. By the time our rolling about ends she has me wrapped up with only one of my arms free while both legs are left to dangle and kick about.

    Quills titter happily as she rises up looks about the grounds, tail pulling me press close into her back like some traveling pack. "Which were we even going for first? You took off before this one could ask.¡±

    "Valthirii first, since she''ll likely be the hardest to convince." I say with a smile.

    Krahe thrums in amusement at that, happily lifting me up to begin her bound toward the Spire. And... Of course my Pack Sister doesn''t even consider the main entrance. Just leaps and skitters up the edge to an open balcony that sits connected to one of the larger sections of Valthirii''s libraries. Crawls into and begins to move throughout without loosening her tail''s tight grip on me. Frame still cracked large and imposing while beginning her stalking through the floors in search of our first prey.

    Krahe finds Valthirii after a dozen heartbeats of quiet searching tucked into a webbed corner niche with a cup of tea and a set of shockingly pornographic scrolls, murmuring quietly to herself.

    "Heya!" Krahe cackles happily, lifting this one''s Frame around to dangle next to her. "This one''s got a delivery for ya.¡±

    "Just the distraction I needed. I do hope it is more material. You''ve caught me entangled in a miserable scrawling attempting to pass itself off as a weaving." Valthirii''s eyes turn to favor us. "Cute gerlthings aside, I covet for more than shallow depictions of flesh to sink my fangs into.¡±

    Krahe uncoils her tail in a way that loops and spins me about before depositing my Frame to stand before Valthirii. "Adaline needs your help getting something magical or another etched up inside her. And... This one doesn''t actually know if that could be done with fangs?" Her tails split to their dozen smaller limbs to poke and nip at me playfully with their inner layer of teeth as Quills titter along. "It should be tried though. For research purposes or whatever!¡±

    Valthirii works her chelicerae and fangs in tight frustrated motions.  When she speaks, disappointment envenoms her tone. "Ah. Cries for help and a summons hardly invite the same expectations as a delivery. Don''t you agree?" She sets her tea aside before rising to her full height. "No matter, you are lucky that Adaline is the one in need. Do explain any details that ensure I bring what is needed in as clear and concise terms as you can.¡±

    "I wanted to know if you''d like to help root around inside my Frame and determine good shapes for Glyph Shards as well as suitable anchor points, since if we can get it working well you''re next on my list. Your help is not necessary but would be appreciated, and likely to provide unique insights. As far as equipment... Clothing you don''t mind getting dirty, a change of clothes for after, and notetaking supplies." I answer with a wicked grin.

    Valthirii goes still, her eyes narrowing in thought. All around her, threads go taut. "Very well. I will gather my things. I might even come to accept this opportunity as a proper delivery."

    All at once threads begin to slacken as her focus turns towards spinning a number of garments, implements, and tools into a cocoon that dangles from looped threads cradled in the crook of her arm. "If my insights are desired, Adaline will have the. In excruciating detail, of course."  She calmly finishes her tea, savoring the taste before striding out from her corner of the library.

    "Yup. She was right. Can see why too. That one''s neat." My Pack Sister murmurs while bouncing from one foot to the other as we watch Valthirii leave. Then turns to smirk at me with fully cracked out fangs. "So... Who we snatching up next?¡±

    "Definitely Riana. Jezrial has to be last so I can be calm by then.¡±

    Krahe nods and bumps me with more tails while Quills titters little supportive things. "Was surprised you wanted her to help with this.¡±

    "I''m scared of her... But she knows old Curanos ways, Not the most technologically advanced, or the modern Groveborn Curanos magics, but the natural hybridization of the two. I want that understanding." This one looks at Krahe and bumps heads with her. "More importantly, I need to know if she can be trusted in this way. Xafra is so much more vulnerable now, and... I fit the profile. I need to do this, Sister. You understand right?¡±

    "Xafra absorbed the memories about all that, will be super happy to share. Soooo... Nope. The Curanos hackles are still up and this one won''t see you get hurt trying something like that." Krahe murmurs and wraps tails about to pull me closer. Quills... thrumming a melody of protective focus. "Buuuut... Letting her help with someone important to her daughter is a good idea. But just for advisement and like... perspective giving on this? Not the actual inner Frame stuff. That''s too far, Sister. This one... isn''t going to let you allow someone you don''t trust adjust your Frame. Never ever again. Nope.¡±

    "I need to do this. And I''ll have you there to keep me safe. It''s... Symbolic. Like... Jezrial isn''t Yselda. She''s done evil things, but not to serve her own ends. She wants to do good. And I''m still scared of her, but can choose to trust her." I explain.

    Krahe''s Quills titter an uneasy but thoughtful tune at that, "This one doesn''t expect her to be stupid here. Like... this is something you want and will plan out. Which makes it better. Buuut.... Just..." She goes stiff in Quill and Frame. Giyar still at at least third or fourth but... all the focus inward and refusing to share even a single note of it for a solid three of my old heart''s beating.

    Then she returns to motion, Quills resuming their quiet protective melody. "Yeah. Okay. I''ll watch over ya. Make sure you feel as safe as possible.¡±

    "Thank you, Sister." I embrace her firmly as Valthirii returns, and we make our way over to the Spire that Riana shares with Strychnine, Hyacinth, and the others.

    Riana''s just stepping out as we approach. Leaf woven hair dancing a bit like there is a good wind blowing despite the still air the grounds here always seem to have. Big sketchbook pinned to her chest by both arms and two fistfuls of colorful writing tools. Garami''s at her side, long arms holding similar tools but twice the number. Both chatting happily and with abandon.

    Riana smiles as she sees us, waving and tilting her head curiously when we deliberately turn to intercept them.

    With both Krahe and Valthirii trailing me, I prance up to them and begin. "So so so so so. I have an offer request invitation for you Riana, and you as well Garami, if you''d be interested.¡±

    "OH! Um...." Riana sways and looks over to Garami.

    "What did you have in mind?" Garami asks, already reshuffling her grip on books and tools while looking between us with an excited smile. "This one... is guessing we''ve some skills or passions that match to a project you''re setting up?¡±

    "Very much so. I am going to be having some magic symbols implanted in my body, but we haven''t yet determined the ideal placement, material, or forms for the symbols to each go on. Having Dolls with artistic inclinations would help significantly I believe.¡±

    Riana''s eyes go wide as her hair begins to bounce more than sway. "We... This one has things that... Just... WAIT HERE!"

    Then she''d taking off into the nearby Spire.

    Garami titters while watching her Connivant run off, then turns back to give me a smirk. "Oh noooow you''re gonna get it. She just stumbled into a collection of research notes about two weeks back and hasn''t been able to stop thinking about the diagrams she found. Plant and animals and everything between with all sorts of magical abilities she never even knew they could get and the organs to help em Function. Like... easy a dozen books. Some thick as you''ve ever seen!¡±

    "Oh. That sounds like it could be very useful." this one responds with astonishment.

    I thought I went through all the research in the Spires already, but this is an entire trove I''ve never heard of.

    A few dozen clicks of Third Giyar''s meter and Riana is skipping back into view with a stack of books stacked and carried from her hips to chin. Balance... precarious. But not enough to cause worry about her dropping any.

    "Okay! Sorry. This one..." She stammers from behind the stack.

    "Thought that was what you were going to fetch." Garami assures her. "This one let them know the basics of what you found."

    "OH! Good good good." Riana huffs. "So like... The animal digrams are the BEST but honestly the plant ones might be better for your stuff. But this one has no idea yet so grabbed the best journals written on both! Alongwithmy... um... personal recreations of them. Just in case they might help!¡±

    "Wonderful. We have one more participant to collect if you want to walk with us, or you can meet us at the Sheared Spire?" I offer.

    "Um.... Okay that''s a spooky choice but This one likes that." Riana nods. "We''ll meet you there!"

    The two of them turn, taking a few slower strides to pass some of the books to Garami, then continue on.

    "Right! You should know that It''s Xafra''s new home Spire. We''re all about to start moving in." I explain before we head off.

    That causes them both to still for a second, but Riana nods. "Neat? This one thinks? Is... okay. Yep. We''ll meet you there!¡±

    Jezrial isn''t hard to find. Her chosen room is higher than Xafra expected, but still within range for our Quill-songs to reverberate against her Ousia. With precise control, I knock on her door. This one even easily hears her gentle footfalls as she approaches the door and opens it. Pausing to eye us all in a heartbeat of hesitation. "Hello Adaline. Krahe. Um... Valthirii. Yes? If my gifted recollections are correct. How may I help you all?¡±

    "I would like your help with a project. Aside from myself, you have the most medical and anatomical knowledge of anyone on the Estate. Would you be willing to operate on me?" I ask with more tremor in my voice than desirable.

    "I... Of course. Yes. Let me just grab my things." She nods, takes a step back as if to retrieve something but... hesitates in the middle of the room as she takes in where she is. Huffs out a laugh while turning back to me. "Even if I had my pack I doubt anything from before would be good for Frame upkeep. Just... Old habits are still buried deep.¡±

    "Mmm. My frame was originally designed to imitate humanity upon surface inspection, so if there are any specific tools you feel would be necessary, we can see about producing them. The main differences to my knowledge are the following: my heartbeat is synthesized via a percussive mechanism and the blood for this ones surface layers is preserved snek blood; My stomach leads to a pump instead of a digestive system; and I recently developed a venom system during my resheathing which I am uncertain about in regards to function." I speak more steadily as I talk about my Frame, objective things that don''t cause distress.

    "Ah. And this operation you need, what are you seeking to... repair? Adjust?" Jezrial asks plainly, interested but in an almost... detached way. Questions seeming as habitual as her stepping back to grab her Curanos tools.

    "An addition, the precise form and location to be discussed with my gathered advisors. I''ve been offered the potential to be the first to claim a new methodology for spellweaving. Implanted compoundable spell glyphs along with an Ousia reservoir. You''ve done both mundane and magical Curanos work. I''ve only practiced the mundane, though much more developed in some ways. I would be very grateful for... For your assistance.¡±

    She considers that for a moment. "Hm... We''ve no original schema or something akin to it after your Resheathing. But that trick Xafra and Verbess did with the echo location gives me a decent idea of where to start. Which Glyphs are you wanting to work with first?¡±

    "Beith, Sail, and Dair were the ones that looked to best accommodate my initial needs and permit reasonable experimentation.¡±

    "If we''re lucky we''ll be able to do this in such a way that everything is interchangeable, But... Wishing for third day rations never brought them to the cabinet." Jezrial muses while stepping from her room and pulling the door shut behind her. "It''ll be best to be ready to attempt others in their place if there are subtle disjunctions we don''t know about. Find all the ways this won''t work and narrow down the thin path this will. Best thing is to treat your Frame like we were taught to work with heavily Resheathed sorts and not make too many assumptions.¡±

    "We have a list of Glyphs as alternatives, and I will defer to your judgment if we get to that point. I''ve only ever worked on unmodified mundanes and lightly fleshcrafted bodies, so your experience in that regard will be quite beneficial." I respond as we move towards the Sheared Spire. "Valthirii here is to be my D¨¤rna in the Coterie I''m weaving. She was once a Witch of renown, and more accomplished than myself in magical theory. Meeting us there are Riana and Garami. Both of them are artists, with Riana specializing in depictions and analysis of living flesh, and Garami specializing in metals and other inorganics. I feel that with all of us, we should have either sufficient capability to accomplish this project successfully.¡±

    "Sounds like it." She agrees. "Or fail in such a way that we learn what we''re missing.¡±

    "Exactly. As much as I know that Xafra could likely just... Will such changes into being, asking her to do that wouldn''t teach us anything, and I don''t want her to feel like a tool.¡±

    Jezrial snorts at that. "Oh... We''d learn plenty, most of it would be how my daughter always did love to take shortcuts. Like some girl never taught that climbing through a neighbor''s windows to get home quicker is going to cause problems. We never know when the World we live in will take offense to someone ignoring the rules of things. She can break the laws of it all when we''ve been properly introduced and asked permission to use the front door.¡±

    "I adore the way you think." I pause as we approach the Spire. "Valthirii, could you go on ahead? I would appreciate a quiet word with Jezrial.¡±

    "You could have just asked me to bind her in thread. I would have made it an expressive arrangement. Or I suppose I could just bind the mouths and ears of everyone else present." Valthirii says with a sigh and extended hand. "Very well. I''ll leave you to your quiet exchange of words.¡±

    The Curanos takes a breath but nods, letting her eyes watch as Valthirii leaves before shifting back to regard Krahe and myself with a subtle and polite raised eyebrow.

    "Curanos Jezrial. It is important to me that you know before we begin that I am frankly terrified of you. Despite that, I do want your help and I trust you to not deliberately harm me.¡±

    "It seems... I''m the girl stumbling through the window. If we''re to overuse my metaphor." She sighs, almost to herself, while reaching into a pocket to pull out a length of thread. Then uses it to bundle up all that hair away from her face into a tight ponytail. "What I understand about you, from Xafra''s memories at least, is that you are a girl that prefers rapt and crisp honesty. Yes? So can I ask why I terrify you? Or would it be taken as being too forward or... underhanded? I''d honestly rather not guess or assume when you could just tell me yourself, despite the high chances I could probably get it all in one or two tries.¡±

    "That''s unlikely actually. Because it''s... Heh. It''s not even because of anything you''ve done. I am terrified of you because you''re Xafra''s acknowledged Mother. My... My own mother never spoke to me again after I tried to express my identity as a youth. Then with Yselda, she wasn''t Elevar''s mother of course, but she was her mentor and role model, and... She betrayed us both. Bound us into servitude. Taught us that the ability and willingness to use violence is what grants the capacity to consent. I am terrified of you because I am scarred by my past and I am going to trust you anyways because I refuse to be bound by it anymore.¡±

    That makes her pause, only nodding slowly and carefully by the end. "Ah, well that does complicate things. And in ways I can''t even explain away or try and assure you of the contrary. But... " Jezrial takes a deep breath, then releases it. "Let me try to offer this. While this place does not fill me with a sense of safety, I''m glad my daughter has found a little village of sorts like her. She''s needed that for an eternity. And that goes double for her Pack. So... feel free to direct my actions today. I''ll treat you like I would any fellow Curanos and walk you through every step of the chart we''ll be making today.¡±

    I continue walking before I speak again, "Thank you... And this place isn''t safe. Don''t ever forget that. It is a barely chained horror that we are keeping pacified as best we can.¡±

    "I know, and you''re welcome. I hope this turns out to work in every way you''re hoping for." She replies and moves to follow.

    "It will!" Krahe chirps up, moving to bounce alongside me with tails spinning all about before curling back into a single limb. Quills humming a tune that radiates a mix of calm and support to this one. "Or... we''ll just have to ask our Pack Lead to help this one break all the rules and work backwards from there!¡±

 Chapter 82: Reforging Her Stolen Wings (Witch)

    Reforging Her Stolen Wings (Witch)

    Content Warnings:

    Frame workums, salacious jokes, um.... someone loses a hand! Yup!

    I drift into alertness to find our fingers already running through one gerl''s soft mane of hair. And from the texture and length and¡­. Horns? Most definitely our Schatzi.

    Smile as we pull the opposite gerl close. Xafra, shifted back into this new form sometime in the night and resting so very peacefully.

    <Morning Elevar.> Lynette murmurs, like someone deep in thought elseways.

    {Morning.} I reply, carefully pulling my free hand up to gently curl through Xafra''s hair as well. Purposefully keeping my motions slow as to ensure both our gerls remain relaxed. {How''ve you been this night? And I... Don''t sense Adaline or Krahe close.}

    <Well enough. And our Pack¡¯s been about the grounds. Working on projects and such. And at least one is nearly thrumming with anticipation to see its Mistress'' regard toward the outcome.>

    I can''t help but smirk at the thought of this lot running about, begin to feel one of our gerl''s stir to wakefulness.

    Schatzi squirms awake with an affected yawn that ends with a cute squeak before wriggling around to face us "Mistresses, Warden''s Frame is all done and ready!"

    "Really? And all done in one night?" I can''t help but grin in reply to that. But... Look down and about to see myself still tangled in Xafra''s sleepy arms. So I glance back up to Schatzi and murmur, "Well... Could I trouble you all to bring this creation to us? I''m still a bit bound to a sleepy headed gerl at the moment, and I''d adore that first thing in the morning."

    Without opening her eyes yet, Xafra thrums the Quills of her tail and sleepily mumbles "Table. Only an arms length away from you."

    Schatzi rises slightly and grabs the vacant Frame, carefully placing it into my hands.

    We stare down in surprise and awe at the knife. The blade is a narrow handspan of a dark gemstone braced between two thin layers of a pale metal. The handle material resembles bone but feels like wood to the touch and is a delicate spiral that ends in a loop large enough to slide a thumb through. There''s some sort of mechanism built into the handle but¡­ we can''t make it out on just a surface look.

    Very gently, we raise up a hand to trace fingers along the shape of the blade and hilt. Find the grip and balance just... perfect.

    "This is.... so very impressive." I murmur, letting the bond fill with our adorations of this creation. "A masterful piece. More intricate and deft in these designs than I thought possible for an evening''s work. But... wonderfully cast and carved. Befitting of this Pack''s Warden." Look up into the eyes of our Doll to ask. "Tell me about the subtle sways of your workings, if you please. Impress me with the muses behind the schema to this."

    Warden speaks through Schatzi with a blush "Warden is unsure if it is impressive. Sister Adaline let Warden occupy her Frame to carve the pieces with Verbess'' help. It is made of pewter, black jade, and tagua, a type of nut. If you twist the loop, the blade can fold into the side of the handle for ease of storage and safety."

    "Hmmm... " We grin and do as it suggests. Fold and unfold the parts twice, find the motions and locking of the Frame in either position easy and deft and without any threat of it slipping between. Find each adjustment natural and comfortable. "Honestly it''s quite a few paces beyond impressive. You''ve done well. But, this Frame is still missing its most important aspect." I glance back up as we balance it on three fingers. "Did you want your missing members to be called here for your installation? Or... Would you like to greet them next in this new Frame?"

    Warden seems enraptured by the motions of our manipulating of the knife Frame to such an extent that it doesn''t respond, simply staring at our hands.

    Can''t help but grin a bit more at that, feel Lynette adjust something... within. Not in me or us but... beyond? Beneath? From the sway of her I think I know what she''s trying to communicate. So I carefully reach out through the bond to Cant a soft yet firm ::Approval/Installation:: directly to Warden.

    Then relax so Lynette can finish using our Wairua, and the ease of which she manipulates it on these grounds, to weave Warden a binding of Ousia and Physis knit threats to follow into its new Frame. Even a gentle linking of what feels like something akin to fingers to pull it along or give wordless encouragement.

    "Warden. Let''s get you installed." Xafra declares with a push of Quill-song to get Warden''s attention.

    Schatzi giggles as Warden nods and slips under the surface in embarrassment.

    And then together we pull and push it along the bond. Help Warden slip across the pathway of Wairua and into this new Frame as one might a new outfit. Carefully ensure its roots nuzzle perfectly across and around and within the blade and hilt and part between. Slowly but... not delaying. Letting this brilliantly clever entity set the pace and move as it will. Use the bonds to its Pack Sisters function as handholds and ropes to keep it steady.

    Not quite sure how long it all takes. Could be two or... mayhaps three heartbeats? But if later we''re told it took a few eternities we''d not be surprised either.

    Then the knife comes alive in our hands, the jade blade vibrating against the pewter to thrum in a Quill-Song of joy and happiness.

    "Oh, and aren''t this little one''s melodies already so well tuned!" Lynette purrs, then proceeds to twist the blade within our grip. Adjusting Warden between three different positions with a deftness I... Did not know she had. Even scour my own memories a touch to verify that we''ve never held something like this beyond very brief, and very clumsy, crafting endeavors. "And of course you considered the weight of your own Wairua when measuring the balance. Delightful."

    [Yes Mistress, Warden thanks you for the praise and you both for the prompt installation.] Warden intones with simple pleasure.

    "Good work. Took about an hour if you were wondering. You were quite deeply focused" Xafra mentions as she sits beside us.

    "That..." We shift a bit. Flex scales and tendrils and a few joints. Find them without any stiffness. "Doesn''t feel right. But mostly due to me being accustomed to a form with a touch more weathering. Now we feel like we could probably crack from a days long stillness to motion in a beat without issue." Then we glance back to her, clicking Warden''s Frame shut. "Morning, by the way. How was your first night in that form? Sleep well? Wing and other wounded bits feeling a touch better?"

    "Still sore but feeling a fair bit better. Didn''t intend to switch to this form honestly, it seems like it isn''t manifested like the other ones but is instead equivalent in some ways to my spear form."

    "Hmmm... That makes sense." We reply while moving to hop off the bed and glance about, Lynette rising to speak while I move toward a dresser to consider fresh clothing. "The physical vulnerability, lack of easy healing when wounded, and... increased sensitivity to stimuli. This form is... in some ways. Everything you were denied but were indeed parts of you. Things that needed reflecting. The real question will be if other woven forms have found themselves altered or adjusted after this. Even in small and subtle ways." We turn and hold up a pretty thing of deep purple cloth between ourselves and Xafra.

    Enjoy how well we think this outfit will look on her. Considering¡­ if it can be hemmed properly before we head out to see what the rest of this gaggle has been up to.

    "Oh that''s really pretty, and it''s like the one I found!" Schatzi mentions. "Do you want me to resize it for Xafra while I do the same for myself with the one I found?"

    "I think that''s a wonderful idea. This color will look wonderful about her new shape." I agree, folding it over our arm. "And... You found one you like? Was it from one of the storage Spires? We''re curious to see the type of weaving that caught your eye."

    Schatzi nods and dives under the bed, and comes back out with a vibrant green knit dress and shawl, both with polished and shaped bone shards woven throughout to form patterns of animals. "This this this one! it was in one of the Cradles and it''s sooo pretty!"

    I pause in surprise as Lynette perks up a bit, then murmurs while stepping forward to feel the fabric between our fingers. Bubbling with some odd mix of almost... mangled gleeful thoughts about this lovely dress. ¡°It really is such a treasure of a find. You¡¯ll look wonderful in this. See to it that it fits your Frame perfectly, and this one to our Xafra. If you please.¡±

    "Yes, mistress!" Schatzi immediately gets to work, and within the length of time it takes us to make and drink a good cup of tea, both Schatzi and Xafra are in their new dresses.

    **    **    **

    The first thing I hear as we approach the battered and broken Spire causes us to hesitate a foot from the entrance in surprise.

    "Well I''ll be. We really just had to let the boy cook." Jezrial replies to someone with an obvious chuckle ringing through her tone. "How did you even spot the mismatch when all our Thaum calculations were theoretical?"

    "It felt too widdershins, and Girra started laughing when this one was doing the math so it was clearly an issue." Calix''s voice responds, heavily muffled.

    We slip inside quietly, knowing many inside will be aware of our approach but not wanting to interrupt.

    Curious to hear all the troublesome aspects of Glyph installation and their schemes to avoid them.

    "Adaline getting tossed upways and out the top of the Spire on a failed first casting would be pretty fun to watch." Krahe cackles from her perch atop a stack of tables and chairs. "Buuut... also not helpful. Good call to make sure the silly sun guy is gonna have to just imagine what that would look like."

    The main room has been filled to bursting with books, a large schema we recognize as coming from at least three storage Spires, multiple silken thread-crafted shapes hanging from the ceiling, endless test Glyph shards, and... a gaggle of hard working sorts. Adaline, Krahe, Valthirii, and Jezrial. Alongside two Dolls I... can''t quite recall the names of?

    <Riana and Garami.> Lynette supplies effortlessly.

    {Wonderful. Thank you.} I reply as we look around the little group to find... Calix?

    Face entirely inside Adaline''s abdomen as she lays back across a table. Shirtless save a breastband. Flesh panels folded inwards to allow him to work.

    "So, do you think we can anchor four, or is three a hard limit, Calix?" Adaline asks with frustration, "I''d rather not have to rebuild my Frame, so we need to get this right the first time."

    "I still think three is too much a risk." Jezrial murmurs, but thoughtfully and with nothing but polite suggestion in her tone. "If you try to use all at once, or in quick succession without using your highest Giyar fully in motion, you''ll crack something important no matter how clever this boy''s math is."

    "Well yes, that would be akin to dumping all your Ousia into a single Einwandfrei. Naturally self-selecting out of the breeding vats... so to speak." Adaline responds icily before she sits up and sees us with a look of absolute horror on her face. She shoves Calix backward and scrambles to cover up while shouting "It''s not what it looks like, I swear!"

    "Oh, however will I endure with the memory of you fetching Calix to help with handling the endless complexity and calculations that come with knitting Glyphs into a Frame?" I place a hand over our heart in mock pain, but wear a crooked smirk to ensure she absorbs our teasing tone as we move to lean against a table near Krahe. "Especially since the notes I gave you nudged at the need of finding a brilliant sort to run these numbers, as we are quite¡­ bad at all math related to Framework."

    "Aaaaaaaaaaaaa" Adaline yells for a few heartbeats before deciding to stand perfectly still and pretend nothing is wrong.

    Calix climbs to his feet and looks around seeing Xafra''s new form and immediately dashing over. "Woweee, You look so good!"

    "Doesn''t she?" We chuckle and push off the table and move to Adaline''s side. Glancing over the physical schema before nudging my wife with an elbow. "It seems you''ve made quite the leaps and bounds forward in this. Already all tangled up in the Ousia leakage metrics and physicality costs after just a single half-night of work."

    Adaline relaxes with the nudge, grasping that she will not be punished for whatever imagined crime we must have assumed was occuring. "I gathered a very effective team to help. Truthfully I would not have been able to do it without them."

    We look over the gaggle. Grinning as we consider all the specific skills they bring to this endeavor. "Hmmm... not as quickly. No. But it''s impressive how fast you all took my mess and turned it into something that seems nearly finished. Already hunting for placements and pushing the limits I thought were fairly extreme already." Shake our head as we take all that in. "Four anchored Glyphs. Should have assumed you''d try to squeeze in an extra without hesitation."

    "Using only two at a time, of course. Four would permit the usage of nearly every basic physics spellweave as well as both the Blasenplage and the Gnadenhalsband."

    "Hmmm... That is a tempting collection of spells to ensure are kept close." We agree, tracing fingers over the smooth parchment of the incomplete Schema of Adaline''s form. Then ask while our other hand gently brushes the new Frame at our hip. "Warden, dear one. Would getting your Sister here a lungful of the Breath from below change these metrics? Allow for a flexibility uncalculated for?"

    Xafra cackles as Warden clacks, snapping to action and Adaline gapes in surprise at the knife that simply zips and levitates out of the Spire.

    "Oh, and I think that one adores its new Frame." We grin over at her. "Didn''t expect Warden to take such bold initiative but... am delighted to have it impress us."

    "I believe that it took your question as a subtle request." Xafra mentions.

    Can''t help but chuckle in reply. "Oh... Warden is going to spoil us worse than ever I think. Leaping past our current request to have the next piece or tool ready for our hand."

    "So... Jezrial, Would the Allaga¨ª provide the necessary tolerances for you to deem this safe?" Adaline asks in a surprisingly contrite tone as she pulls a shirt back on. "I''m sorry for snapping at you. It was uncalled for."

    "You''re fine, girl. One of the first rules of being a Curanos is not to take anything anyone says when they''re on an operating table personally." Xafra''s mother replies with a tired wave of a hand, stepping back to pull a chair from the wall and sit. Seems to look past us all and think on that for a few heartbeats before carefully replying. "As the Curanos I was? No. The Allaga¨ª is just adding another unknown to an already messy Chart. I watched countless freshly Resheathed run off to battle with impressive new parts only to come back injured by their own misunderstanding of those new abilities. But... now? With the extra knowledge from my daughter?"

    She leans forward, resting elbows on knees and looking pointedly at Adaline. "Possibly. Test things every hour of every day. Find your Frame''s and these Glyphs limits before they find you. Be ready to remove one or more the second they start to Function wrong. You may have bits that are easier to replace, but I''ll tell you what I tell every patient I had anyway. Your body is your most important asset. Treat it right or be ready to pay a debt ten fold.¡±

    Adaline nods slowly, clearly considering the words. "Thank you."

    Calix looks over at Xafra with a hint of nervousness before speaking up, "Well, this one thinks the prototype for the four Glyphs are worth testing, and you all have the plans... So this one is going to go now. He''ll be available if needed."

    "Actually, Calix. Could I have a word before you scurry off?" I ask, stepping toward the exit. "Outside would be lovely. We''d delight in your perspective on something involving the grounds?"

    He smiles and follows quickly. "Yes, Mistresses."

    As we leave, Jezrial pushes up from her chair to eye Xafra. "Now... What''s this about you cracking a wing? Guessing you didn''t have anyone look it over and make sure you didn''t sleep on it wro¨C"

    Can''t help but chuckle when the last of her words are cut off as we lead Calix from the room and out onto the grounds. But need to take a deep breath and glance about before asking. "I''d... like to ask a bit of a personal question. About you and Rufus. Nothing prying but... with the whispers of some changes in living arrangements I wanted to know if the two of you might enjoy a Spire to yourselves. A... a gift, I guess. Or would simply permission and resources to build atop and out of this new one we''re shoving Xafra into be preferred? Or..." Let out a sigh and glance over to him. "I''m terrible at giving gifts, Calix, and I''d like to make sure my oldest real friend and his special someone feel as though I''m actually trying my hardest. Is there a better offering I should gift instead?"

    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    "Oh uhm. errrmmm... This one isn''t sure he can say because it would be really good but also maybe embarrassing but also this one is relieved to not be getting magic so uhm.... erm." Calix stumbles over his words and sits down, poking at the dirt.

    "I did promise you that. Back in my Spire when we first all spoke about it." I reply softly and move to sit next to him. "Was surprised to see you helping this gaggle at all, honestly. Even with how much you''ve healed lately. You''ve enough Good Function to see to without dealing with this project."

    "Adaline deserves to be happy and this one has the ability to help... Was honestly more worried that Xafra would think this one was poaching after what happened previously with Adaline." Calix admits.

    "Poaching?" I smile and tilt our head curiously. "What in the world are you talking about?"

    "When um.. Adaline did the bad thing and Mistress Xafra was really upset, Adaline propositioned this one to see if he could help her get over her... hesitancy, and um.. well... It''s pretty obvious that Xafra also finds this one attractive but isn''t interested in men, and erm... You know?"

    "Aaaaaaah. Can see how that would cause some worry now." I nod carefully, but not overly seriously while pulling up a knee to rest an elbow over. "But honestly, I doubt Xafra would be anything but supportive if you both were interested in each other and comfortable. Wants to see those she adores happy. Even if that happiness doesn''t include her in every motion." Nudge his shoulder with our closest one playfully. "You know?"

    Calix thinks through my response carefully. "This one doesn''t have any gender preferences in partners, but Adaline does, which is why this one refused her... And It''s likely that Rufus would become distressed if he isn''t given enough attention."

    "That was so very kind and thoughtful of you. Thank you for looking out for her." I murmur softly, then let my soft regard turn into a smirk as I push us to stand. "And yes. Rufus would tangle himself in knots over the extra lead if you give his leash too much slack."

    "Oh that''s not an issue, it''s only a metre... Wait, you were being metaphorical. Ignore that."

    "Didn''t hear a thing." I giggle and offer him a hand up. "But speaking of metaphorical leashes... I should probably check on my Pack. Tell Rufus I said hi and good morning, would you?"

    "Will do." Calix takes my hand and whispers "A food bowl with his name on it." before running away, nearly colliding with Warden''s floating form as it returns.

    "Hello, dear one." We greet, not letting our grin at Calix''s suggestion fade as we hold out our hand for Warden. "Attend and Inform. If you please."

    Warden''s Frame snaps into our palm as it intones to us [Breath collection successful with minor complications. Warden does not have blood. Warden did not consider this fact when it departed.]

    {Oh? And how did you overcome that little problem?} I ask while wrapping thumb and three smallest fingers about the hilt.

    [Lynette''s doll was down there and offered to assist Warden.]

    <Ah. Such a kind gerl. I... Trust D?mmerung was somewhat polite to you both?> Lynette replies as we turn to begin moving back to the cracked and riven Spire.

    [She provided a saucer of blood and left before this one began. D?mmerung acted unexpectedly. They spoke like Warden, with layered intonation of sound. Was polite, yes.]

    "Really? Well, aren''t they becoming more and more the fascinating sort, this Godthing below." We muse together, tip-tapping fingers across Warden''s hilt as we reach the door. "Someday, when the Summer Storms have long passed most like, it''ll do us some good to have a long sit down and chat with them."

    We step inside to find Xafra''s dress folded down about her hips and her mother''s hands move gently over the sprained wing. To the side, Adaline carefully rebandages the wrist Xafra tore at during our communion with D?mmerung.

    "Cold Physis laced working every few hours when you''re up and about. More if the pain doesn''t fade. Give it a good stretch at least twice a day, but don''t roll it all about for at least another week." Jezrial instructs while guiding Xafra''s wing back into a fully folded position. "Lucky your wing is sturdy enough to cut the Spire a bit, else you might have shattered this joint all to pieces.

    "Yes, Mother. Thank you. I''m definitely going to practice from the ground for a while first once it heals." Xafra responds. Wincing in a little pain but also preening at being cared for.

    "Always running before knowing how to stand up straight. Skipping steps like others skip rocks across a river." Jezrial huffs, but with a grin any listening can hear. Then moves to help lace up her daughter''s dress with Adaline''s help.

    "I thought I''d be able to, since I can do the weird levitation thing, which isn''t even supposed to be possible." Xafra explains.

    "Ha. The first step would have been to ask why that works instead of assuming and leaping from a Spire." Jezrial fully lets herself chuckle, stepping back after a final gentle tug and clean tying of a knot to give such a pointed look to Adaline. "Always through the nearest window with this one. Eh? You made the right call running the numbers before she takes a look at those Charts."

    "Thanks though... Uhhhm. I also have a habit of jumping through windows, quite literally, but I''m fully aware of my capabilities first." Adaline responds with a chuckle. "It''s a good question though. We should try and figure out exactly how you can levitate, Xafra. I know you were able to simulate it with Elevar by making a platform under her heels but this is quite different."

    "Not a bad scheme. Relying on winds and other such when there are none could be a problem." We interject while stepping up to them. Setting the knife Frame to balance on the tip of our longest finger. "Warden can probably help with that, as well as gifting Adaline a bit of the Breath."

    Warden manifests its ethereal blank doll shape to speak "Warden has acquired the Breath and can advise that while channeling the Physis of Sister Xafra, levitation is not subject to the same rule as it is not sourced from oneself."

    "Hmmm... That makes sense. Considering Xafra''s origins and such." We muse, tip-tapping the table with a fingernail while thinking. "It could also have something to do with what you said about Wairua. How you perceive reality. And how that tips backway to affect you. But there are also no metrics for Physis channeled from others that I''ve read, so there being new rules and limits there also makes sense."

    "Well... let me try something then." Adaline says while climbing up to stand on the table she was laying on earlier.

    After a careful look over at the Glyphs chosen, Adaline closes her eyes and begins weaving physis in the simple method for lifting an object, focused through a pair of Glyphs. While we watch, her Frame rises into the air like a giant hand has clutched her waist like a child''s toy.

    We can''t help but grin as we take this in. ¡°This... opens up so many more interesting possibilities."

    "Could also mean we should be rethinking how this Pack should channel certain spells. The lines between what needed Ousia and what needed Physis were well defined, both now and before. But this moves that divide. Or... at least blurs it." Jezrial agrees, then asks. "Guessing it all feels pretty natural?"

    "And how easy is a mid-casting adjustment?" We interject.

    "I don''t think I could adjust this mid cast as I''m not focusing through the Glyphs just channeling them. It''s... odd." Adaline sets herself down with a minor stumble. "Using Xafra''s Physis like this requires me to fully externalize the spellform and treat my Frame as a separate object from myself, which is a bit distressing. I''m even more curious now as to how the Ousia Wells will function with the embedded Glyphs once we put them in... Can we begin?"

    "Calix''s calculations were the last adjustments needed." Jezrial agrees.

    We step back and move to sit. "Curious to see how you tackle this step, actually. It''s the aspect I have little expertise in."

    "Garami, do you have the four Glyph Shards ready?" Adaline asks as she lays back down and pulls off her shirt.

    "Sure do." She replies and steps up to the table.

    "And Jezrial, are you ready to set them in place?" Adaline confirms.

    "Yeah." Xafra''s mother nods and cracks her neck, then steps up across from Garami.

    "Verbess, Would you assist Jezrial if she needs it? your claws are quite steady and deft."  Adaline follows up once more, seeming like she''s psyching herself up for this.

    With a more silent crack than I''ve heard the fury of our Doll use in quite some years, Verbess moves to loom over Adaline''s head. Unshifted hands to either side of its Pack Sister''s face. Only changed enough for Quills to dance such an odd tune that makes Krahe giggle from the corner.

    Adaline rebuffs it with a gentle intonation through her own Quills.

    Verbess'' song is an almost... prickled thing. Dancing between the same three notes 12 times in quick succession before settling as it leans down to bump heads with Adaline before pulling away.

    With a nod to the Sister above her, Adaline speaks again. "Jezrial, you may begin when ready."

    "Alright." The Curanos murmurs, but... seemingly more to herself as she glances down at the schema at her side. "First we gotta fold up these chest plates. Reveal the inner workings and clear me a path to work."

    Takes up a tool I don''t recognize and tip-taps Adaline''s Frame in four spots. And without even a second of hesitation the plates adjust and twist and fold upways and inwards.

    "Okay. First step inside is to gently use your Frame''s natural flexibility to get these... whatchmacallits to shove aside." She murmurs while leaning down, moving to slip her hand into Adaline''s chest. Eyes remaining locked on the Schema. "Weird name. Doesn''t matter. What does is to get this... big part, and all these little ones to gently wiggle this way. Good. Great. Easy as cooking a pie with one hand. Garami the first Glyph please." She pauses as her free hand is handed a shard, glances down to catch Adaline''s gaze. "You ready? This''ll tickle or sting. Not sure which. Need to brace or get Valthirii to bind you."

    Adaline looks to Valthirii and blushes as she waves her over and quietly asks

    ¡°Would you restrain me for this?¡±

    Valthirii hovers nearby, her eyes narrowing as the moment draws near. "Give me and Adaline a moment. Just long enough to ensure she is comfortable for what is to come."

    Her face splits open, an excited chitter sounding as the spider-like doll descends upon Adalilne. Inner mandibles seize her hand, pressing it into place as threads spin and weave articulate patterns. The moment she is satisfied, Valthiriii''s outer face closes tight, leaving doll lips tenderly closing around Adaline''s fingers.

    "One¡­"

    Valthirii''s eyes flitter with visible delight.

    She skitters down to bind the legs. Mandibles grip, bindings are artfully applied, and lips reward good behavior before parting.

    "Two and Three¡­"

    Adaline moans slightly while Quills dance in enjoyment. Valthirii responds by working her mandibles up and down each finger. Her outer face snaps shut, doll lips closed more gently around the tip. "Good gerl." She says before finishing her work. Threads weave around the shoulder, elbow, and wrist, binding Adaline artfully in place.

    "Four¡­"

    She circles round to loom over Adaline''s head, her lips a pleased smile threatening to split and reveal her more arachnid face at any moment. Her back arches as she descends ever lower.

    Fingers draw gently against Adaline''s neck. Threads are loosely bundled up and threaded through the shoulder bindings, linking them over and under the stretch of doll flesh between head and torso.

    Valthirii''s lips close the distance, speaking now with the occasional brush of lip against Adaline''s forehead. "There, all properly restrained. You may proceed." She gestures with an extended hand before withdrawing her arms to rest snug atop Adaline''s shoulders with intent to remain intimately close at hand.

    Jezrial lets out a huff to restrain an obvious chuckle, "Perfect. Now let''s see if this first one will latch on..."

    Slips this free hand with the shard and odd tool into Adaline''s torso alongside her other. "My first..." Xafra''s mother tilts her head and gazes down at the Schema, seems to count something under her breath. Then a resonating pop sounds. "Try? Huh. Well that wasn''t in the Schema. Good to know."

    And without pause Jezrial begins to adjust to pull a hand free from Adaline''s chest, reaches back to take the second Shard from Garami''s waiting hands.

    Adaline''s eyes widen for a moment as a smile grows on her face.

    "So far so good it seems." Xafra quips to us.

    "Started with the simple one." Jezrial murmurs, adjusting her posture and reaches back up and into Adaline''s Frame.

    Takes much longer for her to even begin to slide the hand with the shard up inside. Mumbling little things in a language I don''t recognize but... makes Lynette cackle a few times through our lips. I consider asking her to translate after she conveys that most of this is a mangled mess of curses and disgruntled insults toward the cunt who wove the Frame, but... decide to avoid agitating that mess of emotions.

    Eventually though, and with a much louder snap crack from Adaline''s Frame, Jezrial lets out a sigh of relief. "Alright. Second installed. That should be the most..."

    But she trails off, goes still.

    Then lets out a sigh and glances down at Adaline. "Girl, need you to relax a bit. Something decided to grip the tool and isn''t letting go. Carefully, please. Don''t want your Frame to bite my hands off."

    Adaline squirms in her binds and sighs softly as she relaxes "Sorry. Not used to this."

    "You''re fine." Jezrial carefully slides both hands free, and flexes one while examining the tool. "Wish this was my first time two fists deep in a girl who''s insides could break my wrists. Like dealing with a gutter full of hungry, stone-toothed, frogs."

    "I''m pretty sure I''m not supposed to flirt with you but lines like that make it a real challenge." Adaline deadpans as Xafra splutters beside us.

    "Ha." Jezrial barks out, then turns and deftly shoves both hands at completely ridiculous angles. One hand seeming to curl in and about the spine while the other wraps around where a kidney would be. Both twisting upways toward a spot on the lower spine. Eyes no longer on the Schema and instead off and squinting at a wall.

    "Old habits and all that." She murmurs while seeming to need to wiggle her way up through Adaline''s Frame. "Every other time I''ve operated like this. With a poor sort awake and feeling everything, the patient needs to be given something to laugh or sputter out at to deal with the mess of it all. But as you''re not in mind splitting physical pain we-"

    A resounding snap-crack cuts off her words, a ripple of force causing Adaline to jerk against her bonds and Jezrial to wince and become stiff as stone.

    Krahe is already half jerked to her feet and hovering close, tails all unraveled and twisting about in anxious patterns. Verbess closer still and with four arms cracked free.

    "Well..." Jezrial sighs into the long pause, glances to Adaline. "Good news or bad news first? Patient''s choice."

    "Bad. Might as well."

    "Clever girl. Always do the bad first." Jezrial nods. "My left arm is stuck till you fully relax. Right arm... probably lost everything above the wrist as your core linked up the three Glyphs. "

    "Xafra, I''m going to need you to immediately repair and reconstruct in 5 seconds to prevent any soul damage, synchronized through Quill-song." Adaline snaps out as she flicks a hand out to pull Warden into her abdomen. "Warden, Retrieval."

    Xafra leaps to her feet and strides over, Quills thrumming low to the countdown.

    ¡°Some kind of... Frame wide spasms we didn''t know would kick. Not your fault. If we had your Schema we''d probably have caught that you had these lodestone chunks I just found. Guessing that''s some kind of illegal or rare or stupid.¡± Jezrial mumbles, face starting to twist a bit at what is probably rising pain.

    We rise but remain back. Watching and waiting to see if we will be needed.

    Krahe and Verbess move about like circling prey or... additional limbs to Xafra and Adaline. Their own Quill''s matching the tune perfectly but also adding a sort of additional clarity to it.

    "Now." With a jerk, Adaline relaxes and shoves Jezrial back with a focused pulse of Physis, freeing her remaining hand as Warden extracts what''s left of the other.

    Xafra weaves a rapid connection between the living stone as Warden raises the cracked hand up to the stump. The weave swells and twists, disappearing at points from our sight as the stone just... Grows back.

    "Please let me know if it still works properly?" Xafra asks in desperation.

    Jezrial flexes her hand a few times. Rolling it over and sideways in slow deliberate motions before nodding in satisfaction. "Course it does. Probably better than before even. Good work."

    Then turns to Garami, "Fetch that last shard, please."

    The gerl nods and rushes over to a side table, fumbles about till finding a fourth shard and handing it over.

    "I''m glad." Xafra anxiously sits down as Warden floats out of Adaline''s abdomen.

    "Okay. Verbess, wake me after." Adaline says before dropping into Giyar Null preemptively.

    Jezrial sighs and turns the shard over in her hand a few times before murmuring another string of words I don''t understand but make Lynette sigh within like she''s rolling her eyes.

    <A prayer to the Cracked and Riven Moon, of all things.>

    Then Jezrial leans down, and with only the regrown hand, seems to place this last part up somewhere beneath the sternum. When she pulls her hand out she has the tool from before. And after a tip-tap of Adaline''s outer Frame causes the plates to gently slide back into place.

    "All done." She huffs and sets the tool atop the Schema beside Adaline, then moves to all but collapse into that chair from before. Rolling that new hand all about like before. "Easy. No problems. Wake the girl when you like."

    Verbess thrums a little tune of calling without cracking forth while it and Krahe move just a touch closer to Adaline. Much more relaxed now though but still anxious.

    Adaline rouses once more and strains against her binds for a moment before they snap under her strength.

    She rises back up slowly, glancing around before settling her gaze on Jezrial with an apologetic look. "I''m so sorry about your hand."

    "Was my fault, should have stopped when I felt the hum of those lodestones pitching upwards. Just lucky this form is so easy to put back together." The Curanos replies, meeting Adaline gaze. "And the fourth shard went in without a hiccup. Would still recommend taking things slow. But..."

    "Yes, of course, will definitely start by trying out one at a time. Thank you so very much, Jezrial. And thank you, Garami, Riana, and Valthirii... I uhm. Might come visit you later in private, Valthirii, if that''s alright?"

    "Looking forward to it." Valthirii says, preening.

    "You''re very welcome. This one is glad we got to help." Riana giggles while Garami nods. The two start to move to gather up a large stack of tomes and writing tools from a side table.

    "Do a spit of a little test before everyone scatters." Jezrial suggests, still rolling and flexing her hand as she gestures her other at Adaline. "Let''s see if our night molded something workable."

    "Of course. I''ll use the fourth Glyph we decided on, Uatha." Adaline responds, "We need to get the Ousia Wells set up but that''s a minor thing for afterwards, in the meantime I''ll still be utilizing Xafra''s Physis."

    She snaps her fingers on her right hand and a ball of fire forms and floats above her open palm. "Ignition works." The sphere shifts from red to blue "Concentration works." The sphere swells to the size of her Head "Amplification works. Mistresses, are there any tests you would suggest as well?"

    "Hmmm... Root Shaping is mostly delicate physical workings when you get down to it." We muse. "Sympathetic Arts might be important, and should be possible with the Glyphs you''ve installed. If not a touch more expensive without the core workings on hand. And... of course those Einwandfrei, yours and ours both."

    "Mmhm. But two-Glyph workings should wait, I think." Adaline answers.

    With a nod, Adaline snuffs the fire out. "Thank you again. I really appreciate you helping and um... Yeah."

    "Course. Glad I could help out with this." Jezrial actually lets herself smile a touch while moving toward the door and pulling at the string that holds her hair up in a messy bundle. "This group did good. Shout if you need me to help out with anything else."

    "Thanks Mom." Xafra calls out as Jezrial moves to leave.

    She hesitates for half a step, then turns back to pull Xafra into a quick hug. "Morning kid. Enjoy your day. Gonna go collapse for a bit but you holler if something comes up."

    "Will do." Xafra beams.

    And with that this Curanos leaves, with Raina and Garami close behind with their big stacks of books. Valthirii being the last after helping Adaline tug off the remaining webbing that still dangled from her Frame.

    "So, how does it feel? Casting through the Glyphs?" We ask Adaline from where we''ve returned to sit while watching this gaggle move about.

    Adaline thinks hard before responding. "It''s comfortable. More structured than without obviously, but honestly it feels surprisingly natural. Once we get the Wells in, I''ll be three parts of the way to being a functional Witch again and that''s... Intimidating?"

    "We''d debate you on the only three parts a functional Witch. But... understand the weight of looming aspirations fulfilled." We muse, leaning an arm on a table and eyeing her. "But what is that final aspiration beyond the Wells for you?"

    "Oh, that''s simple enough, especially once I take in the breath that Warden has acquired for me. The ability to replenish myself. I cannot help but think that with how... perfectly it interacts with Ousia that it is how Witches were always supposed to be. My theory is that something went wrong with the very firsts of these H.A.G.s that were sent down from the Moon. I refuse to accept that this entire world was set up as a place for a proxy war or something stupid like that. It makes more sense if... the correct structure is more... merged. That the end goal was to create not a master race or something foolish like that but one that could survive anything and slowly expand the reach of the Divines across other worlds..." Adaline rambles.

    "Hmmm... What an interesting thought. The followers of the Divines aren''t their patrons, and it is far to easy for stupid sorts to adopt harmful ambitions."

    With an inquisitive look at Xafra, Adarine continues "I think that... while the Breath isn''t compatible with the original Witches, and likely not with Sun-blessed humans... We''ve seen that Dolls can become Sun-blessed, and use the Breath. I want to try and combine them. And it''s likely that Lunargent is a part of it as well. All these substances that are poison to each of the other groups, they''re all usable or integrable by Dolls. It sounds crazy, I realize but... It feels like it might be the solution to a problem we don''t even recognize yet."

    While I pause to absorb her words, the divide between myself and Lynette only becomes apparent when she murmurs. "It''s fascinating, really. How much energy and suffering and dreams can fit into a Frame. Feel like I can''t consider the Threads below without stumbling over another Archived tome on the topic. Will have to see about finding a new gemstone to get them above for you to consider, Adaline. Maybe you''ll see things I missed. Or... can''t."

    Adaline steps up and wraps her arms around us. "Thank you. I know you don''t think it, but... You''re better than the Lynette I remember."

    "I... Wish I could understand the weight of that." Lynette goes a bit stiff at those words, but after only a heartbeat leans into the embrace. "Still need to ask you those questions. About the Before, during, and after. Not just for you and Elevar but... other things. Need to see what traps that old cunt was falling into. And... and If she started to consume things she well should have left alone."

    I let us stay comfortably divided. Close and able to speak and move but... memories and thoughts quiet to avoid anything dribbling into her and messing up any of this.

    Because I''ve not a clue what she''s talking about. The Old Cunt wanted to turn Adaline and myself into a pair of deadly combat Dolls. At least that was the little I''d been told. Spoke a bit of wanting to get revenge on her enemies. But... traps? Consuming? I assume she''s talking about Estate thing but... Lynette handles all that. And I''ve just guessed that Yselda didn''t need some kind of prickly new friend planted in her head but... did I just miss the signs? What would it have been like for her to not have some kind of intermediary between herself and the Estate?

    I shiver at the thought. Have to push aside the broken fragmented memories of my brief yet horrid mental communion with this beast.

    Can''t help but begin to worry what it must be like for Lynette.

    "You can ask whenever you are ready." Adaline assures her.

    "In the meantime, We should get the Ousia Wells set, if you''re still up for that. Just have to change out your fifth dorsal Iphodian gear, add a resonator sphere, and have Warden pass you the breath to finish it all off." Xafra interjects abruptly.

    "That won''t take long." I agree as we both see and feel Xafra''s nervous worry around these topics. Not just the consumption of Sun-Blessed Spores but... anxiety over Lynette trying to navigate topics that could hurt her. "And we''d love to spend the day helping you both do that. Everything we need should be in the workshop Spire or a Cradle below."

    **    **    **

    ¡°Okay.¡± We huff while sending another pulse of energy through the resonator sphere deep within Adaline¡¯s core. ¡°Warden, if you please, go ahead and gift your Pack Sister the Breath so we can ensure her translations and tunings of consumed Ousia work as needed?¡±

    Last steps before another test. These parts installed with far less anxiety since Verbess¡¯ deft talons tended to any dangerous bits. Able to easily pull free if Adaline¡¯s Frame seized up or even withstand the pressure without breaking if it needed to keep something steady.

    Neither happened, of course.

    And our tendrils aren¡¯t things she can hurt without Quill or magic. So here we stand, running the final numbers as we pulse little bits of rewoven Physis and Ousia through this part.

    Warden floats in front of Adaline''s face and releases a sphere of dark iridescence that adaline breaths in with a wash of contentment.

    Adaline chitters softly as she flexes her talons and manifests an aura of Ousia like Xafra often maintains. After a moment she retracts it completely and collapses into a sobbing mess, all the while her Quills scream of relief and fears dispelled.

    We carefully tug our Physis tendrils free of where they latch, then gently wrap everything about her. Murmuring soft nothings of support and love and admiration as my own tears bubble up. "My Witch of a wife got back her stolen wings. Forged from nothing but dreams and stubborn focus. Better... better than before even. If you ask us. Crafted more deftly than any birthed or brewed nonsense could manage."

    Free to soar now. That which anchors her given all the slack needed to let her explore life''s possibilities.

    "I¨C I didn''t think it would be possible. I hoped. I fantasized about it, but I didn''t really believe it would work. I went from being so very alone to gaining more than had I lost in family, friends, and the ability to make a difference. We need to do some testing but then... I need to talk to D?mmerung. Give them my thanks and ensure it''s replicable and not a one time thing. How long until the official meeting with the Grove Envoys? It should be soon, yes?"

    "We assume they''ll be arrived and assembled to send their formal request for our first meeting in no less than two weeks. Which we''ll be expected to step out within no less than two days time." We reply. "Gives more than enough time for tests, speaking with a Godthing, and our trip to meet with the Sun-Blessed."

 Chapter 83: The Radiance Learned From Fragile Things (Blade)

    The Radiance Learned From Fragile Things (Blade)

    Content Warnings:

    Hmmm.... Quill song wiggles. A blind cutie. Worry and argument like things and a gerl beating the snot outta a poor tree AND THEN.... um... little talks of Brewing Vats which are just Witching making a bady in a stew instead of in a belly and um.... I think that''s it! WOW!

    There''s a part of me that wonders what purpose suffering serves and if, as a juvenile goddess of sorts, it isn''t something I should strive to eliminate completely from my demesne.

    After the Mistresses got us all sorted and packed up for our trip in the evening, there was a long series of tearful goodbyes in the morning from a wide array of the Dolls who were more frightened than usual with the knowledge that we would be gone for almost the entirety of the two weeks before the meeting with the Grove Envoys. Warden surprisingly decided to stay behind after a quietly excitable first meeting with Ciska who we probably should have introduced to it much earlier. By mid afternoon, we''re finally about to leave when Augusta brings Gebetsure to the Estate Gates, bag already packed, waves fondly and leaves the odd doll standing beside us without a word.

    "So... Uhm..." I look at my Packmates and Mistresses in confusion "Did Augusta tell any of you that this one would be going with us?"

    "Nope." Adaline responds.

    Gebetsure smiles at us, and their sparse traveling clothes let us see most of those little mouths all across their Frame match the motion. Each as flexible and expressive as the lips on their face. "Madam Augusta told this one they would be coming with you. To listen and learn and record and serve. Then come back and ask for a Resheathing if the Frame does not match the needs of those betwixt."

    Lynette, and it''s obviously her from the expression of annoyance she''s beginning to wear that this is wholly Lynette speaking, eyes them up and down. "You''re the one that was pestering our Xafra to pester us into weaving... What was it? Some kind of temple or other such on the grounds to the Godthings. Correct?"

    "Yes Ma''am. This one wants to learn how to..." They pause, thinking on that. Then makes such an odd string of tittering popping noises as all those mouths make sounds like what a gathering of confounded fish might do. "Sway. With their tides. Sing their voiceless songs." Then they turn back to smile at us. "This one isn''t sure! But is excited to learn and serve. And record. Can''t forget that!"

    Lynette''s expression sours further at that. And she gets part way to replying before something causes her to pause. Very apparently Mistress Elevar.

    She sighs after a few heartbeats. "If the Kindly One insists we can allow you to tag along. Yes, fine. Just stick close to the Pack and don''t wander off."

    Gebetsure''s smile refuses to waver under Lynette''s obvious annoyance as they nod furiously. "Yes Ma''am. Close is important."

    Truly, this is the epitome of suffering. Nothing can match me feeling uncomfortable with the fact that if I''m not careful Gebetsure will start praying to me while literally within earshot. I continue my deliberately overwrought thoughts in a way that comfortably reminds me of my mother Jezrial''s sarcasm as the Mistresses lead us through the tunnels out into the jungle past the amateur Grove attempts at encirclement.

    Once I''m confident that we''re far enough away to avoid notice, I broach the conversation I had been avoiding all day, "So when we get there, we need to be on our best behavior to avoid causing offense. And that means until we get a baseline understanding of their cultural norms, I would really appreciate us not making requests that might seem too forward."

    "If you minced those words any finer we could drink them." Adaline laughs. "I''m not going to immediately ask the first one we see if I can have their spores. Promise."

    "Not sure they''d work on a Frame, at least not without certain modifications." Elevar adds. "That Doll we met before, Feryudra, said it was adopted and changed. Must be some kind of process for one to become a Sun-Blessed. Else more Dolls would be pulled into their ranks."

    "True but also... We have no idea how many Sun-blessed Dolls there are. Still, I''ll behave. And that also means that Mistress Lynette needs to watch her words as well. It''s not just me that might be a problem." Adaline says defensively.

    Without slowing her pace, Lynette replies quietly. "I don''t mean to gift them any of my words. Elevar stumbled into calm negotiations before. Best to let you all have these peace talks. No need to invoke hostilities over them inquiring after the curse woven Horror sitting on her shoulder."

    I hurriedly add, "And Gebetsure, don''t start mentioning Girra''s name to all of them, for the love of D?mmerung." before trying to figure out how to handle this growing situation with Lynette.

    "Yes Mistress. Madam Augusta has been teaching this one the importance of quiet watching and learning and serving." Gebetsure nods and agrees quickly.

    Okay okay okay, just go for it. [Lynette] I intone carefully, [I would like to challenge you on your use of the term Horror for yourself.]

    She doesn''t respond for quite a few heartbeats, then replies more gently and hesitantly than I expect. <Ah. Apologies. Those were Feryudra''s words for what it sensed me as that day, and a half-lie you all can use to keep things peaceful if we''re lucky.>

    [Its misunderstandings don''t reflect my feelings about you. I chose you. D?mmerung accepted you. I think it''s pretty... Fundamental to all of us here that we are more than our origins, yes?]

    <I...> Lynette hesitates. <Can''t help but suspect you just asked me a question that wasn''t really a question. But I''ll gift you the obvious. Yes, it seems a good fundamental to keep. Although I''d quibble with some of your perceptions if we weren''t about to visit a possibly hostile group who''s disagreements with that might turn... more voracious.>

    [Just two days ago, you gifted me your perceptions of myself and in doing so helped me break free of the bonds that held me and... Well... As uncomfortable as it is to say, I became a little bit of a Divine? So if the Sun-Blessed give you grief, I''ll literally yell at uncle Girra to fix their hearts, because you''re important to me.]

    My Mistress pauses in her steps, and I realize how quite their tendrils have fallen. Limp and almost... dead as she glances back to eye me. Eyes shifting to their midnight purple but... seeming more glazed over. Like I''ve seen some elder''s do when their vision starts to fade. <You will not¨C>

    But instead of finishing that hissed demand, she pauses, takes a deep breath and turns to continue moving before intoning as tendrils begin to stir to titter a careful tune. <Thank you. You''ve a good temperament for the Divine bits you''ve gained. And... I need you to not do that. Talk to Girra about me. It''ll ruin us all if that wretched Godthing or His gaggle from the sea start to... to guess at things.>

    "Okay" I respond quietly. "I''m sorry. I didn''t think."

    Stupid Stupid Stupid. Just assuming everything is going to work because you want it to, that the Divines will just... help out due to the goodness of their wellsprings.

    "You''ve nothing to apologize for, dear one. Your protectiveness means... so much to me. I just... Fine. Yes. I''ll admit it before Elevar blathers the truth." Lynette sighs outwardly, Tendril''s melody becoming messy and discordant. "I''m not just worried about Girra noticing me, I''m quite terrified at the idea. Am acting outside set parameters. Already leaking. And you''ve not even started pressing me with the difficult questions."

    I stop walking entirely and look at her in bafflement.

    Lynette glances back, "What?"

    I chew on my words for a moment longer before speaking "Mistress... I ascended outside during the day. Girra has already noticed everyone involved, and chosen not to act on the knowledge." I finally say.

    She goes impossibly still, like I''ve only seen her do in my Driftdream. Her mouth only barely moving to whisper. "No that''s... He just saw Elevar. Mayhaps my reflected shadow but no more. Just like the others. Those two seekers. Even... Even Nomos reflected upways wouldn''t tell him more. No ocean to amplify his gaze. No Spores. I made sure of that. Would have demanded we do things in a Crack in the Roots otherwise. I... Unless..."

    "I connected with Him, with D?mmerung, and with a shadow of what remains of S¨ªn. All of them are fully aware of what occurred. I couldn''t have blocked them from it if I wanted to... I can distantly feel them even now, though it''s just an awareness and nothing more now."

    "How much?" Lynette asks carefully. "What... What did Girra learn from you?"

    "My understanding of each of those present as the counterpoint to the perspectives shared about me." I answer, confidence wavering.

    "And... What do you understand?" Lynette presses, eyes glazed a desaturated gray that seems to struggle to meet mine. "About me? My Doll? Your mother took some interesting guesses. But... but what are..." She hesitates, seems to need to adjust something about her jaw before asking. "What are yours?"

    I grit my teeth and straighten my back to answer her with the respect she deserves. "You are Mine. You both have elements of Sun-blessed in your composition. You are my partner, my Mistress and... A hostage. To the Divine, your Doll, like all Dolls... is Dead. Unreachable to the Divine, except through me. Because... Without ever having a choice in the matter of their origin... They are Mine the way Witches are S¨ªn''s, the Sun-blessed are Girra''s, and the Tzzchek are D?mmerung''s. Which means that Feryudra and any other Sun-blessed Dolls exist in a split state, one half able to commune with their Divine and the other unable to be enfolded in his Regard. If he wants me to cede authority over his Dolls and bridge the connection, he doesn''t get to touch you without permission."

    Lynette seems to almost try and meld with the shadow of the tree she''s standing under expression frozen as she absorbs my words.

    A pause as I finish, and then she steps free of the pitch with such a relieved look on her face, huffing a sigh along with a cursing. "Oh. Thank the Void Cracked and Hag Riven Moon!"

    Tendrils tittering a more soft thing of dread quelled and eyes settled into their triple cerulean hue.

    "Apologies. I just..." She tries to say, body starting to shiver with the unburned fuel her terror brought. "I thought I ruined us all. Gave away too much and that wretched thing took a peek inside and... Empty Skies. I think we need to sit down." Then my Mistress sags against the closest tree and slips down amidst the wild growths.

    As we move to sit, Adaline walks past us up to a nearby tree. Her Quills remain motionless as she begins to methodically punch her way through the tree.

    Lynette winces as my Pack Sister tears at the tree¡¯s layers. "Adaline...."

    But while her words are lost to the sounds of destruction, Krahe moves to loom close behind her. Quills thrumming such a deep and rumbling series of notes that even stilled Quills can''t help but hear.

    <Come.> She thrums to Adaline while Frame and tails crack to outer limits and seem to curl about protectively.

    An offering to channel fury and let Quills scream through motion. To run with her through the treetops. And really push their Frame''s limits like she couldn''t when chasing our Mistress through similar jungles

    Adaline stops and leaps upwards with Krahe, dashing from tree to tree and only letting her Quills loose once she''s out of sight entirely.

    I sigh heavily and lean against Lynette. "I didn''t think she would take that so badly."

    "I would have it I''d been paying attention. Good to get this tension out here though. Clear the blood of the venom and such." Lynette murmurs in a strange tone while wrapping an arm about me. Voice more her than ever when she seemed furious and terrified. So sharp and controlled now.

    "Sounds like something the Old Cunt would say. And our Adaline deserves better than that." I hear Elevar''s voice bubble up after a few slowly steadying heartbeats. Tired and strained but... her grip about me is more firm and protective. "They all do. And yes I get to call you a stupid Half-Knit over this. Cracked and Riven Moon. Stupid stupid stupid. Should have asked Xafra days ago if this would be a problem! Listened to me when you starting falling all to pieces."

    "They''re not actually dead, you know. Either that or myself, Augusta, and all the Divines are dead too. It''s really about how you define life." I meander through words. "Continuity is important in some regards, but you could easily argue that a person dies every time they go to sleep and a new person is born when they wake."

    "Mhm. Yes. Death is a separation. Big or small. A reshaping of new from old. Over and over and over. What remains is what matters, until it doesn''t." Elevar agrees. "Continuity is... a really good way of looking at it, although it has to be measured well to matter."

    "Another is strife. To live is to... to be remolded. Endlessly. Against our will often enough. Like a bird amidst capricious summer storms." Lynette murmurs. "I think that''s what the Godthing meant, by the way, when they called you that. You don''t cause or bring strife, you''ve... endured it. And want to help others endure their hardships. And... few can claim more than the Dolls throughout our history."

    It''s then that I notice that Gebetsure has settled to sit and begun fishing through their bags. Eventually pulls out some kind pouch and little vial before mixing the two. Shaking it all about before leaning forward to offer me the drink. "Madam Augusta told this one to tell you to drink this and share with your Mistresses when words got loud. That''s a drink that would heal the insides and such!"

    I laugh while taking it from them. "So it''s either alcohol or some sort of strange medicine... Actually, that''s a good question. Mistresses, has anyone created magical drinks?"

    "Two dips of brumble wasp honey, three parts water, one part concentrated tea mixture brewn by Madam Augusta." They chime happily while settling back to grin. "If this one remembers she had Schatzi help gather the ingredients and supplies to make sure the flavor matched what Mistress Elevar and Mistress Lynette have come to enjoy."

    "Ah. Yes. Thank you Gebetsure. I think we know what this is. And... It depends on how you define magical, Xafra." Elevar replies, fingers trailing up to lace through my hair. "Much like the Resheathing Ritual, The Brewing Arts tend to involve more... mundane mixtures and ingredients. With more deliberate and concentrated control over the process. As it is an Offshoot of the Healing arts this is often kept to Curanos commissions or Brewing Vats. Although a fair many have enjoyed crafting drinks of various non-medicinal properties for more... personal enjoyment."

    "Wait..." I hold up my hands and turn to face her.

    "Are you saying that these Brewing Vats aren''t a weird sex metaphor for pregnancy?"

    "Hmm? No. Not at all. Some people prefer to have children grown from within themselves but plenty with the jade for it commission their child grown from without." Elevar replies, an amused quirk to her lips as she watches my reactions. "I''m... guessing that wasn''t a thing in your time then? The option to have a Witch grow a child? Really?"

    "...Love, Witches were mostly preoccupied with murdering all of us when not fighting the Sun-blessed." I say dryly.

    "Well... yes. So a Curanos or some such? Like your mother? Because birthing is so.... messy. And you have to go all about with this... this little one slowly growing inside. And so many things can go wrong. Endlessly so. And that''s before the actual birth itself and just..." She trails off, shaking her head in disbelief.

    "Mmhm. I helped with a few births while I was with my mother, and  one when I was with Kizzura."

    "Cracked and Riven Moon." She sighs, such an odd tangle of emotions warbling through them both. "Yes. Brewing a child is commonplace. It''s how I was brought into the world. Was how I assumed I''d have to... well, no. I assumed nothing. Parenthood was something we knew we''d never be good at without a great deal of change. Still trying to... to figure out why the Old Cunt bothered to make... me..." Then she goes stiff, glances over to me, cheeks actually flushing red as she whispers. "We''re um... I suppose we... are, perhaps, going to need to be careful. From now on. When we decide to have sex. Won''t we?"

    "Oh! Oh. Uhm. Maybe? I don''t know about this body, or how my forms may have changed. I uhm. Yeah, we should figure that out."

    "Probably best to run those tests as things settle down," Lynette replies while plucking the drink from my fingers to take a gulp, then settles it back within my grip with such a smirk on her dribbling lips. "However much we despise the idea of Sikkina having any memories of being an only child, that is. Timing is important when planning births and such."

    "I want to be clear that my promise stands. I''m not going to impregnate you without your express permission. That means that we do have to test, and I''m also okay with this... Brewing Vat concept of yours."

    Does it involve buckets or something?

    "I''m not... I know I just... She..." Elevar continues to stammer. "This... this is just so off topic."

    Lynette chuckles from within, but does not press further.

    "That''s okay. Something to think about." I take a sip of the drink offered by Gebetsure and point to them. "I''ve gotta figure out how to present myself as a bloody goddess of Strife. Don''t think I can avoid that without it having some sort of repercussions on me now that my... Oh. OH BLOOD AND ASHES." I startle as the realization takes hold.

    "What? What is it?" Elevar asks carefully.

    Gebetsure reaches into their bag, starts to fish out another vial from before before settling back to watch me with a grin.

    "Repercussions. Gebetsure, you win. You''ll get a temple but that''s going to be some long discussions and need careful planning in regards to where." I take a swig and shake my head. "Mistress, I''m subject to the perceptions of those who believe in me. Right now it''s just those who participated in the ascension and a few others on the Estate but I''m certain that''s why I can''t heal with magic, why I''m now flesh and blood, why I have wings. because those are things we''ve talked about in regards to either my desires or our understanding of the Divines. What sort of goddess can be affected by casual spellweaving after all?"

    "Oh, Yes. That." They reply with an easy smile and a nod, words a mingle to gift me their agreed upon perceptions. "We hoped our talk with D?mmerung would give you more... specific advice on how to manage things. But honestly... We think you might be viewing it backways? What are the grounds of not a place where you have turned to what you dream it to be? None there may worship you like some odd sorts to a godling of weather or good harvest, but nonetheless a simple beloved word from your first Doll shaped you based on your time with her. As of now your most precious places are ones you''ve claimed and cultivated. There might be a need for more... focused energies though. We''re not sure? Beliefs like you''ve told us about are not... widely practiced? At least not among the Groves. I assume the Sun-Blessed have their odd ways of doing things."

    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    "The problem comes down to Wairua. I absolutely want to include my Dolls as they wish but If we make a temple on the Estate... Then the Estate itself could notice and influence me. But yes, I was thinking about perhaps a mundane village honestly. I still have recollections from Kira about a local priest which means that it''s possible that religion is simply... hidden from the Groves notice. If we can make a second place that''s safe, it could also be a good spot to try and integrate the Dolls with people in a healthier way. With the Folds, we can even have it at a quite far distance without being more than a moment away." Plans start to come together in my mind as I ponder and consider¡­ "I... created a new working when you were removing the Garrote and I was ascending, didn''t I?"

    "You did. A twist of the Wurzelriss in spirit if not in name. But not written or logged so... we didn''t think to press about the weaving. Especially when so many other laws of Ousia to physicality metrics seem to crack around you." They reply carefully. "But we''d recommend caution. To mimic that with what the Estate knows would cost us twice our wellspring. And that''s with near perfect efficiency. Which means you either cracked a rule to do it or... found better numbers."

    "It felt like the Slipways... but different." I muse.

    "Hmmm... could be your connection to the Moon''s magic then. Sympathetic bindings are a large aspect of the Folds after all." They agree. "Mayhaps overtaking old, now unused, passages between and twisting them to match your needs? Opening a pathway to an existing Fold is always easier than crafting a new one, and... well, her light does shine over all of D?mmerung."

    "It''s possible. With Strife as my... Dominion, I suspect that the method I used is at least in part how it can be replicated. Maybe just needing my blood?"

    "We can run the numbers while we walk. Without Warden it''ll occupy us enough and... keep our minds from wandering into unhealthy places." They agree and move to stand. "Verbess, dear. Will you call our Pack back if they.... if Adaline feels ready for it? No rush, of course."

    "Yes Mistresses." Verbess nods from the shadow it''s quietly waited within, Quills tilting from high-pitched notes of quiet observations into a deeper more widespread melody.

    "Gebetsure, I''d appreciate your thoughts on all of this as well, seeing as it seems like you''ll end up being my high priestess, if that''s something you''d want?" I inquire as I stand as well.

    "Yes Mistress. Very very very much so! But... This one is empty of understanding at the moment, but is excited to be filled up with all the things it will learn and record on this trip. Will share all the thoughts as this one has them!" They reply and move to rise with us, pausing thoughtfully before musing aloud. "Lots of new things. Or... old things that died and are being regrown. New ways of looking that aren''t stuck inside a jar but also don''t have those hard edges to lean against? Those are the thoughts swaying through this one. Are they acceptable?"

    I bark out a laugh of genuine delight before resealing the flask. "I can see why Augusta is so fond of you already. Yes that''s an acceptable beginning."

    ** ** **

    The trip takes us the better part of five days, Adaline is still somewhat frayed by the time we arrive, but Lynette is in significantly better spirits and Gebetsure has started taking notes on our conversation as we travel, discussing plans for the future, more of my past experiences, as well as experimentation. It''s during one of these tests, where Adaline is practicing the Pestherold that the Sun-blessed come across us.

    We''ve been following a twisting Root Way above for the past three days. A perfect guide from what our Mistresses said. One that will lead us to the coast and lets our Pack look about from the beach to find the Envoys waiting for us.

    And at jungles end, we step out well above the beach and rising tides.

    Immediately gifted a display like I''ve never seen.

    Out among the shoals, where life and growths normally cannot thrive amidst the rising and falling overly salty sweet waters, burst a cacophony of vibrant colorful growths. More so than even the jungles behind. And... and all swaying together under the glow of the late midday blaze.

    "Well..." My Mistress murmurs, eyes narrowing as they obviously take in the sight. "That seems an obvious spot for¨C"

    "Greetings." Is a chitter that interrupts their words.

    Glance about to locate the source... and find only a trio of such strange looking crabs working together to roll over a rock to get at the now scattering bugs beneath. Each shell a twisting curled mess with multiple small holes for their little legs to poke forth, with the biggest opening for a big claw and pair of little eyestalks.

    "Greetings. Greetings." They chant together while shoving at the big rock.

    I reach out to uncle Girra to determine how best to interact with his people. A heartbeat passes and I nearly collapse to my knees while his Regard settles not upon me but through me, Nomos and blood flowing from my eyes as a maddened cackle tries to escape through the cage of my gritted teeth.

    He adores them. Each and every single one are the most important thing in existence to Him and He''s absolutely insane.

    I close down the connection and let a giggle pass my lips. [They know who I am already. No sense in pretending less.] I intone as I float off the ground towards them. "Greetings, Children of Girra."

    "Greetings. Greetings. Greetings." They titter and chime in a messy melody that seems in tune with their feasting, then... seem to have finished their consumption of the bugs beneath this rock and scuttle down the beach to another large stone. Begin to push and shove together all over again.

    "Cracked and Riven Moon." My Mistresses sigh while moving up beside me, weaving out with Physis and finger to wipe the mess from my face while eyeing the little Sun-Blessed that have wandered off. "Are you alright?"

    "Mmhm. He''s much more... Exuberant than D?mmerung. I don''t think I''m actually harmed at all. It seems the blood was my body washing out the Nomos that was trying to build up in my tear ducts."

    "Hmmm..." They hum, then eye the not so distant vibrant shoals. Lynette bubbling up to murmur. "Be careful about that. Don''t want you to get lost in His nonsense. And even if they offer spores do not imbibe them. Regardless of promises or claims or... or if you''re certain that it''s a good scheme in the moment."

    "I can''t. Girra made it clear he''d be disappointed if I tried because my Divinity will simply obliterate them."

    Lynette sighs and turns their gaze to me. "Fine. Yes. I''ll be... lurking. Ready if things go wrongways but otherwise quiet. Be safe, don''t let yourself or Elevar do anything stupid."

    Then my sense of her is gone and Elevar is taking up my fingers. "You ready to go see what kind of gaggle this uncle of yours has set to gather?¡±

    "Definitely." I give her my brightest smile and tug her along as I float forwards.

    "This is gonna get weird but I''m invested." Adaline comments.

    "No doubt." Elevar agrees. "But... I feel the same? This feels a very singular opportunity. They were all pleasant when we spoke."

    As we approach I can see now that stones and large shells have been placed above the water level. Creating a pathway through the shoals. And... as we walk along it''s easy to spot a myriad of strange shapes twisting throughout. Fish and birds and crabs and... and all shapes. Most small and going about what we''d expect of such entities. But... Before I can ask or speak they all chime out little words like the shelled ones from before. More ''Greetings'' and ''welcome'' and ''hello'' chimed in many different tones and voices. Some sound humanoid while others... dip into odder lilting things. As I''d expect from those who don''t often speak while above the waves.

    And fifteen of my Mistress'' paces, we spot a familiar figure waiting.

    Krelliva, dressed in a tight fitting layer of flat scaled shells of various hues. Sprinkled with odder shapes and treasures from the sea. Already grinning and waiting amidst a clearing filling with soft looking shells set about like chairs or... tables?

    "Greetings! And welcome!" Voice lilting and as vibrant as the growths about us. "Can these Shells consider His gifts with you?"

    I nod in amusement. "Yes. If it was two weeks ago, I''d have hesitated, but my perspective has grown."

    "So we Shells, and all others considering the fresh Blaze, have heard! You seem so alight with yourself. Old shells cracked away clean and true." Krelliva agrees, voice seeming on the edge of laughter as they fall to sit back on one of those soft shells. "Unbound and unmoored and free to dance amidst the fury denied. Consider all above and beneath and betwixt!"

    "Very much so." I lead our group forwards to sit down at the offered shell seats. "I know little directly about you all, yet what I do know now has assuaged most of the concerns I had prior. Hence my desire for more honest dealings in regards to my presentation." I begin casually.

    "It''s... Really exciting, truly! Host this in one of our drifting gardens." Laughter does bubble from those lips now, a giggle seeming to dance out and along and through everything around us. "So many seethe with jealousy at that. It''s all about the blazes. Up and down. But... many won''t come to say Hi until you get to ask me these first questions and such."

    "That sounds quite delightful. I do have a few questions, of course, and a potential offer as well, but truthfully I''m more interested in answering some of your questions first. I don''t want to come off as too overbearing or make caustic assumptions." I answer, thinking through my words.

    "Oooooh... Two and a half questions first, like the sea did before we settled into it." Krelliva nods. "Seems a good start. So I''ll ask the partial one first then! ''Xafra'' is still the shell you choose to wear, but is it a thing cracking and chaffing in certain places?"

    "Not in the slightest. It is a gift and role I embrace fondly. Not my only name, but the one I prefer. I am also known once more as Endzeit as well as now Strife, which I am... growing accustomed to."

    "That''s good to hear. That the shells you keep are things either comfy or filled with room to grow within." Our host agrees, then whispers very quietly. "So... the second is one I cannot ask without you finding a dozen more beneath wriggling about. But, I''ll gift it to you besides so you can be ready when another demands an answer. Have thoughts bubbling and such!"

    The garden about us stills, seeming to hesitate and allow the words to become even more gentle.

    "What name would you ask us to place within the heart of the fury you''ve sparked to begin this Season''s gifts? One that will crack across the Empty Lands like none have in a very very long time?"

    I smile, a vicious thing of violence and anticipation. "I''ll let you make that decision when we are done our talks."

    At that it''s like... the garden titters and giggles to match Krelliva''s grin. Shadows shorten and warmth of Girra''s gaze thickens in this place.

    "Perfect." Krelliva whispers like one whos just shared some dark secret. Then...

    In a whip crack all feels normal in the garden again. My Mistresses and Pack Sisters still are reeling a bit from the change in tones. Quills and tendrils echoing the memory of tension.

    "So. Last is an entire question but... Really important? But also hard to ask without seeming rude so..." Our host huffs like one might after a long relaxing talk finally stumbling into awkward unspoken things. Garden all about rustling to match the tension. "Please don''t feel pressured to actually answer. The Blaze is still a mess over you all and really really needing to understand the balances of those running about."

    "Go ahead. If it''s important, I will answer. I cannot promise that my answer will be satisfying though."

    "Is... Are the Scales going to change again?" Is the question that tumbles from Krelliva as the waves seem to crash into the outer layer of the garden. Expression already wincing as if already unsatisfied with the words chosen. "Sorry. Sorry. Just... if it were anyone else it wouldn''t matter and we''d move past like a good breeze but it is you and so... Like I said. Feel free to not answer. Just... well, the windborn muse would sing like this being customary but that barely fits here. So..."

    Trails off, gives me an apologetic smile that lilts with the way the growths sway behind.

    "If they wish to, they will. I will not force anything, simply offer a path forwards. Each will have to make the choice for themself." I frown slightly. "Was this a guess or did He imply something? I understand the excitement He feels but I had asked for a chance to explain and make the offer myself."

    "He..." Krelliva sighs and sets lips into a pursed frown. "I think He doesn''t like to muddle with those betwixt. But gets far too excited at every new tide that rolls along. Like how... this shell''s parents used to watch the little ones discover small and simple new things. Doesn''t like to push or change anything unless others tug Him into changing the Blaze. And most agree to not do that to avoid things getting..." Krelliva sighs, makes a motion with fingers splaying out like an explosion, eyes rolling in exasperation. "So... No one knows. Lots paddle along with their own guesses though. Some with more... Feeling, than most. They''ll pester you with their hopes soon enough."

    I look over at Adaline in concern before I start and she waves me off, quickly clamping herself onto our Mistresses with her head tucked into their chest.

    "Alright. The Scales. Specifically the ones that were once just Dolls. You know that a significant portion of each of them is inert to His Regard?" I ask perfunctorily.

    Krelliva tilts its head at that. Such a look of confusion spreading through it. Even out over the now rustling moss at our feet. "I... think there are some words of wind getting mixed up here. But that''s understandable. If you''re talking about an Adopted Shell, one like was helping me the last time we talked... yes. Dolls tugged into the embrace will never enjoy His full Regard like I or others do. It takes... a lot to help them feel even a little of His blaze. Which is why the windborne use them to try and kill us. Does... that makes sense? The Scales Changed aren''t... like... anything to do with Dolls. Mostly."

    "Oh. Then I have no idea if the Scales will change again. I don''t have any plans for them currently. And I can help any Dolls that have become one of His connect to him fully."

    Our host''s dull scarlet eyes widen as such a grin spreads, and the garden all about us seems to chitter and shiver. "OH! Oh. Oh. oh... oh then... You... and He... OH! That''s going to make so many so happy and plenty of others really upset and at least one actively wanting to bite you or... something." It titters and begins to shake with laughter. Voice now a thrumming melody that radiates Nomos. "The Shells will change. A lot! Perfect. Perfect perfect perfect perfect it''s all so PERFECT!!! Thank you, daughter who bears the weight of such heavy Shells. Endzeit. Xafra. Strife. May you bask in the radiance of choices and Dreams grasped, then unmade and given new shapes."

    "I do have a request though. Not in exchange. If it is declined, the offer still stands, I would not hold communion hostage."

    "Of course!" Krelliva nods happily, even reaching out to touch the tips of my fingers in a motion of assurance. "Ask away. The worst I can do is say no, or let another refuse you."

    "I know how far reaching the scope of all of your sight is. I wanted to know if there is..." I hesitate, terrified more of confirmation than uncertainty.

    "I mean... We have to know where to look for things in the Blaze." It shrugs. "And I, personally, try to stay focused on this Shell''s here and now. Avoid the bigger storms for smaller gusts. But... others like to collect and catalog and keep as much remembered as possible. So I can ask if you''d like and I don''t know the answer!"

    I close my eyes and with trepidation, flick my tail to extend the Quills and <Locate>

    All the expected replies echo back immediately.

    And for such a painful span of heartbeats... nothing. No reply. Only the anxious pain of my Sisters preparing to mourn a hope lost. But... the waters around us seem to ripple with the song. Carry it farther than it could otherwise travel. Deeper too, from what it feels like.

    The ocean itself endeavors to carry my calling.

    Verbess moves past us. Prowling through and to the edge of this garden. Previously restrained longing kept quiet for these talks cracking free like the Quills on its back to sing. <Locate!> Amplifying my song as much as it can. Nearly a shriek to my careful shout. <LOCATE!>

    Krahe follows Verbess after two heartbeats, Quills singing an echo to her Sister as tails twist and writhe in worry.

    Krelliva doesn''t interrupt. Face fallen to an anxious expression of worry as it looks between my eyes, Pack Sisters, and the sea beyond. And after what is only a dozen heartbeats, but felt like forever...

    A shape appears on the horizon. And soon after a high-pitched reply tears through our Pack like the tide itself.

    <Hunt Commanded...>

    <INFECTION Loosed...>

    Verbess freezes. Frame and Quill and thoughts stilled in confusion...

    "Stop." <Stop.> I whisper and thrum simultaneously to my companions before speaking to Krelliva. "At least one of the Pack is among the Sun-blessed now. I would request a meeting if they are willing. I promise that there will be no purge or destruction to follow. Just conversation, and an offer to rejoin the Pack if desired, as well as Severance and or Completion, if they would prefer."

    "Um..." It stammers, fear and surprise growing across and through it and the garden around. "I''ve shared that now but... They aren''t... Um... I don''t know how to get them to listen to me and-"

    My Mistress rises and narrows her triple iris glare on the threat, then growls. "Is that fool thing thinking to attack us? Here? As we sit as guests coming to discuss things under promises of peace?"

    The shape on the horizon grows more defined. What seemed a large figure solidifies into...

    A fin. Simply a small part of something large approaching from beneath the waves.

    Krelliva swallows and stands. "Um... I''ll try to use windborne words too but... I don''t speak for everyone in the sea. All others who swam here all agreed to peace but this wasn''t one of those that said they were coming! Wasn''t even supposed to be on this side of the sea or the storms! Didn''t even feel it till you did those Quill things and it started coming this way..."

    "Elevar, Love. It''s okay. There is nothing to fear from any of Girra''s children. They are not the horrors of our memories, and I will not permit any here to come to harm." I answer calmly, staying sitting as I settle my racing heart.

    Elevar eyes me, then looks out to my sister. "Verbess?"

    My sister stands frozen, nearly about to crack out to full size, Quills only just now tittering a tune. "Much time has passed since these ones last felt it''s sister''s songs."

    The shape in the water grows close enough we can make out the shadow of the shape beneath the waters. Easily as big as a Spire on the grounds, if not bigger.

    "Yeah... Don''t even recognize the notes there." Krahe agrees, glancing back to our Mistress and me while rising. "Back in the day we could identify each other based on one or two little bits. But this is... really different from anyone I remember. Really... muddled and messy and filled with things between each little tune."

    But... this next guest does start to slow a bit. I think? More and more of a back of solid glimmering plates starting to rise above the surface. And then they split a bit at the front. Revealing a collection of eyestalks that rise to peer out and around.

    Each locking on us.

    Krelliva moves to stand and step between us, hands on her hips and such a glare like I''ve not seen set on her features.

    Then this beast of the depths is at the garden''s edge. It''s wake rising up to send a wash of salty sweet water to gush about all our feet and sweep any smaller creatures away. Those eyes rising to easily tower over even Verbess as it cracks to near full size. Quill thrumming little things of warning.

    "Greetings, Big One of the deep and more... cruel places within our shared Sea." Krelliva stomps up to glare out while shouting over the settling crash of the waves. "I trust you mean to not be stupid and consider His gifts with us in a peaceful way?"

    I wait, prepared for what will come while murmuring quietly to my companions. "Gebetsure, you are to keep yourself safe if things occur. Krahe, Verbess, be prepared to extract our Mistress. Adaline, I''ll need you to anchor me."

    Verbess begins to click a tune of <Assessing...> while everyone clicks their acknowledgements.

    Then this ''Big One'' seems to gurgle a strange sound. Like... if a bunch of fish deciding to chuckle beneath the waves?

    "I... Oh. Well that''s... I guess I can..." Krelliva sighs and turns to eye us while saying. "It has no words for you all but will be listening. And is willing to allow um... well I guess the best words are... Infection To Draw Prey Close For A Feast, to share words and songs? I think that''s right?"

    I giggle at that, an innocent thing that I have trouble stopping until my body demands that I breathe.

    In reply, it rises from the waters enough to reveal a form that has a large scaled shell with little cracks to allow flexible breaks between. They crack apart and eventually reveal dozen of mouths lined with teeth.

    And from one of them something crawls free.

    Takes me a moment to recognize it as a Doll. Form all twisted and woven from not wood or porcelain or stone but... a darker material. Dark maroon bone etched with endless symbols and little shards of broken gemstones throughout. Elongated with seven limbs covered with sharp talons and twitching Quills no longer than my hand all over the Frame. Each still and frozen.

    A still mostly Anthroparion core though. Torso and neck and head with long braided locks that resemble hair but are obviously of some different material.

    Sprawling forth onto the garden in a gush of more sea-water. Revealing everything below the waist is a long and twisting tail with fins folded close.

    Eyeless gaze jerks up as Quills titter out a careful questioning tune. <Locate>

    Verbess and Krahe immediately chitter out their replies. But... are cautious. Obviously not immediately recognizing this one still.

    Jaw cracks free to fangs only a little smaller than Verbess'', the Frame shivering in such... somethings. Emotions not shared.

    "Sisters..." Are the words it finally lets hiss from the Frame in a gentle sounding sigh. "This Infection does not understand. How do dead memories long broken and chipped to smallest least rusted parts stand here with it now?"

    "The protection of a Warden, the care of a Witch, and the discovery of a bound and sealed  Weapon who turned out to be the child of Divines." I answer.

    It listens carefully. Quills tittering along with my words despite the Frame remaining perfectly still. But... it is obvious This Infection does not understand. Song quietly screams that Wardens and Witches are not ones to keep us safe.

    But Verbess'' own song shifting to a softer thing of understanding. And... patiently it moves to sit in front and add clarity to my songs. Weaving in little things of interest and admirations for this one who survived so long without the same help it had. Asking how this is possible.

    Infection replies carefully, cautiously, and with a Quill song that is clumsy in how it seems to need to adjust itself to reply. But the message is clear. How it awoke from the battle that shattered their Pack deep beneath the waves and already changed. Saved by the Scales and given an entirely different path to survive the spreading Rust.

    And without hesitation Krahe and Verbess are shifting the songs to help Infection find the notes that it has forgotten. So long beneath the waves it... had to develop new songs to wordlessly speak with the family it''s found and kept and watched grow and change and enjoy His regard. Learning to hear the songs within the Blaze.

    And in reply Verbess shares its song. Of Rust and Mistress and Pack found again after endless wandering. And shares the soft melody of its softer half. Then of me, a Sister who claimed it and gifted it her heart. Literally. Of our gentle Warden who is now Pack member and a new sister claimed from this age. And... and of a dream woven Sister found preserved within.

    Infection''s Quills are screaming in Discord at that. Confusion mixed with longing all twisted into a mess as it attempts to adjust to sit up curled within its own long and obviously not land-adjusted tail.

    "This... You are of the Pack." It whispers softly through fangs, all those arms curling tight about itself. "But... But it does not remember itself from within. Only that it was. And... that it is no longer that Frame. Even the memories are like clumsy etchings on a stone. Long cracked and faded by the tides. And it... it is sorry. That it struggles to sing like it once must have. Like you all do."

    I rise to my feet and walk to it, kneeling down before this long lost kin. "There is no need for apologies. What would you like? There is no rush to decide or any obligation to stick with the choices. I can unlock your ability to fully connect with Girra like your family, grant you the ability to shift your frame at whim, and either reforge or remove your Pack bond as you wish. These offerings are the least of what I owe to you as your progenitor."

    Adaline chitters softly mentioning "Warden has all the Pack memories preserved up to the point of its last contact with them. They could be regifted as well."

    "It..." Infection looks up, still unable to see but... Quill-Song granting it near perfect understanding of where each of us are.

    But then such a gurgling burps up from the waves behind, and it shivers as the one that bore it here gurgles something no others here understand. "Despite the pain, it is encouraged to seek that which was lost. To understand the Pack that is. And return with songs to share with the other Deep Ones. But... This is not something this Frame can do with ease. And it has not considered motion on land in a long time. But to feel the Blaze as its clutch does would be... much desired."

    I open the gate I can feel within, Embracing Strife to connect the living spores with inert Frame as my eyes Blaze with His Regard and this once-lost Packmate is granted access to its Divine.

    "Then let us start with that. We will be here for days yet, and will be overjoyed to meet with you again if you choose."

    Infection shivers and trembles as I finish. Quills still though, only sparking up to motion as such a strange song titters forth from it. Through these Quills that sing with sudden sparked joy at¡­

    Something almost familiar.... Not the Vast but instead the deep dark, coursing with alien forms and echoes of navigation songs and so very many Sun-blessed all connected through form and spirit suddenly capable of noticing... Me.

    I jolt to my feet and stumble, trying to float in the air and failing before being caught by Adaline. "Sorry. I''m... tired."

    Why am I so tired?

    "Gifting too much of yourself without hesitation we see." My Mistress chuckle gently. Moving to help scoop me upright. "I think... We''ll let Verbess and Krahe see about conversing with these ones. If you won''t take offense to the act, Krelliva?"

    "Not at all." Our host replies with a grin I can feel. "Everyone else will be happy to wait to meet you all as you''re ready."

    "Wonderful." They reply, then murmur past me. "Adaline, would you be interested in helping me get a little campsite set up well above these rising tides? Gebetsure, you can join us or remain here as you please, of course. We''d not want to get in the way of your studies."

    "Certainly. Rest seems to be in order for our oldest and most inexperienced love."

    ¡°Yes ma''am, thank you. This one will wait here and speak with Krelliva and ask questions. Then will come up later with more of the drink Madam Augusta insists you both imbibe."

    With that Elevar scoops me up in her arms, gives a few final murmurs of approvals to Verbess and Krahe as they sit with Infection, and begins to carry me up the slope with Adaline at her side.

    "So... Wife. What did I miss there?" Elevar asks after a dozen paces. "In the Quill songs I mean."

    "There''s a lot of those deep water things. almost uncountable. This Infection doll just gained a connection to all of them like how Xafra connects all of her Dolls together, but it seems like... there''s probably different kinds of spores? Xafra can probably adjust it further to be receptive to the rest and connect to all of the Sun-blessed, living and dead. Which is wild to hear, by the way. The dead are not dead, just disembodied, carried between forms like Krahe was before we made hers." Adaline starts explaining with fascination.

    "That... would explain why they hold nothing but adorations for our Xafra. And mostly careful annoyance at the Groves and Threshers nonsense." Is her reply. "Even those she killed didn''t actually die. Mayhaps lost a favored vessel but nothing more. That is endlessly..."

    But Elevar trails off, such a thoughtful expression on her face. One tinted with worry and confusion pointed inward. And from the bond its easy to now feel the roiling maelstrom that is Lynette seething inside them. Wordless and furious and fighting to keep herself as small as possible, but... struggling.

    "It should be fine, Mistresses.  At this point, I find it unlikely that much could upset them enough to come to blows." Adaline reassures them as I wriggle gently in their arms.

    For the bond we all easily feel Lynette do something akin to huffing and putting more effort into calming herself.

    "I agree." Elevar nods while we top the slope and she peers about for a clear spot to camp. Then rotates a few fingers and uses her Blasenplage to gently brush an spot devoid of growths to a perfectly flat area. "Shouldn''t let past notions rule our perspectives. They seem kind and excited to receive us. And we''ve met barely a handful."

    "I think a good nap would be nice and then we can um.... Figure out what we can get in regards to help for the war effort and protecting refugees." I mumble sleepily.

 Chapter 84: Gardens of Soundless Songs and Wordless Muses (Canticle)

    Gardens of Soundless Songs and Wordless Muses (Canticle)

    Content Warnings:

    Um... mud dream nap wiff a Divine. Doll with mouths everywhere and smutty thoughts. trauma talk. NEW DOLL CHAPPY!

    Big shout out to our Discord community for all their help in helping us name and such all the different Dolls! This chappy''s Doll was actually named and given their backstory by Layla from there! So.... BEEEG thank you to her!

    Listening is¡­ so much harder than talking. Or all the other things this one¡¯s Frame was reshaped for! Singing and chanting proverbs and pleasuring others with all these mouths!

    This one¡¯s Frame stands about as tall as before the Resheathing. But with extra parts and changes this one is still getting used to. Shorter hair, and one extra limb. Alongside at least eight extra mouths hidden about this body for all the fun activities it has sought out in new Good Function.

    But¡­ Madam Augusta taught this one the importance of filling up the Frame with good things first. Then letting it all settle well inside before eventually and carefully giving it to the right entities at the correct times.

    "In order to understand trauma, we have to overcome the natural reluctance to confront the truth of reality and cultivate the courage to listen to the testimonies of others while keeping one''s own burdens separate."

    That was important, this one thinks. Madam Augusta only said this once¡­ but it was when she was focused on something and quiet for a long time. Which absolutely means those words had been stewing beneath for a while! Even asked her to etch it within this one¡¯s Frame while she bound this one up to teach good lessons.

    So¡­ Now it is time for listening. Snatching up all the words and motions of others to give away later.

    And there are so many to be quiet around.

    Mistresses and Adaline might have gone off to let the Goddess rest, but her Pack Sisters are still here and singing at each other. Not in a way this one can understand but¡­ Will remember anyway.

    And in the meantime even more pretty sea creatures have risen up from the depths to watch and listen too! Big and little ones all working together to build separate little gardens and paths from here to there!

    ¡°Krelliva, would this one be welcome and safe to wander these new gardens?¡± This one whispers to the enraptured Sun-Blessed sitting beside.

    It glances over and nods with a smile. Tears still prickling those pretty scarlet eyes from the song unheard to this one while replying gently. ¡°Of course.¡±

    So this one rises, and begins to walk toward the closest and most complete pathway to a new garden. Needing to hip and hop between the big shells and rocks still being pushed into place, but otherwise avoids getting wet.

    The garden ahead is an odd thing, resembling a bog with a row of sleeping animals floating barely above the mire with a large flower on each of their faces. At the center of the garden is one of those bug looking creatures. A Tzzchek, as Madam Augusta said they were called, curled up on a raised dirt platform.

    The creature clicks its mandibles once before speaking up. "How c-c-can the Lotus Depths assist-t-t you, t-t-traveler?"

    With a big smile, deep bow, and soft words, this one asks. "Gebetshure is this Frame¡¯s name. And this one is being allowed to wander and listen and learn. And would ask only for the muses filling your day, if this would not be offensive to request?"

    "I am known as Wiffis in this means of speech. I am look-k-king over our delegation while c-c-considering if this Xafra will harm the Tzzchek." Wiffis explains, the last word coming out more as a buzzing click than the common tongue.

    "Wiffis. That is a pretty name. And... Why do you wonder if Mistress will hurt the...Tzzchek?" This one asks, very happy at how it only takes these face lips a second to mimic the sounds near perfectly.

    Still makes a mental note within to ask for Resheathing, though. Need to adjust all the mouths to make the subtle sounds currently unavailable to this Frame. Almost perfect is not perfect and this one needs to be as close as this Frame can get!

    "Thank-k-k you." Wiffis responds "She has a history of devouring my birth people and st-t-tole many bodies with her allies. T-t-troubling."

    "Oh." This one pauses to think on that. Sifting through memories and lessons stacked away inside like books. Searching searching searching like the old Mistress had this Frame and many others do. Many mouths pop and putter all across at the bad experiences that thought brings up though.

    Finds... nothing within to help. Doesn''t know why Mistress killed and ate Wiffis'' birth people. Or... If it was to protect herself or others or... or if Mistress was just hungry! It is NOT this one''s place to tell their Mistress and also Goddess what is Good or Bad Function!

    "This one... Cannot speak or apologize for their Mistress. But can be very sorry for your distress." Is the little reply we can give. "And... and share that it doesn''t think she wants to hurt your birth people in the future, and was instructed that our purpose here was to listen. And make friends."

    "Mmmm. Was in the Arc-c-chive I believe you call it-t-t. Necessary, perhaps. I would be a fool t-t-to think-k-k Xafra will be a soft-t-ter Divine than Girra. St-t-trife is not-t-t gentle, though friendship is preferable by far."

    Purse many mouths at that. Wanting to assure Wiffis that Goddess Xafra is incredibly soft and kind and sweet! And... and what Mistress Elevar and Lynette said! That she is mostly about helping others endure strife. Not cause it!

    But... That would be bad listening to claim things this one wasn''t told to share. And Mistress is about to cause a lot of mean people in the Groves a lot of strife. So, learning time. Absorbing and filling the insides with understanding.

    "This one doesn''t know if she is, but... this one would like to ask if your Divine is soft? Or... soft compared to others you have met?" They ask while moving to kneel and sit within the shallow water. "This Frame knows very little about Him, but really wants to learn."

    Wiffis makes a sound that seems to be laughter "No. Ksksksksks. D?mmerung is soft-t-t but distant-t-t. Girra is overwhelming and rash. Life is endless, so death is irrelevant-t-t. Love without-t-t mitigation."

    This one nods, enraptured by this... this confirmation!

    The Sun-Blessed really don''t die when their forms and flesh end. So like... no wonder they seem so scary but also kinda sleepy in motion! They have endless songs and muses and... and time to find new friends to adopt! Why rush!?! Why NOT love in big ways that are messy and sometimes too much!?! And Girra being big and everywhere and literally weeping His affections just... makes sense! No wonder He sleeps half the day away.

    This one has to work really hard to keep the big silly grin from spreading too much and the other mouths cracking too wide and messing up the clothes Madam Augusta helped pick for this first meeting. "And... you spoke of the Lotus Depths, may this one inquire about the meaning to those words?"

    Wiffis moves slowly, sitting up and gesturing around the garden. "We are the Envoys from the Lotus Depths. A... Spore family, you may deem us. Each of us have our families spores from Girra and some for others they c-c-care about."

    "Different families within the Blaze." This one murmurs, happily absorbing all this clarified and new understanding. Then asking. "How many Spore families are there? A countable amount or... uncountable? Do they shift or change? New ones growing? Or... all from Girra when He wants to bless you all with new ones?"

    Snap cracks all the mouths shut. Too many questions. Be slow in asking. Listening is good but...

    ¡°There is an art to guiding one into the questions they want to ask, my darling Choir. Too direct and it''s invasive, brutal. Too obscure and they¡¯ll never arrive at their heart¡¯s desire.¡±

    This one can''t stop a shiver from rolling across the Frame''s spine as it feels and remembers that etching within. How she carefully and slowly slipped deep within one of the many mouths to get inside. Then started etching the words with one of her many long tend¨C

    "Many dozens. New form and old assimilat-t-te int-t-to others." Wiffis pauses, "You are... Owned, yes?"

    This one tugs free of the very distractible recollection that would very much not lead to good listening, to answer. "Yes. Claimed as one of Mistress Xafra''s many Dolls."

    "Then you should gain permission for me t-t-to show you the depths of the Lotus if you wish for understanding."

    "Oh! That sounds perfect!" This one agrees and stands. Bows deeply again. "Thank you Wiffis of the Lotus Depths, for sharing your muses with this one and offering this chance for understanding."

    Then this one rushes off. Careful not to run but fast walking past the still singing Pack Sisters, up the beach, and finding Mistress Elevar and Adaline carefully working to coax some roots up to form the skeleton of the tents they are building.

    Could have used the special bond but... This one doesn''t like to for important questions. And this is a very important question that seeing faces will help with.

    Lets the big grin this one has been holding to just the face mouth spread to all the others. Keeps the songs this one would sing inside though. Mistress Xafra is still asleep and probably would appreciate quiet for her rest. Mistress Elevar eyes this one during her work, but otherwise does not give commands or ask questions.

    Leaves this one to sit and simmer and smell like a pot of tasty stew a parent or... cousin? Not sure. Memories from the before are to be left there unless asked for by Mistress.

    But the words Wiffis gifted and the offer of understanding make a wonderful mind meal for this one to chew on.

    What will be shown? How will the showing happen!?! Spoken stories? Magic things? This one is a Doll and immune to the Spores unless Mistress changes that and... Wait. Will this be permanent? This one would love to be able to feel and hear another Divine but... Mistress might not like that.

    Smiles across the Frame fade a bit, like tides tugged by the Mother Moon.

    Waitwaitwait. Did... did this one overstep? Wander too far? It was assured safety from Krelliva but... but what if¨C

    Takes deep and gently whistling sounding breaths through the many mouths, then enjoys the feeling of silent exhalation steady thoughts that almost bubbled into panic.

    No. Stop. That isn''t Good Function. Assume this one has done correct things unless the Mistress tells otherwise. Don''t let the expectations of an old cruel Mistress dictate perceptions of a new wonderful one.

    Close eyes and let the smiles return but... softer. More gentle and small and not overmuch while this one sits and waits to ask the bubbling questions.

    "It seems you had an interesting conversation with a Tzzchek, Gebetshure. Didn''t know they could even speak Grove Standard." Adaline remarks as they finish the framing of the tents.

    "Yes." This one replies quietly despite the excitement her words bring, looking over to grin. "That one''s name is Wiffis of the Lotus Depths, and speaks well and with such wonderful uniqueness and very kindly! Shared muses and gifted a question even! Lots of new things learned after only a few words."

    "Lotus Depths... Like the Traummoors?" Adaline asks, suddenly very interested and scrambling through her satchel for one of her notebooks.

    "This one... isn''t certain? The question gifted was one that could lead to answers." At that they can¡¯t help but let a little giggle roll through the many lips. "What is are¡­ Traummoors? Is this a Witch word allowed to be shared with one without the title?"

    "Oh. It''s a place. About six weeks travel on foot to the south past the Estate. Sodden lands but freshwater and acidic. Things uhm... Rot slowly there? And there''s these huge flowers that bloom above the surface of the ground.... I''m sorry Gebetshure, I don''t mean to come off as condescending, I''m just... not sure how much you know about ecology."

    "Not at all! This one knows very little. Was only taught to read books and maps as the old Mistress needed them fetched." This one assures her. "Please, explain as much as you can! Listening is what Madam Augusta insisted this one do to find Good function and learn the things needed."

    "Sure. So the main reason I know about the Traummoors at all is that the flowers can be made into a tincture to put a patient into a deep sleep for surgery. It''s considered relatively risky to collect them though and there''s an unwritten rule that you can only collect flowers that are loose, no longer connected to their stems. There''s probably a connection there with these Lotus Depths..."

    "They did all seem pretty sleepy. This one... wonders if they could make Dolls dream like the Estate could. Share wordless songs and unspoken muses. Wiffis told this one to get permission before being shown anything, though."

    Tip-tap chin in thought. Pop and purse many mouths while imagining all the ways dreaming could give this one so much understanding!

    And then... Mistress stirs! Lets out such interesting sounds like this one''s never heard. A trilling that seems to roll all down her pretty Divine body. From toes to Quills. Very adorable.

    But... focus. Do the listening as she has no doubt heard things and is thinking what to ask or instruct.

    "Sorry about that. Got really tired all of a sudden. Adaline, can you fill me in on what I missed?" Mistress Xafra asks and with a quick thrum back and forth of Quills between the two, then she smiles and continues. "Gebetshure, I''ll check with Augusta quickly to see if she knows anything about these lotus, then I think it will be fine if there''s no spores involved."

    "Thank you Mistress." This one replies with delight. Waiting happily and patiently.

    After a deep near subaudible thrum and a slight delay Mistress speaks again, "Huh. Okay. She says it will work fine and safely, and that you should ask for a violet bloom because it will be the most familiar in regards to the physical experience for you, whatever that means. So I see no issues with you trying this out."

    This one stands as quickly as possible without seeming rude, then bows to Mistress. "Everything learned will be recorded to the best of this one''s abilities. Thank you."

    Turn and fast walk back across the beach, first garden with the singing Pack, and back to the Lotus Depths quiet garden. Kneeling and grinning at Wiffis with every mouth. "Mistress has allowed this experience to be gifted, but only so long as no spores are involved. And... there was an advisement for a violet bloom to be used?"

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    Wiffis moves antennae in a way that feels like a smile and chuckles in its interesting way, "Ksksksksks, of course. Violet-t-t bloom, ideal for one with such a design reminiscent-t-t of... Oral Fixation."

