Kipoo's ten days had arrived, and as agreed on, Rowan and Clyde had turned up, much to his displeasure. He would have been much happier to return home without them so that they didn't have to explain that there were even those that were from different plane that were living among them, which was another complication in this mess. Nukoea was not impressed or pleased, but allowed the two to come along, as he didn't see any harm with it, and they would be able to learn even more since at least Clyde had claimed to know of the strange society since their beginnings, which was something that they could surely use to their advantage, and something that they would so that they would be able to have some sort of advantage.
The trip back through the jungle was long and much harder than Clyde and rowan had anticipated, especially with the entourage that had come for their comrade, enough to take the other by force if that become necessary. Neither of them expected that although crude, the weapons were multiple and would be extremely effective in any battle, no matter how many more 'technologically advanced' weaponry was used against them. he was sure that their thick hides would be able to repel most of the attacks against them, their size and sheer weight would be another advantage against such shorter and physically weaker enemies. As much as he wanted to see the fight to see just what was effective and what wasn't, he knew that such a battle could have cost him his ticket home. But he made a mental note to at least see one battle, even if he had to stage it if it was at all possible.
Rowan however, talked with Kipoo most of the way there, trying to figure out the language that they used so that he would be able to listen in and see if their fate would be good or bad, or even if they would be made fun of which didn't matter. It would give him an advantage which he wanted just in case something had to be done and he would be able to negotiate or even know when he had to pull Clyde away from the danger and face the dangers in the Jungle instead of the dangers of a full tribe of these elephant beasts. The likelihood of either situation was small, but even the smallest of odds were still odds and enough to put him on edge. he learned a few phrases by the time they ended up in the camp, Yutr already sinking in late afternoon when they left just as Flay was peaking over the trees.
Both of them were in awe at the sight, the tents much larger than they thought they would have been, and the hustle and bustle of the tribe was something else. If they thought that the town was well run, this was a utopia. It seemed that these were a peace loving race as well, which surprised Rowan the most since most of the foreigners that he had run into on their home world were war bearing. These were just the polar opposite. Did that mean that this was a parallel dimension? Was that the reason that Clyde and Fairfax were stuck here? Because there really was a different form of magic being used and they would have to learn it before they would be allowed to see their home?
Clyde was intrigued, but kept his cautions up. He was a very long way from his plantation, the only home he had on this world after selling everything he had on the other side of the ocean, which was even further away. He was very polite, even by Sheystown's standards, and didn't want to offend anyone and followed Kipoo's instructions to the fullest so that he didn't accidentally threaten any of them and put them all in a dangerous situation that they really did not need to be in. He was welcomed though, and Rowan thankfully keeping his doubts in and mouth shut, which had to be hard for the other, as talking was like water for the other.
"We have guests from the strangers, although these are even strangers to those that have come across The Great Water," the Chieftain said at the gathering of the tribe to welcome Rowan and Clyde. “They claim to be from a world much different than ours, even on a different plane of existence. However, they are unable to get back to their homeland, which is in dire need of them at the moment. Our shamans may hold the secret to the way they get back, and they have promised that no harm will come of them, if they are just able to observe what they do and how the magic is wrought. Please, do not see them as enemies, but as ambassadors of a different kind. To the two visitors, I bid you welcome to our humble tribe, and may you learn what you seek to know.”
The skeptical looks that were given all around the campsite were now focused on Rowan and Clyde, who just waved at them, Rowan nervously while Clyde looked as if he was on top of the world. He appeared confident and in control of the situation, although Rowan knew otherwise, since the other’s grin kept twitching, a sure sign that he was nervous but not intent on showing it to those around him. He should have been prepared for the seething glares, but he guessed that if someone told him he was going to show someone the secret of their people just so that they could find their way home, he would be a little put off as well.
The attention, as quickly as it had been granted them, was turned back to the Chieftain, who continued on and on about how they were to be treated as honored guests, Rowan guessed to make his point clear that any discrimination would not be permitted. Nor violence against them in any way which was sort of a relief since that took a bit of a load off Rowan’s ever swimming mind. He didn’t like all the attention focused on them, he couldn’t take the entire tribe at once no matter how hard he tried, especially on this plane where his powers were no where near what they needed to be to take on such a hard task. He gritted his teeth at that fact, he hated being so weak and helpless, especially when it would be only him protecting Clyde if anything should go wrong.
