As Shikari and La'ru approach the grand gates of Alleria, the city bathed in the glow of twilight and teeming with life, Shikari finds himself momentarily adrift in the currents of his own mind, swept back to a memory that feels both distant and uncomfortably near. He is once again within the hallowed confines of the Library of Tears, a place where knowledge and power intermingle, where the air itself seems imbued with the essence of Alma.
Walking beside him is his old mentor from the House of Water, a Hyarch of notable distinction with deep purple eyes that seem to hold the depth of the oceans and hair as blue as the clearest sky after a storm. They move in silence, the soft echoes of their steps mingling with the whisper of turning pages and the occasional murmur of distant conversation. The tranquility of the setting a stark contrast to the tension of their discourse.
"Do you plan on stopping the progression of Alma for all eternity?" Shikari's voice breaks the silence, carrying a weight of annoyance tinged with a deeper sadness. "You know the balance always aligns itself. This is the will of the Throne. Soon the prophecy of two will be fulfilled. Then what? Will you fight destiny itself?"
His words hang in the air, a challenge not just to his mentor but to the very foundations of their society. The blue-haired Hyarch glances around nervously, his demeanor shifting as if suddenly aware of the shadows that might be listening. "Young tear, do be careful what you speak," he warns, his voice low and fraught with worry. "The High Magistrate has ears everywhere. Our king has his ways, but we must trust that he knows why he steers our path into this. You know what uncontrolled Alma can do."
In the Library of Tears, Shikari and his blue-haired Hyarch mentor find themselves surrounded by books and the quiet magic of the place. They walk together, their conversation continuing amidst the rows of ancient knowledge.
Shikari, trying to keep his voice calm but clearly upset, speaks up. "We stick to the old ways too much, and now we're punishing those who don't agree with us? That's just primitive. We're acting like we're better than others, but really, we're just being stubborn. Haven't we learned anything from the mistakes of the Viles?"
The Hyarch mentor tries to lighten the mood with a chuckle, placing a hand on Shikari's shoulder. "We're just tiny grains of sand in the grand desert of Valar, you know? But be careful, talking like this could lead unwanted eyes to focus their gaze in us. The High Magistrate has eyes and ears everywhere. And you don't want to attract the attention of Inquisitors, or even worse, Reapers," he says half-jokingly, yet with a hint of worry. "These kinds of talks could be seen as treason. We have to trust in the way things are progressing."
Shikari sighs, the mention of Inquisitors making him uneasy, but the thought of Reapers brings real fear. Reapers meant no talking, no trial, just death. It's a risk to even whisper such thoughts.
As their conversation cones to an pause , they approach a special room in the library. It looks like an elevator, but instead of being made of metal or wood, it's crafted from stones that glow softly, filled with Alma. This elevator is much diferent, because it moves not by pressing buttons, but by the will of the person using it. As they step inside, Shikari focuses on the mechanism, feeling the Alma within the stones responding to his intention. Slowly, the elevator starts to move upwards, guided by his silent command.
The blue-haired mentor watches him, impressed but still concerned. "This is the kind of innovation we need, Shikari. Using Alma not just for power but to improve our lives. Still, remember to be cautious with your words and ideas. Change is necessary, but it can also be dangerous if we're not careful."
As they rise within the Alma elevator, its walls glowing gently with the essence of Alma, the atmosphere becomes charged with emotion. The space around them, confined yet open to the power of will, feels both comforting and imposing. The stones, imbued with the essence of Alma, shimmer with a soft light, reflecting the complexity and depth of the energy that powers them. This elevator, a marvel of their civilization's ability to harness the natural world.
The old mentor turns to Shikari, his eyes filled with a mixture of worry and deep affection. "You have no house, no affinity to the elements as the others do, and yet you are one of the most powerful basic Alma users to ever exist. You came to us hurt, nearly dead. I took you in as my tear, as if you were born of my blood." His voice is tinged with sadness, revealing the depth of his care and concern for Shikari, beyond the bonds of mentorship, touching upon something more profound and familial.
Shikari, feeling the weight of his mentor's words, responds with gratitude and a hint of sorrow. "I thank you, master. I do not remember much of my life before waking up in your care, but this sense of balance, this hunger to see our people be better,it's a fire in me that rages. I believe that we are being led astray. I am sorry." His words are sincere, expressing a deep-seated desire to right the perceived wrongs of their society, driven by an inner conviction that transcends his own mysterious origins. Even, Shikari could not put his finger on why he felt this way. This feeling of conviction plagued him for as long as he could remember.
The elevator's gentle ascent and the ethereal glow of the Alma-imbued stones serve as a backdrop to this exchange, encapsulating the complex web of emotions,gratitude, duty, concern, and a burning desire for change. The mentor's worry for Shikari's safety and future, combined with Shikari's resolve and the fact that he did know much of his past, created a poignant moment of connection and understanding between them. As they continue to ascend towards their destination, the air is filled with not just the power of Alma, but the strength of their shared commitment to a vision of a better future for their people. Though Shakari knew his mentor had good intentions, his methods and ideologies where clouded by a culture lost in the path and led by a selfish leader.