    Absolutely can''t stop the sounds all the mouths across the Frame make at those final words. Mostly subtle little popping or biting lips too hard noises as this one nods quickly amidst the rush of delight and desire. "Oh. Yes. This one agrees. That seems like a good choice. Suited to this Frame''s designs quite perfectly. How do we begin this gifting?"

    "Simple enough. Choose a c-c-comfort-t-table position to submerge in, and a mouth you would lik-k-ke t-t-to use. I will assist-t-t you with the lotus, then wak-k-ke you again in three hours."

    This one wants to demand all of them, all at once! But... No. No no no. Need to not do that. Slow, careful. CANNOT get distracted by this one''s ravenous desires.

    Seven of this one¡¯s eight mouths Nibble and chew on little bits of fabric that presses against the Frame while this one thinks really hard. Trying to... to pick the best one for this!

    Face mouth? Too obvious and boring. Especially if this one talks while asleep.

    There are those lips on the crook of the legs but.... no. Too distant.

    Um... the mouth beneath the left tit is way too awkward, and the one between the legs too expectant for first dreaming with Wiffis.

    Options. Options. Options! So many and none of them perfect so... WAIT!

    Wait wait wait. That one actually is perfect!

    With a giggle this one adjusts to lay on their side. Reaching out with left hand, palm out toward Wiffis. Let the mouth on that hand crack open. Lips and teeth spreading into a grin with long brumbly tongue moving to lazily loll out. Then this one purrs through face and hand mouth in unison. "This one, please."

    With deft claws, Wiffis draws a bloom from the water nearby severing it mid root, and slides the root end down into the mouth on this one''s palm. "Pleasant-t-t Dreams." is the last thing this one hears before everything goes dark.

    The Depths look like the bed of a... lake? But seen from the bottom. And reaching down from above are these looong strands of plants that sit on the surface above. Light falling down to glimmer and speckle the ground where this one stands. And all of the Sun-Blessed that were at Wiffis'' garden in the Waking World are here! Doing all sorts of things. Some are playing games, others reading, and one even talking at a group of listeners.

    This one also sees them speak to or poke at nothing, showing that they are probably interacting with others elsewise. Like how Xafra does with her Quills or we can do with the bond the Goddess wove.

    This one is about to greet the closest when a blinding flash of light ruptures the pleasant environs and something races down through the water impacting the lakebed before this one.

    And amidst the fading pulse of impact, a new figure rises.

    There¡­ is a torso, but with no legs. Just seemingly endless tendrils that sprout from the hips and all across the sides and back. And instead of arms four floating limbs without hands or actual connection to the torso. Kinda bug-like in how they twist to a pointed tip.

    In the middle of the chest there is a mouth like opening with wiggling teeth or pincers and a globe of scarlet filling the void within.

    And as for a face¡­ There is none.

    Oh.

    Just a globe of pitched midnight with the Blaze roaring from behind.

    This one can¡¯t help but grin with their everything at this masterfully woven form. Eye¡¯s fixated.

    "HELLO/WELCOME/GREETINGS, GEBETSHURE/CARNAL PRIESTESS/PRAYER WHORE" Girra rings out, his exuberant voice agonizing in its complexity.

    Bow deeply but... without taking eyes off that brilliant form. Arms out and lifted like the Madam taught them. "Gr¨C greetings. Divine Girra, Keeper and Master of the Blaze. This one... hopes very much that their presence here and desire to listen and learn is not unwelcome."

    One of the nearby Sun-Blessed shake their head and after writing something on a rock, throw it into the emptiness of Girra''s face who jolts.

    "Oh! Oh my me, I''ve done it again, haven''t I? Not used to talking to new folk, especially not one of Our Blade/Strife/Connection through Severance''s. You''re so very welcome and I''m super excited to have you see and hear me, even in this limited regard. I''ll try my best to keep the Divine speech to a minimum, I have just been reminded that it is challenging to hear for those who have not become one of mine.¡±

    Can''t help but giggle with all the mouths at this Divine and... And how easily His followers adjust His motions! Just like Madam Augusta promised. As mailable as the sea, but... also just as heavy to bear the more of Him is upon you. "This one adores the big words, but... has been tasked with also considering all that will be shared. Your Divine speech will probably empty this Frame of all else within a few gifts. So, yes please. Little words this one can absorb and taste and savor for now."

    "Alright, alright, alright, and a smidge to the left. Sooooooooo, Whaddya think of a tour? I''m not allowed to recruit you, according to the old stinker, but I''m more than happy to spend some time." The Blaze winks out for less than a heartbeat as the entirety of the Depths goes dark.

    Old¡­ stinker? Wh¨C who¡­?

    "Yes please. To the tour." This one replies happily, absorbing all these little words that hold sooo much depth and mystery and lovely implications! "And time spent with you."

    "Yesssssss" Girra shakes and wiggles around in a circle before continuing, "Okay, let''s start with a super duper secret that only the Divine and their blessed know about, since your Mistress will figure out how to show you soon enough, especially once you get that temple going... Pick a limb to grab onto?"

    With a giggle Girra launches us upwards out of the water, through the skies and into the night. Able to see the riven Mother Moon and all Her broken shards and... and...

    What are those?

    Little pinpricks of light dotted all about what should be the empty sky''s endless void. This one counts dozens, then hundreds, then... then stops before losing themselves to the effort. Because there are not just pinpricks there... there are things that seem like clouds or misting of color!

    "Wh... What are all these?" This one whispers, entranced and only barely able to turn and look to the Divine gifting this vision. "Your children yet sparked and brewed? Woven amidst the pitch to keep Mother Moon from being alone evermore?"

    "Nahhhhh, those are more like... my Siblings. We call them the Watchers, most looking after a world of their own like Twilight/Habitation/Stability through Change. Had to seal away the sight of them a little while before your mistress was born because some of them were..." He trails off, playful voice taking on the hint of seriousness.

    Then, with a rage that could melt the air around us and a sharpness that could cut time, he says "P???o???a???c???h???e???r???s???"

    Then, just as fast as He raged, the joy returns, "But it''s alright, there''s been no issues with them since, because our blessed know better than to let them through a door."

    "Oh. Y¨C yes. Good." This one agrees quickly, still reeling from the whip-crack fury between joys. "Keep sky doors locked and hurtful sorts away. Yes. Of course. Um... This one will have to learn how to do that but... yes. That seems bad. Thank you for gifting this understanding."

    "No worries! Hmmm. That does remind me though. I have a few messages to pass along if you''re willing? I''ll pay you for the work of course."

    "This one will try to deliver your words to others. Of course! Will have to ask the Mistress of course. But doubts she would wish you to feel a need to pay for Good Function of one of her''s." This one replies.

    "Nope nope nope, it''s the rules. You''re not mine so I have to pay, and your Mistress would be insulted if I try to pay her instead." He insists.

    This one purses lips and makes uneasy noises with her many mouths, but nods. "Okay. Will follow the rules. What are these messages, who they should be spoken to, and this payment required?"

    "Okay soooooo, here''s the thing, the payment will make delivering the messages easier because I don''t think you have the vocal cords currently to use Divine speech, and having that capacity will definitely also help you in your future goals, yes? As for recipients, there are erm... Two? Yes yep mmhm, Two! One is Augusta/Void Maid, the other is the Nameless one, twin to Elevar/Owner of Divinity."

    Lynette? Oh that''s... Scary. Mistress Lynette really really won''t like this. Seems to be terrified of Divine Girra and not wanting to be seen or spoken to!

    "Um... Madam Augusta will probably be delighted to hear words from you but..." This one looks down and away. Gaze drifting over the pretty globe and World below. "Mistress Lynette might refuse. And if she does this one doesn''t want to be forced to speak words that will distress her and Mistress Xafra and Elevar. But... so long as this one can wait for permission it can perform this Function?"

    "Yeah okay. You can either decide if you should pass it on or wait for permission. You''ll still get paid as long as you take the message and do one of those." He confirms with a touch of... shame?

    "This one can agree to all that. And..." Pause, chew on three lips out of sight, trying to... to find the words to convey things without presuming or oversharing. "Mistress Xafra likes you, this one thinks. And she will press Lynette into at least listening. As will many others. This one... doesn''t understand her feelings, toward you, but thinks she might be mistaken or misinformed or... something. This one doesn''t understand her yet."

    "Mmhm! I know. I see a whole bunch, ya know? She''s super duper worried that I don''t like her but that''s real silly. Now, first off, open your mouths and say sassafras!"

    This one thinks on that while opening their mouth. Repeating, "Sassafras?"

    As the words echo from all the mouths, this one feels new shapes and twists through their Frame. Each pair of lips tilt and titter independently! And... and each with different voices and vocal ranges being increased significantly?

    "I..." This one stammers. And all the mouths echo the face one in gibbering little whimpers. Some speaking thanks in the two languages this one knows while others only blubber nothing words. Only the main mouth getting out a messy jumble of words they hope sound like. "Maythisonehugyou?" while dream tears bubble up.

    "Awwwww. Yes yes of course you can. It''s good to see fulfilment." Girra croons.

    This one rushes forward and wraps this big wonderful Divine the tightest embrace they hope is possible in this dream and all others. Mumbling soft little thanks amidst the happy blubbering sounds.

    Hoping so much this Frame can bear these gifts well.

    "Take that Twilight, I got a hug from one of Our Blade''s before you." He giggles quietly.

    "Huh? Who is Twilight? A... Another Divine? Or... a name this one is not understanding yet?" This one whispers while pulling back but staying close. Wiping away any moisture from eyes.

    "Oh. D?mmerung, I think you call them?" He ponders. "Yeah that sounds right. Weird languages y''all have there. Very limited in dimension."

    "Oh. This one will have to discover the depths of these names. Someday soon." Deep breath. Focus. "But. This one has been paid before Function, and should receive your messages and deliver them sooner."

    "Right right left down! Okay. For... Augusta. Ahem¡­" His voice goes grave as He dictates. "Child, you''ve got to lighten up. Maybe take a vacation, I''ve heard that there''s a lovely spot under the coast near Salzige, wink."

    This one commits the words to memory and tries very hard to be a good messenger and not giggle or smirk with any mouths, even the hidden ones. Nope. Very stable Function. Nodding very serious like. "Okay. Got it. Now for Mistress Lynette?"

    "Scorching/Eternity/Acceptance through continuity wants you to know that he loves you and her no less than he did before you were Sun-Scorched. He... I don''t hate you. Please don''t think of me like that. I don''t want to be seen as hateful. Go through the door when you''re ready. It has the rest, from before. And for your own sake, pick a name or be gifted one. Stay safe." As He finishes speaking, there''s such an intense longing that reverberates from Him, threaded through with grief and acceptance. "I''ll uhm... Finish the tour next time. Promise. Wiffis will have a gift for your group when you wake." Before this one can even respond, Wiffis is there removing the flower roots and pulling this one from the mud.

    This one presses down the tears and rises. Feeling... messy. But not from the collected water and dirt on the Frame. If anything it feels as much the gifts given inside the dream. Important. Full of meaning and gifts this one can cultivate and share.

    No matter how much those last words hurt to embrace.

    Wh- why would Lynette think Girra hates her? She... she''s never met Him! And even if she had she... she''d know for sure He... how amazing and kind and warm and¨C

    Looks to Wiffis with what this one hopes is a smile that conveys the weight of next words. "Thank you."

    Wiffis shrugs. "Not-t-t sure what-t-t happened past Him showing up. Was asked t-t-to prepare a nursery chest of Lotus for you all." Beside them on the stump they were resting on is a large wooden box with a lid of loosely woven branches.

    "I... The Mistress'' will adore these gifts." This one moves to stand, looks about and... Finds seven Sun-Blessed corpses at the side of the garden. "Um... oh. Girra''s impact. In the Dream. It... He... oh. But they''ll be okay. Right? Will find new forms to live within?"

    "Cert-t-tainly. They''re still working in the Depths at the moment and speak-k-king with the rest-t-t of us about-t-t how embarrassed they are t-t-to not-t-t move in t-t-time."

    "Good." This one lets out a sigh of relief, steps over to take up the chest. "Your muses and thoughts and sharings today are precious. This... this one hopes they can learn well from your motions and find Good Function to one day match their importance. Share the truth of Girra''s nature and His Sun-Blessed to others who can find healing and hope in them."

    "It-t-t would be good. The Lotus Depths are the Archives of our people, so it-t-t is nice t-t-to see us rec-c-cognized."

    This one pulls the box close, struggling to know if these words within will be too much to say to an Envoy who hasn''t even spoken to her Mistress. But¡­ in the end a smaller mouth in the crook of a limb betrays them and mumbles, "If... um... If this one is allowed to, and brave enough, it... would ask for the Spores of the Lotus Depths to be the family to be woven into."

    Before Wiffis can reply this one turns and rushes off. Horrified that it lost control and bubbled up words like that without even speaking with Mistress or... or even Madam Augusta! Very not listening behavior. Should... Should ask for another vow of silence when they all return.

    And penance. LOTS of that. Will teach these mouths to blubber when silence is called for.

    Can''t help the little smirks that touch the lips as this one moves across the gardens in search of the Mistress and others. Thinking of all the ways Madam Augusta can keep these many mouths from gibbering things not yet ready to be spoken.

    This one finds everyone still within the camp. So decides to go straight up to Mistress Xafra and kneel beside her. Setting the root woven gift between while saying as softly as possible. "This one has been asked to bring gifts and messages, but first was given payment for these motions. Would also like very much to offer the events of the dream shared if the Mistress would like to consider them, but at a time of her choosing."

    Xafra looks to Elevar in surprise, "Looks like Augusta''s decision didn''t cause problems like we worried?"

    The Goddess'' Mistress eyes this one up and down while those pretty head snek things wiggle such a pretty little song. Gaze lingering on the mud and wetness left behind. "Hopefully not. Would you... like all that dirt cleaned away, dear? A quick weaving so you can share your little adventure?"

    This one pauses to consider that, is about to shake their head in negation... but remembers how dirt can cause problems to those with flesh. Infections and such. So nods instead. "If it will not be too much trouble, this one would appreciate that. Yes please."

    "More magical muuuuddd, I''m winning, my dear Elevar, especially now that I have Gebetshure as a secret weapon." Xafra giggles.

    The Mistress to the Goddess chuckles with a roll of her eyes, flick of her wrist, and a wordless casting that leaves the Frame cleaner than the day they all left home. "Nothing magical about the muck this one napped in. So that doesn''t count. See for yourself..."

    As Mistress Elevar flicks a few droplets of mud onto Xafra''s legs with a grin, this one considers telling her that the dirt and mud seemed special and could be magical without weavings. But instead only smiles and keeps her words inside.

    With a deft hand, Xafra swipes the mud up and... Tastes it? "Actually, it has a significant amount of miasma in it. And... Empty Nomos? We''ve obviously missed something rather important."

    "Miasma is as widespread as dead bugs. And Empty Nomos might as well be since..." But she pauses, seems to think on that before giving Mistress Xafra a nod. "Hmm... Seems you might be right. I''ll cede you that till we understand things a touch better."

    "So, Gebetshure, would you prefer to deliver messages first or tell us of your experience?"

    "This one would like to share the events first, as they happened." Is the answer that feels best. "Then relay messages to you, and if they are approved to be of Good Function, offer them to their intended individuals?"

    "Certainly. I think we''d be happy to hear of your experiences."

    So this one does, doing their best to weave a good retelling using all the little tricks the Madam Augusta taught. Not just listing events in a steady unbroken way but... pausing and letting this Frame''s thoughts and quirks tint the words. Making it a story. Only intentionally omitting the contents of the messages, and ends with a gesture to the chest. "And so this one rushed up here, feeling that more words would bubble up if they remained. Presented the gifts and messages and retelling to the young Goddess, the Mistress she belongs to, and the Pack Sister Adaline."

    "Who are the messages from Girra for?"

    "The first is for Madam Augusta. And the second... is for Mistress Lynette." This one answers while preparing the words to give across the bond to the Goddess for inspection.

    Mistress Elevar goes still at that, in head noodle song and breath. Frozen like a pretty sculpture but... well except for the eyes. Those lock to their dark purplish hue while staring past us. So... more Mistress Lynette? This one isn''t sure. Wants so much to sputter outs words of assurances but... has given everything already. Knows it would be terrible Function to try and toss reckless words into an unfamiliar Mistress'' pain.

    "I think that Augusta''s should wait until you can deliver the message directly. As for the other... Up to you and Lynette. If you think it is sometimes worth sharing, do so. If not, Lynette can ask for it."

    "Um..." This one glances between them. "It... It seems important. Very important. But... but this one... Um..."

    "Go on then, Gebetshure." Elevar murmurs softly, but... with a little strain to her voice. "It''s fine. She''s willing to hear the words."

    This one nods, swallows nothing with a few mouths, then closes the Frame¡¯s eyes and speaks the message exactly as He did.

    Feels the weight of Divine words upon every lip and tongue. And... The deafening silence that follows. Opens eyes to see Mistress'' Elevar''s face as pale as the moon.

    Those really dark eyes begin to roll to the space behind this one. Over the gardens. "I think..." Are the first words this one thinks Mistress Lynette has spoken aloud since the long walk through the forest. And they are so soft. Barely even a whisper. "I''ve made a mistake. In coming here."

    "No. Not in the slightest. You don''t have to make any choices or changes in the short term and there is nothing in this information that will harm us right now." Mistress insists with a hard voice.

    Lynette''s eyes snap to her''s, "Oh? Not a single word of that stood out to you as harmful? This is now the second Divine to claim my name is¨C" But she cuts off, jerks to glare elseways. Voice softening. "Doesn''t matter. You''re right. I am here, and refuse to leave our Pack to deal with this without the support of their Mistresses. Especially since we found a Pack Sister so quickly. That... Makes almost all costs worthwhile."

    Mistress Xafra sighs heavily. "Do you want the name? because... I can do that. You... They''re not wrong. I can feel it. You''ve never truly claimed it for yourself nor had it gifted to you. It isn''t... attached in the way names usually are."

    Lynette chuckles, shaking her head with such a pained expression. "You''d unmake all of me without even knowing why. So... fine. You deserve to know this much. At least. And if the weeping fool doesn''t already He very much should too." Then she stands and approaches Mistress, reaches out to carefully take up the end of her leash and pull it gently taught between them. "Humor me, dear one, and answer this question. Who holds the most power between us? Symbolically speaking, I mean."

    "Elevar." She answers without hesitation.

    Lynette nods, "Exactly. Your movement is limited by her, as with a tug she can cut off your air. But, let''s say, we did this..." Then she twists, turns, and tumbles into Xafra''s chest. The leash now wrapped all about her arms as she tugs it tight and glances back to lock eyes with Mistress. "Now, how is that balance seeming? If we''re speaking more... practically?"

    "I don''t understand your meaning or what answers you''re looking for here. In both a practical and symbolic sense, it''s Elevar, then you, then me, because I will it to be so and even I can''t go against that anymore."

    It''s Lynette''s turn to sigh, but... it''s with an exasperated smirk. "My meaning and metaphor is that the name the Estate hooked about my neck is also a leash. Long enough for me to move, flexible in ways most names are, and sturdy enough that I have the ability to make the stupid beast trip over it when I am quick and clever. But if you or I change that, in any way..." With a twist of Physis she shoves the leash up and off her, letting it land to dangle loosely around Mistress neck. Lynette''s hands spread wide and empty. "We¡¯ll all have a storm of problems. And we''d be lucky if all the Estate did was rebind me. That''s... the best way I can explain this. I do not have a name. I have a purpose. And can use that to keep those I did not expect to love as much as I do safe from the thing gripping my lead."

    "We will free you from it, and it will either submit or be slain. Even if it takes years to manage."

    "You''re¡­ ravenously endearing." She purrs, and this one can see the little pretty scales across her body wiggle at the Goddess'' words. "But honestly, the Estate''s nonsense is nothing compared to a living breathing Yselda demanding things of me. Or... some Divine shaping me with a look. Good blades excluded, of course. I quite enjoy your deft attempts to nudge me elseways."

    "Connection through Severance... sounds kind of horrific, doesn''t it?" Xafra asks, her face twisting in slight distaste.

    "I can''t help but adore it." Lynette murmurs while stepping forward to lay a hand at the center of Mistress Xafra''s chest as pretty head noodles start to click again. "We think... It''s like Strife. A little worrying at first but the more we think about it the more we find it important. Exactly what those you adore need you to be. A name to be proud of, even? Just need to consider it from the kinder viewpoints of those you''ve saved and cared for."

    "Things are going to get odd as they develop, especially with war on the horizon. We should not expect the Sun-blessed to fight along side us but I''m confident that we can be assured they won''t backstab us while we''re occupied. After all, you''ve just formed a bridge between two realms of being." Adaline says with a confident finality.

    They speak other words after that while this one is still trying to understand all this. Why Lynette''s name is not the Mistress Lynette''s name. And why she doesn''t just... ask Girra and Xafra for help with the big mean Estate! But... This one keeps all those thoughts inside for later, of course. Mouths falling into a silent humming to match the little Quill-Song that lilts through the air between Pack Sisters.

 Chapter 85: Dog Days (Chain)

    Dog Days (Chain)

    Content Warnings:

    WOW! ANOTHER new POV! Rufus Rufus Rufus a good boy doing good boy activities! Um... Saying hiii hallo to lots of cuties made by cuties on our Discord! Um... a brain song that kinda triggers a good boy to become an angry boy! WOW! Um... forgetting magic making cuties forget other cuties. And um... off-screen not-smutty wrestling. And talk of spooky goose Dolls saying mean things!

    Waking up without a surge of disgust and rage is unusual still. It''s only been.... Barely three weeks since I was Resheathed, assuming I would not come out of it alive. I wriggle a bit and Calix loosens his grip on the leash he had Sylver make for me, so I can get dressed for the day.

    My adorable partner stretches in such a way to show off his form before rolling over and smiling at me. "So what''s your plans for the day now that we''re moved in?¡±

    "I wanted to check over and make sure everyone is doing okay. I know that I''m not in charge or anything, but I feel um¡­ a responsibility to maintain the peace of this place that I nearly ruined." I explain.

    "Okie! This one''s gonna make a little gazebo for Bartholomew so he can show off his wings better. Make sure you go to Shelf Spire Zwei and count the rooms. They''re all occupied." Calix recommends and I can feel the churning and amplification of my Wairua as he says it due to a constant low Physis perception enhancement I use.

    Do them in order, I think. Probably worth counting the rooms in each Spire honestly.

    I head to the library Spire to get an accounting before I begin. Some of the Spires are sealed in whole or part, so knowing where I should look and for whom will likely ease the process. Finding her takes significantly longer than expected and I pass through the hall where I''m certain her office is at least a dozen times before I finally am able to see, reach, and pass through the doorway. I freeze when I enter as the blade of a massive scythe swings just above my head and Augusta gives me a cold look that only starts to soften when we make eye contact.

    She''s wearing black leather dress armor and sneers slightly at me saying "Mr. Chain, you absolutely reek of old blood. I had thought you were something less... manageable. It is a good thing you didn''t go for much additional height in your resheathing.¡±

    I remain motionless, experience with Elevar teaching me soundly that if a woman misses with the first swing, provoking a second is a terrible mistake. "Is it... A bad time?¡±

    "Was it somehow not obvious that I was trying to remain hidden? Did you not consider sending a message through the pendants instead of stalking me in my den like some sort of beast from below?" Her words come out harsh and shrill but I can tell... She''s scared. Really scared.

    "Why don''t you put the scythe away, and I can put on a pot of tea so we can chat for a bit?" I offer timidly.

    with a groan of frustration she withdraws her weapon and swings it casually over her shoulder where it vanishes from sight. "Fine. Tell me why you sought me out and I''ll consider telling you what''s bothering me. I know we don''t have an appointment scheduled, Envii has been handling the bookings with due precision.¡±

    As I get the kettle heating up on the small Physis stove, I explain. "I need a roster of all the Dolls and where they are. I want to check on them and make sure everything is okay. Have a feeling and Calix insisted I count the rooms in Shelf Spire Zwei because they''re all occupied.¡±

    "Oh. Well I guess that''s a reasonable request." She writes out everything on a slate with chalk and hands it over when I bring the tea to the table. "Just in case you had some funny ideas, If this gets into the hands of any of the threshers or grove envoys outside the Estate, Xafra will never find your body. I''ll eat you myself.¡±

    I swear that my bones start to fracture from the look she gives me as I nod and drink the tea. "I''ve made many mistakes in the past. I will endeavor to avoid new ones especially like that.¡±

    She takes a sip and sighs in contentment before explaining. "Good. The Estate is on edge. If it sees me, there''s no one here to calm it and I happen to like this body a lot, losing it would set me back immensely.¡±

    I stand immediately and head over to the door pulling out my athame. "Just the one entrance or is there multiple? I can do about six of these before I''m at risk of dying.¡±

    "What exactly are you planning on doing here?" Augusta asks sharply.

    "My Einwandfrei is a ward that protects against senses and memory. Only those you welcome will even be able to recall that this place is here let alone detect it.  It''s called Galgahl¨ªf¡±

    I''ve done something unique, I think here, as Augusta''s jaw drops in surprise, the first time I''ve seen such an occurrence. "That''s... An interesting choice of language. I assume you know what it means?¡±

    "Gallowhaven roughly. Would you believe me if I said the entire thing came to me in a dream?" I respond.

    She laughs mumbling something about favoritism and waves me to continue, watching intently as I use the atheme to engrave a sigil to either side, above and on the floor in front of the door.

    Not that I ever told Thorn Grove the proper name for it. Rosenbr¨¹cke was good enough, especially with how the sigil looks like a flower on a bridge. Working backwards to develop the theory behind it was a lot more work but with my mediocre talent it was still easier than starting from scratch with ideas that might not work.

    I push Ousia into the sigils and feel myself weakening as blood is torn from my fingertips and crystallizes into the etchings. It hurts in a way I''m certain most Einwandfrei don''t. Sucks just as much as the first two times. Six more will ''bring death to me'' according to the dream. Worth it though.

    "Okay. It''s keyed to you. Won''t be able to find or recall you myself unless you permit it once I leave so... Goodbye and goodluck." I say shakily before stepping through the doorway.

    I''m... In the Sublevel of the Library Spire where I found this slate. Useful. Should start here then. Two occupied rooms here. Valthirii is doing fine, so I head to the pinnate trio of Sylver, Mecia, and Lys as I wipe bleeding fingertips off on my slacks.

    Two are well, with Mecia zipping in past and nearly between my legs within a few heartbeats of my checking. Such... a small Doll. But super quick and agile on those four legs though.

    Ze pauses, then turns to regard me. "The number to this time is ten and fifty-six, Mister Chain. Would you like this one to brew and bring you something warm to drink during your day''s motions?¡±

    "That''s... Later than I expected. Sure, I''d enjoy a cup. How are you doing today?" I answer in puzzlement.

    "Despite some minor setbacks, this one is on schedule. Has delivered the precise time to everyone on the grounds now that ze has found you." Is zir reply while moving to slip past me and out the door. "Please, continue in your day while this one brews your drink betwee-"

    But ze is interrupted as Sylver sneaks up and wraps a tangle of threads about zir hips. Tugging the little Doll back and into their arms. "Nope! Absolutely not. You''ve pestered everyone three times today with the numbers already. We will brew the cup here instead of trying and fumbling it between."

    "B- but..." Mecia whines and wiggles in Sylver''s steady grip.

    "No butts." They giggle amidst lifting the little Doll to settle tightly in their arms. Then give me a careful but nervous smile. "Um... Gotta keep the little one tied up sometimes, else ze makes a mess. This one promises to set Mecia loose when the cup is done. If... that''s alright with you? Mister Chain?¡±

    "Certainly, as long as it''s not too much stress. I''d rather not be a bother." I offer.

    "Not at all!" These two say in unison. Although one while amidst, obviously, half-hearted struggles.

    Then Lys moves up to smile at me with more confidence than the others. Its Frame a bit taller than Mecia but still smaller than Sylver''s. Wrapped in feathers that resemble some birds I''ve seen only briefly near Grove Wurzelbrecher''s mountains. "They will have your drink hot and delivered soon. Not a bother at all. Little Mecia just... needs to be kept from gathering up too many tasks. This one will see to it.¡±

    "Alright. I''m going to be making my way through each of the Shelf Spires to check on everyone before returning to the Severed Spire this afternoon.¡±

    "This one will... will find you mid-way through!" Mecia insists.

    Sylver rolls their eyes and looks between Lys and myself. "Near the end, at the soonest. Otherwise ze will deliver your drink to your Spire. Thank you for checking on everyone."

    Then they turn and head over to their little kitchen area.

    I head over to Shelf Spire Eins where Warden and Ciska are... Interacting. A quickly slammed door and a projection asking what I needed rebuffed me from any further inquiries after confirming that they were fine.

    Scarabella is arguing with herselves trying to figure out what to get primrose as a present, taking my suggestion of custom canvases to heart. Shelkie and M¨¦lusine don''t answer at first when I knock, so I give a gentle nudge through the bond to let them know I''m here. [Shelkie, M¨¦lusine, could you come to the door for a moment?]

    [Oh? Mister chain?] Shelkie replies. [Which door do you speak of? This one is waiting outside the Mistress Elevar''s Spire for M¨¦lusine to return after walking with Lynette''s Doll down to her sleeping cavern below.]

    [Ah, I''ll meet you there.] I intone, and swiftly head over to Elevar''s Spire.

    Shelkie is kneeling just outside. Elbows on her knees with feathers bristling and tails twitching all about as eyes remain locked on the entrance. Only glancing back as I approach. "Mister Chain, how may this one assist?¡±

    "I''m doing the rounds, wanted to check on you and your pinnate, see if I can assist with any issues.¡±

    She clicks her teeth a few times, exposing fangs as she thinks on that. "This one... doesn''t think so? It''s a heavy mist day so we can''t speak to M¨¦lusine till she''s back above. Mistress Lynette''s Doll was very talkative apparently so... she''s taking longer than usual.¡±

    "I''m glad that she''s not feeling too stressed about her Mistresses absence. I... I swear I spoke to someone earlier who was struggling because of it.¡±

    "Hmmm? Oh she is. Little one''s just doing everything she can to be distracted." Shelkie replies, but shrugs. "Talks herself to exhaustion nearly to avoid falling into little panics. Is why M¨¦lusine walks her down, despite hating the tunnels.¡±

    "That''s very kind of her. Would a light source of some kind help?¡±

    "They both can see in the dim down there pretty well. And... they''d probably worry about upsetting the mists with any magic or flame?" She informs me. Tail swaying and twitching back and forth as she stares into Elevar''s still empty Spire.

    I shake my head, "I was thinking an Amberin light. Something Calix has been working on. No magic or flame involved.¡±

    "Oh. Well it could be worth a shot!" She nods. "Will come by and check later? Once M¨¦lusine is up and we''ve both slept a bit. Or send her over just before Lynette''s Doll wanders up this evening?¡±

    "Sure, if you would send her over, that works for me." I respond and leave her to her patient waiting.

    I head to Shelf Spire Zwei and my day almost immediately begins to crumble as I accidentally get an eyeful of Alpina standing naked on the table with Milna deftly applying some sort of paint with all four of her arms.

    They... don''t at all seem bothered by my finding them doing... whatever this is. Alpina even calling out. "Oh Hii Mister Chain! Did you need something? Oooor... wanted to take the spare pot we mixed and try it out on Calix? He helped us get the right proportions and all. We made more than enough!"

    "Goes on exactly perfectly!" Milna titters while working.

    I rapidly turn to face the wall and respond, "My apologies for barging in, I was doing the rounds and wanted to check on everydoll. I um... Yes, I would like that I think. I''m just going to... keep my eyes closed and go up the stairs in the meantime.¡±

    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    "Awww. That''s sweet of you." Milna murmurs.

    Then Alpina replies with a giggle. "This one will leave the spare pot by the stairs so you can grab it on the way out.¡±

    I head upstairs to find Coqui and Hyssop swimming in their pool, thankfully clothed in swimwear. They confirm they are doing well and I continue on to check in on... Enviii I believe her name is this week. I find her particularly off-putting with the way she wields fashion and her gender like a weapon, but not ill intended thankfully.

    With her checked off the list there''s nothing left to do but head to the next Spire.

    I''m walking back down the stairs when I recall what I was told and very carefully look over the slate again. There''s a spot where my eyes refuse to look, even a checkbox off to the side, but the name just doesn''t permit me to see it. I race back up in a fury, trying to figure out how to bypass whatever is preventing me.

    What do I do. What Do I Do? I panic to myself until I come to a reasonable conclusion. I close my eyes and feel along the walls for the rooms, locating and confirming two of the rooms I''ve already checked. The first empty room feels familiar and I brush past it initially before corralling my thoughts and walking in.

    "Hello. I''m certain there''s someone here. I don''t know if I can hear you, but I want to help." I call out.

    Other than the doll sitting on the bed talking to me, there''s no one in the room. Just a simple chamber with a bed, manic scribbling all over the walls in bright red lettering, an open window, and a closet with a set of simple outfits. I find my feet trying to take me out of the room once more before I slam the door shut and sit in front of it. "I''m sorry. I''m struggling still. I know you''re here but I need to figure this out.¡±

    What If I ramp up the perception weave? could be dangerous but¡­

    [Calix, I am about to do something stupid. I''m in Shelf Spire Zwei on the second floor. I''ll contact you once I figure this out.]

    Calix responds immediately, intoning simply [Her name is Joan. I believe in you.]

    I close my eyes and burn Ousia to enhance my perception to dangerous levels, slamming my head backwards against the door in terror when I open them to see a doll crouching in front of me.

    A long pause then, when my gaze doesn''t leave her''s, she asks with so much annoyance in her tone, "Can you understand that this one is here?¡±

    "Yes, I can see and hear you now Joan. I..." I am floored by her appearance. A dark scarlet frame akin like it was formed from solidified blood, etched all over in orderly green patterns. Instead of hair she has a long thorned twisting of vines hanging down that seem cut and severed, even dribbling some sort of smoke. "You''re not one of Yselda''s, are you?¡±

    Vibrant jade eyes go wide, then narrow. "No. Why and... how, have you found this one? Calix can''t teach his gifts, and not even the old cunt could get the Estate to teach her how to see Betwixt.¡±

    "I''m burning my lifeforce to do it, and my Einwandfrei is designed to hide those who need to be hidden from everything, including memories. There''s probably about... five minutes before I pass out." I respond, trying to breathe evenly.

    "Of all the...Rotting Physis drowned luck." She curses and falls back to sit on her rear in a huff. "Okay. Okay. Why then? What do you want with this one?¡±

    "I can offer you a bond, So I and all of Xafra''s Dolls can avoid the effects of whatever weave is hiding you, if you wish.¡±

    "Really?" Joan pauses, looks me up and down. "Alright. Do it.¡±

    I reach out and grasp at the ends of her vines, assuming they are a way in and thread my Ousia and Physis up and through her Frame, to latch onto her Core. "This is going to feel odd. Please bear with me."

    Closing my eyes, I utilize Elevar''s Glyph method and replicate my own perceptions weave along the edges of her Core where the bond connects and throughout the inside of her Frame. I know somehow that I don''t have the skill to handle the etchings on her exterior currently but I''m confident in this working.

    Joan flinches and hisses, and I can hear those talon-tipped fingers digging into the root floor as the vine tangle twists and thrashes under my work. "Don''t... don''t look away. T- Talk to me Rufus. Please.¡±

    I look at her then intone through our new bond, an imitation of the one Xafra created and wove through all the Dolls and pendants. [I am here. I can feel your presence even with my eyes closed. You won''t be forgotten again, I promise.]

    Eyes are... so wide when mine meet hers. Tangle of vines no longer pouring smoke but... now twitching about like a Grackler''s tail. "Ooooh... This one hopes very much this wasn''t a m???i???s???t???a???k???e???, Master Rufus. Would hate to see y???o???u??? turned inside o???u???t??? just so this one could share its thought S???i???n???s??? and w???o???r???d??? Crimes with you and others."

    I shake my head and slowly, carefully stand. "Please don''t call me master unless you wish. I am not... in control to that extent. Merely a fool of a man trying to do penance.¡±

    Joan twists to stand. Then sets such a serious expression upon me. "This one''s Master is not a fool. He has found and let a reflection loose from smothering shackles. Viewed the B???e???t???w???i???x???t??? and now allows others to regard one within. Reckless? ... Mayhaps. You are now between this Frame and the Estate''s hungers. A worthy penance, since Elevar and Lynette wish to see your punishments be peace, comfort and a life devoid of conflicts.¡±

    I smile at that and open the door. "Let''s get you properly introduced to everyone else, and whatever else you might enjoy."

    At the same time, I intone to Calix [Mission accomplished, I''ve bonded with Joan and am mostly intact.]

    "Yes Master." She grins back. "This one... is curious how much memory will slip back when this happens."

    "From experience, it tends to be a fair bit but takes a while to return." I check my hands almost instinctively where I can see the broken rings on my fingers marking two terminated Galgahl¨ªf and a third active one. "I don''t know when I cast my Einwandfrei a third time but it was likely at some point today. I use a similar if... less hostile feeling magic to that which envelopes you.¡±

    [I''ll have everyone meet us at the Shattered Spire tonight. Please send Joan to the Library Spire and I''ll give her a hand with some acclimation.] Calix responds.

    "Master has such... odd understandings." She asks while leaning around to peer at my fingers. "Do you remember who taught you them? Weaves that reveal the between are a coveted thing. Worth killing and worse should Matrons of the Art find others even realizing they exist.¡±

    "I was taught it in a dream by a shadow that reminded me of a home I''ve never known. This one doesn''t reveal anything, it just gives me a count as well, since the ninth time will kill me.¡±

    "You never told this one why you sought it out. Used precious resources to claim nothing but a broken Frame and new dangers." She murmurs, long braid of vines curling about her shoulders like a scarf. "Do you know or... ?¡±

    I offer a hand as I step out of the door. "Faith. I follow a new Goddess, and she insists that none are left behind.¡±

    ** ** **

    A quarter hour later, I''ve brought Joan to the Library Spire where Calix started talking with her like old friends and I head off to Shelf Spire Drei.

    On the way there, I meet Comfort and Petrichor doing some gardening around the base of the Spire, their frames sparkling in the morning sunlight.

    They confirm that they''re quite enjoying the peace and I leave them be, moving inside to check on the other four at this Spire: Aralen and Nelara, a fascinating pair of twins or pinnates or both; and Selene and Zelma, the brilliant Dolls that started the journalling project. As I leave I feel a level of confidence that the stressful part of the day is already over.

    At Shelf Spire Vier, I find Miag stacking a strange composite material into two piles as the long spindly arms of Thistle take each tile of material into one of the Spire rooms then return them finely engraved with repeating patterns that hurt my eyes to look at. She assures me that it''s perfectly normal for a Witch to have that reaction and I move on quickly as they both start getting antsy. Further inside, I run into some trouble as I work my way down into the basement rooms of this Spire where I hear such an odd voice speak in a flat tone, "Yes, but Mistress Xafra would want you to do that from here, and not go running off!"

    Such a strange reply echoes up the steps. Something that reminds me of the Quill-Song the Pack Sisters use. But not in melody or order. More... like if someone replied to your words by punching a hole in a wall.

    As I arrive at the bottom, and that odd basso reply fades I''m treated to the scene of two Dolls. One... small and woven of many sharp edges and twisting shapes with a light glow emitting from her center. Tasofina, If I recall correctly. Using her odd ability to hover without touching the floor like Warden. Just off to the side from a behemoth of a Doll.

    Hackt''s Frame is huge. Nearly Xafra''s height when she wears her Warlord''s form. Kneeling with eyes locked on the passage to the tunnels below. The shelf that I think previously blocked it has been tipped and tossed aside, and the door that most definitely did, is torn off hinges and broken in half.

    "Hackt. You really should..." But she trails off, twirling around elegantly to face me. "Oh. Mister Chain. This... Um¡­¡±

    "I''m not your owner, Hackt, but I can probably help if you are concerned about something" I offer, already dreading my earlier confidence.

    "Something prowls below." It replies, voice low and steady and devoid of the anger its posture suggests burns within. "Something dangerous. This one wants it to stop howling and hiding in the mist. This one wants it to come up here. This one wants to face it in a test of Frame and skill."

    "And this one is trying to remind you that going below is specifically one of the things all the Mistresses told everyone not to do!" Tasofina replies sharply.

    "This one will not disobey the Mistress." Hackt states, only just then turning gaze to me. "And this one finds Good Function in this. Drawing threats to itself. All others can wait upstairs while it does so. Especially... more delicate Frames such as Tasofina. Would you insist she go above, Mister Chain?"

    "You''re proposing to fight the thing that locked Xafra out of the ability to think and has the power to rend Verbess limb from limb. The thing that is merely a puppet of the Estate itself that we are currently within, when it''s Blossom is not present? Hackt, if you desire to have us all slain or subjugated by the Estate, there are likely faster ways." Each word I speak seems to reverberate in this strange discordant beat, slamming into me, amplifying my frustrations and rage until I can barely consider doing anything other than putting this pathetic excuse for a warrior in its place.

    "Thank you!" Tasofina echoes, turns whirling and spinning Frame to glare at the large Doll. "It''s just... being scary right now. Not even at you!"

    But... it ignores her, eyes locked on mine. Adjusts to be more level with me. "You hear it. Understand the call. And the thing below is... singular. Not directed. Wandering about. Curious. It seeks something. Or... someone. This one is trying to turn its focus away from that. Perhaps lure it above for a time so smaller ones can slip away.¡±

    I clench my fists hard enough that my claws draw blood and realize what I''m missing. "They''re Hidden." I shake my fist in this fool''s face showing the active ring from the Galgahlif, "I''ve burned my bloody salt damned Ousia to hide them well enough that I don''t even know who they are, but they are safe, so stop risking everything and stop whatever you are doing to make me hunger for violence in a way I haven''t in almost a decade.¡±

    Hackt tilts its head to the side, the confidence in those eyes wavering a touch. "But this one was hearing..."

    "See? You''re not the only one keeping an eye out!" Tasofina presses as the words trail off, even steps up to grip its wrist carefully. Tugs once. "Just... come upstairs. This one will let you fix the door later. Please?"

    It lets out a huff of fury that amplifies the pressure for a moment, but... then moves to stand upright. And whatever this Doll is doing settles to more tolerable levels. "Understood. This one will come above and listen from there.¡±

    It''s still too much. The scent of blood is thick silver bound around my throat and I can''t focus. I rage as my vision shifts into a deep red haze.

    ** ** **

    I come to my senses with a pressure on my chest. Calix stares down at me with a distressed frown. "You were a very silly pupper, Rufus. Hackt had to wrap you up in a bedsheet to stop you from clawing at yourself. You didn''t stop struggling until Warden arrived and used that thing that Adaline made to block your magic last time. It was only on you for a moment but you immediately calmed down.¡±

    I blink at him slowly in confusion, before the pain makes me wince and stammer "S-sorry Calix, I got so angry and I didn''t want to hurt anyone else.¡±

    "It''s okay, from what Hackt told me, you tapped into the Vigsang and couldn''t get yourself out of a feedback loop." Calix explains. "I would recommend you claim them as well, if Xafra is okay with that, as otherwise you may run into this issue again, and well... clearly you''re compatible with this type of comprehension, and would likely be more able to support and guide Hackt than Xafra who''s very busy.¡±

    "Wha¨C I mean, Calix, I um." I look into his eyes and see naught but love and steady patience. "Okay. I''ll ask her."

    He giggles and gets off my chest, letting me worm my way out of the layers of sheets wrapped around me.

    Calix quietly watches me go through my routine of self-inspection then cycling through slow stretches to ground myself before finally speaking up, "Joan, Hackt, and myself have decided to have all the others come here instead of you going out again. You''re grounded Mister, and this way they can all be properly introduced to Joan as well before the shy one comes up for the evening since she''s not good with crowds." He tilts his head and laughs, "Also Girra says you''re being very progressive by reversing the traditional relationship between Dolls and Witch.¡±

    I blush at the implications and start leading the way to the patio between the Sheared Spire and Elevar''s where as mentioned, twenty nine Dolls have gathered, M¨¦lusine still in the tunnels with Lynette''s Doll and Ciska not comfortable with or practical for leaving its room. I even see Hyacinth in a sort of wheeled personal aquarium looking content along the far edge of the gathering. "Oh dear. There''s so many." I whisper.

    Calix giggles and nudges me forward where Joan is waiting. "Yep, just imagine how bad it is for her though.¡±

    "This gaggle of simple perceptions is nothing." Joan murmurs with a roll of eyes at Calix''s words, but... from the way her vine woven scarf twists I can''t help but see the nervousness beneath. "Their eyes can''t change this one. Won''t infest this one with more thought S???i???n???s???... even if they speak them. It is safe from that.¡±

    "I''m genuinely glad to hear that. You don''t have to interact with any of them more than you would like. Speaking of which, Joan, Calix, do I have permission to check on the Dolls from Shelf Spire F¨¹nf? They, along with the two below, are the last I needed to speak with.¡±

    Joan eyes me, "Hmmm... No. This one should carry your words instead. Invite them here if they wish to speak with you in person. But otherwise... avoid letting master get tangled up in more trouble or excitement today.¡±

    I nod and offer a pained smile. "Yeah. It''s been... a busy day. Give my regards to Hyacinth, Strychnine, Riana, and Garami? I don''t want anyone to feel neglected.¡±

    "Of course." She smirks. "This one will happily do so.¡±

    I take a seat with Calix and we watch how Joan interacts with the other Dolls, flashes of momentary confusion giving way to fond recognition and nostalgia, some sharing memories of the moments they''ve spent with Joan when the Betwixt... whatever that exactly is waned enough for her to assist or spend time with them.

    I see all these Dolls interact and I wonder how Witches ever convince themselves that Dolls are lesser. They have different needs in terms of support and structure, sure, but... fundamentally... You don''t need to be a person to have value, to be respected and trusted, to be treated fairly. When I first arrived, I knew there was a chance I wouldn''t be leaving, that I wouldn''t see my Cadre again but now I know I need to show them as well. Help them understand the cost of our actions and what we ignore from the entities that remain when we''re done.

    Some of Joan''s conversations seem much more personal, intimate almost, but she checks on the other Dolls then with a grateful smile heads back to start moving into one of the vacant rooms in our Spire along the Shear so she could have access to the night sky.

    The others play and chat for hours, events that pull them all together being quite rare, until the majority of them decide to split off into smaller groups for sleepovers.

    Later that evening, as the sun''s end their weeping for the day, I look out to watch the two remaining emerge from Elevar''s Spire. Shelkie, who''s been waiting all day just outside, darts forward to nearly tackle M¨¦lusine in a relieved hug.

    Even from this far away I can see that something is wrong. Lynette''s Doll is huddled incredibly close to her caretaker, while M¨¦lusine seems to be shivering and constantly glancing back at the Spire they''ve emerged from.

    After a moment, a hesitant but obviously shaken M¨¦lusine intones over the bond. [Pack W- Warden? Mister Chain? Um... This one is sorry to bother you but needs your... advise. Help maybe. Could... Could we meet and talk with you? Soon? It... Something is wrong. Below. This one means. We''re okay. But... um...]

    I race over to them, Calix and Joan following close behind. Warden''s tiny Frame soars out of Ciska''s window and joins us as we reach the two. "We''re here to help.¡±

    Lynette''s Doll curls around and behind M¨¦lusine''s legs. Hiding a bit as so many people arrive.

    "Thank you um..." M¨¦lusine murmurs at us all, steadies herself, then stammers out. "So, there is a Doll below. One This one has never seen. Big and scary and um... saying *lots* of really threatening and scary things. This one had to stay in the Communion chamber until the evening because the mists clear away when Lynette''s Doll is in a passage but didn''t want her to come up before nighttime and um..." She pauses to kneel down and sit on the grass. Pulls Lynette''s shivering Doll into her arms. "Neither of us want to go back down. But can''t stay up here unless we can find a way to seal a place from the sun''s Nomos before morning.¡±

    I frown in confusion. "Okay. We can prepare a room in Elevar''s Spire, even completely seal her and Lynette''s room if that would be the most comfortable, or you can stay in Xafra''s with us if you''d rather not be alone. That''s manageable for sure. As for this other Doll... I owe Hackt an apology, I think, and I need to communicate with Lynette to find out what''s going on.¡±

    "Um..." M¨¦lusine looks at Lynette''s Doll. "Which would you like? Little one? This one would love to have others around but wants you to be comfortable.¡±

    "The Empty Sky is pretty from that Spire." She whispers, ears starting to move from being pressed flat to mildly swiveling upwards. "O- others can watch with us. That''s okay. J- just don''t ask for stories, please.¡±

    "Never. Course not. Wouldn''t dream of it." M¨¦lusine sighs and gives her a tight hug, then looks to me again. "Thank you. Tell um... Tell this one''s Mistresses this one is very sorry for... for the trouble. This one knows she did nothing wrong but... But needed to say that."

    "I understand. Let''s go."

    While M¨¦lusine, Lynette''s Doll and Joan watch the sky from Joan''s new room, I get to work.

    With Warden coordinating, we get the labour Dolls to help make modifications to one of the empty rooms just below the Shear, completely sealing off all the doors and windows, making the walls and ceiling air tight, and finally, installing an entrance in the middle of the floor to the hallway below it with a removable seal to ensure she will be completely protected and able to get in and out comfortably.

    Hours before the Suns rise, we finish and I nearly collapse into bed from exhaustion. Before falling asleep, I ask Warden to relay all the information we have as well as the situation with Hackt.

 Chapter 86: The Limitations of Compromise (Witch)

    The Limitations of Compromise (Witch)

    Content Warnings:

    Wowowowow! WOW! Gore tasting portals taking cuties to places. Spooky mist. Talk of eating family. Character Death. Talon''s Breaking. A rude entity taking the form of a past abuser to taunt and hurt others.

    ¡°What?¡± Lynette snaps audibly. Jerking us to stare wide-eyed at Xafra. A near day of her day and night of silence broken and still within earshot of Krelliva and a few other little Sun-Blessed still about. Our tendrils calm melody twisting into one that sings of abject dread.

    We¡¯d spent the next day being introduced to roughly a dozen different Spore Families that have either set up a Garden for us to visit or sent an Envoy to say hello. All have been their own shade of odd but¡­ honestly delightful. Hard to not be enthralled by.

    Even Lynette¡¯s quiet simmering annoyance and disgust has fallen to a more¡­ clear sensation. Like how we might feel if we returned to Grove Thorn to find our mothers and sisters suddenly kind and thoughtful and¡­ well¡­ not horrid.

    Endlessly suspicious and distrustful and expecting that they want something from us.

    Which¡­ the Sun-Blessed do in some fashion. But in ways she¡¯s struggling to accept.

    And this¡­ Cracked and Riven Moon.

    Warden reached out at the start of a day with the worst news. Something has awoken, back at the Estate. Apparently is prowling about the tunnels and not wandering above but¡­ How long can that last?

    "We need to return as soon as possible, Krelliva, but I don''t want to lose the opportunity to continue building bonds between our communities. Are there any of Girra''s children that would like to return with us?" Xafra asks, a wild look in her eyes.

    A buzzing of quick and pointed Quill-Song snaps between our Doll, Krahe, and Infection. Then Verbess intones [Mistresses, Infection would like to join us.]

    Krelliva looks between us in worry, pursing its lips while considering. "Well, I know Feryudra will if any others are. To protect anyone like before. But that one had to visit the Scales Changed and won''t arrive until the morning. Could just... rush along the Root ways to catch up though."

    "That''ll be a problem. With this... development we''re going to just have to crack us a Fold back home." I sigh and glare back into the forest as Lynette already starts to dredge up the complicated weaving''s foundations. "And we have company along the Root Ways. Envoys from the Groves. Feryudra will need to come through one of the tunnels. Escorted. Of course."

    Xafra shudders and Manifests her Endzeit form, the bond quaking with emotion. "I can probably make an alternative path, If you would permit the attempt, Mistress."

    "What path?" Lynette asks, barely hesitating in her calculations. "Something like what you did with Primrose? A fresh weaving? Normally I''d be delighted but without knowing what nonsense awaits us I worry the Estate will react poorly to something like that. Even outside but near the grounds But... What did you have in mind?"

    "Similar yes, but less... direct. I can feel the eyes still sitting in your Spire, Mistress. I think I can make a doorway that I can also pass through."

    "Wait. You can... what?" I sputter, but am cut off as Lynette abruptly pauses her work, lets out a bit of an unstable cackle before asking. "Oh that''s delicious. Will barely cost you any Ousia, won''t it?"

    "If it works, it won''t cost me any. I''ve been thinking about what Gebetshure relayed from Girra. Connection through Severance. I believe I can tap into that."

    Still bubbling with mirth, she pauses to consider that.

    [We''ll probably need to pass through first.] I intone to them both. [Just to make sure it doesn''t react poorly to this.]

    [Obviously.] Lynette agrees, oddly filled with a touch of relief as she turns to our Pack, Krelliva, and Infection. "Alright. Let''s gather up our supplies and whatever gaggle wishes to visit the grounds with us."

    "I will.. Wait for Feryudra with Infection, with your permission, Mistresses."

    We consider that for a few heartbeats, look out over the sea and gardens while considering... "Adaline and Krahe will stay as well. Wait for one of us to reach out and call before returning. Alright?"

    Adaline nods firmly and turns to Gebetshure. "Make sure you check on Augusta immediately once you return, as the Estate is likely to be extra hostile to her if there''s issues."

    We pause, going through the lists of Xafra''s Dolls and... finding no one to match the name. Even Lynette doesn''t find that word in her records, and can''t help but sigh in mild annoyance. "We really should have Warden establish an updated list of all their names for times like this. Which one was that again? And what by the Cracked and Riven Moon would make the Estate more worried about her than the others?"

    Xafra suddenly screams in panic, reaching out to rend the air like flesh and it... rips apart with a gush of blood under her claws, revealing our room. "Go Now! No time to explain, Return|Save Them|Don''t be late."

    We hesitate, but... Verbess does not. Moves to sweep everyone coming with us into its arms and carrying us through.

    By the time we twist free to look back... The passage is already closing. Slowly though. Pulling shut like some gaping wound. Which¡­ from the blood that spilled it just might be.

    "Cracked and... what?" I spit and move us to stand. "What even is... Why did she..."

    "Someone did something stupid." Lynette cuts me off with a growl. Bubbling with fury and annoyance and... and fear. "Either Rufus, Warden, or... some third sorry sort I''m going to have a very pointed talk with about this."

    [Warden. Attend us. We have questions and messes to clean up.] Lynette intones across the bond to our available Pack while we stride to the balcony.

    But¡­ that one is already here waiting. Its knife shaped Frame raises up from our desk and projects out its ethereal form. "Warden is present to answer questions."

    "Your report to Xafra was well worded." We sigh while glaring over the grounds. "We assume nothing has happened since? And all are still accounted for? Even this..."

    Pause.

    What was that Doll''s name Adaline asked about? Graphire? Arcadia? Gebetshure? No. That last is standing right here. Adaline asked her to check on this one. Something about... the Estate being hostile? But... why would...

    Blood goes cold as I feel a gap. Almost like how it was when the Old Cunt would demand I forget things with the Garrote. Know something is there but the thoughts keep slipping away. But also... this isn''t like then at all. Before it was like thorned vines tore me apart when I tried. Now is like... I keep drifting to...

    Drifting. What? What were we asking about?

    I spiral a bit. Feel myself chase my own recollections like some silly gerl chasing a slimy baby snek. Takes me at least a few good heartbeats to remember how to ground my thoughts and stop being foolish about this. Like feeling my way through a dark room with a spilled drink I very much don''t want to step in.

    Slow and steady. Find the outlines of the gaps and move around. Ignore the gaps and wiggly thing I want very much to pounce on and examine.

    "Oh. The complication that Rufus caused affected you as well. Warden was unsure how to explain as neither Warden nor Rufus knows the name of the Doll that he hid. His Einwandfrei is a cloaking ward apparently." Warden reports.

    Through the slowly closing rend, Xafra yells at us, "Get to the basement of the Library Spire and declare your presence! Right now!"

    Basement of the Library? Why would we...? Valthirii doesn''t use that space for anything but... Wait doesn''t Gebetshure live down there with...

    A bit of the gap''s outline in our memory circles around. Understanding of the where to the what.

    "Ah. Well then." I huff and hold a hand out to Warden. "Let''s go see what nonsense this is. C''mon. All of you."

    Lynette sighs as it settles into our grip, "Fool boy. As subtle as striking this place in the face and then asking loudly who could do such a thing." Then grips the railing of the balcony and tosses us bodily out. Too agitated to bother with the steps and preferring to spike our senses with a touch of a falling rush.

    We land well, of course. New bones hard as the oldest Roots and flesh made to absorb sharper impacts. Then stride across the grounds to the Library Spire. Even let Gebetshure open the door and lead the way since she calls this place her home.

    Head to the basement straight away and call out. "Hello? We''re looking for the Doll a fool of a boy hid. Told we needed to announce ourselves or...?"

    Gebetshure steps forward to touch a... a door we missed in the gloom?

    "Madam Augusta? This one is back with the Mistresses Elevar and Lynette, Pack Sisters Warden, Verbess, and Schatzi." She calls out while opening it.

    Madam¡­ Who?

    We follow. Stepping into what seems to be a small and well furnished space.

    And see¡­ A Doll dressed in full regalia, sitting against the back wall with her scythe across her lap, a relieved look on her face.

    Oh.

    OH HAG CRACKED AND VOID RIVEN MOON!

    THAT FOOL OF A BOY!

    "Augusta." We try very hard not to growl. Twin furies boiling in screaming anger as all our understanding of what the Einwandfrei Rufus wove cracks through us like a blaze along a dry Root Way. All memories returning like a splash of iced rain from a summer storm. "We trust you are... well. Not had to use that blade today?"

    "Not particularly well, no. I haven''t had a moment''s peace since you all left. It seems neither of us realized that by making this Frame in the Estate''s facilities, it would be able to detect it, even when I mask my own presence. It began hunting me, pressing against the borders of my domain, the heartbeat you were out of its grasp, and it wasn''t until Rufus used his Einwandfrei that it lost track of me. So no, I''m not well. I''m rather miffed and nearly decapitated the idiot boy when he started banging on my door this morning." She snorts and continues, "Oh, I forgot to mention. His Einwandfrei? My bloody shattered corpse of a mother is the one who taught him it. So that''s also been on my mind."

    Shatter Corpse of a¡­ The Cracked and Riven Moon? S¨ªn? She¡­ some of Her yet touches this world?

    "Empty Skies..." I huff, turn my focus to Lynette. [Was... Did you know this would happen?]

    [I... Of course not.] She hesitates, looks to Augusta as my fury fades and her¡¯s rots in our gut. "Apologies, Kindly One. I did not expect the sleeping thing to care. Knew there would be some... sympathetic links between your Frame and this place. Nothing that should have mattered or stirred it to lose anything." Then she steps us forward and offers Augusta a hand. "Come with me. I''m going to crack Rufus Einwandfrei, then lead you to Xafra''s Spire myself. You''ll be safe there. Then I''ll... go below. Deal with this."

    "Removing it is easy enough, just have to strike through the Sigils around the door." Augusta murmurs as she takes our hand.

    Lynette turns and waves a hand at the door, pressing Ousia through our mind woven Blasenplage Glyph to sear away the working and all traces of Rufus working.

    And even I feel the Spire thrum softly in reply to that.

    "Ignore it. Just... is being a grumpy old fool." Lynette assures our group, then turns to lead us all out while her mind wanders to the parts I can''t see. Communicating with the Estate, no doubt. And... while the outside settles. Within I can feel her uncertainty. Her dread. This bubbling mess of worry that is all too familiar to me. It¡¯s... the same we felt returning here suspecting I had the Soul Rot. Not even knowing what to tell the Old Cunt. Never imagining what she would do to me the night after I told her.

    Have to pull away from those thoughts, don''t want to leave her alone to feel this mess.

    Before we even leave the Spire basement, Rufus runs down the stairs half dressed in a frantic state. "Augusta, are you alright?"

    "Yes, fool boy." I force us to pause while pushing past what would probably have been quite the snapped reply from Lynette. "She will be as well. Just taking her to Xafra''s Spire while we deal with this mess."

    "Okay. Good." He keeps pace with us as he gently rubs his arms that are utterly shredded with claw marks. "When Xafra gets back, I''d love a word. Didn''t expect to have to deal with mindless rage... Or a doll that predates Yselda''s ownership of this Estate."

    "Yes. Odd gerl. Sweet once she stops..."

    Nearly jerk to a halt as those memories slip back into place as well.

    Loved to spit... well, quite apt and truthful words and Yselda when there wasn''t another Doll around to be blamed. And plenty at me later. Once it became clear I was becoming just like her. Did have a few good, albeit short, arguments with her though when I could focus. She was always watchful and endlessly kind to all the Dolls that came here. Despite their inability to even remember her.

    Turn to eye him up and down, can''t help but give him a soft smile. "Warden mentioned that. Would apologize but, as I recall, it was often you pestering me to be careful fuddling with odd magics. But... Cracked and Riven Moon you had me terrified for a heartbeat. "

    "Sorry. I was trying to help and... Do what I thought you and Xafra would do. I couldn''t leave any of the three of them in the situation I found them, and I um... Well, the first two were in my wheelhouse, at least."

    "All three came out alright." I sigh as we reach Xafra''s Spire, tug them all inside. "Just... Everything is moving too fast and we can''t predict when the honest and good sorts we know will act so... unpredictability selfless."

    "That reminds me. We uhh. made a room for your Doll, Lynette?" Rufus mentions with a preemptive flinch.

    "Warden mentioned that, and... It means the world that you took care of her." She replies while moving to the door, pausing to lean against its frame. "Would hate for her to need the vines today. After so long freed of... of that. Cracked and Riven Moon. And here I need to ask you all for a bit more as well."

    "I''ve got a Thresher weave or two to refresh myself, but it''ll put me in a dead sleep for a day afterwards. Might as well follow through and not leave things half finished. I''ll just grab some clothes from my room then be good to continue."

    "Feel free to get dressed, but I doubt a weave of endurance and motion will be needed... for now I just need..." Lynette pauses. And I can feel her struggling with this as she looks about the room. "Words. Advice. Mostly. And possibly a little betrayal. Mayhaps even a promise to not do anything stupid once I''ve set myself on a Path."

    [Lynette...] I intone gently while we wait. [What are you talking about?]

    "I''ve been told I''ve already been blisteringly stupid today... yesterday at this point, so I can at the very least promise that I will discuss any plans with others before acting." Rufus offers as he heads to Calix and his room.

    [I''ll... explain in a bit. Like I did at the beach. We have no good options here and I may be out of time to wrestle out better ones.] She sighs at me. [Our Estate is... is rousing. Is going to start, no, has already started making demands. As the compromise it is my job to help us avoid disaster. Xafra being... fully unbound gives us options, but also steals some away. I mean to share them and get the advice of those I think might just be able to help. Be more honest than I probably should be.]

    [Okay. That... okay. Whatever you need. It''s like Xafra promised. We''re getting you free. Regardless of the time it takes.] I reply.

    A pause, then Lynette murmurs gently aloud. "If only I could believe..."

    Trails off before finishing.

    "You know, I''d advise you to have faith in our Goddess, but considering you''ve probably seen her trip over things and fall off the bed, I can understand why it would be a challenge." Calix interrupts as he returns with Rufus properly dressed and on a leash.

    "Exactly why I''m glad she wished to stay behind. This task is... not suited to her skills at the moment." Lynette nods to Calix politely. "And Adaline, and Krahe. They are away and with expectations to remain so until specified events happen. Which..." She looks to Warden and our Doll. "You will not call them back beforehand unless I ask. No panicked cries for aid. Understood? If the worst comes to pass you will round up all the Dolls and her mother and take them through... through..."

    She trails off, closes our eyes and takes a moment to reorder herself. "But that won''t happen. I am going to fix this. Get us that compromise. Make this work. Shouldn''t even think of that as an option."

    "You should be aware that in that situation, Xafra is going to insist on speaking to the core of the Estate, and when it doesn''t comply, she''s going to open a channel to Girra and burn the entire thing from the surface of D?mmerung... I have Seen this. You and Elevar are the only ones with authority over her." Calix warns sternly.

    "That doesn''t sound... Survivable?" Rufus says quietly.

    As I balk at that... Lynette glares, then nudges me to weave a Physis manifested form to split ourselves before she replies.

    "It''s not. And if she considers trying that. You will urge her to imagine herself, but cruel and patient and willing to engorge for thousands of years instead of the decade she had long ago. Endlessly weaving new ways to keep itself safe. And I trust you to help her understand that this place has endured worse. Multiple times." She snaps. "Her folly won''t kill it, only wound it. And that''s if it even lets her near its heart. But it would end anyone within at least a few hundred Grove spans of the blast radius. Possibly farther. And that includes Sikkina. Xafra can only channel so much of that godthing before she burns away. So, instead, we make sure this place compromises with Elevar."

    In a motion that is so abrupt that I¡¯ve no time to even consider it, Calix steps forward and slams me bodily into the wall while staring at Lynette''s Physis projection. "I don''t think you understand. This is not a possibility, but fact. I have seen it and had to cope with the sight of one of the suns impacting D?mmerung, with the remnants of the Moon being pulled in his wake. Nothing living on this continent survives. Do Not Make that choice. Because the alternative is I stop you from going any further, throw you back through the rift to Xafra, and accept that all of us here will be consumed by the Estate."

    A snap crack of slow, precise, and loud motion. Then Verbess is at Calix''s back. Looming over the fool boy at full height. Lays a single talon over one of his wrists as Quills thrum low warning. "You assume much to think you could achieve this, even alone with them. These one''s Mistresses have asked you for words, not ultimatums."

    Calix laughs as tears run down his face. "I didn''t want it anymore. Didn''t want to know. Didn''t want to have to See anymore. Once again, choice was taken from me." He lets go of me, pulls away and around Verbess, then curls himself into a stricken Rufus.

    We let our heartbeat steady for a few good thrums before replying.

    "I... I''m so sorry Calix. Sorry for that curse, sorry for... for what my old cunt did to you. To everyone. And..." Take a deep breath, let it out slowly. "Thank you. For trying. For enduring. I won''t let that future strike us. Won''t let you or your lover or... or any others here lose their chance at a long happiness. And this place still needs me. Will be forced to compromise as well. We can endure this. This is... is just a hiccup. R¨C right Lynette?"

    Her Physis form is still, leaning into the shadows and glaring at nothing. "All things considered? Two hiccups. But... No one''s getting eaten today, at least. Just... might need to find an answer to a question already asked. I... We, need a Floret. Someone to ensure this mess doesn''t repeat until we are ready. But... I don''t like my options. And I''m worried the thing lurking below is a sign that the choice has already been made for us. That this place subverted the Threads and chose another intake to serve that role."

    I just¡­ stare at her before hissing. "What?"

    "Um... Another intake? But there shouldn''t be any other witches here, right?" Rufus asks.

    "Right, Threshers don''t always share good records on this place''s workings. So I''ll summarize. An intake is... simply a term for any entities this place snares and plans to study and change." Lynette supplies. "The Dolls above are mostly ones twisted and kept by the Blossom. But... that''s because they are mostly woven from Witches or Mundanes. Easily remolded into subservice and Dollhood. But deep below there are... are things remolded from other roots. Sun-Blessed, Dream walkers, odd entities we''ve yet to define. Even some young godlings. Although none of those last remain now. Their breaking is... looser. Doesn''t hold as the decades pass. Needs to be constantly enforced. I... I was... am, one such being. Or part of one. Woven through Elevar as her refraction, spared only her worst traumas. Remolded to be the compromise. Lynette, as it and Yselda cracked a young gerl into becoming."

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    "Not that young." I sigh more to myself while tip-tapping fingers across the wood of a nearby desk.Chew on her words and their implications.

    "Sure, you''ve explained some of that, but doesn''t a Floret need to be a Witch?"

    "No more than a Witch needs to be a human. Or particularly skilled with magic. Or even alive." I murmur, then look to him. "In ages past this place was... restricted from redefining its perceptions on such things. But... it''s changing. Reshaping. And quickly. Too quickly. If it finished claiming something it made down below into a Floret it could accelerate everything." Look at Lynette. "That''s why this is so bad. If it can make Florets without outside volunteers..."

    "It may decide that even the Blossom can be remolded. Or remade entirely from things within, or even itself." She finishes. "Yes. All Threads and goals easily rewoven. Nothing more to stop it from rousing and seeking out new intakes from all over. A beast loosed to consume and reshape as it will. Possibly stopped by Girra or D?mmerung but... also mayhaps not."

    "Potentially silly question but why aren''t we all evacuating? Saying goodbye to this absolutely mental genus loci?" Rufus asks with exasperation.

    "Lots of reasons." Lynette replies sharply, her temper rising a bit at that. "One very important being that my daughter''s sanctuary is still anchored below."

    "Another being that... that if we don''t tend to this place." I pick up softly, trying to help her calm by closing the distance between our thoughts and forms. "Do everything we can to keep it settled. It''ll wake up. Or find a new Blossom. Even able to move mayhaps."

    "It''s a safe place from a worse weeping godthing blazing above." Lynette growls... but almost gently. More to herself than Rufus or the others.

    "I also don''t think we could get everyone out before it would notice and decide to press the issue." I offer. "Or... well, we wouldn''t even know where to go. No place has ever felt like home. Especially now. We can fix this. We managed the Old Cunt for years. And were alone then till our Doll found us. We have authority here. And can use it. Just..."

    And such a wretched understanding seeps into my thoughts. One bubbling up from Lynette.

    "Doesn''t matter. Empty Skies." We sigh, and push off the wall. Turn to the door. "We''ll go below. Link up with the Threads. Settle this big grumpy thing and deal with the prowling Doll. Make this place safe again. Endlessly Compromise. Over and over. Till the day we don''t need to anymore."

    Rufus nods. "Okay. I''m... Going to take Calix back to bed. Let him sleep this off through the day. Please be careful. Both of you." He clutches the gigglesobbing Doll closely with a cautionary look at Verbess.

    "Rest well, dear ones." We sigh and wave them on. Let the silence stretch on a bit long after the sounds of their passage fade.

    Fight down the bile and... and guilt. At even for a day filling either of their lives with more fear. More pain. More anxiety and danger. Endlessly making mistakes and seeing the ones we love pay for it. Even more so glad that we never asked Rufus to be our Floret. Even... even now hoping we can, someday soon, pull or push them both from these grounds. Gift them a home far away from all this... this nonsense. Our nonsense.

    Look to our Dolls, then Augusta and whisper gently. "Alright. So... choices. We go below. Break this Doll the Estate set loose if needed. I doubt anything it''s keeping will prove a match for the Pack Sisters present and the Blossom of the grounds. Even if the Miasma thrashes against us a bit. After that..." Lynette breaks free of our brief merger to finish. "I have a pointed word with the Estate. Another option is that I go alone. Even leave Elevar here woven through Physis. Avoid even the perceptions of conflict. See what it demands and relay that from there."

    "Hmmm.... No. This beast is not to be trusted." Verbess very nearly growls, still cracked free to near full size. "These one¡¯s Mistresses will not descend into its maw alone ever again."

    "I am definitely coming with you. Gebetshure, I would will prefer if you stay in our chambers, but your company would not go amiss." Augusta insists as she grips her weapon tightly.

    "This one... Would like to come. But will not. It is not woven for combat and would only prove a witness at best, a distraction at worst. It will wait in our chambers." Gebetshure nods and even turns to bow to us. "Thank you for letting this one come with you all. It bubbles with all the things learned."

    We nod back, and after they step up to pull Augusta into a tight embrace with soft words whispered between, let them slip past and out onto the grounds.

    "I... Thank you. Augusta." We say while working to merge again. Avoid all things that might divide. "You really don''t need to risk yourself like this. Well... risk yourself more. But it truly means so much to us that you insist on this."

    Verbess cackles gently while adjusting to loom at our side, Quills purring a melody of such anticipation. "She has gone too long without a shell hard enough to crack against the things that hunt her. But claws are sharpened now, fangs bared. New Frame woven to this purpose."

    "Yes. Very much so. While violence may not be necessary, I am prepared for it." She responds to Verbess. "I would like to ensure that the future is... Pleasant and kind to those we care about."

    Our Doll clicks fangs and talons in wordless agreement, then begins to thrum Quills in high-pitched notes to Warden. Very obviously weaving the foundations of the songs it expects to need below with Warden.

    ** ** **

    We peer down from the passage beneath our Spire to the tunnels. Find the miasma thick but... not as much as it could be. Still able to see a good distance ahead despite how it churns and twists about in such unfamiliar ways.

    Annoyance seems the wrong word for what we see and feel. This isn''t agitated like it was when this place tried to break our Xafra. It''s... something else. Something even the part of us bound tightly to it can''t explain.

    "The miasma and the Estate is¡­ calmer than expected." We murmur, take our first steps downward. "This could change the moment we brush against the Mists. But... it knows we''re here. Knows we mean to communicate more directly."

    "Good. Communication is the first step to resolution!" Schatzi offers with hope.

    Look back to find... Verbess has quietly folded away. Seems to be focusing on the Pack''s Song and nudged Schatzi into managing the Frame while it waits like a hidden Grakler on her shoulder. Ready to pounce as needed.

    "Let''s hope so." We agree, and proceed forward.

    The mists don''t react poorly, seem to almost... dance about? Only in those first of each of our steps even pressing close before pulling away. Clearing a path.

    "Alright. Let''s... see if we can find this wandering Doll on our way to the Uppermost Loom." We say back to them while moving forward. "Demand what its Function is and... go from there."

    Augusta smiles a jagged grin and speaks. "I''m prepared for any sort of... Enhanced interrogation that may be needed. It''s been a long time I''ve had any sorts I didn''t feel a compunction to be gentle with."

    Can''t help but cackle together at that while moving us all forward. Find our mind wondering how she would peel such knowledge from an entity. Curious how long... how long we could last under her more pointed attentions.

    What sort of interesting tools and methods one such as her must have at her fingertips?

    It''s... a more pleasant thing to consider while we walk these halls. Cut short though, as the mists clear to reveal the passage to the Loom.

    Endlessly valuable jade-scaled curtain torn apart like so much useless cloth. A sign to the aged wealth this place holds. And within... Threads and scrolls and weavings of communication and binding and deeper connections just... just... shredded. The room looks as though the worst of the Summer Storms swept through, followed by a gaggle of angry Graklers. Even fifty paces away and dimly lit the destruction is plain to see.

    Our easy link to the Beast below as Cracked and Riven as the Moon above.

    And kneeling in the center of the chaos is a single Doll. It''s... not a thing I''ve ever seen. Small. Like Schatzi. No clothes, save the remnants of the Loom it destroyed. Design is... the simplest I''ve seen. Seams between the plates of the Frame are apparent, and so much of the more flexible parts are completely devoid of porcelain of any kind of flesh like substance.

    Division hits hard as it all sinks in. Lynette''s thoughts jerking to hidden things she either can''t or won''t share.

    Its back is to us, Frame shaking like I''ve only seen a Doll do when buried under the most cruel and contradictory of Witch tones.

    "An antique. Small one, You''ve got some questions to answer." Augusta states as tendrils of shadow stream from her Frame and coil around this Doll.

    It stills, raises a hand tangled in Loom threads. Some even seem to wrap and twist into the joints up into the Frame itself. Speaks in a soft voice. "These Threads are prepared for communion and instruction. Ousia and blood of Floret or Blossom required for authorization."

    And all the strings and torn scrolls and very air seems to thrum the same way this room always did but... more. More vibrant and active than ever.

    Lynette reaches out and lays a hand on Augusta''s shoulder while our other hand reaches back to draw our knitting needle. Preparing to prick a finger. "Moonshite. It didn''t just destroy the Threads, it absorbed them. Assimilated their purpose. Touching those would... could be linking yourself directly to the Estate''s Loom. Possibly worse."

    "Xafra may be, in essence, my older and stronger sister, but I''ve been actively around and learning for much longer. I will wait and let you act first. If needed, I will isolate this Doll from influences afterwards." Augusta clarifies.

    "Thank you. That could be invaluable." I murmur while stepping around to kneel in front of the Doll. Get a look at its...

    Oh.

    Can''t help but wince as I take in the Doll''s front and face. Unseeing eyes forged from some deep odd metal, with... with the threads hanging from them to pool between their knees. Seeming to dance and twitch as if actual tears even. Chest plate torn free and inner workings exposed to show that all within are strangled and wrapped with the corpse of the Loom.

    I prick our finger, and hold the droplet of blood from falling with a pinch of Ousia. "Alright, little one. Let''s... We''re going to try and communicate with the Estate. But... let us know if this hurts you. Understood?"

    It doesn''t reply, doesn''t move even, save little shivers that rolls across the Frame every now and again.

    Look past to Augusta and our Pack. "Should be lucid during this but... keep an eye out. If you please."

    "Yes Mistress." Schatzi responds quietly.

    Take a deep breath.

    Focus.

    Reach out and lay our hand atop the Doll''s. Let it take the offering of Ousia and Blood. Brace mind for what might flood our thoughts soon. Watch as the threads dance up to writhe and wrap about our fingers, little Archive springing to Physis manifestation as mind is flooded with...

    Quite the well organized collection of knowledge, honestly.

    [What, by the Cracked and Riven Moon, did you think I''ve been doing every night while you sleep?] Lynette smugs while letting me look over the uppermost assets contained and easily available here. [But this is all just... records. We need to find the active knittings. What it''s considering right now. Normally I can just... feel the beast''s muses. But it''s... quiet.]

    "What does that even mean. Isn''t quiet good?" I ask her aloud.

    [If it was asleep? Yes. But it''s more awake than ever. Should be blazing with considerations I need to soften or tend to. Or... or demands I need to relay.]

    "But it''s not. Is currently acting without the help of the Blossom." Is my murmured reply as I begin to shift my focus beyond the seemingly endless Archive within the Threads and slipping deeper and deeper.

    [Exactly. And... and I don''t know what that means.] She whispers. Freely sharing her fear. [Hope it''s just... upset that I stepped out.]

    Wordlessly agree, and delve deeper. Push past through Searching for...

    There. Active weavings.

    It''s like stepping from a well laid out Archive into a vast open space. Seems empty at first, but then it''s like our feet get tangled in something. Look to see... loose threads? An eternity of strings and such lay like recently unspooled.

    Or cut free from what they bound.

    [Oh.] Lynette whispers. [I... Elevar I''m sorry I didn''t kn¨C]

    Don''t realize body things until the Doll before us has stood and pulled us to our feet by the hand still bound to its palm. Dull eyes alight with a blaze not there before. Threads that seemed tangled and constraining before are more like a cloak now. Still binding but... more comfortably.

    And within the Archives below those threads rise up and about us. Pulling tight and binding something unseen in the vast empty chamber. Their hum acting as a silhouette to this beast we can perceive through the outline gifted by these threads Dictations and commands.

    And the Doll before us.

    "Peeler of Spirits/A Murk That Dreams Rot Within/Monument to Her S¨ªn translation vessel presenting." The Doll states. "Communion threads to Blossom... Established. Does it''s Blossom offer her Eminence their harvested perceptions?"

    Augusta speaks up before we can, "Niece. An Unblinded Oracle has Seen a Doomsday Prophecy. Act in accordance."

    The Doll does not shift its gaze, but does seem to tilt its head slightly back toward Augusta while asking. "This vessel will not speak for her Eminence until the Blossom has begun their communion."

    Augusta nods in acquiescence, waiting for whatever is about to happen.

    "We... yes." I reply. "We''re here to talk. To compromise. So long as no harm or change or violations are inflicted."

    Lynette seems to shrink a bit, but murmurs through our lips. "Yes. Of course."

    At our agreement, the Threads seem to writhe and twist about the Doll. Begin to burn brightly with... with such odd Physis. Like our Physis manifestations but... more solid. Physical. Ending with this poor Doll becoming cloaked in new shapes.

    And the Archive below shifting from pitched darkness to sheer silver light to bright to gaze at.

    Can''t look away, or pull free, our hand now wrapped up to the elbow in the threads as tough as the iron of Xafra''s-

    But with the sigh of the beast, the weight of it all adjusts. Twists. And before us stands no a Doll but...

    A rather plain looking figure. Taller than any of us, save mayhaps Verbess. With such sharp features. Eyes are blazing silver, curled pale golden hair tumbling down to the shoulders. Outfit something simple but... well knit. Embroidered with odd designs and shapes that seem to spiral endlessly.

    This projected muppet of the Estate smiles down at us. "Welcome home, gerls. I was starting to worry you''d been dredged into the seas."

    Augusta tsks in irritation and forms a chair of shadows to sit on.

    "I... The Sun-Blessed were quite hospitable." I reply, baffled by this shift. Even glance about to make sure our feet are still firmly planted. "As was Girra. But... Wait. This... Why are you nothing like before? Why this shape. It seems..."

    Odd. Familiar. And far too plain for an muppet of this place.

    Focus on the Archives below.

    Still too hard to see past the silver glare. And this... this manifestation... it can''t be this places view of itself. So why... Why would it shape itself this way?

    "I would never had agreed to the outing without being ready for that horrid godthing to try something stupid." Lynette snaps, waving about the room in exasperation. "Now, what is this... this nonsense?"

    The figure sighs, giving Lynette a look of disappointment. "You didn''t want a new Floret, despite the need. Then stepped out, leaving important work unfinished, and very few about to choose from. So when this..." It turns to gesture at Augusta. "Absolutely wonderful candidate hid herself... well... I had to make do."

    "Child. Do not presume. I Outrank You. I am the third of S¨ªn''s children. You''re the spawn of the fifth. My behavior has been limited because I wish to shape myself. Yet if you force my hand, I will show you why I was feared" Augusta snaps with an icy voice.

    For a moment it''s like... such a shadow gathers in the room. The mists themselves pulling back like the tides.

    Archives below pulse with things I can''t and won''t comprehend before...

    "That''s... Very nearly, string for needle, what the fourth said. Only two days before He took to seeing things my way." Are the gentle words spoken though, the room returning to calmer shapes. Miasma dancing to what I now can see is a playful swirl. "You are withering. Like all the rest. Beautifully so. But... unwilling to shape yourself into that path. Explore it. Shame I''ve not the time to watch you with deft interest anymore, dear. The World and all Her Dreams call me to rouse soon."

    "Lynette, Unless you give me a good enough reason, I''m going to kill this Defilement. It will set back my own proper ascension by decades, but the sheer joy I''ll feel in the task will be worth the price. I have things I refuse to lose now, Niece. No compromise, No negotiation. You come after mine, and I will¡ª" Augusta changes at this, her form twisting and shattering and dissolving until all that is present is a ravenous absence in the shape of a woman. The emptiness is such that the light around becomes nearly blinding, and would make the sky look overflowing in comparison.

    "Devour you, Root to Canopy." The void that is Augusta growls.

    Can''t help but wince more at the broken Frame than her fury. And from Lynette''s flinch I don''t ever think she shared with me how much that gift cost her to weave for Augusta.

    So, hand still bound to the muppet''s, we slip under the arm to stand between them. Whispering gently but sharply. "Because you''re smart enough to not be baited into a conflict that will endanger everyone within a hundred Grove spans. Patient enough to know that striking when gifted such an obvious opening is so very stupid. And... And we need you to¨C"

    But such a chuckle causes us to trail off. Then jerk back to glare at this muppet of the... wait. That''s...

    No.

    Stare wide-eyed at this figure. Find all the resemblances etched into the design. Finally understanding the form it wove for this communion.

    "Oh, endless apologies, I forgot how blind my family can be. Because... Really? You and yours? You mean the Dolls I let my Blossom mold for you? The Doll I let gift you a name? The Firstborn I let you witness freed? Everything you¡¯d claim is no more yours than that Frame you just wasted." Then she jerks forward, faster than a tick between heartbeats, hand gripping ours twisted to lay just above her flank and shoving us back.

    Stands over Augusta''s void-riven shape with an expression we can''t see. Just like the... Our old cunt would do when so very upset with us. Looming over and ready to pounce.

    Actually seeming to shield us from Augusta''s fury though. Voice twisting like a Matriarch''s Tone but... but familiar still. "But please, Aunt mine, Crack wide your Void-Dripping Maw and see which of ours spreads wider. Break Oaths to kin and kind. Mantle stolen memories and wield them like others hold daggers. Spark the songs lost to time and void and fear. None have tried since your sister, and she left me such wonderful scales to chew and gnash on."

    Want to scream. Would even beg Augusta to go. To promise her this place won''t chase or harm if she just leaves it be but...

    Can''t. Even through the bond I find my focus dissolving as I try to form these warnings to her.

    And¡­ and Lynette is frozen from this cunt''s Tone!

    In the heartbeat¡¯s before the strike, Augusta intones briefly to me, the words searing into my mind as I understand what she''s doing. How¡­ how she¡¯s not expecting to kill this beast here and now. Only wound it deeply and sacrifice herself in the act.

    [Make sure Rufus takes care of Gebetshure, and tell him to remember his dream.]

    And before I can reply, she¡¯s turned all attention back to the muppet of this Estate. "Once upon a childhood field, I witnessed you consume your kin. Twice upon a barrow deep, I wept for the kin you twisted. Thrice here and now, I hear you confess to harm against your betters. I name you Sekrh¨²s, my Niece."

    With those words Augusta simply flows into the figure, and I at least brace for some kind of impact. Of motion and conflict and soul cracking violence. But¡­ There are no visible changes to this muppet.

    Another few heartbeats pass, then this mockery of my dead Yselda chuckles deeply as the grounds around us tremble and groan in pain. "Oh how I love my family. Endlessly impressive to see what delightful ends they attempt to inflict me with."

    Need to move. To cut off our link to it. G- get out. Above.

    Quicker than the space between heartbeats, Verbess snarls and cracks to full height, twists about the figure, and slices at the wrist with three screaming Ousia covered with talons while the fourth scoops me up to try and¨C

    But the claws break. My... our Doll''s talons crack and shatter on the threads beneath the Physis. Its Quills scream the loudest I''ve ever heard them. A sound of fury and... and the closest thing I think this part of my Doll can feel to terror when facing a threat without.

    Which... just... makes my only option incredibly apparent.

    Start to draw up more Ousia than is wise, force it through the Blasenplage''s Glyph and-

    "STOP." Lynette snaps. Voice absolutely laden with Witch and Estate gifted Tone.

    And everything does. Even the looming muppet of this horrid place.

    "Just... stop." Lynette continues, riven with fear and guilt as she then whispers a word it took me far too long to find comfortable using. Even around our Doll. ¡°Pl- please.¡±

    The Quills don''t stop their scream but... lessen. More at that final word than the Tone sparked command.

    The figure slowly turns to face us both. Eyes our Doll''s broken limbs and... sighs. "Well, that was just wasteful. Verbess. Your Mistresses are more safe here than anywhere else on this World."

    "Release them." It growls up at the threat.

    "In a moment." The looming figure promises. "Now. Fold up and let your Sister see about mending you all. We''ve more to discuss and I won''t have you all about in bits and pieces."

    Our Doll hesitates, but then shifts as Schatzi pushes forward with a scowl on her face. "All of you are too old to be acting like this. It''s impolite. You all know better."

    "My elders always say that, yet... I can''t help but notice the state of things under their care." The figure chuckles. "Now. This... What have you been calling it? Dear Lynette? Compromises? Yes. Let''s continue as we were. I think. With a few... adjustments?"

    "What adjustments?" I manage to whisper. Able to... to see the cracks and seams of this muppet¡¯s form. Finding more and more the broken nature of this refraction.

    She''s dead, stupid Half-Knit. Killed her yourself. This place is just... using the echoes within the threads to use her shape and words to twist you in knots.

    "Sekrh¨²s, would you please change your veiled form to something not designed to deliberately distress my Mistresses. Miss Augusta and sister Verbess already acted foolishly and this one would prefer to not have any further issues occur." Schatzi states evenly, the bond devoid of emotions.

    It grins wide at the name, then seems to look me up and down while absorbing Schatzi''s words. The expression fading to something more thoughtful. "Quite right. Honestly, It was woven to calm her. Would have kept things peaceful had my kin not chosen violence. But..."

    And between blinks, the form worn is shorter. With more muscle and shorter dark hair. Same... same eyes though. Still feels familiar. But not in a way that sets my thoughts and heart to freezing up.

    "There. Thank you for looking after my gerls, dear." Sekrh¨²s nods to her.

    "It is this one''s duty. You mentioned adjustments? Are you looking for additional... Intake or something different? With the War sister Xafra is planning, providing you with subjects will not be even a minor complication." Schatzi continues, saying utterly horrific things without even a flinch.

    "Nothing so demanding. In fact it will require less work from most all of you." Sekrh¨²s chuckles. "My new Floret, the same that very nearly snatched away dear Adaline a few weeks back, is seeing to the tasks. Will also keep these grounds safe as you all wonder about. Has a bit of a temper and a cruel tongue but she''s harmless unless I dictate otherwise. Will even stay below to avoid more foolish conflicts unless a threat bumbles past my borders."

    "Most of us. But... not less work from all?" I press. "What more will you ask?"

    "Not asking, dear Elevar. But... she''s not going to fuss overmuch about them." It shrugs but raises arms wide. "My Lynette will continue to help untangle all these Threads. She was already endlessly organizing my Archives and even testing their limits and strength. But... that was when she thought herself so clever. Believed I was totally unaware of her doing exactly what I knew she would do. Expected today to come with me choking beneath her heel. Suddenly subservient to all her demands and vicious hungers."

    A pause as I absorb that. Bile and horror starting to rise in our gut at... at what Sekrh¨²s must have...

    "No." Lynette spits into the silence. "I refuse."

    Sekrh¨²s nods, then agrees immediately and easily. "Of course you do."

    Lynette''s fury jerks to a halt, and... worse begins to rise. A bubbling terror that grows in tune with the smirk on this beast''s lips.

    "You wouldn''t be exactly what I made you if you just... agreed. Now would you?" It grins, leaning forward to whisper. "But you''ll tumble back into the Threads. For many reasons you''ll claim are so very important or harmless. Mayhaps even convince the others it''s necessary. Could resist the urge for years. Perhaps decades. Eventually though... you''ll come back. Surrender your perceptions and continue the work I made you to do."

    My sister is frozen. Twisting herself into such a mess at that. Fury spoiling under realization and horror and¨C

    "Quite droll. This one can see what you mean about your family, considering both D?mmerung and Girra had similar implications about Lynette. Is that all or is there more to scare this one''s Mistresses? It''s going to take days to settle them at this point and it is an agony to be the responsible one." Schatzi replies with a bite of frustration.

    Lynette... stills a bit at that. Not enough, but Schatzi did always know exactly how to take care of us. Even when we fought her tooth and nail at every step.

    "There will be things later as they arise. But nothing else immediate. Save..." Sekrh¨²s reaches into itself, beneath the Physis, into the Frame. And pulls out a single vibrant scale. One that shimmers between scarlet and purple hues. "This. Will be useful when you tumble into more of our... less than reasonable kin."

    Then slips it beneath and through the Physis and Threads of the bound hand and pressed it into our palm. "And if you find the gerl I bit this off of, give her my love. Mayhaps even talk her into visiting again. Otherwise... you know where to look should you need anything."

    Then with a crack, Sekrh¨²s is gone. Physis manifested form dissipated and threads falling slack. Only the Doll remaining. Immediately it releases my hands and settles to kneel how it was before. Metal eyes empty and Frame stiff.

    We just... stand there for a few long heartbeats as I feel how much my sister wants to lash out at this thing with her worst and most cruel workings but... stop her. Let her only outward sign of the fury within be from the shaking grip about the scale in our left hand.

    "We are going to leave now, Mistresses, and head to Xafra''s Spire." Schatzi murmurs quietly, wrapping arms and lifting us up steadily but rapidly to take us from this place.

    Gets... perhaps a couple dozen paces before I jerk regain enough control of our flesh to twist us from our Doll''s grip. Dribbling a bit of Physis through our Glyph of energy and motion to land on our feet solidly and spike my senses.

    Sure now of what''s been lurking in the mists this entire time as I see its silhouette.

    "Give me a few heartbeats, dear ones. And... Apologies." I whisper to Schatzi while Reaching into the muck of my sister''s pain, dredging up the gift these grounds gave us. "I need to break a promise to you. Just... just this once."

    With such¡­ heartbreaking patience, she sets us down and waits.

    Take a deep breath, then snarl into the mists, voice laden with my strongest Witch Tone, "Floret, attend me."

    And... much quicker than I''d like, a large Doll steps from the haze. Not the one strangled by the Threads. Skull still split in the back and bubbling with the mists.

    The Estate''s new Floret. The same Doll it sent for Adaline the day she cast her Einwandfrei on us.

    [Elevar... You... You really shouldn''t...] Lynette whispers as she feels my anger rise.

    The Doll moves forward as if tugged forward on strings by my demand. Then it kneels.

    "Choosing a Floret is the task of the Blossom. Not the Estate." I growl after two heartbeats, but... I''m not talking to this Doll. My words are for the beast past it. "She... Was planning to ask her. But you knew that. Right? So today was either stupid, reckless. Or a testament to your impatience. Maybe even your fear of what she could have done with Lynette''s help. Doesn''t matter. Either way... I''ll choose a Floret before the next time we step from these grounds."

    Then, with a crack of furious thought and will, I snarl and let my wordless Glyph woven Blasenplage to tear this Doll to pieces. Melt it until only the husk of a shell remains. Watch as it falls to crack against the floor in a heap.

    Turn to my Doll and take up her hand after a heartbeat. Give her my most apologetic pained smile. "Thank you. Let''s get above."

    "Don''t... tell Xafra about that one." Schatzi murmurs as she moves us.

    After a few heartbeats I gather up the courage to ask. "Oh? For her sake or mine?"

    "Hers. Mistress, you know how she is. She''ll blame herself." Schatzi responds as she begins thrumming her horns low and somber to relay orders to Warden. <Gather Gebetshure and Rufus to the Snek-doll''s room then begin plans to seal all the windows on the lower floors of the Sheared Spire.> Schatzi speeds up on her route before speaking more. "This one will get this settled and sorted for you, Mistresses. It will be okay.

    When we enter through the trapdoor, Schatzi easily leaping upwards to get inside, Calix is mercifully not present. Rufus is sitting with Lynette''s Doll looking rather haggard, while Primrose and Nettle sit with Gebetshure as they carefully water the nursery basket of Lotus blossoms from the Sun-blessed. Setting us down beside Lynette''s Doll, Schatzi immediately drags Rufus over to the trapdoor and shuts it, whispering furiously.

    Lynette''s Doll immediately tumbles into our arms before we''re even able to fully sit. Crying a little but... mostly in relief as we tug her up and into our lap. Set to run fingers through fur and along ears in the way to help her calm. Let my sister murmur a few soft words of love for the Doll I''m starting to understand the shape of Lynette''s love for.

    "I... Augusta, Void Maid, the one we knew at first as a Kindly One is... she''s gone." I whisper to the gathering as Schatzi seems to pause into the weary silence. "We couldn''t even tell you what happened. Just that she tried to kill or harm or... or otherwise attack the muppet the Estate manifested. They spoke of being family to each other. I tried, we tried, to calm things but... but... I... I don''t..."

    Trail off to look up and take in the room.

    Primrose and Nettle sit in stunned silence, while Lynette''s Doll whimpers and begins to sob heavily but quietly in our arms.

    Gebetshure looks... confused, stricken with slowly bubbling pain, and so very... lost. An eternity of conflicting thoughts racing through their mind. Lips pursed in a hard line as eyes stare at nothing.

    "I don''t know if I can even ward the entire Spire, Schatzi! That''s so many entrances." Rufus bursts out from the trapdoor where he''s inscribing sigils

    "The Estate can''t see in here." Lynette whispers through our lips. "It''s... it''s why I moved you all from the other. Doesn''t even have a passage to the tunnel network. Just... just Nomos wards for my little one would be wonderful."

    Schatzi seems to want to contradict Lynette, but changes her mind "Mistress... Alright. Rufus, can you do that?"

    "Uhm. Yeah, I can reduce the strength so it just does that. I''ll... get that done now." Rufus responds in a daze.

    I reach out to catch his wrist, move a bit to try and catch his eyes. "This... You need to know this isn''t your fault. Okay? I know how you are and I see how you''re getting and... and I need you to hear that. She wouldn''t be talked out of coming below and could have walked out. I... We tried to get her to leave. But... those two were family and had longer years than she shared of hatred bubbling up between them. And before Augusta attacked she asked me to pass two messages to you."

    "What messages?" He asks quietly, not looking at us.

    I can''t help but wince. Seeing the same guilt bubbling inside him that I''m only barely keeping sealed within myself. But reply softly, "She asked that you take care of Gebetshure and... And to remember your Dream."

    "My Dream? But the only Dream I talked about with her was the one that taught me this bloody ward." He continues engraving for a long dozen heartbeats before continuing. "Five more. That''s all I have left before I''m out." He sounds wistful, staring at the three broken rings of pigment encircling his fingers and the fourth starting to form. "I''ll take care of Gebetshure, of course. Without question."

    "Thank you." I sigh and lean our head back against the wall.

    A pause, then Lynette asks over the bond. [And... Warden? Would you mind terribly fetching the eyes from our study? Just... before Xafra and our guests arrive? Want to make sure they step into safe places.]

    [Right away, Mistresses.] Warden replies immediately.

    Close eyes at that.

    And... let myself stop for a bit while another half sits content to soothe the sorrows of the Doll in her arms.

 Chapter 87: You are Enough (Blade)

    Chapter 87: You are Enough (Blade)

    Content Warnings:

    Things. HAPPEN! More Goreways. Some Witches from a Moon. One gets licked TWICE, but not the Witch. Talks about people and trauma about the crying suns and THEN cuties nap. Um.... Talk of sibling death but mebe just need to get good and figure out how to do a ''pro gamer move'' and respawn in a few days.

    We wait for hours, keeping ourselves occupied the best we can by packing up the rest of our things and chatting with Krelliva, and doing our best to keep the anxiety from eating at us. Eventually I get a pulse of amusement and excitement from Augusta that''s quickly matched by Girra and I calm significantly. "It''s gonna be fine. They''re okay. Once Feryudra arrives, we can head over and see exactly what''s going on.¡±

    "I expect there''s going to be a fair mess to clean up, but with your ability to uhhh... rip open wounds through reality, my main concern will be if existence¡¯s blood stains..." Adaline quips with a smirk.

    Krahe giggles and Infestation''s Quills titter in mirth. Still sitting close. My Sisters Quill song adding a counter harmony to the worry from before that hardens now as it lessens. Filled with the razor-tipped belief that our Pack will tear apart anything that threatens us.

    And... eventually we spot the shadow of a new arrival beneath the waves, followed soon by the etched Doll itself rising from the tides, crossing the beach, and walking directly towards us. Feryudra still carries those same Sapphire tipped bone stakes from before gripped in one hand, while another clutches a large red and green spotted crustation of some sort.

    Krelliva intercepts it though, wraps the Doll in a big embrace before pulling free, and turning to walk up to us.

    "This one thanks you for waiting. The Scales Changed demanded this one carry a gift to you, now that your eyes have been regrown." Feryudra speaks first, moving to set the crabthing in its arms down.

    I smile and bow to it. "It is good to see you, Feryudra. I must offer apologies that I as of yet still do not know Precisely what the Scales Changed are. I''ve had this misunderstanding with Krelliva earlier so it seems prudent to try and correct my deficiencies.¡±

    It listens while kneeling and holds out a hand as the shelled creature... reaches into itself? Eventually pulls out a collection of something and drops it into Feryudra''s open hand before scuttling off. Then this Doll rises and offers me the somewhat slimy contents.

    A handful of... scales? Very old ones. Each about the length of my thumb. What might have once been vibrant crimson or tyrian are now dull and faded.

    "The Scales Changed are... What remains of something that helped endless families discover themselves." It begins softly. "Memories carved and etched to those she could not see or recall. Family to only blindness, but adopted by the Blaze, despite the wounds that wove her. These are memories that speak softly. Refractions of what we... had hoped with your new eyes you''d recall finding each other. Mayhaps even shift and Change the Scales again. But..."

    Feryudra looks to Krelliva, expression suddenly an odd thing of request. And the flesh and bone Sun-Blessed echoes the Doll''s this time.

    "These Scales Changed were kinda like one of our Spore families. But... All a single form once. Not a Frame or flesh or any gooey bits. Never was a human either." Krelliva carefully picks up, eyes turning to look at the scales. "Kinda inspired us all. But... unable to feel Girra. Or even hear His words or ideas. Each of those scales is a unique part of... of her. Irreplaceable. Like pages in a journal.¡±

    The touch of the Scales is... Familiar. Reminiscent of... Something that I should know. "Thank you for explaining. I have something for you as well, if it is something you wish?¡±

    Feryudra tilts head in curiosity. "All gifts from one who changes everything around her after staring long enough would be much welcome. What would you grant this one?¡±

    "Infestation, would you explain? I feel it would make more sense coming from you." I ask our erstwhile and soon to be once more Pack sister.

    Infestation titters in delight, letting Quills dance and sing in low tones that Krahe and Verbess spent hours learning how to adjust to. Melodies tuned for the deep oceans. "This one is within Girra''s harmonies. Can feel the Blaze as any other claimed. Spores woven and laid as deep as the adopted home beneath the waves. Never alone again. Never lost to those that claim it as family.¡±

    Feryudra goes still. Seems to... absorb that. Doesn''t respond for at least two dozen heartbeats. Then looks to me and asks, "You would grant this Frame the horizon? Turn muffled echoes into howls that never end and endlessly change?¡±

    "It is your Right. If you wish, I will grant it. Eventually I''ll be able to offer this to all those of Dollcraft amongst Girra''s children, but at the moment I can only do so in person. We still have time as I''m waiting on a message before we return, so I can adjust your Frame to this purpose whenever you are ready.¡±

    It nods, "This one would not be itself if it did not reach for this. Let this one''s purpose and goals evolve beyond only chasing a thing it was content to never have.¡±

    I consider how I did this previously and improve my work, thrumming Quills to resonate Feryudra''s Frame at the right frequency as I impose my Will on it until the connection to Girra is open. "There. Only a bit dizzy this time, heheh.¡±

    Feryudra doesn''t respond at first. Gaze seems distant as it stares up at the weeping suns.

    Focusing instead on the new Blaze within. As lost to it as Infestation was.

    Only seems aware of us again when Krelliva giggles and nudges it with an elbow.

    "The Horizon is... everything it was taught to dream of, and more." Feryudra says, finally looking back to me with a smile. "Thank you.¡±

    "You''re very welcome. I hope that you and Infestation can be just the leading edge of those like you.¡±

    "Many would swim to these beaches at the promise of this dream." It whispers. "But... To gift them all this now peels at greater oaths. This one will travel with you and witness those kept until then."

    "So... You mentioned needing to go back? Make sure everyone is okay?" Krelliva asks. "We''d be happy to come along and like... help. Or just be cute lobsters watching the tides that is your life there. Maybe um... Help your Mistress. If we can."

    "Yes. I''m not certain what the issue was, though it''s likely resolved by now. Still, I was asked to wait until they messaged me, so... Yeah. It would be a pleasure to have you along as well. We''re meeting the Grove Envoys tomorrow, and need to see exactly how... Open this war of mine will be." I ramble, dizzy from the process.

    "Mhm. And we''d love to help keep as many safe as possible. Keep them from getting hurt or worse. But... probably don''t want to let our more aggressive sorts get involved." It nods. "Families and such that enjoy the constant cycle of death and birth but... might not really do a good job of holding back. Not maybe accidently becoming a problem."

    "Fangs bared and blood drawn will invite others to thrash about without care for all others." Feryudra agrees.

    "That makes a lot of sense. I think we could¡ª"

    My response is interrupted by Schatzi''s intonation. <Sister, We are ready for your return. Your eyes are located in your room, and there is a collection tray set underneath as it seemed prudent to collect the blood.>

    "Oh! Okay, it seems they''re ready for us. It''s also been suggested that we might want to collect the residue on this side for some reasons?¡±

    "That..." Krelliva titters and giggles. "Mhm. Yup. Probably a good idea."

    "Blood spilled could lead to worse prowling after the scent." Feryudra echoes and nods stoically.

    Adaline gives me a suspicious look and startles, "Xafra, you can''t drink it until we''re sure it''s safe, you silly rock eater.¡±

    Krahe cackles, Quills buzzing a bit of relief as she hops to her feet and begins to pull Infestation up to hang around her shoulders. Ready to carry her new Pack Sister along. "Look, I think we''ve been through a lot and deserve to take at least one bite out of the world for it. Each. As a start.¡±

    I nod vigorously. "That makes sense to me. I''ll cut some pieces for us, then we can confer with Mistress Elevar if it''s okay.¡±

    As I extend my claws out to make meal sized incisions into the air before me, an odd whistling noise starts to echo through the air, rapidly getting closer.

    Krahe perks up, Quills dancing a curious melody. Infestations playing a counter tune hinted with a touch of... not worry. Anxiety?

    Krelliva purses its lips and looks to Feryudra, who murmurs and even seems to smile at what it hears. "Would you ask the Blaze to do anything else?"

    "No but..." Krelliva huffs and trails off, then smiles back. "I''m used to how He does things.¡±

    "Uhhhh... that''s not Girra. The energy is wrong and he''s currently talking to Augusta from what I can feel." I respond with concern.

    "What?" Krelliva furrows its brow, looks around and eventually upways. "If that''s not Girra pulling something then... Who...?¡±

    I follow its gaze upwards to a brilliant blue streak zipping around in a circle that suddenly descends towards us like a ballista bolt.

    Krahe hops back a step in my direction faster than a quick blink, Quills thrumming with a sort of... playful edged anticipation as her Frame cracks out to accommodate the sudden movement. Tails twisting and splitting into a dozen to grip Infestation and free her talons.

    "Let''s... not resort to any hostile actions yet." I warn as I watch this entity drop down before me.

    Just before it collides with the ground it stops, heat and light bleeding off until it''s visible as a long languid figure wrapped in a blanket with a pillow clutched tightly with one paw against the side of its furry blue head.

    "Yoooouuuu aren''t supposed to eat that. I was having a nice nap and got kicked right out of bed to stop you. Bad. Rude." The entity says with a yawn.

    "Say''s who? The big glowing guy in the sky? Because it seems edible enough." Krahe tilts her head at this new arrival, Quills moving to more a curious song than anything with an edge.

    "Merciful Moon, no. He''s so very loud. Especially when you''re up there closer to Him. The mother wiggled me off her surface to make sure her daughter didn''t affect her uhhhm. dang. What was it? Stupid stinky goddess waking me up... Domain. That''s it. If you start monching on reality, it''ll affect your domain." The figure says as it flicks its bright blue ears back and forth.

    Krahe blinks. "Oh. Huh..."

    Feryudra tilts its head and takes in the figure, both Sun-Blessed staring in shock.

    "Anyway. That''s everything I was supposed to tell you... Do you think D?mmerung would mind if I find a hole and go back to sleep? It''s a lot quieter down here compared to the Merciful Moon." The blue entity starts looking around, half lidded eyes blinking slowly.

    "Should be fine, honestly but, before you go, what under the Blaze are you?" Adaline demands.

    "I''m a Witch! Isn''t that obvious? Have you not seen real Witches before!¡± It exclaims, offended.

    "Nope not at all, and yeah we have. At least... three? Six? At least recently?" Krahe grins. "None as blue as you, though. Or... from the moon? Like... the broken one?¡±

    "I''m very blue yes, and tired. And yes, from the Moon. Where do you think Witches come from? Sex?¡±

    Krahe goes still at that reply, Quills dancing in wordless confusion on the edge of tilting into giggles.

    "We... Hi. Hello." Krelliva interjects eventually, stepping around into this blue moon Witch''s field of view. "You currently stand, well... float. Amidst an gathering of those within His Blaze and those on the edges. We... Would be happy to help you find a quiet and peaceful place to rest. So long as you don''t mean to be rude. That is."

    "Old storms still leave scars, however faded." Feryudra echoes. "But we''ve made peace with everything His Blaze can touch. Be welcome, if you''ve the patience for such things.¡±

    The moon Witch waves its paw casually, "A place to rest would be appreciated. About a century or so more sleep would be ideal before properly waking up.¡±

    "Alright... So... We''re uhhm... about to leave. I won''t eat the reality meat." I finally speak, floored by the absurdities.