"Once the celebrations are over," the chieftain said, the effect positive as the crowd seemed to lighten up at the suggestion that there would be another celebration. "We will allow them to observe our ways of life and the ways of our shamans. All I ask is that this knowledge does not reach the outsiders, those from across The Great Water, so that we can have an advantage in case a war does break out. And if you can even help us make this technique safer, it would be much obliged."
"I will see what I can do," Clyde said with an acidic smile, one Rowan knew very well as the one he used in trying to get his enemies to think that he was really one of their allies. It had worked many times before, and it seemed to be working now, meaning that the charismatic king was still the same after all, and only appeared to have softened which made him relax a little at the prospect of returning home, as it no longer seemed so dangerous anymore. "And I do promise to never let this information out except to the other one of my kind, who will appreciate the fact that we will be able to return home without much more of a wait. It has been many, many of this planet's years since I have laid eyes on my homeland, but my partner here has informed me for all the trials and tribulations I have faced here, only three months have passed in that far away land. I think you for your intent to help us, since I do not want another month to pass there, for it would make conditions for my people that much worse, which is something that I, as the exiled king, cannot allow. I must save them from this dictator as soon as possible, so he does not hurt my people any longer."
He received sympathetic nods from the crowd, except from what Rowan could only call the children, since they were smaller and had no sign of tusks unlike the adults and perhaps the teens? He wasn't sure what age any of them were really, nor exactly how they aged for that matter. He was thankful that Clyde had retained his speech as well, being able to get anyone to do anything with such a story that would have them pitying him for years, even as he stole their breath away and their livelihoods right from under them. He had to admire the other, he always seemed to get his way, and that fact seemed to have changed little to not at all as the years went on, no, it seemed more like they had reformed them, which was another burden off his chest. As long as he was able to keep this up, taking back over would be as easy as the first time.
Clyde himself was glad to get back into the groove of being manipulative and just looking out for his own interests instead of trying to look out for those that he said he was. He wouldn't share the information with anyone but Fairfax, as he had promised, but as for finding a safer way for these creatures to cast, he wasn't intent at all at helping them out. It didn't benefit him at all, which meant that it was something that he honestly did not have to do at all. He knew that with his speech, he must have put Rowan at ease with his skills, as the other physically relaxed like all the pressures that had been bothering the other about him and his ability to be sly and cunning when needed were just as sharp as ever. He refused to allow himself to become too out of practice, always looking for a way to make sure skills that he would need in the other world would stay refined as he could make them, and with the presence of so many small businesses in Sheystown and the other cities he had lived in, he had plenty of practice with trying to 'help' the struggling ones, which was always the most fun when they seemed to fail, but not because of him. Never because of him.
"Let the celebrations begin," the chieftain trumpeted, the entire tent going into a cheer at the formal announcement, as they scrambled out the openings to get the preparations ready. Clyde's eyes narrowed a bit, they moved much faster than he thought that such large beasts could move, which meant that he would have to keep and eye on them if he did run into trouble, but he hoped he had somewhat of a grasp on their techniques if anything like that happened so he would be able to save himself and Rowan.
"Come," Kipoo said with a happy tone of voice. "I will lead you to the river where you can freshen up from the long journey and then join us all at the campfire tonight. It will take awhile to skin and cook the catches for the day, and I'm sure that the hunters will be back a little later with an even larger kill. We usually only hunt what we need to fill us all, but in the event of a celebration of his caliber, we must make sure that there will be enough food for all, and even then some just in case it lasts much longer than expected."
"I take it you all don't get to celebrate like this very often," Rowan said, looking at the mostly empty tent, the only remaining ones where themselves, a few of the guards, and children who were too young to really help with anything and so they played in the safety of the largest tent on the tribal lands.
"No," came Kipoo's short but happy reply as he led them into the jungle, but the river was close enough that they could see the smoke rising from the growing camp and cook fires from the pits and hear the excited chatter of some of the children that had been allowed to help gather some of the fruits that they would be using to spice up the meat and even make some deserts.