As the elevator comes to a gentle halt, Shikari and his mentor step out into a vastly different area of the Library of Tears. This grand, open space feels like a departure from the dense shelves and quiet corners of the lower levels. Instead of books, the walls are adorned with magnificent paintings and ancient weapons, each telling its own story of the great champions who once wielded them. The area functions more like a museum, dedicated to celebrating the achievements and legacies of those who have shaped their history.
Approaching the surrounding balcony that encircles the floor they are greeted by a breathtaking panorama of Caevel, the Sky City, in all its glory. From this vantage point, high above the clouds, the city unfolds like a living tapestry, each district radiating its own unique essence against the backdrop of the endless sky.Looking out towards the district aligned with the element of fire, the vibrancy and warmth are palpable, even from afar. The architecture here seems to dance with flames, reflecting the passionate spirit of its inhabitants. The glow of forges and the occasional spark of Alma-infused craftsmanship fill the air with a lively energy.The crimson hues and soft oranges fill the district with a soft warm glow.
They continue their walk around the balcony turning their gaze to the water district, the fluidity and grace of the area are striking. Buildings crafted with curves that mimic the flow of water, and canals that gleam under the sky's light, showcase the serene and adaptive nature of those who dwell within. The harmonious blend of architecture and the element of water creates a tranquil and refreshing atmosphere.
As they move to the district of earth, the stability and strength of the area are immediately evident. The structures here are robust and grounded, built to stand the test of time. Gardens and green spaces weave through the district, reflecting the residents' deep connection to the earth and the life it sustains.
Finally, looking towards the wind district, the sense of freedom and movement is exhilarating. The buildings are designed to catch and play with the breezes, incorporating open spaces that allow the air to flow freely. The sound of wind chimes and the sight of banners and flags fluttering in the breeze add to the district's vibrant and dynamic character.From this panoramic viewpoint atop the Library of Tears in Caevel, the elemental harmony of the city is laid bare. Each district, with its unique alignment to an Alma element, contributes to the city's collective identity, creating a stunning mosaic of life and energy suspended in the sky.
Turning away from the mesmerizing view of Caevel, Shikari and his mentor make their way back to the heart of the grand room, where they find a place to sit amidst the legacy of champions that surrounds them. As they settle down, their conversation shifts towards the Hyarch people and the rule of their king, a topic that brings a new depth to their discussion.
The mentor begins, his tone reflective. "Our people, the Hyarchs, have always been known for our connection to the elements and our mastery over Alma. We've built a society that thrives on harmony and the balance of power. But as much as we excel in these areas, our loyalty to the king and his vision for our future sometimes blinds us to the needs of our own."Shikari listens intently, nodding in agreement. "Yes, the king has led us through times of peace and prosperity, but at what cost? The strict adherence to tradition and the suppression of dissenting voices under his reign have stifled innovation and growth. We honor the past, but we must also be willing to embrace change if we are to continue to thrive."
As they settle into their conversation about the Hyarch people and the king, the mentor's admiration for Shikari's bold ideas is evident, yet a layer of fear tinges his voice, casting a shadow over his words.
"You speak with such vision, Shikari," the mentor begins, his tone laced with apprehension, "and while I admire your courage and your desire for change, I must urge you to tread carefully. Our society, under the king's rule, values conformity and tradition over dissent. Your ideas, though noble, could lead to dangerous outcomes."
Shikari looks at him, sensing the genuine concern in his mentor's voice. "I understand your worry, but should we not strive for what is right, even if it comes with risk?"
The mentor sighs, his fear becoming more pronounced. "Yes, striving for what is right is commendable, but speaking too openly about such changes... it could lead to exile, or worse, Shikari. Our society is not kind to those who challenge the status quo too directly. I've seen the zeal with which the king's enforcers act against perceived threats. I cannot bear the thought of you becoming a target, my tear."
He leans closer, lowering his voice to a whisper, as if the very walls of the Library of Tears might be listening. "Keep these thoughts close to your heart, Shikari. Share them only with those you trust implicitly. The path to change is long and fraught with peril, and it would do us no good to lose you to the king's wrath before your ideas can find fertile ground."
Shikari nods, understanding the weight of his mentor's words. The fear in the mentor's voice serves as a stark reminder of the fine line they walk between the pursuit of progress and the preservation of their own safety. Despite the grandeur of their surroundings and the legacy of champions that encircles them, the reality of their situation is clear: voicing dissent in a society that prizes order and tradition above all else is a dangerous endeavor.
"I will be the quill to the futures poem and thus the two brothers will serve as the ink. Gelon I will not fail at this"