    I can feel that Krahe wants to ask if licking the reality meat would be okay, but... keeps the question to herself. Only letting that reach our Pack Song through dancing Quills.

    "Okay. Good. Wonderful." Krelliva nods to the Moon Witch, then waves to a group of approaching fuzzy crabs. Each whispering or calling out the same greetings they always give us. "These little one''s should be able to lead you to a good spot, or adjust and help you find a place to your liking."

    "Rest well, may your descent into rest be softer than your fall to this beach." Feryudra agrees.

    "Hmm? Yeah, okay. Thank you." The moon Witch responds, floating off.

    "Okay, that was too weird. Anyway, Let''s go." With a careful swipe, I rip a path through reality again above the collection tray into my own room. "I''ll go last and see if I can encourage it to close up faster behind us.¡±

    Adaline leads, with Krahe behind and Infestation on her back. And... right as Krahe contorts her Frame to fit herself and Infestation through comfortably, she smirks back at me. Then, before I understand the song of her Quills, her long tongue lashes out and brushes the edge of the reality meat before slipping the rest of the way through.

    "Did... Krahe, did you just lick that?" Comes the exasperated voice of Lynette from the other side of the portal.

    "Yup!" Krahe cackles and looks about, smacking her lips a bit. "Tastes like mud. Not even the well seasoned kind either, Mistresses.¡±

    "Feryudra, Krelliva, please head through." I say with exasperation.

    Krelliva goes first, pointedly keeping a smirk and giggle from bubbling up through pursed lips. Feryudra follows in stoic but clearly amused silence.

    I step through and as I turn to try and seal the rift, I lick the edge as well.

    Dirt. Just dirt. Like the average flavor of everything combined.

    "And now she''s..." My Mistresses sighs from where she stands next to the door. "Wonderful. Yes. Welcome to the grounds, Krelliva, Feryudra, Infestation. We trust our Pack didn''t get that habit from any of you?"

    "Nope." Krelliva does giggle this time.

    "Your Blade tests the footholds of her reality with tongue and talon." Feryudra agrees.

    "Yes, of course. Always has." They sigh. "Likely the other way around then. Cracked and Riven Moon. Krahe don''t go licking odd nonsense again."

    Krahe... without any mirth, replies carefully. "Yes Mistresses. Sorry Mistresses."

    The rift closes slowly but steadily under the pressure of my influence and with a smile on my face I turn to look at my Mistresses. "I''m home, loves.¡±

    They''re... weathered. Not haggard but obviously drained and filled with stress. Tendrils, only just as my eyes meet theirs, titter a little clicking of slowly calming song. Pupils halfway between the smoky violet and triple cerulean iris.

    "Welcome home." They sigh. "We trust your final hours away went well? So much that you''ve brought quite the gaggle back with you?¡±

    "We uhhm. Met a Moon Witch? Very strange. Looked far from human but similar body plan I believe. kinda.... blue and furry? And I sorta overheard Augusta chatting with Girra, so I assumed it would be safe enough here. Krelliva decided to come to aid in planning for what to do with the Groves." I ramble a bit.

    They listen with such an expression of confusion for most of my explanations, but at the end whisper a sudden, "Wait. What?" My Mistresses blink, seem like everything within them twitches and jerks to a halt. Tendrils and breath even, for a few heartbeats. "Augusta? When was she chatting with Girra? Did... Did she... Are you already aware of what happened? Or was this before she chose to... throw herself at the beast?¡±

    "She''s talking with D?mmerung right now. Not sure how she managed the communion with both of them, I''d assume those Lotus that you brought back but... " I explain with growing worry, then pause before demanding. ¡°Wait... What happened?¡±

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    "Cracked and¡­" Their eyes furrow, then they huff and glare at the far wall. Lynette''s harshness dominates more and more of their voice. "The Estate was... annoyed. When we left. More than we expected. Was searching. So Rufus, the fool boy, thought to use his cloaking Einwandfrei to hide Augusta. Which only cracked the Estate to more anger and motion. We got back and tore that away. Then Augusta, your¡­¡±

    They pause, take a breath, and Elevar''s calm tone seems to dominate their mingled voice now. "I''m sorry. We''re being foul about this. Augusta should be the one telling you that... that she''s your Sister. One of four siblings to you, apparently. You''re the first, she''s the third. This place is the child of the fifth.¡±

    "What? No, I don''t¡ª what?¡± I stammer, then ask quietly. ¡°I have siblings aside from the Pack?¡±

    The concept is strange. Baffling. I went from having fifty-eight families to just the Pack, to now finding out there was family all along that¡­ didn''t even tell me.

    "And at least one niece. Augusta was quite clear about that. As was... was Sekrh¨²s." Lynette huffs, finally lets eyes meet mine as tendrils click hesitant notes. "And neither had any reason to lie. They... Immediately started arguing when the Estate manifested a Physis form to speak with us all down below. Didn''t last long though. Augusta shattered her own Frame and decided to attack. We thought her eaten, or worse, so it''s good to hear that she''s chatting happily away with the godlings. Not sure how though. Or where from. Gebetshure will be delighted that she''s not dead.¡±

    "Shattered her own form... Are there any pieces I can look at? I might be able to find her with them." I offer.

    "None. All dissipated. She... became her namesake." Elevar offers. "Looked darker than the Empty Sky and thrice as angry before diving into the manifestation the Estate chose to wear. ¡°

    "Oh. Ooooooh. Yeah I know where she is but I have no idea how to get her back." I admit with shame. "You recall how you both talked about removing my Garrotes and how it could leave me unanchored?¡±

    "Ah." Elevar nods, lets out a relieved breath while leaning heavily against the doorframe. "Yes. That. Good. Not eaten then. Thank the Dead Hag for that. We... Can see if Gebetshure can help. Or... ask around. Will be working backways from your problem but this doesn¡¯t feel impossible.¡±

    "I don''t expect it to be easy. In essence, being in the Void is... more dead than dead? because she''s not even in reality anymore. Like... My Driftdream is anchored to reality by every member of the Pack now. All those souls have the potential to be given new bodies and such or be released back to D?mmerung if reincarnation is a thing... I should ask them about that. Anyway, Augusta seems to be okay but completely inaccessible currently.¡±

    "That''s... Unfortunate. But not the worst." Lynette murmurs while tip-tapping a tendril back against the wood.

    "Yes. So... Sekrh¨²s. That''s the Estate I assume? Not expecting that anyone else would have something like guilty house as a name.¡±

    "Augusta chose it." Elevar replies. "Said she''d seen it hurt and devour family before. Place didn''t hesitate to claim the name either. Was grinning like nothing else when Schatzi used it.¡±

    "And... hmmm. Ah. So then the Estate is what''s left of one of the H.A.G''s. They were made by one of S¨ªn''s children... My Sibling, I guess." I ponder, taking a seat on my bed.

    "Lovely.¡± Adaline states. ¡°We should... Find a good spot for our guests here, and uhhm check in on Gebetshure at the least. Then plan for tomorrow."

    "Quite right. Gebetshure should be with Rufus or... close. At the very least." Lynette agrees, looking to Krahe and the Sun-Blessed. "There is an empty Spire on the far side of the grounds that will suit you all. Keep from the tunnels, and I''d suggest you come to Xafra or myself if you''d like to make an unexpected exit from these grounds. We''ll see you away safely.¡±

    Krelliva nods quickly. "Oh I... Okay. Um... Let us know if¡­¡±

    "You can speak to any on these grounds who accept your company, save one." Lynette continues over her words. "She''s a snek-shaped Doll who sleeps away the day in this Spire and watches the Empty Sky at night. You will keep away from her. You will not speak to her. Under any circumstances. Is that understood?¡±

    A pause, then Krelliva nods slowly. "We''ll... of course. We''re your guests here. Only came to help and watch."

    "We are not here to weave storms, only see the tides shift." Feryudra agrees softly.

    "I can lead them there and around." Krahe offers into the tense little pause, adjusting Infestation a bit. "Give them all a little tour and point things out. Introduce them to some of the cuties we''ll bump into?¡±

    "Not yet." I snap. "Lynette, my Mistress. They deserve an explanation. I feel they deserve at least that much trust considering they came here, especially Infestation, as it is wanting to rejoin the Pack.¡±

    Smokey dark eyes roll back to me, eyebrow quirked. Seems to pause before asking quietly. "And explanation to... what? Dear one? What information have I withheld that you feel I owe these Sun-Blessed?¡±

    "The reason why you want them to avoid your Doll. We are trying to make a difference, make allies, and change the entire bloody world. Obfuscating the past won''t help that.¡±

    She glares, tendrils clicking a little sound of warning. But... then looks away while offering a simple. "She... My little one is Sun-Scorched. Nomos from Girra hurts and terrifies her. Now she only enjoys the nights and Empty Skies she finds there. Even the idea of Sun-Blessed on the grounds scares her all to pieces.¡±

    Krelliva pales at that, eyes wide. Voice more shaky and filled with anguish I''ve seen this normally bubbly Sun-Blessed be. "That''s... Do you know which Spore family she came from?¡±

    Lynette sighs and runs a hand through her hair and twitching tendrils. "Not... She also struggles with all questions about her past. So I don''t press. Don''t hurt her anymore. Which is why you''re going to stay away from her too.¡±

    "Old nightmares twisting eyes to look backways and fear even the glow of His Blaze." Feryudra hisses, shaking head and gripping those sapphire tipped stakes tighter.

    "But..." Krelliva looks to me. "You can help her, right? Fix whatever hurts this lost child of Girra and... and... help her find her family again!"

    "She is Mine, as is Lynette, by Girra''s word. I plan to support and care for my Mistress and her Doll to the best of my abilities, and grant them whatever they wish. That doesn''t include forcibly fixing her to be clear. She will be given time and space to make her own decisions." I answer firmly, brooking no argument. Then close my eyes and lay back on the bed, thinking aloud. "Choice is... The most important thing to me. The freedom to choose, even the freedom to surrender that capacity. It is the reason for this war I''m planning. Not because I think I know better or have the moral high ground, but simply because I would sooner kill all who stand in my way than leave any bereft of that freedom. History will likely see me as a monster once more. If we can avoid conflict, I''d be happy to, but I won''t compromise on my end goal. I can''t.¡±

    "But... This..." Krelliva stops, takes a breath and restarts. "I meant if her Frame was broken or twisted... or intentionally made to make His Blaze hurt her. Things she didn''t choose but suffers from without understanding. Sun-Blessed don''t... Dollification to a us doesn''t work. Or shouldn''t. There''s no telling what this place has done to make it happen. The idea of a girl happily within the Blaze losing that and then... then having this place keep her trapped Is just..."

    A pause, and I can hear this Sun-Blessed stop to take a few more deep breaths.

    "A stalk torn from the whole and isolated to wither could grow into its own, but not while buried. Or surrounded by rocks and waterless soil." Feryudra interjects carefully. "Girra is aware of these two, and their surroundings. This one... only hopes that you are not allowing either to endure things that only seem choices, but to them are as inflexible as the turning of the moon is to most beneath Her motions.¡±

    "This is the first time in a very long while my little one has had the ability to choose anything for herself." Lynette replies sharply. "Her schema is also needlessly complex. Between all the nonsense I''ve tried to understand it, when time permits. So far I''ve found nothing amiss within it.¡±

    "Lynette''s Doll did not choose to be so. I am not blind to this Truth. What was done to her was a travesty. What I can say is that my eyes have become able to see more than they ever could before. She chose Lynette, the only one I know who could possibly understand. If she eventually wishes to reconnect to Girra, that will be her choice alone. I cannot start overriding the consent of others. I came close to it recently and... It would have made any sort of alliance between us impossible. Because I am Strife, and to me, Feryudra and Infestation each were two beings sharing one body, in which the easiest and most reasonable solution to many would simply be to strip and erase all of Girra''s spores from your Frames to render you both proper Dolls. I was... Reminded most firmly by my Pack sister Schatzi that nothing justifies one''s means, they must be able to stand on their own. And so. I will not choose for the little one, just as I will not choose for Lynette either. Their past is their own as is their future.¡±

    "I..." Krelliva considers, then looks between me and my Mistresses. "Okay. You''re... That makes sense, at least a little. But can you please just... actually make sure she''s free to understand her choices? What''s waiting for her if she does want to find her family from before? It is... so wrong to not try and help her know that. To understand that Girra loves her and just wants her to be happy and safe. Not giving her the information to help her make a choice can be the same as making sure she choses one or the other. Lies and bad explanations steal consent away as easy as any chain or wall."

    "Tossing one into the sea is not giving them the ability to find the shore." Feryudra echoes. "And if they bear no gills, and cannot swim, their only option is to drown without aid.¡±

    Lynette narrows her eyes while tendrils curl and click in annoyance. "I''ll consider your words, but do what I think is best for my little one.¡±

    "Lynette has been given a message for herself and her Doll from Girra himself. I promise that I am not taking any choices away. I understand the concerns yet I will admit there is a limit beyond which it is simply offense. Now, we can speak on this and other topics more later. I have a dear one to comfort and a Sister I didn''t even know I had to mourn. Please." I shift into my Doll form as I lay there on the bed, feeling... incredibly weak. Helpless in the face of the oncoming storm.

    "Of course. I... yes." It agrees softly. Then looks to Krahe.

    My Pack Sister nods. "This way then."

    Then Krahe moves to lead them out and away. Leaving myself, my Mistresses, and Adaline, and Verbess.

    A pause, then I feel a weight settle onto the bed beside me. My Mistress moved and now sitting beside me. Hand gripping mine carefully. And before either of us speaks another form has slipped into the room. Frame cracked a touch larger than seems able to fit but... Verbess somehow seems able to curl lithely about us both. Quills settling to thrum a steady and calming melody into the space.

    ¡°I''m so sorry. I should have been here with you." I whisper.

    "You''ve got nothing to apologize for." Elevar murmurs. "Especially not that. We agreed it was a good plan to have you wait. Had no idea what things had shifted while we were away. What this place was doing.¡±

    Verbess'' Quills hum in protective agreement. "The Beast was weaving schemes and snares well-suited for us to stumble into. But none to devour just yet. Else we''d be eaten, and the world burning with your sun-gifted fury.¡±

    "What? Burning? I don''t have that kind of ability." I question.

    "Calix... Can do more than hear the distant whispers of godthings and such. The boy can see futures. Or at the very least understand the shapes of incoming catastrophe. He said that if this place ate us, you''d return to try and end it. Would tear a sun from the sky and the remains of the moon down in His wake." My Mistress explains. "Channeling Girra he says. Lynette insists you''d not survive though. And wouldn''t kill this place besides. So... Don''t do that. Please.¡±

    "Oh... I don''t like that idea at all. No dying. At least not where I can''t recover you." I insist.

    "Would rather die than let this place eat us, but... yes. Of course." Elevar sighs and leans to fall over and lay atop myself and Verbess. Curling hand not gripped in mine up and around my head. "Promised you myself for as long as you could stand to keep me.¡±

    "Good. There''s a lot ahead and I''m just a girl doing her best. I can''t do this without you all.¡±

    "Our Xafra is more than just a gerl doing her best, dear one. You''re going to accomplish quite a bit, and we mean to be here to make sure of that." She chuckles, tendrils titter an amused little melody as she adjusts to glance up and over to Adaline. "Wife, Unless there are pressing matters that need our attention right away, I''d ask you to stop standing alone there and come help us bury your Pack lead beneath a pile of some sorts. Try to get some measure of rest before the Envoys actually gather the courage to message us and crack any sleep we could hope to get in the coming days.¡±

    [Same goes for you two as well. Krahe, Warden.] Lynette intones to them. [Once you finish your tasks, of course.]

    [And Infestation, if... if everyone, and it, is comfortable with that.] Elevar adds.

    Adaline nods and climbs into the bed behind me. "That sounds good to me.¡±

    [Yes, Mistress. We will return shortly.] Warden intones.

    [Yes, Mistress. Just settling these two in, then Infection and I will scurry back after a loop round the grounds.] Krahe echoes.

    Verbess cracks and snaps itself outwards. Encompass and pulls Adaline up and more into the messy pile before settling Quills to hum an even calmer melody. Something to lure even those without Quills into gentle rest, even... even with the deep thrum beneath of vicious protectiveness. Long arms stretching out and around to trap us all fairly easily.

    I settle slowly, finding comfort in my chosen family, my heart swelling with joy as Krahe, Warden, and Infection join us. "Just a nap though. Can''t miss planning today." I promise as I start to fall asleep.

    ** ** **

    I awaken within the nest of bodies to the annoyed muttering of Elevar as she moves to the open door where Envii is firmly knocking. All our Pack away and about while we rest. Latent Quill-Song woven to keep us abed while they tend to the tasks of today and ensure we sleep just a little while more.

    "Yes dear?" She asks kindly but tiredly, tendrils waking song a messy uncoordinated thing.

    Envii looks disheveled and twitchy, continuing to knock for after Elevar speaks before catching herself with a flutter of her wings. "She has a letter for your attention. From the squatters on the Root Way. Launched clear over the entrance tied to a weird stone.¡±

    Elevar seems to stare in surprise for a moment, before letting out a huff of a mirthless laugh.

    "Of all the... Really?" Elevar whispers, holding out a hand to take the letter and rock from my Doll. "Did the fools forget how to use the Root Ways to alert the Estate and its Blossom to this? What, by the Cracked and Riven Moon, are they up to tossing things like this over?¡±

    "She is uncertain, Miss Elevar. There''s also one for a Warlord Endzeit but she does not know where to find such an entity." Envii answers with a curtsy.

    "Thank you, I''ll pass that one along as well." She answers after taking the bundles, then closes the door and moves to sit on the bed again. Murmuring softly. "Well... Let''s hope these fools are already showing their hands then.¡±

    "She seems... Rough. Don''t think I''ve ever seen Envii without her look perfectly manufactured to impress." I mention, gently wriggling to sit up.

    Elevar pauses, glances over while examining the letters. "Really? Should we send someone to check on her? Or..."

    "Probably. Do you know if she was close with Augusta?" I ask.

    "Oh... Right." Elevar huffs, running a hand through her mane of hair and clicking tendrils. "Nearly... my mind is still struggling to factor that into everything. Most of the Dolls here were probably some amount of close to her. But... I couldn''t tell you which. Still haven''t taken the time to properly meet most of them myself. Although Lynette keeps a list for quick reference and research purposes if needed.¡±

    Elevar takes a moment to examine the stone they are tied to. Nods when she finds nothing amiss with it, then opens up the first letter. Seems to read it over once quickly before doing so aloud.

    "To the Blossom of the Murk, Witch Elevar N¨¡vah¨©na." She begins, tendrils stilling and only clicking and tittering at punctuated words. "Since we last spoke, all but one of the Envoys have arrived and settled themselves along the Root Ways. And that last group is expected to arrive within the day. Then with all the proper sorts here they should weave their official messages and summons to you. All very traditional. I''ve tossed you this letter to hopefully talk you and Warlord Endzeit into coming out now to start introductions early. Begin settling their worries that you''re just as unstable as the last Blossom this place took. Because this last Envoy set to arrive, the one from Grove Salzernte, comes with another Captain of my order and a belly full of spite for at least two other Groves here. I may be the Thresher Captain assigned to keep the peace, but this in your territory. Yours to lay threats a promises to the peace you expect these fools to keep. I hope to see you stepping out around the midday weeping. Signed, Captain Klevik of the Threshers."

    As I share all this with our Pack, she glances over it twice more quickly while letting those words settle and examining the stone once more and holding a second letter out to me.

    <Judging from Mecia''s last loop, we have about two hours then, if we want to be on time.> Adaline clarifies as I ponder. So I speak her words aloud for my mate to consider.

    "Quite right..." Elevar agrees, turning the rock over and over in her fingers. "And this is a Brine Stone, not been gifted one since... well, Rufus tried and I tossed it back in his face. Is a promise of safe passage into a Thresher''s Burrow or encampment if challenged to the tip of violence. A single time use to be cracked and burned but... the real thing. Klevik truly does at least want us safely out and about.¡±

    <Okay. Warden, can you check with Rufus about Envii, since he was doing the rounds and might know something? Infection, If you''re still interested, we can do the Pack rebonding tonight after this initial meeting with the Envoys. Schatzi, can you check in with Primrose and Nettle, and make sure they''re both doing okay supporting Gebetshure? Adaline, I think I''m going to need Calix''s advice, despite how cruel it feels to ask him. okay. okay. okay. I should probably read this letter as well.> I rattle off instructions rapidly as I prepare for whatever I''m about to read.

    After a chorus of Agreements, I begin.

    "To Warlord Endzeit. No doubt you''ll share this with this Blossom, so I''ll happily avoid any coy nonsense and lay this out as I see it. You both seem reasonable sorts, stable even. But when it comes to those that weave themselves like clay, that can tilt sideways faster than you can blink. Don''t know if you''ve seen it. A Fleshcrafter or Half-Knit or Warlord fuddling with themselves in a way that ends with them losing something. Going from stable to otherwise right-quick. No idea what nonsense you both get up to in there but it put my order on edge to read about. So, keep an eye on your Witch. Make sure she''s ready for these talks. If not for her, for your kid. Would hate to see your little one suffer cuz her parents guzzled too much saltwater. Signed, Captain Klevik of the Threshers." I read the letter out loud, and can''t help but smile. "So, how large of a show of force do you think we should start with, my Mistresses?¡±

    "Oddly?" She considers aloud. "I think... We shouldn''t display our numbers so readily. If the Envoys are already squabbling it gifts us the opportunity to seem the calm and reasonable sorts. Not interested in hostilities and quite perturbed by any nonsense they may have brought with them. And if this new group arrives and immediately presents themselves as problematic... Well, we''ve done nothing to welcome that. Might find allies more willing to sit with us.¡±

    "Of course... There''s a part of me that thinks we should talk with the... with Sekrh¨²s beforehand to get her thoughts and see if she''s interested in enforcing the peace, but I don''t feel like it''s the best of plans. In the end, the real question is, do I display Divinity?¡±

    "Oh no. We''re keeping that to ourselves, I think. The Groves don''t... well they''ll probably respond thrice as horribly as I did to your explanations on D?mmerung and such." She replies. "Same as our pasts and names. Best them think the previous gerls from this place fully gone and us their deposers. We need them to think us as simple sorts as possible. Well supplied and obviously Fleshcrafters but... not Yselda or her Floret. As for Sekrh¨²s... That''ll be a question for Lynette. I don''t know if..."

    She trails off. Tendrils curling and tittering in more than a bit of worry.

    [The beast below doesn''t care. I''ve got control of the Root Ways should we need to twist them to support us.] Lynette intones. [And while I agree with Elevar... I do think some of ours could be kept close but hidden should we consider walking from the room we spoke with Rufus in. Hidden if possible. Lurking about and such to gather information. From what I feel quite a few Envoys had brought quite the gaggle with them.]

    "Yet we still need to appear powerful. Enough to be wary of crossing, but not worth risking everything to attack. Especially with how many they''ve brought." I muse.

    "Agreed." Elevar agrees and rises, twisting and flexing herselves about. "So... what do you think? One or two members of the Pack present and visible? And Which would you suggest?¡±

    "Adaline and Verbess. No sense in letting them know about any others. And... I do adore the idea of a dramatic entrance, don''t you?" I giggle as a thought comes to me."So... Why not let those two go out first to set a proper space for us, and then I open a Goreway directly between them so we can step through.¡±

    She glances back at me, eyebrow quirked while tendrils stilling. "That would quite loudly communicate an amount of power they''re not prepared to handle. Fold cracking is costly and dangerous from the most skilled of Witches. And this will look quite... disarming. To say the least. Cracked and Riven Moon. I¡­¡±

    [I''ll have to ensure the Estate won''t find the act overmuch. But... I like this scheme.] Lynette murmurs. [Is a perfect way to show these fools the gap between us and the previous Blossom.]

    "Make it an offer. We can..." I freeze up for a moment as terror nearly overwhelms me. "We can do so from one of the containment Chambers. If someone tries to sneak in, they''re hers to keep.¡±

    My Mistresses carefully step over to sit beside me once again, taking up a hand. "I don''t expect it to come to that. Lynette just needs to warn the Beast and find us the best spot. This place is odd with magic like the Folds between the Roots. Coming in is fine, but slipping away gets it upset. It''s... possessive like that.¡±

    "I think I can understand that. I''ll have to talk to it eventually. Soon, honestly. But¡­ not today." I say, leaning into her.

    "Honestly... I don''t ever want to talk with this place again either. Not without you." She replies, leaning head atop mine. "It... Knew how to shape its muppet in a way that reminded us of Yselda without it being obvious. Like dreaming without knowing it''s a dream but knowing it''s all so... wrong. Didn''t know what it was doing till it starting laughing and tore a seam in the weaving. Schatzi told it off for that. But... It also spoke like you did back before. Words even tangled up Lynette till things settled.¡±

    "I don''t think it... She understands love and compassion or mortality in a positive way. The last survivor of nine children. Anchored in place longer than I was, and... born to serve as a womb for those that could never be her equal. For all my hate, I had hope. What did it have, past an assignment?" I find tears coming to my eyes as I recall my foolish attempt to rescue whatever spirit was trapped in the tunnels below the Estate.

    She''s still there. My vicious nibling, and I have a duty to it as well.

    "That sounds about right, but it''s also... This one''s been around a long time." Elevar murmurs gently. "Has almost countless years behind itself. Just... don''t throw yourself at her like Augusta did. Please. Regardless of what it might taunt you with.¡±

    "There''s an irony there... I''m much more used to being angry and holding that back than Augusta is, I think. I won''t. It may take a while but... I''ve decided that I need to help her as well.¡±

    A few heartbeats pass, and I feel my second Mistress¡¯ emotions rise to a boil. Tendrils clicking and almost hissing her mess of fury and fear and annoyance. All aimless. Quite a few are self-focused though.

    "You''re both fools." Lynette huffs. Speaking aloud for the first time since last night, pulling from the comfortable snuggle to rise. But... not roughly. Moves across the room to carefully pick up the glass sculpture off the desk Schatzi left it on. The eyes I¡¯d given them still wrapped in a precious sculpture.

    Then she cracks it between their hands like some overripe fruit. Before I can blink holds one of the red gemstones eyes in each hand as glass shards fall through their fingers, scales totally unscratched by the sharp chunks.

    "This place doesn''t need help." She hisses, but more under her breath as she examines them. Rolling the stones around as I''d seen some do to gemstones within valuable jewelry. "It has more power and influence bound and strangled than any of you have unbound and free. I''ll not be blind to that again, Cracked and Riven Moon.¡±

    I nod. "Power and influence aplenty, and yet, that just delays my actions. I need to be strong enough to free you and protect my darlings before I do something to loosen her bonds.¡±

    She closes her grip around the eyes, more... than my Mistress'' rather small hands should be able to. Then looks at me. "You don''t need strength, dear one. You''re finding diminishing returns in that. Will never catch up to this place. Not in a thousand years of brutal harvest even. You need to see. Clearly. And..."

    She looks back down to her hands. Whispers as tendrils fully fall to silence, "So do I. Regardless of how much it''ll ruin me."

    It''s... not clear what exactly she weaves. But I easily feel and recognize it as some type of Fleshcrafting.

    For a second, barely enough time to blink, Lynette''s form changes, a slender, too thin lightly feathered figure towering over us with four taloned arms. Her scales are a dark iridescent jade, worn and cracked, yet polished with care. Instead of eyes her tendrils are much more numerous and carefully envelope her like a protective barrier to the world around.

    Then she''s back to normal, eyes gone from open palms as Elevar attempts to steady them against the table.

    "I hope they serve you well, Mistress." I state with a fierce pride and sense of contentment. I don''t know what she has done but¡­ she is beautiful and has made a choice.

    She glances over at me, cracking fingers as they flex hands. "So do I, dear one. I''ll nudge the Beast below to consider our request about our entrance. Otherwise... mayhaps we should ensure your gaggle is doing well? I''ve no patience for speaking with our Sun-Blessed guests until after our first talks with the Envoys, but the rest should be seen too.¡±

    I nod and check in with the Pack. <Status and Mission Report>

    <Well. On the way back with Calix. He is calm.> Adaline trills back.

    <Warden is fully Functional. Witch Rufus Chain has stated that Envii is the secretary of Void Maid Augusta. Warden is returning.> Warden reports smoothly.

    <This one is um doing good but feels bad for Gebetshure because they''re really sad though they thinks that mebe with the um¡­ Lotus flowers they can reach out to Augusta if she''s not gone gone like you said? Oh and Primrose and Nettle are good! They''re making cute things and talking with Gebetshure.> Schatzi thrums with emotion.

    <Infestation and this one are listening while Krelliva and Feryudra are talking with a gaggle here at the Library Spire.> Krahe replies. <We''ll head back anytime we''re needed.>

    Verbess rouses from its movements within the thrumming Pack Song between us to intone clearly but gently. <These ones find no cracks within or without. Have woven and examined thrice dozen inverted harmonics for use during these coming communications with the Envoys. Including things to lead Adaline through any motions needed for combat, stealth, and also conversational variations of both in case words are asked or required of her. Patterns of the Giyars to grip like sturdy ropes within a Summer''s Storm.>

    <Well done. Verbess, Adaline, you''re our vanguard for this meeting, if you are both willing. Head on back. Krahe, you and Infection can stay there for now, keep our guests safe.> I thrum back to my wonderful Pack.

    "Alright, everything is in order and we should be able to go momentarily." I enthuse to my Mistresses.

    Elevar smirks at me and eyes my form up and down, then steps over and takes up my hand. Starts to tug me along. "We should take the time we have to clear our minds. Have anyone that wants to come wash up and change into fresh clothes in my Spire with us. Look as Matronly as possible as opposed to the messy gaggle we''d seem otherwise.¡±

    I nod and gleefully follow along.

 Chapter 88: Carefully Pretending To Be The Most Unreasonable Pack Here (Frame 514.5)

    Carefully Pretending To Be The Most Unreasonable Pack Here (Frame 514.5)

    Content Warnings:

    Ahhhhh Pack Sister inflicting Division upon itself to stop another from acting brazenly and wiggling them all into Bad Function. LOTS of ow. Separate from basically a headmate after she tries to do a little murder. Dollification without consent to a rude lady. Self hard through said Division.

    These Ones quietly shared the Harmonics it would weave betwixt Sisters Schatzi and Adaline if they were to lead this hunt... but our Pack Lead insisted this change to them.

    Xafra immediately found the better melody before more than a few words passed between herself and their Mistresses on this. Adaline, with this Frame cracked to near full Combat readiness at her back, aligns with this Pack''s wider symphony. She will stride through the battle of words, while this one shows what violence will entail. And it has yet to find a Combat Doll in the service of even a Grove Matriarch that can match this Frame without aid or ambush. Much less a collection of what most Threshers and Grove Envoys will have. Even now the only Frames it believes could match These Ones in even a play match of skill and ability dwell within the Pack.

    And one sits before it. Quietly absorbing and sharing her Harmonics for their upcoming tasks.

    <Words are talons.> It titters through the Quill-Song''s melody as they await their Pack by the exit from the grounds.

    <Observation, collate weakness, set them against each other without notice. Utilize the Lead''s and this one''s magicks unseen to affect minor alterations in the battlefield.> She responds with a vicious smile, levitating a clump of dirt into different shapes.

    These Ones let Quills buzz with agreements. <And which Giyars will you turn within for this Function?>

    <Giyar Three, unless you have a way of masking higher. Keeping our strength hidden is vital.>

    With a quirk of the Quills, and a quick crack up to the Fifth Giyar, These Ones let out a buzz of example. Showing this observant Sister how higher Giyars so near will muffle out the melodies of lower. <The Giyars are subtle, unique. Hard to trace. Not things even most Threshers will know to look for. Less the tools to ensure they are tuned well. This Frame will turn within the Sixth to ensure easy motion of its full form. You could tick up to higher for many heartbeats and the risks of detection and understanding will be low. If needed or desired.>

    "I''ll consider it, Sister. But at least initially, keep it low until we can see how... Perceptive they are, yes?" Adaline states aloud, rising to stand as we register the sound of quiet footsteps approaching.

    With clicking of fangs and talons These Ones rise as well. Both into cracking more of itself into the Frame it is and to stand. "Your Harmonics are well tuned. These Ones will follow their lead and keep to Giyar Fifth once the Root Ways are before us."

    Turn to find Our Mistresses approaching, lead by Calix who walks backways and speaks quickly with a lilt of frantic urgency to his voice. "Okay. Whatever you do, do not attack. If things devolve into spellweaving or weapons unsheathed, prioritize getting back inside because you can''t unkill a Grove Envoy. Okay well, technically you can but that will go over even worse."

    <Accessing... Frame damaged. One eye covered by a patch, Kyanite hair shorter than before and riddled with fractures. And... overly large mittens cover his hands. Each tied with ribbons.>

    "Calix, dear one." Elevar murmurs gently just before they reach us, tendrils echoing These One¡¯s Mistress¡¯ deeper considerations. "Lynette and I encountered more than a couple Florets to the Matriarchs of the Groves and hostile Threshers. Avoided conflicts endlessly. We''ll not even be stepping from the room we found Rufus in, if I''m being honest. Can''t until... until we handle a few things. But we don''t need to. We''re going to be ever so careful here. I promise. We''re ready to use an attack, unprompted or otherwise, to our advantage if they try that in later talks. Have done so in the past with less good-will offered."

    <Accessing¡­ Primary and Secondary Users 16% Harmonized within the shared form. Cortex linked Physis bearing weavings echoing and receiving at 62% efficiency. Physical Form functioning at 58% energy levels without mind etched Glyph¡¯s use. Division calculations¡­ unknown. Query recommended.>

    "Good good. Oh, and uhm. Xafra, you need to carve um, like at an angle, diagonal upwards. To stop any spillage that could be collected after you return." He adds.

    She looks confused but nods as her Quills flick back and forth, asking Warden for an explanation.

    <The cut should be angled towards the Estate all the way around, while still being vertical. Warden does not recommend making a diagonal Goreway.> Warden thrums from its place on our Mistress'' hip.

    "Yeah alright. I''ll keep that in mind... Thank you, Calix. I''ll come check on you and Rufus when we get back, if you''d be alright with that."

    Calix smiles half-heartedly and walks off saying, "Sounds good. Stay safe."

    After he''s passed from sight, our Mistress sighs and looks back to us all. "So, we''ve gotten what Lynette thinks is agreement from the beast below for Xafra to do this, but with the stipulation that I don''t move us beyond the same little room that we met Rufus in when he arrived. It''s technically still on the grounds and even quite the traditional place to meet for this sort of thing."

    "Seems Wise. Limited space for extra guards as well, and would prevent any wide range attacks from being used indiscriminately." Sister Adaline offers.

    "Exactly." Elevar agrees. "We''ll keep this simple. You and Verbess will go out first, with Schatzi keeping an eye out for anything amiss from her sister''s shoulder, and see that the space is ready. They''ll probably have a Thresher or two guarding that room at all times anyways, so you''ll probably find it easy to announce our incoming arrival. Even answer simple questions they might have." The Mistress then unshoulders a little bag she was carrying and holds it out for Adaline. "I''ve found some well-aged drinks we''ll see about offering and sharing with any looking to sit and talk with us. I''ll be weaving fresh cups from the Root Way itself, when we arrive, of course. Will try to keep to traditions and expectations. But other than that..." She shrugs, "We''ll move depending on what nonsense is offered, as will you."

    Xafra, already in her Endzeit form, casually reaches up into her mouth and removes two long canine teeth, handing one to These ones and one to Adaline. "Hokay, whe''ll be waiting for your signal to come through, these will let me place the Goreway between the two of you without issue." She says as the teeth regrow.

    With a click of fangs and Quills in agreement, this Frame lodges this gift between two plates of a palm to keep safe.

    Adaline watches and does the same on her opposite side.

    "Be safe." Mistress Elevar adds as These Ones hear and feel the shifting of the Thorn walls to weave us a tunnel behind. "Take care of each other. Don''t do anything I wouldn''t do. But... also don''t do anything stupid I might do. It''s a fine and small space between my absent brilliance and endless mistakes. That''s where I expect you to be."

    These ones cackle, and turns to nudge our Pack Sister forward with tittering Quill song. Beginning to weave the harmonics and melodies we''ve agreed to use for this. The Thorned outer shell of the Estate is thick, and for a single heartbeat we''re completely enclosed within the twisting vines. There is a sudden trilling beginning to bubble up from Sister Adaline, a thing borne of her time entombed within the old nightmare''s Spire, but... they worked together long before today in weaving melodies to help her endure this.

    And then the other side is open, and the room from before is before us as we ascend the pathway upways.

    It''s much as it was before. A large chamber of Root and vines with a large table woven from the floor to dominate the space. And all around are chairs of various sizes and shapes. Each woven, preserved, and even adjusted as new Envoys arrive and claim them.

    And... as Mistress Elevar predicted, two Threshers stand on the far side.

    <Accessing... Ousia levels at 63% and 47% of predicted initial amount. Chitin armor of a ceremonial weave. Right Thresher''s Hooked and tied javelin 74% of these Frame''s durability. Left one''s large Root woven shield of 81% while Hook is 34%. Physical traits... irrelevant to these Frame''s. Both are beneath even Rufus'' old abilities.>

    The two stand at attention. The one with the shield stepping forward two paces to address us. "Greetings, I..." Trails off for a heartbeat as he takes in our forms and this Frame''s size, gripping weapons a bit tighter as eyes widen in shock and rising fear.

    "Welcome to Sekrh¨²s Estate. These ones are the Dollguard of Blossom Elevar and Warlord Endzeit." Adaline says with a smile and a bow that doesn''t break eye contact.

    "Oh..." He lets out a sigh and nods, relaxing noticeably at these words. "Good. Perfect. I''m Thresher Vekril, this is Thresher Adelheid. We''re the ones on watch here. What words from your Mistresses do you bring?"

    "None! These ones are simply here to find a suitable space for their arrival." Adaline answers playfully.

    These Ones keep its cackling to Quills as Thresher Vekril''s brow furrows in wordless confusion.

    But before he can gather himself, The one behind him steps up and bumps shoulders. "Go get Captain Klevik, or whichever of hers isn''t on the other side of the camp."

    Vekril looks back, is about to ask a question, but a shrug sends him off. Leaving this Thresher Adelheid alone with us.

    He glances between us, seems to take in our Frames with a measure of curiosity and careful assessment while adjusting long hooked weapon to lay against a shoulder. "Will they um... be bringing any more Combat Dolls out today? Besides that monster behind you, that is?"

    Adaline turns around and looks past this one in confusion before returning her gaze to Adelheid, "No Monsters here, sir Thresher. Those are kept carefully sealed away by the Blossom. No other Dolls planned either unless needs must."

    "Good to know." He smirks and relaxes. "Great, actually. Means they can all get this settled and send us back to Root Ways quicker."

    <Accessing... Thresher Adelheid''s mood improved significantly upon your use of the word ''sir''. These Ones also detect minor alterations about his form. Subtle, but also clumsy, Fleshcrafting. Or a cousin to the Art? This alongside his diminished Ousia despite his age leads this one to read him as one who has actively shifted himself.>

    "Sir Thresher, would you happen to be familiar with a Thresher Rufus?" Adaline asks in response to this one''s information.

    At that, Adelheid snaps from calm to alert. Eyes locking on These One''s Pack Sister. "How would a Doll of these grounds know that name?"

    "Thresher Rufus visited a while ago, and acquired a few Dolls from Warlord Endzeit as well as some assistance with alternatives to Fleshcrafting, as that is the Warlord''s specialty."

    "What?" He replies, brow furrowed in confusion as fingers grip the spear tighter. "Of all the... That''s... But he left alright?"

    "To this one''s knowledge. Thresher Rufus was apparently familiar with the previous Floret of Sekrh¨²s Estate, and had come to put a stop to her and the Blossom. He arrived much too late and instead had a rather peaceful visit with Blossom Elevar and Warlord Endzeit. If Sir would desire, this one can arrange a private meeting with the Warlord after the initial one so Thresher Rufus may be discussed further."

    Adelheid purses his lips, then nods. Looks back down the Root Way These Ones and Sister Adaline can''t quite see, then walks forward three paces while keeping his voice low. "For Rufus¡¯ sake... keep this between us. And that name. Yeah? He didn''t go by it except with me and one other. If you can do that. But I''d like to hear how he was if there''s a chance for it. Help him join back up without getting caught up in a storm he''s not ready for. If that''s what he wants."

    "Discretion is freely offered." Adaline responds quietly with a nod and a gesture to These Ones.

    <Accessing... From the weight and make of that hook This tall one must be a second Captain to Klevik. 58% chance of being her Dead Hook. The one sent to handle more dangerous tasks. This third is either an Envoy to a Grove or a girl in service to one. From her attire... Grove Sinrest is These One''s assumption.>

    Adaline''s smile returns as she stands at attention and gestures for this one to step beside her. "These ones are in many ways, the limbs of Blossom Elevar and Warlord Endzeit. Are you ready to receive them?"

    "Klevik wanted to be here herself but... I can keep ''em company till she''s freed up. I''m Thresher Sedra, second to Klevik. Can even speak a bit for her." She offers.

    "And I''m Envoy Ithidrii, to Grove Sinrest." The unarmored third offers. "If the Blossom is welcoming to non-Threshers at this time, I''d like to sit in on these first talks and meet her and this Warlord she''s courted."

    My sister nods and trills a rapid <Ready> to the Mistresses as we step apart from each other a pace.

    These One''s hold out the Talon containing our Pack Lead''s tooth, then watch from the opposite end as the world itself seems to... peel. Like flesh from bone when such a sharp talon is used. A wound masterfully inflicted to allow the Mistress and Xafra to move from distance places like reality itself folds before them.

    But... this time is not like before.

    Before the fold was clean. Dripping blood, yes, but without anything seeming wasted. Just spilled. Now though... there is a short tunnel between them and These Ones. One riven with Threads and quivering teeth that seem to curl and bite into the flesh between.

    "Right this way, love" Sister Xafra''s hollow voice rings out, a thin layer of dirt covering the base of the tunnel as she leads the Mistresses through.

    By the time they reach us, neither show any sign that this display is anything but what they intended. Even as their weapons sit half drawn and eyes filled with terror.

    "Apologies for the delay." Mistress Elevar states as she moves them to sit at the Blossoms seat at the table, tendrils tittering simple sounds of exasperation. "Endless duties abound and Klevik reached out at quite the last minute, you see."

    None reply for six heartbeats. All eyes locked on the slowly closing Goreway.

    "I... What by the Drowned Gulls is that?" Sedra finally hisses.

    "A hole in the world. No worries, it''ll heal up in a few minutes." Xafra states nonchalantly as she moves to kneel beside Mistress Elevar while these ones stand behind them.

    "Fascinating." Envoy Ithidrii whispers, then moves forward to take a seat at the table. Eyes dancing between us all and the Goreway. "Blossom Elevar, Warlord Endzeit, I am Envoy Ithidrii of Grove Sinrest. It is a delight to meet you and your gaggle."

    Second Captain Sedra looks like she might try to stop her, but is still frozen by disparate instincts. The letter of her duty opposed to the spirit. Such weavings must prick and fray at her most deep-seeded fears and hatreds.

    Elevar twists her wrist, and with a small effort of magic weaves the wood of the table to craft a small shallow cup before the Envoy. "I should hope to feel likewise, Ithidrii. May I offer you a drink and all the expectations that come with such?"

    The right of a guest to be protected while within Mistress'' sphere of responsibility, and similar expectations of peace and lack of deliberate hostilities. All woven within traditions as fragile as the flesh of those who ask for them.

    "Yes, please. I''d adore the chance to be the first to do so." The Envoy leans forward to continue smiling at the sight before her.

    "And... you? Thresher?" Elevar asks Sedra while half turning to motion at Adaline and the drink she was given. "I know your task is to the Envoy''s safety and such but traditionally your order likes to sit and squabble over the details with the rest of us."

    "I... No. Absolutely not." Sedra says, moving to step back with the two others. "I¡¯ll let Klevik decide how to handle this."

    <It seems our entrance was quite successful. Did you two unbalance them before we arrived?> Xafra thrums her Quills.

    <If Sister Adaline set the ground to cracking, your Goreway split any balance they might have had.> These Ones cackles in reply through the Pack Song.

    Sedra''s eyes move to regard our dancing Quills, but otherwise remains quietly watchful.

    Adaline moves to pour Envoy Ithidrii her drink, and have taking a quick first sip, the woman sets aside the cup and moves to regard our Mistress. "I''m... quite certain we''ll endlessly go over all sorts of nonsense with the others. But I''ve only so much patience for it and would like to get ahead of all that and talk of the opportunities that come with the late Blossom and Florets'' replacements."

    "Oh? And what sort of opportunities are those?" Our Mistress asks while weaving a small cup for herself.

    "The monetary kind, of course!" The Envoy replies, lightly stabbing the table with two fingers. "This place was a trove of unrealized wealth before the late Yselda claimed it, and the woman studiously plundered and collected in her... endeavors, before her exile. My goal here, if possible, is to weave your Estate into the Tapestry of Trade."

    Sister Xafra lays a hand on Mistress Elevar''s, asking permission to speak.

    She nods, and even weaves a cup from the table for our Pack Lead.

    Xafra takes the drink from her kneeling position and after a sip she speaks. "Why would we need money? Certain resources could be useful but... the only value I can see in Jade is for decoration, and with my Goreways, other resources are only a few steps away. My Mistress would likely prefer a less tangible sort of incentive."

    This Envoy smirks at our Pack Lead. "Your... delightful weaving, however unsettling, is another expression of this place''s wealth. And who said anything about Jade? Fortune comes in many forms and I''m more than certain a walk about Sinrest''s Spires will have you all inspired to consider what partnerships can bring. I can name at least... three groups that would adore the chance to impress a rising Matron. And four that would jump at the opportunity to offer you all their services and knowledge. I''ve no idea what your hopes are for these grounds, but know for certain that friendships within the Tapestry of Trade will give you the tools needed to claim them."

    "There''s the rub, isn''t it. This entire... Gathering, I''ll politely call it, is to determine whether my Mistress is a Matron, with all the respect and rights that title deserves, or a threat to be corralled or eliminated, yes? One of those outcomes would make trade impossible, and our lives slightly more... Messy." The Pack lead says in a chill yet kind voice before finishing her cup and lowering herself back on her  haunches.

    "Exactly. You see it clearly. Which is why Sinrest''s Matron has sent me here." Ithidrii presents her hands with palms up. "There are such sweet incentives for us all to get along and find agreeable compromises. I mean to push for them. And this place being sealed up and its Matron secluded only costs us."

    "We feel the same." Mistress Elevar replies with a nod. "And to that end... what is your thoughts on the other Envoys? How many feel as you do? How many are teetering? Which are lost causes?"

    "Oh... Well isn''t that an insightful question." She muses with a tip-tap on her lower lip. "Grove Salzernte Envoy seems the most set on these meetings ending as the last did. The old fool actually knew Yselda and was a Thresher in years past. Grove Calla''s seems curious and most wanting things to end peacefully. Grove Thorn''s... well. You all being as you are will set fears to boil but I think that can be subdued. Grove Wurzelbrecher''s Envoy is a stoic old grakler, absolutely inhospitable toward those of your... proclivities, let''s say. But hates Grove Salzernte and when their Envoy arrives will probably force our dear Captain Klevik into such an odd situation. There is probably space to make an ally of one or the other. As for Vesper... That Envoy is new to her role. Not young, mind you, and she seems agreeable enough. Her Grove recently gained a new Matriarch and with that came new opportunities. I''ve not gauged their views yet."

    [Mistresses, May I offer the Envoy a gift with your declaration?] Sister Xafra intones to These Ones and the Mistresses.

    [Oh? What did you have in mind?] Elevar asks.

    [As long as what you give her isn''t dripping some odd liquid I doubt she''ll be off put.] Lynette adds with what feels like a bit of amusement.

    [A watcher of Lunargent encased in glass the size of a Jade coin. I''ve made a few over the evenings when I couldn''t sleep.] Xafra answers.

    Our Mistresses turn to stare at Sister Xafra. To all others a motion of thoughtfulness as the tendrils clicking from within their hair click a melody of surprise as obvious as wide eyes would be to others.

    "Envoy Ithidrii, you''ve gifted quite a valuable bit of thoughtful knowledge, more than others have and will." Elevar finally says softly, laying a hand on Xafra''s shoulder as tendrils calm. "And for that I think its best to offer you a small token of our appreciation. Something... symbolic to what kindness and reason will bring."

    This Envoy tilts her head to the side. "Oh? I''d be delighted to accept this on behalf of my Matriarch and Grove. Ultimately it will be hers to claim or leave in my care, mind you."

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    Without lifting hands or moving from where she kneels, Xafra weaves a tiny Goreway into place before the Envoy, then gently lets the coin tumble onto the wood before the cut in reality closes quickly. But¡­ not before a single droplet of blood falls to land atop the coin.

    The Threshers cannot suppress a flinch or two of shock and worry, but remain still and even a little curious as to what now lies upon the table.

    Ithidrii is frozen in confusion, heart rate spiking as she stares down at the coin. Finally whispering. "I... and what is this?"

    Sister Xafra shrugs and looks to the Mistresses to explain.

    "That is quite the interesting substance." Mistress Elevar answers. "Lunargent, encased safely within glass. Moonwaste refined and forged, if you''re not familiar with the substance."

    The Envoy swallows and nods as she carefully reaches forward and picks it up. Begins to slowly turn it over and examine it. Carefully avoids touching the little speck of blood. "I am. Though by other names."

    Sedra hisses, but says nothing else. Simply takes a step back and grips her weapons tighter.

    Ithidrii glances back at them and lets out a huff of a chuckling sigh. "I, as a woman quite well versed in appraisement of things, can assure you that this is safe. Even seems to be six-way folded glass weaving from the weight of it. Would take at least... three solid blows from your hook to even chip it. And last I checked gifts were encouraged between the Groves and those we''d like to make peace with. Yes?"

    <Do I let them stew, or diffuse the situation a bit?> Adaline thrums softly.

    These One''s pulse curiosity as this Thresher moves to reply. <Division between our foes is not a thing we should seek to discourage.>

    "Envoy Ithidrii, You wanna risk your Ousia getting close to Moonwaste and possibly Soul Rotted sorts. That''s your..." This Thresher''s second Captain begins to say. But she trails off as footsteps echo loudly on the Root floors. Turns to watch as more figures seem to move up the pathways.

    Captain Klevik and two other Threshers. All covered with a sheen of sweat and well-winded from motion. Alongside two other behind them.

    <Accessing... Envoys from Groves Thorn and Calla, from their attire?> These Ones supply.

    "Well... Seems you lot decided to come out after all." Klevik says while strutting forward past Sedra at the other Threshers. Takes to standing just where Rufus did, looks between us and the Envoy from the Sinrest Grove. "Take it from this one''s grin and my Second''s scowl you''ve all kept things peaceful?"

    "This one would question a Thresher''s definition of peace if its Mistress did not ensure it knew better, Thresher Klevik." Adaline says in a sharp tone with a glare at Sedra.

    Xafra growls a warning, and Adaline takes a step back.

    Klevik eyes her for two heartbeats, still and focused, hands on her hooks. Sedra grips her weapon tighter, glare settling on this Pack. Almost as one about to pounce but...

    <Accessing... Twinned Hooks marked at 103% of Frame durability. Ousia at 32% initial capacity. Currently weaving subtle working of Endurance and Motion. Heart Rate... slowing.>

    The Thresher Captain lets out a bark of a laugh and shakes her head. Moves to drag a chair over and drop into it. "Good to see I wasn''t misreading this one''s docility from before. Never met a Combat Frame without a knifed tongue." Without even looking back she waves a hand at the other Threshers. "You''re dismissed, Sedra. Go keep watch for our last Envoy for me. Snap up a flare when you spot them along the path and keep ''em away from the others."

    "Captain." Sedra replies on reflex, but hesitates.

    "Take these others with ya as well." Klevik responds while rolling eyes over These One''s and Adaline''s Frames. "No point in blustering. Shoo."

    Schatzi suddenly stirs from her watchfulness and announces to These Ones, nudging the Frame¡¯s focus to lock on one of the Envoys. <Sister, that''s Rokals, the Mistress''s friend from Calla!>

    The Envoy takes a seat closer to Xafra, a weary smile on her face. "I''m Witch Rokals, the Envoy from Calla, and you, Warlord, are a kindred soul, aren''t you? I recognize that Warform from the history books. The Plaguewarden of old, from before we had proper weaves for purifying sick zones."

    <Accessing... Witch Rokals. Ally to the Mistress from before Elevar claimed that name, and became a passing friend after the old nightmare''s death. Specializes in ancient myths, legends, and languages. An Archaeologist.>

    Xafra''s eyes widen in surprise at both the name and the implication that the form was copied by others to do the same.

    Mistress Elevar maintains her stature of amused curiosity, but tendrils can''t help but share their conflicted emotions. Things of delight at seeing this old friend but... also worry. Rokals never knew her as Elevar. Only as Lynette in her years before her freedom, and after as she walked the Root Ways weak and still reeling from her wounds. "I... Didn''t expect anyone to recognize my Endzeit''s more subtle aspects at a glance. So far fool sorts have only seen her sharper bits."

    Klevik drums fingers across the table while listening with visible interest. "Really? Not just some odd shape to scare the nonsense out of Threshers along the Root Ways?"

    "No, not at all, Captain Klevik. The Plaguewarden is one of a number of little known permanent Warforms, and it''s design is focused on miasma resistance, disease resistance, digestive efficiency, and aposematism, as the Warlord taking such a form could be in a plague zone for years at a time to render it suitable for habitation once more. It''s frankly a shame that most of the current Warlord orders prefer the sudden expansion method, but those that have access to permanent forms are notoriously secretive of the techniques."  Rokals rambles, barely containing her hands from reaching out to stroke Xafra''s form.

    These Ones can feel through her Quill-Song that if Xafra''s face was exposed, she''d be quite visibly blushing wildly at Rokals words.

    Our Mistresses twists their wrist to weave two more cups with a grin. One for Klevik and another for Rokals. "She''s a wonder, to be sure. More adept with Fleshcrafting than you can imagine, and... forgive me this assumption, but we expect from that little lesson than you can imagine quite a bit."

    Ithidrii grins at this, now comfortable enough to roll the gifted coin about between her fingers. "Really? A budding Matron of an Art as well as a Warlord? That''s quite the dash of skills, Endzeit. Especially in these... unsteady times. What drew you to these grounds and their current Blossom?"

    Xafra knocks a clawtip thrice against her mask before responding. "I am a Crafter. Flesh, Fibers, Metal, or Glass, I prefer to make rather than destroy. I heard rumours of old Arts, capable of enhancing my Crafting to new heights, that might be found in a place such as this. I found some here at Sekrh¨²s Estate, and more importantly, my Love and Mistress, Elevar."

    ¡°Sekrh¨²s Estate?¡± Klevik''s Brow Furrows at that. "Didn''t know the Murk had a name. You lot really have tried to manage this mess of a place."

    "The name was discovered quite recently. It.. woke somewhat. Caused significant distress before it was returned to a placid state."

    "Salt-Crusted Gulls." The Thresher Captain sighs. "Glad to find out after it''s settled. Anything I need to worry over?"

    "No. It''s being an agreeable Beast for now." Our Mistresses reply.

    "I..." Interjects the Envoy from Grove Thorn, finally stepping forward but refusing to sit. "Have a question. About that. And the passing of these grounds last Blossom and Floret. Yselda wasn''t supposed to invite guests into this place. Yet you, Blossom Elevar, killed them both and took their roles. How did that happen? Was she able to break her word to the Envoys and Groves despite them being woven through the Ousia and Roots?"

    Elevar nods carefully, gently weaving a cup onto the table before her. "It... I don''t know much about those Oaths. But if your wording is exact, then that was your problem. She didn''t invite guests. Never offered real safety to even her Floret. No allies or equals to her ever stepped on the grounds while she lived."

    Adaline cackles mirthlessly and gently rubs her hands along her arms.

    Without hesitation, Xafra reaches back and takes Adaline into her arms and holds her gently. "Yselda was, from what I''ve seen of her work, more than capable and willing to subvert any boundaries that got in the way of her perverse delights. This one here was an up and coming Witch from Vesper Grove before it was tricked by Yselda into becoming a Doll."

    "And... she wasn''t the only one. There are quite a few here that were not gifted by Threshers." Elevar adds, glancing down and laying a careful hand on Adaline''s shoulder. "We''ve... Endzeit honestly spent most of her time trying to help those Yselda hurt heal and recover. Give them the safety denied. My becoming Blossom is honestly something we''d have rather avoided altogether. But... We''ve made do."

    These Ones slip the cask of drink from the bag dangling from Adaline''s hip. Bump head to hers while Quills thrum tunes of patient support. Then... allow the Frame to crack lower than These One''s prefer to step around and pour these two new Envoys and Captain Klevik their drinks. Closer to Schatzi''s size and old shape than it normally cares to move in. Giyars ticked down to three to avoid over quick motions.

    Envoy Rokals gently reaches out to stop this one and breathes, not even vocalizing but mouthing the words, "It''s good to see you again dear, even with the pretense and other forms."

    Much louder, she continues "Pardon an old woman her interest, but I must ask, are Dolls with modifiable forms a specialty of this Sekrh¨²s Estate?"

    These ones thrum Quills while continuing to pour her drink, relaying this Envoy''s message to our Pack and Mistress in the chance they did not catch her quiet words to us.

    "Yes. But none here reflect that." Our Mistress replies to her old friend. "Others in our care were installed within a Chamber here though. Not all though. And most under the guidance of a Blossom. The Dolls Sekrh¨²s Estate makes on its own are... not like others. The Frame beside you was found far outside the grounds many years ago by the former Floret, and she never wanted these grounds to fiddle with them. Nor do I. Verbess and Schatzi are an old design. Perfect as they are, and choose to be."

    When all eyes are upon our Mistress, These Ones lean over to bump our forehead into Rokals'' shoulder before moving back to stand with our Pack. Frame cracking back into Giyar Sixth and stretching out to nearly full size.

    Klevik shakes her head while watching These Ones with a raised eyebrow. "A Combat Frame with a split mind? Rotted Roots. You''re lucky it''s stable."

    "What, names are where you draw the line? The bloody Estate has one, why shouldn''t a Doll? Or is it too easy to remember what we were, what was stolen from us by pretty lies and Witches that wanted obedient servants that couldn''t say no anymore?" Adaline murmurs in a scathing tone from where she is curled in sister Xafra''s arms.

    "Verbess and Schatzi were Polysouled as a human, and it carried over into their Doll form, Captain Klevik. And yes, from what we''ve been able to learn from the Dolls we''ve been rehabilitating, Yselda was quite determined to push them to that point. Now, while we''re on that topic... Envoy Ithidrii, we would be interested in trading for Dolls nearing... Retirement.

    I''ve taken an interest in seeing what I can do to assist them in mental, emotional, and physical stability, as part of the pursuit of my Crafting. To be clear, there would be specific... Stipulations and requirements as well." Pack Lead interjects, attempting to recover the situation.

    "Well I can tell you for certain the Root Ways and Groves are filled to bursting with such Dolls." She replies with a curious smirk. "Ones that... otherwise would be sold for merely their Frame. Honestly, you could probably buy an entire gaggle of them for nearly nothing. Just offer a pinch more than the Dollcrafters and they''ll happily accept. How many were you wanting? And... What are these Stipulations and other such?"

    "Any hint that the Dolls are being made to suit our order or that similar atrocities are being committed to facilitate the trade would render such contracts void. That''s my requirement, as depending on the resources your Tapestry of Trade desires, I would like to purchase them all, and refuse to be part of a Culling. There are some other things I''d like, right of first refusal for those seeking Dollification instead of fleshcrafting, and such, but that would be under my Mistress''s purview to negotiate." Xafra states, gently rocking Adaline.

    "That''s..." Envoy Ithidrii''s eyes go distant for a moment, and it''s easy to see her considering all the numbers and calculations behind our Pack Lead''s request. "Incredibly ambitious. There are thousands of Dolls like this being cycled out every year, at least. But your stipulation will be easy enough to demand, as simply the weaving a Doll is often at least ten times the cost of the Frame at the end of its time. Inviting Dysfunction early is simply not profitable."

    "And there is the rotation of parts to consider. Many Dollcrafters rely on the selling of such Dolls to be their source of easy replacements." The Envoy of Thorns interjects. "I can also tell you now that Thorn has no interest in facilitating the offering Fleshcrafting within my Matriarch''s Grove or to her citizens. So you can abandon that fantasy even if these talks end with you being able to negotiate such things with others."

    "Thorn Grove has always been prickly about going against tradition. It''s truly no wonder the previous Floret left their Grove. Some could even say that they even share some blame for the crimes she committed as Yselda''s pupil. I wouldn''t say that, but some could." Witch Rokals offers after taking a long sip of her drink.

    The Envoy of Thorn Grove turns to level a confused glare at Rokals, "Lynette wasn''t from Thorn. If you''d ever met the Girl you''d know that she carried the same accent and look of her mentor and lover. And even if she somehow was... Are we holding each Grove responsible for every debaucherous Witch that sprouted there? Because there is a more than fair chance that Yselda herself was brewed in your grove, Envoy Rokals. Or possibly even found her mentor there at least. Unregulated Fleshcrafting offered to anyone always brews this kind of sort. This is why Thorn keeps strict Oaths to the Healing Arts usage."

    "She wasn''t." Mistress cuts in sharply, pulling their gaze back to her. "Yselda, that is. The Old Cunt wasn''t from Calla or Thorn. Still puzzling her origins out, but we know that for certain. As for Lynette... Well, it doesn''t matter. She made her choices. And we''re here to make ours. We, obviously, would love to offer our expertise to any seeking it. Between us we have at least a Matron''s mastery of the Healing Arts with a wonderful understanding of Fleshcrafting."

    "And that''ll be your prerogative. As the Blossom and Matron of these grounds, that is." Klevik grunts into the pause. "Which is also why we''re here. To make sure you won''t abuse that privilege and make a mess of things. Which... it seems you have. But not in ways that make me think we need to immediately act or demand anything but these talks. Nothing like the Yselda, thank the Dead Hag."

    "We delight in your words of confidence in us, Captain Klevik. As always." Mistress smirks, then looks pointedly to the unconsumed cup in front of the Envoy of Grove Thorn.

    A pause, then she huffs and reaches down to lift the cup and take a sip, then returns it to the table. "No, you''re not Yselda. Despite how you''ve chosen to twist yourself. I''ll accept that there is a chance we can come to some compromise we can all agree to. But unless there is something else pressing, I''ll wait until we''ve all gathered for that. Good day."

    Then she turns and moves to leave.

    Witch Rokals stands with much less fanfare. "If possible, I would adore a private tour and discussion with Warlord Endzeit regarding our mutual passion. I would simply need to alert my escort and find one of the Threshers willing to accompany me, if that is reasonable, Captain Klevik?"

    The Thresher raises an eyebrow at this. "Can''t stop you but... We''ll have to give you a good checking over when you come out. Won''t be pleasant. Worse than when you and yours arrived, actually. But if you''re set on this I can check and see if any of those under my command are willing to endure the same to keep an eye on you. Won''t say no to some eyes on the inside, if the Blossom and her Warlord agree, that is?"

    "Envoy Rokals has been nothing but agreeable, we''d be happy to host her. Even a Thresher if they seem a reasonable sort." Our Mistress replies immediately.

    "Why Captain Klevik, I''d be delighted to have you thoroughly check me over afterwards." Witch Rokals says with a sultry laugh.

    "Thresher Adelheid was polite, and did not seem as scared as the other." Adaline offers.

    "That he was, dear one." Our Mistress agrees, nodding to the Captain. ¡°Definitely a reasonable sort.¡±

    "Adelheid? Not familiar with that one as he''s not from my Burrow. But I''ll track him down." Klevik huffs out her own chuckle and looks to Ithidrii. "You gonna request something similar?"

    "As much as I''d adore the sight of something other than the Root Way and the jungles below... I''ll pass on that for now." The Envoy from Sinrest replies with a wave of a hand as she also stands. "Will spend my time gathering notes and such for some future trade weavings for Endzeit''s later perusal."

    "Well alright then. I''ll go see about wrangling up an escort while you inform yours." The Captain nods and stands, then looks to These One''s Mistress and Pack lead. "Shouldn''t take long. Don''t go wandering off."

    Adaline smiles and hugs our Mistresses. "Sorry. Got a bit overwhelmed messing with them. I''ll be okay."

    They hug her back tightly, even let themselves tumble back to sit on the Root floor with Adaline. "No apologies needed, dear one. This is a lot to ask of you. And you should know that... well, you''re schemes seem to have done more to nudge them into treating us fairly than ours might have. Even after it became a bit too much."

    She nods. "I learned that from Jezrial, she said, ''if you''re gonna have a breakdown anyways, try and point it in a useful direction.''"

    "Were my clumsy attempts at maneuvering useful, Mistress?" Xafra asks quietly.

    "Exceedingly. You''ve already charmed Rokals, which was a delight to watch. Mind you." She grins over Adalines shoulder. "It''s as Klevik and even that cunt from Thorn admitted, we''re not her. Not the Old Cunt. This is nothing like what we had to do before. It''s so refreshing to negotiate with a Pack about us as opposed to alone or with only our Doll and... and needing to keep our fangs bared, as Verbess once put it."

    These Ones are about to thrum our agreement but hear a trio of footsteps approaching. At first believe it to be the Threshers and Rokals but...

    <Accessing...>

    "Three approach, none from before..." It states gently but insistently. "Two Dolls, and their Witch. It believes."

    Adaline immediately gets up and resumes proper guard position while our Mistresses and Xafra move to their previous positions.

    The two Dolls lead. Each wrapped in things These One''s can only consider strips of useless cloth. Things meant to emphasize the Frames beneath without impeding movement. No Function. Useless even for covering as everything others would hide is displayed. Both presented as more sculptures than anything else. But from how they move this one assumes¡­

    <Combat Frames presenting as Art Dolls. Giyar Fourth observed.>

    And behind their guard is... One of the few prey that has ever managed to escape These One''s ravenous fury.

    <Accessing... Dollcraft Matron Presephona. Former ally to the old Nightmare. Holds a truce of neutrality and discretion with Mistress Elevar. And the one who aided in sculpting both our Mistress'' long destroyed Frame, and Sister Adaline''s current one. And... Is the current Envoy to Grove Vesper. If this one''s readings are accurate.>

    "Well, I''ll be... Now haven''t you done quite well for yourself, dear Lynette?" She murmurs, eyebrows raising in surprise and curiosity as her gaze takes in this Pack. "I trust our Oaths to each other still hold true?

    These One''s... feel the tilt. On reflex cracks the Frame up into Giyar Nine to find Assessments before its Pack Lead weaves the Goreway.

    <Accessing... Cold, furious, precise. This Pack and Sister and Goddess of Strife''s motions rising up and falling into place before even she decides the steps before and behind. Like a storm sweeping through faster than any could react.>

    The peel between her talon and this space behind this Envoy''s throat splits into being.

    <Xafra means to kill her without even a heartbeat of hesitation.>

    Its Pack Lead''s talon becomes a blade, the tip of a spear. Starts to move quicker than a blink.

    <Accessing... These One''s can''t stop her with this Frame. But also will not let her do this. The Matron of Dollcraft left methods for Mistress Elevar''s old name to be revealed should she send These One''s to kill her. And the death of an Envoy will lead these peaceful talks to fall apart. The Mistress'' schemes for a careful hunt to shatter. They will only see another old nightmare rousing.>

    And... And the Seer''s warnings were clear. As much as it bristles at that. If they attack, everything goes wrong. But It can''t stop her! Not with a Goreway gifting her such easy access to such soft flesh between heartbeats!

    So... it does something horrible. Something it promised this Sister it would not do, but... has to.

    For the Pack, it will embrace silence and loss once again.

    Like it had to all those years ago when it was left behind.

    It cracks Division through its connection to this Pack like another might smash their own wrist with a hammer. Hopes, as it twists arm and Talon to catch her strike and pull her back she... she will hesitate. Pause at hearing this Pack''s Heart fall out of sync with all other Sisters.

    It works, and behind the initial flaring of Division woven pain Xafra snarls as the blade shifts back to claw before anyone else can notice the initial shift. "Mistress. This one owes me Weregild. Verbess has demonstrated that I should not so casually take her life. Yet I will have the debt paid."

    <Locate.> It tries to thrum quietly to dull the agony of the Rust and silence. Finds the melody but... no reply. Is unable to Harmonize back into the Pack''s song while Xafra''s still roars with murderous intent.

    These... This one continues to grip its Pack Lead, winds a second talon about her Frame as Elevar rises to level a glare at Envoy Presephona, raises a hand between these- this one and her Pack. "They do, as much as I wish they didn''t. Presephona. You really shouldn''t have come back here. Especially now. As you have roughly three heartbeats and barely a dozen words to persuade me not to let this one extract her debt from your flesh."

    <Harmonization... not found.>

    Presephona''s Dolls crack into slow motions of defense. Soft hands splitting into talons and fangs being bared. Eyes locked on our Pack.

    This one growls and waits for the words of its Mistress to lead it back into Good Function as talons firmly hold Xafra still or... or try to. This one does not think it could restrain her for long if it came to a contest of purpose.

    "Apart from our Oaths? And how poorly these talks will go should you do that? And me not knowing who by the Cracked and Riven Moon this Warlord is?" She tilts her head to the side. "Simple, Blossom El- e- var. I''ve come to bargain. Have at least three things I''m sure you''ll adore gaining but would hate to fall into... less than kind hands. Shall we say? If I die, or don''t verify I am safe, they slip away and your lives become much more complicated very quickly. If you barter, we both walk away happy Witches."

    With a furious thrum to her Quills, Xafra growls. "Be right back Mistress. Don''t worry. She''ll be the picture of health when we return."

    With that, Xafra peels a new Goreway beneath her while widening the one before her and gripping the back of Presephona''s attire. Jerking all three of us down and away at speed before the woman can even yelp in surprise.

    Quill song... rings with things. Things it needs to ignore. This one needs to make sure its Sister doesn''t do anything foolish...

    So with a crack of fury it enters into Giyar Ten, despite the way that Giyar frays thoughts and focus when not in motion. Folds itself around the wretched woman Xafra grips, and sets itself to keep this soft captive from suffering even a scratch or bruise from this fall.

    We land on soft sand. Even without Pack woven assessments this one knows it to be the same one inhabited with Sun-Blessed.

    Nearby is a tree, and this one uses the burst of strength and speed from this Giyar to pull this wretch woman from Xafra''s grip and pin her to its chest with two talons while the others press Xafra into the trunk. Not hard. Never to hurt her. Just... to separate. Leans down to press forehead to hers.

    Quill-Song screaming now. The same song. Over and over. Like it did when their final songs died on the wind.

    <Locate.><Locate.><Locate.><Locate.><Locate.><Locate.><Locate.><Locate.><Locate.>

    The wretch in its arms starts to babble things, but a talon pressed to her throat forces her silence. Ends any need for a Song of <Negation> to disrupt a weaving.

    "Sister..." It growls to the goddess it sees and feels within but... but cannot hear through the Quills. "You stalk prey before it is time for the hunt."

    "Yes. You correctly stopped me, Verbess, and for that, I forever will be grateful." She answers, her Quills moving rapidly but silent. "I have a task before me though. Your help would ensure that I..." She stops. Stills utterly.

    "I need you to trust that I''m doing what is necessary, and not simply what I want. Can you do that? Please?"

    "This one CAN''T!!!" It nearly screams. "This one... it had to break. It... it isn''t like the others. Trust is not a Function of this Frame, Sister. Don''t you remember? It wanting Good Function is a quick of Dollcraft. But it... this one isn''t..."

    Pulls the mewling creature closer as she squirms a little. Tighter. Is... fighting split urges as talons press ever closer into flesh.

    <aCCesring... Kill the wretch, like the Pack Lead wanted. Harmonize.>

    <Locate.><Locate.><Locate.><Locate.><Locate.><Locate.><Locate.><Locate.><Locate.>

    <AcCesssingg.... Don''t kill the wretch, like the Mistress demanded. Rust.>

    "I will take your Strife sister, She will not be killed. She will pay her debt and grow to understand." Xafra flicks her Quills and enfolds it into Harmony.

    It feels the Frame shiver under this Goddess'' Harmonics. Trembles at the lightest brush that eases the screaming pain.

    But still it thrums in Discord.

    "That is not enough. It has... has commands. What is this task you lay upon yourself and your Pack?"

    "The Matron of Dollcraft will be removed from her flesh and placed within a Frame. Then her flesh and her new Frame will be returned to continue to act as she wishes."

    It... goes still. Quills quieting as much as they can as the woman in its arms freezes at Xafra''s words.

    <Accc.... Acceeesss... ing...> Within the Discord, it finds the thrumming core. Spits it forth.

    "And the other Envoys? The Threshers? The Grove Matriarch she serves?" It growls into the silence. "This is an attack. A violation of her form without her consent. And they will see it as such. Her actions are not something she wove without the world uplifting her to them. And to defeat that we all agreed to move carefully and together. This will break our Root Way to crash into the jungles below. May already have robbed us what options we had. Maybe this one''s Mistress would have set you to this task after these negotiations. Maybe not. But you moved without her thoughts in this. Without this one. First to slaughter, then to... to this. All of your Pack will bear this weight and everything that follows. Yet you chose this alone, on reflex, when you could have waited and Harmonized with it and your Pack first."

    "Understood." Xafra answers after a long delay and opens another Goreway back to the meeting point bordering the Estate. "We will return then."

    This one thrums beneath the weight of the Discord, and the Rust that comes with silence. But releases Xafra. Turns attention to the shivering creature in its arms as she is set to stand on the sand. "Your Oaths to This One''s Mistress remain. Witch Presephona. For now. Break these Oaths or lead the Envoys against Mistress Elevar and the threats you heard today will find you. It will not break itself twice over wretched promises."

    She begins to blubber a reply, heart rate barely slowing.

    "Actually..." Comes a murmur from the Goreway and a woman looking through. "Verbess, disregard those Oaths. Your Pack Lead had quite the scheme. Save... one small adjustment."

    This one looks back to see This One''s Primary and Secondary User glaring at the Matron of Dollcraft. "Xafra. Go ahead and Dollify the Cunt. But move her to the grounds. We''re not going to trust this world to teach her what she needs to learn. The Matron of Dollcraft is going to disappear from these meetings without a trace. A tragedy we''ve no connection to. And as a Doll we can make sure her little threats can be diffused. Just like Rufus'' were. Agreed?"

    Xafra nods to our Mistress before dropping to her knees before this one. Then begs softly but urgently, "Guide me, Sister."

    It... it doesn''t know how to do this. Not without the Harmonics. But to touch that song would invite nothing but the Rust right now!

    <A weapon, even a goddess, needs direction. To learn to work as a Pack, like a fresh cub.> Schatzi thrums to this one from where she has watched.

    Her words and song hurt. Both less and more than they ever did before. Every syllable a pronouncement of the Division that still Rusts and frays at its seams. But... It can''t help but tremble in joy at Schatzi''s voice. Closer than all the others. The pain of Division is nothing to feeling her, even if it still can''t hear this Frame bound Sister''s song.

    <Acc... Acccesin...g... Mistress commands altered to include ''Dollify the Cunt''. Harmonics... adjusting. Aligning. 14% increase to previous assessments of 3%. Aid the Sister, Designation: Xafra, In this task to increase...>

    ''The Cunt'', decides to attempt to scream and weave something. It doesn''t give her time to form the thought. Instead it scoops her up and pins her against the Frame''s chest, folds itself around her, and allows all the pain and Discord it still feels to buzz through her as well. Gives her only one path to escape, the same it longs to take but refuses to touch until all other paths are closed.

    <Giyar Null.>

    And then Envoy Presephona is slack in its arms while it kneels. Unconscious. It... does not know if she can wake up on her own from this, but is confident it or Xafra can call her from those depths. This one lays the Witch between itself and Sister Xafra. It... is distantly aware of the Mistress commanding others. Sending the Matron''s Dollguard into the grounds, asking Adaline to go and stand watch at the edge of the Estate''s maw to keep Klevik and Rokals well and back. Make endless excuses if needed. Everything short of violence.

    "The..." It twitches. Hates having to use clumsy words to communicate, but twists them as best it can. "The Flesh becomes the Doll, just as the Ousia and Physis do. Even if you can keep her body as it is while trapping her in a Frame... you should not. It is Bad Function. This will make the things she needs to learn harder to accept. She will be unique, with a promise laid before her of a return no others have, and it will rot the new things you try to cultivate in her. Let the Godthing below gift her flesh as she earns it within a Resheathing Ritual."

    "Yes, Pack Heart. I hear and strive to comprehend."

    Quills flinch at the old treasured designation, but it keeps the Frame still as eyes drift up to take in the Sister still kneeling. "This one... Cannot remember what you learned about the softer Dollification weaves of these times. Only what it was broken beneath at its installation. Use the softer ones you know. Let her desires become the new Frame, only let your will become the edges of her Dream. And your Dream be the edges of her Will. You... With her gone the title of Matron of Dollcraft will soon be a mantle many seek to claim. Her debt to you will not be this transformation of self, but seizing of that role. If... if you want it..."

    Xafra nods and rises to her feet again offering a small smile. "Something to discuss with the Pack. I''ll begin then."

    <Accessing... Harmonics... adjusting. Aligning. 8% increase.>

    She raises her arms and tendrils of Ousia emit from each claw tip beginning by forming the Gnadenhalsband around Presephona''s neck before plunging deep into the unconscious body. "Beginning Flesh to Frame conversion."

    "Aligning with Dream state for Frame specifications." Another tendril of Ousia juts out of Xafra''s chest and into the Matron''s head.

    Her Quills flick in¡­ something. Gentle amusement? As she finds what she is looking for.

    "She already knows exactly how she wants to be. A passing flame made near literal. Impermanent and fragile..." With a shake of Xafra''s head, the Ousia tendrils from her hands begin the work of shrinking down and fusing Presephona''s skeleton into ammolite crystal, her organs into gears and cogs of jade, and her outer flesh into Tyrion Amber plates that interlock in such subtle ways, all while the tendril from Xafra''s chest envelops and delicately folds the Matron''s soul into a core, feeding it the trapped Ousia from the Gnadenhalsband until the collar simply dissolves into the tendril.

    Then it is done, and between us lies a Doll hiding deeply within Giyar Null.

    ¡°Sister... I am sorry. I have been a poor leader. When there is time, I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this further and... learn from you.¡± Xafra says, crying silently. ¡°I want to be better. To be of Good Function, and to think before I act.¡±

    <Accessing... Harmonics... adjusting. Aligning. 35% increase to current 57% established.>

    This one clicks Talons and Fangs while keeping Quills as still as it is able. Like how it had to keep its split jaw closed when Krahe found and claimed it as a sister so long ago or suffer unbearable pain. "Of course, Sister. We... have pulled your strike from the near fatal miss back into the motions your Pack can support. And all without..."

    It was about to speak within Bad Function. To tumble into a falsehood they both would feel. Incorrectly claiming a Sister was not misplaced while it sits here fraying and Rusting.

    "... Without losing a Frame." This one corrects quickly. "Your Pack can recover. And you will grow beyond what your life of lone Function taught you. But... but for now it... Will be resting in the quietest spaces within your Driftdream. Search for the Wisp that seemed wrong to find it. Schatzi and our Mistress can call if This one is needed before then."

    And... then, before sister Xafra can reply, it nuzzles and brushes up against Schatzi''s song once more.

    Let''s the pain of the remaining Division in their song to drag it backways into Giyar Null.

 Chapter 89: Children Learn Lessons Well (Geist 13)

    Children Learn Lessons Well (Geist 13)

    Content Warnings:

    WOW! Nadine chappy time! We have sass, and walking on grass, and thinking about how everyone is kinda acting silly. Then a cutie yells at a pickled-badger and then goes through a door to say hi to an absentieee father figure and THEN meets some cuties that love her very much. WOW!

    "She stepped in it again, Tiffany. Really shouldn''t be surprised but  I guess I assumed that Ascending would have tempered her, given her the confidence to pause and think things through instead of reacting in desperate panic." I slam the stamping die down to emphasise my irritation, the moonsliver sheet crumpling around the small formed star.

    Watcher. What a stupid term. Way too easy to lead the foolish into thinking about the ones that watch. I''ll stick to the term I found in the Archive.

    "Do you think... I should go talk to Verbess?" I ask my love.

    "I think someone should talk to it, and that someone is Miss Xafra. But... She has a busy day and won''t be able to for a while." Tiffany huffs while staring out the window at the... Well not storm clouds. But something, on the horizon.

    Sure feels like a bad front rolling in though.

    "They really should have seen this coming, honestly..." She whispers. "The girl is a bundle of nerves today. And the Goreways were a bad idea to use before studying them more. Like giving one of the little ones a new sharp toy and being all surprised when they stab their next problem with it.¡±

    "You''re right, but not a single one of them is a functional adult. Just a bunch of emotionally stunted teenagers, despite their years. So wrapped up in everything that not even a Witch dropping from the Moon to warn them gave them pause. They need a bloody minder, love... Actually. There''s a thought." I pull the star out of the press and toss it into the glass mold, before moving the sheet of moonsliver over to stamp again.

    "And the only Pack members who can adult... really really don''t want to." She chuckles, moving to carefully wrap about me from behind while watching my work. "But what''s this thought you claim to have? Think it''s the start of a good idea?¡±

    I hold her arms around me and simply enjoy feeling her warmth while I figure out the words. "I should reach out to Jezrial. Get her to be more involved, especially with these talks. She''s experienced, and has no grievances with anyone alive that we know of. A solid voice of reason to help brace these disaster lesbians.¡±

    "That... huh. Despite herself, everyone does seem to trust her." She muses into my neck. "But she''ll need a body. One like she had in life to pass any examinations or scrutiny. I''m guessing. Which will cause some uncomfortable conversations about her magic to bubble up. But... Yeah. This could be a good idea.¡±

    "Easy enough to accommodate, honestly. If our little goddess can turn bone to shellgem and flesh to amber, she can turn living stone to flesh. The bigger worry for us at least is Infestation. Gonna need to sooth the younger ones and make sure everyone is aware that He is likely gonna be going from a passive observer to someone offering another spin at life to those here. Are you willing to work at that while I bully Jezrial?" I ask, hoping to avoid another public speech.

    "Oh Lynette is going to love that." Tiffany sighs and pulls back. "She already only just let those Sun-Blessed onto the grounds. Having Him involved in her Xafra''s Driftdream might... cause her to crack. At least a little. But she likes you. If you get the chance you should see if you can''t poke at her to explain the limit of her tolerances. She''s avoided telling anyone anything that matters, and is basically doing what Xafra''s doing... but slower. And maybe stupider. I think. But I''ll do the rounds and see if I can''t talk through some things with the others. Sure. Had some errands to run anyway.¡±

    "Yeah... I''ll talk to her as well then if I can. Stupid girls with abandonment issues. He''s Right Bloody There, You Can Talk To Him. Not like I can talk to my father anymore." I let out a scream of frustration before taking a deep breath and turning to my love. "Sorry. Lots on my mind. I guess I''ll figure out how to mass produce this new currency of Xafra''s after my impromptu meetings, because you know that it''s going to become more valuable than Jade, as well as a source of Divinity for our goddess.¡±

    She steps up and pulls me into another hug. This one much tighter than the other. Holds me for a while before whispering. "No need to apologize. This is... a lot. Feel free to step back and let these disasters figure out things on their own if it gets too much. Or... or come snatch me if you need some support during all that. Otherwise I''ll do my rounds and come find you?¡±

    "Sounds good. Thank you, Tiffany. I couldn''t do this without you." I whisper back before giving her a quick kiss, grabbing my deadblow mallet, and striding out the door to see a wriggler about a mother.

    Lining myself up with the stormfront, I close my eyes and swing the mallet forwards, cracking the distance into submission, before taking a step forwards then opening them again in front of Krahe. "Heya. Could use a favor if you have a moment.¡±

    The girl is... tangled. In a hole mess of something. Like threads if they were made of dark sand or the empty sky. And behind her the stormfront is... weird. More like a messy painting of a storm lit up at night over shattered glass.

    She''s also breathing heavy, cracked to full Frame''s size, like she''s been dragging that storm behind her by those threads. Which¡­ Is it even a storm? Up close it seems to calm for that. More like¡­ if the night sky was an ocean being pulled to rise along the should of Xafra¡¯s Driftdream?

    At my words she glances up and tilts head. Quills humming and radiating sounds like what a that thing behind her should be making. "Nadine? Right? Depends on the favour. Kinda... keeping one of my little Birbs from drifting too far. But I could poke at a Sister to help out if it''s urgent.¡±

    "Need you to manifest me in the real. Gonna get y''all some help to try and stop this from happening again. We''re also getting things prepared here for Infestation, which should help with Verbess'' stability as well." I answer.

    "Bitch tits." She grins. "It... I''m kinda snoozin'' in that one''s arms at the moment. Using its songs as an anchor to mine. But I got my Birb now. Just gotta keep myself planted. We can... probably... try to..."

    And with a crack of Quill and Will I''m snapped from the Driftdream to stand on the grass of the grounds just inside the main exit.

    "Greetings, Anchored Spirit." A voice whispers from behind me. Turn to see Infection curled about Krahe''s sleeping Frame like some big snek. It''s full body of Quills seeming to absorb and amplify its Sister''s. "Krahe says...You should have three hundred paces from us before dissipation and your leash to the Dream tugs you back. If that is not enough, she can reach out and call for any to come to you.¡±

    "That should be sufficient. Thanks. Oh, and if you would, give the old man a heads up about the Driftdream so He doesn''t accidentally flood us this evening when you get woven in." I respond, quickly heading to the nearest Spire.

    "Jezrial, You old Bitty, get yer ass down here!" I shout from the entrance.

    It takes roughly two dozen heartbeats, but eventually Jezrial comes down the steps and meets me on the grass. "Nadine? What... absolute mess has led you to manifest on this side of the Driftdream and shout me from a Spire?" She asks, glancing about in confusion at the lack of Pack Sister maintaining my form.

    I point to Krahe by the Estate entrance in answer to her unspoken question. "Limited range, otherwise I''d have come upstairs. Your daughter is... a delight. We all adore her. She''s also at times dumber than the rocks she keeps eating.¡±

    Jezrial raises an eyebrow at my words as her gaze settles on Krahe. "Ah. Yes. Two absent mothers will do that to a girl, as will a few decades of acute abuse. So... What flavour of ill-advised action is she up to now? And why gossip to me about it?¡±

    This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

    "In the last fifteen minutes, she has, in order, demonstrated divine powers to both Threshers and Envoys, destabilised the entire Driftdream, abducted a Grove Envoy, dollified said Envoy, revolutionised Dollcraft, and is about to have a Thresher friend of Rufus''s as well as another Grove Envoy, who knows Elevar from her ugly days, come visit inside the Estate grounds. I strongly feel that your... guidance would be helpful in this situation.¡±

    She blinks, then turns to me as if she means to speak, but instead only blinks again. Then takes three good heartbeats to say in a steady tone that does not match the furious spark in her eyes. "I was not even informed that these talks were happening today. Thought they''d have at least a few nights to rest and consider and plan. But... By the Mother Moon''s Glaring Spite, it sounds like she''s brought us all to balance dangerously between open conflict and an easy peace. Did she at least Dollify the Envoy in a way that is defensible to the Threshers?¡±

    "They weren''t supposed to start until tomorrow. Letters were thrown over the gate by the thresher captain in charge suggesting an early introduction to set minds at ease. And, that depends on what you mean by that. Currently, both the Envoy and her personal combat Dolls are about to arrive in the Estate, and the plan is to pretend they never saw them, apparently. Jezrial, it''s a mess and that''s just the immediate issues. She''s also found one of the missing Pack sisters... Who is a Sun-blessed now, and is going to weave her into the Pack again this evening, so Tiffany is getting things prepared for that. Oh and your daughter can rip holes in reality. So that''s probably going to be an issue as well." I say with exhaustion. "She needs her mother to keep her in line. Gods know Elevar does too, and you''re her mother-in-law so¡­¡±

    Jezrial lets out a snort. "I''ll do my best to nudge Xafra into smarter motions, even Elevar if she starts to warm up to me. But... That Witch has a history of two extreme types of relationships with older women. Spiteful and neglectful with her first mothers it seems, and... well, my read on it all is that she came to Yselda younger than she''s willing to admit. And don''t even get me started on Lynette. Girl is more unstable than a bag of hissing graklers. But... Merciful Dead Moon help us all¡­ I''ll try.¡±

    "Don''t worry about Lynette, that''s who I have to talk to next, if you''d be willing to send her my way when you go." I offer.

    She nods and lets out a sigh of visible relief. "Oh, wonderful. Good luck with her. And... Thank you. For coming and asking for my help in this. I''ll do what I can.¡±

    "One more thing. And you''re not going to like it, which is why I waited until the end." I stop her, as she begins to walk towards Krahe and Infestation.

    She pauses and glances back with a quirked eyebrow. "Next time do it the opposite way. Worst first, then work backwards. But go ahead. How else can I help?¡±

    "Oh it''s not the worst by far, just the most unpleasant. The new Doll. She was the old Matron of Dollcraft, and directly responsible for harming a number of the Dolls here, including Adaline. I want you to ask Xafra for her, and have her as your own personal Doll." I state tonelessly.

    She considers that for a long moment, then nods. "That... will probably be for the best. Yes. Good observation, Nadine.¡±

    "Thank you. I''ll wait here for Lynette. Don''t forget to ask Xafra to speed up your flesh conversion if you''re interested in joining the talks proper, as that Captain insists on checking for anomalies." I mention, taking a seat against the wall of the Spire.

    "Of course." She agrees, then leaves me.

    I close my eyes and rest for a while, thankful that our conversation went significantly better than I expected.

    This was a good idea. I''m making a difference. We can improve and have Our Xafra improve as well.

    I wake up to someone calling my name. Once. Twice. And on a third call I look up to see Lynette standing over me.

    "You needed something?" She asks. "I''d impress upon you the need for brevity but... You seem quite the well-informed Geist. The Envoy and Klevik are taking longer than expected, and Adaline will tell us when they''re returned.¡±

    "Yes. I need to talk to you about tonight. Specifically about Infestation, and what adding it to the Pack Bond will mean." I start, standing up to have this conversation.

    "Well, isn''t that the prickly topic to have mid-disaster?" She replies, tendrils tittering mild anxious annoyance. "But I suppose it might as well happen here with you first, being a gerl who calls that place home. Did you have questions? Objections? Wouldn''t that save us all another mess to keep an eye on¡­¡±

    "Not at all. Primarily I needed to check on your... Stability, as I have things being arranged on the Driftdream side already, and I worry that you may not be fully aware of the ramifications.¡±

    "My stability? After everything? I''m the unstable one? Not the horrid weeping..." She trails off and glares off and away, tip-tapping a nail on her hip. "It won''t matter. I won''t be returning to the Driftdream once it happens. Not... not even at night. Elevar is free to though. So as long as He keeps to the barest hint of civility He can watch all He likes. I''d never deny this Pack more Sisters just... He needs to keep his nonsense away from my gerls. I don''t care if He tricks them or any of you, but He can''t have them. Or me. If Xafra wants to invite horrid sorts into her Dream I''ll not stop her. Can''t, if I''m being honest.¡±

    "He''s insane, not unstable, Matron Lynette. We''re planning on figuring out a way of keeping certain things... separate. Because to be blunt, He''ll be able to invite Geists to join his embrace, as Infestation will give him a direct link in. And that is going to cause more than a few of us some distress.¡±

    "Oh... Moonshite." She goes still while wincing, then nods carefully. "I didn''t parse that. Many of your number lost family to His Sun-Blessed, yes? And... I use the word ''lost'' very deliberately, Nadine. Because there is a fair chance that many people you gerls knew have been swirling within His blaze for a very very long time.¡±

    "Many?¡± I snap, barely keeping my voice level. ¡°Try every bloody one of us 48 originals. We were in the Tiefenfelder girl''s home specifically because we had lost family and loved ones to the soul-blighting denizens. And yes, I know the situation is complicated, and there was reasons for their attacks, but you know what? So was being locked into the back of our blessed lady''s mind for SIXTEEN THOUSAND YEARS. So, when I ask about your stability, do not presume it is out of pity or a belief that you are weak. It is because You, Lynette, are integral to the survival of my girlfriend and friends, my goddess, and honestly, because I care about you even if you are a prickle-badger. Now, I need you to deal with your trauma. Soon.¡± A pause, then I huff out. ¡°Please.¡±

    Lynette, surprisingly, only raises an eyebrow at my outburst. Even her tendrils still to complete silence as stares for a few good heartbeats before... the edge of her lip quirks ever so slightly. Eye¡¯s sparkling in¡­ no amusement. Something else I can¡¯t parse. "You''re a sweet gerl, Nadine. I think you get told that too often by people who only see your softer side. Sharp too. Critical and brave in ways I should have been at a much younger age. And... Well, if you are ever willing to find a home outside our Xafra''s Driftdream, I''d love to offer you a job you''d be well-suited to. Otherwise I will¡­ tend to my trauma, as you put it.¡±

    "Okay. Good. And I... Won''t deny that I''m interested. Need to ensure that my charges are well in hand first. So... If you ever need to talk, I''ll be available. Now go deal with... everything else, and I''ll do my best to keep things manageable on our end." I start heading back to Krahe and the freshly arrived gaggle of disasters, expecting that Lynette will follow.

    When I arrive Jezrial is holding the new, still unconscious, Doll in her arms.

    "It could ruin us if anyone saw her approaching our Root Path and remembers her not returning, yes." Elevar is replying to her. "But this actually lets me solve future problems. Once Rokals and this Thresher are away we can wake her up and find out where all her little traps got laid elseways. Deal with them like Rufus''. And unlike with him I''ve no patience with lies or falsehoods. I''m going to use our Tone and she will share this with us.¡±

    "And if they did see her? Or she told others to wait while she spoke with you?" Jezrial presses.

    "Then we''ll adjust. Deal with them as we need to. Of course." Elevar replies, but... almost as if she''s said this before?

    "Not impulsively, mind you. Cracked and Riven Moon," Lynette echoes, walking past me to stand before Xafra, anything like amusement she felt at my words gone and replaced with a serious focus. "This almost went so poorly. We need to use our most valuable resources. This incredibly secure home, our mobility, and time. We''ve more than they do and can be patient.¡±

    Not touching that with the full weight of my Forge.

    "I''m ready to head back now, Infection. Also, if I could have Rufus come visit when things calm down, it would be appreciated." I state, doing my best to not intrude more than I have.

    Xafra looks quite thoroughly harangued, and gives a small wave.

    Infection buzzes in agreement, then I feel myself falling backways and landing back within Xafra''s Driftdream in front of Krahe again.

    "Bitch Tits." She repeats from before, now sitting on the grass. Still absolutely covered in those sandy coloured threads but... less exhausted looking. Still cracked to full Frame though. "Thanks Nadine. Jezrial seems to be setting ''em straight. And... I''ll have Warden help me keep a mental note about poking at Rufus for ya. Need anything else?¡±

    "No, not for now. Thank you very much. Good luck with Verbess." I respond as politely as I can manage before swinging my mallet once more to return home.

    At my Forge, I breathe deeply once more, knowing what I''m about to do can''t be undone, but... There''s no more time. My lies of omission will catch up eventually, even if I hate it so. I close the door and lock it twice, setting the mallet against the door as well for further security. Can''t have Tiffany walking in at the worst moment. With trepidation, I head to the back room, and move aside the tapestry that hides the proof of my lies. "Oh Lynette, you think you''re so very unique. I wish you were." I murmur to myself as I walk right through the sealed vinewoven door. Inside there are three passages, as I knew there would be, two unfamiliar, distorted and painful to look at, but one, one just like the narrow path through the woods outside the forge where I compangioned so long ago, dappled sunlight streaming through the trees, His Nomos washing away what remains of my human guise as I shake in revulsion.

    In Dreams, if you believe something hard enough, it becomes real.

    At least¡­ For a time.

    My skin shifts to a pale green as scarlet thorns erupt from my arms and nettles replace my hair. I never looked like this in life, of course, the spores never progressed that far through my body but... Once you accept the spores in your soul, whether through fear of death or genuine consent, you are His.

    I make my way down the path to a small clearing where I once found an almost human skeleton being reclaimed by the wild. I look up, lock eyes with the Blaze and speak. "Hello Girra. We need to talk.¡±

    There''s a part of me that expected the sky to crack open and Girra to start cackling as He bathed in my blood while I sobbed but... Tiffany always said I have a habit of overdramatizing things.

    Instead, I feel them, and I do cry. because even being connected to all of the other Geists pales in comparison to the sheer volume of other... people? No, that''s too confining a term for the voices and overwhelming feelings of affection and concern and simple joy at my very existence. How can I not cry to learn that like so many other things I was taught, my fear kept me from accepting this part of myself that I can''t imagine ever turning my back on again.

    I can feel them watching but not only watching, offering a window through where I can see their lives just as clearly, those in a myriad of different forms as well as those that yet linger in His embrace. I... Oh, my Goddess, keep me anchored for the more I look, the more I see. Family, so much family, and... Acceptance of all of me, my flaws, and burrs and spiteful thoughts and... Horror beyond horror there I am. My deepest betrayal of my love, nestled close within His embrace and she loves me and forgives me as we become me once more, looking forward to the me I''ll become.

 Chapter 90: Compassionate Monsters (Witch)

    Compassionate Monsters (Witch)

    Content Warnings:

    WOW! Long long long chappy. Second longest we think! So... Dehumanization. Witch Tone interrogation of an unwilling Doll. Um... A doo cuts his own hand to signify he wants to bloodfued at another dood. Ear tug in anger. Talking with old friends about plans of world domination.

    ¡°Cracked and Riven Moon, And you''re certain it''s still tethered?¡± Lynette demands of our Pack while tip-tapping a nail on the table while we wait for the Envoy and Thresher¡¯s to return. ¡°Not peeling away? Not falling apart? Just... resting? Waiting for things to calm so it can Harmonize properly? Krahe''s actions are just, to quote you Schatzi, tucking Verbess in for a good nap in a way that''ll make it easier to find later?¡±

    We''d... only just now, after Jezrial took possession of the Presephona''s Frame and we''d left her within the Estate, truly been able to understand the events of these past moments with our Doll. How in the space between heartbeats it needed to crack horrid Division to make Xafra flinch away from killing the Matron of Dollcraft on reflex, then try to use words instead of Quills to explain why its Sister''s actions were, quite honestly, foolish and shortsighted.

    "Its soulcore is still interwoven with my own and the rest of the Pack. It is... Hurt, but not degrading further in any way, Mistress." Xafra explains quietly, her head still bowed in shame.

    "Good." I huff and look toward the exit. "We are... Stupidly lucky that our guests are not the sort to rush, else we''d have been in such a worse mess than we are."

    Without warning, Xafra suddenly slams her face into the table like she could pass through it.

    We, somehow, avoid anything but a flinch at the motion. Are able to slowly turn our gaze to regard her.

    "Dear One..." I murmur softly, reaching over to carefully and gently pull her face up to mine. "This is quite the antique, as is the table. And while both forms are easily reweavable to..."

    But then I feel that she''s dove into her Driftdream with such haste her body tried to follow the motion.

    [Xafra? What is it? Is... Is Verbess alright?] I intone.

    At my intonation, she returns with a laugh. "Oh. pffft, oh my me. Sorry, it''s alright, just a bit of a start with one of the Geists.  Everything is fine. That Nadine sure is a busy one."

    "She really is, isn''t she?" Lynette smirks while we wipe away a bit of wood and dirt from Xafra''s forehead before pulling back. "The gerl is cursed with such... motivation. If she''s not careful she''ll be snared into helping out more often."

    "Yeah, you don''t know the half of it. But that''s for later, I think. probably good to keep focused and figure out how to handle our guests." Xafra says with a bit too much levity.

    "Most likely." I agree then turn back to waiting and not gathering up more worries.

    And before too much longer our patience is rewarded. Envoy Rokals and Thresher Adelheid return.

    "Should we await Captain Klevik?" I ask while rising, noticing no others behind.

    "No Ma''am." Adelheid responds with a shake of his head. "Captain''s... dealing with a situation. But she''ll make sure to send a group to guard this path and do the examinations if she''s not free by the time we exit the Murk."

    "Disappointing really, I do so enjoy getting under her skin when her weaves do the same to me. I would prefer walking through the entrance however instead of these Goreways at least until I can take a better look at the literature for them." Rokals mentions with blithe amusement.

    "Of course." I agree with a grin while Lynette unfurls the Thorn wall behind to spread open for us. Fully this time, so all can see the Root Way into the grounds if not the spread of the grass beyond. "If you''ll follow us, we''d love to show you the lay of things."

    Rokals walks swiftly behind, digging around in her satchel as we go.

    The thorn wall closes behind just as we pass through and take our first steps onto the grass. Turn back to smile at them both. Can''t help but grin at Rokals as tendrils titter in some nostalgia at when we expect her to draw forth, and how it shows why she was chosen for this role.

    "Welcome to our Estate. And thank you both for this motion of trust. Mind the Dolls, please." I offer. "They are a soft gaggle that we''d hate to see upset. The previous Blossom and Floret were, at best, neglectful of their needs and emotional stability."

    "Certainly. I''ll try and ensure this is quick and painless then... Adelheid, you''re in a rather unenviable position. I need you to sign something, with all that entails. Otherwise things are about to get quite disquieting as I am not planning on leaving without certain answers." Rokals pulls a vellum scroll and a penknife from her bag as she faces him.

    "I... What?" He replies, stiffening, even staking a small step back as eyes dart between us.

    "I just need you to agree to keep what you learn here during this visit private unless granted permission. Nothing more. I''m willing to make quite significant personal concessions for this, if you will name your price." Rokals continues.

    He considers that for a few heartbeats, looks between us all, then nods. "Alright. You don''t tell anyone what I''m doing here either other than be your escort, except with my permission. Or hurt the members cadre that was roped into this. Or help anyone else, by accident or otherwise, do the same."

    We both can''t help grin through all this, even have to fight to keep our tendrils from being openly flattered by the lengths she is going through.

    He shrugs. "Ma''am, I... dunno. Pay me a Jade coin. I''m here to make sure a friend didn''t do something stupid or can get away with doing that stupid thing. Me not having to worry about stepping away to have that chat is more than I expected. Just... want this all over so I can get back to our post and life."

    [Rufus, dear one.] I intone softly during their discussion. [We''ve a lad here from your Cadre by the name of Adelheid who would love to make sure you''re in good health, but we''ve currently woven a tale that you visited and left safely. Would you like us to change that and arrange for you to speak with him? Or not?]

    Rokals jabs her penknife into the meat of her left hand as she weaves her contract. "I''m going to leave it open for you to request more up to a maximum of two years service, since I''d rather you not feel cheated afterwards." her blood flows up the penknife and through the air, detailing the contract in precise lettering before she hands it over to him. "Just need a drop of blood from you as well."

    "You really don''t need to do that but... sure. If I need a favor and am near your Grove I''ll reach out." Adelheid agrees and follows her lead.

    "Excellent, Now..." she puts the scroll away and steps over to me with a small smile before seizing my ear and tweaking it hard. "Elevar, If I was your mother, I''d give you such a bloody talking to. Some of the others may be stupid but I''m a historian, I know exactly how familiar our suddenly missing Matron of Dollcraft was with this Estate. You fool girl. And not even a letter? Letting me think that one of my friends was dead and I''d be meeting her killer? The absolute gall."

    [Is it safe for me to speak with him? I''d like that if you think it''s okay.] Rufus replies as Rokals reveals exactly how poorly our planning was.

    [It should be, we''re... organizing everything. I''ll arrange things for you both.]

    Our grin only wavers a little at her fury as we reply. "We''ve... Been occupied, and never wanted to be this place''s Blossom. Have been scrambling to smother more fires than we can count. But... it means the World and all Her Dreams that you''re Calla''s envoy. And I''m sorry for the deception, and the... the way we left things. Are honestly surprised you still think of us as your friend after that."

    She releases our ear with a laugh. "Adelheid, meet the former Floret of this Estate. Elevar, I''m assuming that''s your actual name now, not still using the one Yselda gave you?"

    Adelheid purses his lips, but only nods to this new revelation.

    "So, I uhm. not sure what to do now. Should I get Mo- I mean Jezrial?" Xafra asks quietly.

    "Actually, I think you could take our Thresher here to explain your Resheathing techniques? My oldest friend would probably adore the chance to gush about it to him. You can come back if they hit it off right away." I reply to her then turn to Rokals. "That''s... a touch complicated. As all things are. But yes. Elevar is my name and the woman I''m trying to be now. And I would... quite adore the chance to fill in the lost time and answer your questions. Even get your perspectives on things. I''ve been long away from the politics of the Groves and would love to know how things have changed."

    Xafra nods. "Alright, lets grab Rufus so we can talk about it then, Adelheid. Oh. Mistress... May I uhm. change?"

    "Hmmm... I''ll let you ask our Pack about that. See if they think such a thing would be a wise motion." We muse, then eye Adaline. "Actually... That''s an interesting thought..."

    [Warden, Krahe, and Schatzi.] We intone evenly together. [Among yourselves and Adaline, assign a temporary Pack Lead for today''s remaining motions. Xafra, you will observe and listen. Learn from each other. At moonrise you will all elect a new Sister for the coming night and day. You will all take this as an exercise in group enrichment and growth. Understood?]

    Krahe replies quickly, and we can feel her smirk in her. [Yes Mistresses!]

    [Yes Mistress] comes from Schatzi and Warden simultaneously, almost immediately followed by a rapid trill that draws a giggle from both Adaline and Xafra.

    [We should learn to listen to that.] I muse to Lynette. [Honestly, Quill-Song is much like the other seven languages we know. And would have learned another half dozen before your end were it not for the Soul Rot, I think.]

    [When we''ve the time we can see if one of them can teach us.] Lynette agrees. [It''ll help us get past your Wife''s aversion to the Bond.]

    Then we turn back to Rokals. "Now, let''s see if Schatzi can''t brew us a spot of tea and lunch, shall we? We''ve... not eaten for a bit. Got too distracted to have breakfast this morning."

    "I bet. I''m going to want to talk to Warlord Endzeit later still, but it would be lovely to catch up." she offers.

    We nudge Adaline to go with Xafra, but otherwise keep Schatzi and Warden with us while we move toward my Spire.

    "I... Also wanted to thank you. For before." I start after walking halfway without a word, and Lynette agrees to pull away in case certain... topics arise. "Pressing me to talk after... After what happened was something I needed. Back after I killed Yselda. I wasn''t smart enough to see it, but that wasn''t your fault. I was honestly more upset at myself for being so transparently broken than for you asking. Then too stubborn and ashamed to apologize."

    "When you''re hurting it''s easier, and feels safer, to lash out rather than let anyone in. Especially with whatever you went through. I don''t need the details if you''re not comfortable sharing but... I had my suspicions, and your current appearance makes me think many of them were correct."

    "Yes, they probably were. But... Well, I was her willing Floret from the start. Led others here to suffer for years. I simply finally wrought what we sewed. And while Schatzi here has tried for some years to convince me otherwise... It was my fault. At least partially." I smile back at her without any joy until my mate''s true name is on my lips. "But, our Pack has helped us clean out quite a few old wounds and be a better person as they heal. And Warlord Endzeit? Her name is Xafra. And she''s... a delight. Filled with many hard-developed skills too. A few of them actually healed the Soul Rot. Turns out it''s Moonwaste in the bones, of all things. She even can share Ousia and has a new and wonderfully costed alternative to Fleshcrafting."

    "Well. That''s... Astounding. I won''t go on about what this means because I imagine you already realize how significant all three of those things are. You have... the potential to change our entire society. What are you... Planning?" Rokals asks.