The water was cool and clear, Clyde washing his face without any hesitation, Rowan looking around and yet again being the cautious one, making sure that his king was safe before allowing himself to splash some water on his own face, taking a quick drink and nodding at the taste, as it was not polluted or anything, Clyde then being allowed to drink after him. Kipoo watched over them, keeping a lookout for anything else that may have seen it wise to try to take a drink from the popular spot. They didn't usually have trouble, as most of those that were in the Jungle did not want to mess with one of the descendants of Elephante since it would be their death, or so they feared.
Clyde had to hand it to them, they were able to keep their water sources clean and mostly pollutant free for years, while their counterparts across the seas were polluting them with such a speed that it was alarming that one day, the effects may even reach this tiny little area, as closed off from that half a world away that it was. He was sure that one day, if those who wanted to conquer this island so far away wanted, they would turn this into yet another industry zone, which saddened him a bit while also making him a little jaded, not really caring what happened to this jungle. After all, he was going home, where there would be plenty of jungle lands for him to preserve as well as the safety and security of his people. That was more important than any focus that he had on this puny little area that he refused to believe that he was becoming attached to, slowly but surely.
"We must get back soon or else the others will worry," Kipoo said after a length of time, with a nod back towards the village. "We do not need them to worry that I have taken our guests somewhere unfavorable and therefore put your lives in danger."
"I highly doubt that this jungle could come up with anything I couldn't handle," Rowan nodded, trying to prove that he was worthy of being Clyde's only bodyguard, trying his hardest to try to keep that mindset that seemed to keep wanting to slip away from him. He had to admire Clyde for being able to be himself and yet still amaze those that he wanted to, even if it was for his own selfish ambitions. "After all, we have lived in a much harsher world, and this kind of hospitality is unheard of where we are from."
"Ah, I see," was all Kipoo said, turning back into the words, the silent 'follow me back now' hung in the air, Rowan growling at the fact that the other seemed so comfortable here, even though there were so many other dangers that could have been lurking about. After all, he decided that without the large imposing 'body guard' the animals would see him and Clyde as easy prey, and quickly followed after Clyde, sandwiching him in between them so that he would be safest. Old habits died hard, or so he guessed.
Clyde himself was trying to see exactly how much he was going to be allowed to get away with as he came closer and closer back to the encampment, wondering exactly what kind of magic these people used and how far and strong had their come compared to their cousins from across the seas. He looked around in wonder when he first came, but that was slowly dying off being replaced with a dangerous urge to experiment and the curiosity of what would happen and all the different outcomes becoming harder and harder to tell himself that he needed to be subtle about his ways. He wanted to go home first and foremost, play could come when he was within his goal's reach, however now was the time to observe and learn what he needed to do so he would be able to get what he wanted out of this situation and these creatures.
They were seated in the middle of a large circle, the dying second sun's rays reaching across the jungle floor like long yellow fingers, as if they were trying to dig at the earth and tell the planet to still itself so that it didn't have to sink below the horizon. The bright flames of the central fire grew brighter and taller with each log added, as if was telling the sun to rest and it would take over the task of lighting the world and that it was okay for it to finally let go and slumber on the other side of a bustling society. He had to admit, that sunsets in the jungle were something to behold, as the sky that he could see through the trees seemed much more vivid in color as he was able to only see bits and pieces instead of the whole thing like he could when he was on his porch of the estate. Clyde had to admit that he liked this scene much better than the ones that he had become used to, the fact that he was becoming connected with this planet's ways made him shudder, blaming it on a fake cold wind that no one else felt.
Rowan watched the dancers with little interest, and instead focused on the warriors and where they were set up around the camp. The smells of roasting meat floated through the air, welcoming any stranger and yet the noise that the descendants of the great Elephante were making would keep any too curious beasts at bay. He knew that it would be soon time to eat, as the large quantities of vegetables and fruits, both dried and fresh, were on large leaves on display, allowing any who fancied them to come and take the ones that they wanted back to their seats, where there didn't seem to be any order and a sort of organized chaos. He did notice that families tended to stick together, and even then the closer to their tents, the bettered it had seemed although he watched as other mingled with other families, most likely forming friendships and something akin to dating or something. he didn't want to become too comfortable here, preferring to stay on edge for both him and Clyde, and observing these people's reactions was a good way to keep his observational skills just as sharp as they had been on the home plane.
"Do you find the festival to your liking so far," the chieftain asked, coming up to sit next to Clyde, Rowan a little uneasy at the fact that one had become so close to Clyde, but tried to keep his paranoia down for the most part anyway. "I think this is the most excited the dancers and drummers have been in a very long time. I haven't watched a dance like that since I was much younger and my skin was so much darker! Oh how the years have changed this place."
