My training continued for a few more days. Morning tests, afternoon sessions with Researcher Jan, and evening lessons on Language and Social Studies.
Gina came in shortly after dinner. My meals were prepared, and while they were not what I would normally eat for myself, Jan had explained that I had to include an additional set of nutrients for hastening development.
I wanted to ask more questions, but it was as if he was always a step ahead of what I was thinking.
My mind came back to the present as Gina spoke, "Today, in lieu of lessons, I have brought a very special guest."
As I looked up, I was shocked.
"Sute?! It's really you? It has been a very long time since we last spoke."
As she walked into my greeting her expression changed. She showed a bit of shock, then sadness, then happiness.
"Lark, it has been too long."
Behind Sute was her follower. My mind told me she was called a 'governess' before. "I see your governess Flick is here."
Sute smiled, "It's been a while since you have been called 'my governess' right Flick?'
Flick, "It has." Flick showed apprehension. Towards me. Sute stepped in. "I have learned that you are reading now. I also heard that my fellow representative Hassan has dropped off a copy of the book of our people's history. Have you had a chance to read it?"
I shook my head. "I am sorry Sute, but the book is still pretty difficult to read. I am building up to it though."
I then pulled out my favorite book so far. It was called 'Tales of Twilight' and was a collection of short simple stories that told moral lessons in a way I could understand. "It is a collection of very simple stories, and there are lots of pictures to help me to understand. The Dhamphir Rubius came by and let it with me during my presentation. He was also easy to converse with, although a bit timid."
Sute giggled. "The Dhamphir are a step ahead of the rest of us it seems."
I was confused. "How are they ahead of us Sute?"
Sute smiled, "All of the books that you have been given by the various representatives of each race have been difficult to read, except Rubius' book, correct?"
I nodded. "The rest are still a bit compex for me."
Sute laughed. "This is because this is not the official book of the Dhamphir. Their original text is much more difficult to read than the 'Tales of Twilight'. The book they brought you is a version meant for children. Honestly, those nightwalkers have their priorities straight."
"Sute, is nightwalkers a polite term for them? Would they take offense?"
Sute smiled, "I like that you ask Lark. For the Dhamphir, they commonly refer to themselves as those that 'walk in darkness'. I asked and they said it was all in the usage. It could be a term of endearment or slur. You should always take care not only for your words, Lark, but the meaning behind the intent."
Lark liked how Sute never once in his memory spoke to him as an invalid.
"Sute, thank you for never treating me as an invalid."
Sute was a bit taken aback.
Then she calmed.
"You are welcome Lark."
***
"So Lark, how is your new post here at the Outreach Clinic treating you?"
I smiled, "To be honest, I am still waiting for the actual work. Every morning i take tests and play games with Gina. I am aware they are checking for stabilization of my cognitive function. I even know what that means now."
Sute nodded, "And how is that going?"
"I am aware they are keeping a secret to the 'how' i was cured. Its why I haven't been allowed to leave yet.
I have discussions like this with Researcher Jan in the afternoon. Most of the times he asks me convoluted questions and scribbles intensely into his notebook."
Sute had been sipping tea, which she almost choked on as I said this.
"Is that so?! Well I am sure he has his reasons. His understanding of the mind is beyond reproach. He is a Lancer Gole."
"I thought so! Although I did not know why, or what that means. I can assume you mean he is well versed in the internal workings of the mind?"
"Yes, Lark exactly."
Sute paused.
"You know Lark, you don't speak at all like you did before. Your command of language and ideas is far beyond my hopes when I arrived. It is you, right?"
I laughed, "Hassan asked me the same thing. I am me, I think. Although it is something I have struggled to determine."
Sute looked confused, "Explain Lark."
"Well if the Lark you knew before is so different from the Lark you know now, is the difference between the two ideas of who I am enough to justify being a completely different personality? How much of my identity was tied to the invalid that you used to write flashcards for? Who am I now? Can I even justifiably call myself Lark?"
Sute was in tears. "I don't know Lark. But I do know this. Your heart is still kind. Your words are still gentle. You look forward to each new day. And you treat others around you with genuine courtesy. Who you are is more than the sum of your knowledge or experience."
"I am glad to hear you say it, Sute. It's the same thing that the voice told me."
Sute's smile disappeared, "What voice?"
Gina then interrupted. "Sute, it looks like it is time for Lark's free study period. I would like to take you to Jan for a bit of further discussion."
Sute seemed upset. "I think that is exactly what I was going to recommend we do."
Sute then changed her expression and looked at me with kind eyes. "I am glad you are here Lark, I am glad that you are alive, and I look forward to the life you will live from now on. Take advantage of this post to help others, and remember, you are a Skygge warrior."
Then as sute was about to leave she quickly turned around, "I forgot about this. Somehow your promotion took longer than expected, here is your letter."
As I read it, it stated I was promoted to Captain.
"Congratulations Captain Lark, you have truly come far."
***