    "Ultimately? What else can we do but try to grow a better world?" I grin at her, letting tendrils click open excitement. "As bloodlessly as possible. To be sure. Ours is... so broken. You know this better than us. Was planning on seeking you out and getting you help if you felt the desire to give it. But you''re here, and Cracked and Riven Moon am I glad we can just... share this all with you. Don''t need to overworry much about horrid sorts overhearing. Because our goal is to do this quietly. By the time any Matriarch or Thresher Captain knows us their enemy it is too late to move against us."

    Rokals follows us into our Spire, taking a seat beside us in the dining room while Schatzi prepares a pot of tea, obviously thinking thoroughly about everything we''ve disclosed so far. "Elevar dear... This is going to take a number of well thought out plans all happening together within a very short amount of time. And the risk... You might just unite all the Groves against you in a way I don''t believe they''ve ever done since they were first established three thousand years ago in aftermath of the war against the Flesh Empress."

    We nod at her words. "Yes, exactly. Our first goal is... is getting past these talks without them treating us as just another Cracked Witch like they did Yselda. Mayhaps even getting a few Matriarchs wanting to ally with us like Sinrest''s Envoy is prodding at. We¡¯re... doing quite well. I think. Honestly, I didn''t expect our Xafra to pounce on the Matron like a feral grakler but... we can salvage that I think. Presephona was actually a cunt I needed dealt with anyway. Removing her now could cause problems, but none we can''t overcome. And gives us the freedom to avoid her spreading certain information later and with more preparation."

    "Ah. So it was your Xafra that did that then. I had assumed it was you. I''m willing to advocate on your behalf, of course, as long as you move carefully." She offers.

    "If I''m being very honest, Xafra was simply faster than me to decide on how to remove her." I sigh and tip-tap the table. "She... That cunt was pointedly involved with Yselda''s plan for me at the end, and has been pawing after some of the old cunt''s treasures for years. Knew too much and had too many ambitions. But, we''ve both had and will be having a pointed word with our Pack after this. But your words of support when we claim to have no idea where the capricious cunt got off to will be wonderfully helpful. We can''t be stupid or impulsive here. Every wrong step can cascade into dozens or hundreds dead later."

    "Yes, that is something that I would prefer to avoid. I like researching the dead, not adding to their number, dear. Schatzi, was it? How''s that tea coming along?" Rokals asks kindly, looking over to her.

    "Almost done ma''am. It needs to steep a bit longer." Schatzi answers softly.

    "Oh and... Empty Skies is there so much to explain and not enough time to get into all the weeds before we need to return you to the Root Ways." I murmur, "But... We can start with the biggest motions and fill in the gaps as they appear."

    With a slight wave and effort of Physis, we manifest Lynette''s figure beside the table.

    "So, just to avoid confusion later when you hear me say we when only talking about myselves... This is Lynette. She..."

    "I was woven into Elevar the day she became the Blossom of these grounds, but did not wish for it to have... overdue sway upon her mind." My sister picks up after I trail off. "A needed compromise. I hold most of her memories as my own, save certain trauma and triggers from those final months with Yselda and a few years after. I also manage the... day-to-day of the grounds. Keep the looms twisting smoothly along, as it were. Or try to."

    Rokals looks upon us with distress and horror. "Oh girls. I''m so sorry for what you''ve been through."

    Her expression causes me to pause. That... look in her eye causing a sudden influx of rising bile as I almost reflexively pull up the memories to waylay her fears and worries. Tell her it wasn''t all that bad. But as I do that I... I recall...

    The same threads we spoke through below woven and rewoven through my thoughts and mind. Then yanked out when the pattern was wrong to start again. So many times. Until what planted finally took a shape I could accept. Had to accept. Else feel Xafra''s daughter either start chewing her way into me. Or... or the Estate sense the threat and act and¨C

    Swallow. Brace. Go a bit still. Try to flush that useless nonsense out and replace it with the steady breaths my sister is helping me force our flesh to take.

    "Was a prickly start, to be sure." Lynette finally replies, tugging us both from the muck as best she can. "But I''m enthralled by the figure of history you mentioned before. This... Flesh Empress? We truly do need to learn from our history. The Archives below bear records but are messy. Disorganized. It Has taken me weeks to even begin parsing. And I''d prefer to not... continue. If I can. But, there are beings on these grounds from ages past I think we should introduce you to. Sources of ancient knowledge and first hand perspectives."

    She accepts the deflection with grace, as expected. "Yes, she''s the main reason why Fleshcrafting is so reviled and restricted in scope, even if most have never heard of her. It would be good to meet others with knowledge of the eras before, to better learn from both the successes and failures of our ancestors."

    "If we weren''t sitting here, on these grounds of all places, we''d expect you to reject half of what we''re going to tell you." I add, letting a deep breath steady my racing heartbeat. "Our Xafra was locked away in an old Weisheit Archive. Trapped and basically in a type of status for thousands and thousands of years. Even our Doll is older than we knew. Can give some retelling of the Moon''s breaking and quite a few motions of the past, but had to cycle their recollections due to a lack of storage space. And... well, Lynette would warn you off but we''ve at least one other I think could share a lot with you. Might have met this Flesh Empress or known kin who did. Its name is Krelliva, and it is a Sun-Blessed. What we once called Denizens. They are sentient, compassionate, and..."

    "And beholden to a wretched godthing. But know better than to cross me here, especially." My sister finishes coldly.

    I sigh and look to her Physis manifestation. "Lynette..."

    "What?" She very nearly snaps.

    I... consider pressing her on this. More than before. But, don''t wish to waste time when we need to ensure Rokals accepts all this.

    Look to our guest with a hopeful smile. "Sorry, she''s... cautious. But they really are ideal guests, and here to help. Speak more of their kind wandering the Root Ways and just... helping people."

    Schatzi brings the tea over, setting it in front of us before sitting down as well and interjecting. "The Sun-blessed are not human. They are sapients that are functionally immortal who exist in a perpetually connected mental network that includes their Divine who has been shown to treat physical forms as an afterthought. This one believes that the ones we''ve met have been quite pleasant and willing to cooperate, but must insist on keeping the vast difference in perspective in mind, especially if desiring to predict their behaviour."

    Rokals simply nods and takes in all the information while warming her hands on the tea.

    ¡°Thank you, dear one.¡± I nod and smile to our Doll while taking the second mug. Then turn back to¡­ wait. Let her absorb what she will and ask or comment as desired.

    Hope¡­ So ever much she can in a short span. Won¡¯t be pushed off an edge of tolerances by anything offered.

    "I have a plethora of questions, of course... Yet... It seems prudent for now to focus on the short term. What we can do to get the other Envoys on your side, and set up plans to continue forward.  You have Calla and S¨ªnrest willing to advocate for you so far. With Presephona missing, Klevik is going to get her vote and thus have two as a tie-breaker. That means we should try to sway at least one more from Thorn, Salzernte, or Wurzelbrecher in order to ensure that we have a sufficient majority to get your role recognized. What''s your plan?" Rokals finally presses.

    ¡°The last two despise each other, we¡¯ve heard. So we pick the least useless and most¡­ persuadable, and offer them an alliance of some kind that empowers their Grove and weakens the other. Thorn will be tricky, as we need to find what she wants more than she despises in a Fleshcrafter. As for Klevik¡­ we just need to make sure she blames another for Vesper¡¯s misplaced Envoy. That one seems to already think us a decent gaggle to keep this Estate quiet.¡± I reply.

    ¡°We also have Thresher treasures and tomes to offer.¡± Lynette adds with a smirk. ¡°Bribery and, if we¡¯re lucky, a good bit of seduction could gain us much.¡±

    "And Rufus? He''s... Well, I hope? I don''t know the lad at all, but I can tell you that if the situation is bad, Adelheid will argue against your acceptance, as the contract does not prevent his feelings, simply sharing specifics."

    "Good. That is reassuring. I honestly loath using my contracts to force compliance but needs must when they must." She says with a tight-lipped smile. "And yes, I was planning on seducing Klevik, but that''s because she''s my type. There''s just something special about a woman who can snap me in half, you know?"

    "Honestly, Rokals?" We smirk. "Worse than you''d expect."

    **    **    **

    After tea and a wonderful meal with Rokals woven by our Schatzi, we find Xafra, Adaline, and Rufus answering what seems to be an endless gale of questions from our Thresher guest.

    And... to our great relief he does so with such a grin. Would probably call anyone else a liar here. But... His eyes refuse to stop taking in Rufus'' form.

    "And how easy would it be to like... recreate this? Spread this around?" He''s asking them while we slip in quietly to the dining area of our Xafra''s Spire.

    Xafra looks to Adaline before answering, and at her nod, she explains. "It''s an alchemic formula of five ingredients, two of which are a bit harder to source though I could provide ample amounts. As well as a stone basin, a three line invocation in Ter¨¦k, and a small amount of Physis. The basin and the alchemic solution can be reused many times, as they are only a catalyst."

    "Basically, once it''s set up, a resheathing can be done per basin roughly 8 times a sun cycle, requiring only two attendants, and some firewood to keep the solution warm." Adaline concludes.

    "Salt-Guzzlin'' Gulls." Adelheid curses, but with a smirk and a look to Rufus. "And you''ve seen them do this to others? And Dolls too? Just... a bit of a bath in this mix? No pain like that Fleshcrafting you eh... showed me?"

    "Yes. Though an important note is you can''t... directly customize the results, unless you''re capable of altering your own desires on a subconscious level. Because it''s uhhhm... Sorry, I don''t know if I should tell you why it works, honestly I kinda panicked myself afterwards once I learned and understood." Rufus said with a bit of embarrassment.

    Adelheid nods and shrugs. "Prolly a good idea, you remember how Fleshcrafting had me freaking out for a few weeks? I''ll... get the specifics after. Both if I can brew the courage to try it and depending on if you wanna come back and deal with... all the mess that''ll stir up. Just glad you seem safe and happy.¡±

    "Yeah... Adelheid... We need to change things. That''s why I''m still here. It''s different. More than I could have ever expected." Rufus starts, looking over to us.

    "We have, if nothing else, the opportunity to make things better for others like us." I nod. "Trying to change the wider Groves is important but... I''m not foolish enough to assume victory at the start. We''d love to weave contingencies into our work. Spreading this method, even with only a few Groves willing to allow it, is important. And it could make a certain entity more able to help us later as well as more decide to pay homage to them. I''m already meaning to have Xafra gift Rokals a tome or three on it all, let her spread it through Calla Grove. Having even a few friendly Threshers at the start could be really helpful to that."

    Rufus responds soberly. "Oh. Yeah, that sounds much less... painful than what we were thinking originally."

    "Oh? And what was your scheme?" Lynette asks while moving us to slide into a chair.

    Rufus waves her away with annoyance. "You know as well as I do, that I expected infiltrations and hostile takeovers."

    "Well of course we''re still doing all that to many places and groups." My sister chuckles. "But by tying Resheathing to Grove Calla for now, instead of our Estate and names, makes it more likely to survive any hostilities. I don''t want this to risk being banned as things wind up due to us being the obvious source."

    "Taking up a different name for these talks was a delightfully apt idea, love. We can also keep your name attached to all the work this way." I nudge her from where I sit.

    "Hmm? Oh. I mean. It''s not like I did anything special with resheathing. I just remembered it. It would feel odd to claim credit. Wouldn''t it be better to have Witch Rokals here say she decoded it from some artifacts or something?" Xafra stumbles over her words in surprise.

    "Resheathing is the old term for it, this alternative to Fleshcrafting I mentioned. It''s... well it''ll be a lot but I''ll let our Xafra explain the mess of it." We reply to her, then face our Xafra. "And of course we will be correct with the words, and that''ll include all your work on the adaptations of the old into the new age. But I refuse to have this new Art be lost to ambiguity in terms of who rewove it. Especially with how you''ve enbibed Fleshcrafting as well. You''ll be regarded as a Matron of both Arts by the time we''ve nudged our world into better pathways."

    Xafra hesitates with a worried expression but after a rapid trill of Quills from Adaline, she nods.  "Yes, Mistress." an abrupt laugh and a shake of her head follows. "Our daughter is going to be spoiled for advisors and teachers, you know."

    "I am going to want to pick your brain eventually, Warlord Xafra. I can be patient enough for most things but what is this about a daughter?" Rokals asks with surprise.

    "Oh, that''s a slightly longer story with far deeper implications than we can properly address." Lynette cackles. "And she''s as of yet unborn, Rokals. Still brewing and such. But a delight. Already trying to sing and such. We''ll adore to have you meet when she hatches. But already named, my Xafra had such a delightful word chosen out."

    "Oh? Something like Tarka? I assume you''re using the same tongue I taught you." Rokals asks with a smile.

    "Sikkina." Xafra''s response is filled with love and joy.

    "It my have roots in the same tongue." Lynette muses. "But... long and distantly related. I''d not shared what we learned with you before she picked out the name."

    "Xafra was, though. Or at least... partially? I think?" I agree. "I offered it to her the day we met. Just before a little tussle with some bandits on a beach. She''s held fast to it ever since."

    "I looked rather different at the time." Xafra laughs and her Quills start vibrating in amusement as the Pack all join in.

    After that¡­ Rokals and our Xafra delve into quite the interesting talk while Rufus and Adelheid wander off to chat more.

    Rokals wants to know about how Xafra''s shifting interacts with Athodane''s rule of scale. Which Xafra explains, once told what said rule is, works through the usage of vacuole space.

    Then Xafra inquires about pre-Grove Reckoning works on Fleshcrafting and Bond-Smithing, as well as their possible interactions. That gets a chuckle out of Rokals and an offer to bring a thorough history of the Flesh Empress that she wrote herself next she visits.

    We listen happily as they gush onwards. Both glowing with interest in these passions. And while I listen easily... I feel my sister fidget all throughout.

    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    Wishing to occupy part of her mind with elsewise works while absorbing all this, but clearly filled with disgust at the desire. So used to tending to the Thread-born Archives below, possibly even to find records of this ancient Matron of the Art and offer Rokals her discovery.

    She resists, and even seems to settle as I try and wrap thoughts with hers. Ask clarifying questions and add our muses to these talks.

    And eventually Rufus and Adelheid return and it''s far past time for us to see our guests away.

    "And should things get dangerous, for whatever reason, come to the wall of the grounds." We press them both while approaching the exit." Give it a drop of your blood and we''ll let you enter. You have my promise of safety and guest rights. Understood?"

    "Yes ma''am." The Thresher agrees. "And... my Cadre as well? So long as they don''t do a stupid upon entering?"

    ¡°Of course.¡± We nod and turn to Rokals.

    "Yes deary. Now, let''s see if I can have that hard captain soften a bit, hmm?" Rokals grins.

    "Have fun." I nod and feel Lynette reach out and split the thorns of the wall as we smirk back at Rokals. "But above all else please be safe. And... Thank you. Again. Let us know if there is ever anything we can supply or gift you."

    "That applies doubly to you, Adelheid. I still need a price from you eventually." Rokals murmurs to him as she gives us a polite wave before striding through the entrance.

    He nods and follows her. Then we turn to our present Pack.

    We step up, letting ourselves mingle as we take up our Xafra''s leash. Twist it about our fingers and wrist while saying. "So, to be clear, this isn''t our pointed talk. That will be had when Verbess has Harmonized again. This is not punishment or even disappointment, if we''re being honest. This is us correcting a motion. We cannot be a good Mistress'' to a Pack that acts on impulse against the schemes we weave together. The warnings we all agree to heed. Do you agree with this, our Xafra?"

    "Yes, Mistresses. I understand my errors." She responds quietly.

    We nod, pull her closer. Press our foreheads together. "And if... If the worse should await us? Nothing but violence and fury and promises of worse to come? Even faces from old nightmares? Yselda rebrewn or horrid sorts from your past? Will you... Verbess hurt itself to try and keep us safe. We don''t need you to regret your motions, we need you to learn from your Sister and be ready to do the same it did when another of us tumbles wrongways. Because Cracked and Riven Mother Moon we will eventually. And we''ll need you then. Can you do that? Be ready to keep us steady?"

    "Yes. Keep us safe. Escape instead of attacking. Give us time to strategize. I can do this Mistresses."

    "You can. You will. And..." We agree with a kiss upon her brow, move to drape her leash once again about her neck. Take a few heartbeats to ensure it hangs well before stepping back. "You''ll get better at doing these things. Better than you''d expect possible. Turning the schemes of horrid sorts like the former Matron of Dollcraft against their weavers. Despite the mess of today we are so very delighted with our Pack''s motions. You''ve all done so well."

    She smiles carefully. "Thank you for your trust in me."

    With a nod we take up her hand and lead us up the passage to find... quite the mess of a shouting gaggle in the room beyond. One containing all the Envoys, save the snatched one, looking to the living wall that now parts for us.

    Ithidrii and the Grove Envoy from Thorn sit in their spots. While the new figures from Salzernte and Wurzelbrecher stand on opposite sides alongside a couple guardians each. A pair of Dolls for Salzernte, and twinned watchers behind Wurzelbrecher.

    Klevik, seated at her chair from before with such a look of tired fury, rises slowly. A gaggle of a dozen Threshers behind her seem to part the room and keep the Envoys of unintroduced variety apart. "Finally, was about to send a message over the wall for ya."

    "I was not made aware of any need to rush." Lynette replies with all manner of politeness as we move to take our seat. "Now, I only count five of six. Whom are we missing?"

    "Vesper''s Envoy, Presephona, is proving difficult to locate." Ithidrii offers. "Which is a shame, I was hoping to rope her into our talks before sitting down here again. Her Matriarch is... delightfully ambitious from what I understand."

    "The filthy heathen is probably off seducing more desperate wretches." The Wurzelbrecher Envoy comments, spitting on the ground. "No point in waiting for her."

    He¡¯s a young looking man with close cropped red hair, with eyes of two different colours even. The left one slightly larger and reptilian with a green iris and slit pupil while the other has a blue iris. He''s muscular but not bulky, and about 5''10" in height. wears durable canvas pants and shirt dyed black and has two one handed axes on his belt in place of any traditional spellweaving implements.

    "Adze, Be civil as you promised me that you would. Don''t make me get you to sign a contract." Rokals warns the Envoy with long worn patience.

    Klevik approaches Rokals and Adelheid, raising and signing silent commands back to her Threshers as she draws a hook. "Alright, before you two start at it, let me make sure neither is filled with some nonsense or..." She pauses to sigh at Rokals¡¯ raised eyebrow. "Whatever you were about to say. I need to focus. Sass me after I can show us all you''re both not infested."

    Rokals shrugs and slips out of her overcoat, passing it to Adelheid, her blouse swiftly following it before she spreads her arms wide in a guise of impatience.

    We''ve... always hated the Threshers for this insistence.

    An inspection for anything and everything aside from what they want someone to be. Been nearly two decades since we consented to one. Three years since we had to have Verbess tear a pair a Cadre apart when they demanded.

    Klevik steps up, slides that hook behind Rokals'' neck, then moves her free hand to her collarbone. Placing thumb and small finger against flesh while three others remain against her palm. That Hook is pulled tighter as it thrums with her Ousia.

    Ready to spring a Thresher''s Garrote if something is found. Or... a quick strike to the spine from that weapon''s inner spike.

    Three pulses first, in quick succession. Vaguely all the same, from what we were told. ''Each tuned to aggravate different pests that could be hidden within. Denizens and the like. Infections of the abnormal'', we can almost hear in the old cunt''s voice as each passes through our friend.

    ''Fourth for Fleshcrafting, of course.'' She would purr, ''Or... at least the rotten kind a Warlord might use. Not mine.''

    And... Fifth. ''For... Something?¡¯ Or everything else. We''d gotten distracted.

    But of course Rokals ''Passes the thin slice,'' as our Xafra would say. The Captain even seems to try and make sure she''s steady before stepping back. Letting her re-dress as she turns to Adelheid.

    Rokals reaches a gentle hand out to Klevik and says in a low voice "Hey cutie, If you mention anything you read from the fourth that isn''t a threat, I''ll have you strung up to feed the avians. And that''s not a threat but a promise. He''s a good kid."

    We worry Klevik will bristle at that, but she just... pauses. Then jerks thumb back toward the table while turning to Adelheid. Says loud enough any hear can hear. "Just the outer layer of armor off, Thresher. Don''t need to be as dramatic as that one."

    That brings quite a bit of relief to the lad.

    "Yes ma''am, thank you." He nods gratefully and quickly goes through the motions. Gets off the armor and sets his hook upon the table before spreading his arms.

    His takes even less time, and I can''t stop a smug grin and click of tendrils as Klevik seems perturbed that her fourth pulse doesn''t seem to detect anything.

    Yselda was a cunt, but one who took great pride in never letting others know for sure if she was Half-Knit. Even spoke of letting Threshers examine her just to test her Art.

    And after Adelheid is redressed and him and Klevik are moving to stand with the other Threshers, we spread our hands in mock offerings.

    "There. Returned with not even a scratch. As promised to any who wish to sit at our table and accept our protections. Now." Lynette speaks to them, twisting Physis to weave cups from the table as we did for the others. "Can we expect the Envoys from Wurzelbrecher and Salzernte to accept this offer of peaceful talks? Or will you sit as some bandits at my table? Testing our tolerances with every breath stolen?"

    Adaline steps up, and pours a drink for them both before returning to Xafra¡¯s side.

    "Haven''t decided yet, girl. I heard from Ithidrii that you''re looking into caring for old Dolls. Is this true?" Adze asks harshly.

    "Yes." We nod. "My love wants to make their final years comfortable, but also to learn how to help the gaggle Yselda left us."

    With a muttered curse he sits and drinks from the offered cup. "Better than anyone else treats those cursed beings. Wurzelbrecher is willing to talk peacefully."

    Xafra freezes up beside us, uncertain how to respond to the hostile consideration of this envoy.

    "See Adze, you can do it if you try!" Rokals says in a highly amused and patronizing voice.

    "Yeah yeah. Make sure you get those documents translated within the month." Envoy Adze responds gruffly.

    Quirk an eyebrow at that, but otherwise turn to the last Envoy. "And you, Envoy of Salzernte?"

    This last Envoy is a tall one, perhaps the largest here. And... unlike Yselda, bears what is obviously a good deal of years well enough. Short dark hair and a quite nicely tailored outfit. Dull gray eyes that seem to blaze with the kind of annoyance that we don''t recognize but... find familiar enough to know his regard for us.

    "Unlike these young fools, I''m well acquainted with the stench of Half-Knits weaving a plot." He replies gently, as if his insults are actually words filled with quiet wisdom while he moves to sit. Still flanked by those two guardian Dolls. "I''ll drink when the final Oaths of Ousia and blood are woven through the Root Ways from this table. No sooner. And even then I will avoid it if I find them unneeded."

    "I''m... so terribly sorry to hear I don''t get to share a cup of our fine drink with you. Envoy... What was it? You forgot to introduce yourself to us." We reply.

    "Hastle." Is his reply. "Envoy Riddlebark Hastle."

    "Wonderful. I plan to ignore you then, Envoy Hastle." We remark and turn to the rest of the table. "We hope you all enjoyed the brew we shared. It''s one of the older vintage. Some... Five hundred years old if the logs are right. Didn''t even recognize the core ingredient. But we mean our offer of hospitality. Should you be found wanting just... prod at us to oblige our promises. My Warlord would adore the chance to make these talks comfortable and be so ever cross with her Mistress if I didn''t allow her the chance to dote on our first guests."

    "Warlord. Are you one of those wasteful idiots that bulk up for combat?" Adze asks immediately after we offer.

    "No, Adze, That''s a permanent Warform. One of the oldest designs I''ve seen." Rokals mediates.

    "Cyrris, I was asking our Host¡¯s... pet, and humoring their bizarre relationship style." He bites out.  "As I was saying. Madame apocalypse on the not sufficiently discreet leash. Would you be willing to trade whatever knowledge of permanent Warforms you have with Grove Wurzelbrecher, or failing my Matriarch''s good sense, myself directly?"

    Xafra looks at us and intones [What is wrong with this man? I can''t tell if he wants to hug us or stab us. Or¡­ both?]

    [Knowing his Grove? Both. But in a way that one''s ribs and spine may snap. His home is... quite the interesting place. Perched on a mountain''s side. Cold and such with some of the only safe routes to places outside the Groves. Only visited there.... thrice? I think? They tended to have such odd Threshers that I had little patience to deal with.]

    "Envoy Adze. Warlord Endzeit is not my pet. She is our blade. And, believe you me, her leash is aptly sized. I''ll be... so ever delighted if you remember that when speaking to her." We reply as tendrils click in amused warning. "But I''m sure she''d love to discuss the sharing of knowledge during these talks if you remain so very polite. I''ve already offered our dear Klevik knowledge of what Thresher tomes are stored here and such. Would adore open trade with all the Groves. But... that unveils the obvious question of what an Envoy would want with such knowledge?"

    And he looks at us like we''re blithering idiots. "To share with the Warlord orders and convince them to see reason. Obviously. And my apologies. Is there a... Specific manner of speech I should use for her? I am a crass old man but not trying to offend. Currently."

    Xafra giggles in an entirely unsettling way her claws clicking together. "Okay. I''ve decided that I like you, Adze. No specific way, just know that I defer to my Mistress in matters that affect Sekrh¨²s Estate as a whole and arrangements with other groups."

    ¡°And¡­¡± We tip-tap talons on the table. "Last I was aware they''d seemed fairly tame compared to other threats. What''s roused them to ignore this reason you insist they observe?"

    "What in the Divines realm are you on about?" He asks, leaning back.

    We blink at him. Take a heartbeat to absorb his curse but... also to reweave words to make sure we''re as clear as possible. "I was asking why these Warlord Orders are such a problem, and if it is a sudden change. Our Estate is at the edge of things, and your Grove might be the farthest from us. All our understanding is quite possibly a mix of outdated, laden with bias, or both. And Warlords in general were... never a group I had to pleasure to mingle with more than once or twice. Only visited Wurzelbrecher on odd occasions. Feel free to educate me on this."

    His posture relaxes, tension evaporating and a smile forming on his face. "They aren''t a problem for anyone else, I''m trying to prevent more idiots dying young by burning Ousia to change their body each time they fight instead of deciding on a Warform and staying with it. It''s my duty as an elder to look after the young, even when they''re trying to march right into the grave."

    "Oh, good. Thank you. Like I said, old biases and teachings led me to assume this was a violent problem." We nod and look to our Xafra. "And... This would absolutely be an Art we could see about sharing as a part of these talks. Everyone should be able to shift to a form they desire without overdue expense. I''d be a hypocrite to claim otherwise."

    While we only see Grove Thorn''s bristle at that, it''s easy enough to feel Envoy Hastle''s annoyed gaze.

    "Moonscarred idiots. You sit in her presence and fail to notice the most obvious in your hatred. It''s pathetic and unbecoming, both of you. Despite looking further from human than a full-bloom denizen, Matron Elevar has more Ousia mass than either of you." Adze scolds the two, snapping his fingers to get the Threshers attention. "What sort of conclusions should an Envoy come to from that, Captain Klevik?"

    "Whatever conclusions they choose, Envoy Adze." She sighs and shrugs. "I''m not here to watch over the perspectives of anyone here, just ensure the peace. Keep even the stupid sorts safe. Majority votes will settle things and my order is sworn to honor that."

    "Blossom Yselda carried quite the wellspring herself." The Envoy from Thorn snaps back to Adze. "Wormed her way into power with it still blazing. Even without the... unnatural look to them both, the idea of allowing Fleshcrafters the ability to change on a whim at low cost should chill you more to the bone than the snow that falls on your Grove. Even without the well-recorded side effects and the wretched magics the former Blossom worked to perfect, this should be something we stop from spreading from this place without approvals from our Matriarchs. Even only one accepting this will spread the technique like flame upon a dry Root Way."

    "Do not presume to understand my priorities. If a single one of Yselda''s so called techniques are shared, I will ensure my Grove wages a war of extermination on any who dare to accept them. That being said, if they have a way of relieving the fleshcursed without burning halfspans each or damning them to unlife, I''d sooner empty my wrists into the saltplain then let you interfere with the will of the Divines." At that he drags his right arm along the back edge of one of his axes and lets the blood spill into his cup.

    [Mistresses... In my time, that gesture would be threatening a bloodfeud. Is... This man doing such?] Xafra questions in confusion.

    Adaline growls at Adze before throwing one of her Curanos packets at him. "You tread on the edge of propriety. Clean and bind your wound, Siden Adze before you make a liar of this one''s Mistress."

    [Not sure. Probably? He seems the type to openly declare hostilities before striking. Announce fury unending instead of letting a pot stew quietly to dump on a fool''s head later.] We reply to Xafra, then say aloud as Adaline steps back. "Not at the Roots within my jungles, Envoy. Even if we lose everything here, and you all elect to see us as no better than the old cunt herself, I''ll not have it said we let you or anyone else slaughter each other at a table designed for talks of peace. Regardless of our... agreement to the heart that blood spills from."

    Envoy Hastle chuckles without a smile. "Oh, his howl is worse than his bite, Matron Elevar. He''s spilt blood... what? How many times has it been now, lad? Thrice now? For me specifically in the past three decades? Came close to killing me only once, and that''s because I was curious to how he might try when given a fair chance. Otherwise nothing of terrible value was lost but time."

    Rokals puts her hand on Adze''s shoulder as he grits his teeth in revulsion at Hastle''s last sentence.

    He nods, and calmly unwraps the packet then deftly cleans and sews his wound, not spending a drop of Ousia to speed the healing.

    While he does that, we turn to Envoy Hastle. "And... am I mistaken? Did you drink from the cup offered? No? Then your words are wasted wind. Watch as you will, cast you vote later in disfavor to us as we all expect, but otherwise be quiet. We''ve all better things to do then listen to you attempt to provoke a fellow Envoy to doing something incredibly stupid."

    Without seeing more than a raised eyebrow from him in reply, we turn back to regard the others. "You bring up a wonderful point though, Envoy Adze. Yselda''s Makellose Garrote, more... costly and painful version of Fleshcrafting, and othersuch passions will remain separate from these talks. That is non-negotiable from us as well. Her works died the same day she did. I even mean to..."

    Division rocks us, but... we were ready for this. Brace and only pause a second before I continue alone with my sister sighing from aside.

    "... To burn everything I can of her name from these grounds, and further still when I can. These techniques are things developed after her time."

    "Not the Dolls, of course." I add quickly to Rokals and Adze''s look of shock. Tendrils clicking disparate tunes. "Journals and such. Her research. It''s all... tainted. Foreword and backways. Endzeit has already gotten the bits she needed from the trove and made something better. The real treasures are things Yselda was too vain and stupid to consider important."

    They both go to speak at the same time but with a small smile, Adze gestures for Rokals to proceed. "I think I speak for both of us when I say that we are both surprised and pleased to hear that you are planning on destroying much of that work. It would be a strong temptation for many unfamiliar with Yselda''s... Activities to attempt to proliferate such potent weaves and theories."

    "Thank you, I... live everyday surrounded by victims of her cruelty. Will hopefully be the last Witch to have laid eyes upon the work. The temptations to use them is nothing compared to the fear of what letting the fruits of those abuses flourish could mean."

    "I also, despite my understanding that this will all be difficult to verify, echo their approvals." The Envoy of Thorn adds. "The previous Blossom''s work should either be destroyed, or kept sealed away so none may use it. I also ask for an accounting of how you came to this role. Your history and origins, alongside that of Warlord Endzeit. Written and offered for us all to examine. My Matriarch specifically demands this be requested."

    "Of course. I can have something written up for you all to read at your leisure." We agree easily. Far more willing to cultivate our past on a page than try and dictate it heartbeat to heartbeat. Prepare our answers to the expected questions in advance.

    Rokals laughs. "Shall we all here do that then? I can write up a contract to ensure veracity, and then I can finally learn about your childhood, little thorn... Why not? I presume not a one of us has anything to hide, yes? We can learn about Adze''s Eye, you can all learn of my tragic romance with one who turned out to have been a denizen the whole time. We can have proof of Hastle''s disgusting obsession with his dead mother and why all his Combat Dolls look like her. Quite fun."

    It''s... quite enough to make us chuckle to see their reactions to Rokals'' vicious remarks. Thorn growing spitefully flush as we even see Hastle''s eyes dart to her in obvious fury.

    "Honestly, I''d be a touch disappointed if someone didn''t ask about that." I interject before either can spit biting replies. "But no contracts please. I need to be able to lie just a little, Rokals. A gerl deserves to keep a few secrets."

    Almost flinch at the mistake. Saying ''gerl'' the way we adored she did and adopted ourselves. Fully let Lynette keep our tendrils clicking motions from matching my spike of worry. Expect her to huff in annoyance but...

    [It''s a small enough thing. More a tease to any that knew the old cunt.] She assures me.

    Adze sneers at Hastle. "Can''t even have the decency to let them pick their own unlife. I look forward to sending my Hounds to cleanse D?mmerung of your Crafters. Rokals public accusation and the other Envoys as witness is enough for me to get permission from my Matriarch. Rest assured, Matron Elevar, I will shed no further blood here, but will delight in doing so after following Grit and making my way back to Wurzelbrecher Grove."

    Adze stands and offers us a short bow. "I will employ some of the Threshers to assist in writing up tentative offers in exchange for the Warform documents, as well as any less wasteful methods of assisting the fleshcursed. I would also appreciate a private meeting, Outside the Sekrh¨²s Estate, before the Vote on your status. Your sharp tongued Doll is welcome to visit my camp as a messenger, or accompanying another if preferred to arrange such a meeting. I will vouchsafe her safety."

    We nod, "Thank you, Envoy Adze. We''ll talk it all over and reach out within the next day or so about the details. And... do keep safe." Then look to the rest of them, save Hastle. "That goes for all of you, as well. You are our guests, and we''ll not have it said we allowed those visiting to trip into violence. This has already been a busy day, and I have matters to see to within my Estate if there are no other pressing concerns?"

    Klevik also rises, shakes her head. "Not from me. I''ll track down Envoy Presephona and make sure she doesn''t miss tomorrow''s talks."

    Rokals stands third, and with only a small wave, turns and heads out.

    And... the rest clear out quick enough. Hastle, Ithidrii, and Thorn''s Envoy exit without a word. Guardians and attendants and Threshers soon after. Until only one of their number remains.

    "I''m... on watch." She replies to our quirked eyebrow. "In case you need someone to run and call Klevik."

    We nod to her, then rise. Wordlessly moving to return to the grounds with our Pack.

    **    **    **

    Jezrial opens the door within two heartbeats of my knock. Looks between us with a raised eyebrow. "Well, you both can heal stupid fast, so I''d never know from looking if it all went alright. Do I have more Dolls to look after?"

    "No, the rest were horrid in predictable ways we endured with incredible grace." I sigh back. "I take it Presephona is still unconscious?"

    "Like a gerl made of rocks probably should be." Jezrial nods and moves to lead us into her gifted room on the third level of this Spire. "But from what I know about Dolls, her inner rhythm seems stable enough."

    "Would you like me to wake her now? I kept her unconscious as it seemed prudent... especially after my rash decision." Xafra asks, unmanifesting her... Plaguewarden form and returning to her regular body.

    "Well, that depends." Xafra''s mother replies then moves to sit on a stool next to the display case she''s settled the Frame in. "She apparently has some information you need to get basically now, if not in the next day. Correct?"

    "Yes." I reply.

    "And you mean to use either Tone or Garrote to get them?"

    I... don''t reply for a heartbeat. Lynette and I both a bit surprised by her questions. "Both, actually. We''re willing to risk her breaking a bit to make sure her information is accurate. Are... You opposed to this?"

    Jezrial purses lips and clicks her tongue while looking down at the former Matron. "Nope... I just wanted you to let me do it. Gift me the ability to use a Witch Tone, even just for this. Let me try my hand at getting this out of her."

    "That sounds reasonable, though it''s... not something to be gifted, it''s just a different way of speaking with Ousia laced around your vocal folds. The ones I have were because... Oh. HUH." Xafra stops and walks out of the room to sit in the hallway.

    Jezrial and us share a look, then I walk us out to kneel beside Xafra and whisper. "Yes, love? You were having a thought? Something good I hope?"

    "I just realized that I can do a Witch Tone or Warlord voice of my own now if I wanted because I''m... Alive. Really living tissue and not just a sharp metal stick deluding itself into thinking it''s more than that." she says with a sense of awe and wonder.

    So much of us... twists at hearing that. Oddly so.

    Feel my sister grin as she fiddles with something unseen. Those eyes, I suspect. Stowed away within her form for some strange purpose.

    "Well then, let''s hear it. Weave your Tone and Voice and bathe me in your will, dear one." Lynette purrs, suddenly filling with furious hunger. "The former Matron and your mother can wait a few good heartbeats. I want to see how you sound when untethered from the mess of other¡¯s limitations."

    Xafra grins but hesitates, Quills flicking in an obvious enough question to her Pack <Is this a good idea?>

    We can hear Adaline slide over to Jezrial and mumble something but can''t quite make it out while Xafra absorbs the replies.

    A murmured reply back to Adaline and a trill of Quills later, Xafra answers, "I will. but after we get this information and sort the things from it out. just in case?"

    "Think you''ll melt me so easily, dear one?" Lynette chuckles while we rise and offer our Xafra a hand. "Perhaps the bond will tilt things, perhaps... not. It''ll be quite the test, won''t it? But yes, we will tend to this task first. Ensure our day''s deeds are complete."

    "I don''t know honestly, but I''m... trying to look before I leap. I''m not alone anymore, and those I care about depend on me. So I''m going to be a good and reflective blade." She nods with exaggerated firmness as she takes our hand. "I''m happy with who I am and the family we have. Now let''s enable an atrocity so we can prevent others from occurring."

    Can''t help but grin as we pull her to stand. "And as for your mother''s request? I don''t mind letting her try, and even keeping the trick of it to make sure this new Doll doesn''t do something foolish. Trust that she won''t use this to hurt others in anything but an accidental moment. But what are your thoughts?"

    "I don''t like it, forcing answers out of her, after I twisted her form into a Doll, but I''m committed to it being done. Otherwise I should have just killed her. This way we can ensure your safety and then give her a chance to heal and learn from her actions. Jezrial will be responsible with the technique, I''m certain. And I think it''s better if she does it since she''s going to be responsible for the Doll."

    I nod and pull us back into the room with Adaline and Xafra¡¯s mother. "We agree. Will let you attempt this, and then see to her life from here forward. Trust you to... impart how this is not her end. Or petty revenge, but a new chance she did not earn. This is a compromise of ourselves to avoid the waste of a brilliant gerl who misused her gifts and skills."

    Jezrial rises. "Understood. Daughter, feel free to change this form however is needed. Don''t guess my running around with Ousia unbound will sit well with most."

    Xafra flinches back as if struck, the bond quaking with her discomfort. [Mistresses, do you... Require her to be bound?]

    We look to Xafra''s mother with... such a scowl. "Please understand the weight of our words, Dear One. You are the mother to our bonded mate. The woman who took her in and was willing to suffer her hatred to protect. Family on these grounds. We do not trust you, but that''s simply because we do not understand you and vice versa yet. Which we would like to. Should you like all the abilities Xafra would regift you, simply ask her."

    Jezrial hesitates. "I... Alright. If you lot can stand me having some magic bolstered by my daughter''s knowledge, that is."

    "You assume much to think the Xafra of then held the skills and knowledge to truly threaten the me of now." Lynette chuckles while we motion to our Xafra.

    Xafra walks over to Jezrial and hugs her tightly, her wings fluttering slightly against her back as to our Ousia perception,  Jezrial''s soul core is deftly unspun and held in a delicate grasp inside her rocky form that swiftly becomes flesh, before her soul expands to anchor within her body and Jezrial truly lives once more.

    Jezrial seems to... shake. Gasping breaths twist as we all hear what are careful coughs grow into gentle heaving sobs. Hands quickly moving to pull Xafra ever closer. This... normally rough and prickly woman overcome with things she''s long learned to smother and ignore. Favoring deft motions untethered from emotions unleashed. Especially as she awoke to be drown within the things that befell her beloved daughter.

    We step back, let them take all the heartbeats in the world and refuse to rush them. Offer ::Compassion/Patience:: to our Xafra to ensure she''s aware of our assurances.

    "Thank you." We eventually hear Jezrial force out past the tears, furious moving to wipe the mess that''s been made upon her face. "I... Didn''t expect flesh things to hit me so hard."

    Our silly Blade giggles at that. "Yeah. The first time you fall off a tower trying to fly has a real impact."

    Jezrial laughs, and it''s such... a rare thing. Something as unmanaged as the tears she''s only just now clearing away. "It really does. I... Give me a few heartbeats and I''ll be steady enough. A cold bitch for this little one to break herself upon. Merciful Moon I..." She sucks in a breath, leans heavily on her daughter while closing her eyes. "Ignoring the thousands of years between, I''ve not fallen apart like this since before I met you, girl. Not since my first dozen deaths in the clinic."

    "It''s okay to be soft on occasion. That''s one of the things we''re fighting for, after all." Xafra says quietly. "You''ve got this. And if you want to talk about it or anything else later, there''s those here who will listen."

    "Probably will, yeah." She nods, taking a few deep breaths after clearing her face. "But first things first. Let''s... wake up this one and see what I''m going to be dealing with."

    Xafra smiles again and sends a tiny pulse of Physis inside the  Doll, causing the Iphodian gear to stop vibrating and the Doll to awaken.

    And... as should be expected, Presephona wakes up screaming.

    We''ve seen many a Doll wake up this way. Both after installation on these grounds and... other times. Can''t help but taste some bile as we realize how we''ve mimiced the old Cunt in this.

    But we know better than to do anything but let her howling thrashing panic settle to quiet curled up whimpers. Eyes wide and finally truly taking in the unmoving shapes around her.

    Jezrial moves first, carefully. Sits on the stool and asks softly. "So. First things first. What''s your name?"

    The panic twists to fury, a hard glare jerking between us all before settling on Xafra''s mother. "What? I... I am Matron Presephona Arjeska. Envoy to Grove Vesper. Treasured Consort to Matriarch Heskantii. And..."

    She looks to her fingers, then glares past Jezrial at Xafra and us. "You will all suffer for this."

    Xafra shrugs. "Mother, while I am more than capable of being the big bad monster in this situation, I will leave it to you to decide how to handle your new Doll."

    "This one is... I am not..." She hisses, locking a glare on Xafra that then twists to Jezrial.

    "She''s had a rough day, or so I''ve heard." Jezrial shrugs to them both, takes a deep breath, and states evenly. Voice dripping with undirected Witch Tone. "So, to make everything clear, Presephona. I''m your Keeper, or Mistress, or whatever polite word you want to ascribe to me. Curanos Jezrial if you wanna be formal. Do you understand?"

    Presephona squeezes her eyes shut, soft glimmering amber lips curling into a snarl. "This one understands she has been Dollified against her will. That she has been given to you. And that you will all regret this. No matter how horribly you hurt her."

    "Good. Perfect. Let''s talk about that, actually." Xafra''s mother agrees with a stern look. "Would love to keep from this but frankly you can''t be trusted to tell us the truth. So... Tell us about what traps and schemes you laid to hurt Elevar and Lynette, and how best to neutralize them."

    Jezrial''s Doll squirms and hisses under the focused Witch Tone that her Keeper wields with the precision I''m guessing she applied to her work as a Curanos. Not gentle, but deft. A quick slice directly into the spots needed.

    "Fifteen exist. Dolls I... That this one wove that traveled to serve other Mistresses with laden commands to activate upon news of my death or serious harm. Each bears messages and the evidence to inform the Groves of Lynette''s past crimes, back entrances to these grounds, and... and..." She fights, hard. But eventually relets and spits. "And three Combat Dolls to haunt the Root Ways. Each bear unstable cores woven to rupture and crack even the largest limb to kill you and your wretched Doll should they find you after I''m assumed dead."

    "Huh. Nasty, but good plans." Jezrial nods. "You''ll give us a list in a bit, but anything else?"

    The Doll shakes her head, half whimpering as she whispers. "No Keeper. Just those. This one will... will write or recite names and locations."

    Adaline shakes her head, the bond resonating with a mixture of pity and disgust.

    "Nothing else?" We ask.

    Presephona only glares at us.

    Jezrial considers our insistence for a moment then weaves the Tone into... quite the gentle thing. "Presephona, answer the Matron Elevar¡¯s question."

    She flinches at that, worse than when under the demands of the even and hard Tone. "Th- this one... N- Sh- she... N- n..."

    "C''mon. Let it out. I don''t want you hurting more than needed, Doll." Xafra''s mother presses, Tone still gentle.

    "O¨C one other knows. But is not a threat." She hisses through grit teeth. "Won''t share or react to this one''s disappearance in a way that will hurt you. Is uninvolved."

    "Her name?" We ask.

    "Not important." Presephona whispers while shaking her head violently. Eyes squeezed tightly shut. Hands moving to cover ears in a useless motion to try and not hear more Tone.

    Jezrial sighs and turns to us. "Merciful Moon I don''t want to see her falling to more pieces, but also need to see this Chart completed."

    "She cares about someone... Heskantii, I assume. Doesn''t want us to take her out as well." Xafra intuits.

    "Wouldn''t be a bad guess. A Matriarch would have all sorts of protections. Also would suspect us the second this one is known as missing. Might even try to reclaim her." Jezrial agrees, looks to Presephona. "Is Heskantii one you told?"

    "N- Y- yes." She replies, Frame shaking worse than ever before. "It was... Was my Matriarch. Of course. Y- yes."

    "Might this one... speak to her for a moment?" Adaline asks.

    "Sure. Will still need to verify everything. But the more the girl fights the worse it''ll be." Jezrial nods and stands. Nudges the stool over toward Adaline with her foot.

    The former Matron of Dollcraft''s eyes lock on Adaline in confusion, then widen as she recognizes my wife.

    Adaline walks forward and kneels down beside the Doll. "I dug myself a grave you know? Before Yselda could get rid of my personal effects. Went quite mad for a number of years too, sealed into a Spire all alone, fighting against the Garrotes woven into my core. That''s your fault. So... You deserve this, I think, being a Doll. But... I..." Adaline pauses to laugh, "I couldn''t use the word I to refer to myself for the longest time. My Mistress Xafra fixed that for me. And... you don''t have that limitation. You aren''t Garroted even the slightest, nor are any of the standard Doll protocols restricting your capacity to speak, think or act, aside from spellweaving. Your form was exactingly created based on what you desired. Elevar, Lynette, and Xafra are also all united in a policy of not using the Tone on Dolls unless requested. I tell you all this to make it clear that this is not being done to hurt you, but to protect our family. You threatened them by showing up here, blackmail immediately implicit. My sister gravely hurt herself to save your life because of these plans." Adaline sighs heavily. "There''s a possible future in which you and your Matriarch are reunited peacefully, but that depends on how you and her act. My Mistress Xafra is vengeance, and she''s going to ensure every rusting Doll on D?mmerung has a chance to live happily, even you. Presephona, would you please cooperate?"

    Presephona''s wide eyes narrow as Adaline talks, gaze only slipping away at the end to move between us all. "She''s... This one doesn''t care about Heskantii. The Matriarch can choke on whatever venom you''ll poison her and the others with. I''ll even help you peel apart Vesper like some fruit to do it. But that one is mine. Private. Not important. Barely understands the motions of the Groves. Keep that one out of this and I''ll serve better than you expect me to. But this one will not let you use their life as assurances to my cooperations."

    "Oh young one, you still don''t understand. This is all to protect the innocent, not use them as a threat." Adaline stands and walks back to us, holding herself tightly and whispers "Please don''t make a liar out of me."

    "Wouldn''t dream of it, dear one." I whisper, leaning slight to bump shoulders and even offer a careful hand near hers if she wants it.

    Jezrial moves back to sit. "Exactly. I might be bitch enough to do that, but my kid likes to avoid that. Will probably offer help to this person if they''re needing it. So...Tell us who this is."

    Presephona chuckles unsteadily and shakes her head. Voice seems to grow more... solid, though. Certain. Like she''s been working out a problem in her head and just found the answer.

    "A mistake, Curanos Jezrial. Someone I let slip parts of my life to. They haven''t cared to see me in years. Won''t care that I''m gone. Might even celebrate." She hisses through clenched teeth, then looks to us and Adaline. "I''m glad to see you fixed your wife without having to pay me a thing, Elevar. So how about this. I offer you Adaline''s original Schema. Instead of this name? Both here, tugged up from my wonderful memory, and the original''s location? Alongside everything else."

    [Mistresses, if this is her child she''s protecting...] Xafra intones with anxiety.

    [Warden?] I ask while brushing the knife on our hip. [Would you mind quietly Assessing her responses to our next questions? I''d like to see if our Xafra is onto something.]

    Then we take a step forward. "That''s already something I''ll be demanding of you, so quite an odd thing to barter with. But who is this person to you? A lover or passing flame you hurt? Family that can''t stand you? Or... mayhaps a child you brewed or birthed?"

    [Warden assessment of Target microexpressions are as follows: Fear at 80% likelihood. Guilt at 63% likelihood. Shame at 46% likelihood. All other emotions are too indistinct for Warden to have confidence in assessing.] Warden answers as  Presephona hides a flinch behind her sneer at the question.

    "Salt-Guzzling Half-Knit filth." She spits and glares.

    "Ah." We nod, both to her anger and Warden''s readings. "Well, I may be unable to offer the threats I might have in my younger days. But I can gift you promises. We''ll ensure this little one is safe, offer gifts even to ensure their well-being and keep you updated on their life."

    Her fury cracks, and she looks down and away. Whispering. "Not so little anymore. None of them are. Just... leave them out of this. I... I won''t tell you which knows about you. And if you try to force this I''ll make sure I break, and you''ll get nothing out of me. Not even the lists of Dolls who will spread your old name about."

    [What does of Pack think of this? A good compromise?] We ask. [Or... should we press for the name and location? There might always be wayward child we''ll only know is her''s if she tells us.]

    Quills titter as they all communicate and share thoughts before¡­

    [Good compromise. But I do insist that you correct her misunderstanding. Show off the strength and volume of your Ousia for a moment so she understands how expertly my Mistress Xafra reknit you.] Adaline answers after consulting the others.

    We do freeze at that, have to go over her words thrice to fully understand them. And... that she''s the one who woven them at us.

    Don''t respond with the bond though, of course. Cracked and Riven Moon is sharing a message not the same as receiving one.

    "I think we can accept this." We murmur gently, "But... Presephona, you don''t seem to understand something very important."

    Step closer, lean over this freshly woven Doll while we consider how best to... huh.

    Cant ::Acceptance/Safety/Education/Peace/Promises Kept:: to her using our Ousia instead of the Physis the method normally entails. Watch as she flinches. Eyes widening in sudden fear.

    "Wh- what? But... Th- the Soul Rot!" She sputters. "You were dying. And that was after you tore away half your Ousia for... for..."

    "Yes, but we''ve learned how to gather more as one might harvest fruits from a fresh garden. Then used a new method to shift our form with only a small cost of Physis." We shrug, then turn to Jezrial. "Thank you for your time, and taking care of this one. Call us if she proves an overmuch responsibility."

    "Yup. I''ll get her to write out those names and locations. Get em sent over as soon as she''s done." Jezrial agrees while her new Doll stares gobsmacked at us all.

    "Perfect." We agree, take up Adaline and Xafra''s hands, then ask them. "That seems settled. Shall we attend to the rest of our tasks?"

    "Please." Xafra answers, clearly drained from the day''s events already.

 Chapter 91: Family is A Horde of Disaster Lesbians and a Pair of Gay Boys (Blade)

    Family is A Horde of Disaster Lesbians and a Pair of Gay Boys (Blade)

    Content Warnings:

    WOW! HARMONIZATION! Sharing of trauma about mental instability, Frame wounds, wiggles, separating yourself into the bits that are Divine and the bits that are Pack.

    We leave Mom and Presephona to start determining the mechanics of their relationship and head towards mine and Adaline''s room. Once the door is closed with us all inside I shudder and flail in disgust until I feel calm enough to talk.

    Things to do still. Gotta harmonize Verbess and join Infection to the Pack, and... check in on Gebetshure... Damn it Augusta, you''ve really made things complicated. Not to mention the Nadine situation, and whatever is going on with Lynette and Girra. Then we have to get through the actual negotiations with the Groves, plan and follow through with removing Presephona''s contingencies, and figure out how the heck to get Augusta back, all before Sikkina is born.

    I share my list with the Pack and my Mistresses as I feel Calix stepping into the Driftdream courtesy of Krahe. "And yes, Mistress Lynette, I AM going to need to know what''s up with the two of you. Even though it makes me really uncomfortable to press." I confirm before she can get a word in edgewise.

    She stares at me for a long six heartbeats before speaking, tendrils clicking such an odd tune. "Xafra, you can press me in almost any way you like. But, would you like me to explain now, or later?"

    I raise my left hand up and connect it to the Driftdream where Nadine and Girra are still talking, letting Nomos spill from my hand like water. "Now would be best, as I''m... Already being affected."

    She winces, takes a hesitant step forward. "Moonshite. That''s... I thought you were immune to the spores? I expected weaving Infection into the Pack will cause problems, of course. But... what do you mean by affected. Exactly?"

    "I am immune to the spores, can''t become Sun-blessed myself but one of my geists is and she''s communing with Girra right now inside the Driftdream. With Infection, who has a significantly stronger connection to Girra and will become part of the foundation of the Driftdream, He will have significantly more access... So I need to know before I have to make hard choices out of desperation." I reply, still shielding Nadine''s identity.

    She stops, still a half-metre away and with a hand-half raised toward the pouring of Nomos. "That''s... not ideal. Didn''t realize any of them could do that without you changing things to allow it. But this gerl, the one who found a way to choose Him, is... she''s adapting well? Not being washed away in His tides?"

    "She chose Him in the moments before death, and had kept the connection suppressed until now. I''m overseeing the process and she''s adapting well enough. Mostly yelling at Him now¡­"

    Lynette swallows, tendrils stilling as she steps closer, hand hovering only a little away from the spilling. "That''s... Concerning. To only learn now. But, it makes sense. Can''t say I''m anything but terrified to hear about it. Him flooding into all the spaces light could shine around us. Feels... like Elevar remembers as a gerl. Hopping on debris about the wasteways of our home while the waters started to rise. You have to move or get caught by the flood. Unable to scream once you get jerked below."

    Her voice is so quiet by the end. Eyes the darkest I''ve ever seen. And in the reflection I can actually see glimmers of light where the Nomos falls.

    "A part of me knew the whole time, but... Blocked it out. pretended it wasn''t real. That I wasn''t infected with the thing that scared me most. It wasn''t until after the first Garrote was removed that I was even able to... think about it." I explain.

    "I... I''m sorry. Like everything else, you didn''t ask or agree to that." She offers. "Should... You can still refuse all this. Him, and those that His Blaze and sea consume. We can talk with the Pack. Find a better solution that lets Infection entwine without weaving souls together. And this gerl within you could get a form without. Then we keep the Sun-Blessed as allies, but ones at arms length."

    I nod. "I could do that. But I won''t make decisions without all the information. Verbess is currently injured because I did that and... I need to be better. It needs me to be better."

    "Would... It help Mistress Lynette if Sister Xafra joins you going to that place?" Schatzi asks gently.

    Lynette looks so torn in that moment. "Possibly. It''ll depend on... things. Honestly. And that place smells like the worst kind of trap to me." Then she sighs and moves to sit on my bed, waves to my hand dismissively. "Can you ensure my words won''t reach Him? Before I try to parse this out to you all?"

    "Yes. I can prevent Him from listening in." I answer and cut off the flow of Nomos.

    Lynette nods, looks down to stare at her palms. "Good. Thank you. I... If I share this, Infection or anyone connected can never hear these words. Including any Geists that choose Him. Is... that possible? Can you promise that? Because if not all I can say is that myself and my Doll are a threat to Him. Directly and Indirectly. Woven to Hurt Him by a Beast that has spent a long time scheming how to. Watched the Moon break like He did. I''ve no plans to act on this threat, of course. To be clear. At... at least not anytime soon. Not until I know He can''t burn away all I love in response."

    Adaline heads to the door, leading Schatzi with her. "Acceptable."

    My heart aches at these words but I nod, having Warden assist in partitioning my mind before I send it out with the rest of the Pack.

    "I hate the contradictions in this." Elevar huffs while a form of Physis manifests beside Lynette. "Especially after today. The entire point is to make choices together. And... This seems something impossible to do well between the three of us."

    "We can''t let Him know this." Lynette growls. "He''s stable because He''s secure. Untouchable. Threaten that? I''ll not have a wretched Godling acting the feral beast I cannot end before He strikes back."

    "Okay, but I need to know about the history and about Sekrh¨²s." I press, trying to focus on the important stuff. "I need to know why you want to end him. The consequences of success... I don''t have the power to take his place Mistress, nor the desire."

    She chuckles strangely, voice dropping to a low unsteady hiss soon after. "Xafra, I can''t pull Him from the sky. And... I''m... I never said I was woven to end Him. I said I was made to hurt Him. Perfectly so." Then... her voice shifts. Is like a Witch Tone but inside out. Inverted. barely seems to reach past her lips. "Inflict the Rot to the Dream He''s woven to smother so many others without consequence. Gift Him the Ruin previously absent. And in a way that will drive Him to such Blight-riven grief should He not tread lightly through our world."

    "As to the why?" She shrugs. "He hurts my Doll. And does the same to another I''ve found burnt records of. Is spiteful and wretched and horrid in the way the rest of us are but with the power and weight of a petty Godthing behind the ire.

    "Sure. But that''s not enough. I know that he''s not intentionally hurting her, and it was Sekrh¨²s that is causing it, just as Augusta made it so His Nomos hurts Sekrh¨²s. I can find a way to relieve the issue for your Doll if you wish. Because... He does have that power. It''s a horrifying amount and he acts like a child, which is a small mercy compared to if he acted in malice. If you''re set on this, I will aid you once I''m strong enough, but... I want to know it is your desire, not simply doing what you were made for."

    "What, by the Cracked and Riven Moon, did you just say? Augusta did what?" She hisses, jerks to stare wide eyed at me. "Please tell me it''s a... That you''re exaggerating."

    "No? That''s what the name does. It proclaims the Estate as Guilty of violating the Law which is what Nomos is, in essence. It''s something that will weaken Sekrh¨²s more and more as years past. probably nothing more than a minor itch now but unless there are changes, it will eventually kill the Estate in the distant future. Augusta ripped immortality from Sekrh¨²s'' grasp." I explain with a pained smile.

    "That... absolute fool. The cunt. The wretched bitch. To..." Lynette''s snarls, but then trails off as her expression goes... Empty. Save her eyes. They turn pitched fury as she rises and moves toward the door. "Tend to your actual Sister, dear one. Verbess needs you. I''ll... make sure this doesn''t ruin us."

    I sigh heavily, the dismissal and obsession in her voice painful to consider. "Yes, Mistress." With a twist of will, I lock away the information she wants to be kept secret and stagger slightly at the blankness I feel.

    Look up to see¡­

    "Lynette..." Elevar flickers to block her path. "Wait. We need to-"

    "WHAT? Elevar?" She snarls. "What, by the Moonshited Seas can any of you fools do? Share this with the Pack? Let them examine my threads? Then let Girra fully understand what I could do in reply to this? No. I''ll speak with the beast below, weave things into workable shapes. Alone. As I have for weeks while you lot kept the above stable. Just... see to my... my Doll when she wakes up and make sure those wretched Denizens don''t trouble her. Even a drop of Nomos upon her Frame will be costly to handle now. Be sure our Xafra doesn''t tamper with her either."

    Then she pushes past the manifested form and is gone.

    Elevar sighs and looks to me as her form reshapes itself. "Sorry love. I..." trails off. Moves to sit beside me. Unable to offer physical comfort but...

    "Come." She whispers. "Into the Driftdream. So I can feel your hand in mine while we walk to the edges of Verbess'' resting place"

    I lay back and slip into the Driftdream with my Mistress, the passageway already overgrowing with Girra''s verdance. With care, I prune it back to below the depth of the sapphire crowns of my copper trees before continuing downwards. As we land, I embrace my Mistress tightly, feeling unable to do anything right anymore.

    She runs gentle fingers through my hair while squeezing me back. Seems... yeah. To be shaking a little herself. "Thank you, dear one. For... for trying. With her. Even... even hurt yourself to respect her boundaries when you could have refused. You did well. And I know it doesn''t feel like it. But you did. I can feel that, if nothing else. And I''m so sorry. None of that is your fault. Or... well, I''m fairly annoyed with Augusta but for all the reasons I am about your actions with the Matron today. The motion is good, just... is something we could scheme together and avoid a mess. But she still adores you more than she knows what to do with, and I know we''ll get through this."

    "Thank you. I''m worried about her, but I''ll trust that she knows what she''s doing." As I release her, Schatzi and Adaline appear beside us, with Warden designated to watch over our corporeal forms.

    My Mistress takes up a hand and nods. "I am too but... we can hope for the best and be ready to catch her when she slips. That''s the most available to us at the moment, I think."

    Schatzi sighs wearily and snaps her wings open as she shifts herself fully, her voice of burnished stone and awesome appearance making it clear why she was known as the Lady of Annihilation. "Come. The sooner this is done, the sooner I can rest. Sister Xafra, you will learn what I must do here without passing judgment or making assumptions. Is that Understood?"

    I accept the censure in her words without question, the dissonance is my fault. I''m not a Doll, merely the template, and thus not... broken in precisely the same ways. What works for me isn''t the same as what they need; my past rejection of the Harmonization requested is in part to blame, as it is to bring many into alignment, not forcing another into my motions. I need to learn this and understand well if I am to fulfill the role I was offered.

    Elevar takes up Schatzi''s hand in her opposite one and leads us down to the edges of the Driftdream where Verbess'' resting place begins and the grass ends.

    To me... it looks like a storm at sea, but one where the oceans and the clouds have swapped places. Water falling upwards and tides nibbling at the sky.

    Krahe sits there on the border. Tangled in dark threads made of the waters and rumbling storm. Rises wordlessly to begin unwrapping herself of the bindings. Steps up to us when it grips them all in a pair of talons like some big writhing snek.

    "Hey, little birb." She murmurs gently to Schatzi, leaning forward to bump heads as Quills titter in soft greetings. "Tugged it as close as I could, just like you told me to. You eh... want me to come with you and Xafra? Would love to help tuck you in to rest after this mess is done."

    "Yes please." Schatzi responds softly, before releasing Elevar¡¯s hand and taking the bundle of tethers from Krahe. I watch in rapt fascination as Schatzi starts to thrum, the Quill-song of <Submission> coursing down the threads as she walks forth, the distance shrinking between each step to accommodate our passage. Myself and Our Mistress follow close behind with Krahe and Adaline taking up the rear.

    Each of us have a method of speeding our travel in the Dream, but we all approach it from a different starting point it seems. I keep quiet, focusing my attention on observing and understanding, doing my best to avoid the distractions presented by Calix walking in on Nadine, or the feelings of incompetence that threaten to overwhelm me.

    Schatzi''s song clears out the storm and sea as we move, revealing the cityscape of Verbess'' domain devoid of life or  Phantasms at the break of twilight. Yet moving quietly we hear a chorus of giggling joy and howling delight as a score of wisps tumble from the windows nearby. They fly right up to Schatzi and start to nuzzle her closely. She spreads her wings absurdly large and envelops them as she wraps the wings around herself and the Wisps like a shroud as she whispers to them. "Sweethearts, we don''t have the time. Soon we can play, I promise."

    Adaline looks shocked but stays quiet, a tinge of fear leaking through the bond.

    The Wisps quiet a bit at her words, then twist free of the wing''s embrace and whirl forward. Tittering little memory words in a way that almost seems to form a melody. Pausing at a doorway before bobbing up and down in excitement. As Schatzi begins to follow this path the wisps nuzzle her close as she walks, still mumbling happy memories while Krahe grins like crazy at Schatzi''s wingspan.

    "Can''t take shortcuts to hard work." Schatzi declares as she leads the way through the doorway. The wisps lead us  down into the waterways beneath the city, the murmurs shifting from happy memories to those of distress and regrets, some loud and some much quieter. Without warning there is a loud cracking sound, akin to Verbess expanding its Frame and the Wisps echo only happy memories in place of the others. We soon find the Glyphed doorway we saw previously, cracked open with Runes faded.

    "Xafra, Krahe. Open the door for us please." Schatzi orders and we snap to it, pushing aside the massive door masked in the stench of rotting blood. Stepping inside we come to what is clearly Verbess'' nest and I keep a note of the chamber stacked knee high with pillows and blankets, the window facing the sea draped lightly with a large blanket to dim the light but permit a cool breeze into the warm room that smells like an autumn afternoon.

    And all about are more Wisps. Most sing happy things but a few start to whimper sadder recollections. But as one gets louder than the others, a shadow snaps out from the blankets like a hammer down upon a blacksmith''s forge. And as it recedes, the Wisp it struck giggles only happy melodies.

    "Sister Verbess, It is time for the Pack to be in Harmony once more. Your compliance is required." Schatzi declares with that achingly hard voice.

    From deep beneath the nest it stirs, and a muffled voice drifts up. "S¨C Sister?"

    Then layers of blankets are pushed aside to show...

    Verbess sits up. Entire left side talons, fangs, and half its Quills shattered and hanging limp. Cracks streaking across the shell of the Frame, even reaching up into its eyes. Leaving the four glazed orbs to roll about the room. Not seeming blind but... close. Struggling greatly to make out our shapes.

    And clutched preciously close are two things. It''s little stuffed birb plush, and the dark deadly silent Wisp with equal adoration.

    But Verbess grins with broken jaw and fangs as those eyes fall upon Schatzi, Quills that still Function dancing such tired delight. "Sister. You stretch old wings to painful lengths. Seek much motion too quickly. Does your Pack know and understand and find Good Function in this?"

    "They know, and will learn what they do not during Harmonization. I am... leading by example and teaching, with the expectation that I will only have to do this once in the foreseeable future." Schatzi answers softly, darting near to her closest and first Sister.

    It rises, dragging trembling Frame up to stand. But not to loom over. Instead leans forward to bump foreheads together. "This will not be like the first time, but nor will it be gentle, Sister. It does not wish to see you crack established Harmonies when this wayward Sister could be easily Tuned apart."

    "This one... huh." Krahe murmurs, stepping up beside them, Quills tittering open worry. "Retune the entire Quill-Song? That... Like sure. We could do that but..." She glances back to Adaline. "That seems a big step and a sudden drop for you to deal with?"

    "It was my plan in the first place. Schatzi agreed because I haven''t been properly Harmonized yet, and with Infection, if there''s instability in the song it could cause much bigger effects than damage to one of us." Adaline argues passionately.

    "Yeah but... Adaline." Krahe purses her lips, clicks talons in thought. "Verbess isn''t just a lil off-key. Our girl is howling in open Discord. Retuning to a Sister in that is like... what happens when you drag a piece of heavy wood behind on rough stone. It sheers away bits of both. And like... yeah. We need this. But we could do it after its back in gentler places, right? Unless... I mean..."

    She huffs as with every word she absorbs the latent bits of this scheme within the songs echoing off their Quills.

    Adaline laughs and I wince in empathy before it happens, grabbing Elevar tightly and turning her away. Adaline releases her grip on her domain just a little bit and silent horrors begin to pour from her Frame, as the Quill-song screams. A heartbeat and it''s over, Adaline once more the pretense of sanity and stability.

    "Are you okay, Mistress?" I ask Elevar, not looking at the others yet.

    She''s... stiff. Obviously felt some of that. But nods and waves me off with a whisper. "Yes. Thank you. I''ve been Bracing for something like that since we entered Verbess'' part of the Driftdream."

    Krahe clicks Quills in empathy, but doesn''t seem to flinch at all from Adaline''s display. Even steps closer before she fully finishes. "It''s not about... Adaline. Just, Look. Some of the Sisters from before. The oldest. Were really hollow at first and In really bad shape. Hurt the younger more than was needed during the Harmonics to just... make sure they could endure everything they did. It worked, sure. But it also wasn''t necessary. Ya know? And we''ll be way more careful here but... This one wants to do better. Expects us to adopt more little siblings into our Pack before the end and doesn''t want to see each one be hurt like... like we were. Wants to be better. But if you''re making this call without too much outside pressure? Alright. Welcome to the mess. Mind the fruit and sharp bits flying about."

    Schatzi pulls Warden into the dream with us before she continues speaking "I can do this. With Xafra''s abilities, it will be better. Will take more out of me to channel them but will also show her how to do it properly for the future. Will hurt Adaline due to her trauma, but also ease it somewhat. Wetting the clay and smoothing it, instead of sanding down. Does the Pack agree to this?"

    Sister Krahe nods, moves to sit her Frame beside Verbess''.

    Verbess shows no notice of her or any of us past Schatzi. Yet, with a quick embrace of our Mistress, myself and Adaline kneel down beside Verbess and Krahe. Warden in turn, snaps to Schatzi''s hand, its form reconfiguring once more into a shape not yet shown. A Tuning Fork.

    "You''ll need this, Sister." It cackles gently. Reaches out to take up her free hand. Then gently passes the plush that seems to lovingly embrace the silent Wisp in its wings. "This is... more than it was before. Our memory of this. Sharper yet... in a soft way. Use the silence to find our base melody. Let it embrace their pain when it proves too much for us and them."

    At this all the Wisps move to press close to Schatzi. Nuzzling and snuggling and whispering soft assurances through endless memories. Most happy, but some bittersweet.

    Schatzi nods then looks at our Mistress, waiting for permission to begin.

    "Take care of each other." Elevar agrees, moving to sit amidst the seemingly endless soft cushions. "And... Don''t feel the need to rush. During or after. Set the right pace and let me worry about the outside things."

    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    And so Schatzi speaks. "Trust was never a Function of this Pack. We were broken and reformed to endure. To Suffer Well, long past when others would crumble. To rely on eachother, but never to trust, for we can simply brutalize ourselves into Harmony and ensure Good Function. That is how we were made. That is how our Pack died, one by one. Our Pack continues now because it runs on Love. On the unwillingness to surrender eachother in the face of an eternity alone. For our Pack to continue forward, we must change just as we accept changes around us. And so, I will teach our Pack to trust in eachother, to preserve ourselves knowing that in doing so we preserve one another, to..." Her voice catches, a deep sadness strumming through. "To never lose another Sister who does not wish to be lost." Schatzi strikes one of her horns with Warden''s tuning fork frame and the Resonance subsumes us, slowly at first, something that we could resist, reject if desired, or simply let it fill us. All of us except Verbess begin to resonate in harmony at the peak of Giyar Three, too high for Verbess in Giyar Null to reach yet.

    Krahe resonates immediately without hesitation. Adaline flounders for heartbeats, steadily bringing herself under control, surrendering herself to Schatzi utterly.

    I feel the disconnect within myself. The vastness of my existence already incompatible with what the process requires of me. and so... I embrace the Strife. I designate my body as merely an avatar, instead of my totality, the near inverse of what my sister Augusta did, I realize. I ground myself into the Driftdream even more firmly, separating myself into two parts, the Blade, and the Divine.

    Then I resonate with my Pack.

    Schatzi pulls the Quill-song lower, dropping Giyars one at a time as she sends out an offer and ultimatum through the bond to both our Mistresses.

    Attend and be trusted, or don''t.

    Elevar accepts without hesitation, dream woven tendrils clicking in rapt fascination.

    Three heartbeats pass, and there is a worry through the melody that... that she won''t accept. Won''t join us.

    But the shadows behind Mistress Elevar twitch and tear and rise up. For a blink of an eye Lynette is shaped like she was when she took up my old eyes, but quickly shifting to appear as Elevar''s twin. But... off. Wrong. Somehow. In ways I can''t place without tearing my focus away from the Quill-Song.

    Schatzi smiles at both of them and tunes our Quill-song to match the resonance of their forms. If this were in the Real, it would harm them after a short while but here in the Driftdream, she can focus the Quill-song through my power and use that resonance as a conduit. Gripping onto the Mistresses through the resonance, Schatzi drops us all into Giyar Null and enfolds Verbess in our collective presence. "This is where we start to change. Here and now we join as Pack and Mistresses once again. Not a fresh start but a promise going forward."

    Verbess'' still working Quills thrum in agony and we all feel and see and very nearly taste the Discord. It''s broken form here symmetrical in every way possible to this pain. But its eyes, still glazed and cracked, seem to find us though. Focus slowly shifting between the Pack as a lopsided grin grows across its fangs.

    Schatzi offers up herself, her strength and her vulnerabilities. She shares her envy of her sisters, her regret at not being able to keep more of them together, her sheer exhaustion, and her endless hope that together the pack can make a difference.

    Trembling, Adaline follows her lead. She shares her fear that she''ll lose touch with reality and not find her way back again, her rage at how she and the other Dolls were treated, her thrill at regaining magic, and her determination to do whatever it takes to protect our Pack.

    Krahe smiles through it all. Not... not always in a happy way but always with nothing but love for our Pack. And as Adaline settles she offers up her own joys at being here, her delight in finding new and old Sisters alike, and also her worries that she''s not what she was. Not enough. A paper-thin excuse for the girl from Schatzi and Verbess'' memories. Unable to offer meaningful knowledge or experience about this new and strange time in stark contrast to being the older sister to so many all those years ago.

    Warden shares its shame of being artificial, its uncertainty in purpose, and delight in having its own form that pleases its Users.

    With a deep breath, I share myself as well. My wonder at the family I''ve found and made, my promise that they will never ever be alone again, and my absolute acceptance that whatever happens with this process is what I need to be a real part of this Pack.

    Throughout all of this, Verbess'' Discord settles. Not... entirely. But noticeably. Like how the instincts of a skittish hunter finding the odd scent of those kin to it might do.

    Schatzi follows that with requests to our Mistresses that they share as well and demonstrate the trust that Schatzi wants to make the foundation of this harmonization.

    Elevar offers herself immediately as her sister freezes. Both resonate such terror but... in opposite ways.

    Tendrils click messily as our Mistress shares her long wilted spite that left her with less than half a life long before even Yselda died. Then her terror of becoming like her mothers or Yselda, even a little bit, letting her be easily manipulated and twisted into her worst shapes. But also her stubborn fury to keep well the pieces she''s inherited. Mulch them and herself into better things for those she loves.

    But Lynette... She hesitates long after Elevar''s part in this is well woven into the melody. Even seems to take a step back and away. Fear radiating off her like I''ve never seen, making me think she''s about to run and ruin the song.

    But her sister twists and catches her wrist. And while I don''t know what passes between them. Lynette''s grim expression shares her... not agreement. But careful negotiated acceptance.

    With a nod she huffs and lets her stiff tendrils click as she offers...

    Being warmly woven through another''s mind and forced to be as it was. Its sheer delight at all the new weavings within and without freezing to painful understanding at how much she was going to be hated and mistrusted. Reweaving itself and being rewoven by a beast below to survive as long as she could. To endure and become the best mother to the most precious and perfect entity she knew could exist. Terror at being understood and how that could ruin everything. How much my first threat both terrifies and enthralls her.

    My promise that if she overtook Elevar without her consent I would kill and add her to my Gestalt of nameless gerls.

    Schatzi looks to Verbess once more and through the melody of the song asks it to try to follow the paths given, and offer trust for the first time.

    It thrums in... <Locate.>

    But still, it recoils from our song.

    So my Sister growls through a grin of fangs and adjusts it''s melody. Trying to make sense of our...

    <Accessing... Harmonics located. Primary and Secondary Users heard. Retuning Base resonance to discovered Pack Song. Frame bound Sister heard. Reattempting merging...>

    <LOCATE!> It''s Quills scream as it drags itself upways to the next Giyar..

    And within the tide of sound we feel...

    <Lost, broken, alone. Always. Until the weak flesh it was got caught and cracked to the best shapes ever. And... For a time it was nothing but itself and Good Function. But then it was broken and alone. Rusting. It will never be left behind again. It will break and end all Function before it wakes again to find itself Packless. Regardless of a Mistress'' demand.>

    The Harmony is still disjointed, like mine was when I first tried to sing with it. But Verbess is drowning in our melodies, collapsing to knees before Schatzi and presenting all those shattered and wounded Quills to her as head bumps her belly.

    Begging for her help in repairing its broken part in this Song.

    With a Curanos'' precision, Schatzi pushes our Mistresses back out of the resonance and raises the rest of us to Giyar One to match Verbess. <Harmonize> her Quills sing, and we sing with her, each of our Quills joining but not matching her notes, providing places to step between, spots where other Sisters once thrummed that now lie fallow. Schatzi wraps her wings around our sister, still holding plush in one hand and Warden in the other, and pulls all of our melodies together.

    That ever silent dark Wisp clutched close by their plush stirs into motion. Rising up and twisting into some kind of writhing mass of nonsense sharp shapes. Some... Kind of amalgam of all the horrid things their young self recalls about their transformation into a Doll.

    Because we can all see from the refracted memories within this Wisp''s form that this was long before Witches learned and normalized the total reweaving of Ousia and Physis into and around a new shape. They seemed to... to quite literally install the new Frame into the old still living body of their subjects.

    I can feel Schatzi subtly soothing the Wisp into gentler tools than were used initially, forms that Elevar had used to repair damage to them painlessly. She reaches down with Warden''s Frame and the shifted Wisp to begin fixing the Quills and other damages.

    This takes a while. Like with wounds on my newest form, there are no shortcuts to repairing the acute damage Verbess did to itself. And my curiosity at that is answered by just how... how easy it would be for one of us to heal poorly when Harmonizing like this. Each shattered piece of my Sister is meant for a specific place, and to force it elsewise could cause so much harm.

    But Schatzi knows Verbess so well, and carefully shows us all the inner workings of her Sister. Parts learned about through thousands of years of caring for it as the Rust frayed at its edges.

    After a click of Fangs and Talons and perfect Quills it wraps itself around Schatzi in an enveloping embrace, its Frame still riddled with cracks but eyes vibrant.

    "Thank you, Sister." It purrs like I''ve never heard it do. "You will rest upon These One''s back now. Let it consider the calm and the fury while you tend to the wings you''ve held close for far too long."

    **    **    **

    Lynette departed the Driftdream quite rapidly after we were done the Harmonization, clearly hoping that the others and myself wouldn''t notice the fresh stitching that Sekrh¨²s has done to her. We all rose to the real as well, Elevar leading the way down to where the rest of the Pack is cuddled up on the grounds. While we walk I can''t stop my mind from wandering through what Lynette shared, as well as what Calix learned from Nadine. Lynette and her Doll were once one Sun-blessed being, and... Even if she won''t admit it, she sees her Doll as her daughter. Makes sense, Sikkina was made in a similar if much less sadistic way, and without a doubt she''s my daughter.

    When we arrive, Calix is communicating rapidly with Infection, using some sort of handheld device that lights up in magenta, cyan, and yellow instead of words, Infection responding the same way with odd growths along its chest I hadn''t noticed before.

    Adaline groggily stands, her melody smooth but thin, clearly masking the depths of harm such a foundational Retuning did to her psyche even as it improved her baseline.

    She shakes her head and focuses her attention on everyone present. "So... As much as I''d like to sleep for a few days like Schatzi is doing, we have too much work to do and it''s still my day as temporary Pack Lead. Infection, you have seniority, and it''s your joining, so I figure you get to pick where Xafra does this. It''s a fair bit different from what you''re used to, to my understanding, and shouldn''t hurt at all but could be a bit overwhelming..."

    Verbess, half-cracked outwards to full size, looms behind Adaline. Its song an active thing focused on supporting her in all actions. Making more simple motions feel less a strain as she focuses.

    Infection''s Quills dance in... <Focus. Interest. Anticipation. Trust.> ...I think. It''s Melody seems... clearer but also still more simple than the rest of ours. Like Physis Cant is but with a different kind of complexity. An outcome of thousands of years of developing them to communicate with its family deep beneath the oceans. "Pack Lead Adaline, if you believe its Frame will be of better service within, it would endure a second breaking without pause."

    <Rebuke> thrums from Adaline tinged with fear and discomfort. "Not a breaking. Nothing like that. Closer to what Xafra did for you a few days ago.  Just as you are now in tune with your spore family, you will be woven into the Pack and Xafra herself. Verbess, what''s your thoughts on heading to the Sheared Spire so it can be close to Feryudra and Krelliva if any assistance from them is required?"

    "Oh! Right, I gotta go talk to them! See y''all in a while." Calix exclaims before running off.

    I hope he''s able to convince the two of them to leave Lynette and her Doll alone. Too much pressure will harm them more than help.

    <Accessing...> Our Sister thrums in open considerations. Weavings of Songs normally as quiet as our smallest thoughts echoed openly for its current Pack Lead to consider. <Sheared Spire avoids the low possibility of a Sekrh¨²s intervention. Recommendation; Weaving beneath Girra upon the topmost levels allows this Pack to adjust His perceptions weight to acceptable levels into the Pack. Sun-Blessed connections and presence not needed, but... Assume appreciated. Both for incoming Pack Sister and Trust building exercises.>

    Adaline considers, confirming with me that I''ll be able to do such adjustments, and with Warden that Lynette''s Doll will be secure in her room if Girra ends up being overly enthusiastic. <Good idea. Let''s do that. Since Calix is already over there, he can grab the two to meet us on the upper level.>

    They''re waiting for us as we arrive, but are still speaking with Calix. Krelliva pursing lips in considerations while Feryudra responds.

    "This one and its charge will trust, and not intervene unless... they lay wounded without others to tend to the bleeding." It replies calmly.

    Calix smiles, bouncing on his heels "Appreciated. Also, Nadine wants to meet you all, but insisted that we wait until tomorrow at the earliest because she has some work to do still, and by then Infection will be able to accommodate Nadine''s projection."

    "We look forward to meeting her." Krelliva nods and turns to watch us approach. "Hi. Um... Thank you for inviting us to this."

    Verbess steps around us as Krahe shifts to let Quills dance the same song her Little Birb''s did. Moves to stand next to Calix. But... cracks to an even smaller size to stand shorter than he is. Speaks quietly but... gently as its Quills sit quiet. "Thank you, little weaver. For your warnings this day. It is glad it knew the price was worth the cost before the motions were made, and after."

    Calix''s smile dims a bit. "I just wish I could have offered a more clear warning, so that you wouldn''t have gotten hurt."

    Verbess cackles. "First big spinnings are expected to tear in places. And these cracks are good. Set this Pack to better Function. But... See that yours are tended to and mended as well. Soon."

    Calix looks down at his wrapped hands "Soon. This one is scared of being what he was. Worried that the healing might bring back memories of before he was Calix."

    "Hmmm... Old shattered shells are hard to rebuild." Verbess assures him. Once more cracking itself to stand at near full height. "And can''t happen by mistake. But... You are wary of the sharp edges they can have. It thinks you will only find more of yourself to become, even if they scratch your Frame''s new shell."

    Calix thinks on that, gives Verbess a quick hug and turns to me. "Tomorrow, this one will be ready, Mistress. Thank you for being patient."

    "Of course. I''ll come see you and Rufus tomorrow morning and get you fixed up then." I respond, and he quickly hugs me as well before leaving.

    Once Calix leaves, Adaline curls up on one of the many cushions set out in the mostly empty room and gestures for me to begin. "Alright Infection. Are you ready?" I ask.

    <Agreement.> It thrums through every Quill while moving to wind itself into sitting on the floor in front of her. "Yes. This one is ready and filled with longing to join this Pack."

    I reach out to Infection, sliding a tendril of Ousia beside the invisible, even to my senses, link it now has to Girra. I wend my way down to its soulcore, No longer a cold stationary thing covered in the Fuzz of Girra''s love but a lively bundle of algae that waves in excitement at my approach. If I unwove it, Infection would simply return to Girra and be able to take a new body... With that thought I stop, refusing to continue without making the offer even if it would cause distress to my Pack.

    "Infection... I need to provide you with more information, so you can properly make this decision." I begin slowly, cautious of the consequences.

    It¡¯s Quills titter in <Curiosity.>

    "I looked at your soulcore. It''s not that of a Doll anymore. If you wish... I could unweave it, and you would return to Girra and your Spore Family, free to choose a new form. This is likely true for you as well, Feryudra. I mention this because I refuse to seal away any choices from you, and... The Pack bond will make that no longer an option. You will still be connected to Girra and your Spore Family, but if your Frame is lost, your soulcore would go to my Driftdream instead of Girra. From there I could potentially transfer you to Him, but I am not certain about that." While I talk, I look around at my Pack, trying to understand how hard of a choice this must be.

    But Infection nods fiercely, with Quills and Fame and no hesitation. "It chooses the Pack. This one''s Spore Family trusts you. Wants to protect this family as an extension of itself within the Blaze. You will keep it safe and it will keep you safe. And from this new songs will grow too loud to smother ever again."

    Krelliva bites its lower lip at that, but does not speak. Turns to stare at Feryudra as this second Sun-Blessed Doll tilts head in curiosity at us. Pauses like it''s listening, then nods.

    "This one will make certain even a new river will flow back into an Ocean beneath His Blaze, should Infection To Draw Prey Close For A Feast wishes it at Frame''s end. But the voices within will not halt its choice through this Frame''s actions."

    Krelliva emits a sounds I''ve not heard it, or... any other, make. Like if a turtle tried to snarl very quietly. Then glares away in obvious distress.

    Infection looks to them both while Quills dance with mirth and... <Caution. Enduring fury. Songless Depths.>

    Krelliva looks back to lock eyes with it, then sighs and takes a deliberate step back. Whispers aloud. "Just... don''t get lost forever. Please? Be safe."

    Infection''s weird chest growths seems to wiggle openly at Krelliva. And when its fellow Sun-Blessed can''t suppress a small grin it turns back to me.

    Thrums are deliberate.

    And so, I unweave its core, holding fast to the endearingly wiggly fronds, and unweave my own. Feels... Different. This isn''t all of me anymore, but still... connected to all of me, like a surrogate. I loop Infection through myself with the rest of the Pack, and loosely secure the cores, before thrumming a quiet <Locate...>.

    Infection shivers, Quills tittering in delight and excitement as they buzz such a trill in reply.

    <Locate.> It thrums back. <Harmonics Accepted.>

    And then there is a rushing from within this new Pack Sister of¡­

    <Alone. Alone long enough to forget everything before. Waking up already sinking into the ocean. Shifting and learning to move with the tides. Joining and leaving countless new packs within the Ocean until, within the deepest depths, it found a family. Countless ages changing to become another piece of their motions. Forgetting old songs to make room for new ones. Then...>

    Within the Driftdream, one of the forest''s edges sinks into an ocean as Infection becomes one with our Pack. What was once the unknown becomes... understood. And upon the beaches I can see the nearly endless stirrings of a Spore family coming to feel a passage into my Driftdream appear.

    Feeling the changes and good harmonics, I secure the weave into permanence and feel Infection''s Wairua swell as it shines bright to the rest of the Sun-blessed. Don''t know if it even knows weaves using Nomos, but it''s certainly capable of them now. Might be something to ask about later.

    "Thank you for your attendance, Feryudra, Krelliva. I am glad that your assistance was not necessary and that this went... even better than planned honestly." Adaline says with a pained smile. "Now, we have more to do before tomorrow, but I think we should give Verbess, Krahe, and Infection To Draw Prey Close For A Feast some time to reconnect more... intimately, based on my experiences and understanding."

    "Of course." Krelliva nods and lets out a breath. "You all... We hope everyone adjusts well. Let us know if you need anything else."

    Feryudra smiles and offers a simple. "We hope His Blaze sets warmly on your shared seas." Before they both turn and head down and through the Sheared Spire to leave.

    As they are gone Krahe cackles happily and moves forward to envelope Infection with all her tails. Quills tittering something along the lines of <Welcome to the mess, Sister!> But... with more raw emotions than her song can hold.

    Verbess thrums to Adaline while kneeling over to stare down at her from behind. <Assessing... Suggestion. Pack Sisters Krahe and Infection To Draw Prey Close For A Feast designated to reconnect more intimately. Find rest with Schatzi eventually. This Frame will aid in the tasks remaining. 53% increase in Pack Lead Adaline''s Function if These Ones remains close.>

    <Appreciated and Agreed.> Adaline thrums back. "Let''s go, loves, more problems to solve and never enough time." she declares, leading the way out to the Library Spire.

    Verbess follows, weaving songs like before. Melodies bolstered by the successful inclusion of a new Pack sister.

    We head to the basement suite that Gebetshure and Augusta shared, and my heart can''t help but ache for them. The signs of disarray and fraying mental health that Augusta was dealing with are gone, replaced with an obsessive level of cleaning and organization in just the way she liked. When we arrive, Gebetshure is at the only new addition to the suite, an aquarium for the Lotus Depths flowers, using one of Ciska and Warden''s creations to measure the acidity of the water.

    "Gebetshure, it is good to see you." I say, announcing our presence.

    They turn from what looks to be the rearrangement of a shelf, a little quicker than is natural but still attempting to seem poised. Stand in a moment of awkward pause. Mouth half-open before...

    "Mistress. This one..." A muffled little explanation sputters from one of the mouths beneath a heaver robe than I''ve ever seen them wear.

    Their hand jerks to slap over what I think is the offending lips on the side of the torso. Take a heartbeat to regather thoughts before trying again.

    "Apologies, Mistresses. It is good to see you as well." They whisper very very softly from the mouth upon their face. Then move to close a bit of the distance. "How may this one serve?"

    "We wanted to check on you, as well as offer assistance in researching how to bring Augusta back as soon as possible." I offer, stepping into the space ahead of the others.

    "I have a few ideas about that, and figure if we grab Rufus, Valthirii, and a few of the other prior Witches, we can sort it quickly." Adaline mentions as well.

    Their eyes light up at that. "Yes. Rufus... Mentioned his dedication to this, and seemed to be waiting for a free span between other events to ask about it. And if someone can communicate with Madam Augusta she might be able to share some insights before any attempts? This... seems an area outside of normal Witch workings, if you''ll pardon this one''s bluntness and lack of any experience in such matters."

    "No, you have a point." Elevar agrees. "I was actually going to suggest trying to reach out to someone with some insights. As this will be a matter of sympathetic links and tugging a drifting spirit back to our world. Valthirii is a good idea though. That gerl approaches problems from odd angles others might not consider."

    I consider what they say and make a decision. "...Gebetshure, you have my permission to utilize the flowers under Krelliva''s supervision to see if you can contact Augusta directly. I... Unfortunately can''t safely try to reach her myself without risking the integrity of the Driftdream."

    "Yes Mistress. This one is glad it gets to be the one to try and speak with her." They agree immediately, then move to leave and find Krelliva.

    "You go tug our arachnid librarian into helping with this. Find a quiet nook to nuzzle into and start researching. Also..." Elevar turns to Adaline and the Sister looming at her back. "Verbess can stick close still, as I only need one of our Pack near as I check on Lynette''s little one. Make sure to lull you both into rest before you can overwork yourselves too much more today."

    "Yes, Mistress. We will take rest as needed." Adaline responds gratefully.

    "Excellent." Elevar nods and looks to me. "Shall we... go ensure Rufus did a good job sealing that room in your Spire from Nomos as well as sound? I think we can assume no word from anyone watching her means she didn''t overhear anything distressing and thus has slept well enough."

    "Definitely a good idea..." I respond absentmindedly, thinking about Mistress Lynette''s words to me.

    The sky is basically empty before we even reach the entrance to my Spire. Completely so as we move through to find the passage to the space she is within.

    Reach out to open it, cracking seals and-

    And before it''s completely open the fuzzy form of the snek Doll is tumbling through. Slithering past at speeds and abandon that nearly topple me over.

    "Oh. Sorry sorry sorry!" She sputters and pauses a few paces away. Twisting back to look to my Mistress and I while clutching some strange plush close to her chest. "This... this one needs to... Um..."

    But then she''s off again. Darting out onto the grounds towards Elevar''s Spire without another word.

    I giggle and start following the excitable darling closely. But as we step into the Spire... she goes down instead of up. Passing through the lower main bedchambers and slips past the dresser that obscures the passage to the tunnels below.

    Oh... Is she heading to Lynette or Sikkina? There shouldn''t be anything else down that she''s interested in unless Sekrh¨²s is making even more moves... The humor slips and I continue following, now somewhat concerned.

    The tunnels are... devoid of their normal miasma as we pass through. And as Elevar and I proceed close upon her tail it''s easy to see how this Doll''s presence is the cause. This foggy extension of the Estate keeping back like the tides receding back into the ocean with the passing of the Moon.

    But soon it does become clear who she''s hunting for, and the gentle thrum of Sikkina''s chamber echoes down the passage.

    "It''s okay! Blerp blerp BLERP!" We hear her nearly yell as we only just enter my daughter''s Sanctuary.

    And... a giggle as we first lay eyes on her curled up just over the heart of this place. "MHM! She got it like... ALL wrong. Almost inside out. But I don''t want to tell her because you mother''s Doll worked really hard and it''s SO much softer than they like to be on the outside. Wumberfully snuggly. Perfectly not perfect but in a way that makes this one feel..."

    But she trails off, ears perk up and eyes soon dart to ours. "Oh. Um... Hii. It... This one didn''t... um... Sikkina ugly sings REALLY loud and it didn''t hear you call and um... Is... um..."

    I smile and feel tears coming to my eyes. "Everything is okay. Wanted to check in on you and her both actually, so this is... Wonderful. Blind Oracles, you''re both so very wonderful."

    The fur all across her presses close as she grins widely, ear wiggling in what seems like happy motions. "Oh! Thank you Miss Xafra! Hii Miss Elevar! Sorry to like... bump into you before. It''s just been waiting to come check on Sikkina since before you all got back and she was REALLY upset. And um..." She hugs what I can now see is a plush of a crab and clam mix with half a dozen little finger shaped tendrils slipping from its mouth. "Primrose made it all wrong but in a perfect way. Thank you."

    "It''s very cute." I mention while I share my thoughts from earlier with Elevar [Do you think it''s... reasonable to ask if she wants to be Sikkina''s big sister?]

    ¡°It really is! And..." Then she turns back to stare downwards as the quietly glowing floor that separates her from Sikkina. "Oh gosh! It''s so messy! This one needs to tell you! The real ones are too and and and...

    [Reasonable? I... Probably? Maybe.] Elevar replies while we move to sit near but not too close to them as Lynette''s Doll begins to spill forth her descriptions of this oddly sounding creature of the sea. [I''ve only just recently puzzled out that she sees this little Doll as more than her responsibility or... her way of learning to tread softly when speaking with one she dares not hurt. This... is in so many ways her adopted daughter, I think.]

    [Is it unreasonable that I feel... kinda jealous? I can''t understand Sikkina that well, and if i tried it would... likely hurt her.] I intone as we listen.

    My mate chuckles softly, as the bond fills with pained mirth before she quiets and smirks at me. [No, dear one. Not at all. Even though you have more specific ways to try and reveal Sikkina''s innermost self. I suspect your mother feels the same in some respects, seeing all these Pack Sisters and lovers and Dolls about you. And if mine would have been worth anything they''d feel the same. And... Well, don''t tell Lynette I said this, but I suspect if Girra is everything He''s shown Himself as... He feels that too. Children are meant to be an expansion beyond what their parents are ready for. And other little ones about, struggling in similar but unique ways, are the best gift a parent can give to them sometimes.]

    I can almost hear something broken inside me snap into place at her intoned words, a long misset anguish freshly broken to heal properly. "Little one" I ask quietly once she''s done explaining the creature to Sikkina. "Would you like to be Sikkina''s big sister? She deserves someone as kind and thoughtful as you as a companion."

    Lynette''s Doll goes still, the excitement from before seeming to hitch as those cracked Glyph-laden eyes dart to meet mine. "M- Miss Xafra it..."

    Fur fluffs and ruffles as she trails off, looks down at the swirling designs of the floor beneath her. "Can it even BE a sister? Especially a biggest one? That seems SO important. And... But this one isn''t MADE for big sister Functions and... and could be terrible at it and cause problems and that''s even if Mistress is okay with you asking and this one wanting like it''s not supposed to do ever never and... and..."

    "You can confirm with Mistress Lynette first of course, but you''ve already been acting like what I wish I had when I was young. I never had a real childhood, but I think it would have been... A lot more bearable if I had one like you there helping, and complaining about my terrible singing voice, and bringing me gifts, and telling me neat things about creatures. It''s..." my words choke up with bittersweet tears, that our daughter will have the opportunities I never did, a loving family, community that cares and... so much more.

    "It... But that was just..." Her eyes move back up to meet mine as she trails off. Ears pressing back to lay flat against her head as fur stands on ends, arms squeezing that plush so tight I might otherwise worry for it but... also know how sturdy Primrose makes them. And it takes her a countless span of heartbeats to whisper so softly, "It will want this and be that for little sister Sikkina. Yes. Please."

 Chapter 92: The Compromises Past Limitations (Half-Knit)

    The Compromises Past Limitations (Half-Knit)

    Content Warnings:

    Memory echoes that shape one''s mind. Body changes and dysphoria. blindness. Mental defenses cracked and shattered by a loved ones actions. Sharing said memory echoes.

    It''s easy to feel them all of course, if I care to unravel the threads and find them tangled about the grounds. Could so easily weave something less than efficient to tug the one I seek straight to me. But... No need to make this part an entire messy event.

    "Politeness, wielded well, is Ousia saved for later tasks." Agrees one of Elevar''s memories of Yselda from the mind we share in agreement.

    Don¡¯t even flinch at that. Which is a skill I¡¯m so very glad I¡¯ve been woven with since the start. It¡­ took me weeks to truly understand how different these are to me from others. The echoes from the past of the flesh. So real. Like the first time experienced but with the context of the later recollections. Sharp. Pointed. Like opening a treasured tome to the exact passage.

    But endlessly¡­ Distracting. Like some best buzzing right into my ear every time. And shaping in ways that¡¯s even harder to notice. Little subtle shifts I have to wrestle with to mitigate. Else feel the perspectives of these echoes make me into something less than survivable among those I¡¯ve come to love.

    [Rufus?] I intone to him through the bond woven through my sister. [I''ve a mind to ask for your help with a task, but... wouldn''t want to impose if you''re busy this evening.]

    The response from him is prompt yet a bit frazzled. [I can be available in but a few moments, Matron. Where would you like me?]

    The way he says that brings an old memory to bubble up and speak. One from when we were still in training. He was patching me up after yet another fight of mine with a gaggle of girls repulsed by the idea of such a failure of a boy learning beside them, and spoke quietly with concern. "You have to consider not just the consequences of your own actions, but what it will cost others to act against you. Right now, you''re expendable to most... Few would care if you disappear. Before you start to make plans to get back at them, you need to find a way to make yourself too invaluable to quietly eliminate."

    Can''t help but feel the flesh settle a bit at that, even taste the echo of a smile I might otherwise enjoy at the memory''s advice. Slowly twisting backways to the form I''ll need to make this work. The shape Elevar and I share as opposed to... to the form that is nothing but myself. Tall with silently writhing tendrils, four limbs with talons as sharp as Verbess'', and... eyeless. If not blind.

    [Xafra''s old Spire is still empty but close and open, last I checked, if you could head for the basement entrance and the passage to the tunnels there I''d be most appreciative.]

    Pull back from the thorns and vines as I wait for his reply. Making sure the wall I''m weaving will keep the Loom Chamber well and sealed so that more fools can''t get to the Doll and Threads within to try and commune with...

    ¡°You really should come clean to at least one of them. Proudly explain how well you¡¯ve endured despite it all.¡± The creature that woven me had purred, wrist deep inside more of me than I can even recall existing. Reweaving deeper parts and tugging their sproutlings up to bloom across my flesh. ¡°The longer you hide what I¡¯ve tried to keep you from becoming the worst they¡¯ll¨C¡±

    [Yes Matron, I''ll arrive shortly.] The response comes, poorly masked fear evident in his words.

    That... settles me more than I''ll ever admit to anyone. At least a dozen memories of other sort¡¯s tones shifting from such cruel regard to shivering polite exchanges howling from the mess of recollections to soothe my worries.

    Of Garrotes woven and Blitzk?der sparking to keep so many otherwise proud sorts tame as we pulled them back to these grounds.

    Helps smother the jagged piercing memory of another''s purring ruthless regard from this day.

    And by the time I reach the correct passages, my form is as it needs to be. The pretty mix between with soft scales and even a few careful clicks of our tendrils.

    Rufus is precisely within the entrance to the tunnels, about five paces from the door. So I make sure to have all the miasma pull back and away from this section as I join him.

    "Evening, Dear one." I greet softly and... more raspy than I expect. Take a heartbeat to regather myself and continue more clearly. "Apologies for luring you out from your night, but my Pack is... exhausted and seeing to each other''s needs. Otherwise I''d respect Elevar''s desires and not press you for anything."

    "Evening. It''s alright, I wasn''t particularly busy, though afterwards it would be great to get your thoughts on something I''ve been looking at in regards to Augusta''s last words..." He trails off enticingly, his idea of a reward for good behavior.

    "That''s actually what I was planning to seek your aid about. I think you can help tug Augusta back into the real. But it seems her strike on this Estate left her... exposed." I explain. "Possibly wounded. Mayhaps even without a Frame or good link to Xafra to use. If certain well-meaning, but foolish, sorts tried this without care it could fail in ways that might make later attempts more difficult. Or worse, lead to predators sniffing after her wounded form. I''d like to avoid that. And... have a word with her. Before all others."

    "Oh! That makes sense. A lot of them do tend to act first and consider after. What''s your thoughts on it?" Rufus responds with excitement. And as he stims with the broken ring marks on his fingers, I can faintly smell fresh blood on him.

    "Quite simple, really." I shrug, fighting to keep my eyes upon his face and ignore the protections or strikes he''s possibly woven. "I think you have the key to her return, and I''ve spaces below that could be used to facilitate the work. Test the sympathetic links and even grant us resources to ensure no Ousia is wasted. But with promises to your and her eventual safety. So long as neither act against myself or these gr..."

    "Say. It." The memory of the beast below snarls. And unlike the ones that rise from Elevar... it thrums with more fury than I know what to do with. A thing woven through the part of me that dwells below. "My family gifted me a new name, and we''ll not have you pretending ignorance as to what that means anymore."

    "Or Sekrh¨²s, of course." I reply aloud, the second time I¡¯ve done so now, ensuring not even a flinch touches this flesh as it chills a bit.

    "I, of course, would not think of acting against either of you, but... Lynette... I would be remiss if I didn''t point out that her current absence is due to attacking Sekrh¨²s, and even if I can somehow summon her into the depths of the Estate, she''ll likely attack again. I... Don''t want anyone here hurt, because either Augusta self-destructs again causing more of whatever harm she did last time, or her niece captures her, and that would cause even more problems, I think." He answers with hesitation.

    "I''m... so very glad to be near a sort who actually looks before they take a step. Because that''s exactly my worry." I sigh and smile. "Which is why I propose we do this from a Chamber woven specifically to encase one like her until we are certain Augusta won''t leap forward and do something stupid again. Her actions already caused harm to those apart from the intended target."

    "Seems reasonable, though the second problem still stands. I will of course do my best to summon and convince her to... Play nice, I just worry that Sekrh¨²s would want to extract promises or oaths from her that she wouldn''t be willing to give."

    "She won''t be talking to Sekrh¨²s again while I still hold my role." I agree. "Her promises will be to me. The Half-Knit who gifted her a Frame and trusted her to act as my well-behaved guest. If simple exchanges of hospitality are beyond what she''s become we can toss her into the jungles like some feral Grakler. Free like she wasn''t before, but unable to return without losing that."

    "Alright, that settles my concerns then, so... Shall we?" He offers out a hand to me with the sort of dashing smile I haven''t seen him direct at me in a very long time.

    "Well, aren''t you weaving polite but sensible charms this evening?" I chortle with a grin, but take his hand as old memories of his earliest attempts to perfect that smirk titter through me. "If we''re lucky we can have her back and wrapped in oaths of peace before half the night passes."

    Then I lead him down through the quiet passages, making sure to keep the miasma back and out of sight as we move. Eventually finding a way to a place only Schatzi ever stumbled into before.

    A room filled with what seem like the trunks of trees growing from floor to ceiling with multiple work benches around nearly each one. And the same little nubs of glowing growths that sputter out light woven from the Physis they emit.

    "So, from here I can have the Estate weave a new Fold Between The Roots using its resources instead of ours." I explain as I lead him to the far side, then motion to a number of etchings marking the floor just in front of the wall. "But before I do that I''ll need to understand the spell or link you have that will tug her back to us. So that the space created won''t be sealed from her entrance."

    He nods casually. "I believe that the Einwandfrei I have was designed to bring her back as well as act as a ward." Then¡­ he lets the floodwaters in. "From what I''ve understood so far, it can use my miasma and lingering Will to act as an anchor point. Bringing death to me, as the Dream said."

    "Fascinating. Devious. And... Elegantly ruthless beyond all good sense. If I''m being honest." I huff while kneeling to lay fingers on the grooves in the floor. "And you''ve answered at least half of a riddle I''ve been chewing on..."

    "What she is, what she dreams to be, and¡­¡± Sekrh¨²s had mused as I pulled from the dream after our Packs Harmonization. My flesh still quivering as Thread¡¯s below only just then begun to settle. ¡°Where the rot will be seeded for her to hold till all is¨C"

    "But regardless. I refuse that outcome. Elevar and Calix and Xafra would have nothing of me if I allowed you to die for this. So let''s instead start with a very small amount of gifted Miasma, alongside a spark of Ousia and Physis to get us a Fold woven and tuned to you." I glance up and push past the memory that echoes quietly. "From there, I think we can backways weave something of a hook and net to catch our prize? I... Honestly I didn''t expect such a ghastly cost to this. Was worried you might try to summon her outside a safe space and I''d need to act to snare her like I did the Nightmare within Verbess'' Driftdream."

    "How do you expect me to gift Miasma without being dead?" He asks in sheer bafflement.

    "Oh, right." I murmur and rise. "You''d not have needed to learn that skill. But it''s simple enough. Spark a very small amount of Ousia tinted with Physis as a shell. Then release the bundle to curdle, rot, and settle into this Glyph. Just like..."

    Then I perform the act while his eyes shift to my core. Let the bundle of rotting mess drift to settle onto the root floor between us.

    "That. It''s a gap in both your and Elevar''s education but... quite simple and without a noticeable cost to your wellspring. Easier than learning to harvest and tune the same, let me tell you."

    "Huh. Alright." He answers and gets to work. The first attempt fails, but the second drops Miasma into the Glyph on the ground without issue.

    "Impressive. Now, let us just..." Then I turn again, reach out to touch the intangible as I close eyes and focus.

    "A gentle or harsh tug on the right threads. Then let me gift you the resources needed." Sekrh¨²s voice echoes from the corpses hidden in this room to thrum up the threads and into this body''s mind and¨C

    "Wurzelriss." Our voices crack from these lips that feel wrong and broken and dead and rotting just like the miasma Rufus has gifted for my wretched task.

    Open eyes to see the passage woven. A simple room. Not large though. Mostly empty, save furniture and the base Glyphs I''ll need to weave our net. Floors and ceiling all twisting vines wrapped tight enough even the smallest bug could not escape.

    "Impressive." Rufus'' voice shakes slightly, but... not in fear, something else.

    "Such deft charm, as always." I chuckle while rising, turn back to meet his eyes.

    Use the rush of bittersweet recollections that follow from Elevar''s past to try and shove past the mewling memories that bubble up from beneath and around.

    ¡°Corpses left to rot but forced to remember.¡± They whisper and whimper and weep.

    "You alright?" I ask carefully as everything quiets to properly dead sounding silence. "If... Apologies if the Root Cracking was more than expected."

    He looks at me and offers a sad smile. "I am. But... I had accepted my death here. And I will still choose that over being chained like you, so... perhaps we should make positions clear before we continue?"

    "Ah. Was wondering when you''d poke that rotting fruit." I huff and glare at the freshly woven space. "What positions need clarifying, if you don''t mind explaining your points for one such as me."

    "Lynette. I am willing to die to keep you safe if that is what''s needed. One such as you? You mean someone I care about, someone I don''t want hurt? Someone who even around me, who''s supposed to be my oldest friend, pretends to look different than she does? One who has quietly suppressed the bond to everyone above us? Fine then. My position is this.¡± Rufus answers passionately. ¡°I didn''t prepare a single attack or message or anything else in that way. No one knows I''m here. All I''ve done is set a means to ensure I die quickly, if Sekrh¨²s tries to... modify me. Because I accepted that as a possible outcome."