"What do you mean," the naturally curious Clyde asked with the typical grin. "I know that our coming most likely didn’t' help the way things have apparently been going, but did this decline of safety happen before or after the arrival of the colonists?"
"Much before," the chieftain said with a heavy sigh. "Many years ago, beasts that we are still unable to name raided our camps, even the camps of our brethren who we are very close to, as intermarriages between the tribes are common as to mix the blood a little throughout our race. However, most of the strongest ones died off in those fights and what we call a war. It has taken many years for us to recover, and start once again start breeding the kinds of strengths that we had once before. I haven't heard of any other attacks since we killed what we deemed the female, as it always had young with her, and her mate and children while they slept during the day after we had found their cave. I hope that they are gone for good, as we don't need more sacrifices to them, as they are vicious and don't taste very good, cooked, fried, dried, anything. The only good thing that came out of it was the hides that we now use to repair our tents since it is easily dyed and very durable, especially with the Season of the Terror Storms coming, as it does with every rainy season."
"Yes, I hope my household prepares for those accordingly," Clyde groaned, forgetting about the season when the day long storms would rip through the island, sending everything but the most sturdy and secure of structures into shambles and even out to sea if the tides were high enough, which was why he chose a location so much further inland, so that he wouldn’t have to deal with such pesky problems such as water damager. "However, I am sure that you and your people have rid yourselves of these terrors that once preyed on you ."
"I can only hope," the chieftain said, watching yet another dance, this one slower and most likely meant to entrance those that were watching it, although neither Rowan or Clyde falling under the spell that they seemed to be trying to cast.
The meal was good, or so Rowan nodded as he was served the cooked meat, although he found some of the charred parts too crunchy and not as appetizing, luckily there were only a few spots of those and the rest of the meat being tender and juicy. Whatever this once was, it was most likely young for it to have such a rich texture and flavor that it had. Clyde seemed to be enjoying his meal with earnest, the man most likely more hungry than he thought he was which made Rowan want to chuckle, but held it in as he didn't want to upset the other with his thoughts. The king was not meant to be cute or be looked at or made fun of in any way shape or form, although Rowan commonly broke that set of laws. He couldn't help it, as he had known Clyde for far too long not to make fun of the other man on a regular basis.
The evening was spent talking with the Chieftain, and watching the locals converse, drink what they could only call some sort of alcohol, and eat themselves silly. The children were sent to bed early, their special toys that made sounds that apparently pleased the Universe quieted and those that were joined in the Life Bond going to bed early as well, leaving Clyde, Rowan, and those unbounded to talk and be merry until the twilight sky began to slowly turn into the dawning of the smallest sun, which meant that if they were going to get any sleep at all that night, they would have to go to bed now or forever hold their peace. Bunking up in the tent that had been set up for them, Rowan was pleased to see multiple hammocks, which meant that this was most likely place those guests were placed, and if there was a group traveling, they had enough space for them to at least sleep for the night comfortable, even if they were going to leave at the first rays of the sun Flay.
Making up some 'dummies' with the blankets, he had Clyde choose a hammock closer to the opening flap, but not so close that he would be the first one any potential attacker would get to, but enough that if he shouted the command to run, the other would be able to scramble out easily enough while he would try to make sure that he fought long and hard so that his king would be able to escape and live on for many more years and perhaps find another of his bloodline and curse, gaining another bodyguard that would perhaps protect him better than he did at the time of his fall. Shaking off such horrible thoughts, he climbed into the hammock that he deemed his own, and slept, trying not to sleep too deeply since he didn't trust this tribe, not until they proved themselves worthy to be trusted. It was too early to tell if they were or not.
The shamans were a different breed, or so that was what Clyde had thought when he met the fifteen or so that were considered the tribe's best and brightest shamans. They were much bulkier, and shorter than the rest of the tribe members that he had the pleasure of meeting the previous day. They had on feathers of various birds, colorful against their gray skins, a welcomed contrast to the dull brown furs that the rest of the tribe seemed content to be wearing. Their voices were deeper and kinder, much like a grandfather figure rather than one that was trying to figure out the magic of the Universe and how to bend them to their own advantage in the struggle for survival.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," the head shaman, Guenavi said with a low bow, Clyde feeling inclined to bow as well while Rowan kept an eye on the rest of those that were in the small tent that they were summoned to earlier in the afternoon.