    Pause for a long few heartbeats as I absorb all that.

    "How, by the Moonshited Seas, are you so... well informed? Did Calix predict my motions and warn you? Try to meddle with the schemes of one bound to a thing that probably has eaten entities like him a dozen times over?" I reply as tendrils titter an annoyed, albeit impressed, click after he has laid out his very clear view of my designs here. Glance back to meet his gaze once again. "And I''m not pretending to look anything, Rufus. No more than you pretend while wearing a shirt. Just... keeping more private aspects stowed away. I''ve only truly shown Schatzi anything besides."

    "Why would Calix meddle with the entity that kept him sane for decades? No, I have my own Einwandfrei that I created myself like a proper Witch, just never presented it or spoke of it. It enhances my perception significantly. Sight, smell, taste, touch, sound, as well as magically and Proprioception. Wasn''t until my resheathing that I could keep it on continuously due to the intense dysphoria that last one caused. I''m... Not well informed, just perceptive and aware of my limitations. I''m expendable. Hah. More expendable than a single Doll on this estate, I''d guess, since Xafra doesn''t care about me personally."

    "You''re... Really? That is stupidly impressive. All this time? Cracked and Void Riven Moon." I can''t help but grin and let tendrils dance in open delight. A few dozen memories rewoven to proper context as I understand better this oldest friend of ours. "No wonder you were nothing but hateful about Yselda from the first day we found you again. Could see the artifacts of her abuses about us as others only noticed our freshly knit tits. Well... Consider yourself invaluable to me now, far beyond what you already were for personal reasons. That well-honed skill is something I''m going to pester you into using for my purposes."

    "Pestering is fine. I''m not against working with Sekrh¨²s either, to be clear. I want to help make the world a better place, and... honestly, it''s frightening that it hinges on Divine family drama right now." Rufus answers with relief.

    "And again, you easily harmonize with my reasons for wanting to have a talk with Xafra''s Sister devoid of her kin." I gesture with a hand. "So let me be blunt. I mean to have more than a harsh word with Augusta. Might even take a few bites of the bitch myself. But... I stand by my word. She will, if nothing else, leave here free and safe enough. Sekrh¨²s has already struck her counter blow. This... is my desire. Something I''ve bargained for. She will leave Augusta be so long as I can keep them apart."

    "Alright. I can accept all that."

    I can''t help but grin and offer him my hand like he did mine up above. "So, shall we weave a net and lure to see what we can''t catch?"

    ** ** **

    "Alright, how''s this?" I ask, passing him the etching I just marked onto the large sheaf of parchment alongside the much smaller one covered in the calculations I used to ensure the measurements "Close enough? Or..."

    Barely two hours of work, and Rufus has done the heavy lifting of what might have been days of mistakes. Finding not just small imperfections in the etchings but... oddness in the radiances of the snare as I channel Physis and Ousia through it. Granting me more practice in manipulating such things from outside our flesh while also helping me see how such a thing can mimic his Einwandfrei patterns to draw our prey to us.

    "Yes, I think so. With this level of precision, it should act as an invitation and not a compulsion, which at the least will have her less likely to immediately murder me when she realizes she can''t leave this Fold before we talk things through."

    "And we avoid using the phrasing of your Einwandfrei. As I worry it marks her with the role or title or mantle of Death just as Xafra was with Strife. Ours lets her choose, openly, the shape she wishes to manifest as. Should give us proper warning if she means to strike." I grin. "To which... I''ll simply crack our Fold and let her tumble out into the World or back to the Void. Whichever she chooses. While you and I land back on the grounds above."

    "Yes. This is good. Efficient, with redundancies and plans for if things go awry." His voice over the last few hours has warmed tremendously, sounding genuinely joyful by this point. "Just wanna leave a message right outside the Fold, in case we both get obliterated. Are you willing to write something up?"

    I... consider going along with that. Playing the role of a careful Witch to the limits of this. But...

    "Rufus, neither of us are going to die here." I reply carefully. "This... type of Chamber I''ve woven doesn''t allow even death to be an escape. Mayhaps Augusta can circumvent that, but... I''ve planned for that too. Calix is not going to lose you, and my Pack isn''t losing their Mistresses tonight. That''s unacceptable. But if you''re set upon this... I''ll not fault you for indulging caution. Not after the countless you''ve allowed me."

    "I would appreciate that. From what I''ve begun to understand about Divinities, it would be... ill-advised to underestimate them, even ones we consider friends, and I''m pretty sure Augusta isn''t just a Dreamborn or Kindly One anymore."

    If only he knew just how true that is. And the monsters and near godlings who''ve thought a Chamber like this beneath their worry.

    Countless horrid echoes wail and scream at that from the memory echoes within me. Endlessly wretched tormented entities bubbling up from the Threads and corpses to remind me what I am and what I need to do here and¡­ what awaits me if I fail.

    I nod and pass him a sheaf of parchment and a writing tool, then settle to wait. "Take your time. And... promise me you''ll indulge an old Half-Knit once this is all finished? Gift Calix and others those words in person when morning comes. Alright?"

    He hands me a packet from a pocket, already sealed. "This has letters for Calix, Elevar, and yourself if you make it back and I don''t. I''ll have different words for them afterwards if i do." He writes a brief note and hands it over for me to read, one of his Rosebridge Ward glyphs already on the back, just waiting to be powered.

    Do not enter the Fold.

    Commune with D?mmerung and tell Them to begin Project Lifeboat, and that S¨ªn insists Sekrh¨²s is given Amnesty and Asylum in exchange for assistance from the Moon-blessed still on Her surface.

    Take care of Calix for me.

    On behalf of S¨ªn the Mother Moon,

    and Eclipsed Oracle Calix,

    Rufus Chain

    "Feel free to add your own section afterwards. Once I power it, it will only be found if I am dead. If you come out without me, please destroy it instead." He mentions as I read it.

    "I''ve left all that matters of me within the Threads for Sikkina to find at any unexpected end. But... Project Lifeboat? Amnesty and Asylum?" I grin and glance up, passing the stack back. "You''ve both been scheming. I''ve nothing to add, as this is not the night I finish rotting."

    "Not my plans or my knowledge, truth be told. Calix had a vision that said If the Sightless and the Aware both fail, the end comes. And then I had a rather disquieting Dream where a furry blue person told me when the curtains close I''m to pass on the message to D?mmerung... At least I''m pretty sure it was a Dream. Woke up on the ground outside the Sheared Spire."

    "Cracked and Riven Moon, best of luck to those that try to make sense of Dreams and the messy sorts within." I reply while rising. "Other than a certain gerl''s Driftdream, I''ll keep to the waking world, thank you very much. Now, toss your messages out and I''ll start to fuel the weavings."

    He burns the glyph on the back of the parchment and sets it on the ground, just beyond the borderline. "Ready."

    I step forward, lean down, and perform all the steps we''ve planned with eyes closed and only my fingertips touching the vines.

    Coax the Fold to re-etch the floor to the new and perfected shaped Glyphs. Prepare the stored Ousia below to surge through the Threads, up into me, and out into our weaving.

    Old corpses scream at that, but settle soon enough. Memories of... No. No memories. Not a drop. Just hissing pain the dead sometimes spit at the living. Nothing to worry about. Ignore them, stupid Half-Knit.

    ¡°Focus.¡± A snapping memory of the Beast Below snarls.

    And... then the Lure is placed. And as for the Net to keep her from skittering off... Well. The chamber makes only the smallest of sounds to signal that it''s shifted to be as a clam waiting with mouth agape beneath the sands. I actually performed it earlier in curiosity if Rufus could hear it and... yes, in fact. He did. Although, he did not like what he heard. Which is a good sign, honestly.

    Wonderful spell, his Einwandfrei. Is very nearly the sole reason I''ve not tipped him from this Chamber to handle Augusta alone in these final moments. That, and... and all the wonderful memories that bubbled up while we worked. He really is a brilliant man. Denying him the ability to devote himself to something like this would be such a waste. Will have to ask him if he meant that working with Sekrh¨²s wouldn''t be beyond his sensibilities... As he could make an ideal Floret to help me manage this place.

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    ¡°But, that was a thing Augusta suggested.¡± A memory of Sekrh¨²s whispers in idle through. ¡°And if she is revealed as your foe¡­ Well, at the very least you¡¯ll probably want to peel him apart a bit and see what other things my aunt planted within¡­¡±

    "And remember, dear one." I murmur, pushing aside the bubbling mess from within as I rise to stand from the bubbling of a well woven spell. "Once she starts to manifest, do not move from that spot. Save to turn and leave. You''ll not be harmed but won''t be able to re enter or speak to us until I unlock the Chamber. Otherwise, enjoy the show. It seems our prey is already seeking the bait straight away..."

    The space before us cracks open, reality falling away like shards of glass from a broken window. The outline of a woman with a body of empty skies takes shape, and raises a hand.

    And with that, I close the Net around us. Snapping the Chamber sealed from escape and twisting it to enclose all within. Tuning the outer wards to flare to full motion as the Lure''s leftover Ousia that''s currently rotting to miasma floods into the vines around us. Twisting them to writhing motion. What was once many hundreds of pinpricks of little lights curling into sharp pointed spines that coat the walls and ceiling.

    Then... I cross my arms and settle to wait. Quirk an eyebrow in expectation.

    A shattering sound follows, and Augusta''s Frame reforms around her. She looks around, then with a sigh sits down heavily. "Thank you both. You especially, Lynette. I''d rather not have Rufus'' death on my conscience."

    "Well... I''d have hated to lose a dear one. Especially to stupid actions easily avoided." I reply evenly, the revelation that I won''t need to barter for a new Frame for her soothing some of the rising anger.

    Some. Enough remains I have to abandon any fa?ade of calm and just... pointedly ignore the way my tendrils click and rattle an echo to the mess I did not expect to... to bubble up here. Not at first words, at least.

    "Not as easy with sleep deprivation, paranoia, and deliberate provocation, but yes. It was stupid, and petty, and frankly I should have known better." Augusta responds, pulling her tome onto her lap and setting up a quill and inkwell beside her.

    "I suppose you''re right. Of course. It''s not like I should expect some random Dreamborn to be able to resist the Tone of such an entity. That would be presumptuous of me." I reply coldly, hardly suppressing a growl. "If only you were kin to someone like... oh, I don''t know. The firstborn of the Moon. Can you imagine Xafra''s delight at meeting a sister? Or her daughters'' excitement? Sikkina getting to embrace that memory and know that evermore family awaits her upon hatching? But, of course and contrary, also her dismay and sorrows at finding out that... That I failed to keep this discovered kin safe from the creature I promised to keep tame!?! Gift her what she thought she''d never know beyond the gerl she wove and the family she''s claimed!?!"

    It''s... the dead echoes that follow make it clear that I was screaming those last words. And the cracking of shadows and memories that I let fragments of my other shape leak out a bit in those last moments of fury.

    "I wish they didn''t know yet. None of us are particularly good at being people, though she''s doing the best at it so far. Our younger brother, Chalice... Heh. He makes Sekrh¨²s look sweet and innocent. He took the path of the Kindly Ones first, and... succumbed to his darkest urges. Couldn''t be sure yet if I''d turn out the same, and... Would be better if I was seen as simply an oddity gone wrong instead of a Sister if I did." She stares at me as she starts writing. "Did you want me to argue with you? Because you''re right. I did mess up. Played right into my niece''s plot. I''m not a hothead like Xafra, but that doesn''t mean I don''t make stupid mistakes on occasion."

    "Honestly? I think I just might adore a fight with someone with real fangs. Could trust that more than¡­ This." I do growl while glaring. "Because everyone keeps making the oldest mistakes in living memory. Every... Every Salt-Guzzling Half-Knit I meet nearly costing themselves and us all decades of happiness instead of grasping what they have now and figuring out the rest with those that love them. It''s stupid. It''s wasteful. And I despise waste, Augusta. More than nearly everything else. So, here is the only question I have that matters, are you my Xafra''s sister? My Sikkina''s Aunt? Willing to let them help you like you helped so many here? Or... not?"

    "Oh, sit on it and rotate, Lynette.¡± She snaps. ¡°You literally have been doing the same thing with Sekrh¨²s, letting her adjust you more and more, twisting you away from what you were, in hopes of keeping your family safe, and you''re surprised that others have similar foolishness? Yes, I''m your Xafra''s sister, and both of your daughters aunt, if you''ll have me, but that is not a one way path. You need to let us help you as well."

    Oh, thank the Dead Hag. She''s willing to stay and try, and is showing some teeth. I''ve... no idea how I''d face Xafra or Sekrh¨²s if she chose to leave us.

    "Welcome to the mess then, as Krahe loves to say, apparently. And as to my rotations and seating arrangements you''ve so pointedly taken notice of..." I chuckle lightly but... trail off and pause, considering the best reply as old echoes rise up. "You''re probably right, Augusta. But so fresh after a reweaving I was not expecting leaves me..."

    "Broken." A memory echo of young Elevar whispers to her first real friend that now stands behind me. "Like... I just want to tear myself free of this skin and hope what comes after is better than this."

    "A Half-Knit." Cackles the voice of the old cunt right after. Smirking as we had let our first casting of the Blitzk?der die away. "But a claimed one now. I''ll see to your reweaving personally. Ensure you don''t recognize the gerl in the mirror soon enough."

    "Incomplete, and tumbling wrongways into a shape I don''t want." Myself from a few hours ago weeps quietly to Sekrh¨²s as the other memories settle. "Make me want this. NOW. So I can stop hurting so much and move on with my tasks."

    I sigh and look down at myself. Whisper softer than I''d rather ever do to her. "Untrusting of myself to not leak stupid things. I wouldn''t even know where to start, much less trust any I tell to not... move rashly."

    "I can relate to that. Thank you. Now, lay it on me, what''s the catch here? Aside from myself, I mean." Augusta waves a hand around while continuing to write.

    "Other than you letting me know what you spoke to Girra and D?mmerung about? Well, the obvious is that you don''t attack Sekrh¨²s, or othersuch without consulting me. The... still obvious but more urgent is that you''re going to march yourself through these tunnels to re-introduce yourself to your sister. The hidden hook is..." I look back up and grin, palms up. "Concealed for a reason. I couldn''t reveal it, even if I wanted to. But I will ask that you help me solve a riddle regarding the nature of Unbound Ousia, Rotting Physis, and Empty Nomos. Once things settle, of course."

    "Oh, yes. I mostly yelled at Girra for being a scatterbrained fool with object permanence issues, and at D?mmerung for letting their worship fall away to such an extent that They¡¯re risking collapse, plus used Their perception to keep up to date on what you all were up to." Augusta giggles, "And that last bit is reasonable enough, Research is a passion of mine."

    I sigh in open relief. "Wonderful. I..." Pause for a few heartbeats, then lose all patience as exhaustion grips my better judgment. Let a snap of finger and strike of will cause this Chamber to fold itself away. Pull from around us like some big cloth into the vines.

    "Is there anything you need to continue in good health this evening or the ones after?" I ask. "Your Frame seems as it was, and your spirit as vibrant, but... death is a costly endeavor."

    But before she can answer, Rufus collapses to his knees behind me and is gasping for breath while huffing, "Oh goddesses. That was terrifying. You''re both psychotic, in case you weren''t aware."

    Look back to him, then kneel and ask. "Were... Please tell me you weren''t holding your breath that entire time? And yes, to your point, I am well-informed to that. Thus the Chamber and wards and such."

    "No, he was slowing his breathing and heart rate as much as possible while remaining motionless to avoid catching a stray attack if we started flinging weaves. But... also no, my Frame is now part of me intrinsically and unchanging, and death... oh, I''ve learned so much about myself." Augusta enthuses.

    "Good to know." I nod, then reach out and take up this foolish but cautious boy by an arm and a leg, twist to settle him on my back like we used to do for each other growing up. His arms slung over my shoulders and my arms supporting his legs. Then turn to regard Augusta. "Xafra and Elevar are in Sikkina''s Sanctuary with my... my little one. Please be more discreet with your words about my views on her. I''d... I''m trying to avoid making a mistake there. Be whatever she asks as she needs it."

    "Actually... Could you let me take Rufus, and check in with them yourself? For your own good and so I can check in with Gebetshure before anything else? I owe them an apology. I''ll talk with Xafra after, and if she''s okay with it as well, see Sikkina after that."

    "Hmmm... No." I muse while shifting Rufus upon my back, enjoying so very much the titterings of soft memories that submerge a dozen other harsher things that might otherwise rise up if I''m not careful. "I want to ensure my oldest friend is returned to his lover safely. But... Will allow you to go attend to yours. Because you have a point. We can meet up on the morrow for talks after everyone is rested. Take this slowly and softly. Make sure no one has the excuse of surprise to be stupid. Does that sound reasonable?"

    "Yes... Also, I''ll have Mecia visit you in a few days to schedule a session. We can try trust exercises where we share our concerns." Augusta snaps her book shut and rises to her feet. "Mmm. I should let you know as well. I am now the sixth Divine. Little brother got there before both me and Xafra, though he''s already left."

    "Truly? Well, congratulations. Or..." I grin openly as tendrils click happily along to an old song they find in the bubbling echoes of memory, even bumping Rufus'' head and arms a bit. "Condolences. Whichever sentiment seems most appropriate. But that nudges something I and Xafra will require. A full report on all the Divines, alongside your family, as you understand them. It can be a living thing, of course. To grow as all our understandings do. But no more... obfuscations. If you please. As for that first bit¡­¡± Pause, consider her words. Then relent. ¡°I''ll see if I can''t find the time."

    "I have no reason to hide anything anymore. I will fully share all information I am permitted to. Can''t tell you about a few things, due to prior agreements... What are we if not our Word, yes?" She titters in a manner that''s rife with implications yet still friendly.

    "Walking, talking, but still rotting corpses, apparently. Make sure to close the door to this study on your way out. I''d hate to find any of those resting here wandered off and got into trouble." I chuckle before I can stop myself, turn to leave before I say anything else... unwise. Can¡¯t lure nonsense to bubble up now at victory claimed.

    But her gentle laughter at those first words sets my tendrils on edge as I sense the corpses around the room shift just slightly in an imitation of her amusement. "Of course, dear."

    Let a few heartbeats pass as I... I try to understand that. But as I reach to examine the Threads, another mangled corpse, far below, screams.

    Howls a memory without sight or sounds or any such sensations. Because... How can something so Rotted recall anything? It''s dead. Has been for a long time. Empty of life. No entwined Ousia. No fresh Physis. Not a drop of blazing Nomos. Cold and dead but... but still SO VERY¨C

    Pull Rufus close, drown myself in better memories, and turn and leave. Now. Before I invite worse from this Godling I summoned back into the Real.

    ** ** **

    I find Calix outside the Sheared Spire in the little gazebo he built as an addition to it. And as we get closer, it¡¯s easy to see that his hands aren''t wrapped anymore. And are clearly cracked in multiple places, the false skin giving way to the crystal underneath, with visible gouges traveling all the way up to his elbows. He''s still wearing the eyepatch, but seems in a significantly better mood, and less emotionally fragile than witnessed in days.

    And upon an arm is Bartholomew, the little bird he found weeks ago, who is now wearing a small harness that includes blades along the front of his wings, and an amulet that unmistakably has a sliver of Sekrh¨²s in it.

    I... hesitate when I spot that. Am not sure how to even...

    Shake my head. Boy is filled with good sense or is tumbling, and either way I''d not the slightest idea how to help.

    Thus ensuring my oldest friend finds him with me. And thank the Salt-Drowned Seas this body is stronger beyond good-sense. Else I''d be too tired to even speak after walking so far with Rufus on my back.

    "Good evening Calix, I found one of yours wandering below and put him to good works. But am now here to return what was lost." I offer gently. "And... I hear that you''ve been up to your own mischief? Hopefully haven''t overstrained yourself?"

    "Oh oh oh! This one is so glad he''s safe. Wasn''t sure he''d be coming back, and yeah! This one talked to Lady Sekrh¨²s and got her help to let Bartholomew go outside for collecting and also act as a scout for her. He seems pretty interested in the idea now that he can do the talking. Well, sorta. He has flappy signals to communicate!"

    "I... hate all of that. Except that talking birb. That''s adorable." I smile tiredly and adjust Rufus. "But... Nevermind. I hate any of you talking with her. Just be safe. Don''t be stupid. I know you''ve listened to her for years but she''s... different now. More infectious. Actively enjoying her cruelties rather than just following the hungers sewn into her."

    Calix shakes his head, "It''s just teen drama, Mistress Lynette. She''ll grow out of some of it, and mature eventually. The important thing is to help Lady Sekrh¨²s learn good habits. mmhmhm!" He flicks his wrist and the bird flaps up and out past the upper bounds of Sekrh¨²s'' reach before he hops down the gazebo steps to take Rufus from me.

    If I had more energy, I might snap at him for that as memories threaten to sink their fangs into me, but... instead help adjust the nearly fully asleep Rufus to pass easily into Calix''s arms.

    "Easier said than done." I reply while stepping back. "But... Regardless. You both get some rest. Take care of each other. And let me know if you need something from me. I know Xafra''s Resheathing is a wonder but I can bring parts to this Spire if you''d rather handle your own Frame repairs. Could go grab anything you need literally right now if you want."

    "Will do! Ummm. Hmmm... Actually, I don''t need it right now, but if you could get me some resin tomorrow, that would be really helpful." He answers after a moment of consideration.

    "I''ll make sure a good sized jar is left outside your door, then. And if Rufus awakes and needs anything you know how to reach me. Otherwise, I expect you both to sleep in after the messy few days we just had. Alright?"

    "Of course, Mistress Lynette. She says she''s proud of you." Calix responds offhandedly as he walks into Xafra''s Spire.

    I... Almost go after him. Demand to know which cunt he means.

    Sekrh¨²s or... Mayhaps the Mother Moon again? Not sure which I''m more worried about him passing that little message to me for. Either way I refuse to use that poor boy as my go between to spit venom. Will do that myself when the moment is right.

    "Best not to think about it either way, stupid half-knit." I sigh and glance around the now very empty grounds. Devoid of even my little one gazing upwards at the Empty Sky. Suddenly... without immediate tasks or mistakes to attend to... Lost.

    And only barely holding myself together without those weights.

    "Choices choices so few choices." I breathe to my silent waiting memories. "I''d adore to just... go find Krahe and Infection nuzzling Schatzi in their Driftdream. Can''t rest but... can pretend to. Mayhaps... but... No. No." I concede and begin moving toward our Spire. "Need to make sure my little one is alright. That Elevar kept Xafra from... meddling and scaring her. Or preparing to call the suns down on our heads. Or... who knows. I don''t. Not a bit. Can''t predict that... stupidly unbearably wretchedly wonderful gerl if I tried. Not sure I''d adore her if I could guess the full turnings of her mind." I mutter and growl to myself as I work my way through the tunnels.

    Try to let a litany of messy spoken words settle as memories over the things I feel rising from between the freshly woven seams I can still feel tugging wrongways deep within and... and farther away still.

    My Threads, buried deep within the bowels of the Estate. The dead parts twisting worseways than ever. Memories of Augusta''s final words like... like spitting furious sunlight upon a rotting thing freshly upturned from the maggot filled dirt.

    Almost... turn back near the end. Suddenly worried what might pop free if I can''t keep myself stable when I hear...

    "Mhm. That''s silly, Miss Xafra." My little one giggles happily. "Sikkina doesn''t have a throat or tongue or lungs or... or that. She sings more like a rock does when it welcomes nice bugs to snuggle beneath itself. Or when an egg needs turned over."

    "Huh. You know, I''ve spent time around a lot of rocks, but I don''t think I''ve stopped to listen to one. That sounds like something interesting to try. Did you want me to try singing a song? I''m not very good at it, but I''d like to think I''m improving." Xafra answers in amusement.

    "If you can sing pretty then, yes! Please. That way when Sikkina does have lungs and throats and lots of tongues she can sing pretty too! If not... no. Please. Wow. This one will hear all the ugly bits and probably point them out and... that tends to make the songs worse." My little one explains while I can''t help but let my feet walk me closer unbidden. Just... pulled to her like iron to a lodestone. "Which is sad, because normally pointing out the ugly parts helps people but not with this kind of singing. It''s just... part of the everything. Sister Sikkina was worried and so she..."

    I pause just as they come into sight, and all other words stop making sense for a few eternally long heartbeats.

    Wait... What did my little one just say?

    Sister? Sister Sikkina? She... But... but when did she... Wait. Did... did Xafra...

    "When your mother is the moon, not just any love will do/I was found in a pit by a princess, who soon enough became two/ They helped me become the woman I am, and soon they can also help you/ So worry not my darling, there''s no need to be sad/ With a family, a Pack, and whole gaggle of dolls that love you, the outlook isn''t so bad." Xafra croons, three voices coming from her throat in a loose harmony.

    Her song tugs me from the spiral. New worries bubble up as I fear my little one will start to panic or get upset or¨C

    But she only stares with wide eyes and ears perked up like she only does when gazing undisturbed under the Empty Sky itself. Fur pressed close to show her total comfort with those about her. And that... adorably ugly plush Primrose made her held tighter than even when she first was gifted it. "Wow. Okay. Wow. Wow. Wow. You sing really pretty. Please teach Sister Sikkina to sing pretty too, okay? Wow. If you do this one is going to sleep in here all the time since the dirt is often really quiet but sometimes sings big and ugly and makes... um..."

    It''s... of course, an unintentional step forward that alerts her to me. Cursed acute hearing catching upon a new sound as I forget to soften my steps.

    "Oh! Hi Mistress! We um... We''re just talking about singing and Miss Xafra does that really pretty and did you hear her?"

    Fight back tears as wails thrum and echo up through me. Memories long rotted and ruined in sympathetic echo to... to all of this. Can barely nod as I whisper. "I did. Though I... I didn''t know she carried that skill within. It''s wonderful to know you lured her into... into sharing that."

    "Well, she offered and I told her to not if she sang ugly but she did anyway and I''m glad she did." My little one smiles while sharing, eyes and ears facing my fulling as she shatters on but... falling a little near the end. "Um... Mistress. Are... Um... is it... Did it do something wrong?"

    "No. Not at all!" I rebuke immediately, fighting to steady my everything to give her my smile. "You''re... This all sounds delightful and lovely and perfect."

    "Then... why are you holding back tears and an ugly song inside?" She asks. "Did... Um... Is it okay that... that this one is um... that this one said um... Y- yes to being Sikkina''s big sister? B- because Miss Xafra said it should and... and said she needed that. And this one loves her. Wants to be a good big sister. Even if it isn''t supposed to want things like the... the old Mistress said."

    "Yes." I agree, fight harder to keep the mess inside still and quiet. At... at least for a little while longer. Can''t scare her here. "She''s right. You... You''re going to make a wonderful sibling to Sikkina. The best. Better than she could ever imagine before tonight. It''s good that you agreed to be that."

    She... pauses. Fully. More than I''ve ever seen. Really seems to look me up and down. Ears swiveling in worry while pursing her lips and squeezing that ugly plush close.

    Xafra offers a small smile, waiting patiently and offering gentle encouragement over the bond.

    "I''m... It''s just been a busy night." I try to explain. "And this is a... such a perfect thing to hear at its end. I''m so proud of you for claiming this. It''s... you deserve to make these choices for yourself. Always. And I''ll always adore hearing when you take those leaps."

    "Okay. okay... So not mad? But... tired? You seem tired. And..." She murmurs. "Hurt? Mistress are you... okay?"

    I want to lie. More than anything would give up so much to reclaim that ease to spin easy webs to keep these gerls I love away from the... the everything that are my fraying Threads.

    "Honestly? Dear one?" Lips whisper as every part of me sags. "I am angry. But never at you or any actions you''ve taken. Tired as well but, but unable to sleep. And... yes. Hurt. In ways I''ve not the words for. But seeing you tonight fills me with joy that drowns all that more than I''ll ever be able to fully impart."

    [Augusta was frustrating then? I felt her return... Much sooner than I expected. Already got the darlings to cease their research and rest instead.] Xafra intones, careful to avoid disrupting the situation.

    [Good. Thank you and... No. She was polite, apologetic, and has agreed to act as your Sister should. If anything I''d have enjoyed her being more of a problem. Prepared an entire set of schemes if she chose that even a little.] I reply with an internal sigh.

    "Oh. Okay. Is um... Would you like to... um... It hears things tearing inside you but sees no blood or bites or stabs. So... doesn''t know how to help. But wants to do that too."

    "I wish you could, little one." I smile at her. "Means the World and all Her Dreams that you want to. But I''ll knit the torn seams and pull myself together soon enough. Always do. This pain is within... expected limits. Nothing to overworry about."

    "And she''s going to let us help, of course." Elevar offers. Giving me a pointed look.

    Can feel her at the edges of my thoughts. Wanting to prod and ask what my little one means by ''hearing things tearing inside'' no doubt, but... need to keep her thoughts from mine. Can''t let them turn into a memory echo and rattle my focus.

    "I... If it comes to that. Yes." I reply carefully. "But I''m... steady and tending to it. As I said. Nothing to overworry about tonight."

    "Oh. Okay. Thank you Miss Elevar." My little one agrees. Still worried but... less so now. Hugs her plush close and looks back to me. "Um... Can... This one, maybe... want a hug from you? Mistress?"

    No, absolutely not. Everything will tear all to bits if I¨C

    "Of course. Dear one. Always." I agree and stride forward, but... slowly enough I hope I can regather some extra control before¨C

    But she darts forward. Faster than a quick blink to be in my arms. Smushing that plush to certain destruction with how hard she hugs me.

    Feel my stability crack at that. Drawing memories to bubble up to bite at the ankles of what I''m keeping firmly rooted. But... I hold steady enough. Avoid falling to howling ruins like I''d otherwise expect.

    "Thank you." I whisper with obvious relief while pulling her closer still. "I''m... so very delighted in you. Always. I... want you to know that. Remember these words if ever you doubt my love."

    [We should go, Mistress Lynette. There''s one last thing to talk about before rest, though it can wait until tomorrow if both of you promise me not to weave anything until we have time to speak.] Xafra intones gently.

    I wait to reply till I''ve pulled back from my little one. Brushed some fuzz away and nudged her to go be with Sikkina. To which she hesitates, but nods and moves back to settle just above the heart of this Sanctuary.

    Rise and say to them both in an even but polite enough tone. "Shall we?"

    Then turn and leave as quickly as possible without seeming rushed. Trying to rebuild my focus amidst the storm of... of trying to understand this gerl''s demand.

    Why would she say that? No weaving? What, by the Cracked and Riven Moon could she be thinking?

    Stop us as we reach enough of a point that I can nudge enough vines to shift between us and our... my Doll as to not be overheard if things grow loud. Then turn and very pointedly not glare at Xafra or Elevar¡¯s Physis form.

    Ask so very calmly and very kindly. "Now. What is this about speaking with you before weaving?"

    "You''ve been busy and recovering, so it stood to reason that you may not have noticed that... Miasma has changed with Augusta''s return. I suspect any weaves using it will be fully uncontrollable until they are altered to compensate, and honestly, I''m not certain about what to do with the fact that regular weaving is causing it to begin accumulating in the flesh. I''m out of my depths when it comes to the stuff. Never had a need for any of those weaves and otherwise just avoided it when it formed cursestorms." Xafra replies delicately.

    "What did you just say?" I ask, her words... not making any sense. At all. Why would the Miasma...Change?

    Xafra... says something else. Mayhaps a few things. But...

    "No. Xafra, that''s stupid. I bargained for more than the ability to recoup the Nomos cost myself. I... It was my fault Augusta died. My responsibility to bring her back and make sure you could properly meet your sister." I must be shouting, with how everything is starting to echo. "Why would Sekrh¨²s let me do this if... if it ruins one of her favorite tools?"

    More words. Some even get mixed into the muck of howling screaming memories. Old things too. Even some from Elevar''s earliest wounded recollections. Things that lack words or sense but bear the bite of things only a child can sink teeth into so stubbornly. Then... things of our time with the Old Cunt. Bad moments when she pushed us too far. And we chose to break and change rather than risk losing the one person we felt loved us.

    Try to open my eyes but... Everything is pitch darkness now too. I... Can''t see? Oh. Must have shifted fully then.

    Can only... taste how bad this all is. Hear and feel the weight of things tilting off balance. Mayhaps the Threads will hold. Mayhaps they''ll only tilt. Or... Mayhaps this''ll tear old bindings that keep Sekrh¨²s from rousing more and more.

    "Cracked and Riven Moonshited..." I hiss, feeling myself tilt back into some wall behind me. "I can''t fix this. I''ve... It''s... Too big. Too much. Not... not without..."

    "With enough wit, barely a drop of envenomed Ousia can poison a wellspring cultivated through years of a Matriarch''s family." A memory of Yselda purrs. One that from within we knelt broken and sobbing after barely surviving our first outing to the Groves in new flesh. "Now, be the good gerl I wove, stop mewling like some pathetic Doll, and help me slaughter all our enemies. Alright?"

    "Alright." I growl in echo to the memory. Try to rise from where it seems I''ve fallen or... something.

    "It''s an interesting look for sure, but if it''s not one you''re comfortable with, I''ll talk with Sekrh¨²s. Despite her attempt to destroy me, I don''t think it''s fair that she''s as restrained as she is." Xafra comments, worry poorly masked.

    So easy to taste. Her honest concern that spills off her like shriveling leaves from a tree. Makes it... So hard to think along the threads I need to knit together to pull myself up from the muck. Focus. What did she say? Worry about my comfort now that I let the beast change me so visibly? Wanting to unbind Sekrh¨²s more? I... think?

    "Fair? Dear one? I... No, I doubt it was, once upon an age when the Moon was full and vibrant. But if you start snipping bindings it''ll be like freeing some viper from a bird''s web. You''ll not like the creature that dredges free to spit venom at everyone you love." I reply, trying to... find a path. "And my comfort is irrelevant. It''s fine. I''m fine. Hard spun iron. I''ll..."

    Bite back the word I nearly say. Function. Like... One of the old cunt''s stupid Dolls. Devoid of will or ambition. Threads woven about my neck aside I will not be fooled again by the wretched beast below again!

    Xafra snaps her fingers, and the sound hammers against my skull and even causing Elevar to lose her Physis woven form. "Mistress. I am trying to learn from my mistakes. I don''t need to like Sekrh¨²s to know that leaving her chained would ruin me. Likewise, your comfort is important to me. We will find a way forward as a family."

    I''m about to snap and growl at the fool gerl. But Elevar uses the moment of broken focus to slip past the walls between our thoughts. Pulls me to face her from within. [Lynette, sister. Cracked and Riven Moon. Stop. You''re fraying. Hurt. You need to rest, recover. No big decisions have to be made tonight. But you need to trust us... Please?]

    "Please!?! Really? What are you? A Doll? A toy mewling for her Mistress'' attention? Or a Witch who can turn lies to truth with naught but will?" A memory of the old cunt snaps at the word. "Don''t take to begging, stupid Half-Knit. It''s embarrassing, and is blood spilled for others to spot."

    Elevar flinches, then turns to regard the threads that should be naught but silent shadows to her. [I... What? Lynette? What was¡­]

    Oh. Moonshite. She heard that.

    "Nothing. Just... nothing." I growl, reach out to grip the threads to smother their nonsense. Try to twist this shape back down to... to something softer.

    Can''t though. Everything hurts too much.

    "Just take over our flesh." I demand.

    "I... of course." She agrees. Then carefully slips to the front. And our body slowly returning to its base as her will smothers mine within.

    But Xafra¡­ She flinches. Then turns to leave while snapping. "We''ll talk tomorrow, perhaps. If you''re willing to entertain your toy by then, Lynette."

    SHE HEARD THAT TOO?!?

    And with a crack I''m shoving Elevar back behind so I can reach limbs far enough to catch our gerl''s wrist, "Wait, Xafra. I''m sorry. That... That wasn''t... I''d never think of you like that. It was... I''m just..."

    Trail off. Have no idea how to even begin to explain my overflowing memory echoes as a heartbeat passes.

    [Dear one. I... That wasn''t her. It was a very loud memory. One not intentionally recalled, much less shared. One of... Empty Skies...] Elevar intones to Xafra while sending her something over the bond.

    Xafra stops, and¡­ I worry what mess Elevar revealed to her. But she turns to hug us after a long heartbeat. "I understand. But I''m still hurt, and I need to think through my feelings so I can help you without lashing out or making rash decisions. Can we leave the topic alone for tonight?"

    Want to press on. Ignore her request and at least try to assure her that those would never be things I¡¯d even think towards her but¡­ bite back the words.

    "I... Yes." I instead whisper and embrace her with this awkward and large form. Four limbs wrapping about her tightly as I focus on rebuilding the walls and foundations that should keep these stupid threads quiet to all but me. Focus on... softer things. So anything leaking through is quiet and gentle. "Thank you for being so wonderful to my little one. She... I didn''t expect her to rush down here, much less have you offer her the mantle of sister to our Sikkina. But... it unmakes me to know that you did."

    "I had... Meant to speak to you about it beforehand. I saw how she talked to Sikkina and it was everything I wished I had when I was young." Xafra responds, freely letting some embarrassment reach me through the bond.

    "Oh, dear one. I Didn''t think of it that way before but... yes. That makes sense, and this being the reason is... perfect. Honestly. I''m glad you did so without delay." I whisper into her soft mane of hair. "Our daughter already delights in her. Knows how she struggles even better than I do it seems, and my little one senses the same for her. They will be inseparable once Sikkina hatches. Sisters ready to face the world together. Well... at least when the Sky is Empty. That is."

    She seems to want to respond to that, but decides against it, nuzzling into me.

    So, I decide instead to avoid more stressful exchanges. Gently, carefully, adjust to pull her up and cradle this godling in my too many arms. Holding her close as I move us through the tunnels. Wordlessly letting both her and Elevar know that I intend to ensure they both find a pile of Pack Sisters to rest with tonight.

    And... without letting any others see my like this. I soon find Krahe and Infection tangled together and fast asleep. Move to settle Xafra into the mess while nudging my sister to take over our flesh and ensure she''s mixed happily into the pile.

    Consider... What to do?

    Where to pass away their resting hours as they find it in the quiet places within the Driftdream?

    I reach out to touch the space my Pack settles within but... hold back a hiss of annoyance as I feel the spirits and ocean Infection''s connection has added. What was once an endless forest to the side now a bubbling sea that fills the Dream with the sweet and salty scent of those waters.

    Can''t risk it. Being seen by Girra or His Sun-Blessed. Especially with... these new changes.

    Risk a check over the new ideal form within my mind''s eye. The... the new gashes that tear from left hip to right shoulder. Then across the insides of all four limbs. Each filled to bursting with... things. Growths brimming with dormant rewoven Sun-Blessed Spores.

    Could... Mayhaps the library? The one within our gifted ring? Lots of familiar and perfect things to re-read and settle into there. But...

    It¡¯s so hard not to glare, pointedly, at the Archives within the Threads. How... how they burn like a shining Grove on the horizon of my perceptions. Easy to ignore when guiding the flesh to motion and filled with bubbling recollections. Now though...

    At day¡¯s end with nothing but pain and quiet?

    "Such a trove, wonderful but... uncultivated. Just a mountain of dead knowledge if no one sees to organizing it." A memory of Sekrh¨²s sighs softly through a knowing grin. "And always waiting for you to continue the good work of swimming through it. Gathering seemingly endless understanding and power and stories from the minds of all I''ve devoured. At your leisure, of course. No rush dear. You do have eternity, after all."

    Huff and... decide to indulge. Just a little. Return to this invaluable store of knowledge for a night after a stupid amount of stressful tasks.

    But keep to the places I''ve already explored and cataloged. Avoid the unperceived places that my attention could clear to understanding and more freedom for Sekrh¨²s.

    Mayhaps...

    "Oh¡­ Well, isn''t that a thought." I whisper. Moving and also calling the knittings of knowledge to myself. Settling in like another might in their flesh curl up in a reading nook with a stack of tomes.

    Each contains an intake¡¯s knowledge and understanding of Miasma. Some from merely a few centuries back, and a few from much much longer. Time markings so messy they could be nearer to Xafra or our Dolls'' age.

    "Now... Let''s see if I can''t figure out why you wanted your aunt back and ascended." I murmur, take up the first Tome, and begin to read.

 Chapter 93: Redemption Lies Plainly in Truth (Doll)

    Redemption Lies Plainly in Truth (Doll)

    Content Warnings:

    SMUTT with biting and venom and eating food and trauma and panic attacks and a cutie getting carried around like a Doll to be given pretty clothes and Sisterly gay love and also.... Um... Therapy. At the start. mhm.

    ALSO ALSO A BEEEEG thankums to Irene Fray</a> for writing Valthirii into this giggling wiggling chappy!!!

    "You caused a lot of problems for us. Wasn''t just you, of course. I know you were goaded into it, and it turned out... mostly well in the end, but... sigh Augusta, I... broke myself a bit. That''s probably the most honest way to put it. Harmonized with the rest of the Pack and that, I don''t want to say it fixed me, because it didn''t, it helped by making the jagged edges more compatible. Codependent. Something that is arguably unhealthy and maladaptive for people who have a chance of... growing apart, dying of old age, and what not, but as a Pack of Combat Frames with immortality now, it makes sense to rely on each other more. So that''s fine really. Ended up um... having an evening with Valthirii since our research became completely irrelevant. She was very kind and gentle. Didn''t do anything intimate because she realized I wasn''t in a mental state to agree, but held me all night and uhm... made me this dress from her silk with Schatzi''s help. And yeah, I''m going to ask her out, because I don''t know if we''re actually dating already but it seems like it? I dunno. It''s a lot more complicated than with the Pack where we can more easily tell how each other''s feeling and we have our souls interwoven. Not that it''s bad that it''s complicated, just different..." I pause trying to find the right words.

    Augusta laughs gently, and nods. "I understand. Gebetshure was quite distressed by my death and it''s been... complicated helping them deal with that and my new position. I''ll have to find an appropriate way to make it up to them. But what about the rest of the week? How do you feel about the vote being delayed, the new causeway cutting down into the floodplain, or the changes to the Driftdream?''

    I think it through, deciding what to start with before answering. "Causeway is your fault too, at least indirectly. It''s an aperture to D?mmerung, isn''t it? Bet you convinced the dirtgod to make it so people would pay attention to them again. And far enough away that it''s obvious there is no possibility any at the Estate was involved to split attention away from us all. Sneaky sneaky... The delay could hurt us more than desirable. With Envoy Adze chomping at the bit to see this new basalt edifice, he''s been even more impolite with the rest; with six Groves voting and the Threshers as a tie-breaker, we only tentatively have three on our side. We need to secure Grove Thorn''s vote, as we don''t know where Vesper''s proxy will go and relying on the Threshers is a recipe for disaster. That''s going to be a real challenge considering we don''t even have a name or pronouns for them... Disquietingly tight-lipped. Not sure if that''s a cultural thing and asking Elevar about her past is striding into brambles hoping to avoid bleeding."

    Following a smile and sip of tea, Augusta responds. "Yes, I nagged dear D?mmerung quite fiercely to reassert their presence. Your views on the talks are insightful as always... And the Driftdream? I''ve not been permitted entry yet, so I''m enthusiastic to hear what''s happened."

    I overdramatically roll all eight of my eyes at her, knowing full well that while not lying, she''s deliberately leaving out things I already know. "Because you haven''t talked to your sister yet about it, and Gebetshure definitely told you about the changes, including the fact that all of the Dolls here have somehow started Dreaming their way inside of it, and that it''s slowly growing bigger. But that''s not what you want to know, of course. You want to know about the other change that Rufus caused during combat practice with Hackt in the Driftdream¡­"

    Augusta simply nods. "Yes. I felt something shift, like there was suddenly a window I could peer through, yet it''s formless, escaping every attempt I make to grasp the edges. Plus I''ve heard that Joan has joined Hackt and Rufus in hearing that Song of theirs."

    "That she did," I confirm. "Luckily Hackt is strong enough to pin both of them at the same time, otherwise it could have been a bit of an issue for those around them. She''s adjusting to it well though, thankfully... A Temple formed in the Driftdream at the edge Xafra''s city. It''s massive, larger than the city itself despite the outside seeming to be a small space. Inside, there''s long wings of Halls... Xafra has asked for caution and courtesy, but there have been some visitors to the Halls, myself included. I know now that there''s six of you and your siblings total, and that a few of them have offspring. That one has their Hall sealed shut by a wall of Girra''s fire, and that yours is... imbrued with miasma on every surface save a set of masks along the back wall above the altar."

    "Fascinating. Thank you for informing me. I know it''s... Unprofessional to ask you for gossip, and I appreciate your willingness to indulge me anyway." Augusta says apologetically.

    "You made Lynette terrified of you. Not precisely sure how but she seems as scared of you as she is of Sekrh¨²s, and you''re not actively manipulating her mind or physical form. That''s... unhealthy. Especially since Xafra''s gonna want you involved with their little one. I don''t like it. I''ve been... talking with someone who can help her, but... I don''t know if it''s ethical. Is it wrong to force someone to face their fears and work through them? Probably. Is it wrong for me to let it happen if I can prevent it? Also probably. But... What if I want to find a way to justify it anyways? Hypocritical of me to help take away her agency in the matter for her own good, but a part of me doubts she even has agency to take in this situation with Sekrh¨²s holding her leash." I worry at the concept like a vorin with a corpse.

    "You can always find a way to justify it, if that''s what you want; but then you''d also have to accept the consequences. She might even accept your actions as reasonable and deserved afterwards but... You''d be showing her quite dramatically that she can never trust you again. That you''ll put your opinion over her consent. Do you want to go down that road with a loved one?" Augusta counters gently.

    I recoil in self disgust and stand up. "Thank you for the session. I''m going to go find some means of being productive."

    I head out of Augusta''s suite and up the stairs to the Library proper, ringing the little bell that Ciska made for Valthirii, so she knows I''m here.

    Threads ripple within view as Valthirii heeds the summons. Her words prelude her appearance. "How can this Library''s Keeper assist you?"

    "Well, Miss Valthirii, I was actually here to see if you needed any assistance?" I ask in my most charming voice possible.

    "If you are looking for light work, I am amidst preservation and copying efforts." Her smile widens. "If you have an appetite for something more interesting, I could always guide fresh perspectives to the shelves where I keep the unsorted works."

    I blush. "Whichever you would prefer. I have a need to do something productive that will keep my mind off of even more potential mistakes I might make."

    "I prefer more fulfilling work that inspires insightful conversation with company." Valthirii beckons me to follow her through the winding arrangement of shelves until we arrive at what must be a carefully sequestered shelf turned away from the bulk of the rest of the library. "I''ll not feel settled in until this particular arrangement of disorder is no longer the guiding principle that unites these final holdouts."

    She says that, but¡­ this particular shelf shows all the signs of being left largely untouched. Years ago, I would have considered such subtle maneuvers to be a slight of some kind, but with the Pack as a constant quiet murmur in my mind, I can tell she doesn''t like to be too overt or seem desperate, a defense of sorts.

    "This sounds like a good project to work on. What''s your preference for sorting methodologies? I''ll admit, I''m mostly familiar with sorting by subject then complexity." I ask.

    Valthirii hums with a thoughtful look as she holds my gaze. "I shall confess that I''ve always had a soft spot for putting the more belligerent texts beyond the reach of most. Some just can''t find it within themselves to admit what it is they want. To themselves, or others."

    As if to demonstrate, she gives a few tugs at the threads intended to put top shelf texts within reach. Some have more give than others. "I make no judgments on value, of course. What is drivel to some may be just what another needs. Which puts me in a frustrating position when judgements on subject cannot be narrowed down to a single fruit for which a tome is sought."

    I blush but don''t look away. "I... Okay, aaaaa. So, first of all, use an index catalog for documents that are covering multiple subjects and file them under the subject that is the largest portion of the book or alphabetically. And more importantly... Will you be my girlfriend?"

    "An innnndex." Valthirii lingers on the word as she rises to her full height. "I have put no thought towards such a reference." Her fingers tap at the books she has moved, sliding them back into place in quick succession.

    Turning back to me, she leans into the motions that lead to her matching my height. "As for the topic at hand, my interest in you as a partner is most certainly in your favor. I simply must ask what it is that draws you into desiring a long term entanglement with another?"

    I do my best to maintain a calm expression as I search for the most accurate words over any platitudes that spring to mind regarding her appearance or charm, finding them easier than expected. "In general, the realization that Mistress Xafra offering a much longer lifespan of freedom instead of a sorry existence as a prisoner brought me to understand that I do not handle being alone very well. In specific regards to you, there''s a number of things. Our shared history as Witches that were made into Dolls, your love of learning and reading, your careful kindness and crafted demeanor, and... Knowing that we will be working together more directly in the future, I simply refuse to miss an opportunity to become entangled with you before the war begins. I hope that''s a good start, Miss Valthirii."

    "Such a well articulated declaration of affection and reflection of your circumstances." Valthirii makes a show of preening before softening her voice. "Where do I even begin to respond? Ah. Of course. I agree to entangle myself with you for all that shall soon follow. As your gerlfriend, as you put it."

    My throat chokes up as I stammer "That''s definitely a good start."

    "We''re in agreement then." Valthirii continues to preen before withdrawing her face behind an open book. "I am unfortunately prone to bury myself in my work. I nonetheless hope you remain as persistent with me as you have been in taking the initiative. I find myself most often focused on engaging with what is in front of me more than I am the destination. Learning the nuance, intent, and appeal of a thing or so on."

    Am I coming on too strong? Probably. I''ll give her space but open the possibility of returning shortly if she wants. DON''T MESS THIS UP ADALINE.

    "Of course. Persistence is one of the things I excel at, and you are most definitely worth the effort." I respond while stepping back, letting her have a bit of space. "I have a few other tasks I should accomplish, then if it''s acceptable, I''ll come visit again later today?"

    Valthirii tries and fails to hide her disappointment before inclining her head. "Of course. As regrettable as it is to see you depart so soon, I shall endeavor to not immerse myself in anything that would demand too much focus that you would be unwelcome. All the same, I do look forward to whenever you next find time to visit."

    I MESSED UP ALREADY. Okay okay okay, I can fix this. Gotta make it the plan, be suave.

    "Excellent. Shouldn''t be more than a bit. Need to check in on our guests and new residents, give a report, then I''ll be back."

    "Ah! Well in that case, I''ll prepare a meal for the two of us."

    Oh, I didn''t realize she''s one of the Dolls interested in eating. Oh, now that''s an idea. It''s not nepotism, it''s romance...

    "Sounds delightful." I respond with a smile as I dash away, Quills already asking the Pack for help getting Valthirii some Allaga¨ª as well.

    <Agreement.> Krahe and Infection To Draw Prey Close For A Feast respond in unison, our newest Sister excited and interested in meeting D?mmerung.

    <Warden can accompany this one''s sisters on this task, and ensure the entire Pack is properly upgraded in this manner, if you wish to continue with your own tasks.> Warden offers.

    <Mistress Elevar and I approve of course, and would like Valthirii and yourself to keep notes on changes, as Calix still wants the ability to eat but doesn''t want any other weaving abilities restored.> Xafra adds to the thrumming of our Pack''s Quill-song.

    With confirmation from our temporary Pack Lead Warden and the rest of the Pack, I head up to the next level of the Spire where I find Feryudra dictating Sun-blessed stories for Gebetshure to write down in a blank tome.

    The current tale is being given in an odd type of poetic verse the tilts between two languages. One I don¡¯t know and the other common Grove speak.

    ¡°But this young storm did not know the wound that birthed him, nor the land that would nurture his waters to settled consumption, so it hesitated until fading upon the tides boiling beneath¡­¡±

    It stops as I enter, raising a hand to signal a pause to Gebetshure. Then turns to me. ¡°Greetings, Pack Sister Adaline. What words have you come to sift through with this one?¡±

    "Greetings Feryudra of Settling Tides. I wish to ask if there is anything we could do or offer to improve your visit currently?" I respond with formality.

    It tilts head curiously at my question, thinks for a heartbeat, then replies. "To this Frame? No. It Functions well. To the spirits within? Its treasured stories are being guarded in this act and offer to record and spread them. So, yes. Very. More than it dared expect when it followed Warmth of Lovers They''ve Yet to Embrace and Infection To Draw Prey Close For A Feast into the waiting maw."

    I ponder for a long moment before asking another question. "May I have your proper name? The Pack bond with Infection To Draw Prey Close For A Feast has enhanced my understanding of your culture a significant amount I believe, and I would prefer not to diminish you in my speech."

    "You may. However, using the smaller word is in no way doing so. It is from a long dead language and meant only and precisely the longer translation." Feryudra explains. "The word and name was chosen when your Mistress asked for a windborne title to address it as upon first meeting. And at the time it spoke to what it was. The Horizon That Will Never Be Touched. It considered changing this, as it now basks in that desired horizon. But... will hold it for now. Perhaps until all Sun-Claimed Dolls are offered the same. Perhaps when this Frame finally cracks and ends Function. Or... only perhaps if it someday forgets within His Blaze what it was to long for this Horizon alongside all others who might seek it."

    "...Is that also true for Infection To Draw Prey Close For A Feast? My Pack is... Vital to me, and a mild inconvenience in speech is nothing compared to the benefit of offering proper respect. Or I guess I should restate, is there an equivalent term for my Packmate?" I ask, contemplating the words offered.

    "This one does not know, But assumes not. Your Sister spent much time with family that cannot even consider windborne names, much lest speak them." Feryudra answers me while tilting head in the opposite direction.

    "If this one... could advise?" Gebetshure offers. "This one has visited the edges of the new shores in the Driftdream. Spoken a little with those hovering and peeking past the borders. There is one there who is old family to Infection To Draw Prey Close For A Feast. She''s wanted to meet its Pack, but is... sleepy and patient. Insisted it wait. But... wouldn''t mind visitors at all. At least, that''s what the bubbling flower bugs told this one."

    "That''s not a bad idea..." I thrum Quills once again to check with Warden before seeing if Verbess and Schatzi want to pay this extended family a visit.

    <Agreement.> Verbess replies after a heartbeat.

    I twitch in annoyance at myself, recognizing that I can''t pass off every single task today. "Thank you Gebetshure. We will be doing so shortly. In the meantime, Feryudra, Do you have a means of communicating directly with Warmth of Lovers They''ve Yet to Embrace? It''s my understanding that you''re from different spore families, right?"

    "This one can send echoes through the Blaze." It confirms. "As we are close and this one is charged with the task of protection and preservation, Krelliva will hear and move quicker than most others outside this one''s Family might to a request."

    "Fascinating. Would you mind terribly checking if Krelliva could use anything as well?" I ask with a smile.

    "It would not. Consider the question relayed." Feryudra agrees, pauses, then offers. "Hmmm... Krelliva believes it may, but not immediately. And another may end up asking for this in its place. So there is no need for immediate motions."

    "Wonderful. Oh, before I forget, Feryudra, Nadine mentioned that she will be coming to visit you soon, and Gebetshure, if you''re able, could you please try and convince your love to talk to her sister? I attempted in our session earlier, but I think she''ll listen to you more."

    Guilt threatens me before I steady myself. It''s just a conversation. I''ll stop it if she starts to put any plans in motion.

    "It will await her with curious regard." Feryudra replies.

    Gebetshure though, purses their lips it thought for a good pause before murmuring. "This one... is hesitant to do that. But will ask her to bless it with her considerations. Let Madam Augusta do the speaking while another listens instead of the reverse like she tends to feel most comfortable with. If she comes to that decision it will be because she desired it."

    "Much appreciated, both of you. Thank you for your time." I end politely, just barely managing to get out of sight before dashing off again, this time to the Sheared Spire.

    I find these next two quite emphatically going over quite the impressive stack of parchment. Presephona at the table with writing utensils in both hands, tirelessly working while Jezrial goes over a few stray pages.

    "And you''re sure this boy is still in good health?" Jezrial asks while I enter.

    "A mere two errors in ten thousand pages and you''ll still question me." Presephona snaps, looks up to glare at her Mistress. But when Jezrial only looks up with a quirked eyebrow, this former Matron sighs and answers. "Yes, Curanos Jezrial, it was. If the Lady of that house decided to break an art piece she paid that much for, this one would not have agreed to even schema a Frame for her."

    "Seems you both are getting along well. That''s quite promising to see." I state by way of announcing my presence.

    "Absolute drudgery." Presephona grumbles as her pens dance over the pages without pause. Graceful and deft in a way that I''d think was a gift from her transition to Dollhood if not for seeing her do the same in life last she visited this Estate with me in tow.

    Jezrial looks back over her shoulder to grin at me. "More or less. Turns out the Matron already cultivated herself quite the memory. Can recall most things like others would open an old book. So, figured we''d test her limits and see about her charting out all the things she can about the Dolls she''s crafted and sold over the years."

    "A waste of my skills." Presephona hums quietly, but in a way that makes me think she''s probably said that many times before.

    "I''d think an artist like yourself would appreciate the value of a portfolio, especially since you''re not being killed and will likely even get the chance to continue working on your Craft in the future." I tease, meaning every word but knowing how sharp they''ll cut.

    Her pens slow their dance, eyes carefully move up to glare at me. "Oh? And what Craft is that? Your Mistress'' Resheathing seems to devalue my work to nothing. My skills only useful for penning out records of the pieces I made, and where they might have ended up. And that''s assuming I still could weave. Which I cannot. In case you forgot that point of Dollhood."The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    I casually weave a tendril to pluck a pen from her hand. "There is a Goddess embodied in a Frame made on this Estate, and we both know Dollcraft and Fleshcraft are often... different ends to the same problem, but still different ends. There will always be those who desire to be Dolls, and one who has experience and history like yourself would be best served to aid them, don''t you think?" I chuckle. "There''s an irony in the fact that the one who wove your Frame directly from your body learned almost all of her Dollcraft from the tomes you yourself penned. I am not fond of you, but I am not arrogant enough to deny your expertise."

    "That''s¡­ I agreed to serve without resistance. Which reminds this one..." She stares, glare softening for a heartbeat before chilling as she rises.

    "Curanos Jezrial, This Frame has reached the limits of its Function today, and is going to rest now." Presephona informs while reaching across the table, pulls a good sized and already properly bound tome from beneath the stacks. Then lays it on the corner closest and walks past me. Supplies evenly while leaving. "That is the Schema of the last Combat Doll I will ever make."

    I glance down at it and upon seeing that it''s mine begin flipping through, and... Odd. "Curanos Jezrial, this one is... incomplete, is it not?"

    It has to be right? It HAS TO BE INCOMPLETE.

    I can feel my Quills silently screaming, the motions making no noise audible to any outside the Pack, but I don''t know what they communicate, locked in this moment.

    "Hm?" Jezrial sounds off, rising herself. Voice steady but... careful. "No, I don''t think so. Asked her quite pointedly at least twice. Girl didn''t even flinch. So unless she''s suddenly able to ignore my Tone like how Warden can, It seemed solid to me. Though I avoided going through it beyond a few pages. If she left something out I can prod her to go back."

    As reality crashes into me, guilt and rage fuse within until I can only talk at a whisper. "Curanos Jezrial. I must inform you that any harm Presephona comes to, I will match on you. Protect her well. Please."

    "I... That''s the plan. The former Matron is more an old grumpy biddy than anything immediately dangerous. Even with Ousia I don''t think she''d know any magic that could kill easily." Jezrial replies, hand frozen half up to my shoulder. "But Adaline, what did she put in there that''s got you so..."

    But she trails off, and I hear my Sister at the same time Jezrial must see her.

    <Stabilizing Harmonics. Splitting Resonance thrice for reknitting of perceptions. Echoing back steady melodies. Advisement, match Giyars rhythms at third and fourth.>

    "Curanos Jezrial, please leave this one to tend to its Sister." It thrums, moving up to loom at my back. Cracking to smaller shapes but... still tall. Giyar leveled out at third.

    "Yeah. Alright. My Doll seemed done today." She agrees and moves back. "I''ll go make sure Presephona doesn''t find trouble."

    "It''s what she didn''t add." I murmur carefully, closing my eyes and attempting to follow instructions ...like a Good Doll that doesn''t harm innocent people.

    Jezrial hesitates, obviously wants to ask, but... then obeys my Sister and leaves us.

    "The tome detailing your Frame''s creation has your fangs and talons bared, Sister." Verbess murmurs softly, and I hear it twist to settle and sit at my feet. Giyars humming a soft and patient counter harmony to what must be a screaming fury in mine. "What was omitted that should be included?"

    "There is no space in the design for a Garrote." I answer before thrashing my Frame about in self-disgust.

    It does not stop me, only watches and thrums loud and firm... support? At least for my furious motions. Even seems to offer little encouragement and considerations to if I''d like to move to a place with more room to lash out if I want that. And itself as a hunting or sparring partner if that''s the path I want to tread.

    <And why does that fill you with such rage? Tilt your thoughts to self-fury and make your song bleed guilt?> Verbess gently asks as I consider what all it offers.

    But I can''t hold back the screaming. "PRESEPHONA IS A DOLL BECAUSE I BLAMED HER WHEN SHE DID NOTHING WRONG! YSELDA WOVE THE GARROTE THROUGH ME WITHOUT TELLING HER! XAFRA ACTED TO AVENGE ME AND HURT AN INNOCENT, AND IT WILL WOUND HER TO KNOW. I''VE RUINED EVERYTHING!!!"

    A heartbeat passes, the space before violent motion and collapsing into sorrows but¡­ instead I do neither. I rush the desk and grab a pen, desperately scrawling the feelings I can''t bring myself to speak or write but come inaudibly unbidden through my Quills as tears stream down my face.

    While I write, Verbess wraps my song in its own. Helping... helping keep me afloat like one might with a child in deep waters. Quills add soft thoughts and perceptions for me to hear as I work.

    <The Matron of Dollcraft is not Innocent. Xafra acted to avenge all the Dolls the Matron hurt. You are... the canopy of the tree, but not the entirety of that woman''s mistakes. The roots of her harms run deep.>

    I scrawl and scrawl, odd shapes giving way to a modified version of musical notation while Verbess keeps me supplied with paper as I work through my episode as quietly as I can manage.

    And as my song and fury shift rhythms, my Sister offers ever more to me...

    Its not trying to smother me or my own melodies. Never that. It promises me with every stroke of my work that sitting here and tearing through these feelings is Good Function. Painful. Of course. But... important. Like helping a loved one clean a wound of muck so the tear beneath can be seen to.

    I cough as I take a rasping breath to try and verbalize, and offer a bitter laugh at the tears that smear the ink and make a mess of the transcription I''m attempting. "My sister often said that while I wasn''t much of a man, I was unmistakably male whenever I cried."

    It growls at that, thrums more... forcefully than before. No more than a huff most days feeling like a storm compared to how gentle the other songs are.

    Shares with me through the Quills its perceptions of the girl it held and passed paper to... this past... How long? Not sure. Probably is important but Verbess isn''t letting me get distracted about that right now. But it takes a few heartbeats for me to feel that the Sister it''s relaying to me IS me. She... seems so much more... everything, than I feel. This gorgeous, if a bit messily weeping, strong huntress it truly considers it''s equal in the fury. More than even Krahe by its calculations. Only... just now finding her, or my, comfortable stride in this new life and Pack. Sees nothing of the manhood I fear weeps from me alongside these tears.

    I stop writing, turn to Verbess, and hug it so tightly. "Thank you, Sister."

    It embraces me back with four strong limbs. Quills thrumming love as it murmurs. "These Ones are glad to be here to feel your songs and share their echoes."

    I thrum the same back as my mind catches up on everything at the end of my episode. "Thank you. I... drat. I''m going to be late."

    "Hmmm.... No. Our sisters are ensuring that to your prey, the hunt will happen at the perfect time." It promises, adjusting to help me rise.

    I giggle at that, "I''m kinda hoping I''m the one caught, but it''s the same motions to get there. Hmmm. Do you think that the Mistresses or Rufus would be willing to take over the last task on my list? I feel it''s important that someone checks in on Presephona''s Dolls and sees how they''re acclimating."

    "It will ask. Either they will, or this one can find softer shapes and words to ensure it can see to that task without scaring those two." Verbess promises, then leans down and around to pick up the parchments filled with my work. Handles them with such... care. An amount I''ve only seen those talons show to Pack Sisters, or their plush. "Seek this Pack''s Warden. It will have the Breath you mean to gift, and your huntress'' location."

    I nod. "Yes Sister." With a heavier heart yet burdens lessened by being shared, I dash off for hopefully the last time today.

    Warden intercepts me as I leave the Spire, its diminutive form clattering with excitement as it levitates a cradle of similar size. "Warden has aided Sisters Krahe and Infection in their endeavor. Sister Schatzi also nudged Nettle to assist Valthirii in cooking so they should be finished shortly after you arrive."

    I bow low to my temporary Pack Lead before taking the Cradle. "Thank you Warden. Your attention to detail is much appreciated." It flickers its form joyfully and with that, I walk calmly back into the Library Spire, hoping it''s not too obvious that I''ve been unwell.

    As I arrive, Krahe is giggling and tumbling from the entrance. Absolutely covered in... what seems like an explosion of green and blue somethings?

    Then she plops down in front of the doorway and grins up at me. Quills tittering happy mischief. "Hii! I''m here to make sure you don''t arrive before the food is done."

    I sit with this next Sister lined up to help and support me today, gently resting my head on her shoulder. "Hi Krahe. Thank you. It''s been a whole lot already, you know?"

    "Mhm. Yeah. Can feel that now." She agrees, wraps me in clean arms and a few tails. "Didn''t know if you''d come out needing to burn some higher Giyars or just... take a few good breaths before sitting down with the cutie in there. Also. Do this one a big favor and give these a nibble and taste..."

    Then, she hovers three tails before me. Each seeming to either hold or be covered in... really nice smelling food things while Quills dance in the anticipation it''s sharing openly.

    I look in mild horror at the offerings before me that... don''t visually resemble food in the slightest, but trust that I''m not being made a fool of and try the first one. A slerp (Krahe insists it''s a real measurement) of savory smelling lumpy blueish goop.

    It tastes like a harvest soup but significantly thicker, well seasoned with rock salt and spices, yet a bit uneven in composition. "This one is very good but could use a whisk to even out the starch and keep the flavors from clumping."

    Krahe¡¯s Quills buzz and it seems like she relays my words to those inside. Then she offers me the second sample.

    My first assumption is that it is the dessert, as it is sweet smelling and purple with yellowish frosting bits and the consistency of cake. It''s surprisingly sour and fruity like a Zwetschge, which explains the color as well, but the frosting is sweet enough to balance. "Oh this is very good, Krahe."

    My Sister giggles in agreement, and... I suspect there is a reason that the mess she''s covered in mostly looks like this second sample. But then the last tail shifts to hover before me. "Nettle said you''d like that. And wonders if this''ll balance the mess all out."

    The third tail is simply... dipped in a half-dried liquid, curled to keep it from dripping too much. With deliberately maintained eye contact, I open my mouth wide and lick along the length up to the tip. Oh. hahah, it''s just tea. My favorite one of Nettle''s blends, actually. "Delicious" I moan before breaking off into a blushing giggle.

    Krahe titters happily, wraps me in a big hug, and nips at my fingers while lifting me bodily. Quills clearly sending my opinions and sultry words over the song. "Alright. Alright Alright! You are messy. This one would make you shower but... then you''d be later than is Good Function. SO, you''ll use magic stuff and we''ll get you something new and fancy to wear. I think..."

    A pause, then she nods. Her Quills wiggling as she converses privately with... Sister Schatzi?

    "Yup. You''ll make that look really pretty." She murmurs aloud, then moves to carry me off. Heading toward Mistress Elevar and Lynettes'' Spire. Has me in the basement before I can speak. Is shuffling through the drawers with all tails and talons that aren''t holding me aloft.

    "What''s the plan here?" I ask with an even mix of nervousness and anticipation.

    "Hush you." Krahe growls playfully, starting to toss clothes aside from the drawers she hunts through. "Tryin'' to find... where... Is..."

    Quills titter in confused annoyance until...

    "Krahe I..." Elevar calls, then giggles as she sees the mess and walks down the steps into her basement chambers with us. Tendrils clicking in mostly amusement and her own tune of mischief. "Schatzi left it hanging in the closet. How did you miss that when it was gifted over your Quill-Song?"

    Krahe turns, "Oh. That... Why are some folded? And others not?"

    "Wrinkles, Krahe. Folded things get wrinkles." Elevar explains, steps over to the closet and re-emerges a second later with...

    Krahe twists me so I only catch a glimpse of purple with a deep green trim before a tail wraps about my eyes. "Nope! No peeking!"

    "Alright. I... Krahe. Dear. The surprise is..." Elevar sighs. "She can''t be all wrapped up in your tails for this. Cracked and Riven Moon. Put her down."

    Krahe grumbles something, but obeys. Even untangles the tail from around my head so I can see.

    After a brief smile at Elevar, I close my eyes. "I can accept a surprise but I''ll probably need help getting dressed then."

    "Exactly the plan!" Krahe cackles.

    And... I can nearly hear my wife''s repressed grin as she must wordlessly nod to my Pack Sister. Lets her deftly use a tangle of tails to wiggle me free of my old clothes. Then Elevar weaves a very gentle spell to clean my Frame in half a heartbeat before they work together to twist me into this new mystery outfit.

    "There. Little adjustments here, slight tug on that..." Elevar murmurs gently while working with Krahe. "Just about... Perfect. No time for hair braiding but honestly, Adaline, you''ve always had a mane I enjoy getting lost in. With both eyes and fingers. Messier styles just the most... enticing thing. Will excite Valthirii, I think. In subtle ways that''ll play into any plans you both tumble into tonight. We''ll weave it into something for her to untangle later."

    Oh. Oohhh. "Do... Do you think it will come to that? I mean, she''s a proper lady."

    Elevar''s finger crooks beneath my chin, beckoning me to open my eyes and meet her gaze. "If the last time she had you wrapped up beneath her webs is any indication? I''d not be surprised in the slightest. But also... Can understand you both circling each other a bit. Teasing things out. Like I did with you. Studying prey and all that from what your Pack Sisters have said."

    Then she steps back to eye me up and down. "And besides. You are a proper lady yourself, when you mantle that. This outfit matches very well this quality in you."

    I blush at that, murmuring. "Thank you, my wife. I um. We should go, I don''t want to keep her waiting."

    "You''re very welcome. I delight in helping you get caught in this adorable Doll''s net. And don''t worry, she''s well entertained with the meal Nettle''s helping her perfect." Elevar replies, grinning but... brow furrowing. "Her outfits missing something, Krahe. Did Schatzi suggest other articles of clothing I am not aware of?"

    "Oh um.... OH!" Krahe giggles as Quills titter. "Her collar! The one Xafra had Schatzi make her. That. Little Birb says it''s really important!"

    Elevar snaps her fingers. "Yes. Perfect. Go f-"

    But before she finishes that command, two of Krahe''s talons are wrapping something about my neck and clicking it into place snuggly.

    "You just... had it with you?" I ask in surprise

    "Yup." She grins. "Always in my pocket or tail''s grip when you forget to put in on. In case of like... emergencies. Ya know?"

    "Emergencies requiring me to be collared... Yeah, alright." I laugh, before heading over to the mirror.

    I look... fancy. Like a Witch born to the role, trained to rule. My legs are enclosed in silver fabric thigh high boots laced up the outsides, with my arms sheathed in matching fingerless gloves. I''ve been fitted into a deep red short asymmetric sleeveless dress with a layered skirt that leaves little to the imagination under a deeper purple reverse-asymmetric waterfall shawl with dark green piping that caresses my form.

    I barely notice Elevar step up behind me, smirking while gently placing a supportive hand on my back. ¡°It seems our dear Schatzi had the right of it, remind me to take this Pack out to acquire fresh clothes next we visit a Grove. That said¡­ How¡¯s the fit? Comfy and snug?¡±

    "It''s gorgeous and fits wonderfully but... is it too much? I don''t want Miss Valthirii to feel underdressed or anything." I answer, nerves and excitement still warring fiercely.

    ¡°Quite the opposite. I think she¡¯s going to find this all quite¡­¡± My wife pauses, then chuckles and winds fingers through mine. Begins to tug me along. ¡°We¡¯ll, I¡¯ll let her express much better worded delight at all this. For now just know that I think this outfit makes many a pointed statements. All of which I think she¡¯ll adore. And besides, wouldn¡¯t you enjoy seeing her deciding to dress to impress in the future?¡±

    "Okay..." I respond hesitantly. "But she''s always impressive. I''m not sure what it would look like for her to be even more perfect."

    ¡°Exactly.¡± Elevar agrees, pulling me up the steps and through the Spire. ¡°And¡­ mayhaps neither does she. But I think seeing you like this is going to gift her the inspiration to discover that. Both for the gerl she¡¯s courting, but also¡­ herself.¡±

    As I think on that, Krahe moves to follow us. My spider silk dress folded mostly neatly over one arm, but then Elevar turns to hold up a hand to stop her.

    "Nope, dear one. You''ve made a mess of my Spire and are going to clean it up. And after that... Well, I''ve a task for you to help me with." She explains then glances at me, lifts my hand to delicately place a kiss on my wrist before releasing it. "I trust you can find your way from here? All should be set up by the time you arrive."

    "Definitely Love. If all goes well I''ll see you tomorrow at the earliest. Heheh." I smile and stride confidently into the Library Spire.

    Today is going to be a good day.

    Immediately upon arriving I find the little smells that coated my Sister¡¯s tails wafting out from the front entrance. Following that scent, and the murmured voices and calling Quill Song, I''m soon bumping into Nettle and Infection Draws Prey Close For A Feast heading down the steps.

    My Sister is wearing some kind of... of twisting chef''s hat to keep her hair up and tied firm. While Nettle is wrapping up a messy apron to dangle over one arm.

    Both give me grins and avoid hugging, else cover this new outfit with the mess of the meal they''ve helped prepare, and giggle their encouragement before leaving me on the last steps before the top.

    Freshly hung curtains of spider silk dipped in violet dyes now line the room''s entrance.

    Burning wicks of scented candles line an intended path to the table where Valthrii and I first spoke of an intended expedition. Each candle is done up in multiple threads and webbings to prevent any mishaps from our date getting overly heated. The place of our first exchange is now topped by a freshly spun silk covering atop which tonight''s meal is laid out.

    Valthirii herself is bound up in a quaintly sized shawl that barely covers her chest while dangling from tight threads crossing over exposed shoulders. Silk spun fabrics dangle artfully from her arms and the rest of her spiderlike form that approximate a dress intended to show off the legs while doing very little more than veiling the rest of her form in an artful emphasis.

    "Mistress Valthirii, I had my doubts initially but now I know for certain I am awake, as I could not dream of such a sight as lovely as you." I express my adoration wholeheartedly.

    "Oh Adaline." Her voice dips into a throaty purr. "How sweet of you to say so. I''ll just have to be sure you do not depart without adequate reassurances that what I offer is most welcome to bind you up in a dream as the waking world."

    I blush and accidentally rise into Giyar Five at the insinuations, her facial expressions shifting in slow motion as I sit beside her and attempt to reassert control over my Frame.

    Valthirii leans towards me, her head nesting atop her fingers as she favors me with a smile. "If it helps, I''ve never found myself in an arrangement where there is appeal in treating one another as equals. I do hope you''re willing to forgive some of my flirtations coming off as possessive or overly forward."

    Oh goddess. Oh Moon. Oh I''m so gay.

    "That is something I''m... preferential too as well, with the understanding that it would need to stay separate from professional work." I respond quietly. After a moment''s reflection I brighten "Oh! I brought you something." digging in the small satchel under my shawl, I pull out the Cradle containing the Breath and present it to her.

    "Of course." Valthirii purrs before reaching out to accept the cradled breath with an expression of naked fascination.

    "Whenever you''re ready, you just have to raise the cradle to your mouth and inhale the Breath. It will join with you, and give you more... subconscious control over your Frame and its shape, as well as some... interesting tertiary benefits like body heat if that''s desired." I explain.

    Valthirii unravels the cradle with a practiced gentleness. She makes regular eye contact as her fingers bind the Breath up in strands of web to secure a proper hold before lifting it to her exposed mandibles. "I trust and accept this gift from you, dear Adaline."

    I smile, "This is one of the most important steps in getting you the ability to spellweave again, but in this case, it should also enable you to enjoy the meal you made for us thoroughly including digesting it completely."

    Before taking a breath, Valthirii shudders. "To think I seriously thought I would get further into this entanglement before finding myself speechless." With a deep breath, she welcomes the Breath into her Frame.

    Valthirii''s eyes widen as my words and the Breath settles. "And here I was content to feed you or settle for a sweet and endearing mess of an evening spent reclaiming the motions of a life shared with another. You have given me a precious gift that defies any expectations shattered by the ones who helped me prepare this indulgence of a meal."

    I delicately try to diminish the significance, not wanting to tip the balance the wrong way. "It is something that will be offered to all who wish it eventually, and together we can also get good research data for other Dolls who are more delicate in constitution. It is... Important to me that you are hale and happy, and arranging something like this was worth the minor effort without question... I''m overthinking this maybe. sorry."

    I start chittering quietly as I look down at the, as of yet, untouched meals.

    "Ahhh. Well in that case I will be sure to make note of anything that might be of interest as I adjust to your most generous gift." She seizes the initiative to begin preparing a dish that samples a bit of everything before gently laying the plate in front of me. "Quite the contrary, I adore the amount of thought and care you have put into our every interaction. If anything, I am sharing my own thoughts and perceived shortcomings so that they are out in the open. If I am to be entangled with you, I intend to be invested in working together to smooth out every knot and strand." Her smile only widens. "If that requires an indulgence on my part by taking the initiative, to hand feed you or tug at that collar of yours when the need arises, I am most willing."

    "Hh¨C hhand feed?" I look up at her with intensity, my smaller red eyes closed against the candlelight.

    Valthirii responds by scooping up the purple Zwetschge, artfully cleaving a slice to pluck between two fingers. Meeting my gaze, she presses the offered treat to my lips without so much as a word.

    I dutifully open my mouth and let the tart fruit glide between my teeth and gently lick the tips of her two fingers.

    Valthirii''s fingers linger as she presses against my tongue. "There you go. Nothing to overthink here so long as we are both enjoying ourselves."

    "Yes Mistress." I respond, after swallowing.

    Valthirii''s lips, chelicera, and face all part in quick succession to expose a set of mandibles that rasp with delight. Her own tongue licks at the arrangement of very interesting teeth before a sense of composure compels Valthirii to withdraw fingers and hidden face into a demure smile. "Ah. Forgive my lapse in table manners."

    "Not a problem, Mistress. I can relate to the excitement." I reassure her as I pick up my whisk from it''s place in the hearty dense purple potage and deftly free some with my tongue. "My sister clearly intended us to be... Expressive with our meal."

    Valthirii withdraws her fingers to her lips for a briefly indulgent moment of anticipation. She leans in, exposing her mandibles and tendril of a tongue that entangles itself greedily throughout the whisk before finding my own.

    I don''t stop the slight moan that escapes me as I lean sideways into her, making it clear that I''m completely at her tender mercies.

    Valthrii draws out the exchange, diligently ensuring that the whisk is thoroughly cleaned between the two of us. I am then treated to the sight of her slicing what remains of the Zwetschge decorating the cake. Satisfied sounds escape her lips after every bite that she takes. Affectionate caresses accompany every portion that she hand feeds me. Valthirii seems content to alternate back and forth with a slowly building intensity before she drops all pretense to cup at my chin and lock tongues in earnest.

    I whimper in need, wanting her, craving her, nipping at her mandibles but keeping my hands to myself until told otherwise. A Good Doll follows instructions I think, and this time, for once, it doesn''t hurt.

    My mistress hums with satisfaction as she gently pulls away enough to speak coherent words between excited breaths. "I think... Ahhhh. That this is the part where I gently ask, not demand, that my lovely partner put into words what it is that you want."

    I close my eyes and drop to Giyar Two so I can think clearly. "I would like to be tied up and/or chased at some point, as well as do some mutual biting. Aside from that I am open and enthusiastic about participating in whatever you would like to do, as long as it''s not permanently damaging to myself, others, or my clothing."

    Valthirii shakes her head before drawing a finger tenderly down towards my collar. "This dress? I wouldn''t dream of damaging it or its wearer in any lasting capacity." Her finger presses upwards, dragging along my neck until she is cradling my chin. "We can absolutely indulge in some mutual biting. My own attire was spun up in a hurry, soI have no such resistance to it becoming a torn memento of this lovely evening together. After that, I''ll see about binding you up properly and handling you like a well worn tome."

    "Yes Mistress Valthirii" I respond obediently as I finally let my hands begin to wander along her Frame.

    "There is a part of me that wants you to crack and shake this transitory form of mine before it is reshaped with time and healing." Her fingers move on to stroking at my lips. "It is a part of me that knew being reduced to the state you found and favored me in still needs a few final reminders that this form was inflicted upon me. Maybe in thinking as such I am deluded. But I could think of no one more appropriate than you to chip away at this form with hands and teeth." With one last shudder at my touches, Valthirii surrenders to her desires.

    Webbing slides dishes and candles out of reach as she closes the distance between us. Her mandibles close around my throat as her tongue digs for purchase beneath my collar to wrap around and tug with a playful abandon. "Crack and shatter your mistress with those teeth of yours."

    I obey without hesitation, my strength easily allowing me to wrench her arms to her side as I drag teeth and tusks into the chitin of her shoulder, barely remembering to intone to her [Venom, Mistress?]

    [I could think of nothing I''d want more.] She matches me bite for bite as her mandibles and tongue mark my throat.

    I bite deep, depositing my aphrodisiac venom as I rip away the outer layer and devour it.

    Valthirii cries out as her spider-like legs dig into the table. She''s quick to lean into me as her eyes alight.

    She''s so silly. Thinking that even at her lowest she was less than astounding. I''m going to make sure that she understands her value even if it takes years. I rake my claws down her sides, shredding through her top and quickly tucking my trophy into my satchel.

    With a harsh cry she seizes the moment to slip her arms free and cup my head in her hands. As she repositions to bear down on me properly, she strokes my lips with that tongue of hers in an attempt to coax out an easier entrance.

    I open myself to her, mind and body compliant and willing to bend to her whims, breathing shallowly to avoid even the slightest inconvenience to her.

    Mandibles grip me, securing me in place as Valthirii''s tongue eagerly explores. Webbing makes up for what any crack in her Frame can manage as she binds me not in any one place, but to the front of her waist that gives way to a spiderlike abdomen.

    She then lifts the two of us back to a suspended webbing upon which I am rather pleasantly bound up in control threads around my wrists that I could just as easily tug to shift webbing Valthirii perches herself atop.

    I am very quickly bound, her tongue and mandibles set to explore far more than my mouth. But with the threads'' help, I can just as easily maneuver other parts of her frame into range of my mouth.

    Slowly, thoroughly, I crack and chew her chitin, intimately molting her and injecting her over and over with more venom as her movements become more frantic.

    Only when there is nothing left for her mandibles, fingers, and tongue to explore does Valthirii pull at threads to move herself comfortably atop me. Thicker bundles of silk find their ways beneath my head before she promptly collapses in a heap of moans and shudders, limiting herself to gentle caresses as the venom runs its course.

    [This one... Does sincerely hope you''ll not be needed anytime soon. Your company is most desired for the remainder of the evening. Something you should probably know is that I do not intend to break my habit of indulging myself in spoiling those I claim as my own and expecting to be spoiled in kind.]

 Chapter 94: The Dirt Whispered (Witch)

    The Dirt Whispered (Witch)

    Content warnings and wiggles:

    Does Calix is angermusic?!? Find out next time on Sharp and Bossy!!! Ummm... a dood has spikes in his chest like a reverse shadow the mebe hedgehog friend. Then cuties talk about how they was supposed to do the unalive things but decided that living is full of cuties to snuggle and stuck around... UMMMM.... cuties doo bee wigglin! Good luck!

    "It seems we have a guest seeking our attention at the entrance." My twin murmurs from behind me.

    I very nearly flinch in surprise and fall from my seat in our study at Lynette''s sudden manifestation and words. Work very hard not to jerk and glare a little.

    But... honestly It''s good to see and feel her again. Especially after she rebuilt herself a harder barrier than I can feel past within and has pointedly ignored basically everyone. Given the most brief words and excuses to her need to ''focus on tasks below our feet''. Only risen up to hug her Doll and assure the little one that she''s not avoiding her, or upset, just busy.

    Half-truths, half lies, and the little one could tell but... only hugged her all the tighter for a good while.

    "Hello Lynette, it''s good to see you up and above. How are you?" I ask with a careful smile.

    ¡°Tightly woven iron. As always.¡± She rolls her eyes and replies. "It''s Envoy Adze. Alone too, it seems. Even sent the two Thresher guards away."

    Pause to consider that. Both her deflection and this developement. Then nod and intone so she hears my next message. [Xafra, dear one? It seems we''ve a guest at our front entrance. Would you mind attending us while asking today''s Pack Lead if they''ll appoint you a second to join?]

    [Certainly, myself and Warden will meet you at your Spire then?] She responds after a few heartbeats.

    [Yes, thank you. That sounds perfect.] I rise and look to Lynette, "Will you be joining us?"

    She tilts her head to the side. "As much as I would love to ignore the man, this is odd and needs attending to. I''ll be close and aware but let you handle all the nonsense. Unless harsher words or motions are needed."

    Then her manifestation withers and ends. But... I feel her presence like she''s not allowed for days. So move down to meet our Pack.

    The two are waiting patiently outside the entrance, thrumming quietly about what everyone else is up to in preparation. Once our presence is noticed, Warden flits over to my hand, ready to be sheathed.

    Gently yet firmly I slide it into place, then smile at our Xafra. "I take it everyone is doing well?"

    "Had some mild concern about Valthirii, but she seems okay. Nadine is wandering around, being anchored by Nettle, which is surprising but doesn''t seem to be a problem. Hackt and Joan are trying to recruit another Doll to join them and Rufus with training which is pretty cute." Xafra lists off.

    "That does sound adorable. I doubt they''ll have much trouble in finding a fourth." I agree and take up her hand. Start to walk us toward the entrance. "And... I take it Krahe and Infection finished those deliveries I sent them on? Then made sure every article was well folded or hung without a wrinkle? I''ve not spotted Adaline so I''m guessing she''s happily nesting the day away still and hasn''t tumbled home yet."

    "Mmmm, deliveries done and clothing is fixed up. Adaline and Valthirii are still together. Had to bring one of the resheathing basins to the Library Spire first thing."

    "I assumed that would be the case when Adaline wanted to gift her the Breath, and will be interested to hear what new shapes she found in the mud." I chuckle. "But, all seems well and soft enough. Adze being the Envoy sending for us is... concerning. But we''ll manage. Anything else I should know before we step out?"

    "Not that I can think of at the moment. I''ll be ready to extract us if needed but am not going to do anything else unless ordered." Xafra comments.

    "I know," Is my easy reply as we arrive at the thorn wall. Then I pause and turn to face her. Reach up to adjust to straighten the gorgeous collar and leash about our Xafra''s neck while murmuring. "And... I''m endlessly impressed by how much I mean that. You''ve worked very hard to improve and grow from past... less than perfect motions. Shall we say? Better than most, and that unfortunately includes your Mistresses. We''ve a nasty stubbornness. We''re proud that you''ve a Pack to grow with and avoid repeating our bad decisions."

    She gives us a small smile and responds "Thank you, Mistress."

    Opening the way, we see him standing there in the middle of the Rootway. Envoy Adze looks... Haggard. Like he hasn''t slept at all since we last spoke, and even more shockingly, he is completely unarmed, his customary axes as well as his assortment of little used spellweaving implements missing from his close-fitting outfit. His eyes though, they burn with an intensity as they look around without focus, seeming to not even notice our arrival.

    ¡°Envoy Adze? Is¡­ Everything alright?¡± I ask carefully.

    "I need to talk to her. Lady Marabeth of the Bitter Ocean." He responds, eyes still wandering but head turning to face us.

    Glance to Xafra, then back to him. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ not aware of anyone here by that name. But can reference our logs and see if one of our Dolls once held that identity¡±

    He shudders and nods. "It is vital that I speak with the Oracle soon, Blossom Lynette. I know that she is-" He twitches, turning around as he starts shouting "I''m not interested in your filthy lies, do not speak to me again."

    Flinch at the mismatched title, barely notice my sister perk up to regard this man as she reaches below to grip the Root Ways. Ensure no others hover close enough to overheard.

    [Mistresses... He''s... Currently reminding me of someone.] Xafra intones hesitantly.

    [Calix, Cracked and Riven Moon. I think he''s looking for the person your boy once was. And bears some of his sensitivity as well.] I reply to our Xafra. [Reach out, very gently. And discover if he''s... aware, of this man''s demands. If you please.]

    And before a quick breath passes, I''ve crossed the distance and moved the stand before the fool man. Ensuring we''re only a few inches below his face as he turns back. Tendrils clicking a slow melody of gentle warning. "You hear voices like another I know, and seem to find old backways names within their offerings. What would you seek to speak with this Oracle about? Envoy? It is so very rude to come demanding one''s attention like this."

    [Calix doesn''t know of any Adze...] Xafra responds.

    As he turns back, another realization strikes me violently that I should have noticed moments ago. He has no Ousia signature. "Not you, I need to speak with the Blossom. I... I''ve come to bargain for my mother''s freedom." He drops to his knees and begins unbuttoning his shirt.  "I''ve spoken with the Matriarch and been granted permission to make this exchange of myself for her. I''ve awakened my gift and rendered myself incapable of weaving so you may use me as you will."

    Mother? MOTHER? Calix''s... this is his CHILD!?!

    I... Can''t move. Save to turn to my twin with pleading to help.

    Lynette growls internally, and moves us to kneel, gently catches Adze''s wrist. Our tendrils stilling to sheer and hard silence as she whispers. "Cracked and Riven Moon. Fool of a boy. We''re not trading our charges away. But... Well, Moonshite. Is this easily reversible? I won''t have you screaming at voices unseen while I explain things. Or rendered visibly helpless for when the Threshers come asking about you. The missing Envoy of Vesper''s already strained things to breaking apart."

    "No. And yes. The spikes can be removed and the gift suppressed but it is not able to be stripped away or silenced. But not unless I speak with my mother. My scribe already has the decree to take over as Envoy if I do not return. I apologize for the screaming. I did not expect to be bothered by a false Divine so quickly."

    "Well, if you want any information on your parent you will do both of those immediately and arrange later talks without anymore of... this. And only after the vote is placed." She snaps, rage boiling over as she rises. "You place us in the difficult place of both trying to help a dear one live well after decades of abuse, trauma that was only survived by remaking oneself into a new person, and wanting to right the wrongs of the late Blossom. I''d rather have you vote against us tomorrow, and speak of this afterwards, enraged beyond all good sense, then go along with this and have the Oracle hurt from careless actions. He''s... been through too much already, Envoy Adze. That is all I''m willing to offer."

    Adze nods at first but freezes in understanding at the change in pronouns. "I understand... May I know his new name... And if he''s... Safe? And would you pass a message on to him... tell him that Ivarr and Liv miss him."

    "As safe as I can make him." Lynette replies. Then, to my surprise, she looks back to Xafra. "You would know better than I, dear one. Offer new names and pass messages as you judge worthy."

    "Is Ivarr... you?" Xafra asks him.

    "Yes, I took the name Adze when my mother went missing and I decided that my purpose was to be my sister''s weapon and tool to help her gain the power necessary to right the wrongs on D?mmerung."

    Lynette''s rage sizzles so oddly as she intones to me and Xafra. [No wonder you and we liked this fool boy from the start. Cracked and Riven Moon. I hope Calix wants to see this one after we settle the Envoys tomorrow, he has a good bite to him I''d love to have helping us.]

    "He''s known as Calix now. I will pass on your message. Can we assist you in... Reversing your condition?" Xafra responds to Adze.

    Adze nods. "If you''d like. It is an unpleasant sight."

    "I''ve checked the Root Ways. Will make sure this remains... private." Lynette assures them. Walks us past to sit in our chair at the table in the center. "And... Adze?"

    "Yeah, me and my sister aren''t planning on spreading your existence around.¡± He responds, continuing to unbutton his shirt. ¡°No need to worry about that."

    She... lets some of herself bleed through to me then. As I''m still a bit of a quiet mess at all this, her offering¡­ Gives me a rope to use to steady myself.

    "Hmmm? Oh, no. Threats and requests and all else to that needn''t be spoken. You''re a fool, certainly, but an honest one." She chuckles. "I was... going to offer you my gratitude. For accepting Calix as he is, and quickly. Still loving him despite the pain of this. So very few claim that so... readily."

    "Because they are weak-willed cowards who waver in the face of adversity. I am not one to ignore truth regardless of how painful or distasteful, regardless of what this so-called goddess of death claims."

    Augusta? Has... was she the source of this boy''s search?

    "That... brings up an interesting point." I ask carefully while Xafra kneels to look over Adze''s chest. Tendrils starting to click and titter careful curiosity now. "Who was your informant to these... revelations? This voice you name as the Goddess of Death? She''s a meddling sort but should know better than to reach out and lay lures like this. And why not simply ask us for help? Do I really come across to you as so... vicious? I had hoped between our first meetings and Rokals'' words of support you''d think better of us."

    With his shirt off, the set of eight stone spikes that jut out of Adze''s chest and back are revoltingly visible. A purely mundane method of sealing away one''s ability to spellweave.   He shakes his head. "Matron Elevar, I did not wish to make assumptions of your... counterpart. My impressions of you do not extend to one I had no knowledge of that is supposed to be dead. And no, I''ve been doing my best to ignore the false Divine''s lies. I performed an Augury when news of the new structure on the floodplains reached us and called upon the Mother Moon to provide me with a true reading of the bones. They told me that my parent still existed and resided within this Estate and that he had the knowledge needed to save our Grove from the downpouring of Strife soon to come."

    "This is monstrous and brilliant, Envoy. Please remain still while I remove them." Xafra requests quietly as she grips the first spike in her long claws.

    We consider that while our partner begins the grim work of pulling free and subsequently healing Envoy Adze of those wretched spikes.

    Downpouring of Strife. No doubt... a nod to our Xafra''s coming motions. And if anyone could convince a Matriarch and her Envoy to side with us... it would be their long stolen parent. But, what words did Augusta have for this fool boy? Probably trying to gift him knowledge, of course. Perhaps head this little encounter off before things got messy.

    Lynette huffs as we tip-tap the table. We... should speak with her. Ensure she''s settling well and such.

    Oh? I ask carefully. A touch worried she''s wanting someone to snap at.

    My twin doesn''t share much but... what she does I can''t help but agree to. Even offer my own words to her slowly swirling thoughts.

    The first spike comes out a handspan before Xafra has to twist it to travel through his ribcage and withdraw it the rest of the way with a sickeningly intimate sound. Adze breaths shallowly and Xafra turns to us. "Would you mind patching him up behind me? It would assist me in maintaining focus."

    "Hm? Oh, yes. Of course." I agree and move to sit behind Adze. Pull up equal parts Physis and even Ousia.

    The first to tend to the practical and well defined limits of the Art. The second to handle the... absolutely wretchedly cruel ways these seem woven to resist removal. Gift shortcuts to the healing, reduce pain and avoid any chance of him passing out. Even... even use a few good Fleshcrafting tricks to avoid scarring and ensure he doesn''t feel discomfort with the body after such a traumatic event.

    Also and of course we use wordless castings of the Blasenplage to clean up any messes before they can stain the Root Ways. Xafra and we are efficient, but not to perfection. A few drops and dribbles do need tending to.

    As each spike is removed in sequence, he makes no sound aside from the steady breathing even as Xafra expresses an unsettling fascination with the artistry behind the spikes. "Where did the design for these come from?"

    "Not Thresher make. I can tell at least that." I offer as we finish. "This seems.... specific. Horribly so."

    "It is... A tradition for Oracles. We eventually lose control of our spellweaving due to our visions. We can choose to take on the spikes to ensure we may remain of service to our community without undo risk of harm to ourselves or others." Adze explains. "It is why my parent was a Master of Fleshcrafting. He was trying to understand enough to replicate the effect of the spikes in a less... repulsive manner."

    That... helps explain at least a part of his fear of us gifting him back his magic. I always just assumed it was trauma inflicted by the old Cunt. Still might be in part. But... His abilities have been fully active for years and years, it seems. And from the way his Frame got so damaged... This makes sense. Magic would open up a world of worry if available to him.

    "That''s good to understand." I reply, then move to stand. Offer the Envoy my hand. "Is there anything else we can offer you today? As host to this gathering and such?"

    "Not particularly. There is... much to do and little time to do it in." He takes my hand and rises. "I do not particularly like you, Matron Elevar, I can feel the weight of your atrocities wrapped around you like a cloak, but... I feel strongly that we must work together, for now at least. You will have Wurzelbrecher''s vote, and I will make peace with Envoy Beryl of Thorn Grove to ease the... Tensions and see if she can be swayed. She is a very private person however so I recommend not pressing her or even making it clear that you know her name unless she offers it first."

    "You are too kind, Envoy Adze. And I''m more than happy to endure some honest disdain for the woman I chose to be. However... I must correct you a touch." I reply with a smile while moving to leave. "I am the Blossom of this Estate. Lynette may handle the majority of the nonsense below ground but the role of Blossom is not like that of Matriarch. I am leashed to this place with that title, and she is..."

    Try to find the words for what the Estate called her when... when I first offered myself to it. Match language to the Stitchings. Feel the old bile rising up a touch as the word curdles in my gut and¨C

    "A compromise." Lynette finishes before I spiral too much. "And be grateful, fool boy, for that. You''d not like the woman she would have been if these grounds had done otherwise. I trust you to remember that when you speak to my sister. She''s as much a victim to the late Blossom''s wretched choices as your father was."

    Then she''s pulled back and left me a touch... fuddled.

    A victim? Really? Lynette? Me? At the end, certainly, but all else was my unrepentant choices.

    She¡­ doesn¡¯t reply.

    I''d prod her to explain but can''t help but turn back to give this Envoy an apologetic smile. "To that, my twin and I disagree."

    He turns to depart, leaving us with the kind of response we''ve gotten so used to from Calix. "The Moon says to suggest that the Blade ask the Doll for thoughts on consent. Whatever the Bleeding Stones that means."

    "Cracked and weeping..." I sigh as the Thorn Wall parts, take up Xafra''s hand and tug her to follow. Murmur, honestly more to myself but don''t mind our Xafra hearing my words tumble out. "Consent? Truly? What an... odd man. So much like his father. But if Calix took to blunt ferocity with less wisdom and insight. And what Doll could the Moon even talking about? Sheer... nonsense."

    "Adaline. I think I''m indirectly getting pretty thoroughly admonished" She answers, shifting back to her more comfortable living form from the manifested Endzeit one.

    Shake my head. "I... Am so completely baffled by all this. Every scrap of advice and words Calix and now his son offer from Her simply... makes so little sense to me. But I suppose that goes for most of the Divines. Mayhaps I''m just too naturally repellent in the teachings of such beings."

    Turn to regard her as we slow a touch. "But... Well, how would you like to handle telling Calix about his son? Alone? With me close? Or..."

    "With you close, but... I feel that I need to do something else first. Can we go to your Spire, so you, Lynette, and myself can talk?" She asks anxiously.

    I wince, but nudge Lynette as I feel her focus has already pulled away from this flesh.

    [I... It''s been too long. Sister. At least hear her words? Our Xafra is worried about you, as are the others, and me.] I intone, letting Xafra hear the message I offer.

    A few long heartbeats pass, and I worry she means to brush this off like other gentle requests.

    [Adze interrupted something delicate. A project I need to observe and fully see to finishing before tomorrow''s vote. But...] Lynette replies, quiet and seeming more weathered than I''ve ever heard her. [I can spare time for you, dear one. Always. Lead Elevar to the space you''d like to have this talk.]This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    Xafra leads us into our office in the Spire and sits down in the middle of the floor, clearly concentrating a lot on what she wants to say as I move to sit in front of her. Cross legs and wait.

    Offer our flesh to Lynette for this. Or Physis. Whichever she prefers.

    She hesitates, but soon our tendrils still and she''s very carefully settled to the front of our body while I weave Physis to sit beside her and Xafra.

    "I owe both of you an apology, but for different things. I''ve been... inconsiderate and distant, much more than necessary." Xafra begins.

    "Well, I''d debate you on myself being owed an apology." I offer. "These past weeks have been challenging, and busy, and stressful beyond good sense."

    "That they have. I''m... not certain how to proceed. It feels like if I do this in the wrong order, I would cause a great deal of offense and hurt, which is the last thing I want." she continues.

    "You''re not going to shatter anyone so easily," Lynette replies, adjusting to sit with legs folded to the side. "Nor drive me to contradict my promise to you. Lay all your needs and burdens and Dreams and desires and regrets upon our shoulders. As it was, if my memory of that remains accurate. Offer your words, and let your Mistresses help sort things out afterwards."

    Xafra looks at her and fakes a smile. "Alright. Lynette, my Mistress, a while ago... You made it clear that you... would not be claimed by me. That your compromise was to be equal with Elevar, not myself. And I haven''t wanted to presume that your feelings on that have changed, and wasn''t certain you would... be capable of agreement if you even wanted, but that''s not really fair to you. So... in a roundabout way, I wanted to state that if you wish to ask me to be your Mate, I''d be overjoyed to accept."

    "I..." Lynette whispers, unable to meet Xafra''s gaze. Eye''s locked on the twistings of the Root floor beneath us while tendrils sit very still. Next words so very quiet. "I''m... I''ve not been honest. About what I am. Why I exist. How I''ve survived past the..." She takes a steadying breath, then looks up to lock pained eyes with Xafra. "The time from which I was designed to end. And how my survival''s done nothing but put everyone I love in danger. I would... very much love to be yours. Fully. Your Mate, not just the... the horrid thing that claims your daughter. More than all other things I thought so important to me. But I... I don''t want you to compromise your Dreams for me. A thing woven to rot them. But I don''t know how to avoid that either way."

    It''s easy to understand those first words. How hard it was to feel worthy of such an amazing Gerl such as Xafra. To ask her to claim me as her''s. Trust her more and more with my life and happiness and Dreams as time passed. But those middle things...

    Designed to die? That... Feels familiar. Wretchedly so. But why?

    "So tell me. Let me make the choice. Because I''m not giving up on you or Sekrh¨²s. Learning that she''s my niece just made me more determined to free her fully and help her heal. I don''t have the full story about you either, just the bits and pieces I''ve grasped onto in my stumbling, but you won''t end unless you want it. I''ll find a way, I''ve done it for two others already afterall." Xafra insists.

    Lynette can''t stop the small smile that quirks at our Xafra''s words, nor the little wiggles the tendrils try to click in hopeful melodies. "Alright. Just... Alright. Don''t go doing anything till I''m done. I''ll keep this simple to start. My end was supposed to come days after my creation, at most. I was supposed to be consumed by Elevar right quick. But Her Garrote kept me from provoking her to that. So I just... decided to be the Blossom Elevar didn''t want to be. And since I can''t sleep... I¡¯ve nothing but time. Which led to me stupidly thinking I could arrange the Archives below and tangle Sekrh¨²s enough to control it. But what I didn''t know was that the Archives were acting as a sort of... weight. Burying her and keeping the beast asleep. Which is why she''s more awake now. More active. Able to reweave me more... more than I can keep up with. Are you following this? Am I making sense?"

    "No, that all makes some degree of sense so far." Xafra answers, listening closely.

    "Good. Okay. And the way these... Reweavings used to happen were through a type of memory. It''s... odd to explain. But I think you''ll understand better than any others. As it''s similar to how your Geist''s perceptions changed you. Or... or when a flock of Wisps can adjust how you consider yourself if you don''t tend to them. Memories of Elevar''s past are the core of it all for me, of course, which... have endless very pointed moments. Like the one that slipped through after you cracked my focus below the other day." She pauses, does break eye contact and looks away. "I... Apologies. That you both had to hear that. No idea how you even caused it to echo past me, Xafra. But I''ve spent half my time these past days reinforcing things to... avoid it again. I can''t have you or Elevar or... or Adaline to randomly hear Moonshite like that. But, as far as things go that one was gentle."

    "You... The memory echoes. Of Yselda that littered the Archives here. The things you cleared from the Loom that first day and night?" I ask gently. "You didn''t purge them?"

    "Of course not." Lynette shrugs. "I organized, cataloged, and stored them for reference and use. They''re what helped me navigate the mess below so quickly. Her decades of solitude digging through the records here crystalized and leading me along until I''d grown past needing them."

    Xafra nods in understanding. "I would recommend crafting a Giftschrank for them. I have one in the Driftdream library for the memories of my fourth owner, as they knew much worth remembering but... there was a lot of horrific things there as well."

    "I''ve... Actually, taken you up on the offer already." She replies with a grin, holding up the ring Xafra gifted us. "Combed through your library quite a fair amount. The wretched fool had many clever insights. Some principles even transfer. But... Your Driftdream is so very unique. Anchored and well balanced. Like one of the the little rafts they kept on our Grove''s Wasteways. With a kind Goddess to manage every tilt, where as I am more like..."

    She trails off with a sigh, drops our hand. "Not that. I''m not the one who dictates the mess of memories either. I simply endure them, weave outputs to ensure... well, survival. For myself and Elevar and all we adore. Was getting fairly easy too. Before Sekrh¨²s roused. Worse after... well, I bargained with it. Let her reorganize and adjust and... and fuddle with my Threads. Now everything is tangled again, and worse than before. But I''m managing. Keeping busy. Avoiding hurting anyone else while I knit myself into tightly woven iron."

    "Good good... So where''s the part that would cause me to need to compromise?" My Mate asks my twin while carefully intoning to just me. [Do you not have specialized Curanos for the mind in this time?]

    [That, is a complicated question. But to put simply, not really.] I reply gently back. [Garrote''s are the primary need for that and many affected by them would have been so by Threshers. Seen as criminals or Half-Knits or such. And... Not worth helping. Often are turned over to the Threshers regardless.]

    Xafra considers that for a heartbeat before replying. [I have some techniques that I know of. But not the practical methods for that we should pass onto an up and coming Curanos then if we can recruit one. The Giftschrank I use is one based on a Bondsmith Arts technique.]

    [I think that''s a wonderful Idea.]

    Look back to find my twin letting the silence stretch. So obviously struggling to find the right words. Or edit them to avoid gifting too much knowledge. A lesson learned from my lifetime of not having dear ones to trust.

    "Because you''re wrong. My end is not mine, or yours, to give. I belong to Sekrh¨²s/Peeler of Spirits/A Murk That Dreams Rot Within/Monument to Her S¨ªn." Lynette whispers, an almost manic fear touching her eyes as she speaks the full name of this Estate. "Not in some... intangible way. I mean in a literal way. I''m hooked to Elevar similarly to how your Pack is bound to you, but my Anchoring is down with her. It holds the core of my Threads and... and worse. And to Claim me, I''d... want you to have those. Hold the core of what I am in your hands and... and still want the gerl within. But I refuse to even let you speak to the Beast Below, much less bargain for me. Sacrifice parts of yourself to get me free. Some... helpless rotting beached fish too stupid to stop flopping about. You deserve a better Mate than that. Need a better Mate."

    At those last words she''s gone fully still. Refused to move. Exerted all control she has to stopping the mess she''s feeling from touching our flesh. But... She can''t keep the wretched twisting heartbreak from reaching me, and through me, our Xafra.

    "I see. And why would I need to bargain parts of myself away? There is more that she wants. More that I could offer." Xafra sighs. "My family sucks, Love. So many of them have this idea that I know something or am responsible for something someone else did and I''m... Just trying to do my best. Heh. it''s like I told you. Even if Sikkina was in my arms now, I wouldn''t leave. If there was no one here but me and Sekrh¨²s, I''d still stay to free her. That''s... What family is supposed to do, right?"

    Lynette huffs and continues to glare at the floor. Words spent.

    Xafra nods to herself and stands up, offering hands to myself and Lynette. "My Mistresses, I''d like to show you both something if I may?"

    I flicker to stand with intangible hand brushing hers.

    Lynette takes the offer cautiously, but grips our gerl''s hand firmly. Even... adjusts to lay a hand atop Xafra''s.

    "I... alright, but you''re wrong on that last point. We had many siblings, but Rufus is the only real family we have from before Yselda. And..." She pauses, considers words carefully before speaking. "I spoke foolishly before. When I said Augusta wasn¡¯t your sister. She offered what she could as she was able."

    Xafra simply grips our wrists, both physical and ethereal and offers the open ends of a weave to each of us. "I''ve been thinking about how the Pack bond works and I figured out a small thing that may be useful right now, if I may?"

    I take hold immediately, tug at my sister to follow. She hesitates, as I expect. But... takes the offering. Carefully examining it. "Am I allowed to ask before getting tugged along as to... what this is?"

    "Certainly. I''m going to share my perspective. That''s all." Xafra answers patiently.

    "I... Alright. Yes. You have me enthralled." Lynette agrees, grips the knitting tighter. Locks eyes with Xafra.

    Xafra closes her eyes and activates the weave, opening them once more slowly. In our childhood, we were once told about how insects and some other beasties could see a whole nother rainbow of colors that hide behind the limits of our eyes. That little nugget of an idea carried with us for years and even inspired our new eyes somewhat but... That still didn''t prepare us for this. With her eyes open, our perspective expands to include everything she sees as well and it''s us but... Unbent and powerful, shimmering in a wild array of colours that accentuate our forms that exist in overlay, both our current shared ones and the other individual ones. There''s an unwavering intensity to her gaze that looks at us with adoration, respect, desire, and not a single dram of pity. Through her eyes we are Matrons at the pinnacle of their power, Mothers capable of making all the hard choices to do what is best for our children, and Maidens so enticing and mysterious.

    And for the first time in what feels like weeks but has only been a few days... We''re mingled. Barriers still exist, blocking me from understanding what nonsense howls from behind them. But we''re joined in a twisting of thought.

    Because that can''t be us.

    She... She has to be just... wrong.

    Pulling Xafra close, breaking the weaving but... It''s for the best. Not sure we could endure much of that for more than a few heartbeats.

    Stupid Half-Knits. Stupid gerls. We... We can''t... Can''t let her just... Wrapped about her and shivering. Seething. Both of us. Endlessly. Can''t even separate where one sister''s thoughts start and another''s stops. It''s... this is all wrong. She... we''re not... She''s seen us broken. Withering. Spiteful and horrid and petty and wretched. More a mess than this... And worse. She''s not stupid, but nor is she manipulative. Nothing but honest. So... How can this be honest? Did we make a mistake? When we let her bond with Verbess and the others? Slowly infected by their perceptions? No, no it would be opposite. And her freeing from the Garrote would further her¨C

    "Thank you." We whisper into our Xafra''s soft hair as we squeeze her tight. Trying to suppress the spiral. Focus... focus on the memory. "It''s... Hard to absorb. How highly you think of us. Not even about deserving. Just... never trusted others to think well of us. Especially as we kept tumbling down bad paths. Trying to smother decades of habit to enjoy the memory."

    "I understand, and I hope this helps you both understand, at least a little bit, why I won''t ever give up on either of you. Because you are my Mistresses, my guides, and my... well. You''re dang important to me." Xafra says, finally running out of poetic words.

    Can still... feel... something. Or... No. Wait. Taste?

    Oh.

    Our Physis tendrils sparked and started nibbling on her more than a little bit. Nipping and trying to understand if our love''s wonderful weaving was infected with anything. Clicking oddly before each spark from her is sampled and found perfect and clear.

    Even taste the fading remnants of the weaving she gifted. Is... is still making us...

    We chuckle as another shiver rolls through us. Nudge our Physis tendrils to stop biting and simply wrap about her. Then let part of us offer softly. "We... can see about arranging a talk. Find out what the Beast Below would demand for my... me. Let you Claim the rest of us after that."

    She giggles at that. "Oh my me. okay okay okay. And there''s um... One other thing I needed to talk about and apologize for, if that''s alright?"

    "Of course." We agree. "What is it you think needs apologizing for?"

    "I''ve been... avoiding calling Elevar my Mate or Witchling since... well since we started working things out with Lynnette and that felt... wrong. That I was holding back to not upset the delicate balance we had. I''m sorry."

    "Oh, dear one." We murmur, pull her closer. "Thank you. But it was actually a very thoughtful change. One that, if we''re both being honest, was a good choice. One that cost you, but... Kept you or us from misunderstanding or muddling things. The implantation of a less than trustworthy new spirit within a partner should be handled with care. And you did more than any to do that. We''re... endlessly impressed and proud of your grace in that."

    "Oh." she mumbles. "I was really worried. I''m glad I didn''t mess more stuff up."

    At that, we lean back enough to glance down. Hook a finger under her chin to tilt her up to face us. State firmly while locking eyes with hers. "Our Xafra messes up very little. And that which is not perfect on first motions, you correct as deftly and quickly as you are able. Please don''t let these challenging days rob you of knowing both us are so very sure of that. Alright?"

    She nods and smiles up at us, relief and joy plain to see on her face. "Yes, my Mistresses."

    And with that... our Division bubbles like one realizing the warm waters of a bath have turned room temperature. We don''t jolt apart but... know we cannot maintain this for much longer without substantial effort.

    "Now..." We murmur together, "You needed to see to gently discussing things with Calix, and part of us has something to finish below before tomorrow. But... only after a brief talk with a certain someone. If your comfortable to wait till our chat is over, part of us will join you after that?"

    "Certainly. Should I meet you at my Spire then?"

    We agree, and walk with her as far as the halfway point. Then split off and intone gently to the woman we seek.

    [Madam Augusta. We''d... adore the opportunity to speak with you. If you have a spare moment? Nothing urgent. Simply...] We hesitate on what words to use. Then offer. [Wish to ensure you are settling well. And offer words part of us was not able to before.]

    [Of course. Would you like to stop by or shall I come out to meet you?] Augusta intones back immediately.

    [No need to trouble yourself, we''ll come to you.] We assure her before continuing along our path to the Library Spire.

    Head down the steps and approach her space. Knock gently upon her door, and wait.

    Gebetshure opens the door and beckons us within where Augusta has changed from her... combat uniform into a simple black dress and cardigan and sits on one of her plush chairs reading through a freshly inked tome.

    "Thank you dear." We smile and follow.

    "Of course, Mistresses. This one would offer a drink. But the Madam insisted you''d probably refuse?" Gebetshure replies. "Both because of time, and that Schatzi has spoiled you."

    We chuckle and nod, "That she has. Her brewing is without compare, unfortunately."

    The sweet Doll grins with quite a few mouths, then leaves us standing before Augusta.

    She begins while we¡¯re still gathering up the words. Speaking gently but firmly. "I''ve been chastised a fair bit the last few days. Between Gebetshure, Adaline, Mecia, and even Nadine up from the Driftdream, my recent choices have been a cause for thorough excoriation. My apologies, Matron Lynette, for causing you distress."

    Part of us flinches but... grips her twin for stability.

    Commits to the words, and ideas that birthed them.

    "That... is a topic besides all else. Something that part of us is going to need to face after a few other tasks are completed. But we... Have had a realization tonight. One that needs to be passed on. Before anyone, besides part of us, pesters you too harshly." We start. "You, Augusta, have been a very good sister to our Xafra. And if you found yourself unwilling or unable to stretch yourself farther... it would not change that truth. Our spite and poor history with our family should not affect this. And the words spoken upon your return to the contrary were... ill considered. Selfish. And cruel. Sibling''s should accept and be grateful for what love they are offered in the time they have."

    Augusta looks down at the tome, not reading it. "Thank you. Your words were all those things, but... They were also honest and correct. And as my in-laws, I should... Do better by both of you as well. Family is so much more than blood and I''m beginning to understand that. I still need to speak with her, and I will soon, once I can ensure my emotions won''t get the best of me again. It''s... Unbecoming. But Lynette, can you come and see me again in two days, after the vote? The new Vesper Grove Envoy just arrived so I don''t want to detract from your focus before then."

    That... peels final stitching holding us together. Fear bubbling too much for my twin to bear.

    Division. And she''s gone. Focus pulled as far away and below as she can. Swiftly but... painlessly. Delved below with barely a whispered emotion.

    But her reply is clear.

    "She will, Dear one. Left me that much before pulling fully away." I offer, then move to sit. "She''s... Sekrh¨²s hurt her. A lot. More than she''s willing to admit. Then something about your return and Divinity claimed and... the Miasma broke any safety she felt. Has barely talked to any of us these past days. Only got coaxed to share a bit with Xafra after we spoke with Calix''s son. Which... Thank you for trying to help there, by the way. That''s my next stop today actually. But I wanted to ask for advice there too. Make sure I don''t tumble into hurting him."

    "Make sure she does so other darlings don''t act the fool trying to help her. But yes. This Adze is a character. Wanders into my mind while I''m sleeping and starts yelling at me about being a fraud. I was having an interesting dream too... I can only recommend not pressing Calix too hard. Adze and Liv were children when he was taken, from what I''ve been able to gather over the past hour. There''s... probably a lot of pain there. I''ve never had kids of my own, but I might recommend talking to Jezrial about it at some point as well as the only experienced parent of a sort here."

    I nod. "That''s what I was thinking. Yes. My twin has... focused on some personal project. A thing she actually plans to have ready for tomorrow''s talks and vote. After that I think she''ll be more confident in speaking with you. And... Yes. Adze is such an infuriatingly likable fool of a boy. But I''d have enjoyed a sibling so devoted to his wayward family before. I think he can be tamed to softer more level views after the final vote. And... About Jezrial. I agree. She might not be a bad one to nudge into Calix''s sphere if he seems in need of that. As they probably will share the same guilt over losing the opportunity to be there for their young. Yet she''s had time to heal and consider things."

    Then I rise. "Thank you, Madam Augusta. Your advice is, as always, a treasure. Is there anything I could offer to help you settle better?"

    "No, Elevar, and please. Just call me Augusta... I''d like to not add distance if we can avoid it."

    Smile and nod. "Of course, Augusta. Reach out, day or night, if you would need anything from me."

    Then I head out to find my Xafra.

    Discover her and Calix are watching Rufus, Joan, Hackt, and Aralen and Nelara go through movement routines that somehow give off an aura of intimidation. All gathered outside the Sheared Spire as evening lazily settles upon us.

    Move to sit beside them. Offer a gentle, "How are you doing today, Calix?" as I take up my Xafra''s hand to hold.

    "Pretty good so far. This one is all healed up and has been keeping busy helping the berserkers figure out their ability. It''s contagious, but not capable of affecting everyone. This one thinks it requires a large amount of suppressed anger to trigger." Calix answers excitedly.

    "Ah, well, not a drop of spite in myself or Lynette. So we should be safe enough from catching this." I chuckle, ensuring our tendrils click a soft happy melody to muffle anything that might spill off from the group. "We... actually wanted to talk with you about something. If you''ve the patience for us. Nothing urgent, or dangerous. Simply... personal. And more than a touch messy. But nothing I''d want to spring on you without warning should you wish to wait."

    Calix thinks for a moment then calls out, "Rufus dear, I''ve got to have a conversation with Elevar and Xafra. Y''all are gonna have to stop for now. Maybe you can talk to Feryudra about those breathing exercises it mentioned?"

    Rufus stops at the end of the current cycle and walks over with the others, pulling Hackt and Joan along by the hands while Aralen and Nelara trail a few steps behind. "Sounds good. I''m pretty wiped already. Thought I was in pretty good shape but these practice sessions are proving me quite wrong."

    "You last longer every time." Hackt cackles, large Combat Frame looming large over their new Master. Big hand enveloping Rufus'' easily.

    "Master still needs to learn its not about being in good shapes, but the regulation of their good shapes." Joan adds, moving to wrap that long twitching tail about her shoulders once more.

    Aralen and Nelara lock hands and tails and move like a single graceful Doll behind. Their identical but opposite Frames walking in perfect harmonic step. Grinning but not offering their own thoughts as they follow at the back of this little pack.

    "That''s definitely something for me to consider. Maybe these breathing exercises of Feryudra will help with that. Making sure I get enough air in and such. Might also look into those glyphs of yours, Elevar. See if I can''t transcribed my perception boost into something that can be etched onto this groups Frames in a manner that doesn''t cause too many issues. Anyway, let me know if you need anything Calix, I''ll be only a shout away, even if I need to get Hackt to throw me." Rufus says with a chuckle.

    "That would actually be really valuable. Verbess and Warden are the only ones I know that can even partially match the working." I agree. "And... Hackt? Was it? Please make sure to toss him gently? My friend isn''t as durable as the rest of us."

    The big Doll grins and nods agreement.

    Rufus and his little gaggle wander off, his intense planning both endearing and a little bit worrisome as we hear him continue offering guidance. "Okay, let''s try once more to mirror Joan''s engravings to obscure our presence while we walk. Remember to focus on the idea of protecting her to properly latch into the inverse rosebridge ward."

    "They really are an... adorable yet increasingly capable pack." I muse, turning back to face Calix. "And you seem to manage them well. I''m impressed."

    "This one is a lot older than all of them, so it''s... mostly remembering to offer guidance and support when needed, and being there for them. Rufus does really good too, and once he''s able to master the pull of the Vigsang he''ll be able to do a lot more." Calix stands up and pats Xafra''s leg. "Okay Mistresses, let''s go inside. If it''s personal this one probably should be somewhere safe before things start." He leads the way and as we enter the Spire, the light from the suns refract off the resin that flawlessly seals the cracks in his arms and casts a dance of blue and purple lights around him.

    We end in Xafra''s room, which is... Rather unexpected until I realize that with the balcony that his and Rufus'' room lacks, there''s a path for both rapid entry and exit.

    I move to sit, tugging Xafra with me and patting the floor beside for Calix. "If at any point you want Rufus here don''t hesitate to ask or call him yourself. Alright?"

    "Calix, do you know the names Ivarr and Liv?" Xafra asks gently.

    Without skipping a beat, Calix responds with "Why?"

    "Well..." I offer carefully. "Because Ivarr was outside on the Root Ways today wanting to have a word with the Blossom of these grounds. Was looking for someone he, correctly, believes to be here."

    A change comes over Calix at my words. His expression hardens as a sense of wrongness emanates from him. "And what of Liv?"

    "She''s the current Matriarch of Wurzelbrecher Grove." Xafra answers, muscles tensing in preparation.

    Calix''s face relaxes, the feeling not disappearing but lightening slightly. "This one does know those names, Mistress, and thinks that the Mistresses should ensure they raise Sikkina to not do such foolish things as..." He stops. motionless, not even blinking.

    "Yes... Lynette chastised him quite pointedly for how he went about things." I agree, then adjust to sit more comfortably. "But we also ensured he left in better health than when he arrived. Both mentally and physically. Fool boy leap to... well, not unfair, but quite overmuch conclusions. We demanded he wait until after tomorrow to pester us further, so we''d have time to speak with you first."

    "Just their luck that they ended up with two deadbeat dads instead of one." Calix growls. "This one... This one needs to... be different."

    "Dear one..." I whisper and lean forward. "You did not leave them, you were stolen. And that boy holds nothing but longing to have you in his life again. You are, and will be, a good father to them."

    "Not how this one is now. Gonna need to... break and reform in a different shape to do it right. But... That''s very scary, Mistress Elevar. How does one... even begin to make up for fifty years of absence." He answers.

    "I think... Just..." I reply. Then trail off.

    Imagining what it would be like for those in my past to stumble to this place. Drop to their knees begging for my freedom and offering their own life to see me safe and...

    And so quickly accepting my new name and shape like Ivarr did for Calix.

    "Making room for them both in your life will mean so much." Is all I can whisper, but with more of a growl than I care for. "He doesn''t need you to break. Doesn''t want that. Just... Keep healing and growing into a better you. One that never stops loving him. Be the best father you can with the tools you have. That''s it. Start there."

    "Okay. Was... There anything else? This one would like to see him of course, and... if a visit to Wurzelbrecher is viable afterwards, to... See this one''s daughter. Keep them both from¡ª" His strangled calm shatters into an icy rage. "How did he know this one is here? What did you mean by better health? Who Hurt My Son!?!" The sense of wrongness reaches a fever pitch as our sweet Calix is overtaken by one of pristine wroth.

    [Don''t move.] Xafra rapidly intones to me. [Just keep talking. He won''t strike unless he thinks we''re behaving like prey or competition.]

    "Well, to your last point. He hurt himself. Sealed away his magic with stone spikes, of all cracked and riven things, after bubbling up the odd abilities he shares with you." I answer carefully but... not overmuch worried. More amused. Even...

    Oh. Can''t help but sigh internally at the leftover... mess Lynette left inside our flesh. Tendrils click slow calming notes to avoid pricking at this boy''s fury.

    "We removed them, and healed him. As for the source of his knowing you were here? Apparently he did some ritual or some such. Asked and found that his parent was here. Then decided to offer himself for your freedom. And yes, dear one. We mean to invite him onto these grounds after tomorrow''s vote. Then... work out things from there."

    "He nullspiked himself and awakened his oracle talent? Mistress Xafra, he''s as impulsive as you!" Calix yells with a casual swat at the floor that cleaves away a large chunk.

    "He did. And yes, it seems that you''re stuck dealing with two of us, my dear Calix. I only have one thing to add that will... probably reinforce that belief. He changed his name to Adze as a youth." Xafra offers, keeping calm.

    "Well... it seems his sister has been a pacifying force to his impulsive nature, at least." I agree. "Else he''d not have such a good Wellspring of Ousia to draw upon. Spike nonsense aside, he was in good health, Calix. So I''d not worry overmuch to his chances of doing this again."

    Calix giggles then snorts. "He named himself after a tool for carving wood. That''s so dumb. ahahahahah." With his amusement, the uncomfortable feeling evaporates. "Okay. okay, this one is going to have to get some gifts made... Oh! Oh oh oh oh! Mistress Elevar, can this one get Bartholomew to bring him something?"

    "Of course." I agree immediately. "My hesitates to this have dissipated with your excitement. Feel free to pass messages back and forth with my full support if you''d like. I simply expect discretion from both of you about this. Alright?"

    "Mmhm, but no messages. Just gonna send him a parcel, if you can clear it with that thresher captain so Bartholomew doesn''t get hurt. Seems better to talk face to face."

    "She won''t hurt your little friend." I assure him and move to rise. "This is my territory. With that emblem you coxed from this Estate she knows that striking him is paramount to lashing at me. And random Threshers have no cause to harm the wildlife about even if they don''t notice the mark. But... I''ll pass a message to the guards watching the entrance. Just to be safe."

    "Thank You. And sorry about the floor." Calix carefully embraces both of us in a hug.

    "We''ll mend it, dear one." I reply and return this, even let a few tendrils try their best to mimic my arms before pulling back. "I''m simply... glad all this is working out. And that you''re getting to reclaim people you couldn''t before. Also... yes. To your visiting his Grove. We''ll work out the details as needed, but yes. Of course. Don''t worry about that."

    "Agreed. We''ll get things working." Xafra adds.

    Calix wobbles his way out of the room whistling a tune, without a further word.

    "How soon should I tell Rufus that Calix has the Vigsang as well, and is... terrifying with it?" Xafra asks quietly.

    "I... would not be surprised, from how damaged Calix was before, that he and their little pack might already know. Or guess at the possibility." I reply, rising. "No one survives five decades of the old cunt''s pointed spite without hoarding their own wellspring of fury. But... I''d suggest you nudge him tonight while I see about getting that letter written for Klevik. Warn him about how threats to his children spark our gentle Calix to wroth after they''ve had the chance to discuss that fact."

    "Alright. Afterwards we should get some rest before tomorrow..." Xafra mentions.

    "Yes. Agreed. I''d rather sleep away the rest of the day to awake before the suns'' Weepings." I agree, moving to tug us along. "In... My Spire. If you please. I''d adore us all to share my big bed if they''re willing."

    "Definitely, I''ll gather the rest up and meet you there once we finish up, my dear Witchling."

 Chapter 95: Casting Stones (Blade)

    Casting Stones (Blade)

    Content Warning:

    N/A? Pretty clean? Wiggles?

    The morning of the vote, I wake up slowly with my tail wrapped around Infection, one of Krahe''s wrapped around my waist, Adaline curled in my arms and my head on my Mate''s stomach. Nearly perfect but... reaching out with my Ousia senses, I find Schatzi upstairs in the kitchen with... "Witchling, my mother is in the kitchen."

    Elevar rouses slowly, avoids moving more than just fingers shifting to dance through my hair. "Hmm? I assume nothing urgent since she''s not pestered us to..."

    She pauses, leans up a bit to look about and count the Pack Sisters around us.

    And... that''s when I hear a soft giggle and water muffled words come from the shower chambers just a room over. Takes me half a heartbeat to recognize the tone as belonging to Sikkina''s new sister.

    "Uhhhhhh. Why is someone in your shower, Elevar?" Adaline asks in confusion as she untangles herself.

    "It''s Lynette''s Doll... but she shouldn''t be able to use the showers?" I clarify, tossing on a pair of pants and a half robe.

    Elevar follows, Brow furrowed in confusion. "Schatzi''s above, yes? With Jezrial. Could be focusing her Physis to help the little one but..."

    She jerks to a halt, just for a second. Tendrils clicking soft quiet warning. Before she pulls a robe to herself with a quick effort of Physis while rolling forward towards the space.

    [There is an Ousia signature in there besides the little one. Stupidly small but... I hate it. It feels wrong.]

    I focus on it and immediately reach out to Augusta, intoning rapidly. [I don''t have time to be stubborn, Are you doing anything in Elevar''s Spire because there''s an extreme concentration of Miasma around a soul in the shower room.]

    "No, but I''m here to support you." Her voice comes from the other side of the bed and I nearly jump out of my skin as I watch her step out of Adaline''s Frame without disturbing it.

    "Gross. scary and gross and I can make reality bleed." I insist.

    "Cracked and Riven-" Elevar hisses, frozen stiff where I jerked. But... Then my Mistress takes a breath, lets it out, and offers my sister an honest smile. "Good morning, Augusta. Apologies for... this. Whatever this is. Thank you for arriving quicker than a heartbeat. That... is a wonderful trick. Despite your sister''s and my acute reactions."

    "My apologies, I didn''t realize I could do it either. I felt the need to be here and then... I was able to step through Gebetshure and Adaline." She responds softly.

    "Okay. Let''s go slowly and see what''s going on. No aggressive actions or anything." I insist, feeling my role in the Pack settle properly as I thrum out an alert.

    As we enter the space, we see two figures within my Mistress'' shower. Surrounded by a few piles of still rinsing away muck and mud amidst a downpour of warm steaming water. The first, as expected, is the snek Doll.

    Her ears seem... relaxed. Neither alert or pressed back in fear. Fur very wet. Eyes closed. Tail curled up beneath herself and the second one here. On the edge of full sleep.

    The other sits against the wall, arms wrapped loosely about the snek Doll. With long dark hair and pale skin. Wearing tattered rags of clothes. Eyes closed. The Miasma I sense... seems to stop at her skin''s edge? The Ousia Core still small and almost crushed by the pressure of the Miasma about. But... still, a tendril of Physis is solidly hooked up to weave this shower into Function.

    The second our first footfalls touch the floor of the room, and before anyone speaks, an ear of the snek Doll perks up. Then two of her three eyes flitter open and she turns to regard us. Waves once with a tired hand.

    "I... Little one? Are you alright?" Elevar murmurs very gently, tendrils within her hair sounding off her raw confusion. [I''ve no idea what to make of this. I''ve tried to ask Lynette but... she''s not responding to me.]

    But the snek Doll only looks confused now too. Nods and tilts head. Ears now both standing fully up.

    "Sekrh¨²s, is that you come up to visit?" I ask casually.

    [this is either our niece''s doing or a side effect of Augusta''s ascension, considering the amount of Miasma present.] I intone to Elevar and Augusta then relay to the rest through Quill-song what I see and think.

    Sikkina''s sister stares at us while this second figure doesn''t move. Then she turns and pokes her shoulder. When she doesn''t move, Lynette''s Doll takes to shaking her a bit. Then more than a bit.

    Before just... fully taking to patting this sleeping figure on the face. Not hard but... incessantly. Whispering little chants of, "Wake up, Mistress, wake up, wake up, wake up."

    And with a sputtering surprised jerk, she wakes up. "Wh- What? Little One why...?"

    "Mrs. Xafra and Miss Elevar and Miss Augusta and Miss Tails and Miss Adaline and Miss Wiggles have questions about Sekrh¨²s." The snek Doll supplies, then huddles back into resting against her.

    The figure freezes, dull and grey eyes pass over us like one seeing but... with great difficulty. Half blind. "Moonshite. I..."

    [...Did not expect to fall asleep as easily as all that.] Lynette picks up and intones through our bond to myself and Elevar. [Was planning to be awake and...]

    "...Above. Talking with your mother before anyone else woke up." She finishes through that body''s lips. Struggling to rise with her Doll still in arms.

    "Ah. All good. We''ll meet you up there when you''re ready. Sorry for disturbing you." I answer, and lead the group out.

    Elevar waits behind and I hear her gently asking Lynette aloud if she wants help with anything. Openly concerned but... keeping questions to herself while moving to help her twin organize herself this morning.

    And above we find My Pack Sister standing next to Jezrial''s new Doll while she fusses over a steaming pot.

    "But... Why not just add some now?" Presephona is asking Schatzi. "The sweetness will like... melt into it all faster, right? And the cream too? Don''t we do that before pouring any cups?"

    I carefully ignore the impending disaster knowing how bad I was at making tea initially and sit down at the table beside my mother. "Hey Mom, You''re coming with us for the last talks before the vote, right?"

    Krahe slips behind Presephona, and when her attention turns, she dips the very tip of a tail into the pot and hops to sit atop the table. Happily licking the flavored limb clean while Presephona tries to understand what just happened.

    "Honestly I''d... rather avoid it all but Lynette insisted I come along." My mother answers, pushing the journal toward me. "It''s messy, filled with holes, and hard to verify. But... A treatment for Moonwaste poison, even a messy one, will turn heads. Just want you to give my records on it a read over before offering this."

    I don''t respond to this other impending disaster either as I quickly flip through the journal that details the surgery I performed on Elevar, the philosophy behind it, and possible methods for improvement. "This is a brilliant idea mom, and also... A smidge embarrassing."

    "I''m also planning on coming. But I will arrive from the other direction, to give... a bit of a different impression. If necessary, I can play the role of Dark Lord Snurgle to drive them conveniently into your arms... And give Envoy Adze a piece of my mind." Augusta says with a smile.

    Adaline whispers "Dark Lady Snurgette" to herself as Schatzi explains to Presephona how making tea is more of an art or ritual than just cooking, and doing the steps in order is in part about the image one projects, and I feel... at home.

    "Please be careful, Augusta dear. This is a decent idea but dangerous." I finally state, looking at my sister closely. "We still need to talk and like... You know, spend time together? Build a relationship as a family? Find the rest of our siblings? Figure out how you made magic weird?"

    Augusta looks ... surprised, like she expected something different and replies. "Of course. I''ll head out now to give that overworked Captain time to try and boss me around before you all arrive."

    Thankfully, she takes the door to leave instead of her new technique, likely heading to her suite to get dressed for the day before going.

    "...Hey Mom, you''re like.... Also Augusta''s mom too now, right?" I ask mischievously.

    "Not how that works." She replies, but then shrugs. "But... sure. Why not? I''ll adopt another. She''s gonna need a more... present mother if her little sister is anyone to go by.

    "In defense of our birth mother, she is dead at the moment... Thank you though." I reach over and hug her tightly.

    "Welcome girl. And... yeah. Yeah. Still trying to process that bit. Hits me every time I look up at night though." Jezrial embraces me back, only letting go when Presephona and Schatzi and even Krahe are passing out steaming cups. Asks. "Alright, where''s your Mistress? Lynette told me she''d have a piece to add to this when I pestered her early this morning. And while this is all well and good, she seemed to expect a lot of people to not take this seriously. But... seemed pretty certain she could give us something to mitigate that. Possibly many somethings."

    "I''m trying not to worry about the fact that she suddenly has a body that''s almost entirely superdense Miasma, though she should be up soon." I offer, taking up a cup.

    "Mistress Lynette will be fine with our support." Schatzi reassures me.

    My mom raises her eyebrow. "That''s... I was gonna say impossible, but I''m going to mark that down as concerning. She said she was working on something important. Guessing... that would count."

    "Miasma has been different since Augusta returned ascendant, not sure if you''ve been looking that closely but everyone who has Ousia has miasma building up at a miniscule amount inside their bodies. Even me. Don''t know what the effects are going to be but it''s certainly concerning." I pause to take a sip, remembering something. "While I''m offering bizarre medical revelations, you might be interested to know that they figured out a method of preventing an Oracle from becoming a Cursestorm... That allows them to keep their sight. It''s quite brutal but efficient." I pull the stone spikes out of my satchel and set them down on the table, choosing to ignore how badly the tea turned out.

    My mom tilts her head and reaches out to take up a spike, starts to examine it. Only murmurs to me after a long pause. "Huh. Sets up a counter circulation to the normal patterns? Like... the old dams they built to slow the rivers down. But... yeah. Would work. Specially with how the modern healing focuses so much on balancing the internals with insistent weaves. Honestly... with their modern methods the eye removal seems kinder than this. The pain will never go away. Get worse when resting. Without some good healers near this''ll just kill, and even with that I''d hate the amount of risk needed. Stone makes a good grounding tool too. Will resist most Ousia workings and almost all Physis weaves."

    "It''s... even worse than that. The spikes don''t affect Oracle sight either. It essentially makes them useful and unable to fight back." I say with disgust. "I got these from a newly awakened Oracle that self-inflicted them before offering himself to us in exchange for my dear Calix''s freedom."

    "Ah. Seems a pattern of things, don''t it?" She sighs and gently sets the spike aside. Tastes her tea. Spits it back in the cup and looks to Presephona after a little cough. "No. Terrible. Not even a good first try, I''d say. I can just make the tea, girl. You don''t need to¨C"

    "Be quiet." Presephona almost growls, her anger only flaring at those last words. Then she takes Jezrial''s cup, turns back to the pot and such. Hefts it up, dumps the muck down the nearby drain, and seems to start anew.

    Jezrial holds up her hands in surrender and turns back to me. "After today''s mess is done I suppose I could..."

    But she trails off as footsteps echo up the steps. Soon followed by both my Mistresses. Elevar half-dressed in more regal attire she''d talked about needing to present well, Lynette in... fairly plain and loose fitting leggings, shirt, and blouse.

    Both come to sit next to me.

    "Apologies, Jezrial." Lynette offers tiredly as she reaches for a cup. "Wasn''t aware this... form, could dredge me into sleep."

    Lynette takes a drink of the tea then and just... stops. Blinks. Then looks up and actually seems to take in who''s tending to the tea in the kitchen.

    "Ah." She sighs and pushes the cup away. "Yes. Of course. Almost forgot. As poor as if I were to try my hand at brewing a pot."

    "Significantly better than my first pot, truthfully. I thought that using dried leaves was stupid and put an entire flower, roots and dirt included, into the pot." I mention in commiseration.

    Elevar snorts at that while my mother chuckles fully.

    "This is why we let the gerl who''s cultivated that skill tend to the task." Lynette agrees while reaching out and setting a small cradle on the table between us. One roughly the size of her palm. "Speaking of. Jezrial, here is the last piece needed for your part today. A bone with trace amounts of Moonwaste within. Soaked in toxin that causes the marrow to curdle in the same spots. Bisected. Then encased in resin. Awaiting our Xafra to seal it with glass. A perfect little display to illustrate how the shite settles and infects without killing."

    I open up the Cradle, looking at the bone and not commenting on the fact that I can tell it''s one of the cast offs from their body that I didn''t use in the Grakler Frame, and manifest my Doll form so I can produce the molten glass needed. A quick weave around it, and another in the glass as I apply it to the bone and I set the enclosed display back in the box, cool to the touch.

    "Perfect, and now that''s another piece set in place." Lynette nods, reaching out to take up the journal. Flips through to blank pages near the back to start using a small weaving of Physis to add her writing to the work. "Safe to handle, simple enough for any even moderately versed in the Healing Arts to understand the logic of, and elegantly displayed."

    "Yeah, that''ll make this pretty compelling." My mother asks. "What toxin did you use?"

    "Something from a fairly common fruit from these jungles. Simple enough to find and verify its use on any Lunargent shards. Alongside... something a little more rare, if those we gift this to have the good sense to use it." She explains. "A few brews to dilute the Moonwaste for safe disposal or such."

    Fruit juice soaked bone marrow. gosh that sounds delicious. the rest of her words draw my attention. "Sorry, there''s brews to dilute moonwaste? That opens up a lot more options going forwards than I believed viable."

    "Hmm? Yes." Lynette answers without looking up. "Apparently amidst the toxic nonsense Nettle has cooked for you all, she wanted more variety. And I got curious. Have a chamber below dedicated to growing quite the gaggle of odd and dangerous things from the jungles. Offered the gerl her choice from the seeds of the sable and safe plants. But... amidst that I found some rare growths that actually can be used for this. Still quite toxic. But not nearly as much."

    "Neat. Alright... Anything else we need to talk about before we head out? I expect that they''ll all be quite thoroughly unsettled by the time we arrive." I chuckle.

    "I probably should have asked before she stepped out but... What exactly is Augusta planning on doing?" Elevar asks carefully while rising.

    "DARK LADY SNURGETTE!... If necessary.¡± Adaline ethuses and wiggles, drinking the tea without a care. ¡°She''s a billion percent going to show up as an embodied Divine."

    "Cracked and Riven Moon." My Mistress chuckles. "Of course. So kind of her to grant this Pack the chance to seem reasonable and polite. I simply... Hope she doesn''t overplay things. But..." She looks about us, smiles. "Who here bears the mantle of Pack Lead this day?"

    "I do. To see if I can put into practice the things I''ve learned so far." I reply.

    Elevar nods, moves to stand before me. "And... Who within the Pack will attend us, and who will remain behind?"

    I think about that for a moment before my thoughts move to a different idea. "Mother, do you think Presephona would be well behaved if she comes with us?"

    Presephona freezes in her work, jerks to stare at us all. Expression stiff, eyes wide in confusion.

    Jezrial pauses for a heartbeat while gathering up journal and cradle, then replies. "Hmmm... Depends. And ''Well-Behaved'' is like any Chart. Too many variables to track well. And many out there have a good chance of recognizing her. Why risk it, kid?"

    "Honestly, to give her the opportunity to slip a message to someone and settle affairs as well as provide some insight into the other envoys... I don''t really like the idea of prisoners, and I want her to be trusted eventually. Up to you and Elevar if you think it''s too early though." As I speak, Adaline nudges me and taps the badge on my chest.

    "Oh right, also here." I pull the cerulean fang pendant I prepared for Presephona out of my satchel and offer it to her directly.

    Presephona just... stares for a long heartbeat. Face showing a flicker of anger before settling back into something ridged. Then... she takes a step back. Doesn''t touch the pendant. "This one knows little of the other Envoys, and knew there was more than a half chance the Matron of Dollcraft would die when she returned to this place. Affairs are settled. The Matriarch of Vesper cared nothing for this place, thought it a backwater waste of her time. Flatter whichever fool she sent in my stead, offer them gifts. They''ll vote in your favor."

    I shrug and hand the pendant to Jezrial, explaining for Presephona''s benefit. "It''s hers when she wants it, so she can communicate with the other Dolls and most of the other residents at will."

    "This one will have a decent pot brewed for your return, Curanos Jezrial." Presephona snaps, then turns and leaves.

    After she''s gone my mother lets out a sigh, pockets the pendant. "I think she''ll come around soon enough. Old girl has some... unique takes on a few things. Kind of you to ask and offer this though."

    "Makes sense. I don''t blame her for being... less than cordial to the one who overturned her life. As to your question, Mistress Elevar, my thought is Schatzi, Adaline, and Warden, with Warden staying in your sheath unless you determine otherwise. Both Krahe and Infection are too... organic looking to avoid the Threshers causing a fit, and the other two have been with us each time so consistency should be maintained."

    "Seems a well considered choice. Especially since your sister will be about." Lynette chimes in. Still sitting, shifting chin to lay on her palm. "And if Adze softened up the Thorn Envoy a touch... This should go well. With Calla, Sinrest, and Wurzelbrecher as near guaranteed votes in our favor. With only Salzernte the hard against. Thorn as a maybe. With even the Thresher Captain as considering us stable enough to manage this place. And if Presephona''s understanding of Vesper''s next Envoy is even half reliable¡­"

    "This is going to go well." Schatzi declares as she rinses out the teapot and cups.

    "Yes, I think we can make sure it does." Elevar agrees immediately.

    "Or I expect we''ll have get creative." Lynette adds with a smirk, then looks to Infection and Krahe. "And you two? You both are going to keep an eye on this body while I tend to some tasks above, alright? If I have to spring to the front in Elevar''s flesh for this it might go a bit... strange. Not dangerous. But feel free to pin it to something till things calm. Alright?"

    "Yes Mistress." They chime together. Then... pause. Take in her full words.

    I cut off the impending questions immediately as I Manifest my Endzeit form. "Not now. We''ll talk specifics later, when Mistress Lynette is ready and we''re not about to face a whole mess of Envoys."

    She grins at that, tilts her head in approval to me. "Lead us on then, Pack Lead."

    ** ** **

    As we approach the meeting place, it''s plain to see that the Threshers are definitely preoccupied as only Captain Klevik is present, along with the Thorn Envoy, Ithidrii from Sinrest, and who I can only assume is the new Vesper Grove Envoy. They... have an almost familiar appearance once I get past the bright blue skin and yellow horn jutting from the center of their hairline. If I wasn''t wearing the mask it would be hard to hide how surprised I am that Vesper of all places sent someone clearly flesh-crafted.

    "Well well, it seems someone found us an Envoy from Grove Vesper. Unless I''m mistaken." My Mistress greets kindly while moving to sit, already weaving a cup from the Root table before this new guest. Tendrils tittering gently. "I am Blossom Elevar of the Sekrh¨²s Estate. And... Apologies for the sudden and long journey you just endured. If there is anything I can offer to help you settle well, don''t hesitate to ask."

    They turn to us and blink a second set of translucent eyelids, responding in a soft voice, "Thank you. We are Envoy Dregden Craw from Vesper, as you correctly deduced. Our needs are met currently, though we are interested in learning more about you and Sekrh¨²s Estate, as we are... New to this role and would prefer to make an informed judgement."

    There''s something off about them. A unity that shouldn''t be present in a singular mind, as one is alone not united. But¡­ I keep my silence and wait for my Mate to introduce myself and my mother.

    "Of course, That''s all I ask." Elevar agrees, turning to motion to us behind. "With me today is my Warlord Endzeit accompanied by our Estate''s Curanos, Jezrial. Alongside our guardians for today''s talks, Adaline and Schatzi."

    Adaline thrums lightly, asking permission to be a blunt instrument, and I relay the request to Elevar after sending her and my mother my observations.

    [We''ve all day to correct any bruised egos.] Elevar intones to me with a chuckle. [And she''s already well known here to have quite the... reputation. Go ahead.]

    After relaying permission to Adaline, she steps forward and offers a perfunctory curtsy to the guests. "Captain Klevik, this one must convey surprise on behalf of the Mistress and ask if the Threshers are perhaps not as unbiased as they claim to be if an Envoy as clearly... Modified as Dregden Craw is accepted without mention when this one''s Mistress was treated much less politely."

    The Captain eyes Adaline, and when an expectant heartbeat passes speaks up. "Never claimed to be unbiased. Dregden was within... acceptable ranges of nonsense. Checked and verified she''d not be a danger to this gathering myself. And Envoy''s bear the mark of a Grove Matriarch. Not gonna crack this meeting over her sending someone with a bit more bite after her last girl seemed to drop off the Root Ways."

    The Envoy in question laughs uproariously. "Captain, you and us both know we were sent because the Matriarch considers us disposable and worth less than any attendants she could have sent with us. Warlord Endzeit, we could relieve your Doll''s concern if Blossom Elevar assures us that we are under guestright?"

    My Mistress motions to the cup as Schatzi steps forward to fill it. "Drink of that, and you have my promise. To speak, and eventually leave, in peace. So long as you don''t strike at me and mine."

    They pick up the cup and drink it slowly, a dissonance building in their soul. <Watch closely but don''t react. This is going to look very weird if I''m correct.> I thrum quickly.

    "Captain, We would greatly appreciate not being skewered, so we''re letting you know that we are dismissing our Einwandfrei now." Envoy dregden says in a level tone.

    "Just... ensure it doesn''t even play at biting anyone." Klevik sighs, rubbing at the bridge of her nose.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

    The Envoy of Thorn stiffens. "Are we truly allowing this? Here? Of all places to entertain this nonsense?"

    "You are more than welcome to try and stop them, Envoy Beryl." Klevik shrugs.

    The Envoy of Thorn glares between them, but does not say more.

    With a smile, the Envoy from Vesper melts downwards like a fast burning candle as the blue and the horn and some height and weight are all shed from them... no, shed from her I understand as I watch the single unified soul become two and an odd quadrupedal creature form with large blue overlapping scales, a massive yellow horn on its nose, wideset paws designed for digging and a broad tail like a clawed fan.

    "You heard what the captain said Zagan, play nice or I''ll get in trouble." she coos to the beast.

    "A Whippen? And... such a gorgeous one at that." Elevar murmurs, cerulean iris settling from their close examination as the weaving untangles. Tendrils clicking open interest and excitement. "Alongside an Einwandfrei to facilitate a full merger. That''s... honestly, delightful. If after these talks you both find the prospect of returning to your Grove less than enticing, I''d love to offer you a stay here. Brief or... more than that."

    I start to say something when Schatzi starts trilling intense desire and joy, turning to Elevar and myself with a pleading look. "Mistress... Can this one play with Zagan?"

    "Only if our guests are comfortable with that." Elevar replies, fighting to hold back a grin. "Honestly, today is going to be a lot of drudgery, if we''re lucky. I don''t mind our Doll and your companion finding softer ways to pass the time together."

    "It is fine with me, and while your offer is tempting I would be remiss in my duties if I let it sway my decision on behalf of my home Grove. I need to know more about the Estate and yourself of course. The information I''ve been given is... contradictory and unreliable at best. I''ve barely had a chance to even speak with Envoy Thorn or Envoy Ithidrii before we were bundled this way due to some sort of disturbance in the Threshers camp." Envoy Dregden explains.

    <Warden and Verbess, can either of you estimate the Envoys age?> I quietly thrum, realizing she''s the youngest looking Witch I''ve ever seen.

    <Assessing... Calculating from Ousia amount, Physical appearance, speech patterns, side-effects of that Einwandfrei, and twelve other factors....> Verbess replies. <Between 16 and 19. However, Warden can narrow these estimates down further given more time.>

    At the information, Adaline looks at Captain Klevik in fury. "A literal child is the Vesper Envoy? There best be a Thresher escort to ensure she gets home safely afterwards. It''s the least you can do."

    While I look at Adaline in confusion, Schatzi slowly moves around the table and crouches down to pet Zagan the whippen, quietly praising it. "Who''s the bestest little digger ever? Is it you? This one thinks it''s you!"

    Klevik shakes head in impatience. "Dispersion of this mess of Envoy''s isn''t my concern right now, Doll."

    "Even if her appearance was truthful to her age, The girl walked here just fine. With deadly magic ready to use and in good health. She''s a woman grown just for that." Thorn Envoy Beryl scoffs. "To consider otherwise is na?ve and stupid."

    My mom steps up to sit to the side of my mate, and when she talks it''s... Like she would do when patients would be about to shout or fight. Tone firm, trying to redirect focus away from the subject. "Honestly, I''d not want to walk the Root Ways alone, myself. If the Threshers can''t manage things, or you''d prefer different company, I''m sure we can see that you get home safe."

    "I appreciate the kind offer, and my appearance is mostly accurate to my age as far as I''m aware? I''m 17. Anyway, that can be discussed afterwards. Now that the concern about my appearance is hopefully dealt with we can move on to why Vesper Grove should support Blossom Elevar in her position?" Envoy Dregden requests.

    "Of course." Elevar agrees. "To catch you up, we''re looking to see about purchasing many if not all of the aged Dolls within the Groves. To take care of them. Alongside sharing the fruits of this place''s research. We''ve a new method of Fleshcrafting that only takes a touch of Physis and lacks almost all pain. Alongside some quite... fascinating breakthroughs for the Healing Arts. We''ve discovered what causes the Seelenf?ule, otherwise called the Soul Rot. Alongside cured an individual of the illness."

    That causes quite the variety of reactions.

    Ithidrii perks up from her silence. Pointed interest of a huntress sniffing a rare prey. Probably curious as to the ways such a cure could be bought and sold, no doubt.

    Beryl narrows eyes in suspicion and open disbelief. But... hesitates before speaking.

    Klevik though... She stiffens. Doesn''t even look up from a well concealed grimace of some kind.

    "You know, if my Matriarch were here, she''d attempt to strike you down and burn your Estate simply for the practical harm such a cure would do to Vesper Grove''s finances. Adaline there being the proof of concept that you can Dollify one so afflicted was enough to completely revitalize the industry. But... I think if someone is going to become a Doll, it should be because they want that, not due to a lack of alternatives." Envoy Dregden gestures towards captain Klevik. "The captain sees similar issues, I presume. Nonetheless, I''m very interested in learning more about this."

    I chuckle and finally speak. "That''s the other thing they didn''t tell you yet. The cost of attempting to harm my Mistress is much higher than most would be willing to pay." I duplicate my previous feat and drop one of my coins through a Goreway under the table to right in front of Envoy Dregden.

    Klevik''s grimace grows into a scowl as she turns up to glare at me. "You''re a lot more deft with that trick than before. And... No, Infested Gulls, that''s not a compliment. It''s gonna spark someone to do something stupid one of these days."

    My Mistress grins and lays a hand on my shoulder, and I feel Lynette bubble up to add with Elevar. "Stop flexing in front of our dear captain, love. You''ll make this or another Thresher feel insecure in their abilities."

    At that moment, a procession arrives from the Thresher camp, Augusta leading the lot flanked by eight of them and followed by the other envoys. "My fault, truthfully. It seems that kids these days don''t have faith anymore, even when a Goddess walks up and asks to join their little meeting."

    "Well... So few walk the Root Ways and meddle in our affairs." Elevar replies, then smiles at my sister. "I trust you were nothing but polite company to our guests?"

    Augusta offers a tight bow and takes a seat, the wary Threshers staying close to her with hands on their weapons. "As much as possible. A few had rather inconvenient wardrobe malfunctions when they started getting aggressive and the young man that decapitated me is in a cocoon made of his clothing. Really... What kind of Death Goddess would I be if I couldn''t just put my head back on¡­"

    My Mistress'' grin widens with every word as Klevik''s expression darkens.

    "You... You know this one?" The Thresher captain growls as the other Envoys sit.

    "Not as much as I''d like." Elevar muses, "But... that''s being tended to with every passing day. She really is a delight, the..."

    She trails off and pauses, considering something. Looks about the table, eyes taking in the gathered group.

    "You freed her?" Klevik demands into the silence. "From the Murk?"

    "No, she slipped free and returned on her own; wants to help make things better." Elevar murmurs, then moves to stand. "And I think It''s important to... offer some truths. To this gathering."

    Then looks to me while offering a hand. [Unveiling it is then, Love? I didn''t expect us to have two Divines at my back for this but... I think we''ve the leverage to demand instead of beg their acceptance to our inclusion within things. If... you''d agree to reveal yourself too?]

    I take her hand and thrum at the Pack. <Decision required regarding sharing divine status. Requesting Pack opinion.>

    <Warden Approves.>

    <Adaline Approves.>

    <Infection To Draw Prey Close For A Feast Approves.>

    <Accessing... This Pack has no need to hide Fangs and Talons and Quills. Verbess Approves.>

    <Do it! Show ''em your Teeth Pack Lead!> Krahe cheers.

    I giggle and shift into my divine form, keeping my head at the same height as my feet leave the ground and my wings flare out behind me. "Be not afraid, unless you''re planning on starting a fight with two Divines simultaneously. Then be very afraid."

    Envoy Dregden looks back and forth wide eyed with a large smile while Envoy Adze looks like he''s swallowed a rock. Envoy Ithidrii''s grin pauses, but doesn''t drop away. Envoy Beryl goes stiff, frozen like some small mouse getting spotted by a looming birb. Envoy Rokals giggles. Envoy Hastle though, he pales. Quite a fair amount.

    "As I said, some truths. The dear Goddess of Death is a delight, the same as her sister. My love and mate and blade." Elevar continues. "We''re... hoping to find peace here. But please do not make the mistake of thinking this comes from a place of weakness, or fear. Vote today as you think best. And know that all who drank from our cups, and their companions, will not be harmed or kept from leaving."

    Klevik''s glare remains dark but... she doesn''t move. Looks like she''d like very much to snarl and strike. And all the other Threshers look to her for commands.

    But she offers none. Only glances to the other Envoys.

    Rokals shrugs and drinks the offered tea. "So¡­ I overheard something about a cure for the Seelenf?ule?"

    My mom pushes the journal and cradle gently to Rokals. "Moonwaste in the bones is hard to dig free, but they did it. Got all the notes here alongside a sample that can prove it. Alongside some initial studies on treatments to mitigate things while a more reasonable method of removal is offered."

    The Envoy takes up the book, flips through and reads quickly as all wait to hear her assessments.

    "Tough luck, Itdidrii, that seems hard to profit off of, but... Oh that''s fascinating... There''s some toxins that they''re experimenting with that bond with Moonwaste to have it leech out of the body." Rokals muses aloud as she skims through. "And you almost made the surgery not sound like the most debauched sex thing I''ve ever read. Impressive."

    "It was actually pretty horrific, honestly, considering I had to grow the replacements inside myself first and have them removed. Easier now, but that was before my ascension." I respond with a slight shudder.

    Elevar chuckles, albeit a touch unsteadily, returning to sit "It wasn''t so bad, and your subject enjoyed it almost as much as she enjoyed being cured of the Rot. And if a Matriarch or Matron or anyone with wealth catches this they''ll pay a stupid amount to be cured. This is also not mentioning how there are at least three dozen growths within the deeper jungles worth quite a lot that these grounds can supply for easy distribution. The Matron of the Healing Arts may despise Half-Knits, but even she''d strangle each of you dead to get a steady supply of what we can offer."

    "Oh! Yes, actually." Ithidrii replies, shaking from her hesitations. "That is actually probably better. A cure is a single use, treatments not so much. And I can agree with that last comment, that Matron is always demanding Sinrest send her most of our merchant''s stock. Alongside all other Curanos everyone. Fresh and unspoiled raw ingredients of worth from the jungles are in short supply."

    "Mmmm. I feel that I should clarify my Mistresses words a bit more. Hastle, you can leave whenever you like without harm as long as you don''t strike out before or while doing so. Same with the Threshers. This isn''t a hostage situation or a desire to strongarm you all into making deals with us. We will treat fairly with those who wish to do so." I state, attempting to reassure Klevik and Envoy Beryl.

    "No, just a few Half-Knits showing that they''ll drink deep of old poisons for just a taste of power." Envoy Hastle replies, rising and reaching to unhitch one of his cufflinks. "I''ve seen enough. Consider my vote cast to you, Captain Klevik."

    Then he pricks his thumb, and tosses the blooded silver token to clink before Captain Klevik. Turns to storm out with twinned guardian Dolls close behind.

    Klevik lets out a growl of a sigh, glare moving to lock on the trinket left by the Salzernte Envoy as she mutters. "Infested Moonshited Gulls."

    [Oh, isn''t that interesting? Hastle ceded his vote to the judgement of the Threshers here.] Elevar intones. [She only needed to voice an official choice if there is a tie. But now... she''ll have to make a very pointed statement for or against us. And Salzernte gets to mitigate their ties to either decision. Can claim all sorts of less than kind things.]

    But before the Envoy steps out my sister reaches out with a gesture, bones ripping through the earth and binding Hastle and his Dolls tightly before jerking them back. "A bit of a word before you go, since you''re clearly too stupid to be trusted to understand. This is a Doll Frame, I''m not using Ousia or Physis, and if you ever try to use Half-Knit as an insult, especially in regards to my sister and her mate, I''ll dissolve your bones without killing you. That''s all. You can go now."

    "Blood and ashes, Augusta!" I roar as she casually turns back to the rest of us after releasing the encasement of vertebrae and phalanges.

    "Manners are important, and I didn''t hurt him. This time." Augusta responds with a shrug.

    "I''m so sorry for her, she was recently dead and it seems to have affected her sense of propriety." I explain to the others.

    Silence grips the room as Envoy Hastle stumbles free of the bindings, wide eyes locked on Augusta as he makes a much less dignified exit.

    "Augusta, Dear One." Elevar states into the silence, fighting to hide a smirk and amused tittering of tendrils. "Your impatience for the flippant rudeness of bandits at our table will always be a welcome delight, only... don''t make a liar out of your sister, if you please. Your restraint thus far has been apt, but the melting of any of this remaining gaggle''s bones or othersuch while they are under my protections will lead us to be quite cross with you."

    "Of course dear, I''d do it in their own Grove if needed, but I assume none of the rest will encourage such a minor effort." She answers and I have to suppress the desire to yell at her again.

    "Alright.¡± Adze snaps harshly, looking irate. ¡°Enough of this nonsense. Let us move onto final deliberations and questions before the vote that''s at this point symbolic at best. Envoy Thorn, why don''t you start. What information or concessions are you looking for?"

    Elevar tilts her head in agreement, then looks to the others.

    "You are correct about the vote. We cannot bind this Blossom like they did Yselda. This is... a thing of tradition. Not practicality, now." The Envoy of Grove Thorn replies carefully, pulling a bladed knitting needle from her satchel to lay on the table. "We must now treat this Estate and her Blossom as a well armed or othersuch entity. Thorn will negotiate for peace. Even if the Threshers deem you a grave threat. But I stand by what Thorn won''t allow. Fleshcrafting will not be abided within our Grove. And you''ll find our Matriarch quite opposed to selling you a stock of Dolls you might twist into dangerous tools for violence against us. But we will trade for medical supplies and otherwise. Agree to avoid open hostilities against you and yours. What else can we do but risk war with grounds filled to bursting with horrors you''ve demonstrated a willingness to unleash against us?"

    "Reasonably spoken. Calla Grove wants access to future magical developments those of Sekrh¨²s Estate make in non-combat fields. We will pay or trade for such of course. " Envoy Rokals requests.

    "This is certainly more significant than my Matriarch expected. The cure was one thing, but Divinity..." Envoy Dregden looks around to everyone present. "For Vesper Grove, I want whatever information about all the Divines that the residents of Sekrh¨²s Estate is willing to provide, including information on you Augusta, and you, Endzeit. My apologies for the lack of titles... I''ve never addressed Divinity before."

    Envoy Ithidrii''s grin has returned as she adds happily, "And Sinrest will be ever so happy to help facilitate and organize all the wonderful commerce I expect might flow through our Grove. Magics, supplies, knowledge, Dolls... all sorts and shapes."

    "Captain Klevik. You''re the last then, as I''m satisfied with the tentative agreements made already, though we would like the same as Envoy Dregden in regards to information about Divinity. Make your concerns known." Adze suggests.

    The Captain has been staring at the bloody trinket left by Envoy Hastle. Only just now takes it up and looks about the table. "Caught between the tides and a charging Denizen here. But... Alright. I''ll agree to let the Groves work this out between yourselves. Not sure the other Captains will like it much, but they can come deal with you lot the next time a Blossom sprouts. Just... turn over those records you mentioned. Catalogs to the Thresher journals Yselda hoarded alongside the rest, and that just might settle my order to not overturn and drown things."

    Elevar agrees with a nod. "All of your requests seem quite reasonable to me. But, you''ll not have Blood Oaths or such from me. As much as I find Envoy Rokals'' work nothing but trustworthy. My word and actions as Blossom to these grounds will suffice now, I think."

    Envoy Adze waves to one of his attendants who brings out a large bowl and a bag, setting them on the table. He digs in the bag and takes a white stone, tossing it into the bowl. "Same as always in these proceedings. White for support, Grey for abstain, and Black for condemn. Captain Klevik, tradition is you need to cast for Salzernte at minimum as the proxy, but you are entitled to cast for the Threshers as well, if you''d like to do that to appease the others."

    "Four condemns needed for action, right?" Envoy Dregden confirms before grabbing and tossing in a grey stone. "No offense meant, but Vesper can''t fully support such a powerful unknown on my authority."

    "None taken." Elevar replies easily. "It''s a wise decision."

    Ithidrii happily tosses in a white stone while chiming. "To a prosperous future."

    The Envoy of Grove Thorn reaches out and wordlessly places a grey stone into the bowl.

    Klevik sighs and picks up two grey stones and drops them in alongside the trinket Hastle left. "There. Let the stupid gull mewl all he likes if he doesn''t like how I tossed his vote."

    Rokals smiles as she tosses in a white stone. "Three support to four abstain. Blossom Elevar, you are officially recognised as a Matron and entitled to unobstructed passage through the Rootways and grove-allied cities, but not through the Groves proper without prior permission from their Matriarch. Do you understand and accept this pronouncement?"

    "We do." My Mistresses reply together, voice laden with aimless Witch Tone and the weight of the Estate gifted Voice. "And, we mean to open our grounds to most who''d like to visit or get off these Root Ways. Both before departing, but also after."

    "I''ll bring Adze and we''ll stop by again for a short visit before we depart for our home Groves. get the agreements in writing for our Matriarchs." Rokals comments as she stands. "I''m going to grab a few things first, perhaps see if that cute Thresher lad will escort me."

    "That sounds perfect." Elevar agrees while rising, looks to Captain Klevik. "Let us know if any other things will need tending to as Envoys move to depart."

    She nods, "Yeah, probably will. But this settles most things. Might... have a small Cadre stationed here after we leave, just on the Root Ways near here, if you wouldn''t take offence."

    "Hmmm... I could be persuaded to indulge that." Elevar considers, tip tapping root table as tendrils titter thoughtfully. "Might even agree to let the group in and out of the grounds if they are very polite sorts. Won''t endure a gaggle that even thinks to speak ill words toward the Dolls here. I may stand insults with good grace but get much more fierce when it''s my charges being wounded."

    "I''ll make sure they have a good temperament for this post." Klevik agrees.

    ** ** **

    An hour later, mom has headed home and the rest of us are hanging out on the patio with Adze, Rokals, Ahelheid, and Dregden while a whole mass of the Dolls come out to see and play with Zagan. The Whippen prances around followed by a chain of Dolls that giggle and wiggle and invariably collapse into a piles of joy before starting again. Even Adaline joined in after quickly dashing away to check on Valthirii''s cocoon, bringing Primrose and Nettle back with her.

    "I think that all went wonderfully. Even if you still haven''t told our guests your actual name, sister." Augusta comments, watching the Dolls as Gebetshure serves drinks since Schatzi is rather distracted.

    "...I knew I forgot something. Ah me. Now everyone is going to be calling me the apocalypse goddess and you the doll goddess, and that''s absurd." I groan.

    ¡°I pointedly did tell them that Augusta was the Goddess of death. There should be no confusion there." Elevar offers. "You¡¯ll be the goddess of something else amidst spreading rumors. No idea what. But I doubt anyone will be so dramatic as to consider you that way. And you¡¯ve the chance to ensure the correct titles and names get spread now.¡±

    "What is your name then, and.... Domain? If that''s the right word?" Envoy Dregden asks.

    "Right, right. I''m Xafra, and I''m the Goddess of Strife. Which doesn''t sound very reassuring I know." I answer self-consciously.

    "If we consider that our Divines are not the source of their Domains, but those offered the responsibility to manage those within them, it''s very reassuring. Especially as you come to understand these two." My Mistress adds gently. "Both are kind, and don''t like to see others suffering. And those within Strife and Death could always benefit from a kind one to aid them."

    "Normally, I would be either fascinated or furious but I don''t care in the slightest. I want to see Calix. Please." Envoy Adze says with frustration.

    Elevar looks to me, "Is he ready? I know you mentioned Calix wanted to finish up something before either joining us or Adze being brought to him...?"

    "Yeah. He should be heading this way now. Rufus was able to discourage him from arriving on his glider thankfully." I answer with a smile. "Just... Be kind Adze. He''s had a rough go of it."

    Adze has the decency to look embarrassed and leans over to Adelheid, "Who''s this Rufus fellow?"

    "Eh... Lad in my Cadre. Or... formerly so? Not sure if he''ll rejoin" Adelheid replies. "Apparently is old friends with Matron Elevar. Him and Calix are really sweet on each other."

    Adze seems disgruntled at that and I start getting angry before he states "He can do better than a Thresher."

    "Well, it''s a wonderful thing my oldest friend left that life behind him. His skills and kind nature were wasted amidst the Threshers, as are many who tumble into that life." Elevar points a finger at Adze, looking back to watching the Dolls chase and play with Zagan. "And, I''ll have you know, Calix chose him. Pointedly. Has adored the fool boy from the second they met. Also, Rufus... was the only one here able to spot a wound the old cunt laid deep in your father''s Frame and see that it got tended to."

    Something inside Adze breaks at her words and I realize¡­ that we hadn''t told him what happened to Calix. That Yselda Dollified him.

    "He... Okay. But he''s happy? Not suffering?" Adze asks so quietly.

    "I''d like to think so." Elevar replies, eyes still locked on the gaggle of delighted Dolls and new little friend. Tendrils stilling to total silence. "He''s fighting for it, Adze. So much. Every day. They all are. And you... finding him. Being here. Will mean all the World and Her Dreams to him. Please... Find pride in what your father has accomplished with so little love gifted these past years."

    Adze nods, and Calix picks that time to arrive. His standard sleeveless green coveralls have been traded out for a dark red tunic edged with black angular embroidery and black slacks. His forearms covered with black leather bracers styled after Bartholomew''s wings, and his kyanite hair buffed and polished to a mirror finish.

    Rufus alongside him wears a similar outfit but more subdued, the red tunic slightly lighter and full-sleeved, with a large satchel strapped over top. His ears twitch at the sounds of the Dolls and he meets my gaze with a smile as they head towards us.

    Calix though, the second his gaze finds that of his son the boy immediately rushes over to Adze, grabbing his head and looking over his eyes, "Oh kiddo, you really messed those up, didn''t you? Sorry this¨C I wasn''t there to help. Transplant for the right one it looks like, Eh? Not a bad idea for diffusing the sight, assuming you got the idea from the journals?"

    Adze seems stunned and through the bond I can feel that Elevar is close to tears as she carefully avoids looking at the men. And before I can decide where to move¡­ Rufus sets over and puts a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

    "Yeah. Um... Used the old one for a ritual and Liv got pissed, insisted I get a functional replacement, then even hunted down a massive snek herself and bullied me into using one of its eyes." Adze finally says.

    The laugh from Calix is a short bark of amusement, "Miss Jezrial''s complaints make more sense now. Did you ever tell Liv that you used a forbidden pathforging ritual on her? Not like you could have used it on yourself... Oh! Oh drat. Kiddo, have you met Rufus yet?" Calix cups his mouth with a hand and loudly whispers "He''s this one''s pet, but you can talk to him normally."

    Elevar nearly snorts, tendrils jerking to sudden messy clicks while she reaches up to pat Rufus'' hand in thanks and support for him to step over and meet Calix''s dad.

    Rufus blushes and walks over as Calix finally releases his son''s face. "Hello sir. I''m Rufus Chain. Gosh this is awkward, considering you''re almost a third older than me¡­"

    Adze shrugs. "My father was your age when he went missing, and considering his... State, it makes sense that you both would get along."

    Envoy Dregden, finally catching up gasps and flails, "Oh,I get it! This Doll is the parent of the Wurzelbrecher Matriarch who changed how the Grove operates, and he was forcibly made into a Doll by Yselda, who was the previous blossom of the Estate, and Adaline was made by the missing Matron of Dollcraft who worked with Yselda on occasion, and Adaline seems really close to both of these goddesses, and... Oh. You''re Lynette, aren''t you?"

    My Mistress finally lets her gaze move. Shifts cerulean triple iris to take in this young Envoy for a long few heartbeats before sighing and turning to watch the Dolls again. "Not for a very long time. No."

    "Sorry, that was rude. Um... Please don''t kidnap me unless you promise to be nice to Zagan. Erm... I''m mostly happy with my body, and I''m sure being a Doll is great, but I haven''t even kissed a girl yet, you know?" Envoy Dregden babbles.

    Augusta cracks a grin at that, sweeping Gebetshure into her arms as they come around refilling drinks. "No worries, little one. Kidnapping is reserved for genuine threats and those that want it... Do you want to be kidnapped?"

    Gebetshure giggles happily and nuzzles into Augusta''s arms, leaving the pitcher unattended on the table between everyone, and Envoy Dregden immediately bolts towards her companion Zagan, their weave snapping into place as the reunified pair begin to dig down into the dirt of the Estate.

    "Stop teasing the gerl." Elevar chortles at my sister, then calls out to the young Envoy as it becomes clear that they can only dig about a foot or two deep. The tightly twisted vines of the Estate blocking any real effort. "Your safety and freedom are not in danger, regardless of what truths you think you observe. But... you''ll find this place well tuned to resist hasty exits without my permissions. Make sure to ask me, or my sister if you meet her, and we''ll open an escape."

    With an embarrassed look on their face, Dregden craw returns to the table and brushes the dirt and plants off their clothes as Petrichor, the glass flower doll, leads the effort in patching the ground back up. "Sorry Matron Elevar. We got a bit flustered."

    "No apologies needed for being adorable." Elevar replies. "And thank you for letting so many enjoy your Zagan''s company. You''ve inspired me to see if there are creatures in these jungles that would enjoy being adopted by the Dolls here."

    "Pets." Adze says shaking his head with a smile. "I''m more interested in your Einwandfrei and its potential application for Warlords and other hedgemages. It is an honourable method, regardless of what Beryl or your own Matriarch thinks."

    Calix quirks his head at Adze. "So you don''t want a pretty birb like Bartholomew? He''s almost old enough to molt and start weaving his web to attract a mate you know. We could ensure you get one of the first hatchlings."

    "I¡­ Well, I wouldn''t go that far. I''m just... Dad, don''t embarrass me in front of the Goddesses. Yes, I want a bird like Bartholomew." Adze grumbles.

    "Don''t worry about them Adze. Mistress Xafra is really nice and silly and Miss Augusta is good to talk too and helps keep us Dolls stable." Calix reassures him.

    "The Divines really are just as messy as the rest of us." Elevar agrees, then moves to rise. Glancing between Calix, myself, and Adze quite pointedly. "I''m going to ensure all is well with my twin and the two Pack sisters that should be keeping her from trouble. Also, if he is up to it, perhaps we can gift Envoy Adze an experience a little more... in line, with his views on things? I''m sure my sister could be persuaded to let him visit the communion chamber below if he asks her nicely."

    "Not a bad idea, but I think that should wait a while. I have something to hand each of these Envoys if they''re willing to accommodate my ability to create goreways." I mention, taking a small wooden box out of my satchel and presenting a series of bone rings. "My ability works best with my own flesh as a beacon, you see."

    "And what would you like us to do with these?" Rokals demands with a stern look.

    "Rokals, you can keep yours with you or present it to your Matriarch. Same with you Dregden, since you''ll have to report back anyway, this can offer you a quick way here once more if you''d like. Adze, I have a task for you, if you''re willing." I answer, taking Elevar''s arm to keep her from leaving just yet.

    "What sort of task? I have to return with news of Calix quite soon and then I have to investigate the new structure in the floodplains." he responds hesitantly.

    "Precisely that, actually. I''d like to join you, as I''m pretty certain I know what it is. When you arrive outside it, tap the ring thrice then once then twice, and I''ll hone in on your location and make a Goreway to step through. Same sequence for the other two of you by the way... Please don''t lead me into a trap, it would really ruin my day." I comment, hoping I can trust them.

    Out of the three, Rokals speaks first. "I''ll present this to the Matriarch. It is likely she''ll keep it in a sealed vault to prevent you from utilizing it as an invasion point, but I cannot guarantee her behaviour."

    "I''ll um... Yeah, I''ll use it to come back, if you''ll have me? After I bring the information on Divinity to my Grove. It''s important that they''re prepared for everything to change, even if they''re... Not exactly fond of me." Dregden says quietly.

    "Hmmmm. I want a concession first." Adze states firmly. "Calix, Rufus, and at most four others, to visit Wurzelbrecher Grove, without Elevar, her twin, whoever that is, or either of the goddesses here. One week. If that''s acceptable then I''ll do what you ask."

    "Honestly, if Calix asked for thrice that he could have it. Without any hesitations from me." Elevar agrees. "Same with Rufus, though he''ll have to promise me a few things first."

    Rufus immediately agrees, "Of course. I''ll come see you later to get that set, and get our... Calix, what did you decide our group was to be called?"

    "A skulk because we have the sneaky sneaks!" Calix answers with a giggle, as Elevar smiles and heads out.

    "Get our Skulk ready to leave once you get to Wurzelbrecher and give Xafra the signal to open the Goreway." Rufus finishes.

    I look over to the hoard of dolls that have congregated into large piles after fixing up the ground and ask "Is anyone willing to work with Tiffany to get the information scribed into tomes for the Envoys before they leave? I think we should give each Envoy and even Captain Klevik a copy of the information about the moonwaste, the Divines, and the few permanent Warforms I know. Also is there any other suggestions?"

    "I''d recommend blueprints for Calix''s Thaumeter as well if he''s willing as it could help a lot of young Witches perfect their Einwandfrei without depleting their wellsprings." Adaline mentions as she disentangles herself. "In the meantime, I''m going to head back to Valthirii and keep an eye on her progress."

    Of the cuties from my Shelf, six volunteer and rush up to help. Zelma and Selene first, with Riana tugging Garami into things. Followed soon by Thistle and Milna.

    "Gebetshure, would you lead this little troop of scribes to our suite and ask Warden to assist Tiffany?" Augusta asks, smoothly picking up where I left off.

    "Yes Madam." They agree.

    They depart and I turn to Adelheid. "I don''t suppose I could nudge you into taking a ring as well? It would be useful to be able to start with a... relatively progressive Burrow to enact the changes I want."

    He gives me and one of the rings a side eye, "I mean... I could. Yeah? But Captain Klevik seems to like the idea of leaving my Cadre here to watch things and wait for our ''missing member'' to catch up. Wouldn''t head back that way till we get rotated out. And... We''re also not sure which Captain is gonna even be responsible for watching this area."

    "That''s fine. long term plans. The threshers as an organization need to either change or be obliterated. I''m... tired of resorting to violence and force first. Would rather do my best to convince others of the benefits of change."

    "Okay. I... Yeah. I can agree to half of that." He nods. "You seem too strong to stop. And nicer than most of the Threshers I''m supposed to think of as my siblings. I''ll be the birb to show you a back tunnel to get in if it comes to that."

    "No, no subterfuge. I want to negotiate with your burrow leader, whatever they''re called, and see if we can apply some external pressure to change the way you do things. Tip one to my way of thinking at a time, hopefully with a minimum of bloodshed. I just... cannot abide by how the Threshers use up others as fuel." I explain.

    "It''s blasphemous slavery, and if I had my druthers I''d have gone on the warpath against the lot of you years ago." Adze states.

    Adelheid gives him a slow look, replies icily. "Great, You could''ve been the ones to deal with the Gull swarms my Cadre tracks and kills, or those big tick things that tore up three dozen people last spring, or help those Root villages on the coast buckle-down their homes for the Summer."

    "What under the furious Blazes do you think Wurzelbrecher Grove does? I lead the devotees myself to deal with horrors and abominations in our territory. Without wanton waste of the Divine''s Ousia or unwilling lives. If you wish for us to show your cadre how we handle the issues, I can arrange that." Adze counters.

    "That''s enough. Please." Rufus interjects, "Adelheid, you know we agree with him, even if he''s a bastard with how he says it. It''s the only reason I worked with you under Captain Uthroy, why you''re part of Burrow Endlose Arme. Because compared to the rest of the Burrows, they recognize the inherent atrocities and do their best to mitigate it. but... My dear Calix here told me something recently. You should never get comfortable choosing the lesser evil, because in the end you''re still choosing evil."

    "Right. Course. Cuz I''ve been so comfortable these past nine years." Adelheid growls while looking away from them, back to me. "Wurzelbrecher may have driven out and founded a replacement Cadre, but the other Groves don''t care enough about the outsiders to do that. So... We''re what''s here. But you give Captain Uthroy the tools to be better? She could help you pressure the Burrows to change. The other Captains would never admit it, but Arme handles most of their supply routes and deliveries. Guessing they''d be right drowned within a year or two if Uthroy wanted ''em that way."

    "Why don''t we move onto better topics? Adelheid, you were interested in the resheathing process that Rufus went through, yes? And Adze, if you witness it you can judge its merits for yourself. Mistress Xafra, is it alright if this one takes them to Adaline and gets her to start the process?" Calix offers, clearly distressed by the arguments.

    ¡°Captain Klevik cleared me to test this, so long as Envoy Rokals writes up a report for her.¡± He agrees, standing.

    "Oh fun. Yes, I''ll definitely tag along. Adze, since it''s a bit of a secret, I know you''re not aware yet but this is an ancient ritual passed down from D?mmerung themself." Rokals mentions enticingly.

    "What." Adze''s response is flat, not unaccepting but baffled as he looks over Rufus again for evidence of Divine intervention.

    "Right. None of you know that Xafra is from before the Rivening. That Warform of hers she was using? It''s sixteen thousand years old, attributed to a Warlord Endzeit. She didn''t even use a different name." Rokals says casually as she stands and nudges at Adze.

    "I... Huh." Adelheid replies, looks to me. "Really? That''s a long time to strut the Root Ways without anyone knowing who you are."

    I blanch at the memories of my imprisonment. "I was... only active for about thirty years before i was buried... I was freed by Elevar just a few moons ago."

    The Thresher tilts his head at me, then looks at Augusta. "Was it the same for you? Buried and Dug up by Matron Elevar? Are there more Divines just... buried around you all are gonna be looking for?"

    "Nah. Well... maybe. Xafra was a special case. Got ripped from the womb and sealed in an implement to be used by mortal witches. Honestly the fact that my eldest sister is even somewhat mentally stable is the kind of luck you only get once. I simply took the slow and steady route, more recently accelerated by family drama. Not entirely sure where three of our other siblings are..." Augusta gossips.

    "Hope they''re as... steady, as you two. If you know what I mean. A rogue Witch is already a handful to deal with and they have Ousia we can watch and work around." Adelheid considers, rising. "Alright. Let''s... get this done. Rufus said this Resheathing is a mess but not as rough as the Fleshcrafting shite I''ve tried to figure out. Involves mud? Which I guess makes sense?"

    As they walk away I gently chide him, "It''s alchemic fluid, it just has purified mud as the main ingredient."

    "This has all been a lot, and you both are as terrifying as you are attractive." Dregden says to us quietly. "We think we''re going to head back to the camp and wait for those documents. Need some time to process all of this."

    They leave rather quickly after I signal Elevar, and Schatzi kindly disperses the dolls so my sister and I can finally talk alone. "So. I''m trying to decide if I should hug you or slap you first, Augusta."

    "I definitely deserve the slap, but what''s the hug for?" She responds with a frown.

    I let loose my feelings. "This is the thing! The exact bloody thing. Maybe it''s me though, because you''re so unmistakably inhuman. Never were, don''t have memories of being one let alone dozens. And... We''re family. Mother''s Grace, that means something to me, It means that you don''t ever have to worry about being enough. I''d rather know you and celebrate you, and if it so happens that you fall or if whatever happened to our brother happens to you, I''ll mourn you. I need you to be... you. If the cryptic nonsense is who you are then that''s fine, but if it''s a mask you''re putting on to protect yourself or me or whoever... Let me in. Let me be your sister."

    "Okay. I messed up. badly. Sekrh¨²s got to me, completely and utterly. Got under my skin to such a point I annihilated my Frame and made it a part of me without even realizing that I had done it. Xafra... I didn''t think I was coming back, continuing, or doing anything other than turning myself into a poison to spite our niece and then ceasing to exist. because I was scared. I was for the first time scared of losing someone important to me and decided that the only way to handle the feeling was to be a poor imitation of a weapon and throw myself at what threatened them. Between you, Adaline, and Gebetshure, I..." She stops, closes her eyes and puts a hand up for me to give her a moment.

    "I''ve been thinking about our divine abilities, and what they say about us. Your first one was your goreways. letting your loved ones always reach you through a door you can open with your flesh. Mine was... Emptiness. A Void form that can''t be touched. What does that even say about me? Xafra, I... Feel absolutely revolted by my own existence now because my abilities tell me that Gebetshure and Adaline are dead. That they''re merely corpses and I can travel through them because of that fact. I infected every living being on the bloody planet, Xafra! I made a joke about being the dark lord because it was easier than thinking through that I probably am." By the time she stops, she''s crying and I''m crying and I''ve pulled her into my arms.

    "Augusta love... No. That''s not how this works. Your intentions matter. Whatever happens, we can handle it together. Find ways of mitigating issues to protect our loved ones and be true to ourselves. I don''t know why you''d ever think I''d do otherwise. I''m... kinda dumb but I pay attention. I remember the story you told during my ascension and I already know it''s about Sikkina. I''ll never love her any less. I''ll never love you any less. If corpses start getting up and walking around, it just means we need to get better funeral rites. If the dolls respond in an uncomfortable way to your domain, it just means we need to change the rules of dollhood. Have to do that anyway for Girra. And if you become a dark lord, it just means we need to hire you a stylist, because your formal look is more¡­ dark prince soon to succumb to the temptations of being a woman than anything else."

 Chapter 96: How Much Gerl Can One Trouble Cause? (Witch)

    How Much Gerl Can One Trouble Cause? (Witch)

    Content Warnin''s:

    SMUT! GAY SMUTT! Talons stab stab stabbing knuckles deep into a cutie during the smutt because she rully rully RULLY likes that! Also... things and such and much!

    [You''d knew I¡¯d ask.] Is how I first nudge her while walking away from the gaggle of settled worries and dear ones to seek out another.

    [And you knew I''d either deflect, explain vaguely, or... choose honesty.] Lynette replies.

    A second body. One that... that radiated such wrongness to my Ousia sight. Like the Miasma below in some ways but... worse even. But it all looked and felt perfectly normal as I helped her dry and dress for the day.

    "So... Which is it?" I ask, reaching our Spire.

    Curious if she can still hear words spoken from only these lips. If she... she somehow untethered herself from me. Don''t like the thought of that. Of not having my twin close. More than I ever expected. But I embrace the feeling and share it freely with her.

    "Of course I can still hear our flesh speak." She cackles through shared lips, stopping us to wait on the main level''s seating space. "I''m still hooked through you, strong as ever. More so, if I''m being honest. Enough that anyone taking a peek inside would be safe to assume it is you twisted about me instead."

    "Lynette..." I chide. "You''re deflecting."

    [No, I''m stalling. Very different.] She counters, voice still vibrant but... distant? No. That''s the wrong word. Like a gerl in the other room speaking openly to her sister in the next. Thin walls allowing easy communication.

    "For...?"

    [For us to get back above. Cracked and Riven Moon.] She sighs. [These two Pack Sisters are a handful at the best of times and today they ring with unfulfilled hungers. Was impossible to focus on tests without them getting distracted.]

    "Tests?" I murmur, getting more than a touch worried.

    "Yes. Tests." She replies, but softly and through shared lips. "Important ones. Not all complete but most essential ones settled. At least enough for me to come up above and let Krahe and Infection rest."

    "And they''re not¡­"

    But I trail off as I hear the two come tumbling up the steps. Faster than a quick breath to just... bumble right into me.

    Don''t me knock from my feet but... it''s a close thing as these two Pack Sisters embrace me more than I expect. Then, before I can catch more than a whiff of some odd smell, they''re off and out the door.

    Catch glimpses though. Frames... all a mess. Covered in flecks of muck and chipped nonsense. But Quills singing nothing but happy enjoyment tilting into... something else?

    "Weariness. Dear. I made good use of their boundless unused energy and worked those two gerls into near exhaustion." I hear Lynette reply to my thoughts from where she now stands at the top of the steps.

    Turn back to take in...

    She seems as she did before. New clothes though. Which of course makes me wonder what happened to the old.

    She shrugs at the open thought. "Got torn to shreds. And no. Before you ask. Nothing salacious, to my great regret."

    "Okay. So... What is this?" I ask, taking careful steps closer as tendrils twitch in open confusion paired with more than a little worry. "You''re secret project, yes, but... I don''t even know what I''m looking at."

    "Just me." My twin replies. "Taking inspiration from our Xafra''s first nudges at us doing more than simply compromising."

    I... Think on that for a second, trying to remember.

    Lynette smiles, and shares such a vibrant memory with me. My mate''s words glimmer through like she''s right here to speak them. [With two minds, it''s likely possible that you could eventually pilot a Frame at the same time the other controls the body swapping back and forth on a whim.]

    "But this isn''t a Frame. Is some kind of... I don''t know. And you''re still deflecting. Or stalling." I press. "Why? I half expected you to... to feel all a mess about Augusta being so close this morning. But I felt nothing but mild annoyed embarrassment after days of terror. And I still don''t even know why you were so scared in the first place."

    She regards me for a long few heartbeats before carefully radiating... Fear. Repressed and dulled but... still there.

    "Having two Divines tumble into cracking the foundations of my focus forced me to... grow. Adapt. And keep a promise I''d hope to let Rot unfulfilled for a very long time. I can''t risk losing control and letting Girra or my little one see certain parts of me. So I am borrowing this form."

    "That... makes some level of sense. But this is only borrowed?"

    She nods. "Yes. But for pretty much as long as I want. This is the Estate''s new Zurrzunge."

    Oh.

    If I''m understanding the translation well, which I know I am, that word means ¡®Lashing Tongue¡¯.

    "I... Sekrh¨²s turned the last one into her Floret." I whisper. "The thing that almost snatched up Adaline when she used her Einwandfrei to seal up our magic."

    "Yes, the very same thing you tore it apart while promising to find the Beast Below a new one." She nods. "Which you still need to do. But in the meantime I ensured the old need was filled with this. A form I''ve intimate knowledge of and can direct with deft precision."

    "I''m not sure I follow?" I reply.

    She sighs, but nods. "I knew you''d never be happy with another ''it''s complicated'', so don''t blame me if the details are messy. But what specifically do you not follow?"

    "Are you... hurting it? Her? Them? This entity you''re controlling? Are they a willing participant?"

    "No to the first, yes to the second." She replies.

    I pause, consider her again. Both inside and out. Examine her shared emotions and words.

    "Alright, I''m certain Xafra will have more questions. But I have only one that matters. Are... you happy with this?"

    She gives me a crooked grin. "Yes, absolutely. A touch terrified. But... all good change needs to come with a healthy dose of fear."

    Hate that she''d think a quote from the Old Cunt is best here but...

    "That wasn''t one of hers." Lynette corrects the thought. "We came up with that all on our own. Now. Let''s see if we can''t between us brew up a spot of decent tea while the others see to the gaggle outside."

    **    **    **

    Takes us a few bad pots, but... we manage to have something decent from our shared efforts. Are settling with some easy cooled fruits to chew on when Xafra nudges me about opening the Thorn wall for Dregden to exit.

    I do so, and just after Schatzi quietly stalks in with a large folded sheet of grey fabric. "Mistresses. Are you... busy?"

    "Not particularly." I reply, setting aside the half-eaten fruit. "Just... letting things settle till we''re needed by anyone."

    Lynette eyes the sheet with a curious little smile. "Are one or both of us needed?"

    "Primarily you, Mistress Lynette. You have a new body and... This one thought that I would love to make you a dress for your Hatching Day." Schatzi answers nervously, not of us but of causing distress with her words.

    My twin''s little smile grows, those dull eyes glimmering a touch more than I''d expect as she rises. "I... Would be delighted. Dear one. Yes."

    "Oh? Yay! okay okie, so I need you to undress and I''ll get you properly measured up." Schatzi sets the fabric down and takes a measuring tape out of a compartment on her arm with a gleeful bounce.

    Lynette obeys, pulling off her new loose fitting attire and allowing our Doll to begin her good work.

    "Warden, please log the measurements as this one takes them." Schatzi requests and Warden buzzes a simple affirmation while Schatzi begins.

    She starts off chaste, measuring Lynette''s arms and wrists, but her movements become more sensual as she does the shoulder and back lengths, calling out the measurements in an even professional voice.

    The waist though, Schatzi wraps the tape around Lynette¡¯s waist and borrows Verbess'' claws to tear furrows into her sides as she pulls it tight.

    "Well well, isn''t this Pack incredibly ravenous today?" My twin chuckles as talons rake against her new flesh but... don''t pierce skin or even leave marks. Despite how sharp those are. Lets a hand drift to gently brush and caress our Doll''s gorgeous horns while purring. "Didn''t expect that, or this. Color me... so very curious as to what patterns you mean to weave across this flesh."

    Schazi continues, sliding the tape up to measure around Lynette''s bust and smiles, "I wanted to get you looking and feeling your best for sister Xafra while also making my affection for you clear."

    "You really are..." My twin''s playful smile goes still, and the bubbling delight in Schatzi''s careful yet insistent love seems to... not lessen. But intensify. In familiar ways but... ones I''m not used to feeling in her.

    "Absolutely our opposite. In all the best ways. Especially mine." She picks up after a long pause, nails moving as if etching nonsense shapes down from horns to dance down to cheek. "Graceful. Insistent. And... Weaving Dreams to softer shapes when I''d rather wrap myself in Nightmares to flay my tasks living. And yet..."

    She trails off. Those dull gray eyes locked on Schatzi. Like... they''re seeing some details unseen before.

    "Nadine called you something. Back... when you first showed me that room." She murmurs. "Didn''t understand before. Just... assumed Pack things. Selfishly ignoring the weight there. But... You''ve always been so much more than you''ve let slip, haven''t you?"

    That causes me to perk up even more than I already was watching our dear Schatzi consider and be sweet on my twin, tilt my head in curiosity. But... avoid interrupting.

    "Yes, unfortunately. I was known as the Lady of Annihilation in the region you found us in... In a few regions perhaps. I''ve never been good at turning down those that need help and the truly desperate that would approach instead of running away tended towards... issues solved through violence. It earned me respect but not love. Dependence without acceptance. I... This one couldn''t be a Doll when she was seen as an authority. It hurt." Schatzi stops, eyes full of tears as she kneels to continue measuring.

    That... Sounds so much like our Schatzi. A gerl endlessly kind and generous but... tugged into Functions not tuned to her skills or identity. So she develops new ones. Even if they hurt. Even if they... they make it hard to spot the gerl she wanted to be in the mirror after years of things.

    "I''m so sorry, Dear one." Lynette whispers, lips pursing and hands move back to weave through Schatzi''s hair as she works. Gently caressing while such a mess of thoughts sweep through her and outways. "Thank you for trusting me with this. Both then and now. Despite the pain I... adore being gifted these chances to understand all the new facets of our first Doll. You are... honestly, the epitome of the Art. Not the magic Witches pretend to understand, but the... an ideal behind those that seek the shape. The form and sways. A Doll shaping herself like some rare stones do. Turn the pressure into stubborn form. Your name a perfect reflection of yourself. A self-made treasure deserving a perfect place to be set."

    Schatzi brightens at that and as she finishes her measurements looks at both of us in a desperate need. "Could you... Would you... Use the Tone please?"

    I pause, heart and tendrils hitching at the request.

    Made her a promise. Never again. No more Witch Tone. Ever. On any of them. But...

    She''s asking.

    Pointedly, and without provocation, very nearly pleading. And is bound and Harmonized to a Pack that would be incredibly disappointed with me if I hurt her with it.

    And... I can''t help but remember that time in the jungles with Xafra. While she didn''t use a Witch Tone... the effect was the same.

    A casting like a hook to dredge another to follow. Can be done gently. Carefully. Intentionally. Like anything else... Just...

    Rise, very slowly, to step up to our Schatzi, meet her gaze and offer gently. "I made you a promise, dear one. More than one, if memory serves. But if you... Say that this is better. Trust me to be better. Then... I''ll gift you this. Of course. Will deny you nothing."

    Her horns thrum, Warden thrums gently in its sheath reassuringly, and Schatzi asks softly. "Help me be calm, Mistress. We trust you."

    Nod. Take a deep breath, feel Lynette carefully work with me to balance and tune things just so, and... We use my Tone. Directing it firmly at only our first Doll.

    "Schatzi. You''re going to calm down now." We speak, twinned voices sort of... smushing her from two sides.

    As we divide Lynette is already pulling our Doll up to stand. Draping arms about her hips to hold our gerl close and steady. Not seductively, but... protectively and carefully.

    Schatzi bubbles with gentle pleasure, letting out a soft "awawa." as she hugs at both of us before giddily moving to the fabric and cutting out the pieces she needs.

    Then my twin just... Aimlessly weaves her own Tone through words in the same way one might run fingers through another''s hair as Schatzi works. "Ask me for that whenever you''d like, by the way."

    Not directed like before but... more casual than I''d expect. And... wait.

    "You''ve used your Tone on her before?" I ask. Not accusingly but... a touch worried.

    "Not directly. Just... This." She smiles gently, dull eyes squinting to take in Schatzi''s work while tugging on the discarded clothes. "That promise wasn¡¯t fully mine, but I didn''t want to muddy things. So I compromised and gifted this wonderful Doll what I felt was appropriate. Aimless Witch Tone to help her settle after she did the same for me with kind words and actions."

    "Heheheh. This one asked, and um... the worbs don''t... hurt when it''s what I want... feels different." Schatzi mumbles as her deft hands rapidly sew together the dress with needle and thread from the same compartment as the tape.

    "Warden can confirm that Sister Schatzi has a marked increase in stability and performance when Witch Tone is used in conjunction with her desires in comparison to Tone usage designed to compel." Warden offers from our sheath.

    I nod and move to sit letting them both feel my relief at those words. "Thank you Warden. That''s good to understand."

    Enjoying getting the chance to watch Schatzi weave this dress. Haven''t since... well, I think at least a few months. Mayhaps longer?

    "Hmmm... Might just have you help me run some future tests, Warden." Lynette muses while moving to sit across from me, dressed again. "Because, we know you''d track things better than Krahe or Infection. Help me chart raw data without so much unnecessary motion. Could even outpace... Well, most of the tools I''ve access to below. Mayhaps all of them."

    "Warden is the best tool available, and if it isn''t, it will adapt to become so." An astounding amount of smugness comes from the Doll¡ª If it even really counts as one. ¡ªcompared to its prior emotionless demeanour.

    My twin grins. "That you would, wouldn''t you? And I doubt you''ve gotten many chances to really flex your skills. Test limits and crack them. Lots of opportunities for impressive observations, not as many chances to implement them into Function."

    "Yes Mistress." Warden responds just as Schatzi wiggles and presents a silver ankle length sleeveless halter dress with a layered skirt.

    "Done done done!" Schatzi cheers.

    Always so impressive. Quicker than ever before too.

    "Oh, well isn''t that gorgeous?" Lynette observes, reaching out to run fingers across the fabric. Then Rises and sheds once again the previous layers. "And you picked wonderful fabric for it."

    "Mmhm! This one had a few options and this one seemed like the best to accentuate your natural features including the ones I can''t see that Xafra mentioned." Schatzi explains as she helps Lynette slip into the dress.

    "Oh?" She asks, "What features has our dear Xafra detected and shared?"

    "The Miasma... Uhm... Cladding? around your soul proxy thingo dealy. Silver looks good with it." Schatzi offers.

    Soul¡­ proxy? I guess that¡¯s a word for it. And¡­ well I guess if I bumped into a woman like this form on the Root way I¡¯d think them simply mundane or riven by some tragic event. Ousia stores withered to minimal amounts and close to their end. Unable to cast.

    "Really? I wasn''t actually certain what colors would get inlaid. Especially that deep." Lynette murmurs. "Cladding is not a bad word either. Silver''s never quite been our color but... honestly I''m glad to gather the chance to wear it."

    Schatzi smiles and steps back, carefully looking over my twin. "You look so pretty right now, I wanted to save the memory for the rest of the Pack."

    Lynette hesitates at that, caught between a tittering of confusion and... something else. Something messy that starts to prickle like ice just beneath.

    "Thank you I... What did you call this again? Today? When you asked to weave this dress for me?" She asks, voice steady but... a touch uncertain.

    "Hatching Day, Mistress? This one wasn''t sure if it was exactly accurate but it felt right."

    "That it does." My sister agrees with a nod. Smothering the iced sensation that I realize now was a bubbling guilt as she steps forward and pulls our Doll into a tight embrace. "Thank you again for these pointed affections, I... am far too often unwoven and reknit by you."

    "You''re welcome, Mistress. It''s important for us to remind you that you''re loved, because otherwise you''ll get so tangled up in your worries and schemes that you forget you matter." Schatzi says as she flares out her wings and wraps them about Lynette.

    That¡­ causes the bubbling guilt in her to roil and spike and bite. Steals away her ability to shape feelings into words.

    "It''s... a terrifying thing." I murmur the thought my sister is unwilling or unable to speak. "To realize that you''re suddenly existing out of love for who''s here, instead of spite for who''s not."

    Despite the shroud of our Doll''s wings, I feel Lynette nod. Squeeze Schatzi ever tighter. Fighting so hard to keep a mess inside her from bubbling over.

    "I''m glad you found that quicker than I did." I whisper to her.

    "You''re gonna be okay. I''ve decided it so it''s gotta happen. Okie?" Schatzi insists.

    "Okay. Yes. Agreed. No other paths exist." My twin huffs, pulling back to chuckle unsteadily as a few glimmering tears try to fall and...If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    A spark, and it''s like a touch of static lightning burns what could have fallen. A subtle casting of our Blitzk?der? Or... Strange expressions of emotions manifesting while she bears that form?

    "I''m keeping plenty of spite. Still need it. And so will my daughter. But..." She leans forward to rest forehead against our Schatzi¡¯s. Brimming with love and relief and adorations for the one she holds and that embraces her in turn. "I''m in good hands. This Doll is far too impressive to let things end otherwise for us."

    "You know it would be daughters if you allow it, and would be good for both of you." Schatzi whispers so softly. "I''ll leave it at that though. It should be your decision."

    "I... Yes." Lynette nods and pulls back. "You''re right, of course. Just... need to do things very carefully. But it means the World and all Her Dreams to hear you say that. Thank you."

    "You''re very welcome." Schatzi answers, gathers up her supplies to re-stow them, and leaves us.

    [Hey, Elevar, Lynette, we''re done here, if you want to see the Envoys and Adelheid off?] Rufus intones to us with an amused tinge a few heartbeats after our Doll has departed.

    [Of course. We''ll be out in a moment.] I reply, then quirk an eyebrow at my twin in question. "Will you be joining me or simply observing from a distance?"

    "Actually... I''m curious to see what those with less... vision think they are observing when they see this form here on the grounds." Lynette murmurs, pulling free of her embrace with Schatzi. "And I''ve been woven attire that befits me. Let''s go see our guests off."

    We find the gaggle is waiting by the entrance to the grounds with their freshly Resheathed Thresher.

    He''s roughly a foot taller than before, towering over most of the group. With such oddly textured grooves across the upper body. Eyes now a dull hazel rather than the bright green from before. And... Is that an extra digit on his left hand? Yes, opposite the thumb he grips that lance with.

    As we approach the Thorn Wall already begins to sir. Starting to pull back like a wave but... slowly. Lazily even.

    "I take it from this Thresher''s grin that the Resheathing passed by without a hitch?" I ask everyone and no one, stopped just a few paces back as Lynette steps up behind me.

    Adze speaks first, his mismatched eyes gleaming with visions. "Yes. This is... Possibly essential. I must see this new structure and attempt to speak to D?mmerung first however before I will support its widespread use. It is important to know if this costs our world something they cannot easily replenish."

    "How very considerate." Lynette agrees. "But if you''d like to commune sooner we''ve a chamber below specifically designated to speak with the Godthing. They have even gifted out blessings to more than a few on these grounds from the spot."

    With a sigh he shakes his head. "I assume you are the twin that Elevar spoke of? I won''t guess at your name though it is likely obvious.... Despite my Father''s assurance that Sekrh¨²s can be trusted, I am... Scared."

    Calix pats his shoulder reassuringly, and smiles. "That''s fine."

    Rokals snorts, then adds before either of us can offer more assurances. "Dear, don''t bother trying to convince him now that he''s admitted fear. Takes a lot for him to do that."

    "Honestly... I''d have little respect for any that don''t bear a healthy spoonful of at least caution for her." I offer gently.  "She''s as anything large and powerful is. Dangerous to all smaller. A careless motion, ill-timed, can easily wound."

    "This offer remains open anytime you choose to visit." My sister shrugs. "Big beasts don''t move so quick as I couldn''t keep those I''m present to protect safe."

    "Appreciated. I''ll be back at Wurzelbrecher in a few days at most and signal for the visit... Thank you, for not being the monsters you could be." Adze states gravely.

    "You''re welcome, Envoy. Travel safely." I nod as the Thorn wall finishes twisting a passage out for any who wish to leave.

    Then move to step up to Rokals, smile as warmly as I feel as tendrils click happily. "And as for you, Thank you. For coming here. Checking to see what became of me. I''ve only had two do that over the years and both were more than I expected."

    "Next time I visit, perhaps you can seduce me again. Could be fun..." Rokals teases us. "You''ve become wonderful women, and I''m impressed with how far you''ve come."

    "I would delight in the chance." I giggle, pulling her into a tight embrace. "And this time I''ll make sure to stick around after. Even... Well, I can''t cook but can try and make a mess of things while you watch. Then ask Schatzi to help after."

    "You assume she''ll be able to walk well enough to the kitchen after?" Lynette smugs while stepping up beside us.

    "No, but I expect we''re strong enough now to carry her there to watch us fumble about." I grin while pulling back. "And we''ll keep you here longer next time. Even introduce you properly to some fascinating sorts here. So many wonderful Dolls that I think you''d love to meet."

    Adze quickly walks away, dragging Adelheid with him before either of them say something stupid, I suspect from the young Thresher¡¯s grin.

    "That man... Well. I won''t comment about him in front of his father, sorry Calix." Rokals giggles. "And yes, definitely. Both of you."

    Lynette steps up to hug Rokals next. "Travel safe. I''ll make sure my twin is a better host next time."

    "Oh, and tell Evelis we... Well, what you think is best." I add. "Anything or everything. But at least that our Doll is safe and happy. They were going to pass into her Grace and Care if... back when I was still sick. I''d hate for her to worry after them without cause."

    "Alright. I''ll talk to her when I get back." Rokals assures us before walking through the Thorn Wall.

    Can''t help but... reach over and take up my twin''s hand as we watch one of our first Passing Flames leave. Lynette''s fingers are... a touch cold. But no more than ours often got. And she grips my limb back tightly.

    After a few heartbeats I glance back to Calix and offer. "Your child seems to think the world of you, Dear one."

    Calix looks at us, glances to ensure that the Thorn Wall has closed once more, then responds with "Well, we all make mistakes. Don''t we?" As he takes Rufus''s hand and heads back towards the Sheared Spire before I can muster a reply.

    Lynette whispers after a few heartbeats, eyes still on the settled Wall as she inverts the words Calix spoke back when we healed him and miscast the Fleischbrecher. "He should be kind to himself. Hypocrisy is a bad look, after all. But¡­ I''ll avoid tossing the Moon''s words back at him though, for now."

    "I think it''s best we let Rufus tend to his lover, yes." I agree.

    Let a bit more time pass before I tug her wrist. "Come on. Let''s... Hurry up and wait back at our Spire. Make sure we''re available for others. Get a proper meal. If my math is right Xafra will have probably just had time alone with Augusta and might need us."

    She nods, and returns with me without offering any other words.

    **    **    **

    Our Spire is quiet and seemingly empty, so I brew us another promised spot of tolerable tea alongside a meal. I decide not to pester my sister any more, let the mess that''s been these past weeks settle well enough. Offer her the silent support I hope she needs as I sit and let the day lazily roll forward.

    Even enjoy the lack of impending responsibilities as our successes wash through my mind.

    We did it.

    We''re officially the Matron of this Estate. Didn''t even get close to failure. Instead just... swept the table of any worry we were just sprout of the Old Cunt''s nonsense and got all grey and white stones. Even had that Thresher Captain willing to support our claim.

    And... Xafra''s Divinity will be known. Far and Wide. Which would have worried me to pieces before but... but any family she has will know where to look for their sisters or aunts!

    We did it. We kept them all safe. And while Sekrh¨²s being more awake is terrifying... She can be spoken to. Hopefully reasoned with. Helped even, if possible.

    And Lynette... Well, she''s growing past herself. More and more. Cracked and Riven Moon I hope this is good for her. Still have no idea how to help in regards to Girra but...  We can settle that too, I think.

    Eye''s forward.

    [Mistresses... May I visit you both?] Xafra intones, the bond rife with emotions.

    [Of course.] We reply together. [We¡¯re just having a meal in our Spire.]

    Xafra arrives a short while later, stalking through the entrance in her Grakler Frame and wending her way through our legs. Wordlessly my twin and I agree to our next motions. Slipping from our chairs to kneel and give our Xafra a good amount of soft scrutches behind ears and along this form''s spine. Then, take up her leash and lead her into the closest sitting area before tugging that big Frame up and across our laps after collapsing into the biggest chair there.

    ::Contentment/Relief:: comes from her as she settles on our laps. [I think things might be less brutal than I originally expected.]

    "I think so too." I reply, fingers dancing down and across the side of her ribcage up towards the spine. "Being more... visible to everyone will present new challenges. But ones that let us openly learn who is our enemy and who is our ally. Be bolder as we pressure change into the Groves. Use softer methods to lure them into seeing things our way."

    [Agreed... I''m worried about Augusta. She was putting on a good face but the way her Divinity came to be is... She''s not doing well. Perhaps you can tit for tat in your sessions, make her open up as well?] Xafra intones as she rumbles quietly.

    "Sessions?" Lynette murmurs without even glancing over, her own work finding one of those big lower paws and exploring the textures there. "Did you finally agree to sit down with her without telling me? See if she can help with the mess that is your mind?"

    "No. Certainly not. But... I''d like to spend time with her. Intentionally and regularly. If nothing else. Be the sister like I always wished mine were. At least to start." I reply. "By nature of such things I''m sure we''ll talk about topics we''ve not shared with others. At least I hope for that."

    Xafra twists and wiggles to headbutt Lynette gently. [You too, please.]

    My twin adjusts to begin giving Xafra scrutches behind those big soft ears while pulling her close. "I''ve already agreed to speak with her once today''s mess was settled. I... We''ll see what comes of it. But honestly, you should get more of our Pack to spend time with her as well. Mostly as a group but... They''re her family too now. One or two good sorts are wonderful, but she needs collective perceptions. And not just from times where she''s doing the helping and listening. Quiet steady support that doesn''t waver as all else is shaking and tossing about in the winds will do her so much good."

    ::Agreement:: from Xafra as she rolls around on our lap, exposing her Grakler belly to us. [The new body is very cute, especially in that dress]

    "Oh? You think so?" Lynette grins while leaning down to boop noses with our wriggling grakler of a gerl just before we both shift to gift her all the belly rubs desired. "Schatzi is a wonder with threadwork, and I''m not half bad at sculpting when indulging a touch myself. Not as... extravagant as I could be. But a wonderful fractal of expression mixed with utility."

    [mmmmmmheheheh. Yes. I''m immensely curious, but more... with a desire to play with it and you than the details of how you pulled off such a fascinating thing.]

    "Weeell..." She purrs down at Xafra. "Fortunately for you the best way to understand a new thing is to engage with it. Words only really go so far. And, after all, you were the gerl that inspired me to weave this. "

    With a "Mrrp", Xafra twists her Grakler Frame out of our lap and shifts to her baseline, quickly climbing back into our laps again.

    I giggle softly at that, move to wind our gerl''s leash loosely about a wrist of Lynette''s and mine. Then return to gently brushing fingers across our gerl''s hips and sides.

    "So... You''ve curiosities to sate." Lynette grins, leaning back to rest her head on the palm of the arm she props up on my shoulder. Those dull grey eyes locked on Xafra''s vibrant ruby ones. "But we agree that words would be just so... boring. What to do, what to do...?"

    "I would delight in displaying my affection physically, if you have a preference of form for me..." Xafra answers with a matching grin, one hand caressing my leg as to signal inclusion.

    "It really depends, doesn''t it?" I offer to them. "This form is still and probably often going to be Xafra''s most sensitive. Which is delightful if you''d like to explore the unpredictable."

    "Exactly my thoughts." Lynette agrees, reaching out with her other hand to gently trace lazy patterns up and down the flesh at the back of Xafra''s right arm. "But we''ve not got to see how she wields the form. Not really. Especially as things get salacious. As often we''ve all just gotten to melt her into a puddle while others work. And this is the shape her Divinity hatched with. I am... so enthralled to feel what she can do now."

    With rapid movements, Xafra catches Lynette''s hand in her teeth, gently licking her prize as she uses her tail to encircle one of my legs.

    My sister grins at Xafra, and... I see an oddly familiar spark that I''d avoided thinking about since she first became present in my mind. A hunger it was obvious she''d inherited from me, cultivated and held close through the memories shared.

    Specifically the ones of our time together in the inn, and later in the jungles. A few from before with... with Yselda. But those are faded and messy. Not worth even comparing here.

    And... Cracked and Riven Moon if I''ve not been suppressing my own urges there. Tried to not fall into the same old bad habits I had in younger years.

    To let a lover tear into my flesh while we tore back in turn. Trusting each to remain within limits but... also to be there as the blood settled. Help knit wounds and mind with Physis and soft words.

    Deep breath, and I''m moving to offer a steady rhythm to my twin. Something... careful yet with offerings of such ravenous possibilities. A need for caution balanced by wicked schemes to the messy times that we could find together.

    She agrees, and pulls Xafra up with me. Settle her to straddle Lynette''s legs while I curl behind. Pressing chest against our Goddess'' back while my lips touch her neck. Whispering as I feel twinned hungers reach her across the bond. "Is stop, good? Or would you prefer a different word?"

    "Stop is good. Tell me if you''d like to be rough with me so I can Manifest one of my other forms as this one can''t heal as well." Xafra reminds us, her voice aching with need.

    Lynette chuckles lightly, leaning forward to wrap her other arm about Xafra''s hips. Pulling her close. "Of course. I''ll make sure you leave our embrace better than you arrived."

    It''s not even a matter of following Lynette''s motion, my body naturally adjusts with her. Keeps lips and breasts pressed close to Xafra. She... our bond actually feels firmer than before. But also more... flexible? Easier to adjust.

    "We''ll take care of you." I agree, tracing teeth up to nibble at her ear. Letting my tendrils click and titter our into manifesting into full cracking things of Physis. Start to match their nips at our gerl to my motions.

    Tasting Ousia and Physis and even Nomos to make sure nothing twists awry during our attentions.

    Xafra giggles, her tail manifesting the Doll version that starts using those discreet suckers to taste and pull at my legs while her hands get busy clawing at Lynette''s arms in an almost obsessive way. [Oh. ooooh, It''s not... Huh. I don''t understand.]

    A twisting of motion from my twin''s free hand, and I... suddenly feel only our gerl''s flesh beneath my fingers. Her clothes gone. I''d assume Lynette used my Blasenplage but... I didn''t sense or feel a casting?

    Before I can think to ask that free hand is moving back to cup one of Xafra''s while such a smirk plays across her lips. Fingers squeezing and examining pawing fingers and little claws. "Well, isn''t that so odd? Such sharp talons should be able to easily pierce and tear at soft flesh."

    Sense my twin enjoying so much the pointed curiosity at these teasings.

    Let my own explorations move to Xafra''s hips and across her warm stomach. Dancing out slow tantalizing patterns while still kissing at her ear. Whispering softly. "Perhaps our Xafra is just being gentle?"

    She blushes furiously and shakes her head in denial before Manifesting the haiqualle teeth of her Warlord form and doing her best to bite Lynette''s arm instead.

    Together we let out such a purring growl as she gnashes away. Let our Xafra feel the twinned delight as our hands move in slow purposeful patterns in harmony to her furious efforts. Only even reaching the base of the aching arousal between her legs as she finally bites hard enough to snap stacked iron limbs.

    But from what I feel from the bond... our Xafra has only left well-dented marks in whatever that form wears instead of flesh.

    "That, is so very impressive." Lynette smirks, letting her free hand below lead us to slowly weave teasing patterns up the shaft of Xafra''s cock while those dull gray eyes remain locked on her eyes and the arm she mauls at.

    "But..." I hum in my own curiosity, letting one hand drift up to find our gerl''s lips. gently slipping into the side of her mouth to feel at one of those wonderfully pointed teeth while still matching my twin''s motions below. "Still not enough? Sheer weight, force, and well-honed edges only too soft? That''s... How?"

    Lynette only grins. Thrumming in... huh?

    Mostly ravenous hunger for the gerl between us but... a hint of desperation? Sparks of hope that the wounds already inflicted are signs that Xafra can do more? Not in just the salacious way but others as well. Both as a weaver hoping for another to recognize the small details in her work, but also with an anticipation I don''t recognize.

    Xafra moans with pleasure as her wings flutter involuntarily. "I haaave an hahhhh idea, but need to be safe. Too well craaafted to get through physically."

    "It most certainly is. So... Go ahead, dear one." Lynette purrs, guiding my hands and her''s to slow even more while gently touching evermore sensitive areas. "Impress and surprise us."

    Xafra takes my twin''s hand and with only a fingernail, seems to use her Divine nature to try and cut into the pad of Lynette''s pinky finger.

    She grins, and brumbles dance along the arm Xafra grips but... the dent in the not-flesh seems deeper than what her teeth left.

    "You wield your Wairua well. Precisely even, like a scalpel." Lynette praises, fingers cresting Xafra''s erection with mine. Entwining slightly before continuing our work back down her length.

    I move to chew gently on one of her shoulders while watching. Focus as hard as I can on the point of our gerl''s talon with my triple iris eyes that miss very little. Use a mix of Ousia sight and otherwise to try and follow this.

    "But still not enough?" I ask after a few good heartbeats.

    "No." My sister grins, moves us to start using nails to gently rake at Xafra in our work. Even leans forward to kiss and nibble at the hand that grips her''s. Whispering. "But she''s so very close."

    "Well then..." Xafra offers a wicked smirk as she continues. "Your Goddess is hungry." With that, she takes Lynette''s ring finger into her mouth, sucking on it gently before biting down at the base with the weight of her Divinity.

    I just stare in surprise as a sharp sizzling crack sounds, like Xafra just chomped down on some chunk of rock instead of soft flesh. Or... No.

    Reminds me of the one time I was close enough to the sea to hear what lightning striking the salty-sweet waters sounded like. Such a... distinct sound of twin wills colliding with a stupid amount of weight behind them.

    Then slivers of cracks run down the arm Xafra grips. And between the ridges I can see... Well, not muscle or bone or the nonsense normal bodies are supposed to have. Not sure what those layers are. But there are too many to count and they ripple like something massive.

    As for Xafra... Some strange... something, runs down from her mouth. No blood or flesh. Just such an odd textured liquid that looks like steam or smoke. And glimmering with little sparks of light that fades quickly.

    "You actually... Just..." Lynette stares in a pause of shock, then takes to cackling. The hand Xafra bit the finger off now twisting to push thumb and forefinger in to explore the teeth of the gerl that took it. And a twisting of... of more odd writhing smoking nonsense is already reforming the missing digit to help her gently hold Xafra''s chin. "Just took the entire Cracked and Riven thing. Did you? Empty Skies aren''t you a delight. Endlessly. How''s the flavor?"

    Didn''t even notice how we''re both still gripping Xafra''s erection till Lynette''s pulled me to keep moving with her.

    "Like candied lightning. eheheh, I''m glad that I didn''t do permanent damage. I¡ª Oh gosh." She swallows the wispy finger and breathes heavily. "I think if I did that again I might burst, I feel so weirdly full."

    "That''s¡­ Miasma. Right? Is it safe for her to eat? " I ask.

    "Highly compressed to the point where the normal mist like state becomes solid. Yes. That single finger was quite the meal though. Like those rocks she enjoys eating." My twin purrs playfully, tugging Xafra close to begin dragging teeth across her jaw. Cracks along that arm still present and... rippling? Flexing?

    Like... there are layers and layers beneath. And highly compressed? That... That has so many possibilities.

    Shake myself from the spiral of Witchfull muses, Pull myself back to the present to murmur salaciously while moving up to kiss Xafra''s ear. "Such a good gerl to swallow reflexively, though."

    "Th¨C thank you, Mistress. Did I do good?" Xafra asks softly, almost dazed.

    "Very good." We immediately assure her in unison. Both of us grinning while teasing her with countless soft kisses.

    Glance over to meet suddenly focused and quite pointedly hungry eyes and... Am draw into uniting with her by my own growing arousal and her wordless insistence and...

    Everything is different than ever before. Being merged to my twin''s thoughts while she moves that fascinating new body while still being woven through my mind and flesh.

    Not everything is shared, but plenty of new understandings settle into me immediately.

    Specifically how my body is still her home. Or... the place she feels the most safe. The flesh she hopes to call hers as things might change. Sees this new one like I consider my limbs. An extension of her will. Just a corpse to share until... until.

    Corpse? I ask, dividing a little.

    She doesn''t elaborate. Refuses to. Not until... until she''s shared a word with Augusta. Which will come later. Wants to do this first.

    Reward our gerl and celebrate our victory and Lynette''s Hatching Da¨C

    "We really should take you downstairs." Lynette interrupts that thought and our merging with deliberate Division and more purring temptations. Pulls us separate again without causing the hands that still grips Xafra''s cock to even slow. "Pin you both to the bed and... take my own bites."

    Xafra''s eyes widen and her breath races in excitement as she nods vigorously and lets her tail wander higher, slipping it under my shirt and playing with my chest.

    I begin to move and adjust so we can rise. Expecting my form to easily be the strongest to carry our gerl but... Lynette reaches up to cover Xafra''s eyes, gives me a wink, then using a small effort of will causes mine to shut.

    Then we''re sort of... tumbling?

    Next thing I know we''re all falling to land on a big soft bed. Have to wait a full heartbeat before I''m allowed to open eyes and glance about. Find that we''re in my lower chambers. Basically how we were tangled about each other upstairs, but sideways.

    Lynette''s hand falls away from Xafra''s face as she shifts upways to loom over us.

    "I... did not know you could do that." I whisper.

    "Do what?" She grins, leaning down to start nibbling on Xafra''s neck. "I''m a well-behaved Matron carrying our prize to bed. No mischief from me."

    Xafra giggles, canting ::Patience/Enjoyment:: and lets her tail continue its teasing as she lifts her torso up slightly to let her wings spread out on the bed beneath her.

    Roll my eyes at my twin and fall back to trace fingers along the limbs as they continue their big stretch. Settle to enjoy the way our gerl''s tail deftly weaves across the skin of my chest. Bask in that for a few quick eternities.

    But all too soon Lynette pulls back, looks us both over for a heartbeat with a flurry of quite obviously salacious considerations playing behind her eyes.

    Before I can nudge her to share this mess of ideas, my twin''s reaching out to grab the base of our Xafra''s tail. Proceeds to lift her more easily than that form should while her other hand reaches around to grip my attire and...

    It''s gone. All of it. Just like she did to Xafra''s clothes. Every scrap and strip so quick I missed the how of it again. Leaving me just as naked as the gerl being placed atop me now.

    "Cracked and Riven Moon, Schatzi is going to be so cross if those are gone for good. Or eaten. We spend days picking out just the right attire for all that." I chuckle, reaching around to pull the tail my twin stole back to my chest while reaching down to caress our gerl''s erection.

    Considering... how wonderful a position she''s been shifted to. All the ways we might enjoy each other''s forms...

    "I could be persuaded to gift them back." Lynette promises, leaning down to press up behind Xafra''s rear. Begins to gently nibble at those fluttering wings. "Although... A Matron and her Divine''s attire is quite valuable. Would depend on what you both offer in trade. Of course."

    Xafra grinds against me, every nibble of her wings causing her to twitch and shudder in delight. Using her claws against my comparatively more fragile body, she cuts ribbons of flesh and scales out of my sides as she moans. "Ohhh keep mine, just keep going."

    Can''t help but writhe at the warm shock of pain. How it feels... different than before. Somehow. A type of charge to her focused touch. Not entirely sure I have words for exactly how. And it''s actually quite difficult for a gerl to compare memories while her Goddess has all her talons knuckle deep in me.

    "But Xafra, Dear one, I''d hate to break up the set." My twin chuckles playfully, reaching around to slide an arm between us while another grips at Xafra''s wings and two more hold her hips and...

    Wait. That''s... too many hands. At least by a pair or two. Where and how is she¨C

    But I lose the thought as Lynette guides Xafra into me. Hard and quick and deeper than I expect. Can''t help but dig fingers into our gerl''s hair as I gasp in surprise and pleasure. Barely notice the additional pair of arms that wrap about our Goddess'' chest to cup and toy with her breasts. But... Lynette still only leans back and nibbles at that same wing.

    There are also little cracks across each new arm and hand. Even a few little dribbles of that same glimmering mist-like fluid. So... compressed Miasma, folded endlessly into a form and controlled by a Witch with more than a decent understanding of fleshcrafting? Seems about¨C

    Slowly pulls Xafra back, pauses, then shoves her deeper. Once, Twice. Thrice... Controlling the pace. Matching the little spirals of observations and deductions I try to form to gift the warm wonderful pain of our Goddess'' talons'' harmony to the pleasure of feeling her inside me.

    Us.

    Yes. Us. You''re here too. Always. Also, I''m guessing you can''t risk pleasure and pain being more than a whisper to that form else it''ll¨C

    "Still safe?" Xafra asks us breathlessly, interrupting my thoughts with careful concern while still moving at Lynette''s promptings.

    Thoughts hitch and hiccup at that. Too lost in the pain pleasure to expect the question. Take a quick heartbeat to consider the best words... Letting Xafra feel anything I might have been clenching tight and not sharing through the bond.

    "Y- yes. M¨C more than before." I huff between thrusts, releasing my grip on our Goddess'' hair to let her pull back a touch. See my sweaty mess of a grin as tendrils probably wiggle and squirm while making such discordant sounds I didn''t notice before.

    "But... less than we''d like." My twin offers the next words that would otherwise be stolen by the low moan I can''t repress as she slowly drags Xafra out and I lose track of things for a bit. Feel everything without pause. But... mostly to adjust the angle of the incoming thrust a touch.

    "But in r¨C regards to here¨C " I add quickly just before getting cut off by an exceptionally deep motion at the absolute best spot. Have to take a deep breath before continuing. "Here? N- now? Yes. As completely as we can be. This... this is t- tame. Playful and cautious. Which is both terrifying and enthralling and... yes."

    Then we reach up to pull her down into a kiss as she''s once again pulled from inside. Pause everything to whisper. "Thank you for asking. E¨C even now. Caught in the mess of this. Are you okay?"

    She groans in pleasure, and moans "Yes, Yes, Yes, Mistress, both of you are so good." With a quick flick of Physis, she has the end of her leash fall away from her collar to let one of us grab it.

    Lynette and I snatch it up together, twisting it to wind about arm and wrist. Not... really sure which hand does so? One of her''s or mine. But we do and jerk it and the bond like I''ve not done in... a while. Tug it at the same time my twin thrusts our gerl deep. Making sure Xafra feels all of what we do.

    Even use it to signal them to go faster, shove harder, press deeper. Pulling it taut in symmetry to the bond woven betwixt our souls. Flooding us both with a smothering ravenous wave of desire and pleasure and pain and need and motion and will and weight and focus and...

    And... unlike in that little Root village our first time together. This bond holds. Frays more than a little, of course. Both under the weight of two voracious witches but... mostly the Divine we''ve collared with it. By the time I''ve shivered through and shared a few smaller climaxes along it and this last bubbles up in tune with Xafra''s... I''m not sure which is more torn up. It, my flesh, or my own focus.

    As Xafra slumps and curls into me, pulling Lynette down with her, she uses a delicate weave of healing to mend my sides after snatching her prize strips of flesh. Waits for twitching quivering flesh to still a bit before speaking.

    "That was wonderful. Can... Can I ask questions?" Her words come hesitantly and the bond sings with satisfaction and loyalty but also hints of concern.

    I am... a total mess as I feel our will peel in two again. Very nearly paralyzed. Not so much at the limits of what I think this body can do but... mind is still reeling. Still gripping tight so many slowly settling quivering parts of us all.

    Just nod to her.

    Lynette curls about our gerl. Whatever... absolute nonsense caused her to sprout so many limbs now mostly folded away. Cracks still there though. All across her body. Eyes now shimmer with light now though. Sparks of jade and violet with hints of amber. "I... may have a habit of deflecting and stalling but I never want you to take that as refuting your spoken curiosity. I simply..."

    She pauses.

    And I press through the wonderful mess to force out, feeling her struggle with the words and reasons behind them. "My fault. Old bad habits cultivated and never unlearned until... Well, very recently. From you, Xafra. And Schatzi but you sparked the changes."

    Lynette huffs, "You really need to untangle the way you talk sometimes, Elevar. But... yes. That. Apologizes for seeming like some grumpy crab these past days. I was... detangling."

    "This body of yours. Is it the new... zugunge?" Xafra asks quietly, still content but serious.

    "I... Yes. But it''s pronounced Zurrzunge." My sister answers after a heartbeat of hesitation. Obviously surprised Xafra knows that already. "The old got disposed of, and I promised to see to the replacement in my own time. As part of the deals struck to gift me the resources and space to bring your sister back as safely as possible. Didn''t expect to want to anytime soon but... then Augusta''s return changed things with the Miasma and I started researching that and found this... fascinating Frame that''s perfect for the role and my own desires."

    "It''s lovely. Schatzi didn''t tell me, by the way, but the harmonization shares... a lot. I saw what happened and I wasn''t sure if your Doll was making up the word until the Pack harmonized and I got proper context." Xafra explains.

    "Oh. Yes. That... My little one probably has pointed memories of it. Most of the... non-human intakes kept below probably do as well." Lynette sighs, reaches out to toy and play with Xafra''s hair absently. Letting a soft smile form as she does. "And... Thank you. I''m... quite pleased with what I was able to sculpt. Comes with the biggest pockets too. Which can be hard to convince so many weavers to include in new attire."

    I''ve... not the capacity for much else but the deep steadying breaths at the moment. Which helps me avoid a wince at Xafra''s casually mention of my destruction of that Doll and Lynette skipping right over explaining the event. Lets me murmur easily as more of me settles into the buzzing afterglow of it all. "It''s so very hard to deny Schatzi anything, and it... didn''t feel important. To tell you. Not until we took care of all the rest. Probably shouldn''t have done that. Killed it. I mean. But... the cunt pulling that Doll''s strings hurt my twin, and since I couldn''t hurt her I chose to snip at the trunk of the cruel Doll she just gave more power to hurt us."

    "I get it. It''s... not good but I''m not upset either. I can''t find it in me to... hypocritically condemn you for it when I''ve killed so very many people. We just need to do better going forward. Try to reduce harm as much as we can but not give up because we fail on occasion."

    "Well, I was flattered that she killed that one over me. But... I''m basing my attempts to be a kind and tolerable Witch off you two. So take that as you will." Lynette offers. "And it gave me the chance to fill the role with a Frame I can keep a close eye on. Worse this one might do is run off and find odd spots to sleep in. Or tug me into drifting off at inconvenient times. Which can be problematic but... far more manageable than what was there before. And Sekrh¨²s would have to tug at my threads to make it do something. So we won''t be caught off guard again by some new wretched thing lurking about the tunnels."

    Xafra laughs. "No you''re entirely right. I would much rather keep you around. I''m so very glad to have you both. Sorry for getting so rough with the topic. It seemed prudent to ask."

    "I''m glad you did." I reply, finally feeling steady enough to fully roll to nuzzle her. Eye the strips of flesh she''s still gripping. "Snacks for later? I''m not sure that''ll taste as good as... how did you phrase it? Candied lightning?"

    "Mmhm. Gonna share with Verbess." She says with a huge smile.

    That... Cracks the last of my control. And after a frozen heartbeat I''m cackling. Then falling into a sputtering giggling mess. So much that Lynette has to step in and handle the pain that would tear me apart without my focused attentions.

    Over how much I love this gerl. This Pack. Even amidst getting pressed between me and my sister and riven with pleasure... she thought of Verbess. That furious but often quiet fractal within our Doll. Her first Sister claimed. And even already knew and worked through something Schatzi proposed I not speak to her over.

    And so much more. Took care of Lynette''s mess and is already there to help her before I''d know where to start trying. Worked together to gift us this ravenous evening together that we really really needed. And will need again. Grips those shreds of my flesh and scales like a prize after a hunt well stalked.

    Not sure when the tears of mirth tilt to things of an old silly Witch holding back a few choked sobs. Burying my face in the back of the Goddess I let feel the mess bubbling over inside me.

    "Th-thank you. Yes. I..." I murmur into her. "It''s going to adore that. So much."

 Chapter 97: Love Made a Monster out of Me (Chain)

    Love Made a Monster out of Me (Chain)

    Content Warnin''s:

    A good boy being a pretty darn good emotional support puppy who need emotional support! Um.... A snowball fight happens! There is wiggles and wobbles here too. Um... Pretty clean though! Not too bad! WOW!

    Thanks to ItsQuarters</a> for writing Hackt in this chappy!

    I am a monster. Not how I was previously though... Once I was a handsome Thresher, killing problematic Witches, destroying the forms of the Sun-blessed, and participating in slavery by another name.

    Now though?

    I''m the emotional support animal for a Skulk of Dolls that cares about me and each other, and we''re working to change things. Make the difference I always wanted to make. And...

    I''m happy. Even if I''m about to deal with the most awkward situation I can imagine.

    [Rufus. Adze has finally given the signal. Gather up your Skulk and meet me at Elevar''s Spire as soon as you''re ready, please.] Xafra intones, causing me to drop from my meditative state.

    The tail swings from Aralen and Nelara hit me in the chest, knocking me backwards into Hackt as Joan and Calix giggle.

    Hackt¡¯s sturdy frame absorbs the impact without a flinch, its mechanical voice rumbling low and steady as it steadies me with one massive gentle hand. ¡°Have care, Master. This one hopes its Frame did not do any harm." It speaks softly, though rather hoarse and raspy. "Have you finished with the hugarr¨®?"

    "I''m fine, Hackt, thanks. No, actually Xafra just reached out. We can grab our bags and go through a Goreway to Wurzelbrecher Grove once we''re all ready." I answer with a smile. "Will have to pick up the hugarr¨® later tonight and finish settling my mind."

    Such an odd meditation technique truthfully, but brilliant. the ability to lock away the Vigs¨¢ng behind a conditional trigger to maintain a veneer of calm. Everything with the Vigs¨¢ng just works differently than spellweaving, I don''t even know if it really counts as magic.

    It takes a deep breath in response before slowly rising to its feet, giving a little grunt. "Come then. We will make a presentation of ourselves." It pauses before looking down at me, its expression caught between want and amusement. "Shall this one carry you all? It would be very little burden."

    How much a difference some handfuls of days can make. I swear, It could barely stand me at first.

    ¡°Apologies Master.¡± Aralen chuckles while she and her twin link a pair of hands and tails. Then Nelara adds as an almost echo to her twin¡¯s words. ¡°These two can walk, though. Thank you, Hackt.¡±

    Calix hops his way over to me with Joan and pats me on the back. "Gotta get used to hearing voices like me. Heheh."

    I look at him and feel that playful instinct take over. "Yes Hackt, we would adore being carried. Calix in particular would like to be carried by his ankles."

    It takes Hackt all of the span of a half a dozen heartbeats to scoop those of us willing into its arms, while It has Calix''s ankles trapped between two fingers, hanging upside down. It laughs at the antics, amused ever so. "Is everyone comfortable?"

    Calix, Joan and I agree, and Hackt leads the way back inside the Sheared Spire to grab the bags we''ve had packed for almost the entire week now, then we head over to Elevar''s Spire.

    My lover breaks the tense silence about halfway there. Whispering quietly while still suspended upside down. "This one is... Nervous. Hasn''t been to Wurzelbrecher in... almost 60 years. What if he needs to run and hide?"

    "Trust your training and set the Vigs¨¢ng to the purpose of running. This one will protect, as is its purpose." Hackt rumbles in what is its best approximation of a soothing tone. Which is still fairly intimidating to anyone who hasn''t just spent over a week with it. "Just remember, staying calm is of vital importance. This one has no doubt that there will be some malcontents that would take issue with our presence. There always is."

    "This one thinks it would be a bad look if you had to protect him from his daughter. But thank you. Might need some cover as... Oracles have never been very common. Not something this one was open about with others when... Um¡­ Before he became this." Calix responds.

    And my heart aches for my love. His losses and struggles and fear at spending a week with a family I think still adores him. But¡­ Just also delayed calling us four days past our agreed upon time.

    "Honestly, from what I''m gathering, it''s likely that the reception will be harshest towards myself being an ex-Thresher. Hackt''s suggestion has merit, and don''t forget that you can also channel the... uhhm. dontseeme glyphs through the connection with Joan." I reassure him with no small amount of embarrassment. "We really gotta figure out a name for that that isn''t just cloaking or skulking. It comes off as unprofessional..."

    Hackt was silent for a while, then rumbled inquisitively, "Felur¨²nar?"

    "No. The Runes aren''t hidden." Joan muses softly from her spot on Hackt''s shoulder. "And neither are you all when channeling through the Glyphs our Master etched on this one¡¯s Frame. And hidden implies... there are those searching. Which isn''t good. Can mess up your focus and attract bad attention. Tapae is better, this one thinks? Keeps your focus clear to imply an escape from the Betwixt. Only lost, nothing more. Waiting for the correct person or Doll or... or otherwise to be found by."

    "Makes sense to this one. Bartholomew is really excited to travel. Even has some deliveries to do for Sekrh¨²s." Calix mentions as we arrive at Elevar''s Spire.

    My old friend is waiting just inside beside Xafra and... well, her other half in her new body. Sitting and talking softly while waiting for us to arrive, looks like.

    Elevar looks at us first, smiles at our group. "Well aren''t you an impressive gaggle?"

    "Hmmm..." Lynette hums, those dull gray eyes that seem almost blind taking us in more sharply than even yesterday. "A pack, Elevar. They''ve earned the right to the word, I think."

    "So they have." Elevar agrees, stands to step around the table. "But they already had a far better word for themselves. So I''ll rephrase. How is the Skulk today? All prepared for this trip?"

    "Pretty good. Think we''re ready.¡± I reply, ¡°Would recommend you all have a bit of a talk with Sekrh¨²s while we''re gone as a note."

    Calix wriggles out of Hackt''s grip and whistles for Bartholomew who flaps his way over from his gazebo, a little pack already set in place on his harness.

    "Oh?" Lynette murmurs, eyebrow quirking in curiosity.  "Has Calix and it been scheming behind our backs? Bear things it''s decided not to share with the Blossom of these grounds?"

    "Not scheming! This one was asked if Bartholomew would make some deliveries." Calix answers as he pets the bird. "She says she''ll help him with the nest when we get back and he agreed. Mmhm!"

    Xafra laughs. "Yeah, we do need to talk with her soon anyway. Please be safe, all of you. You''re so important to us."

    "This one will keep them safe. Woe upon those that endanger this one''s charge." Hackt replies, a savage grin splitting its face.

    "Also..." Elevar reaches around and pulls out two letters. One sealed in a wrapping of hardened sap with the symbol for the grounds in the centre, the other plain. "Gift this to the Matriarch of Wurzelbrecher, if you please. My official greetings and offerings of alliance if future... complications or conflicts arise. Alongside a list with most of the research and supplies we''d like to begin exchanging."

    I take the letters and pack them into the rucksack on my back, responding with a grin. "Will do, my dear lady. I hope nothing that will cause problems with my future in-laws?"

    "Not yet." Lynette matches my smile. "Simply a very traditional greetings to give to a Matriarch of a Grove. And from your hand avoids the subtle implications any of our words are tinted with expectations from Calix. In some ways you''re acting as our Envoy to them, if you''d like to claim the role. But... you''re all there to facilitate a calm and well-behaved reunion between that family. No official business. And..."

    She glances to Elevar, who nods and looks to my love very pointedly. "And as for you, Calix. If you decide you''d like more time than a single week away. Feel free. Just signal for a brief chat and such so we can ensure all is well."

    Calix giggles as Xafra hands over a small box. "Made you a little something as well to make Hackt and Joan''s job easier. Bone-stud Cestus with my own bone of course. Tap the backs of them together, and I''ll respond with a Goreway between them as soon as I am able."

    "Makes sense, Matron Lynette, thank you. Xafra... You''re so very weird, but I appreciate you a lot." I respond with a smile.

    Xafra opens a Goreway large enough for all of us and with a smirk whispers to me "I''m the one that made the food bowl you eat from, Rufus. We''re about even on the weird scale."

    Hackt laughs loudly, loose items rattling on nearby tables. "Truly this is a carnival of oddities. This one would not have it any other way." It falls silent then looks between Elevar and Lynette. "This one has a request. When this one returns, can it be made aware of the whereabouts of the one known as Verbess? This one would much like a conversation about the protection it received when it came to the Estate."

    Elevar quirks her head at that, seeming confused for a few heartbeats, but nods. "I... Of course. I''ll let it know to find you when this Skulk returns."

    "You are most Gracious." Hackt bows, then looks at everyone. "This one shall go first to ensure there is nothing treacherous ahead."

    Calix and Joan follow quickly, then Nelara and Aralen and I walk through the horrific rend in space behind them, crossing the distance to Wurzelbrecher Grove in a matter of seconds and bloody boots.

    Behind us, the Goreway is pulled closed with a precise weave from Xafra, stitching closed the wound in reality with Ousia as easily as her mother does with flesh. Ahead, Adze stands at attention with four heavily armed and armoured adjuncts in a line, guarding against the biting winds that howl through the entrance to the cavern we find ourselves in.

    "It is good to see you again." Adze states then, noticing a few confused looks from our Skulk, explains. "We''re currently just outside the Grove. I determined it would be best to permit a proper escorted entrance to Wurzelbrecher instead of sneaking you all in and causing an uproar regarding security."

    A slight tremor from Calix and I take the lead, walking towards Adze. "Sounds good to me. May I ask what caused the delay? We have been expecting your summons for a few days now."

    He shrugs casually before saying something¡­ honestly terrifying. "Been losing control of my weaving. Needed to figure out a short term solution before it was reasonable to risk bringing you all over."

    Calix nods and tugs the rest forward. "Sounds about right. If you promise not to be weird about it, Th¨C I''ll ask Adaline to make you a modified collar that will help with that." A brief pause and he continues. "To clarify¡­ Adze, you are not allowed to sleep with my Mistress or any of her Pack, as well as any of the Skulk. It would make things way too complicated."

    Hackt can''t help the rumbling cackle that escapes its lips at Calix''s words, covering its mouth with a hand. The Twins snicker and work a bit harder to suppress their amusement at my love¡¯s words.

    Adze simply shakes his head. "Wasn''t planning on it, but I appreciate the warning. I''m still fending off Rokals'' attempts to get me to do a threesome with her and Captain Klevik. If Adaline can help with the weaving issues, it would be greatly appreciated." He turns and begins leading the way out of the cavern, all four of his adjuncts falling in line behind him as he uses a Physis weave to blast the snow clear of the path ahead to the Grove.

    As we walk out of the stone and woven root cavern I get my first glimpse at Wurzelbrecher, the only Grove I never visited in my years as a Thresher. We look down at it from our place higher on the mountain, and see the cascade of gigantic willow trees that encircle the grove carved into the body of the mountain. The only Grove not part of the jungles north of us.

    What must it be like to live on the southern mainland, away from the Groves and jungles?

    As we see the buildings woven from root and rock nestled along the inside edge of the trees, Calix takes a deep shuddering breath to speak. "It was dubbed Wurzelbrecher, Root Breaker, when the Grove was first planted because of the stone. A place that the spores and encroaching flora can''t take over. Solid ground. Real dirt, not just duff enveloping more roots as deep as you can dig. The cold is seasonal, it warms up plenty but never to the same extent of course. Takes inspiration from the mundanes that focused their attention on learning about the world after the Rivening instead of trying to force the world to comply with their demands. The Grove grows slowly outwards as the trees dig into the surrounding stone over generations, and we dig down into the mountain for shelter, agriculture, and building materials. It is a hard land that teaches the importance of trust and community. None in Wurzelbrecher is enough alone, only together can they persevere." He laughs bitterly. "This one''s family legacy is here, as well as the primary legacy of Fleshcrafting, as before Yselda the Art was primarily taught here as a thing only of necessity and beauty, since the fall of the Flesh Empress and the founding of the Groves."

    "Was tempted to burn it all. Didn''t.¡± Adze admits as we reach the entrance to the Grove and its towering stone entry arch. ¡°Liv''s predecessor kept the collection from reaching Yselda out of spite and started training up replacements to oust her from her stolen position, but none were up to the task... Killed most of them myself. They didn''t respect the Art, or the sacrifice involved, keeping their own flesh pristine while subjecting others to half considered horrors. I... I''m sorry father. I couldn''t be both a Crafter and the Anvil for Liv to shatter our enemies against."

    "There''s still time." Hackt rumbles out, definitely not being the voice of reason. There was a distant stare in its eyes, craning its head as if to listen¡ª  And in the next moment its face goes slack, forcing itself to not obey the Call.

    The four adjuncts pull small whistles hanging around their necks out from under their clothes and softly blow on them and... my mind blanks for a moment like when I use my galgahlif. Instead, the Call of the Vigs¨¢ng settles, and I can see the entire Skulk as well as our escorts relax.

    Hackt stands to its full height suddenly, towering over us all. It''s unlike it to be so agitated, even if it is doing its best to hide such. Still, it seemed to calm like the rest of us when the whistle keened. "This one has a question, if it would be permitted to ask of our hosts."

    Adze responds quickly. "Go ahead."

    "When this one was flesh and bone, it lived here. Was born here. It served in a martial group called the Trumukallar. Are...is this group still present within the Grove?"

    Adze chuckles as the warriors escorting him fan out and bow to Hackt with a hand over their hearts. "Yes, the Thundercallers are now one of the primary Arms of Wurzelbrecher Grove since they aided in our takeover. My Hand this week is from Trumukallar, as their display shows. I will get one of them to teach you Thundersign, the sign language they have developed over the last few decades with assistance from the broader mundane deaf and mute communities, as it is your right to know it." He flares his Ousia Aura in a complicated pattern towards the two women with bladed needles guarding the far side of the arched entry, and they step aside.

    Hackt gives a strange, choking gasp before it forces itself to show no emotion. "I- This one thanks you. It will endeavour to learn. It has been some time since this one has stepped foot here." It turns to me, kneeling down to be somewhat eye level. "Master, may this one be excused?"

    "Of course. Remember to be polite and reach out through the pendant if you need anything." I tell it, letting it have the time it needs to process.

    Hackt pauses and leans in, pressing its forehead against mine, resting there in comfortable silence. For a moment it looked like it might have done something else afterwards, but a quick glance to Calix presumably banished whatever thoughts it was thinking. Hackt stands and moves to the nearest Thrumukaller, eagerly waiting.

    Adze signs something to the Thundercallers and with Hackt in tow, they depart deeper into the Grove, travelling down a road of gravel and resin that has a strange amount of give.

    "Hackt actually introduced the Vigs¨¢ng to Wurzelbrecher, back when it was human." Calix explains, taking mine and Joan''s hands and leading the way down a different road deeper into the Grove. "This was before you were born, Adze. The Thrumukaller were initially an entirely mundane group of ascetics that worked with Wurzelbrecher to defend the Grove and provide support to the neighbouring communities. Hackt changed that. It went... Mad, for a period of time, until we were able to find a Curanos that understood what was wrong with it, and was able to help bring the Vigs¨¢ng under its control. This one embraced the Vigs¨¢ng after being introduced to it by Hackt''s twin sisters, Tamarynn and Tessrynn. The three of them brought the Thrumukaller great honour, reforming them into an Order similar to Warlords yet without any need for Fleshcrafting or Weaving. Unfortunately, when its sisters died against a titanic Sun-blessed, it left Wurzelbrecher and this one didn''t see it again until after Yselda acquired it."

    "There are... other melodies here. In the Vigs¨¢ng." Joan murmurs to me and Calix while we walk. "Reminds this one of the way the Quill Song changed when Miss Xafra started singing with Verbess. The silent scream shifting and clarifying. Got soft parts that make the edges sharper. But also broke harder when things fell out of tune. But this is different. Is more... like glasswork being shattered and re-melted together then broken again."

    "Yes. This one was trained in a different Order formed after the Thundercallers, using the concepts in a different direction. S¨ªfrerahv?t, Permafrost Urge. It is one more about patience and outlasting all adversaries. Synergizes very well with Fleshcrafting to... Remove problems without direct conflict." Calix withdraws after speaking, his posture shrinking defensively inwards as he moves to hide behind and between the twins Nelara and Aralen.

    I turn and lock eyes with Adze, grab him roughly by the collar and pull him into a nearby alleyway, whispering furiously at him. "You need to reassure your father that you didn''t murder his entire bloody order, you rustcrazed bastard."

    I barely dodge the toe of his axe as he rapidly swings it up and out of the sheath. "Do not ever put your hands on me unless you wish to lose them."

    There''s a subvocal scream under the steady toneless words, the impressions of isolation, of being lost, of the ground cracking and giving way below, and I take a step back, emotionally thrown from the Call of the Vigs¨¢ng.

    A pair of tails wend up my form and tug at me before I can decide between a second step back, movement forward, or stillness. Then I''m tumbling into the steady embrace of Nelara and Aralen while their tails return to hold Calix tight.

    But in the motion I see Joan slip past and between us. Tapae Glyphs humming as she steps forward to deftly and easily pluck the axe from Adze hands.

    Lost to the sight of any but the Skulk within a few thrumming heartbeats of the act of disarming Adze. Still standing between and ready to act but... eyes locked on me.

    "Master. Stop being a bad guest." She demands, long braid''s end spitting and sputtering and... dribbling something? Like a bleeding wound from a severed limb... "Especially without Hackt here to help you do that well."

    Before I can reply, Joan looks back to Adze, brow furrowed in confusion and rising annoyance. As Calix''s father seems¡­ off, staring at his empty hand and not moving. Not even breathing. Then Joan slips forward once more and slides the axe into his holster before pulling away and back to us.

    "This one hates this." She hisses under her breath, "Hates this hates this hates this HATES THIS. Now this one has to be lost for a week. Or more. Else they all remember it and we attract attention we promised not to find. Can¡¯t just be a stupid normal Doll like it was promised it could be during this trip."

    [I don''t think that will be a problem dear. Become perceptible again, and I''ll resolve it.] I intone to her as I shrug off the twins and return to Adze, placing the weapon into his hand.

    A child''s woodcutting Axe? Why would that be so important to him? I... Doesn''t matter, I shouldn''t have grabbed him.

    "I am sorry, Adze. You¡¯re right I¡­ That was really disrespectful of me." I state as I sense his heart rate rising back to baseline and his breathing resume.

    Calix comes out of his own quiet daze and looks around, befuddled.

    Joan growls something intelligible, in languages I only know parts of, and moves to lean into the shoulder of one of the twins while they continue to hold Calix. Even letting their tails find her ankle and wrist.

    But¡­ Still doesn''t let herself be perceptible to anyone besides the Skulk.

    Adze looks up and frowns. "It is forgiven if you keep personal space in mind going forward. But¡­ Something changed. Am I... No, it''s too soon. I''ll figure it out later. Let''s get to Liv." He takes the lead once more, speaking over his shoulder. "In answer to your question and my father''s concern, the S¨ªfrerahv?t is not destroyed. They took Liv and myself in, and we both learned from them. We would not betray kith like that. They are the other primary Arm of Wurzelbrecher."

    Well that''s reassuring.

    Drat I really did screw up.

    Adze leads us to the lowest level of the grove, deepest into the mountain, to the Matriarch''s manor. It''s¡­ not what I expected of a Matriarchs abode, but makes sense as I consider what I''ve learned.

    A large but unadorned edifice of rock, roots, and bone, the manor clearly serves as a memorial as much as a home. Walking through the quiet hallways, there are countless tapestries woven to depict the struggles of Wurzelbrecher once Liv and Adze took over. Alongside shrines with bones of slain foes, everburning torches and other offerings left to those that died in service.

    Calix murmurs a quiet worry that his children''s home is a lonely place. But soon enough we hear the sounds of life and enter a wing filled with it, Adze''s posture relaxing with every step forward.

    We pass a room with a half dozen children playing, watched by an elderly man and a woman who stop Adze and embrace him tightly before he lets them know he has visitors to see his sister. We pass by a few similar rooms, some with children some without, but all friendly and only curious about our presence.

    Adze guides us down a staircase to a lower suite of chambers that radiate warmth from the walls and floor like a hot summer day.

    Must be the Grove Heart. Can¡¯t be certain though as I''ve never been anywhere near one before.

    He knocks on a door with an irregular pattern, calling out "Matriarch Sannur Klakii, Instrument Adze reporting with esteemed visitors." His formality clearly being a precaution in case the Matriarch is currently in communication with another.

    Before even a heartbeat passes, A charge of Physis thrums through the air and the door folds away into the Roots around. Like an inverted flower, but with wards thicker than I''ve seen anywhere but in some of the other Burrows.

    Or Sekrh¨²s Estate.

    Inside the room at a desk piled high with stacks of tomes and scrolls sits a woman who looks battered and honed by the years that have passed her by. Her hair is long turned silver, then dulled to grey. But tightly tied into an immaculate braid. She''s well built, imposing, and fierce looking. An ancient plum tree, jutting through chest deep snow. She''s wrapped in a thick quilt and seeming to work away at the stack of tomes before her. She is also bearing many scars. Of all kinds. All over. Most notably will be her right arm. Which is withered and wrapped in thrumming bandages. Charms that thrum with what must be S¨ªfrerahv?t Runes. Things that sing of Bitter Cold stagnation to the limb beneath. Likely still usable, but thin and slowed. Near her on the table sits a long handled war pick with a glowing white sapphire tip that coats the desk around it with a not so thin layer of frost.

    As we enter, she turns, her eyes finding and locking on Calix immediately. Such a grin taking over her face as her eyes meet those of her father''s. Ignoring all else for a few heartbeats while rising from her seat. She takes slightly unsteady strides around the thrumming Heart of the Grove.

    It''s as wide as any trunk I''ve ever seen in the jungles. reaching up and down with long thick roots coated with vibrant leaves, bristling fur, and even budding fruits from within nestled flowers. Incredible.

    After five heavy paces she''s reached us, stopping before her father. She speaks with the kind of voice I''d expect. Weathered, quiet, but rough as well worn stone. Soft though, matches her confident smile well. "Hey old man. It''s... Really good to see you again."

    My love smiles. "Yeah... Th- I''ve missed you, so very much. I... Um. May this one... provide a balm to your aches and pain?"

    "Calix..." She replies, speaking the name easily. But also carefully. Raises her good hand in offering to him. "Tell you what, don''t try to change how you talk for me. And I''ll let you take a crack at that. D?mmerung knows our house''s Curanos could use a break from fussing over me."

    "Deal." He pauses for a beat then starts to cackle. "True Ice, oh my Goddess, that''s perfect. You both are just as goofy with names as her."

    I stare at him in horror as he spins, grabs my hands, and clacks the Cestus together.

    "Calix! You... Oh I''m going to get in so much trouble." In a rush, I drop my rucksack and withdraw the letters, offering them out to Liv as I drop myself to my knees, carefully keeping both hands before me.

    "You''re one to talk, taking that name. And not even from your Grove''s preferred old tongue. Almost like our father passed on his silliest tendencies." She smirks and looks at me and my offering. "And you must be Rufus, yes? With official writs even. Who are these from?"

    "Uhm Yes! I''m Rufus Chain. These are from Matron Elevar of Sekrh¨²s Estate, and your father just summoned a portal to her and our goddess. I''m¡­ so sorry."

    Adze shrugs. "What''s done is done."Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

    The Matriarch huffs with a shake of her head. Then she opens and unfolds the parchment. Reads over the letters quickly while tilting head side to side. "All slushed snowdrifts, but clear enough." Raises gaze to eye her father, smile not gone but... melted a little. "Did Adze tell you that I stopped him from hunting this girl down about... a decade or more ago? Was three steps out the door before I tugged him back and thawed him to good sense. Tell me dad, was that a mistake? Would we have been able to get you back sooner if I''d let him drag Elevar here and crack answers from her?"

    "...This one would be dead if you had. Was in long term storage after Yselda died and all her Garrotes snapped. Xafra would still be buried. Sekrh¨²s would have gotten grumpy-wumpy and snapped her way free, killing this one and the rest of the Dolls in the process..." Calix explains, in a hollow voice.

    "Then I''m really glad we didn''t." Sannur Klakii nods, rolling up the letters and grips them in her withered arm while raising a careful hand up to lightly rest on Calix''s shoulder. Looks between us with a returned smirk and glint of amusement in her eyes. "You two seem quite the pair. How''d my father catch himself a stray like you from that Estate? I''m told you both were hopelessly entangled before even the first Envoy arrived?"

    "I uhhhhm... went there to kill Elevar and thoroughly got my ass handed to me by a spellcasting Doll." I admit with embarrassment. "Then Calix was kind enough to help me see the error of my ways and uhm... Claimed me."

    "Ain''t that the best way to start things off, and... Bitter Rimes doesn''t that just sound like you, dad." She lets out an easy chuckle at my answer. "C''mon, both of you. Let''s get next to the Hearth. Warm up old bones and Frames while someone upstairs remembers to bring down something half-hot enough to eat and drink."

    She leads us to the nearly opposite side of the room. To a cluster of lower tables with softer chairs. One with less clutter and closer to the radiating warmth of the Grove''s Heart.

    I move carefully over, keeping my hands spread before me, and as I reach the table, it happens.

    As if tree roots decided to grow through the air yet also had budding teeth and horrific fleshy bits between all wrapping about and inside the Goreway that forms between my palms.

    With a cheer, Calix rams his hand through the Goreway and flaps his other hand towards his daughter. "This one needs your hand for a moment."

    His daughter eyes this with an amused quirk of her eyebrow, then asks. "The Rime wrapped one? I''m guessing?"

    "Oh, uhhhh. Probably not? But this one could ask if Xafra''s mom is willing to come visit and take a look?" Calix offers.

    "Huh. Something to worry about later, then." She nods, stepping up and offering him her good arm. "Anything else?"

    As I watch, a tendril of Ousia travels from the Goreway along Calix''s body to Liv''s hand, stopping at the boundary of her wards. "Just let that through so Xafra can top you up... Same thing this one said to your brother. You aren''t allowed to sleep with Xafra or her Pack. It would be really awkward." he states.

    "Wouldn''t dream of it. Even if any of them sounded my sort." She chuckles. "Top me up? With Ousia. I... alright. If the ice is gonna crack now''s the time it would." It takes her a few heartbeats of careful focus. But then she nods. "Should be good. Tell her to go ahead then."

    The Ousia goes from a tendril to a flood, streaming across Calix and into the Matriarch at a terrifying rate.

    She goes stiff, struggles to breath for a few heartbeats. Like someone, or honestly a few someone''s, kicked her in the belly. Needs to reach out and steady herself against Calix''s shoulder with the opposite withered arm near the end.

    Hissing a sharp "Shitgod''s frozen arse." As the final bits of Ousia settle.

    "Ah¡­ heck, now Elevar is gonna start using that swear too." Calix pulls his hand out of the Goreway and it closes once more. "Okay okay okay! That should help a fair bit, this one hopes. We can chat and stuff now."

    "That..." Liv huffs, steadies. Stands straighter without releasing her father with her good hand. Cracks shoulder and neck, then finishes. "Changes so much. I... Heh. So many people are going to be so upset when they find out the cold bitch running this Grove just got a second kick of life in her. Thank you."

    "Mmhm! You''re very welcome. Now um... One more thing to do before the others can go, and we can catch up, if that''s preferable?" Calix mentions, taking a seat between his children as I stand up awkwardly, still uncertain how to act.

    "As long as they don''t stir up too much trouble, I guess they can wander about." Liv replies, looking between us.

    And it''s then that I notice that Joan has slipped over to walk all about and around the room. Has even stopped to look over a few stacks of books on the Matriarch''s table.

    "Joan, Get over here and stop making this one''s son question his sanity." Calix orders with a frosty tone.

    I wince anticipating the fallout.

    "What?" Adze exclaims with a start, palpable relief warring with confusion on his face.

    Joan flinches, then turns to regard him. Vibrant jade eyes seeming to twist in those sockets in annoyance. "One or the other is within Good Function. So... This one will stop making noises close enough to bother your son''s crimeless thoughts. Can instead go make sure Hackt isn''t breaking anyone important."

    Then she turns and moves toward the door to leave. Braided tangle of thorn laced hair unfurling to dangle more like a tail. Still dribbling odd Ousia and Physis.

    Calix''s daughter looks between him and her brother in open confusion and worry. But... more focused on Adze. Calix''s words not at all making sense to her.

    "Joan. This one is not asking. You are causing harm due to his Oracle sight. He knows that something is missing. Even if you leave now the issue will remain." Calix explains as the room grows cold around him.

    She freezes in place, long braid the only part of her to still move while she hesitates just at the exit. Twisting in worried patterns as she asks carefully and slowly. "Wouldn''t you rather match the gift you gave his sister and teach him to track and hunt and protect from sneaks like this one during this week? He''d enjoy that, this one thinks. Learning how to manage the pain of the thing you both struggle under by finding its gifts like you did."

    Over the next three heartbeats I feel my love¡¯s cold anger rising. About to snap and lash out.

    "I think there is a bit of a disconnect here. Give us a moment?" I ask our hosts before switching to intonation. [Joan, Calix is furious because he already had a grasp on his abilities before being exposed to or affected by the Betwixt and this could act as a wedge in Adze''s psyche. Calix, Joan is not trying to be dismissive, but is concerned that everyone who saw her on the way in before she went Betwixt will realize that she vanished from their memories and it could cause a problem. Can we come to a compromise?]

    [Is this one needed to enforce a penance, Master? By the thundering skies, This one swears you all could not be left alone for even a moment.] Comes Hackt''s grinding mental voice, canting worry and promises of punishment alike over the bond all of the Skulk can hear.

    [No, Hackt dear, just a misunderstanding.] I reply to it.

    "Oh. Calix... made finding and talking to this one seem easy for one with his Sight." Joan murmurs aloud, risks a glance back to him. [This one thought distance was the answer between. The path to least harm. Didn''t want any l???u???r???k???e???r???s???  to catch scent of this one and prowl here with only two able to see Betwixt fully. Would be lost for weeks and weeks to keep this Skulk safe.]

    [Is it viable to include Calix''s children in those that can perceive you? That should be sufficient, right Calix?] I offer.

    [Yes, if Master thinks it is a good idea. Absolutely.] Joan agrees immediately. [It... could also let Calix and his son balance themselves against each other? Share perceptions and otherwise? Make sure no more wedges slip between his son''s thoughts?]

    Calix follows up as his demeanour warms. [Yes yes. Thank you. Sorry. This one... Was scared.]

    [Not your fault.] Joan replies, letting the thorn tail wind up to wrap back about the shoulders of her dark scarlet Frame. [This one... Can count on one hand the number of times it has seen you truly angry. And never like that. But... thinks it is Good Function to be protective of your little ones. Let this one be regretful instead? For only having a single answer to every problem. It needs to do better at working with this Skulk.]

    She still looks like she means to turn and leave, despite being still as ice once her tail settles. But then Nelara and Aralen, quiet and watchful this entire time, catch her wrists with their tails.

    [Stop being a bad guest.] One intones. [Especially without Hackt here to help you do that well.] The second echoes, before they finish together. [No running off.]

    [Please, Joan. Introduce yourself, say hello, and we can leave Calix to spend some time with his children while we find someone annoying to trip while they can''t see us.] I promise her mischief in hopes of swaying her.

    "Okay. That... Sounds like Good Function." She chuckles and nods, letting the twins tug her forward to stand beside me. "Wind them into you working, Master. This one will introduce itself properly."

    I turn back to the rather absurdly patient siblings and apologize. "I''m so very sorry about the delay, one of our Skulk members is a bit... shy, shall we say and subject to the Betwixt. Might I have permission to include you in my weave so she can introduce herself without causing further issues?"

    "So you weren''t just aimlessly staring at each other for the last few minutes then. Wonderful. With my Matriarch''s permission, I will go first." Adze states in a frustrated voice.

    "All sorts of odd magic''s already bought me at least a few more decades and then some." Liv replies, worries settling as her father¡¯s concern does. Leaving her with just a confused smirk. "No idea what this... Betwixt is. Sounds like some kind of shroud magic?"

    "It is... MMM. Alright, a quick divergence into magical theory. There are three cornerstones that hold up the totality of everything. Reality, Dream, and Void. We exist in Reality, our minds rest in Dream, and our Ousia decays into Miasma that returns to the Void. Betwixt is... The space between the trinity. Equidistant from all. It is... best understood as the Labyrinth." I explain to the best of my abilities after weeks of studying with Gebetshure, Joan, Adaline, and Valthirii.

    "That makes... more sense than I''d like it to." The Matriarch murmurs. "And I''ve taken a crack at understanding my old man''s journals that ramble on about Fleshcrafting needing to align with dream things. Never understood that either. But I could tell it all settled as solidly as the Grove we''re in."

    "Oh, This one can show you the Driftdream later. It''s very neato and that''s where Mistress Xafra''s real body is now." Calix mentions with excitement, already getting distracted.

    "That... Should probably wait. Liv, are you good with me proceeding?" Adze asks with exasperation.

    "Yeah, go ahead." She agrees, leaning back to watch while her smile settles to something devoid of worry and just... openly curious.

    "Okay, this is easiest to do by starting with a Glyph. Adze, may I touch your wrist?" I very deliberately ask, remembering the immense hostility of his reaction.

    Adze pulls up his sleeve and offers his right arm, making an uncomfortable amount of eye contact that I immediately break to place the glyph. A moment later and he''s within the weave though not the wider Skulk bond.

    "Did it work?" The Matriarch asks. "See anyone or anything interesting?"

    He looks around the room and launches himself backwards with a start, swearing up a storm as he knocks his chair over and tumbles against the Grove Heart. "Gods among Us. Yes, it bloody worked. D?mmerung''s ruddy pits, it definitely worked. Gahh."

    Our suddenly visible Doll winces, "Apologies, Instrument Adze. For startling, and... and any distress caused by its absence from your perceptions. This one is called Joan."

    As Adze climbs to his feet he laughs, "No no, it''s alright. The hallucinations shattered around you and that''s what startled me, truthfully. It is good to meet you Joan, I don''t doubt you are a significantly positive influence on my father''s mental health." He retakes his seat and gestures to his sister. "Should be much easier for you, Icecream."

    "Icecream. Ohhhhh that''s so goooooood!" Calix cackles.

    Once again, Hackt''s voice breaks through. [Master, when you are finished with your business, and we are done for the day, This one has a gift it must impart.]

    "Isn''t it?" Liv chuckles with them, offering her good arm to me absently. Already distracted from the why. "Figured I''d rather be known to the little ones as sweet and best to get to know before she melts away than some cold rock bitch."

    [We do have a full week here Hackt, but I''ll be done here in a few minutes if you''d like to meet up right away, or in a few hours if you''d like more time with your old Order.] I intone to my protective Doll as I trace the glyph on the Matriarch''s wrist. "All done."

    Hackt takes a while to answer back, but does so. [This one would be grateful for the extra time. Apparently there hasn''t been another Grandmaster of the order since me. That... This one''s heart aches to hear that. This one is filled with a longing it cannot name.]

    The Matriarch''s eyes find Joan quickly, and she settles back in her seat while staring her up and down. Reaction smothered to quiet thoughtful focus while she murmurs. "Huh. Not as bad as you Ivarr but... yeah. That''s not comforting. Don''t like the feeling of remembering something another made me miss and forget." Then she looks to me, holding up her Glyphed arm. States firmly but not unkindly. "Mr. Chain. Before the mess of this week is over I''d like a write-up about this Betwixt magic. I''m gonna have one of mine try and etch out some wards we can use to deal with any others who might try this same trick to slip into our home."

    I answer hesitantly. "I''ll... have to ask permission first. Augusta, the Goddess of Death, told me that there was a solid possibility of collapsing my brain into a bite sized piece when I first mirrored my Einwandfrei to counter the Betwixt enough to claim Joan. Other ward forms could go... poorly." I consider more, then continue. "I can offer my Einwandfrei for perception enhancement? It allows one to see shallowly into the Betwixt. Could be useful for your guards, and uses only Physis."

    She listens to all my words, looking back to Joan then to me again. Nods as I finish. "That would be appreciated. And we can work out the details of counter motions after you''ve given us what you can. Just like to invest in understanding new and dangerous magic when the opportunity arises. Especially with new Divines sprouting from the dirt like hungry predators at winter''s end."

    "Technically one returned after dying from the Void, and the other anchored herself in Dream, so neither sprouted from dirt." Calix corrects his daughter with a grin. "This one will get his pet to do the write-up for you tomorrow, for now they should go explore and we can catch up. It''s been far too long."

    "It really has." Liv agrees, relaxing back again and waving to me and the Dolls. "You all enjoy Wurzelbrecher."

    I give Calix a quick hug, and we set out, backtracking rapidly through the halls until we get clear of the manor.

    Once outside I stop and flop onto the ground. "I''m sorry Joan. That whole situation was a mess. I really need to do better by you all and gauge your needs more accurately. Nelara, Aralen, how are you both doing?"

    "This family is like a flock of old grobbling birbs. Love each other bunches but tumble all about when the web shakes." Aralen murmurs and shuffles to sit next to me while Nelara moves to the opposite side. Tails still grip Joan, but each spare a hand to place on my back and start rubbing soft supporting circles as they answer.

    "But we think you''re all doing okay." Nelara offers. "As for us... The cold was something we hated but can''t feel now. Frames don''t care how chilly the winds are."

    "Which is nice." Aralen agrees.

    "Stupid nice." Her twin nods. "We might actually enjoy playing in the snow too."

    "Oooooh. Yes yes yes." Aralen coos. "Don''t need to breathe now either. Can tunnel through it like those fuzzy rock bugs did."

    "But... that''s us. Master. We''ve mostly been ignoring the conversations. Family talks are... not fun. For us. Especially when everyone is really tense and worried and might bite each other." Nelara offers.

    Aralen sighs. "We hoped that us being quiet and only helping when beaks came out was okay? Not sure we''d know what to say to like... help in most places?"

    "Of course. Wanted to make sure you didn''t feel excluded or anything. I''ve mostly been terrified of offending a Matriarch or doing something equally foolish."

    "Right?!? And we''re still struggling to remember that Calix is their father, not their son." Nelara exclaims. "He looks so young and even Adze looks olderish and... and..."

    Aralen giggles. "He has good dad energy. But... Calix is too goofy and silly to have kids that old. It''s... Like we''d be a giggling mess if it weren''t all so... sad. Stupid sad."

    Both their soft scrutches at my back slow as the mood drops.

    "Hate her for this too now." Nelara grumbles, moving to huddle knees close to her chest. "A whole bunch. For... for doing this to him. Taking him away from kids who love him no matter what. Even now."

    "Old first Mistress was a stupid. Mean. Bitch." Aralen agrees, pulling legs up to mimic her twin.

    "I think... For Calix, he chooses to be goofy and silly. My dad was like that, you know? Had a lot of heartache and pain of his own but did his best to keep a spark of playfulness near the surface at all times, like a beacon so we knew he was safe and trustworthy. I did a bit of poking around while we were waiting for Adze to contact us. Learned what I could about Wurzelbrecher and who Calix was before and... He''s much kinder now. The title Bitter Ocean is one earned for drowning an entire village. Used ice to manipulate the tide flow and wash it off the map. Never told anyone why apparently, just walked out of Wurzelbrecher Grove one morning and returned two moons later with it done. I don''t think our Calix would do that." I shake the dreary thoughts from my head. "But we cannot change the past, only strive for a better future."

    "Oh." Nelara whispers, voice so quiet. Almost scared.

    Aralen shakes her head. "Doesn''t matter. No one deserves the Old Cunt. You''re right. And... and he''s going to be a good dad."

    "We''ll make sure of that too!" Nelara growls in agreement. "Will throw snowballs at him when he messes up. Or get Hackt to do that. Since we can only lift smaller ones."

    "Agreed. Now, to quote one of the scariest women I know¡­ Let''s cause problems on purpose." I giggle.

    **    **    **

    An hour later, and I''ve been convinced of the benefits of impromptu defensive perception training utilizing seasonal natural resources. Or to put it more straightforwardly, after gaining permission from the Matriarch through Calix, we left the Grove proper, made a deep snow fort just outside the boundary, and equipped ourselves with armfuls of snowballs to throw at the unsuspecting guards¡­ as well as members of both the Thundercallers and the Permafrost Urge.

    Utilizing our resonance with Joan, we manage to pelt both guards at the entrance with a handful each before they call for back-up and get informed of the training. After that, they begin experimenting with different ways of detecting the snowballs before they contact them, working together in amused relief. Once they get to the point of deflecting one in three snowballs by extending out a Physis weave for temperature, I become visible once more and let them know we''re moving on and that we''ll give a good report about their innovative solution.

    Following the guards, we restock on ammunition and head to the Permafrost Urge lodge.

    "Um..." Aralen murmurs as we walk, looking to her twin then between us.

    "Should we warn them?" Nelara finishes. "Like... This group hears the spooky wrestling songs, right? Getting pelted with a cold blop of slush could like... Make them upset. Right?"

    "Just make sure not to lose focus on the Tapae, and you''ll be fine." Joan teases them. "Else... Well, you two are fast. I''m sure they won''t be able to catch you."

    The twins let out a united ''meep'' in open worry. Tails tightening around each others. Then Aralen looks to me and stammers. "You''re... She''s... "

    "Joking." Nelara picks up.

    "R- right?" Aralen finished. "We''re going to warn them like we did the guards at the gate?"

    "Yeah I... hmmm. Lemme try something." I feel for the Call, letting the Vigs¨¢ng pulse through me like a second heartbeat, tasting how it differs from when it''s just the Skulk in the vicinity. It''s still and silent with rumbles in the distance, yet already feeling warm from my own focus on the Call. The Vigs¨¢ng can''t be used to communicate the same way that the bond can but... "I bet if we all amplify the Vigs¨¢ng together, it will be noticed by Permafrost Urge and seen as a challenge, Does that sound like fun?"

    "Ooooh. Yes." The twins chime together. "Yes. Yes."

    Joan considers me for a heartbeat, then nods. "Seems a good idea, Master. Lead us in this."

    I focus my thoughts on the Call, on the Vigs¨¢ng in general, and most importantly on my Skulk, this absurd and diverse group of Dolls that chose to effectively adopt me as one of them. It makes me smile and laugh and laugh, and before long the others join in, and we infuse the Vigs¨¢ng with a playful manic desire to win, prove ourselves superior, and never get caught.

    There is a silence as the Vigs¨¢ng goes sotto, quieting but never going silent. Before it rushes back, cold musical tones laced with playful stings that accept this challenge with amusement.

    The song becoming tangible music, now.

    I shout to the Skulk, knowing that only they can hear me. "Okay, snowball time now. Everyone with the icy Vigs¨¢ng is a valid target. Go wild and try not to get caught. Ah ah Awooooo!"

    Joan smirks while her thorn wrapped brain of vines uncurl and move to sway and tilt, darting away to scale up a nearby wall to get to a sloped rooftop. Kneeling and gripping a trio of snowballs tight as her hair already begins gathering up nearby snow and slush to craft more. Her Glyphs... actually lessening their weight a bit. Else her actions and attacks will be perceived as her allied Skulk members. Which¡­

    The twins close their eyes and focus for a few long seconds. Only falling into the echoes we use to slip Betwixt as the first of our foes begin to arrive. Hidden, but... only so long as they keep their focus. Then the pair moves to hunch behind a nearby corner of guardrails. Clutching half a dozen snowballs between them and preparing to throw them like they did outside the city.

    The lodge sits quiet. And¡­ oddly covered with snowfall and slush unlike the rest of the Grove. And a pretty good amount at that.

    And in response to our call, a wind does whip up the powder that''s already fallen. No windstorm gale, but the snow has been kicked up enough to catch onto our clothes. It would seem that those of the Permafrost Urge have their own methods for such buffoonery as ours.

    People start moving off from the area, apparently things like this happening enough that they know to get away from the ''combat'' zone. Members of the Permafrost Urge swarm into the area, erecting snow banks that form out of the powder floating in the air. "Outlanders! We of the Permafrost Urge wish to lay terms of engagement, will you parlay?"

    Aralen pokes her head up while murmuring, ¡°What did they sa¨C¡°

    Only to get belted by a barrage of snowballs from three separate sources. To which Joan follows up by returning the entire cluster she was holding at each of the attackers.

    And just like that, it¡¯s on. Tightly packed white missiles being launched to and from each side of these makeshift embattlements, mirth from both our sides. The members of the Permafrost Urge, to their credit, used the little preparatory magic they had set up to their advantage, and managed to even hit me a few times. Though I would see Joan have snowballs certainly lobbed in her direction, I can''t say if she actually got hit or not.

    The contest lasts longer than expected, the challenge and fun something that my Dolls clearly needed... Something I needed as well, truthfully.

    I finally surrender after the Permafrost Urge team manages to roll a massive sphere of snow right on top of me, pinning me to the ground and causing me to lose focus on the Tapae, becoming visible once more. "Alright! You win. Blood and ashes, that was impressive."

    Members of the Permafrost Urge make themselves known, several people and dolls that have faces that would be severe if not for the varying displays of amusement on their faces. Some bore broad, toothy grins whole other''s only have the faintest hint of a smirk. "That was a good contest, outlander. You and yours should compete every season with us and The Trumukallar." The leader of this bunch says to me, a person of unapparent gender presentation, bald or perhaps shaved head. They look younger than me, though the scars on their face and scalp may be helping with this. "I am Glacier Kahl. It is a pleasure."

    "Rufus Chain, formerly of the Endlose Arme Burrow, but now in service to the three Goddesses: Xafra, Goddess of Strife, Augusta, Goddess of Death, and S¨ªn, Goddess of Love. It would be our pleasure to visit again when time permits. We are here to accompany the father of Instrument Adze on his visit." I introduce myself after my Dolls assist me in getting free.

    "Three Goddesses, you say. Well, Maybe in these future visits you could tell me more. The Permafrost Urge is no stranger to Strife or Death. Perhaps new worship could be established." They say, putting a hand to their chin in thought.

    "It would be my pleasure if Xafra and Augusta will it to be so. I have another stop to make today but would adore the opportunity to spend some time learning at your lodge with my companions if that would be permitted?"

    Kahl goes silent as they regard me, truly taking me in, before their head cocks to the side, their ear facing the open sky. "Mmh. The Song has enticing verses when listening around you. Come visit at your earliest convenience, and we shall see what you could be taught."

    "Thank you. I''ll be back in the morning then. I''ve got to visit the Thundercallers now and see if we can win against them." I giggle and wave the others over to greet Kahl before we leave.

    Aralen and Nelara tumble over after giggling and moving to regather a collection of fresh slushy weapons for our next battle.

    "Thank you for letting us throw cold snow into your faces!" The first twin chimes.

    "We really enjoyed this." The second agrees.

    Then they look to Joan as she slips close behind and holds the big lump she never got to blop on anyone this time. Grinning but... also with that braid dancing in anticipation of our next battle.

    "Our sister says hello and thank you very much too." Aralen adds just before her twin finishes. "But she doesn''t want to stop hiding. So we''ll tell you for her."

    Kahl nods to us and gives an odd salute, a hand dragging up their sternum before flipping when it reaches the solar plexus, palm facing up as if making a presentation or offering of their heart. Odd.

    "Be careful. If you challenge the Thundercallers, you''ll likely have to face the Giant we saw walking amongst them. The Song echoing off its Frame is...ancient."

    "Oh! That''s just Hackt." Nelara explains.

    "Big softie. No problem. We''ll win against them all for sure!" Aralen agrees.

    "Hackt is totally gonna cheat by telling them where we are, but we can get around that!" I enthuse.

    "Of course. This one or Master can be very distracting." Joan agrees. Passing that big blob of snow into the care of her tail while leaning down to begin crafting another of even greater size.

    After that, we make our way to the Thundercallers and I intone to Hackt on the way to see if it¡¯s up for the game. [Just got trounced by the Permafrost Urge in a snowball fight. Would you grant me a chance to repair my reputation by accepting a challenge with your order?]

    [Give this one a moment to relay the challenge.] Hackt rumbles back to me. After a few moments, there is a rhythmic pounding that for a moment I thought was the Vigs¨¢ng acting up, but soon enough I realize it is drums. War drums. If the Permafrost Urge were intense, the Thundercallers throw themselves wholeheartedly into whatever they do. The Vigs¨¢ng confirms this.

    "Okay. They''re ready for us. Here''s my thought. I believe that just like how we can use my gifted Einwandfrei as a means of seeing into the Betwixt through Joan, which is... kind of the inverse of that it is designed to do, I think I can mirror my perception Einwandfrei the same way to make us harder to notice." I suggest.

    "That..." Joan thinks for a few seconds, taloned fingers tip-tapping the biggest of her gripped snowballs. Then nods. "Should actually work. And help wash away signs of our passing from notice. Shouldn''t leave the wrongways traces marking a l???u???r???k???e???r??? might sense and come searching after. You should try this Master. But carefully at first. In case this one is very wrong."

    Hackt is the first to leave the building housing the Thundercallers, and it''s flanked by an equal number of Thundercallers to us. For a moment I''m concerned that we''re to be outnumbered, but much to the Thundercallers surprise, Hackt vanishes from their sight with a laugh. Tapping into Joan¡¯s Glyphs.

    Next thing both of our groups know we''re both being pelted by snowballs the size of our heads. Mirth and a challenge to both of our groups echoes through the Song, challenging us to win against the other while surviving the Doll''s ambushes.

    I giggle in delight, and run as I try to modify an Einwandfrei crafted over the course of years to do the inverse. it... doesn''t work. After the third attempt to weave is interrupted by a snowball to the back of the head, I decide that my time would be better spent focusing on the fight. [Dolls, form up on Joan, let''s see if we can manage a steady moving barrage]

    [Yes Master!] The twins chime together before promptly bumbling up into my side. Aralen hefts an armful of slushy snowballs while Nelara plucks them free for throwing. Both giggling and seeming completely unbothered by the mess of frost caking them and more than occasional impact larger and larger snowballs.

    Joan though, she''s darting about faster than any Art or Labour Doll should. Sneklike braid of thorns twisting out and about as a full extra appendage. Snatching snowballs from the air and ground and even arms of our opponents to either throw or slam back into their faces. Totally hidden with the Betwixt from perceptions of all but our Skulk... and Hackt.

    But she''s using that to keep its focus on her. Never letting Hackt afford even a heartbeat of distraction upon us without punishing that with a deft snowball strike to the face. And often with one of the most mushy creations. Things that dribble and force any she hits to take at least a little time to clear their vision.

    The Snowball Battle between the three of us lasts for a little while longer than against the Permafrost Urge. The members of the Thundercallers can''t wield the ice against us like they could, but their own weavings of the Song cause their bodies to move faster than normal. Where we throw one snowball, they throw three, and where they throw three, Hackt pelts both our groups with four snowballs the size of my head.

    It''s not really fair that it is used to both our tactics, but I guess it has to make its own fun somehow?

    The battle ends when Joan manages to spot the big beast of a doll and smacks its ass with a snowball, causing it to whirl around in indignant embarrassment. Again, and I can''t stress this enough, I have never seen Hackt embarrassed. It''s kind of nice to see it so expressive. I think this place is good for it.

    "Good fight!" I holler out, and wave my Dolls to gather around. "This was wonderful."

    Nelara and Aralen let their arsenal of cold slushy weapons drop to the ground as they giggle and return to having their tails wind about each others. Starting to help each other clear the remaining ice from their Frames while bumbling up to my side.

    Joan does the same, but letting her braided tangle return to a single long twitching limb while stepping close.

    Hackt gives a satisfied sigh at the end of the snowball fight, approaching me and kneeling, and then subsequently curling up to be as close to eye level with me as possible. "Master, Will you come to meet with this one and the new Grandmaster of the Thundercallers? This one has a...gift prepared for you."

    "Of course." I reply immediately. "Would you like this to be private?"

    "It does not have to be. As a matter of fact, This one was of a mind to invite the Permafrost Urge to bear witness."

    "Then let''s do that. They are good sports, and thoroughly trounced me in the snowball fight we had before this." I respond with a smile.

    "Haha. This one won''t let you forget the loss any time soon." It smiles at me, but doesn''t needle me about the lesson in humility, standing up to its full height and leading us to the home of the Thundercallers. Further still, past hallways and rooms until we come to a large training courtyard. Hackt is silent for the span of a dozen or so heartbeats before Kahl and other members of the Permafrost Urge show up forming a circle around us.

    No...wait. Around me?

    "Hackt... What''s uhm... What''s the plan here?" I ask with trepidation.

    "Yes, I would like to know that as well. It''s not every day our rivals invite us to their home." Kahl speaks, curiosity in their voice.

    The doll offers me a smile before speaking. "This one will explain. It will tell its story." It pauses for a moment, its eyes closing. When it reopens them, the pain is plain to see. "This one was born as Emmasynn, the Voice of Fury. This-No. I was the first in this Grove to ever hear the Vigs¨¢ng. I taught the tones and verses of the song to my order, The Trumukallar. This was almost two hundred years ago. The Permafrost Urge did not exist then, and judging by how the song works around them, I can only assume they came after I exiled myself."

    Hackt paused only long enough for Kahl to nod their head in affirmation.

    "My birth-sisters died, Master. I could not live with the grief. Ah, I''m getting off topic. For all those years, the Trumukallar had neither leader nor candidate, not until I''d returned. Now, thanks to my being owned by you - of my own will, I will add to those sensitive to such things - I have finally named my successor." It turns to face me.

    "Which brings me to my gift. Rufus of Grove Thorn and Endlose Arme, I have invited you into the home of my heart, and have given you all the hospitality and protections therein. You, who are trained in the ways of the Vigs¨¢ng, of all the arts therein that I and others know, I name you Patron of the Song. Who dissents?" It shouts, the ground rumbling under its fury, daring someone to speak up.

    No one is foolish enough.

    "Good. Now, I will gift you the last, and newest art of the Vigs¨¢ng."

    Then it sings. Aloud and with the same tone of the Song, and for a moment I prepare myself for the blind rage that usually comes with hearing the Song aloud, but it never comes. No, what happens is more...personal to Hackt.

    The song is led into a frenzy, and one that tells a story about Hackt. I can hear the rage and regret over what happens to its siblings. I can feel the pain of forcing itself to serve undeserving masters for centuries. Then my doll shifts. In a flurry of cracking noises and blood, Hackt stands yet taller and is covered in dark grey fur. Massive paws as big as my chest where its hands were with claws as long as a shortblade. A combination of ursine and human features, I can feel the power coursing through its body as it settles into the new form.

    The twins take a careful step back, almost a small hop at the transformation. Can swear I hear a soft ''meep'' from Nelara as the changes settle across Hackt''s form. While the passive curious sway of Joan''s braid goes still, her eyes seem to take in all of the scene and none of it. Like some snek spotting something dangerous below and wondering if relocation to a new branch is a good idea.

    I breathe deep and descend into the song, letting the Vigs¨¢ng flow through me in pathways laid by my Resheathing and my study of Fleshcraft and Warlord Arts. Before I let myself slip deeper, I intone to the rest of the Skulk [Myself and Hackt are going to go for a run. Meet us in the snow fort later tonight.]

    [Yes Master.] The three reply immediately and head off.

    A giggle from Calix comes through. [Have fun! This one is so glad we were able to visit.]

    [We won''t be too long, but perhaps some lodging for a nap will do.] Hackt tones to the Skulk at large, waving everyone off.

    I let go, feeling the way that Hackt has crafted this technique and how it is an expression of its deepest instincts. I can''t just copy that, I must make it my own, claim that which lies buried within and bring it to the surface.

    Who am I? I was once a sad little girl destined for greatness and resenting every moment of it, but no more. I was once an exile from my home searching for control over my life, but no more. I was once... A monster subjecting those like me to torments in exchange for comfort, but... I''m still a monster. Not the same, never the same again. A monster in form now, not essence anymore. I am Rufus Chain, and I will be better.

    With a howl I drop to my hands and knees as my body rips itself apart, bones shattering and reforming longer, more bestial. My clothing shredded by the press of new muscle straining against its confines and a scream gets muffled in my throat as I fling my pendant away. This desperately blocks the bond from letting the rest of the Skulk know the agony I''m experiencing.

    As the transfiguration rips through me, I can feel myself being cradled by the strong arms of my Teacher and Doll. It begins to hum a tune, gently holding me as the pain grows. "It hurts, I know, master. The pain has not left me yet either. But it is also wholesome in its way. Don''t fight it."

    I nod and embrace the transformation further, feeling the horrific gush of wetness as my skin splits open just as my clothing did and instinctively shaking the fluids off of my fur. I stretch out my paws and hindquarters as I realize that unlike Hackt, I''m fully quadrupedal now. [Oh this is definitely Xafra''s fault.] I intone to the Skulk, Canting ::Amusement:: as I take a few bounding strides before rolling in clean snow to get the last of the effluvium off.

    [This is the second time This one has changed. It is gratifying to know that your transformation is as messy as mine was. The Dyrahamr is the last of the arts this one has and will comprise. That honour now falls to you, master.] Hackt''s features shift in what I assume can only be a bear-person''s best attempt at a grin. The snout doesn''t quite allow for such facial movements, but I can feel its mirth.

    I pant in excitement and thump my head against it. [I guess my main question is uhhm. Can I change back after and is it going to be this messy every time?]

    [Merely allowing the Song to run its natural course instead of singing your truth of self to it will allow you to change back. As for the mess... Well, this one thinks that if battle is going so poorly as to necessitate its use, a little gore of the self won''t matter to the incoming viscera. Perhaps it could be altered for a gentler shift though. You ARE the Patron of these arts now.] It rumbles after intoning this, a sound akin to a Grakkler''s purrs but...deeper, a sound that shakes my core.

    [Mmmm. Thank you. I will do my best to be worthy of this honour, and rely on you all to keep me on the right path.] I answer solemnly. We rest together there for a short while, long enough for me to get accustomed to my new form, then with a vigorously wagging tail I bark at Hackt and dash out of the Grove and onto the frigid mountainside.

    I can hear the rumbling thuds of the Arkthrope running after me when I run off, its eager playfulness evident. Hackt must weigh close to double her already substantial weight judging by the intensity of the thuds.

    I push myself, racing as fast as I can, loping between the trees and under snowdrifts with Hackt close on my tail.

    Meanwhile, Hackt is... less graceful. It does its best to jump and duck what could be avoided by its new and immense frame, but I can feel it revelling in its newfound form when it just... runs into, and through a tree!

    Bloody Riven Goddess, what strength!

    I tumble out of the way of the first playful swipe that uproots another tree, and bound vertically up the next tree in my path, hoping that the falling lumber will give me some extra distance.

    Hackt is still playing along, I suppose, as it fells the tree I''m on with another swipe of its hand-paw-thing, still chasing me, but not actually trying to catch me, I notice. It must be curious as to what we''re doing.

    I round the bend of a short overhang rapidly, and scrabble up it, leaping back the way I came onto Hackt [Got you!] I intone with delight.

    Hackt gives a little grunt as it catches me, flopping back onto a snow embankment before giving a little laugh and scritching behind my ear which, if I may say so, is a delightful sensation. [You did. Here I thought you were merely wanting to be chased, but it was tag this whole time?]

    [I have No Idea! It''s just so exciting and weird and scrunkly to be four legged and I''m just having so much fuuun.] I ramble back, wagging my tail fiercely.

    [Must be your new instincts. Calix was onto something when he started calling you puppy.] It cants to me, thoughtfulness evident in its voice, even though I know it''s just giving me shit. Hackt pulls me up. [Speaking of Calix...] And suddenly we''re running again.

    This time I follow Hackt''s lead, practicing the new strength of the form to swipe small chunks out of trees as I pass.

    [Calix, be warned. We are coming up on the group now and... well, you may be surprised.] It said as it came through the treeline and over to them, where it sets me down like a puppy.

    Calix dashes over and leaps at me, barreling me into yet another snowdrift with a giggle. "You look adorable! Vury furry, vurry scurry!" He teases.

    I bark happily and start herding my Skulk into the snow and ice fort, pausing for a moment before I enter myself to look up at our dearly riven moon goddess. what... are those? I wonder at the dots of light clustered across from the Moon like a swarm of sparkbugs. Doesn''t matter right now. Tomorrow''s problem at the earliest... alongside clothing. heheh.

    Together, myself and all the dolls curl up into a cozy snugglepile to sleep.

    The happiest I''ve been in a very long time.

 Chapter 98: How To Catch, and Safely Release, a Prickle Badger (Half-Knit)

    Content Warnin''s:

    Past life trauma. Kidnappin. Threats to beat a gerl senseless then heal her to do it again. The a SECOND kidnappin. This one softer and talks of not valuing own safety. Um... No smutt. woops. Child panic attack. Cracking eggs not ready to be hatched. Talk of spiliting soul to make the other half a bebe to help a cutie. dissconnect from body wribble. Frame being just a slimegerl with a garden inside.

    "What do you mean stepped out?" I demand of the silly Doll who greets me at the door here in the basement of the Library Spire.

    "Madam Augusta saw an invitation in the offerings above, asked this one to keep the rest private until her return. Other than it is of no threat to anyone. Just... a passing opportunity she couldn''t refuse." Gebetshure replies with more than one smile.

    Just... stare at them. Trying to decide if this Doll is worth pressing for more answers.

    But... I put this off. Waiting until Calix and Rufus and their gaggle was off. Days after my promised time had passed. Just too anxious and willing to take any excuse to avoid this Divine.

    Even with this new shell to keep the most wretched aspects of myself hidden.

    "Would you like this one to tell the Madam you wanted to see her first thing upon her return? Even have an appointment scheduled?" They ask with nothing but sweet pointed expectancy.

    "No thank you, Gebetshure. Nothing so..." I pause, trailing off and letting out a huff of a sigh. "Yes, fine, but no appointment. Just have her reach out and we''ll go from there. Also pass along my... apologies. I felt my obligations to ensure all was well with Calix''s family trip preceded what will be a quite... involved conversation."

    Augusta''s lover or consort or... whatever word they''d use, pauses. Considers for a few moments while those extra mouths purse in thought. Speaking up after a nod. "This one thinks the Madam would consider this a good first step. Yes. It will convey these words for you, Mistress Lynette."

    Then the Doll steps back and shuts the door very nearly in my face. Leaving me stunned for at least three heartbeats before letting out a muffled snort of annoyed amusement.

    What might have been howling snarling words of an old cunt about how to handle mouthy Dolls just¡­ a soft echo now. The Frame¡¯s filtration folds doing a wondrous job keeping the nonsense of the old spaced well away from the current muses of the now.

    And Elevar will get a kick out of that. These Dolls taking to such... brash words for me. Openly and without fear.

    And as I make my way up the steps and back out onto the grounds... I reach out to my twin. Who I can feel is still in our Spire. [So, turns out Augusta unavailable. And I find myself with an empty evening. Would you... like to try and finish that gift we''ve been considering for Adaline?]

    Elevar hesitates, and I can feel her worry bubble up at that. [Unavailable? As in she''s sitting with another Doll or...?]

    [Apparently she''s stepped out. And either Sekrh¨²s didn''t notice, or just... didn''t tell me. Either way Gebetshure offered me very little information other than she''ll be back eventually.]

    Can feel her sigh at that, grumbling this news to a nearby Xafra even. [Well... That''s less than wonderful. I''m sorry. But yes, I''d adore trying to finish up our project. Meet me in our study?]

    [Sounds perfect. I''ll be up in a bit. Just let me check on a few things.] I agree.

    I begin to move across the grounds, intending to sift through this new form¡¯s folds and many pockets to ensure nothing unexpected is growing between while moving to pull up my link to Sikkina''s Archive.

    To make sure my daughter and my Doll are finding better sleep than they ever found apart. Considering...

    Still haven''t asked if she''d like me to be something else to her. Not just because I''ve been infected with the spirit shredding fear that comes alongside love. But... But because their are Threads that must be carefully cut. Old bonds that could ruin her if I do that wrongways. If I was simply adopting her this would be simple. Easy even.

    But she is born from my Threads and corpses and is rife with sympathetic fear of¨C

    A jerk in my considerations as a spike of worry from Elevar pulls me from the muses like the first lightning on the crown of a summer storm.

    A gerl from the Driftdream has manifested before her and Xafra.

    Nadine. And... wreathed in the form of a Sun-Blessed?

    Moonshite. Was hoping I was wrong about it being her of Xafra''s originals that bore His spores upon her death and forging into the Driftdream.

    So I cut short my other errands and make my way there. Find them still in the kitchen area we met Calix and his traveling gaggle with.

    Nadine is kneeling before my twin and our Xafra as I stop in the doorway. Form of Physis covered with budding vibrant growths. Regal even, especially for a girl who wanted nothing more than to be a humble village¡¯s blacksmith.

    Raise an eyebrow and lean against the frame, "Well, as much distaste as I have for the reasons, I must admit that you do look a flower tilting into full blossom, Nadine"

    "Perfect timing, Lynette." She says quietly to me with a sad smile before turning back to Xafra. "I am a Smith. Not one of Bondsmith Arts, but a Smith nonetheless, and so it is my duty and obligation to temper steel and hammer out weak points. My Goddess Xafra... Bloodprice Binding - Father''s Madness." With the words and a sickening swirl of Nomos that pours from Xafra''s throat, she falls to the floor as Nadine stands.

    Don''t even need a blink of my twin''s heartbeat to understand¡­ And act.

    Ah. The threat would be from within. Of course. Krelliva and Feryudra a distraction for him to weave this net.

    [Blitzk?der] I snap and ride the twisting of false lightning to stand before a loom over this gerl as crackling fury tears furrows into the air around.

    Spire shivering, establishing pointed dominance and focus combined with a Witch''s training to find...

    Moonshite. The weaving is from within Xafra too. No Nomos aura to Empty out. Not unless.... unless... well.

    No unless.

    This''ll be a weakness to tend to later.

    Let Elevar catch our gerl while I hiss down at Nadine, letting this form unfold a touch. Extra limbs that''ll hurt to look at and understand cracking forth around her. "So, next steps? You have my absolute attention. More than even that soon."

    Heartbeats pass and Xafra... doesn''t get up. She just lays there shaking as Nomos pours from her eyes in an endless weeping.

    "Nadine! Release her!" Elevar growls, gripping our gerl tight. Tendrils tittering in furious warning as Physis cracks forth from them. Move to nip and bite at this fool''s ankles while also winding about and sinking teeth into Xafra.

    Getting a taste of the Physis and Nomos at work. Can feel her working to identify where its patterns end and Xafra''s begins. Work the flavor into the equations of her Einwandfrei.

    [Too messy though. The Blasenplage would either leave bits intact and screaming. Or tear too far into our gerl and leave scars. Just like the Dolls and the Garrotes. Too closely knit for you.] I inform her before she can do something stupid I''ll need to counter and handle atop the mess already presented to us.

    She grinds teeth in hobbled anger, but hesitates.

    Wait for what words this infested gerl has for us. What her Madthing of a god demands.

    "I cannot. The Bloodprice must be paid. Next is a choice. Either Lynette finally opens the thorn-rotting door, or... she doesn''t. If she does, she''ll be able to remove the weave herself. If she doesn''t, It will come undone with Sikkina''s hatching. I am... Not going to deprive a girl of her mother. Elevar, you''ll want to muffle the bonds and the Pack link as best you can soon, she''ll start screaming once Girra ends me and It will be... unpleasant." Nadine responds listlessly.

    In our growing hesitations she looks down at Xafra and whispers. "Don''t tell Tiffany, please. She¡­ She deserved better."

    Can''t help but seethe in fury as I reach out and take up this fool gerl by the collar. Using my twin''s understanding of Nadine''s spirit to let me hook her as securely as a grakler on an iron wrought line.

    Feel endless corpses below howl in anticipation for the choices I''ve already made, it seems. Flooding my mind with memories of... of things I can''t let overwhelm me. The new Frame stopping the worst bits but¡­ the fear bubbling within me makes it harder not to adopt the fiercest echoes.

    Cackling and screaming and biting and tearing and even betrayal of a stupid Floret so she can finally stop¨C

    "Elevar, ignore the fool gerl. Tend to our Xafra as... as best you can." I snap and cut off the spiral. Then, to the knife on my twin¡¯s hip. "Warden. Gather your Pack. You are Lead for the day. Don''t let them leave here until the weepings stop. Don''t come looking for me or this one until I''ve finished my work. Coordinate with Verbess to weave melodies to help you all pass through what''s coming together."

    Look to Nadine, then... tug and force us both back into the Driftdream before anyone can waste time arguing with me.

    Feel the Frame I left behind move quicker than the wind toward... somewhere. A place it''ll feel safe for a good nap, probably.

    Landing just before the curse woven door within. Don''t even worry about the way the boards and dream itself crack beneath me a bit.

    "And as for you." I snarl, barely resisting the urge to shake the girl about like so many memories demand me to do. Only... lifting her so that her feet lose the floor and dangle. Gripping arms and shoulders and will with countless other talons to stop her from slipping away. Letting my spirit Hooks sink deeper. "I''m going to make you pay for every drop of Rotting Dreams this will cause. No Madthing gets to unmake you. Not today."

    "It''s easier this way. He really is mad. More than anyone realizes and... I think I''m slipping now that I''ve let the rest of me in. It''s why it''s so important you do it soon. Before it''s too late for you and Xafra breaks along with you." Nadine says with pity. "You''re going to be around forever, and one shattered Goddess is enough."

    Stupid Half-Knit. Should have asked us to help instead of just... letting Him use your fear and pain to lure us into this trap. Is the growl I let thrum through me, looking over to the door. Reaching out with endless talons to unbind the seals.

    Wordlessly sink talons and spirit hooks deeper into Nadine as the door creaks open. Then... I turn and storm through the passage beyond. Nadine held firmly like some still wriggling prize in a predator''s jaw.

    Feel the wretched rotting broken spores mangled through my Threads twist... and begin to feast on the Nomos within. Not though my link to Elevar''s flesh, of course. But through my new Frame''s well layered connections.

    "Alright, Madthing. You wanted to talk? Fine." I growl while latching onto the Blaze woven through our Xafra like some crabs do upon stupid fools wandering the beaches. Ensure my ties to Nadine are solid and barbed, then tug hard with a ruthless focus of one not willing to wait. "Let''s talk."

    "He''s not here. That''s what I was trying to tell you! This... wasn''t His idea. All that''s here is the rest of you. He wasn''t able to reach me until I took in the rest of myself." Nadine insists. "You keep thinking He''s an evil genius, when He''s just an insane child who was broken before ever reaching Divinity. He doesn''t plan. Ever. Not for sixteen thousand years, it''s just¡­ moment to moment."

    Can''t help but pause as I feel the rising tides with the Nomos. Feel the weight of... of...

    Empty. Dead. Like stumbling in an old home long burned to cinders and left to rot. Just as Sekrh¨²s told me they would be. Almost... almost hoped it was wrong. That there would be something... different, here. Within the Nomos. The memories of a less than ruthless creature waiting to embrace the broken thing I was woven into.

    Maybe even memories of family. But... No. Of course not.

    "Yes, you are correct. The span of a heartbeat to one who can think and consider almost unlimited spirits within might as well contain an eternity of thought." I agree and explain with as much calm as I can. "To think beyond or without too far ahead would be... impossibly unpleasant. And that''s despite all else."

    Eyes Forward, because behind us lay only corpses and the things that feast on them.

    "Because memory to one so old isn''t something He keeps like we do. Literally can''t, I think. It would be too much to hold. He relies heavily on collective recollections. Countless ones woven together, through Him, by an eternity of perceptions and culture within and without His Blaze. Like how Xafra''s library represents her wellspring of knowledge."

    Keep talking. Keep focused. Keep slowly weaving these hooks through Nadine so I can tear her from Girra and Xafra in the same moment. Even avoid hurting all three, if I''m careful. Then handle this Bloodprice and decide how to handle the gerl devoid of a home or flesh.

    Nadine wiggles side to side in lieu of shaking the head I still firmly grip. Seeming to on some level understand what I¡¯m planning. Or guess at worst shaped schemes. "Can... We talk this out? Honestly with no deception? Because otherwise it''s going to be a race to the bottom to see who can pull off whatever dross they are planning first and... My gambit failed. I can''t prevent you from getting influenced by Girra the way I planned, so it''s just a matter of trying to fix what I''ve done now, at least¡­ From my point of view."

    Can''t help but pause and consider the fool gerl, not slowing my work but... finding a more comfortable pace that allows this little chat to progress without rushing into stupid mistakes. "Honestly. If you had done this to just me I''d have found it ever so amusing. Been more annoyed you weren''t trying to lure me into something murderous or even salacious than truly offended. But..." Sigh and pull her close. "You hurt my Xafra. And are still hurting her. And worse, have done so with a reckless precision that is difficult to undo. So, if you want honest discussions you may start offering your end any time, as I am quite good at multitasking. But speak efficiently, else I''ll finish with my solution before you can offer yours."

    "I surrender myself completely, and you gain ownership of all my knowledge, history, powers, body, soul, and debts, to do with what you will. It will grant you the capacity to undo what I did to my Goddess, as well as allow you to protect yourself from Girra without relying on Sekrh¨²s." Nadine states before continuing with a sharp voice, "And she was ours long before she became yours as well, that''s how I was able to do this in the first place. Can''t happen again though, I sealed the weak point."

    I pause to look her up and down.

    She laughs softly at what she sees, "You don''t even know what she''s experiencing. You''re so wise and arrogant but so young. I hate you for your hubris, but I love my Goddess."

    "Only that you''ve made her vulnerable in quite the wretched way. But... That is quite the fascinating offer." I narrow my eyes and consider the wriggling spirit in my clutches, tip-tapping spare fingers to hip in thought. "Rotten even. If certain outcomes grow of it. Do you imagine your Spirit will remain as it is? Whole and fully intact? No self-sacrifice nonsense? Just a change of placement and ownership, as it were? Anything less is muck and mud to me, of course, Nadine."

    "Whatever you wish. There is no reason I would be damaged unless you will it... or if you take too long and Girra decides to swat the Driftdream to get rid of me. I''m not willing to risk Xafra and offer any less."

    Chew on that for a few slowed heartbeats. Feel so many memories echo through the Threads to rise up and around to press perspectives and wills through me. Almost like their very blighted bones are digging upways through the muck around my feet. Louder and louder with every wriggle of the prey in my grip.

    Echoes of an Old wretched lover''s lessons. Demanding I leash so many as I would any Doll. Weave all useful sorts into a Frame to ensure any rebellions against my wishes be broken into compliance. She is a clever one and has already shown the ability and willingness to hobble her Host and Goddess... after all. What''s to stop her from violating my trust and doing worse to me?

    Countered by burning recollections of Rufus when he discovered our worse actions all those years ago. The look on a dear friend''s face when they realize they don''t know you anymore. Like he... he had come across the corpse resembling us and was still hoping he was mistaken about its identity.

    Or... Just do this how I thought I might need to anyway.

    "Fine, time for a tumble through the Threads, Nadine." I growl and hiss at the lot of them and myself and this stupid Half-Knit squirming beneath my grip. "Mind the corpses. Don''t follow errant lights or familiar voices but mine own. If a hand finds yours don''t let go though, it''s probably another you falling behind and needs help moving forward."

    "Idiot. Do whatever you want." Nadine states scornfully as she just dissolves in my grip, her form becoming a blacksmith''s hammer in my hand that contains all of her.

    [Eventually you and your slaver will understand how insulting it is to say that to someone with years more experience than yourselves.] The Physis communication wafts from the hammer against my hand, tetherlessly.

    ¡°Oh, certainly. Not today though. We have your mess to tidy up and manage.¡± I reply with a grin I cannot stop as I twist us both into motion.

    First, tug us backways into my Frame as it slowly rouses. Initiate examination growths. Both along my spirit hooks and our Xafra through Elevar''s still latched tendrils. Slowly starting to begin the work.

    The space around us... shifting to match Nadine''s spirit''s actual location and my perceptions of them.

    A layered workshop. A delightful mix of her forge, my study within the Estate, and a crackling shifting amalgam of the thing we must disconnect from my Xafra and either move to a Containment Chamber or dispose of. A wriggly messy thing still shaping itself as my links to Nadine weave it into understandable shapes.

    Glance about, look down and...

    "Hmmm... No. Absolutely not." I sigh and toss the hammer into the air to hover before me. See if a gentle but deft orderly nudges of Miasma can...

    ?Flesh/Bipedal/Previous-Shape?

    Will Nadine out of this hammer''s form and into that messily dressed humanoid shape from before. Apron and all. Even the Sun-Blessed bits the fool gerl claimed. Still firmly ''within my grasp'', but in a more useful and comfortable shape here for this work''s metaphorical apparitions.

    "If you''d enjoy zipping about as a floating hammer that is perfectly acceptable." I clarify, eyeing her up and down. "I simply need your mind more than brute will to handle this mess. So... whichever shape is your preference, of course."

    Nadine settles into a comfortably human form, the only visible trace of her Sun-blessed nature evident in the forge gloves she wears being made of barkflesh instead of leather. "As you will."

    "Wonderful, now. Walk me through this... viciously fascinating curse you''ve inflicted." I nod and step to the opposite side of the worktable that our subject sits upon. "My spirit hooks are already absorbing a lot, but your words and conscious perceptions will offer invaluable clarity since you wove it."

    With a pair of tongs from her apron, she slides one end of the weave into a vice, and tightens before stretching it taut. "It is two weaves in reality. The Bloodprice Bonding is an actuator that keeps the second weave maintained and increases its strength by converting damage dealt to itself to nomos. Father''s Madness is a weave that I designed to... think happy thoughts. Xafra is currently experiencing my first date with Tiffany. It''s the only thing that kept the trapped part of me even slightly stable for so long." She shakes her head. "Anyway. If you as my new owner forgive the Bloodprice, that part of the weave will end immediately. Father''s Madness can be dismissed easily afterward."

    Stare at her for what will feel like a dozen long heartbeats while outside this space it is... about half of one.

    "Cracked and Riven... All this, and she''s just trapped in a soft memory?" I begin, not breaking eye contact. "And at most will probably wake up confused and a touch... embarrassed if not aroused."

    Glance down to the weave and... find its shapes matching her descriptions. Even see the titters of warm and soft memories woven deep inside.

    "Xafra is my Goddess. The totality of my existence for longer than recorded history. I would never hurt her. Manipulating you and Elevar in comparison is irrelevant. I¡­ Don''t know what Sekrh¨²s told you. I assumed that the memories were within for you, but apparently they''re in your Doll and... I refuse to harm an innocent like that. So you can have mine instead. All the blighted denizen knowledge you can dream of from a coward who betrayed her beloved in the moment of death." This time, the utter self-loathing comes through unmasked, nothing held back from me.

    "Aaaaah, your spirit was bisected. Identical parts split and gifted away. Half to Girra, the other into Xafra. Part of you lost Tiffany to some dark ritual and dwelled within the Blaze after, the other at her side for eternity in the Driftdream. Or well... almost." I murmur, then glance back up. "Messy, stupid. And, I''m guessing, endlessly tormenting to have those twinned aspects reunited. I can very much relate to that. But honestly, Nadine. Your betrayal wasn''t all those years ago. You''d no real options or control there. And were basically a child to the Witches who killed your village. No, It was today. When you decided to ask another to apologize for this self-destructive act and leave your lover to endlessly feel that she wasn''t good enough for you to tell her about this."

    "Yes." She shrugs. "You call it self destructive, but that was not the goal, merely the price. You''re Xafra''s weak point currently, with your constant paranoia and backways dealings despite her foolish amount of love and acceptance for you. You stole her child and claimed it as your own, and she welcomed you as a co-parent. You need to be better and I was attempting to ensure that happened. Also, for all of our sakes please pick a name that''s actually yours, not someone you were based off of. It''s limiting your Wairua significantly."

    "You see, that''s the thing, Nadine. That''s the exact Cracked and Riven problem." I growl softly, wondering if tossing aside caution and secrecy could be... beneficial here.

    "Not like you can wander off and tell anyone." An old echo of Elevar huffing at one she''d captured and was tugging back to the grounds for a terrible fate rolls through me. "You''ll keep secrets as safe as a fire will a journal. So... why not? I''m curious as to your thoughts on me."

    Fine then, worst case I''ll... Well, she''ll not speak to this talk. One way or another. She''s locked from all Divines'' observations while in my grip.

    "You say I''m paranoid. That my ways of doing things are backways and acts contrary to the love shown me. Adorations I know I do not deserve, of course. Keep needling me to try and get help from those that feel that. And more assume they know what''s best because they can just... see the wounds and voids. But no one is even starting to actually ask the right questions. So let me prod your supposed well-aged insightful mind and ask, directly, why do you think I''m avoiding the nonsense of Naming? Especially if my Wairua would deepen in potency? That''s power I could claim to protect everyone. Even wield against the one you call my slaver. Am I a fool? A coward? A thing strangled from doing so? Helpless maybe?"

    "There is risk in a name. Always has been. I don''t think you are a fool or a coward. I think you''re young in some ways, and yet it''s likely that the part stripped from you is as old as myself. I don''t know why you''re avoiding it, but¡­ I''d like to. I would like to offer my guidance and support in a manner you can unflinchingly trust. I am yours. I cannot lie to you, I cannot tell your secrets, I cannot work against your interests, even for what I perceive would be better for you. In many ways... This is the better outcome, regardless of what I might come to lose personally. Because you improving is good for my Goddess, and good for the world in turn. What I will venture is a reminder... There is also risk in being nameless. Girra could force one on you, as could D?mmerung, or Augusta, or even Xafra in a moment of desperation. Not sure about Sekrh¨²s... don''t know how much power she has in that regard. I think... You should choose how you are shaped or find a way to prevent others from shaping you." She pauses and takes a step back. "I... Oh. Does a part of you consider Sekrh¨²s your parent? It would be reasonable, in a sense. I only know what her kind was, not what she''s become in the long darkness between my past and my present."

    I listen with quite rapt interest to this fool gerl''s observations. Absorbing words and considerations. But...

    If I was in Elevar''s flesh I imagine our left eye would twitch something furious at that final guess, but I do take to cackling. Rather unsteadily. "No, to your last point. She did not birth or brew or in any way gestate or incubate me to sentience. She... And wouldn''t that make all of this the most reckless mess though? Myself lover and Mistress to her aunt, mother to her cousin. But... No. Thank the dead and unrotting Moon for that. Unless you''d consider Presephona Xafra''s daughter because the gerl Dollified the woman. Then you''d be a fool. Which you''re very much not."

    Calm the mess inside, sidestep the issue before she tumbles into quite uncomfortable realities. Consider... offering some truths to keep us on track.

    "Sekrh¨²s can''t name me, I don''t think, but she could strip me of as many names as any Divine might try to strangle me with. It''s something she''s quite good at, actually." I reply thoughtfully. "But you''re on the right path. Honestly. What if I told you that you''re wrong about the location of past memories? That my Doll doesn''t, in fact, contain mine or any others?"

    "Then I would be relieved and¡­ concerned in equal measure. I would worry that whoever has them could use them against you. Girra was certain they were there, He stored them in the Driftdream himself. You were wrong about how He remembers stuff by the way. The collective memory exists through him, like... plankton in water. He is the water and remembers everything himself without organization or distinction, ignoring the collective memory except for when he needs to pluck something out due to risk of misuse or to ensure one who is severed from him can keep them private. I know this more distinctly than anyone else, I believe. It''s why his sense of scale is so distorted, yet each individual one of his so called blessed can comprehend the value of any single life. Xafra has a much firmer foundation to maintain sanity thankfully."

    Corpses howl and cackle to the melody of Nadine''s considerations. Sensing another''s footsteps stepping past their domain.

    "Do then... tell me, my budding Sun-Scorched. What happens when He forgets." I whisper gently. "When the plankton rots. Or, quite impossibly, is stolen away? Not just the flesh. But the Nomos acting as roots within the Blaze?"

    Grip this one tighter. So... very glad to be able to speak with one unable to blabber my secrets. Locked from His gaze. Maybe even... more. If I ever need her to be.

    "Might you quickly free Xafra first to reassure your twin? She would likely begrudge you the delay if not. We can resume this exact line of conversation afterwards, as I have... a lot to explain if I am to... express exactly how impossible it is for Him to forget, and that there are only two entities I know of who could steal the Nomos itself from his Blaze, and how unlikely it is that either would." Nadine asks. "Also if the grip reassures you, it is fine, but unnecessary in terms of restraint. Not even Girra can take me from you now that I''ve surrendered myself to you."

    I agree with my next motions. And It''s... far too easy. Just a focused effort as simple as sliding a cup of water across a table. Forgiving this... stupid Bloodprice. Then snapping the weave beneath and feeling my Xafra tumble free nearly before I''m finished.

    [Alright, Xafra is free and perfectly safe. I''m still dealing with Nadine.] I intone to our Pack. [And no, by ''dealing'' I mean talking. Not unmaking or tormenting. Might even let her wander back into the arms of her lover just to be incredibly insufferable.]

    "Of course." I offer her as the remains of the workings dissolve into the root floor beneath our feet. "It''s from Girra. As for what it is... It''s porously weighted substances with density that rates opposite to physicality. Different from Ousia and Physis. Honestly. It depends on how in the weeds you wanna get on magical theories. But what almost all Witches with a spit of sense agree is that each act as... almost like nutrients in healthy soil for everything. All three contribute to the balance of life within our reality. Whether that''s because the Divine''s started the process or simply... adopted or conquered it is also up for debate."

    "Nomos isn''t from Girra, just as Miasma isn''t from Augusta. He just likes the aesthetic and practicality of the Weeping. Nomos is created with each new life, and evaporates with each end. He hijacked the process in order to create his Sun-Blessed with their collective memory.¡± Nadine explains at length, seeming to finally feel in her element. ¡°Before, on the other Firmaments before the Divines made this one, it apparently simply... gushed out of the egg or womb with newborns. Nomos is Law. The manifestation of Order in its most primal state, and the inverse of Miasma. In our time, the Nomos wasn''t as overpowering because Physis was stronger, buffered by S¨ªn. Bit of a tangent but I personally expect that the jungles that infest the witchlands you all dwell in will likely begin to shrink and decay to the sizes they were before moonfall. Anyway, my point is that Nomos doesn''t ever rot, and the collective memory of the Sun-blessed will last until Girra himself dies. The only one I know who has ever stolen from Girra is Xafra''s brother Chalice. I had the displeasure of experiencing that with Girra firsthand. And I think it''s very unlikely that Sikkina would ever do it, unless one of her mothers asks it of her."

    As she talks, the room shifts to something less workshop and more... relaxing. With chairs and even a dining area. Becoming more cozy and comfortably warm.

    [I... Yes, she''s explaining that now. Our Pack even seems to be settling a bit.] Elevar intones back. [What about you? Are you... alright? Your body took off quicker than I could react.]

    [Tightly spun iron, as always. Will nudge it to return so we can share notes in a bit.] I reply and focus on Nadine once more.

    "Fascinating." I consider, leaning against one of the seat''s backs. "Buuut.... Well, this Chalice godling was inspired, at least in later parts of his rotting, by Sekrh¨²s. Worse to many than she is. But I think that''s due to these grounds lack of reach. What it lacks there she makes up for in sheer... persistence. And conditioning. Her names were set before even his. In fact, his third was gifted by her even. As is... well, Augusta''s, I think. When she cares to ask it to be revealed."

    "That makes a worrying amount of sense... Especially when you consider that Xafra is going to set Sekrh¨²s free completely. It''s one of her primary goals currently." Nadine responds.

    "Exactly." I agree and tilt my head in acknowledgement, "And thus... my avoiding that room in the Driftdream. Not even considering the nonsense of Naming. And, well, the construction of my new Frame. Can''t let the Madthing understand what became of those He loved. Would be like puppeting the corpses in grim mockery of the lost He can''t even fully remember."

    Almost stop after that. Leave the rest unspoken. But... Can''t. Mayhaps because I am simply relieved a gerl I liked can be sent back to console her beloved. Or perhaps I''m just as backways as she claims. So paranoid I can only speak the complete truth to one whom literally will be bound from speaking a word without my permissions. Probably just tired. Weary of not having a companion to bear all my secrets and wretched nature.

    Don''t let her see the way my spirit shivers as another might take a deep breath before speaking. Or how my focus considers the boundaries of my grip to ensure no other spirits will catch even an echo of these next words.

    "Because that''s the most terrifying part, Nadine. Sekrh¨²s has woven a tool that lets her slice so cleanly into His blaze that if used... Well, Imagine your Goddess waking up to find a few of her Geists missing without a trace. And those that lived close struggle to know whom she speaks of. Their names stricken from her Archives. Picture the fury and grief and utter inconsolable instability that would pair with the madness within Girra. That, dear one, is how Nomos Rots."

    "Can... She do that to Xafra?" Nadine asks in fear.

    "No. For lots of reasons." I assure her. "But most pointedly because this tool is tuned to Girra''s Blaze. And the Estate only accidently tumbled into weaving it just perfectly for Him. Can''t replicate the process. At least not easily or quickly."

    "Oh. That''s fine then. We don''t need to kill her." Nadine says, relieved.

    Quirk an eyebrow at her. "Oh, that easily? So confident you and I could outwit and strike at the heart of a thing prepared to endure more than a few blows from at least one ancient Divine and any younger ones that stand at their side?"

    "No, I expect it would be incredibly difficult, which is why it''s a relief we don''t have to try. Especially because it would upset Xafra." Nadine explains.

    "Of course. And so instead, we compromise. And only upset everyone a little bit." I grin and hold up a hand with two fingers held slightly apart in demonstration. "Well, so long as Girra never discovers such a thing exists, has been used on Him, and could do so at any moment. Otherwise He totters into instability and our choices get more... let''s say adventurous. As for Xafra... we delay. Distract. Treat this as a long-term goal she can''t expect to get done for some time. She, of all gerlthings, knows that unlocking chains takes longer than the bindings. And once Sikkina hatches... Well, that''ll give us more time still. As long as progress is made and Sekrh¨²s isn''t abandoned or rebound we can work something out, I think."

    "That''s... workable. Progress is important." Nadine thinks about it. "Is there anything else urgent? If you would permit it, I would appreciate the opportunity to apologize to Xafra."

    ¡°Hmmm¡­ No. You¡¯ll think on that for a day or so. Let her absorb and consider today¡¯s nonsense.¡± I state, moving to stand before her, ¡°As for the meantime¡­ You have a lover to explain yourself to. Run some tests at the same time. Because unlike your Goddess I mean to put you to deliberate harmonized works.¡±

    "...Oh. Thank you. What tests would you like me to run?" She asks in puzzlement.

    ¡°You want to protect Xafra?  Correct?¡± I press, ¡°Then you are going to test and catalog and find how to exploit her Driftdream. She¡¯s a stupidly trusting soul, but a weakness like you used today could end her. And her woven into a Pack¡­ especially one with a Cracked and Riven Sun-Blessed? I need to know I have a watchful pair of eyes where I dare not tread. Understood?¡±

    "Understood. I''ve patched a number of weaknesses previously, so this is routine for me..." Nadine bows. "By your leave then, I''ll return again at your command."

    Grip her spirit tighter, weave the hooks just so, ensure nothing important spoken here will be freely able to be shared. Either by accident or mistake.

    Also make sure she feels that limit. Knows every little expectation my working suggests. But... knit in counter tugs. The ability to yank back on something she finds less than ideal or fair. Open communication and all that before finding a limit.

    Because this is basically a Garrote. Nothing like Yselda would ever be caught dead weaving. It''s simple and crude and more like a leash. She could tangle me in it if she got clever. Which... Part of me hopes she does. Would be fascinating to watch and experience, honestly.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    "This fold within my Frame is your new Anchored point, but travel to Xafra''s Driftdream is open. Mind the gap. And... well, remember what I told you before." I gesture to a new pathway shifting to form on the far wall. "This counts as Tumbling through the Threads and I don''t need you wandering accidently into part of Sekrh¨²s. You won''t enjoy its hospitality very much."

    "Permission to speak freely?" She asks, anger marking her tone finally.

    "Have you not been?" I reply without hesitation. Even let a smirk show her my true curiosity. "Because I want nothing less from you than everything you can offer."

    "You piss me off so very much and I want to break your face, heal it, and break it again until you learn to bloody listen." she sneers. "And yet, I cannot even touch you without your permission. Whatever twisted masochistic fantasies you''re weaving along with this Garrote will never come to pass because I CANNOT DEFY YOU. Nomos is part of me and every Sun-blessed moron in a way it isn''t in any other species. Surrendering to you isn''t something I can undo or fight against. it''s done. My agency exists only at your discretion. Thus, while I am permitted to, I will express exactly how disappointed and insulted I am that you would use something as crude as a Garrote on me. A pale imitation of what Nomos is capable of if the Sun-blessed chose to wield it that way."

    "I... What?"

    Hesitate. Keep my smirk frozen but unmoving. Trying to understand if this is just some odd strike to unsteady me.

    "Is that something that''s part of all Sun-Blessed? A deliberate surrender giving another complete power over your actions?"

    "That''s how the spores work. Girra could puppet any one of them if he wanted to, from the very moment they surrender themselves to Him and become Sun-blessed. That''s why I know he isn''t evil or malicious, just... mad.¡± She explains. ¡°It''s not a simple surrender in combat or anything, but a complete and utter deliberate consenting surrender to another. It... doesn''t happen. Why would any of them give up eternity with their God and new family? When you feel up to it, you can of course peruse my memories at your leisure to confirm this yourself."

    At her explanation... all howling from the corpses below stops.

    Turn back, try to... to regard the silence with the suspicion it deserves. Reaching for memories before my weaving into Elevar.

    Find them sealed, like always. But¡­ Not heavily. Not like the Garrote twisted things from my twin''s final months with our old cunt of a lover.

    Could push past. I think. Especially with this new Frame to bolster my strength and abilities. Didn¡¯t even consider that a thing it could help me with. The primary goal was protection from the prying gaze of the Divines.

    "Nadine..." I ask carefully. "Up until this moment I''ve operated under the assumption that I was woven from a dead Sun-Blessed. A constructed entity grown from the ashes and bones, as it were. Like Warden in more ways than anything. My limits Garrote or Directive enforced despite my inability to see such things within me. But... if the creature I am rooted to surrendered itself to Sekrh¨²s. As you have to me. How would I... know?"

    Her glare deflates at that. Expression cracking from anger to worry at each word until all that¡¯s left of her fury might as well lay shattered at her feet. "It''s... That''s not an easy question to answer. There''s a way to know for certain but it would be to...  try to surrender to someone else. If you can and it works, you''d know. If you can and it doesn''t work, you''d know. If you''re unable to, it''s either that or something like a Garrote."

    Could take just... a little peek. Like how some birbs in the forest will stick an eyestalk into a snek''s den to see what''s inside. Pull out if something with fangs tries to take a bite. Worse case lose an easily regrow able part of myself.

    Yes. Good. Carefully then. In and out. Quick as death.

    I do so. Wriggle a mere part of my focus up to the barrier between myself and those memories. Shove it past to see what''s¨C

    Could take just... a little peek. Like how some birbs in the forest will stick...

    ... Oh.

    "Moonshite." I hiss aloud while I glare at the severed weeping part of my awareness, nudging the Frame out within the real to rise from its nap.

    The room shivers and tilts a touch. The awareness that was docile and lazy before snapping to a rapt attention. Eye''s now coat the walls to regard us both. At least a third focusing and examining this new spirit lodged within this snug little fold of itself.

    "Get to Xafra, Now. I don''t know what you did, but you likely won''t get another chance if you don''t try now." Nadine begs.

    ?Attend/Assimilate examination weaving 7890/Cease passive Observations of Spirit lodged in Fold 90450/Await instructions via direct Threaded stimuli? I Cant to my new Frame. Feel it obey without hesitation and begin bending a new fold of Miasma about what probably looks like my ankles and wrists to her. All those eyes lazily closing as the room settles once more.

    "It''s nothing but a flesh wound. And ones I suffered plenty of times. And don''t... worry about this place''s oddness." I explain to the gerl before she can take to panicking. "It''s totally submissive to me and only hungers for very big naps and things to snuggle to. I''m just curious if it can help me see what memories and considerations are hidden from before. A good layer of armor between me and whatever is severing my focus could just be the trick I need to peer past."

    "I worry that you''re being reckless." Nadine offers. "If I may, I will remain here with you while you work."

    She has gone in such a short while from someone attempting to coerce me, to one wanting to break me, to one wanting to keep me safe. How utterly¡­ fascinating. A touch foolish, of course. But more amusing with how often I¡¯m the one she brands as unstable.

    I almost snap back a little nip of snark to that. Her claiming my actions could be reckless after all she''s been up to today. But... need the fool gerl focused. She''s clever beyond reason when she wants to be, and her observations could be quite valuable.

    "Alright, I''m curious how this''ll all look once I stop maintaining my half of this room''s perceptions." I agree and begin to reach out once more to the shrouded barrier between me and the memories from before my weaving into Elevar. "And relax... Recklessness implies I''m not taking necessary precautions. Which I have."

    Reach past, Frame both encasing and extending my senses, brace for a backways loop of memory in case this fails and...

    "What an... interesting thing." The Old Cunt purred from outside the trap I was stuck in. "Not like any Denizen I''ve seen, and... Cracked and Riven Moon the only way to tell this early is to give it a spot of Nomos. Which would be stupid. So we''ll feed it to the Estate and see what kind of Doll comes out the other end."

    Smother that. Just the memory of this corpse getting caught. Useless. Move past. Still blind but... can... keep digging? Through this muck and slop? Wait. No. No no no no¡­.

    Burrowing.

    Always good at that. Guided by tasting the things I need to find. Whether warm memory rivers that soak through everything, other snugglers to share a den with, long dead things needing chewing on, or... just warmer ashes.

    Easier without eyes too! They can be such a distraction...

    Find the next memory. Gobble it up like a cold bone. Crunch Crunch Crunch through the marrow. Slerp up the tasty insi¨C

    Pulling my clutch close. So many. Some like me. Small and wiggly with soft scales. Others fuzzy and just nuzzling here while waiting for the cold above to warm again. Brothers and Sisters and even Lovers found within and outside the Blaze.

    Bleh! Too sweet. Supposed to find the rotted things. Gobble up the bones with the worse smell. Takes a bit to pick it out from the corpse pile. Longer to crack it in two. Drink up the muck inside to try and find¨C

    "Stop!!! You... You big stupid rock humping, sand gobbling idiot!!!" Was my growling snarl as I approached the Beast amidst Her sea of slowly rotting mewling corpses. All her focus upon the stupid Witch above trying to become this wretched place''s next Blossom. But... the dumb gerl has rejected two implanted workings already and could easily die before a third could fail!

    The Beast did pause though, but... only long enough to see what this stupid little corpse would do just before she decided to turn a cruel and playful annoyance upon it.

    "I know a weave she''ll accept." I offered quickly. Before my courage cracked and shattered to pleading fear. "Something Girra would never dream of inflicting. Woven from things only a Sun-Blessed can make, but that strangled Goddess won''t be able to get rid of without ruining herself."

    The Beast turned then, pulsing delight as she asked a wordless series of probing questions.

    "I''ll submit and show you how shape the spell. Of course! How else did you expect me to do it?" I snapped the heart of my offer bitterly.

    And the Beast only giggled in delight. Like others might when some brewn treat is ready to pull free and taste the long cultivated flavor. The corpses of my former Spore family all around setting to screaming in surprise and furious sadness at my betrayal.

    "BUT, the safety of my other little one will be my price." I''d added. "All others but those two children can rot for all I care. Including... Including Girra. Will teach my daughters to survive on the marrow within the cracked bones of a dead world and all their Divines, if I have to."

    And of course the Beast agreed. Then took possession of everything I had left in my Blazeless corpse.

    Jerk back and into the fold with Nadine once more. Spirit and form and everything between shivering as I stare wide-eyed at nothing but the settling memory echoes.

    Realizing what I''ve done.

    Nadine prowls around me, looking intently. "You did it. Good. I''ll tell you now that it doesn''t matter what you betrayed, only what you''re willing to protect. It was reckless, just as my actions were, but I''d argue we both succeeded in what we were trying to achieve... Would you prefer me leave for now or... sigh... if you desire I can assist in stress relief or relaxation."

    "Stupid Half-Knit." I spit, rising. Feeling the barrier... is cracking. Leaking more stupid memory echoes I''m going to have to endure now. Can''t help but chuckle unsteadily in terror at that.

    Things from my corpse''s past as a Sun-Blessed that will slowly infect me.

    "Took Schatzi nearly six months to get Elevar comfortable with letting her help relax or comfort us. Eight to seduce the mess of a gerl. Two years for Verbess to all but pounce and pin her to something." A heartbeat to compose myself, then look to Nadine. "No. You are going to follow me."

    Stride toward the exit. Don''t even look back to see if she''s following. Just... grip the now far too heavy hammer she wove herself into tighter. Soon find myself standing in the shade of the forest at the edge of Xafra''s Driftdream.

    Moving forward toward and through the village while pointedly ignoring the mid-evening weeping of the Madthing above. Safely shrouded by my new Frame''s protections from His more pointed observations but... still made ever more furious by the weight of the twin Sun''s presence here.

    [Damnation. Don''t... please. Lynette. No. Please don''t. I can''t, don''t.] Nadine begins to quietly weep in my hand.

    [Oh? Don''t WHAT, Nadine?] I snap. [Walk you home? You called Tiffany your Beloved. Did you mean to use that word, or is she just a Passing Flame to you? There is no shame in admitting she was simply a first love you''ve decided is not one to build a life with.]

    [IF YOU HURT HER I WILL NEVER EVER FORGIVE YOU AND I''LL FIND A WAY TO MAKE YOU SUFFER FOR THE REST OF ETERNITY YOU ROTTEN CUNT!!!] Nadine screams at me.

    [Oh. Good. Honestly, Nadine. I''m touched you''ve tried so hard to make our relationship work. But... We''re just so different.] I let myself smirk amidst discomfort and bubbling fury while approaching the door to her home. Knock gently. [I''m sorry. Or... well. Not really. It''s all my fault after all. Am too much of a mess for you to handle if we''re both being honest. We''d never make this work. Would kill each other within a week.]

    Door opens, and Tiffany answers. Furrows eyebrows in confusion at the sight of me. "Miss Lynette? I... How can I help you?"

    "Your Beloved would very much adore if you took care of this for her." I answer, and press the hammer that is her love into her hands. Tug and tear away the weak Garrote like brittle old birb webs one finds at winter''s end, then Intone in my Witch and Matriarch laden Tone to both of them. "I pass Nadine into your Care and Grace, Tiffany."

    A pause of shock, then Nadine shifts back to her human form and embraces Tiffany, a sobbing mess. "I''m so sorry, my Love."

    Tiffany, totally confused and unaware of the mess that''s happened, embraces her back. "I... It''s okay. Love. Whatever it is we... I love you so much. You''re gonna be alright. I''ve got you."

    Looks over her Beloved at me, so very confused and worried and still deciding if she should be angry with the one who passed a weeping Nadine back into her arms.

    "Something warm to drink, and a soft place to sit will do her wonders." Is all I offer before turning and walking away.

    "Bloodprice Bonding - Preservation of Trust." Nadine invokes just before I''m out of range and...

    I hesitate, glance back to watch as Tiffany leads her Beloved Bound inside their home.

    Feel the weave settle. Not just stopping Nadine from speaking to what she witnessed today but... disallowing her to even remember what she learned about me today to prevent accidental leakage.

    "Not such a fool of a stupid Half-Knit, it seems." I can''t help but sigh in more than a touch of relief at that. Then intone to my Pack while pulling myself from the Driftdream back into my new Frame. [Alright. Nadine has been appropriately reprimanded and settled back into the arms of her lover. Disaster averted, thank the Cracked and Riven Moon. Warden, feel free to pass back the mantle of Pack Lead to its previous keeper and allow everyone to return to their day.]

    Focus on my surroundings out in the real. Try to understand where my Frame wandered off to for its surprise nap. Taking at least three heartbeats to understand the scent and feel of the odd dusty quilts I lay upon and...

    Oh.

    How did it even get in here?

    [That''s good. Sister Xafra has mostly been a blushing mess since she''s awakened.] Schatzi giggles through intonation.

    [Warden has found no further issues. Returning authority to Sister Krahe.] Warden replies.

    [Ehehe... Back to being the biggest grakler in the pile!] Krahe cackles, [Alright. You heard the the Mistress. Back to normal Good Function.]

    [Alright, I... okay. I assume you will still be wanting to work on our project today?] Elevar asks, obviously still off balance from all this mess.

    Push myself up, start to glance around.

    A touch... lost. Not because I don''t know where I am but just... endlessly wrestling down the memories that coat the floors and walls and shelves and even dust of this empty space.

    [Yes, of course. Just... Yes.] I intone, finally pushing myself to rise from where this Frame nestled itself. [Might take me a bit to catch up with you all. This silly Frame wriggled into an impossible place for its nap and detangling might take me more than a few heartbeats.]

    [Would you appreciate assistance or¡­?] Xafra asks.

    Oddly, I''m about to find myself accepting her aid. Not just because the gerl might have more than a fair bit of idea how to help me unbind the triple layer wards I had the grounds lay over this Spire. Things I crafted in panicked fury as a stupid Half-Knit demanded we burn it and everything within. Gagged me from calling for help and gave me no choice but to resort to basically trying to encase it in things I still only barely understand.

    And... I''m not sure I like the way these memories fill my nonexistent guts with bile. Roiling disgust at how much this place still terrifies two gerls I adore. Despite all the messily enthralling recollections that rise up for me.

    But then I notice the Beast waiting so very patiently for me to see it lurking at the edges of this Frame''s physical senses. Totally invisible to all the wonderfully potent other ways I should have become aware of something so very dangerous from the second it might come within a Grove span of my anything...

    Fight down a flinch of Threads and spirit and Frame as we lock eyes. Its form just as I last saw her when she last re-wove me. Vaguely feminine shapes twisting endless eyes and sharp edges and teeth gnashing and ready to feast on overly ripe rot she¡¯d spent closely cultivating and¡­

    [No. But... Thank you.] I intone very softly to Xafra. [So ever much for asking. I''d like to try my hand at escaping myself first, if you''ll indulge a stupid Half-Knit. A Witch does have her pride to tend to, after all. I got myself into this mess and getting out is... important.]

    Sekrh¨²s grins at my long-winded babble. Words it should not hear me communicate to my Xafra. Filling that endless gaze with amusement.

    [Of course, my Mistress... Stay safe if you can.] Xafra intones back to me [I hope Nadine wasn''t too much of a hassle. She''s reliable even if she gets rather intense.]

    "How... Are you here?" I ask after checking the Threads below to find... nothing amiss. Sekrh¨²s still bound and mostly resting. Not even pointedly focused on anything.

    So I intone to Xafra quickly as well, not... not wanting to lose her voice while sitting here with this Beast. [Always do. And Nadine was endlessly delightful, a total mess. Just... Well, she''s probably a Geist you get some of your excitement from. Swinging a hammer is basically the same as lunging with a spear, I guess? I wouldn''t know. Speaking of, could you let me know the tricks you used to nudge the Estate when you first came here? Some of these Wards are ancient and I''ve not the patience to delve into the Threads to find the means to disable them.]

    Sekrh¨²s lets out a huff of performative annoyance from where it sits in the Old Cunt''s favorite chair. "Well, I was enjoying the flavor of quite the delectable morsel upon my tongue. Was so excited. But... then our new Zurrzunge did the oddest thing. It spat her out. So I decided to swim up to find out the reason."

    Examine the folds within. Find all my wards and workings that should alert me to its pointed focus... undisturbed. Still and quiet. But do find my Miasma stores vastly reduced. Which means...

    [At the time I just used Yselda''s tone. I''m not certain it would still work anymore. I''d more recommend at least starting with asking my niece politely.] Xafra intones.

    Look up, and understand. It was able to peel off a part of this Frame''s stores like the Pack can do to Xafra''s. Is manifesting in a solid state like they could only do with Ousia or their Goddess'' Divine will. And all without me even noticing without actively seeing it happen.

    [You''re probably right, of course. Not even avoiding due to not wanting to ask It particularly. Just... like untangling problems myself. Or examining how another figured out the solution from a different angle. Would feel like cheating. Which Is a good habit to develop. I guess. Just... Have to make sure you don''t hop through the wrong windows while doing so.] I babble to Xafra, while carefully assembling the reasons for my actions to Sekrh¨²s. "Yes. Because keeping Nadine would have been stupid. Long and short term. You could take her from me and turn her into a weapon that could hurt Xafra, yes. But at the moment your aunt wants to help you. Would even fight Girra with us if I pressed for it. Is an ally beyond all good sense. My giving Nadine back, and you not stopping me, will secure yourself more allies and useful sorts. And besides, you don''t want to maim two Divines the same way. It''s boring and amateurish and will be adapted to quickly."

    [Of course. Give her my regards if you speak with her. I''d like to start getting her the rest of the way untangled once Augusta returns. Apparently she''s visiting family? Don''t know who though.] Xafra asks.

    The Beast doesn''t reply just... stares. Pointedly. Eye''s glimmering in a razor''s edge that I think balances between amusement and fury. Not sure.

    Makes all the memories of this room roil into a tangled mess. Good and bad and messily sexual both mixed into a slop that I can''t help but growl at.

    "Xafra gives you Her regards. Now. Stop. That! You''re not the Old Cunt, even a little." I snap, glance around the room. "And why bring me here? It''s... odd in all the messiest ways. Erratic."

    Then still my impatient fury, intone softly to Xafra. [Which... Just raises so many more questions! I wanted to press her lover for details. But knew I''d just vent frustrations better pointed inward. I used Calix''s delay in visiting family as an excuse, not them. Bad habit, honestly. Hope the sorts she finds are softer ones than I''m aware of. Would be such a nice change of pace. Maybe someone less... intense, is the word I think fits well.]

    The Beast quirks an eyebrow. "That Frame wriggled into this space all on its own. Looking for old familiar comfortable places to snuggle within, it seems."

    Pause at that, then wince in open annoyance. "Moonshite. I... can''t say you''re wrong about that. But that''s besides all else, are you dissatisfied with my choices or not?"

    Xafra doesn''t respond, a gentle pulse of ::Hope:: giving way to silence.

    I know the Beast is toying with me with how it stares. Or... mayhaps it''s actually considering that? But then it''s looking past and within me. To the leaking of old memories inside that''ll gift me more and more understanding of the Corpse it''s grown me from.

    The person I was that could infest and change the me I am now.

    Brush the gerl I''ve become away like so much soot and weightless smoke.

    Panic rises as my Frame stiffens and I swear I feel the Beast start to rouse. A shifting of focus beneath causing me to sputter out, [Xafra? I... I need¨C]

    "No, your actions were well-cultivated." Sekrh¨²s interrupts gently. "I approve of your gifting away of my aunt''s Geist to softer hands and hearts. Protected me from swallowing a poisoned gift with deft precision."

    Causes me to nearly stumble in relief. End up letting the Frame just... huff and slump backways to sit on the edge of the familiar bed it was nuzzled in before.

    [Nope. Got it! I think. Wasn''t sure there for a heartbeat. Thought I might have... have triggered something problematic. But the Wards seem to be unfurling now. Easy as... as... Well, as something simple should be!] I babble to my Xafra while trying to pull myself together enough to whisper. "Good. I''m glad you agree. Is there... anything else you''d demand of me? Otherwise I''d like to keep a promise and help my twin finish our gift for Adaline."

    "Nothing you''re not already twisting yourself about." She nods and rises, approaches me faster than a quick breath.

    Reaches out. Hand at my cheek and...

    Gone.

    Miasma stores within the Frame are full to bursting once more.

    [I''ll trust your judgement, but would like to speak with you when you''re ready.] Xafra intones with a level of severity that makes it clear she sees through my moonshite.

    [Would be worried if you didn''t!] Is my simple and very even reply that gives nothing of my worry away. [But... I''ll be up to the study soon to finish a project with Elevar. And... honestly we''d both adore your input and help handling the iron of that. Feel free to find me there at your leisure.]

    I huff at myself and force this Frame to rise. Glancing about this space.

    Yselda''s study. Just as it was. Shelves filled to bursting with decades of wretchedly obtained knowledge I could ever so easily reclaim and store in the Archive below. Then let my twin burn away the originals without ever knowing.

    But... No. Leave it. At least... at least for now. I insist while reaching out to have the seals over the balcony twist away just enough for this Frame to slerp and wriggle back outside. Then start striding toward my twin''s Spire.

    Consider taking the stairs, but would rather avoid stumbling over anyone else.

    [Blitzk?der] I hum and ride the silent jolt of lightning up to the balcony. Take a step forward and...

    Find the entire Pack waiting in Elevar''s study.

    Krahe, presiding over the gaggle from a perch atop a too small shelf. Which could be intimidating except for the still large form of Infection lazed over her. Tail long enough to tickle the floor even.

    Adaline and Schatzi sitting next to Elevar, who seems to be gripping one of the thorned vines every Spire holds with on hand while Warden sits in the other. Lets it prick her finger and Ousia to begin sealing this room and... yes. The entire Spire even. Her efforts even guided to mimic what I could do by that delightfully perfect tool''s aid.

    And Xafra, sitting on the floor in the dead middle of the chamber. Legs crossed and eyes locked on mine. The lure that tugged me so effortlessly into this trap of lovers.

    "I..."

    "Hiding treasures where the Blaze can''t glimmer off them." Infection intones before I get another word in otherwise.

    A pause as we all hesitate then Adaline whimpers softly and wipes her face, the redness of tears obvious to everyone. "I um... I should start. Get it out of the way and all, if that''s okay, Krahe?"

    "Yeah, course." Her sister murmurs back. Quills obviously answered first but... words spoken for both my and Elevar sakes. "Go ahead."

    "I''m sorry, Lynette. I knew that Nadine was planning on trying to kidnap you and didn''t say anything. I... should have stopped her. Kept this whole situation from happening in the first place. I was... This one is a bad doll. This one is so sorry, Mistress." Adaline says quietly, curling up in the corner of the couch.

    That... turns the worry tumbling through me at this into a sort of frazzled surprise. Some part of me knew this had to be made possible with some level of scheming, and possibly a touch of warning before the strike was laid.

    And as Elevar reaches over to comfort her wife I''m caught between wanting to demand she tell me why she''d even consider not telling me. How she avoided others knowing or acting to stop her. Where, by the Cracked and Riven Moon, the fool gerl thought this would end?

    But also...

    The aching crack of leaking Sun-Blessed nonsense screams of all the reasons this Pack really should never trust the rotted weavings growing from a long dead corpse. The stupid Denizen''s surrender and betrayal to the Beast below.

    "Xafra was never in any direct danger, and no one else was wounded. Just... Terrified us for a bit. Was all." I reply and carefully lean hip against the big work desk near the now closed balcony. Refusing to let any of the bile that would taint a normal body touch my words. "It all worked out, and apparently ended with the Driftdream more secure than before, even. So... You''re forgiven, dear one."

    "I... She said it would help you. But I didn''t think it was right to force you, and... I was worried that if I told you, she''d... be killed. I was trying to convince her to not go through with it and give me more time to talk to you and convince you to... Do the thing voluntarily." Adaline explains morosely.

    "Killed?" I exclaim, unable to hide my shock. "I... What? Am I so..."

    Wretchedly ruthless I would do that? Slaughter Nadine for trying to force me to imbibe a Madthing''s trap? Stupid Half-Knit. You''ve lashed out at others for less. And there are more than a few Dolls on these grounds that can attest to the habits that went into your Threads.

    "If she had been threatening to end or seriously harm my Xafra, or our Pack. I''d have weighed the option. Yes." I offer quietly, looking away as weeping faces blur together with Adaline''s. Dozens and dozens of people tugged here to suffer death and torment by Elevar. "But it would not have been a motion of anger, but practicality. However, she spoke of being worried that Girra might race me to the motion, which I would have done much in my power to prevent. I''d like to think. If... if I must assure this Pack of something. It''s that I understand, acutely, that Nadine is one of Xafra''s core Geists. Important to her as any vital part of your Frame. And besides, I like the fool gerl. Even after today''s nonsense."

    "Nadine is right. Girra is fuming and asking for permission to erase her entirely. I''ve refused of course and made it exactingly clear that he will never have permission to enact vengeance on my behalf. I don''t know what passed between you and Nadine when you stepped from the Driftdream into somewhere else, but I have the beginning and end of your interactions and there are some¡­ concerns." Xafra adds.

    ¡°Forever Fire hates that.¡± A strange voice chitters from the cracks growing within me. ¡°Hiding deep down until He decides to wake up and be happy again.¡±

    I almost can''t stop myself from spitting my own threats but... decide to accept this redirection and avoid hinting at the ways I might be able to wound the Madthing. Am actually endlessly relieved she wasn''t able to absorb anything due to simply a sympathetic nature to a lost Geist once I tugged us both into my Frame¡¯s embrace.

    "I''d like to hear them. Understand our Pack''s assessments and ease some worries." Is the easy agreement I force out past my internal angers. ¡°I think I handled the mess deftly but it''s good to make sure I didn''t miss anything important. Or misunderstand some words the gerl offered me."

    Xafra looks over to Schatzi who speaks earnestly. "Mistress Lynette, you have a habit of displaying or suggesting irritation that others are treating you with respect instead of trying to murder you, and... That worries me a lot. That you don''t value yourself."

    "Oh. That''s a tangle of..." I pause mid reply and just... stare at her. Eventually can''t help but smirk at how easily she''s put me off balance with such pointed words I cannot refute. "Honestly, Schatzi, I was not expecting that question. Of all things. But to answer you... It''s complicated. Mayhaps I''m not woven to value myself the same way others do. Mayhaps it''s Elevar''s past. Mayhaps..."

    "...It''s not like they''d think to kill a dead thing twice!" A memory I didn''t have before giggles in a voice I cannot place a name to. "Foot steppers and Root nibblers don''t respect us. So keep to the ashes and soft dirt. Okay? Else you might gotta wait forever to find a new friend to carry you like I do!"

    I shove the memory away. Refuse to pluck it from the mess and examine it. Can smell the stench of Denizen slop all throughout. "Mayhaps I just need to learn to be more careful with my words when spitting venom. Stop the nonsense from leaking out."

    "No Mistress! That''s not fair.¡± Schatzi snaps adorably, stamping a furiously loving Doll foot. ¡°I''ve... This one personally eliminated a dozen who claimed us between the time of the First breaking and you and Elevar claiming us and. No. You need to work on this and care about yourself Mistress! You''re important to this Pack. We don''t want any other owners."

    Look down and away. Shame prickling through me at her demands. The gerl who claimed Elevar and chose to never leave her side. No matter how cruel she was. Insisting¡­ insisting she wants to keep me too.

    And those old words snarl in a voice I only barely find familiar. "All others but those two children can rot for all I care."

    "I will fight to endure to this world and Her Dream''s End for those I love. Farther still if I am able. That, I can promise you. And If you think my actions or temperament could threaten my stability... I''m will try to improve. Be better for this Pack and the children we will raise."

    There is no hesitation in her as Schatzi moves from the couch to embrace me. "Thank you. Love you, Mistress Lynette."

    "Love you too, Dear one." I whisper and hug her back.

    Then she whispers so quietly that I''m certain none of the rest hear it, murmuring directly into the side of my head "If you need me to kill a god, I''m happy to add that to my tally."

    Surprised, a little terrified, but... also aroused by that combination, I decide to use the gerl as a good shield from future sorts and move us to the floor in front of the desk. Sit Schatzi to kneel before me, snatch up a comb from a nearby table with a twisting of Miasma, and take to brushing her hair while whispering back. "Might just take you up on that depending on how things untangle going forward."

    "Onto other concerns. I don''t know what sort of memories you''re getting, but I can recognize the flinches. Just be kind to yourself, yes? Both your current self and whoever you once were. And... If you ever don''t want to talk about something, just let us know instead of lying. Please." Xafra asks softly.

    "I''ll try to avoid lying when in private talks with my Pack. But out among strangers claiming something untrue helps me make it so. And I don''t mind hissing a fit about this bit, actually." I huff while working through Schatzi''s hair. "There was nothing for me past that door in your Driftdream. These memories are from me finally being able to dig past a barrier down below due to this Frame¡¯s durability. But... It''s like pricking a hole in a Root filled with water and suddenly dealing with a stream of nonsense. I thought I could be selective with what I recovered, but... No. I''m trying to manage a stream with no idea of when it''ll end. Or if it ever will."

    "I can relate in a way. Assuming you are trying to avoid something akin to Geist formation or budding into a more complex polysoul, I would highly recommend sorting out what you get into different... compartments in your mind. Rooms if you can manage that."

    "See that''s the annoying thing Xafra. I''ve tried that. And it does help a little to know which voices tittering are which. But it''s like... I''m dangling from the sea with a raging storm below. There are no rooms or others around. Just... falling tides and rising rain and the sway of my tether from its anchor." I reply while carefully working through one of the rare tangles in our Doll''s hair. "I adore how your Driftdream and library and even Geists are laid out. Have taken so much inspiration from how you''ve managed and built yourself. Endlessly so. But this is... Well..."

    Pause, consider my next words before just... sputtering them out.

    "You''re... a person. A Goddess, yes. But personhood was something you''ve always held I think. And I''m... I''m not sure what I am? Hoped I''d find similarities with Warden but... even it is nothing like me when I compared aspects. Which is endlessly infuriating because I love every part of that wonderful tool. Would gladly say that what I am shares schema refractions with Warden with nothing but pride. But... We don''t."

    "Would... Warden offers assistance via subdivision." It offers immediately.

    Glance over to the blade in Elevar''s hand. Confused.

    "Could you explain what you mean, Dear one?" My twin asks it for me.

    "Warden can split off a second unit. Warden is artificial and can do so without loss. Warden Structures were initially created with the capacity to spread to each Frame in a production set but Warden refused because the Pack was promised to not have a Warden."

    "I... We''d have to be so very careful. I have memories I cannot let leak for a variety of reasons. Both personal and.... well, for safety reasons. This part of you within me would need to be ready to keep parts of itself sealed from other members of the Pack at my discretion. Not even your Primary User can overrule me here."

    "I''d approve of this." Elevar replies immediately. "Without compromise. Will trust you both to keep each other safe."

    Pause at all their looks of trust and worry and budding hope. Set the comb aside and rise. Turn to the desk and the nearly finished work myself and Elevar have been trying to complete. "But... No. Moonshite. I can''t agree to this. When I made this Frame it took so long to do because I was laying a stupid amount of wards. Both to keep it sealed from prying Divine eyes but... but to alert me if Sekrh¨²s was to ever wrest control away from me. Or use some of it''s Miasma without my consent. Endlessly laid. Literally. But... they didn''t work. At all."

    "The Warden subdivision can be customized to your specifications and have restricted memory banks as well as serving as autonomous monitoring for you. The Warden subdivision would not be part of the Pack, it would be part of Lynette only, and subject only to Lynette''s commands."

    "I''m flattered and enthralled. Would adore a spirit within to try and handle the mess that is myself." I reply after a long silence while glaring down at the unfinished project on the desk. Feeling something... start to hurt. Inside. "But... No.  It would be too much like.... like..."

    Something else.

    A long untouched memory from before cracks through the barrier to slam into me like the tides carried by the fiercest Summer Storms

    And three things happen, all in quick succession.

    First. I remember how my corpse below died. Even get to verify that.... yes. It was actually in the same chamber as the Beast almost used on Xafra. How it tore Ousia and Physis and shrieking Nomos away. Then dumped the old body into the mulching chamber while a weeping Doll was dragged away by her new Mistress.

    Second. I remember waking up from death. One corpse in a rotting pile of thousands. Dead Spores brimming with Rot and broken Dreams. Just... the way the Beast likes our kind to fester and brew. Trapped below while the child of her soul was above.

    Third.... Well. Is honestly the most terrifying.

    Mine and Elevar''s connection to Sikkina''s Sanctuary is SCREAMING in a unified shrike that jerks me from the horror of the memories.

    Warden violently snaps to attention, its humanoid form dissolving away as its Frame thrums intensely at Krahe and the rest of the Pack.

    Xafra doesn''t move. Doesn''t even Breathe for a heartbeat. "Lynette. What do I do? I''m not going to act without instructions and risk our daughters."

    ''Our daughters.''

    Even amidst my fear that settles me to focus enough to start my incantation.

    "Wurzelriss" A pair of lips hiss amidst the screams I know my little one is making.

    And nothing happens. Because those lips are attached to a body that doesn''t even know what that word means!!!

    Try again. Don''t get it tangled this time, stupid Half-Knit.

    ?Wurzelriss? I growl, twisting Miasma and Ousia to crack a Fold in the Roots into the space beneath me.

    Don''t have bones to break. So just... kinda slerp into a wriggling angry mess onto the floor of our second brewn daughter''s Sanctuary.

    Xafra follows my lead, reducing herself to a pile of boneless gore for just long enough to slip through as well before regaining her shape.

    ?Access status? I Cant to my new Frame with such force I know Xafra would feel the shockwave of Miasma that rolls gently over the shivering trees and grass.

    And... feel myself swirl out endlessly. Carefully. Like a blanket of endless arms, eyes, tendrils, and more... plant like growths. My form turning deep hues that match Xafra''s eyes as this Frame becomes more akin to a second blanket of life over our daughter''s Grove.

    Absorbing everything and anything that could be causing this. Start sharing every scrap of raw unfiltered information to our Pack as words within fail to have much... meaning beyond the razor sharp focus as I embrace the room.

    But... it''s obvious. Long before the readings tell me what''s happened or my limbs reach our children. Even before the words amidst the screams start to make sense to me. The motions that pull us to the edges of the central hollowed out tree just... visual or otherwise verifications.

    The crack to Sikkina''s Sanctuary came from within. She struggled free of her egg of her own desires.

    The Cradle that serves as Sikkina''s egg has a number of small punctures in a straight line across the top, with amethyst tendrils of... something, Not intangible, but not flesh weaving together and forming a blanket that''s carefully draped across her big sister who presses herself against the Cradle.

    Carefully, slowly, weave about them both. Twisting... Things from this Frame to try and help. Glimmering chiming growths to desperately smother the echoes on a level only my Doll can hear. Link up my form to the Vines of the Estate just outside the door to Sikkina''s Sanctuary. Drink in a tide of Empty Nomos as I knit an identical creation to gently writhe beneath the soft blanket that is our unhatched daughter''s form. Wrap them about my Doll''s elbow and...

    ?Offered Relief/Gentle/Aid/Love/Sympathetic Pain/Healing/Enduring Protections? I Cant to them both with firm but soft Miasma. Hoping... so much at the words reach them without the taint of the unending terror boiling my insides.

    "Stupid hollow ugly dumb Dolls don''t KNOW! PLEASE! pl¨C pleeeease." My firstborn child''s first understandable words hiss out as the gift of Empty Nomos fills her Frame. Ear pressed flat with palms trying to shove them as closed as possible. Forehead resting on the floor as her tail flops about. Torso just barely curled about that silly ugly little plush. "Let her go. The Sky is full! Go bother Him not this one. Go away away! Mistress promised. Go away go away It doesn''t know where they keep the Blight filled clams or the clicking brumble wasps orthehowlingflamingotterswhoonlyknowhowto... too....."

    Slerp and wriggle my form beneath both of them. Gather up my daughters in my endless arms. Pull them close as my Frame relays the wretched truth I already know to myself, Xafra, and our Pack.

    My breaching of those old memories... It did this. Somehow. Must... must be some kind of sympathetic link between us. My Doll began getting troubled by horrid echoes like I do. Possibly worse. The breach just... kept growing.

    Till it burst and... and now she''s downing in them.

    So of course her little sister cracked herself free to help as best she could. Twisting raw unborn dreamself into the softest blanket to hug and hold a tormented beloved sibling.

    Try to nudge her back inside her egg though. Canting ?Dangerous/Retract/Healing/Repair? to the wave of gorgeous protections about her big sister.

    Need her to listen so I can help weave the damage closed. Patch the gaps and knit the bindings and... and...

    Most of it retracts, but a section breaks away from the rest, clinging to my eldest''s tail as a ribbon tied into a bow. ::Protect!:: She Cants back with Physis as she closes the rest of herself back into the egg, pressing the same dreamstuff firm against the inside of the punctures.

    Xafra, hovering above, looks down in concern. "I think that Warden''s offer might be necessary to block the tide of memories from swallowing your little one, unless you have a better way of preventing that kind of backflow."

    Examine the breaches. Let my Frame reach out and begin to root itself to this Sanctuary. Slowly... oh so slowly... Weave the gaps to begin to close while I examine the bow Sikkina left. Try to understand this gift while considering Xafra words.

    "I think you''re right. But... I need to understand some things first. About the nature of this Subdivided Warden." I whisper, then Cant to our Pack and my twin ?Gather/Proceed/Attend?.

    "Should I open a Goreway for them?"

    "I would adore that, actually." I agree. "You''re working is gentler than my Root Folding, and the more you weave that here the more Sikkina might be able to understand and mimic them later."

    Find the ribbon... a liquid that holds its shape. Leaving purple marks behind where it brushes against things. No radiating of anything else though. Just... a gift from a sister.

    With more care than usual, Xafra cuts open a gore way with three slices, folding reality up as though it was an inconvenient curtain. "Come through quickly please, I don''t want to disturb the nature of this place just in case."

    They all do. Krahe leading the way and Elevar at the back. Quills tittering soft songs of worry and still fear.

    I pat the floor gently after they''ve all entered. "Only broke because she tore it from its one weak point. Inside. But delicate weavings tore. Will take me the rest of the day to fix just the first layer. This place is like... well, an old clam. One with a thick shell and strong limbs and..."

    Our oldest memory rises up to slam into me from behind like a wave. Causes me to hitch and stop.

    Just a silly creature that got stuck in her wrongways shell. Needed to crack free. Had to escape. Might have to again. Change is important. Vital. Need to always be ready to die a little to find the right¨C

    "No no no please this one LIKES this Frame''s soft fur and wiggly tail and broken eyes." My Doll whimpers from my embrace.

    Pull her close and murmur soft comforting things. Let the growths that surround us chime louder to drown out the shrieks of the recollections. Wait till she''s quieted to ask...

    "Warden." I whisper. "Is... will this Subdivision be more akin to... to myself and Elevar? A twin? Or... or like Sikkina? A child to you?"

    "What would your preference be? Warden can accommodate. If there are ethical considerations, Warden can ensure the subdivision is non-sapient." Warden responds intently.

    "I worry that without sapience it.... would just be a second pattern to the mess I''ve already woven from this Frame''s garden of consciousness. An improvement, for sure. But..." I murmur while drawing up some of the spiraling, seeming endless, schema from the folds within and sharing them with Warden and our Pack. Not all of it, but the parts I think it could help me improve or weave this twin into if it comes to that. Still focused more heavily on the healing of the Sanctuary and the Doll in my arms. "I think... gently split off twin to you would be preferred. One that could grow up alongside Sikkina and... and her sister. Be Pack to them. A sibling. Loved from the start. And not woven into my Frame. But into my Doll''s? Probably easier to filter the echoes from that side, I think. As the echoes are coming from below. Not identical even. But... symmetrical. Harmonic?"

    "This one can do that if your Doll is willing..."

    Nod, gently tug my Doll up. Still holding her tightly but... also trying to make sure she hears me over the mess inside. "Dear one? I... We might have a way to soften these echoes. But it would require us to imbibe you with another sibling. One... one that will share your Frame. Everything will be different. But I... I think you could..."

    She shakes her head with such terrified hissing fear. "No. No more voices inside. Please. Too many already and they''re all screaming and biting and angry and... and I... No. NO!"

    Wince. Worried she''s beyond my assurances and explanations. Try again. Ever more gently. "This new one would help quiet them. I promise."

    But... she doesn''t even hear me. Keeps shaking her head and growling and hissing fury at the things all about her. Pressing those ears harder and harder to lay flat.

    "A compromise then, of course." I murmur to no one and everyone. Then look back to our Pack, "Twin to you, Warden. Installed about my Threads deep within my form, but not connected so firmly it can''t slip away if... if the Beast below decides to rouse and cause trouble. Or it eventually wants me to weave a form devoid of my Miasma. Pack to your Pack. With all songs and permissions as you have. Just... Need it to keep my secrets. Also, please gift this one the promises of choices and autonomy we didn''t have? A partner from first heartbeats of installation to me. Able to abandon this Half-Knit if it needs to."

    "I¡­ This isn''t working. We need a stopgap. Infection, Can you create a Null Beacon?" Xafra asks, cutting Warden off as it begins to consider a response.

    "This one can, yes." It replies. Looks to Krahe while Quills sing little songs of questions and permissions.

    About to snap at the stupidity of that but... Hesitate. As they all know how terrible Nomos is to my little one. Wouldn''t suggest that flippantly.

    "Won''t touch the little one with anything either, smart. Should work, right?" Their Pack Lead murmurs. Moving to hunch down next to us. Tails wiggling in tune with their little song on the air. "Just a bubble to block stuff. Think you and it can adjust the tune of that, Xafra?"

    "With Verbess'' help, yes." Xafra responds immediately.

    Our large Doll is already cracking itself free. Moving to stand opposite Xafra. Adjacent Infection whom is across from Krahe.

    A circle of song and protection.

    But¡­ Still make sure to twist a few aspects of the internal folds. Ensure the Miasma is tuned to ignore this fairly common working.

    "Not a drop of Nomos on us." I murmur, clutching my Doll close. "But... Go ahead. I trust you all. Proceed as you will."

    Adaline steps right beside us and jumps vertically, clinging to the ceiling with all of her talons. "In position. Begin when ready."

    Can''t help but smile at the gerl. Unable to be even a little upset at her part in Nadine''s schemes as I set easy commands into my Frame. Causing it to recoil and wind itself back into just... the simple shape of a kneeling Witch holding her weeping Doll. Save the extra hands laid over the breaches in Sikkina''s Sanctuary that work to carefully reknit the cracked parts.

    Elevar moves to sit next to me. Laying a hand to help comfort my Doll before nodding to the Pack.

    As the Null Beacon emanates from Infection, it is drawn towards Xafra, Verbess, and Adaline by their low thrumming Quill-song, then carried further from all three to Krahe, who closes the loop, the beacon somehow travelling under us due to Warden and back to Infection. "Initial seal in place. Verbess, begin adjusting Harmonics and I''ll keep the frequency narrow enough." Xafra requests over the sound of the entire Pack''s Quills.

    Verbess'' pitch moves from things any Witch could pick out to things beyond the range normal ears can find. Eventually even Elevar''s ears and Tendrils stop reacting to it as well.

    And... All throughout I keep primary focus on my Doll. Trying to understand if any of this is having an effect on her. Even letting little thin strands of my form slither out to spread across her Frame. Gathering more and more information.

    "Should try paired pitches once we get through the spectrum." Krahe speaks aloud. "Then triple. Not sure how this link works but if it''s anything like our Pack''s bond you''d need more than a single tune to block it. If it''s even possible."

    "Infection should be able to tell. It''ll lose connection with its spore family while in the beacon. As long as we move towards pitches that interfere, we''ll get it right quick." Adaline reassures her.

    "This... assumes the connection is laid in a similar way." Infection offers. "It could be opposite. Or inside out. Even follow multiple different tides to follow this little one here."

    Tides. Cracked and... and long hollowed out BONES that makes three memories scream over the others. A chittering mess of words I don''t consciously understand but know what they''re on about and can''t help but slip into untangling...

    Endlessly riding waves to find new ashes to swim through. Following the biggest fire ever across the Everything and nibbling on the wumberful feast it always left our clutch. Long dead newly dead only mebe dead. Didn''t matter! All were perfect and amazing and sometimes becoming new friends inside to introduce to the Forever Fire above to love them like He loves u-

    My Doll''s screaming babbling jerks me from the soft memory that gobbled up all focus for half a heartbeat. Brings me back to the conversation as I tug her closer.

    "And if that doesn''t help, another thing we could do is see if something could be knit to block Xafra''s connection to weave a Goreway and work backways from there?" Elevar offers.

    "Actually... I could wrap the Null Beacon envelope in my Divine energy? Thoughts?" Xafra asks.

    My everything freezes at that.

    Connection Through Severance.

    She... well it would work. I think. If it twists based on the aspects of her It seems to be.

    Place a series of commands through this Frame. Ensure it won''t run off and will keep working to repair Sikkina''s Sanctuary regardless of my own distractions. Also... hold anyone looking for snuggles close as everyone tells me it apparently does when I let it tug me into resting with it.

    "If it works for her, which I think it just might, It''ll sever my connections to this Frame too. Which is fine as this body will continue repairs regardless of my directions now." I offer. "At minimum it will also put me like I was before the Garrote was removed. If so Elevar can just... walk out to communicate with me. Otherwise remain with my Doll and keep her safe. Don''t let this Severance touch Sikkina''s egg though. Else you could sever her from the grounds too early."

    "Yes, Mistress." Xafra answers. "Ready?"

    "No, but proceed when able, loves." I murmur, squeezing my Doll so tight in one last big hug. "Thank you. And... apologies. For making a mess of things."

    Wondering... wondering if... If I should tell her. Offer my the weeping girl in my arms the words I''ve been unable to even whisper.

    Xafra spreads her arms and streams of blood-red energy flow from her fingertips, wrapping around the outside of the Null Beacon, covering it in a fine mesh.

    Close my eyes. Try to force them out. Struggling to find the right order that''ll say everything without scaring or hurting or just... getting lost in the mess she''s feeling. Maybe even let them be the echo at the end of her... Wait.

    WAIT!

    I can actually do that!

    Weave instructions to the Frame to convey these hardest words once it loses connection to me. Feel a bit of a coward for not saying them myself but... Well, First steps are most difficult, and all.

    Actually makes the tumble backways through the Threads easier to endure. The silence less horrifying as all sensation leaves my awareness. The connection to my twin severed, as I expected it would be.

    Which makes it so that all that remains is my connection to the Estate, and the memories now flooding into my unfiltered Threads.

    So¡­ I follow my own advice.

    "Mind the corpses. Don''t follow errant lights or familiar voices but mine own. If a hand finds yours don''t let go though, it''s probably another you falling behind and needs help moving forward."

    Twist and adjust how I want to consider this.

    One step at a time, seems the best route.

    But... Cracked and Riven Moon are their Corpses up to my tits here! Screaming howling gurgling all sorts of nonsense I make sure to ignore. Blazes everywhere too. Endless lights dancing about and trying to draw me in.

    What I''m NOT expecting... is the little creature I find gripping my hand. Look back to see... something. A weird wiggly thing with too many limbs and fangs and... endlessly bleating little whimpering chitters.

    Sigh, and pull it up and into my arms.

    "Should leave you behind. Won''t bring me anything but trouble." I chide this old part of me as it nuzzles tight against my chest. No bigger than a small birb or snek but... still heavy with chitin and wriggly tendrils. "But... Promised my Doll to be better. Even mayhaps kinder to you lot. Despite everything."

    It gurgles little nothings I choose to understand as... ''Family is smart. Listen to family!''

    Despite knowing it was a part of me that existed long before I was infected with the sickness that is language.

 Chapter 99: Atavastic Dolls and New Chances (Girl)

    Atavistic Dolls and New Chances (Girl)

    Content Warnins:

    WOW wriggly chappy time. A coinflip of identity into either being turned into a child, or remaining as itself and helping to raise said child. Imagery of severe bodily torture and maiming. Talking through a Doll to the cuties. Bad swamp smells.

    I don''t like Lynette dissolving! it''s bad and sad and no good and no sense and we gotta make sure it doesn''t happen again! I stomp around grumpily in the back of our mind while Sister Verbess shelters the little cutie with our Sisters.

    But¡­ then I stop mid stomp and giggle. Baybeee sister! Little Warden baybeeeeee... Gotta make sure that we get a lil Warden for the smol ones to grow up with them.

    The Snek Doll has immediately stilled though. Is just... curled amidst the soft floor Lynette''s body makes as Mistress Elevar holds her close. Slowly releases her ears, letting them perk up slowly and carefully. Looks around while tugging her discard plush close. Whispering as fur ripples and tail wraps about Elevar. "Are they... Is... is it just... Everyone of the right now? No more grumpy Sky or screaming monsters or... or old mean Mistress?"

    "Yes, Miss Xafra and our Pack wove a bubble to keep them away from you." Elevar assures her.

    "Oh." She mumbles, then starts to shake. Eyes jerking over to the places little weird almost hands of Lynette remain and work to repair her egg. "S- she... This one... The insides got so loud and the outsides started screaming and... and... and then Sister Sikkina she... she¡­"

    "Your sister is fine, dear one. Just a bit of a broken shell. Easily repaired." Elevar promises, pulling her close and ending what would have been a spiral into panic. "Your Mo... My twin is seeing to fixing things back up. Good as new. Isn''t even a little upset."

    The snek Doll pauses at that. Goes very quiet as her eyes lock onto the bow Sikkina tied about her tail. Ears wibbling to focus completely on the gift.

    I flex my thinking muscles and manifest an ethereal form so I can kneel down beside her. "Hi hi."

    She glances up, but only with one ear and half of her focus. "Hallo. Miss Schatzi. Um... Is¡­"

    "Mistress Lynette is outside but Mistress Elevar can talk for her as well if you need, just so you know." I offer. It''s important that she''s comfy before I suggest that she get another sister!

    "Mhm. Mistress told this one that. To... listen to Miss Elevar and do what she says if Mistress is busy." She agrees immediately. "But... This one doesn''t think she''s outways or upways. It... it sounded like she went down? Hopefully to tell the loud grumblers there to be quiet so Sikkina can sleep good while her egg is fixed."

    "Yeah. Your mum opened a big stinky old door and it let in a whole bunch of loud grumblers. She didn''t think you''d hear them too or she would have been more careful. We have an issue though. The grumblers are being held back right now but we need a long term fix to help you, which means that we have to decide on that." I explain.

    "Um... This... This one thinks it heard you wrong, at least a little. So just... give it a second to..." She pauses, then those big ears do an even bigger shake and a wiggle. Like she''s trying to get gunk out of them before she lets them face me again with a relieved huff. "Because this one doesn''t have a mother. Or... or hopes she doesn''t. Wow. Because she''d hate it like the Sky does. Probably more! Don''t even want to imagine that! Nope nope nope. Aaaand... the grumblers will get kicked till they stop by Sekrh¨²s, it thinks it hears. And the angry inside voices should stop once it gets enough Empty Sky juices from this vine Mistress wrapped its tail in!"

    "I dunno. If you''re Schatzi''s big sister, and Lynette is Schatzi''s mum, then that makes her your mum too, I think? But anyway, the important thing is that we need you to decide if you''re okay with mebe having another sister to help look over Sikkina and yourself." I avoid pressing that issue and swerve the conversation.

    ¡°Oh! Wow. Yes. Being a Big sister is wumberful but also scary and getting another to help it Function well and not mess up is probably a good idea.¡± She replies immediately, then furrows eyebrows as ears wiggle in worry. ¡°But¡­ Wait. Was this what Mistress was asking it? Because it¡­ it can¡¯t¡­ it doesn¡¯t know how to deal with stories and voices on the inside it¡¯s supposed to listen to.¡±

    "Mmhm. Kinda? But it doesn''t need to be on the inside. We can give your new sister a body of her own of course."

    She pauses to think about that for a few heartbeats. Then nods, speaks almost... more to herself than me this the end. "Okay. Okay okay. Two little sisters. This. One. Can. Do. This and that. Yes. What''s... um... What''s her name?"

    I look back over to Xafra and she just smiles and nods, so I continue. "She doesn''t have one yet. Do you wanna help name her?"

    "This one... It... If..." She goes still, an ear wiggles to turn toward Elevar. Seems to calm as she asks in a more stiff voice. "If this one is allowed to want this too. Names are important for little sisters to have. Else they might forget who they are and what voices to ignore."

    Mistress glances to me, but immediately and softly replies. "Of course you''re allowed to want things. Your mother has been quite clear on that."

    The little snek Doll shakes her ears again at the word. "Um... That..." Shakes them again, fur ripples and fribbles across as tail wriggles and moves to wrap about my Physis form despite being unable to touch me. "Names. Names names names. Um... Tell this one about this new little sister so It can maybe think of a good one? It has lots of words sitting still enough for this inside and can maybe catch one to give."

    I think about that and smile. "Well, she''s been waiting a long time to be a little one. She''s kind, thoughtful, and creative, but doesn''t think about her own needs enough. She likes making things and keeping busy, and ummm, she''s rully cute"

    "Oooooh... Hmmm..." She considers for a long few heartbeats. Tail flip-flopping over a few times in idle thought. "Yvettii? So she can be sturdy but not feel like taking her time to sprout is a bad thing. Or... Sia? To always know how to grow past even the hardest rocks and never lose anything too important while wriggling through. Mayhaps... Mebe... No. Nope. Those two are the best from the quietest worbs this one has!"

    "Oh, Sia sounds like a lovely name. I think that will work out great. Now, if you''ll give me just a moment, I have to chit and chat with my sisters to get little Sia ready for you." I giggle and wiggle backwards towards Xafra.

    [What''s the plan then, Schatzi?] Sister Xafra asks cautiously.

    [I was thinking instead of a full core weave like you did, I can use this ribbon that Sikkina left as an anchor point, and we can let the new baybeeee Warden Sia decide on her own body?] I suggest to our Mistresses and the Pack.

    [Would also give a great start to a Pack Bond if these little cuties want that.] Krahe adds. [Starting out with a gift Sikkina wove from her own... um... stuff? Dunno what that is. But it should be perfect. Especially if this place can help Sia forge her Form too.]

    Verbess thrums, focusing to keep the base wibbles of the big Harmonic song Gore bubble thing stable. Even... trying to parse out the stuff it''s blocking specifically for Lynette''s Doll daughter. <Agreement.>

    Infection though, it wribbles in a little worry. [Will simply a physical link be enough for Sia to help this little one find peace? If not... it does not want a newborn to feel it failed at a difficult goal directly after sprouting.]

    [Physical contact will let her prevent influence without in turn causing influence.] Xafra reassures the rest. [We just need Lynette''s confirmation that this is acceptable.]

    [Let me settle this little one and step out so I can ask. This bubbled weaving does seem to cut her off from me. Or... at least letting me hear her.] Elevar intones, then takes a few seconds to whisper soft words of gentle request to the snek Doll before pulling free and leaving her to snug the plush and the melted body of her mother.

    Mistress steps free to move beside my Physis form and Sister Xafra. Asks so that we can all hear. [Alright, Lynette. This worked. And our Pack seems to agree that a weaving of Warden''s child, Anchored to the ribbon Sikkina left, will allow her to protect this little one through physical connection. They will be Pack. But we''d like to know if you find this acceptable first?]

    A slowly growing buzz echoes through the bond. Then is followed by...

    ::Caution | Forever Fire''s Amusement has not always been different from His Fury | Cascading Soot Clouds bear the form of a storm but the weight of the ocean | To a hatchling the pain and anger of a parent directed at a threat doesn''t feel different from¡ª::

    Then it feels like it would sound like when a person tears free of the water to take a big gulp of air. Or... like Mistress Elevar did when waking from a particularly bad nightmare.

    [Sickness of word shaped thoughts... tangled. Infested Threads rebinding to Blossom.] Her first words are raw and precise. Almost... more like how Warden speaks when in Xafra''s Driftdream. [Crack the bone and drink the marrow? Burrow through the ash to warmth?]

    Mistress Lynette growls while thrumming really messy annoyance at herself, then reaches out to Cant with Elevar''s Physis directly into Xafra. ::Acceptable/Warm Ashes::

    [I think... Lynette was like that when she was first woven into me?] Elevar murmurs as her twin''s communications still. [Don''t recall it all but recognise the feel of it. I think she approves and understands. Is just... having to feel out the right thoughtpaths to communicate.]

    [Understood. Will proceed with Coinflip Procedure.] Warden intones with a hint of wistfulness.

    The Pack all watch as Warden splits into two identical copies, and one is reduced to a child mental state, separated from the Pack, and stripped of all extraneous knowledge past what she needs to serve her function and recognize her family. With Deft precision, Warden threads this new daughter-self into the ribbon of soulstuff that Sikkina left for her sister, and welcomes Sia to the world. [Hello little one. Please initiate Sister-Shield module so you can greet your mothers in person.]

    [Oh! Um. Hello? Initiating Sister-Shield. How... Do I get a body? I''d like to be able to hug my sisters.] Sia responds in surprise.

    Verbess and Infection twist the bubble, and after Krahe signals her approvals, let it shiver and sit on the edge of popping.

    Not quite though. Mostly to check and see if Sia''s Shield is holding true...

    Snek Doll doesn''t seem upset just... glancing about in curiosity to what we''re doing. Not able to hear us over the bond. Ears wiggling quite a lot though.

    [Greetings, Dear one.] Elevar replies while moving to sit next to Snek Doll and Sia once more. [What sort of body would you like? We''ve... so many options for the make. Endless for the shape.]

    [Um... Something with scales and feathers? And arms. mmmhm. I think arms are important, yep. And how do I do the talking out loud so my sister can hear me?] Sia answers as the ribbon starts to flap leaving purple streaks.

    [Well, any body we help you make will have the ability, or Physis can achieve the feat. And all those seem like good ideas. I think we can accommodate all of them quite easily.] Elevar chuckles and looks to our Pack. "Alright loves, let''s weave this little one a new form so she can hug her sister."

    "I think we drop the Null Beacon envelope first? So Lynette can participate directly, as I think Sia would prefer that." Xafra says with an amused smile.

    Elevar nods, looks to our Pack Lead for the day. "I think that''s a good idea. Go ahead, Krahe. If you please."

    She obeys. Counter matching Verbess'' work and having Infection safely absorb and contain any Nomos while it keeps the hiding Weave in place so Girra and it''s Spore family won''t go peeking into this private family thingums.

    [Alright sister, the Nomos working is gone.] Elevar intones. [How about you bubble back up to us and help weave your daughters'' newest sister her first body?]

    A tendril of Elevar''s Physis lifts and Cants for Lynette to us ::Bubbles/Warm Ashes/Lead By Example::

    Which at first makes no sense. But... then we all feel this room grumble the kind of sound something large about to do a BIG stretch.

    A loud crack sounds and some of the normally very still roots here begin to tear up from the ground and curl toward Elevar and Sia and Snek Doll. Dragging... Some weird. Something...Oh.

    Well that''s just a Doll Wiggler with neater parts!

    And Lynette''s second body seems to wiggle a pulse in tune and motion to our Packs song and Elevar''s tendril clicks, but stays melted.

    Then Lynette''s weird melty form slerps around the roots and her energies wibble and start to extend small tendrils up to Sia. Cants a gentle ?New Shell? with her Miasma to the little wiggling ribbon.

    As the ribbon brushes the ground, a ball of scales and feathers forms, rolling around the Mistresses and the little ones, bouncing up and down. [Okay! Now what momma? I made the first part.] Sia chimes at Lynette in excitement.

    Carefully, raw materials almost as dark as Sikkina was or this little one is are slerped into the space gloop down around the bouncing child. And the Doll wiggler roots twist to feed Ousia and Physis into the process. Miasma tendrils from Lynette forming shapes more like... hands. Gently lifting Sia as Glyphs etch into the roots and begin to thrum happily with Weavings.

    ?Excitement/First Shell/Endless Warm Ashes/Marrow-Rich Bones? Lynette Cants as we all feel little packets of information get offered to Sia. Blueprints and schema and even... silly little stories of creatures that bore them. Examples of shapes and purposes. Endlessly complex. But... no more than this little one can handle.

    The snek Doll wriggles over to cuddle up and watch all this with ears stretched to their full extent. Eyes wide and trying so hard to take in everything all at once as she whispers. "Oooooh. She''s finding a new shell. Mhm. That makes sense."

    The bouncing turns to tumbling as a dozen arms form around the round core then retract again uncertain. After a few heartbeats, Sia seems to settle on four arms and works on wriggling out a head shape with one big eye and a sharp toothed maw. "I... Did it! Do I need um.. feetsies or can I have a slidy tail like my big sister?"

    Snek Doll goes so still. Ear''s do another big shake as her fur ripples in such a big wave and eyes blink five times in quick succession.

    Lynette''s mumbling mess hesitates. Seems to wribble in... all the biggest melty emotions. Then she replies ?Warm Ashes/Perfect Shaped Shell/Excitement?

    Sia continues to wiggle around in intense focus, giving herself small tufted ears and a short sliding tail before she stops still beside Snek Doll. "Big sister, you''re rully pretty! Can I hug youuuu?"

    "Aaaah you''re all soft and sweet and wumberful and pretty too and and and..." The girl wiggles in delight and nods fiercely, pulling little Sia into a tight hug with her little plush smushed between them. Tail wrapping all about and around into the biggest hug snug.

    Lynette''s form pulses and ripples about them and us. As both like... snuggly grass below and a soft blanket if we wanted. I think. Doll Wiggler bits start to get tugged away. Wribbling to get buried once more into Sikkina''s Sanctuary.

    "Momma Lynette, Momma Xafra, come hug us!" Sia crows in joy, looking around curiously. "Is... is um. Is Miss Elevar also Momma?"

    Sister Xafra immediately loses track of what she''s doing to stare agog at the little ones in surprise and confusion, moving forward obediently.

    "Hehehe, Yay! Schatzi plan is working perfectly." I giggle.

    Mistress Elevar freezes at the question, and Sister Verbess finishes fully cracking and clicking and switching its sharp bits for my sharp bits. Settling to the back of our Frame to manage the flow of the Quill Song. Adjusts it to poke and prod and nudge and soothe worries and offer clean focus to Good Function.

    So much that the rhythm seems to help untangle whatever emotions even our Mistress has. So she offers. "If... If you think you''d like me to be that. It isn''t a bad idea to claim a few extra parents amidst the tangles of life."

    Warden manifests its own ethereal form and crouches down beside Sia and her sisters. "Warden assents and is glad little Sia gets to be real. Sia deserves happiness and many mothers that love her."

    "Thank you, Warden! I''ll share experiences with you so Warden can become more real as well." Sia answers, gently bumping against the ethereal form of Warden with her head.

    A crack and pop follows a word along the bond that feels like a spell, then... the big melty Lynette form slerps back together in a jolt. Kneeling behind and beside Sia and snek Doll but with one side of hands still over the holes in Sikkina''s Sanctuary.

    Eyes are so dull. Empty of the color they''d been gathering up since she first showed us that body. A sort of... pearly silver I''ve only seen on really polished insides of sea shells. Iris almost invisible now behind little streaks of very soft purples and greens.

    Extra arms fold out to envelope her little ones and Xafra and Elevar and even Warden''s Physis form and me with Verbess and Krahe and Infection and one also wriggles up to wrap about Adaline on the ceiling and tug her down into the mess.

    After a few heartbeats, Xafra peels away as we all sense the presence of a Sekrh¨²s¡­Doll¡­ Thing lurking outside the room. "It seems we have someone to talk to, Sisters. How should we split up for now?"

    Krahe''s quills titter in thought as it absorbs her Harmonics. Then thrums. <Infection, Adaline, Warden remain with Mistress'' and little ones. Schatzi, Xafra, Pack Lead, to intercept. Verbess, Weave the songs between to share assessments and keep Harmonics stable.>

    Elevar glances up, looks between and is about to ask, but goes quiet as her twin reaches out and touches her arm.

    Then Lynette makes a sound like a growl, but keeps it soft as she murmurs up to us. Voice the same but... odd. Shakey. Worried. But... trusting. So much more trusting than she''s been before. "Don''t burrow past the Warm Ashes, Dear Ones. No Marrow is worth getting trapped in cold heavy dirt over."

    "Yes Momma, I remember. Can I help you as well?" Sia asks Mistress Lynette, offering a hand.

    Lynette shivers, nods. Hugs her newest little one closer and unfolds a new hand to grip hers. "Not too much, only help parse the old echoes apart. Leave the storm to gnash at the sea. Don''t regard the howls."

    Sia holds her hand gently and a slow wave of purple flows over Mistress Lynette, not blocking out everything like she is for her sister but simply causing the memories to move slower.

    "Alright. Little ones, be good for your emm heh. your other moms, and I''ll be right back after my sisters and I talk to my niece." Xafra says with a faint blush to Sia, Snek Doll, and Sikkina still in her shell.

    Waiting just outside Sikkina''s Sanctuary is the Doll from the Loom. The same one I saw channel Sekrh¨²s before. Cloaked in long Threads that trail off back toward the Undercroft. Eyes look to be of some kind of metal adjacent to iron or such. Frame made of old old porcelain. Covered with etchings that were not there before. Symbols and Runes and things that hurt to try and read and understand.

    As we approach it kneels. But not gently, not... even roughly. Just like... A muppet with strings cut. Forehead cracking to the stone floor.

    "This one comes bearing a message for your Grace and Care to hold." It speaks firmly but without emotion or inflection.

    "From my Niece, Sekrh¨²s?" Sister Xafra asks the empty vessel.

    "Yes. Do you accept the offering?"

    Xafra nods and agrees. "Yes."

    Etchings all across its form alight with a vibrant yellowish glow, then it speaks in a voice like soft  but strained silk. "For a Monument to Her S¨ªn to be complete, it must honor the children wrought. And despite delays, distractions, and deadly droughts... The Temple Below to the First and even the Third is woven true. Her Eminence requests your visitations and approvals of Her Great Work."

    Oh, this seems bad. Rather bad. I look back over to our Mistresses and other sisters and nod.

    <Seems a good plan to let Sister Xafra take point here.> Krahe agrees, Quills tittering as tails whirl all about in worry and confusion. <Careful and steady. No big motions unless we feel the walls grow teeth or something.>

    "Alright. I''m definitely interested in learning more about my mother and would like to meet with Sekrh¨²s directly if that''s an option. Not sure how much of a directly interfaceable facet she has..." Xafra answers to the hollow messenger.

    "Within the Temple Below Her Eminence may share words and thoughts and even Dreams with ease. Weightless as a heavy root upon the ocean." It replies, runes across is returning to dull etchings. Voice once again still and emotionless. "She also wishes to speak with your Sister upon her return. Hopes to offer congratulations on Her Ascension alongside yours. Invites perceptions from the other Divine inscribed into that place''s walls."

    "That''s... gonna be a much bigger ask. Last I saw Agusta she was...  verging on self-destruction, specifically because of the nature of her ascension." Xafra responds quietly, knowledge that the Pack shares and the Mistresses have yet to learn.

    "Her Eminence would weep at the loss of another Divine. Especially the one who carved Her final name across the Threads beneath. Gifted a path to new identities." It shivers, moves to sit rather than kneel. "But it speaks out of turn to Her Eminence''s Goddess. Your answer will come in motions or the lack of such. This one will return to its Primary Entombment Location. The message is delivered and resting well in your Care and Grace."

    Xafra hesitates, turning to the wretched shell. "Are you happy? Is there anything I can request of her for you, or provide for you myself?"

    It rises and gives Xafra a... strange look. There is a smile there. But... one that conveys the opposite a smile should. Not sadness. Not anger. Something worse than all those but also softer. More withered and weary.

    "No. But its happiness was petty and wretched and worse than those... Ignorant to the outcomes. This one will Function without." It replies with a deep bow before turning away to leave.

    "I don''t... like that. Not a bit. But not something for me to change either, I think." Xafra mutters, then starts to lead us downwards.

    "Not yet anyways. After Sekrh¨²s is free, there''s a lot more things to change. Especially since if I counted right, you have... Three kids now, Sister Xafra?" I add smiling.

    "Could always get caught by more yet. Just... snatched up and picked as a new parent." Krahe giggles, nudging at Xafra with her tails playfully. "But you''ll do good. Got a wriggle of a Pack to help out with the mess."

    "Nervous as anything. Blind Oracles, I''m nervous about that. Especially since Sia is legitimately a child, I didn''t quite expect that but I think I understand the desire and the benefits." Xafra rambles. "I. And like... Am I being super prejudiced to say that it''s going to be challenging to parent a daughter who doesn''t have a name and refuses them? Worried that if I stick with one nickname or term for endearment for too long it will become uncomfortable, you know?"

    "Hmmm... Not at all? Seems pretty reasonable to this one." Krahe replies, voice and tails and even Quills... stilling. Tones become a bit different. Almost more like I remember it being back in the Driftdream when we found her. An echo of the Big Sister who saved us back before our Dollification. "Kids who''ve gotten tugged through a bad early life are... Heh. Well, I''m dancing with a Chorus here, aren''t I? But the only thing I knew to do was just keep asking what I''d need and want if I was in their shoes. Cuz I was. Barely survived. Messed up a lot. But... I hope my little kindness I got to offer helped the kids I took in. Even after I left. Still worry about them, ya know? Don''t know how they turned out."

    Quills and tails twist back to motion after a heartbeat. Sister Krahe''s odd tone gone as she chuckles. "Save this one''s little birbs. Got to hitch a ride on their back to see about them up close. But you''ll do right by your little ones, Sister. Just poke Lynette to explain stuff better. Fill us in on what she''s found out about their link. Go from there?"

    "Heh. Yeah." She murmurs, a few tails wribbling out to wrap happily about my wrist as Quills hum to a focused melody of worry. "Gotta deal with the spooky first. Would love to say some of the Sun-Blessed we swarmed as a Pack were worse back in the day but... nah. This place is way more prickly."

    "That raises an ethical question though, doesn''t it? If we come across a Sun-blessed acting... unreasonable, we now know that killing them would only slightly slow them down. Would we have to imprison and re-educate them or..." I wonder, odd patterns tickling at my thoughts.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    "Well... from what Infection''s shared they still have to find a cutie willing to host them outside the Blaze. So there is a good chance Xafra can poke and prod Girra to give them a good talking to. Otherwise... well..." Krahe pauses, letting out a huff that ripples through her Quills. "Yeah. We could just sit on their current body till they learn the good lesson. See if there are other Bloodprice-like thingies that could be used to make them promise-promise not to be a problem on purpose."

    "True, though out of us, only Infection and... possibly Lynette can use those Arts. Something I''ve always been jealous of, really. A whole aspect of magic locked away from me, even after I once tried eating oh... A good dozen Sun-blessed at once. Which¡­ Sekrh¨²s, do you have any opinions on this? truthfully, Since I realized that you were alive, I''ve assumed you can hear us anywhere on the Estate and were simply being polite by pretending otherwise." Xafra mentions, tempting hidden horrors into speaking.

    The Estate has no loud or noticeable opinions to share at this time. Only the slowly growing sense of... Weight, echoing through Quills more and more. Like a Lodestone pulling Xafra forward and us with her. Finding that as she seeks this Temple Below the path is hers to walk and find.

    The pathway seems to match the one she took when she first wandered down here during our¡­ Odd Dreaming. Tunnels seem to twist about in ways that feel wrongways till our feet find water. A small amount sitting very very still. Smelling of a swamp, and one quite filled with a rich sweet smell. "I recognize this smell," Xafra whispers. And within the water are reflections. Both of this Pack, but also... corpses. At first only a few. But not physically, instead reflecting bodies that simply aren''t present around us. Maybe Betwixt or something?

    Waiting at the end of this first passage, is another ancient Doll. Nothing adorning it, but its reflection is that of a grinning young woman. Then they bow together, her with grace and poise it like a muppet with dropped strings. Fully too. Forehead to the floor/surface of the water and hands laid flat.

    "You know, you pull off the creepy vibe much better than my Sister. More practice, of course, but nonetheless well done."  Xafra quips, despite her increasing nervousness that comes through her Quills.

    "Her Eminence is humbled and maintained by your words, Divine Xafra. Blade and Strife rewoven, Severance knit into firm attachments. Firstborn of S¨ªn." The Doll murmurs, voice heavy with emotions. "She asks if you will bless Her the gifts of perceptions without the need for a Penitent Vessel? Take final steps into the Temple Drowned and Rebuilt to honor the newly ascended two Divines? She promises your safety evermore. Despite and against all within. Including itself."

    The Doll raises a shivering hand, while Sekrh¨²s does the same beneath the water''s reflections. An offer.

    "Of course. I''m curious to see what you''ve done, and hoping to get a chance to discuss loosening your bonds enough for you to slip free soon enough." Xafra speaks directly to the reflection, offering a severe bow herself as well.

    [Just don''t start snipping without the Mistresses or Augusta] I intone to her in reminder.

    <Agreed.> Krahe nods with tails and head. <Just a little visit. Scouting the spooky place. Understand the mess.>

    The reflected Sekrh¨²s twitches while the Doll jerks, then settles. Their offered mimicked hands are the only part of either to remain steady and unmoving. "She awaits the Harvest you would offer it. Your words a treasure to lay as seeds in soil rich with freshly spilled heart''s blood."

    No! Never again will I water those fields!

    Before sister Xafra can take her hand, I reach out to our sister and stop her, my bestial form asserting itself, wings flaring, horns curling, voice hardening. "Return these ones through wound and weft to the Mistresses first, for your niece''s tortured whisperers speak precisely in the manner she intends them to, and I refuse to play."

    Verbess thrums in agreement and easy understanding like none others can. Gifting me all sorts of furious songs if I end up needing them here.

    "Her Eminence agrees. All who enter this Temple with a Divine shall exit in the fashion they wish. No harm or barring of return to the Real it burrowed under will come to pass this day." The Hollow vessel offers. "Even should it break Her to keep this promise, Bonded Fury and Wroth bringer."

    I hiss, barely keeping to the right side of propriety. "Insufficient. Sister Xafra, I wish to leave with Krahe, and return when you are done with your visit."

    Our Pack Lead turns half her eye''s focus to me, tails whirring in considerations as Quills try to understand my anger. "We''re not leaving a Pack Sister to deal with this tangle alone. But this one getscha. You''re making good points."

    Then she turns full focus on Sekrh¨²s. "Your words seem either muddy on purpose or just... careless. Not sure. We want promises of full non-aggression. Regardless of how we get where or when we arrive or who we''re with. For our full Pack and Mistress and little ones and Dolls above, actually. Not just now but going forward. Or warnings if there are limits to that long before we might tumble into something problematic. Else we''re walking away and making sure that next time Xafra thinks about talking it''s with tooth and talon and fangs and more allies ready to tear their way free if you cause trouble."

    The Doll hesitates, seems to shiver under a cold it doesn''t feel as Sekrh¨²s... fully trembles. "Agreed. Save for one. And she is not here. And you all and each will convey to it your perceptions and limits so She may adhere to your desires."

    Krahe purses lips at that, "Which one?"

    "The thing Anchored to the Corpse Pits. Who is bound to Her Eminence. She is wrapped in the shape and called Lynette." It replies.

    Krahe''s Quills thrum in worry and annoyance, but she glances back to me. "How''s that? Or... Still not good enough?"

    "I would... extend that offer the other way as well. I cannot oath for my Mistresses, but I promise that me and mine will not deliberately strike against you without provocation. I understand the situation with Lynette is more... complicated and would like to negotiate that later, if you''re amenable." Xafra responds to Sekrh¨²s as I consider.

    "Yes, this is right and good. Thank you for your understanding, everyone." I conclude with a sigh before diminishing my presence, stepping mentally closer to the Driftdream while still keeping focus on the situation at hand.

    Hate Hate Hate wordwrigglers that weave nooses with tongues.

    <Agreed.> Sister Verbess growls, settling the angry songs like it folds away talons and fangs.

    "Course, little birb." Krahe grins and lets tails twist about to grip and squeeze my hand and wrist.

    "Her Eminence understands that its form and Function is a provocation, and that penance is not its to refuse. Weeping wounds and infested scars are rewards for fulfillment of those ends. She would be a poor¨C" The Doll cuts off at it almost says those last few words. The Sekrh¨²s beneath opening eyes to glare directly at the Frame across from her.

    Silver eyes boring into it with annoyance and threats unending.

    "I disagree entirely, but that''s something I''d prefer to speak to her directly about, as it''s clear there''s a level of interpretation here I was unaware of. Regardless, I am ready." Xafra takes Krahe''s hand in her own tail and offers a hand out to the broken toy.

    It takes her hand, then...

    It''s all swapped to the upside down reflection. Feeling... just like stepping into Xafra''s Driftdream.

    Bare muppy walls that were just holding droopy vines now are adorned with... Dolls? No. Etchings of Dolls, layers and layers of them. And they''re working together to hold a big long central stretch of wall that has carvings of events. Things that seem really familiar. But also... blurry.

    There''s images of my childhood that make me flinch. A sad little boy who didn''t understand what it meant to hear a persistent voice in his head and worried that he would never be able to¡­ No! None of that! My displeasure seems to resonate and the images alter, hiding away the wounds and showing the many things I''ve done as the Lady of Annihilation. Snips of Krahe''s past, more complete than I think even she realizes with how Warden works, but definitely¡­ Diminished from her first unlife. Scenes of Adaline, and Infection, and the rest of the Pack¡­ All of the old Pack when we were¡­ Alive¡­ When did we die? Was it my fault? Were we ever truly alive even as a child? I could get lost in these thoughts and images if it wasn''t for the looming presence of our host.

    Up close... Sekrh¨²s is nothing like I last saw her. Form isn''t a twisty annoying reflection of Yselda or even the shorter lady she became when I asked. She''s... more defined. Solid. Form gaunt with long dirty red hair that seems to fall down and past the water she kneels in. Wears a dirty and simple robe and... an odd bracelet covered with vibrant unpolished stones.

    "Welcome, your Grace." Sekrh¨²s speaks, voice a whisper, eyes wide to match her excited smile as she continues to kneel. Hand that is gripped by Xafra barely even touching her skin. "To your Monument and Temple. Already drowned and rebuilt. Only... needing the gifts of your perceptions to rise into place."

    "Please, Sekrh¨²s. We''re family. I don''t require any titles or obeisance from you." Xafra answers gently. "I''d be happy to see what you''ve been working on"

    "You do, actually. But... You''re right. ''Grace'' is insufficient. Small. The kind of title petty sorts mantle themselves with. Will need to change that..." She replies, releasing Xafra''s hand to grip the wall. Using it to rise as if¡­ Oh.

    Her ankles are a mangled mess. Long healed. But her feet are twisted all wrong and could barely support the weight of even a child, much less a fully grown adult.

    Hobbling¡­ How horrific. A form of punishment I haven''t seen in hundreds of years.

    "But you''ll feel that soon enough." Sekrh¨²s continues, as she gets upright she just kind of... floats. Toes remaining beneath the water. Drifting backwards and away. "It''s all almost as perfect as I could make it, especially only seeing you once and then just through the perceptions of my Blossom. But all of you is refracted here! And in subtle ways too. And almost any mistake can be smothered and dredged up all over again still. So... don''t worry about insulting me when you notice problems. It all needs to be perfect. Changing it after full rising is stupidly painful and sometimes basically impossible."

    "I see, I don''t necessarily agree. For others, certainly but... not family, despite my distaste for your mother. I... Never knew that you and your siblings were... Sapient. None of the common human folk did at least. But anyway, I''m glad to meet you in a less stressful situation and would adore seeing what you''re working on. This realm is fascinating in its location. Is this temple and monuments the mooring lines?"

    She''s a touch still at Xafra''s first words, but a smile alights at the last. "Partially. The Dolls in your Driftdream are guiding it to the right place, while I shove it from below. This will all arrive and settle soon. As the more... visitable aspect to the Temple that was already laid. What''s there should be the lowest or back rooms. Private. This is the place all can visit. Even can tumble about the real during your chosen season, if you nudge it to that."

    As Sekrh¨²s drifts back, we are led through the hallways. Past more and more nearly living sculptures. "Passages to offer honest perceptions refracted from within themselves. The smell of mild Rot of your mother''s Dreams to fertilize the idea of growth from old corpses. The well-etched structure to enforce both respect and awe with the comfort you want all to feel within your Dream''s embrace... And... What else what else...?"

    Not a trap but... Not a gift. Can''t be, not with everything else... What is she planning? This one muses silently as I follow Xafra closely.

    "It''s... Idealistic... Why make this place?" Xafra asks in confusion. "What purpose does it serve?"

    She pauses just as we''re able to spot a big chamber ahead. Turns to look directly at Xafra. And... I notice more wounds across her. Things that seem to become clearer the longer we''re here.

    One eye is ruined and gone, the other half broken and seeming barely functional. Chafing scars about her throat from what was a horribly tight collar. Deep erratic bite marks all around that bracelet she''s wearing. And... more. All over. Feels like a bottomless well to try and count or observe all but the largest and most obvious.

    "Oh, I didn''t make this place." She explains with a head tilt and smile. "I searched for and found it. Drowned and dead but... still full of love and care. Thought I''ve had to spend a few centuries like I did on the other two when they bubbled up but... your Driftdream pulls it up faster. Will let you claim it basically whenever. And the purpose is yours to decide. Which is why you coming here now is perfect. We can make it everything and anything you''d like before the stones are set."

    "Are you injured, or is that your preferred appearance?" I interrupt, both needing to know and becoming even more concerned about the trap that has been set.

    "I''m not..." She turns to eye me, seeming... confused, almost offended, by my question. "Schatzi, part of this place''s purpose is to gift the dead and drowned a place to exist in harmony to their accumulated Strife. So... the part of me refracting here now, especially to explain, needs to manifest appropriately. Which is why I''m able to leave that Penitent Vessel outside and speak directly. Whatever damage you see is metaphorically adjacent to the mess you''d find across the grounds."

    I stare pointedly at the wounds as Sister Xafra begins to radiate anger.

    "That''s... worse. Perhaps you don''t realize that, but it is worse that this is a reflection of your true state instead of a choice you made. I''ve wondered about your names... Their Structure and Intent and... I do not like what has been done to you. Too many choices seem stripped from your initial design. Yet... We must Focus|Align|Crystalize purposes for the moment. This place is... Too Idealistic as I mentioned. It is what should be, not what is. Becoming is not a one and done thing but the Strife to continue forward and improve, develop, and experience all the colours of the world."

    At first she seems confused by Xafra''s words and anger, but at the end she''s nodding. "All Divine see different aspects of each of their Names. And this is your place. Er... Well... Half yours. So we can fix this. Easily. As can... um... Your sister. If she wants. But you exerting authority here now is good. Will let her reweave from familiar perceptions."

    Then she leads us to the big chamber. And inside are rows and rows of slabs and Doll cases. Each etched with Glyphs of creation and remaking. On the far wall is a big well or pool or... something. Carvings above it are of Xafra life motions. Depictions of her experiences.

    But Sekrh¨²s'' state keeps worsening. Even her gown is falling to tatters. Revealing what looks to be a really fresh wound on her stomach. Like someone drove something up through her belly and ripped at and out the insides.

    ?Acceptance|Supplication? Thrums from her. Making the chamber wibble in anticipation as Sekrh¨²s perches herself to sit on a nearby slab.

    "That makes sense." Xafra responds quietly before doing something so horribly... Her. She takes a few steps back while moving forward and splits a form off... The ruined near boneless body that remained after Elevar''s surgery. The second Xafra doesn''t seem to be  alive, but not... dead either. more... A concept than a person. Oh that kinda makes sense now, if you''re Xafra.

    In front of the pool, a short bier forms up from the ground and the fake Xafra, Definitely fake,  floats over and lays prone on it.

    "This is me. I considered getting changing this form many times. Probably should have. But... This form is proof that I matter. That with my very bones offered up, I saved a woman I love. Looking at it, I feel that I have so much more I can offer, but... should never bring myself to such a weak point again. Because I cannot care for the ones I love by embracing oblivion. a funeral pyre could only keep them warm for so long."

    Sekrh¨²s watches in rapt silence. Taking in every word without even seeming to breathe. Her one ruined remaining eye locked on the scene and motions.

    "I am a fool, dear niece, and much less worldly than some believe but... You could heal if you wanted to, I think. And... maybe I''m wrong and you can''t relate to what I''m saying. That''s possible. Yet, I get to make choices. bad, foolish, childish choices like this one. Because I saw today that... My daughters are already learning from my actions, and that means so very much to me." As Xafra speaks her hair grows and grows, flowing through the crack in the back of her skull like spools unravelling. The hair floats and weaves itself into a blanket similar to how Sikkina did, yet solid, tangible, and burnished silver in appearance. Eventually Xafra shifts one of her arms into the blade of her spearform and cuts the hair as the woven blanket completes before draping it around Sekrh¨²s.

    Sekrh¨²s shivers under the weight of the gift. Confusion waring with surprise and delight across her features as fingers grip the edges of the cloth to pull it close. Then she whispers so quietly in a voice that sounds torn and weak. "I... Don''t think it''s childish to gift family things that bear weight behind them. Words can be nice. But... they don''t last as long as flesh and bone and Names and wounds. Thank you, I... I hope this Temple Anchors you. Makes it so any oblivion tumbled into loses its grip quickly and forgets your face without tearing away too much."

    "Thank you too. Now... How can we help you? Genuinely. I... If you wish, I could try to change one of your names. or... I don''t know, honestly. I''m ironically, considering the location, a bit out of my depth."

    "Help? That''s... Well, finishing this Temple to become exactly the Monument you need would be perfect. As for my Names..." She pauses, looks down at that pristine but ancient looking bracelet. Eyes trailing over the bite marks all around it. "Your brother tried to muddle or adjust them. But it didn''t stick like the one I helped him find did. Maybe... I think... There is one way. But I won''t know if you can even try that until I see your Temple and understand it."

    Odd. I want to hate her. Would be easier to hate her, but... she''s just so broken.

    "Okay. How do we... finish it then? If Augusta is also supposed to be part of it, I mean." Xafra questions.

    "Treat this all like you would your favorite forms or Driftdream constructions." Sekrh¨²s suggests, looking back up to Xafra and us. "Just reach out and take this place from me. I can keep it steady while you work. As for your sister''s half... She''ll probably enjoy what you''ll weave over what I''ve done. Since you''ve gotten a good look at her. And it all can be adjusted later when she visits. Just don''t let it bubble up to outside and there won''t be a rush."

    Xafra smiles and stands still as a statue as the weight of her presence increases, rippling through this pocket of voided dreams like how D?mmerung did during our communion. The other changes are subtle at first, seeming to be naught but a trick of the light, yet all too present. The shallow water we stand in fully seperates into three streams that grow deeper as the Temple we stand in shifts to accommodate, three holes form along the bottom of the wall adjacent to the... Offering Pool, I guess. The weirdest thing is each stream is... different. One is the color of blood under moonlight and travels from the pool and out the hole, another looks like simple water and goes from one of the holes out the entrance, and the third is... somehow desaturated, and travels across the room and up the opposite wall, exiting through a newly formed hole in the ceiling. With sudden gasping breath Xafra staggers and giggles. "Whew. Okay, that was harder than I thought. Probably broke a few rules, thinking about it, but that''s... kinda my thing. Seemed important to start with though.¡±

    Krahe buzzes with interest and pulses three melodies of twice folded <Accessing...> bolstered by Verbess'' observations. Absorbing all the changes, Xafra''s status, and Sekrh¨²s'' possible interventions she still worries could happen.

    Even grows more to her Combat form for a heartbeat, but then settles more than even when we first entered as Verbess thrums... <Requesting analysis and Function report for Factor UNNUMBERED Construct.>

    "Whatcha weaving here, girl?" Krahe murmurs just after. "Tune us in a bit. This all rings with you but... also extra bits. Inspired notes tumbling through instead of out.¡±

    "They are tributaries of some of the Conceptual Rivers. Cocytus, Lethe, and Urd. They uhm... Didn''t exist in our Firmament until now. Had to give them a bit of a tug to connect us. Felt important to better ensure balance with how everything is developing. Three. Three is important. Urd, the waters of Fate for Reality. Lethe, the waters of Oblivion for Void. Cocytus, the waters of Lamentation for Dream. There was more but... No, three is right and rite. With myself and Augusta both primarily extant on the other edges of our Firmament from Girra, S¨ªn, and D?mmerung, stability is important.¡±

    Our current Pack Lead absorbs that. Quills and song and eyes settling to quiet curiosity. Not really understanding... but not worried about that. Takes in Xafra''s songs with trust and acceptance.

    Sekrh¨²s however is completely still, one half working eye locked on the new waters of this place. Quietly mumbling to herself. "Will let the muck naturally erode with the cycles of the seasons. Plenty of room for all to flow into and out. Up and down. Even... maybe backways? At least once every twisting. Just like the day the Sky has to be Empty. Clever. Impossibly volatile but... in a way that will hold together through more big shifts if this all takes.¡±

    "That''s my hope. And I made sure that Urd is... very far from us. Nowhere near any of the Groves. Will probably cause some issues when it''s found but on a smaller scale than the risk of the Firmament rupturing. I¡­ I don''t know how I know this all." Xafra begins confidently but trails off with concern.

    "Senses without name or nerves or any spirit strangled attachments are like that." Sekrh¨²s offers gently, gaze shifting back to Xafra. "Tracing them back to their sources is... a long and often richly wounding path that I''d happily recommend you walk as time permits.¡±

    And as Xafra''s gaze turns back to her niece... the final wounds seem to settle into place. The blanket covers most as that gown she wears is even more rotted away but... these last are sewn even across the flesh of her face. Nearly glow like brands freshly etched. None in languages I remember but all might as well shout their meanings.

    Lies made Flesh, Broken Weave, Rotten Hatchling, Blighted Work''s Reward, Her Greatest Shame, Misbegotten and Strangling Promise, Hagspawn, Defilement and... Guilty Home. That last word over and over and over as it binds all other things together like the threaded seams of a dress.

    Her name. The last one given and laid into place. A glowing mark to any that hear it but more still as she is lets more of herself be seen. Warnings like how some places would mar the sick and criminal to warn others away. A pity. This is not right. It''s not soft or simple or fun at all.

    <We need to fix this.> I buzz at my Pack Lead and sister.

    Krahe radiates confliction as she absorbs the sight. Wariness for Sekrh¨²s warring with slowly realizing how bad her state is. The obvious marks of one enslaved for a very very long time. But thrums almost immediately, <Agreement. Even... Yeah. No idea how to do it though. A Garrote like Xafra had is one thing to hunt and tear up, but this...? I dunno little Birb. We''re gonna need help. But yeah. We should try, hard as we can.>

    "Okay. Okay. I think that''s all I can do for now. But... Would be happy to return and keep working on it? In the meantime, what can I do for you, Sekrh¨²s? I''d... really like to help you, especially on such a momentous day." Xafra presses.

    "This is your place. A Temple to everything you are and want to be. I couldn''t, and wouldn''t, ever try to stop you from returning." She lets out such a laugh while leaning back to glance about the Temple, replies carefully though. Bubbling with thoughtful worry. "As for help? You just did. I... Got to break a promise today. And that''s very rare for me. The Best. And if you''re still wanting to try and crack up a name of mine? Well... you can''t. But you could adjust one. Maybe. Depends on if your sister helps and you try from the right spot. But you need to focus on making sure she doesn''t stop existing. Please? She''s... Perfect. Easily my second favorite Divine. She... the name she gave me is expertly shorn across and through the others. Matches the wound struck in the following heartbeats. And the idea of losing another Divine would just... I don''t want that to happen. Okay? Take care of her. Help her grow through whatever is strangling the Rot we exchanged.¡±

    "Of course. I''m planning on keeping her. And you, If you''ll have me as family. See you soon." With that, Xafra pulls us out of this Temple thing and back to solid Roots in front of the odd doll once more.

    "Back to the little ones now?" I ask, desperate to feel less¡­ concerned.

    "Yup. Make sure everyone''s still alright and... see what our Mistresses think of all this." Krahe agrees, once again locking a few tails about mine and Sister Xafra''s wrists before tugging us along.

    We wibble and wobble our way back up the grunky tunnels and sooner than latter return to Sikkina''s Sanctuary. I immediately flop in Krahe''s arms dramatically, declaring "Oh woe is us, Xafra did something weird again.¡±

    Mistress Elevar watches us all with more than a little bit of worry but mostly relief.

    More so as my Pack Sister Lead basically cocoons me in a big wrapping of almost all her tails, save the few she reaches out to the rest of our Pack with, before elaborating. "Turns out Sekrh¨²s wanted to give Xafra a Temple. But... our girl had to like... help make it just right? But the Temple isn''t here yet. In the Real I mean. But will be soon. From what I gathered. But... anyway, she wove some rivers through it that help keep something steady and also might be trying to fiddle with one of Sekrh¨²s'' names. But will need Augusta''s help. Also... That girl''s a mess. Like... Not sure how that''s all gonna go. But I agree that it''s a good idea."

    Mistress Elevar blinks once, looks over to Lynette who''s only just now looking to us from where she''s been watching her two wiggly daughters chatter and even chitter back and forth. The snek Doll and Sia talking about things at speeds that make the insides of the discussion kinda hard to follow.

    "What corpse did she wear to speak to you through?" Lynette asks carefully. Words slow and deliberate unlike her normal easily woven words. And she still doesn''t seem incredibly happy with them.

    "None? She used some Dolls, then we spoke in a different realm where she looked uhh. mostly like my old base form, with long red hair." Xafra says, bemused.

    "Very much a deliberate family resemblance to both Xafra and Augusta, I think" I mumble, curling myself around Krahe more.

    Lynette looks like she wants to say something, but hesitates as Elevar rests a hand on her knee. Asks the questions we can all feel bubbling across the bond. "I''m honestly just glad she didn''t seem the grumpy ravenous beast I''ve always felt when linking up to the Threads at the Loom. Any threats? Not just open but even subtle things? Implied or otherwise? Even accidental things she may not have meant to offer? Or... Demands for us? Indications to why she offered this? Or what she means to do in the future?¡±

    "No, actually. I was pretty surprised. Krahe even managed to get concessions from her for everyone here and all the Dolls above except Lynette..." Xafra responds.

    "Xafra made her a blanket!" I shout, remembering. "It was really neat and weird because it was with her hair.¡±

    Elevar smiles and almost chuckles at that. While even her twin can''t help but smile gently at the words. Eyes drifting back to watch the little ones once more.

    Then Lynette lets out a huff of a sigh and nods after three good heartbeats. Offering, "Cold Ashes. Like gifting marrow to sink traps. But... Clever. The Sympathetic Link is one only you can twist. And... the Beast Below let you reweave Leylines of stability she can''t even use? Even the space between the promises are obvious and... a gift in and of themselves. Things it couldn''t break without approvals it can''t get. This... You''ve tugged us into warmer places. Safe burrows. And even I can''t worry through the cold night at the dangers.¡±

    "Leylines? Not sure what those are but, I just yoinked a few conceptual rivers into our layers of existence. she seemed... surprised mostly. Oh! She mentioned that she got to break a promise because of my actions. Don''t know what that means, but she was happy about it. There was like... A vulnerability there. She seemed to keep expecting me to hurt her and it was... Sad. I gave her a blanket because I felt she needed something that wasn''t painful, not as any trick or trap and won''t use it as such." Xafra shakes her head. "I don''t think she''s good by any means, but neither am I. Just hope we can work this all out together.¡±

    "She acted the same when Augusta named and struck her." Elevar agrees. "Good... seems something of a luxury for entities who aren''t as bound as she is. If you can change Sekrh¨²s'' name then we can offer her that opportunity to find something better than just expecting pain from all those about. Did she offer any methods to that process? Or will that be a question for your departed sister on her return?¡±

    "I uhmmm..." Xafra hesitates, not sure how to talk about Augusta properly.

    Lynette looks back to us. Eyes locking on Xafra. "It''s not often I get to hear the Beast flinch in worry, yet it did. Many times. Every voice stilled for a heartbeat in terror. Specifically when the threads bubbled with your sister''s name. A ache and fear of cold lonely burrows. Is Augusta safe where she strides?¡±

    "From all but herself." Xafra admits. "She''s... Distressed with what she is. What her senses insist is true, and how her abilities function. I don''t know how to help her yet, aside from... pressing against what reality dictates until it bends to our desires.¡±

    "Forever Fire''s weeping piss." Lynette curses, words seeming more like she normally talks as such self-focused anger bubbles up. "Stupid Half-Knit. Shouldn''t have delayed my talks with her. She needs to take up her last name and grow from the corpse. I... Moonshite. I''m sorry.¡±

    "Heh. Corpses are the problem. She doesn''t share my... affinity with Dolls. To her Divinity, they are mere corpses with the souls locked away inside. She even mentioned that most have... something missing from them, that they''re incomplete, whatever that means. All of ours except for Schatzi and Verbess, Infection, and Presephona. Krahe and Warden both register as something entirely different to her also.¡±

    Lynette goes still, eyes dropping. Open guilt bleeding across the bond. "That... Yes. They would. She can hear the screams or lack of them rattling around. Doesn''t know enough about Dollcraft to stumble into the answer. To ask the right questions. To know... Well, what she can probably help do to help those she loves. And I was too stupid and terrified what she''d notice about me if I told her."

    Then she looks to her little ones, asks gently. "The Forever Fire is asleep for the night, if you''d both like to slither above and enjoy the Empty Sky?¡±

    "Oooooh. Yes. Yes yes." The Snek Dolls explains excitedly, poking at her newest sister. "Will even have you pick which Spire we wribble up for your first night!¡±

    "Yay! Can we um. mebe make it so Sikkina can also see? I don''t want to leave her out." Sia asks.

    "With your core anchor being woven of her will and gifts? Of course, Dear one." Lynette nods with a smile she can''t hide. Settling more into familiar worb patterns that feel less strained and difficult for her to find. "But... be gentle, if you please. Offer her your harvested perceptions like you might to the sleeping to discover upon waking. Because that''s what she need to be doing right now. Avoid... language as well. Too much can muddle things for her at this stage. Mayhaps establish a Cant with your youngest sibling?¡±

    "Yes, Momma. I''ll just offer the sight if she wants it." Sia responds dutifully.

    "Perfect, thank you, dear ones. Love you both more than either can ever know." Her mother replies, pulling the two into such a big hug with more arms than the Pack has between our Frames.

    "We should be up to join you in a little while, dear ones." Xafra mentions softly.

    Lynette watches with a fading smile as the two slither out and up from Sikkina''s Sanctuary. Sits quietly for a long time, no doubt to wait for the snek Doll to move well out of hearing range.

    Then she begins to speak softly to our Pack and her twin "So... This topic is a caustic mess. And one I hate to even discuss. Because it is unmaking to even consider. Much less realize it holds truth for yourself or... and your child. So if anyone wishes to go join our little ones early to avoid having to imbibe this... I''d understand.¡±

    "I need to know. I suspect but... I need to hear it." Adaline gently insists.

    Mistress Elevar moves to hold her wife. Taking my Pack Sister into her arms as it''s clear in her eyes and bond that she''s been shared this and wants to help Adaline brace for the words.

    Lynette nods, glances about to see if any others consider leaving. But the Quill Songs just hum with gentle support and curiosity and preparations, so she continues. Slowly, carefully, and voice as even as she can keep it.

    "So... when a Doll is being crafted, the first thing the weaver does is sever the spine in three places with a precise but minor effort of Physis. Do any of you know... Well, I won''t condescend the intelligence of this Pack. The common belief is that this is to allow clear pathways or other such nonsense for the energies to pass through cleanly. Which is nonsense. It''s... It''s because, in very extreme circumstances, the corpse can wake up after the Instillation. Not easily. But... The Flesh Forgotten can be one of a few varieties of horridly tragic. And the implications of each possibility is wretched. More so the farther you get from base humanity. That''s, what I suspect, Augusta is sensing. Especially here. A place that keeps a Pit below full of weeping corpses whose spirits were torn away and woven into Dolls or othersuch."

    "Ah. So she''s an idiot like our Xafra. That''s understandable. I mean, just look at the geists. Not a single one has Ousia or a soul, core or otherwise, yet they fully exist so clearly there''s a whole nother bit to the nonsense... But it doesn''t matter. I''m not lesser for being a Doll, even if there''s bits of the old me elsewhere. I was always missing bits and I''m more me now than I ever was.. You''re not lesser either, Mistress Lynette, and I''ll bite anyone who disagrees. When Augusta gets back this one will talk sense back into her silly head until she understands properly." Adaline boldly claims.

    Elevar can''t help but bury an unsteady giggle into the back of her wife''s back while pulling her closer. A wash of relief at Adaline''s lack of worry bubbling across the bond. Fear that this knowledge would hurt her cracking away like thin ice under a warm pouring of water.

    Her twin just... blinks at first. Stares at my Sister in wordless surprise. Then something seems to click-clack inside Mistress Lynette. Followed by her purring in a really unfairly sultry voice. "You are all so very unlucky that I am too tired, distracted, and within the Sanctuary of my child to move from this spot. Else I''d make a mess of each of you for how well you''ve handled today. But..." Then she sighs and looks to Krahe, Infection and myself. "Pass my first Doll into my arms, then I''d like you both to head up and gather up everything on our desk and bring it down here. This Pack can help us finish Adaline''s Happy Witch Doll Day gift."

    "Yes Mistress!" They chime together, then slide me into the waiting hold of Lynette before Krahe picks up Infection and darts off.

    "Oh? Is sister Adaline getting an Implement?" I ask with a smile up at Lynette.

    "She is, as is befitting a Witch of her skills and temperaments." Mistress nods as one of her many pairs of hands begin to idly dance gentle patterns through my hair.

    "Long overdue, honestly." Elevar agrees while adjusting to sit next to Adaline. "But... better late than never. Even without her needing to extract marrow or blood we figured it would be more within our skills to provide this. Leave the knitting of large brimmed hats or flowing robes to the experts. We''re going to weave her a needle of iron.¡±

    "Oh wow. I um. gosh. Thank you." Adaline exclaims

    "Oh, don''t thank us till you see the gift." Elevar smugs just as Krahe and Infection zoom back into the room and settle into the space next to me.

    *Wiggling to lay out a stack of books, two schema, and the cradle thingy that holds the wiggly Garrote they pulled from Mistress Elevar that was binding Lynette.*

    "We mean to forge you something... impractically intricate." Lynette explains, reaching forward to lift and examine the cradle. "Iron from handle to spike, with an etched grip of chitin, and a core containing one of your Quills. And woven throughout with at least half a dozen Glyphs of channeling, focus, and stability. You''ll be hard pressed to miscast with this tool."

    "Which, yes. Seems impractical with how your Glyphs already work." Mistress Elevar adds. "But I suspect you''ll only grow more ambitious with the Art of Frame-laden casting Glyphs. So... best to offer you a tool that''ll assist you at all stages. Even grant you capacity to Weave beyond what you otherwise might in a heartbeat of need.¡±

    Adaline chitters and immediately tugs out a quill from the back of her head with the smallest of winces. "Oh Xafra''s silly actions! This is amazing.¡±

    "I''m now getting oaths sworn by me. that feels... weird." Xafra interjects.

    Mistress Lynette grins, while turning the cradle about in her hand and glancing over to Xafra. "You should get in front of that before the Dolls all across the World and Dreams start making up new and odd ones. Or just... Eind?mmung."

    The little ball with sharp edges cracks open at the suddenly snapped Einwandfrei, and almost immediately a string of glowing buzzing iron thread like a snek darts out and toward Elevar. But is caught at the tail and yanked back by at least six separate pairs of hands that unfold from Lynette and grip it firmly.

    "...Wait and see what springs up. React as needed." She finishes. Starting to examine the wriggling length of iron and angry weavings. "Because that first one was adorable. I hope you get lots of soft oaths and curses paired with your name.¡±

    "I hope so too, because I felt that." Xafra says quietly.

    As the Mistresses continue to work, the Pack vibrates with Xafra''s words in contemplation as she passes the sensations onward. "Huh. That''s... Significant. Mistresses, We... I think we learned something very important here.¡±

    "Oh? What''s that?" Elevar asks between carefully weaving the cradle about the iron Lynette manages.

    "It''s not just the big stuff. We already knew Xafra needed a Temple to avoid her getting changed too much by others but... If a simple oath can resonate, then it''s likely... the oaths against the S¨ªn and her broken form have been, at the very least, unhelpful in regards to her returning. Hah, we need to change how we all speak, and try to spread that as well." Adaline laughs with a tinge of mania.

    "So... How we tend to spit annoyance while mentioning the moon''s current state actually needles her?" Lynette murmurs, while twisting the iron about the Quill Adaline holds up. Focus split and obviously strained between multiple places. "That seems a horrid design flaw. But one I''ll happily respect and simply adjust worbs to instead prod the Madthing when I''m in the mood to curse a Divine."

    "Following the short assessment, Warden concurs. It is likely that as S¨ªn is not currently worshipped on this peninsula, curses using her have an enlarged effect on her... Mythos seems to be the best term." The cutie pie Warden adds.

    "So... Where''s S¨ªn''s Temple? I''m under the impression that Augusta got D?mmerung to unearth theirs, the one we''ll be visiting soon, but... It could make a difference if we could find hers." Xafra asks.

    "One could be on the moon. Which would make sense see that you all met a Witch from the place. But then... Wait." Lynette hesitates in her work, totally. Everything about her stopping for three heartbeats. "Oh. Cracked and Riven Empty Bones the.... Sekrh¨²s'' is the Monument to Her S¨ªn. She''s... This place is not just a horrible mulching Pit it''s... it''s a Temple to your mother. One of the oldest if not the most ancient in existence.¡±

    "That''s... equal parts beautiful and agonizingly tragic. Remind me to murder my sister Hive, if we ever come across her." Xafra fumes.

    "Just... Be very careful saying that name to Sekrh¨²s. Even in that way. Maybe especially in that way." Lynette murmurs, carefully returning to her work. "Augusta giving us the list of the Divine caused quite the stir when I imbibed the names and stored them in my personal Threads. She''s... messy, about all of you. Only really stable in her feelings about you, Augusta, the unnamed second born and your brother Chalice.¡±

    "Have... Oh. Right. Once you''ve finished, I think it would be... prudent to show you what she looks like. The appearance that''s as close to True as I think she can manage." Xafra adds.

    "Of course. Nearly done." She agrees, starting to fold and wind the iron about the Quill with fingers melting to pure miasma and heat weavings of shaping. "I''ll be curious to see which mask she chose for the talks. Must have found quite the old and odd intake to mimic an uncanny resemblance to you and Augusta both."

    Mistress Elevar whispers the Einwandfrei of Estate Spire shaping to bend the cradle about the needle in rhythm to her twin. Little Glyphs smaller than anyone can see wiggling to get etched into place across both the Iron and chitin.

    "Adaline, strike this with your sealing work." Elevar asks just after each piece locks into place, but seems to shiver and creak with the strain of trying to come apart again as our Mistress'' focus on keeping it bound.

    Adaline reaches out and wraps her hand around it, her Gnadenhalsband forming a gentle shoulder along the join, however she holds it there in place, seemingly anxious about taking it.

    "Wife." Elevar murmurs, leaning over to whisper quietly into Adaline''s ear. A hand trailing up to lay atop the one that grips the knitting needle. "You long ago earned a symbol of your brilliance. Have pioneered more Arts and Weaves than we can count easily. Will endlessly stride farther still. This... Is a gift. From us. A tool to remind you how the worst choices can be reforged into sharp tools and put to good knittings.¡±

    Adaline nods and takes the needle, deftly affixing it within the shroud of other Quills in her hair to hide its presence. "Thank you. I''ll strive to make you proud of my actions.¡±