"I am pleased to meet you all," Clyde began, using the voice that would fool even the most smartest of foes and had fooled them for a long time, something Rowan was always proud of. To be able to serve such a king with a silver tongue that even a snake would be proud to own! "I look forward in learning the ways of your people and how they are able to teleport while those from The Great Sea have not yet even fathomed that there would be such a magic available to them."
"It is a sad day," one of the other Elephante decedents said with a shake of his massive head. "I thought that with their advanced technology that they would be able to at least do something that would further their abilities in the Universe's ways and always. Where yes, their technology is wonderful, that is more of the way of this planet rather than the way of the Universe, as it transforms the elements to something that not even we, who have lived here for all the ears that our kind has walked this planet, are able to tell what they once were. We strive to be able to only change that which we cannot help in changing rather than doing so for the sake of doing so."
"i understand," Clyde said, faking sympathy quite well for someone who most likely didn't even feel a pang of it for these poor unfortunate creatures. Then again, he still wasn't sure how far they would let him observe, if at all this first day. He was a little mad about that fact, but he was sure that his time would come sooner or later, although he kept hoping that sooner was what destiny had in store for him. "I have watched them since they were a little more technologically advanced than you are now, and watched them ruin themselves and this planet buy their selfish ways of life and reckless ways they use this planet for their own good and devices."
"And you, the other observer," Guenavi said, narrowing his black eyes even farther than either of them thought that he would be able to do with his rather wrinkly and course looking pale gray skin. "What is your opinion on this matter of looking at where you came from and what you see before you now?"
"I see the simpler life before technology has advanced to the point of being able to take its hold over you instead of trying to make your lives simpler," Rowan said, narrowing his eyes right back at the decent of Elephante. "I must commend you, for you are much more intelligent than anyone gives you credit for, only because you can observe and learn just as well as the rest of us that live on the coastlines. Those that lived there before were not given such a chance that you are given no, as sad as that fact is now days. However, I do not mind going back like this, to this time where life was hard and the work made you sweat but still feel like you accomplished something at the end of Yutr's rays."
"Very well said," Guenavi nodded. "You will soon be ready to take on the lessons that I am required to teach you, as you both are already aware of the way this planet is going and know that we are striving to keep it the same, although we know that when it chooses to change on it's own, we must change with it or die while trying to stick to our own stubborn ways of life and tradition."
Rowan and Clyde gave each other a quick smirk between them, both knowing that they were going to get their way one way or another, and that this was only the first step in a long journey that they both would have to make but the rewards of going home were too great to pass up, and both of them made a point to at least try as hard as the other was going to. Although Rowan was a bit worried about what this training was going to consist of, as he had never had to go through such things before in his life. Clyde had to, since he was a noble for a period of time before his mother gave him up to the commoners to hide him from the king that he had taken down with years of work and blood contracts with those that he most likely still considered his allies. Magic never really was a way of life for him, nor was it normally an option when he got into fights, this was going to be learning something completely new, but he kept telling himself that this was worth it and that he wouldn't disappoint himself with trying to do this.
"First, we will show you an example of how this is done," the eldest of the shamans said, looking most likely worse for wear for his age, which was a bit concerning but where Rowan didn't have to worry about his own well being, he knew that Clyde had to worry about his, as it was important that the people regained what they had lost at the hands of Faolan. "The youngest will demonstrate, as they have the most life energy and therefore have the most expendable at the time. That is where this is dangerous, since it uses up a part of your life, your soul that the Universe will take away, and perhaps even give you a shorter life in its next cycle when it chooses to renew your body and give you another chance on a different world, as it has done with us decedents of the great Elephante."
At the end of the sentence, two young adults, or they looked like young adults to the two, disappeared and reappeared next to them. There had been a quick chant, Clyde able to feel the draw of energy away and then suddenly towards the new position where they had 'popped' back up into existence. That meant that his type of projection was not going to work, as it worked based on energy levels at the time and would not create such a disperse in the air. Nor did it need any sort of chant, or anything as tedious as that. he would have to learn this chant to see if any improvements of specifics could be made so that he would be able to reach home that much faster.
"I see it," Clyde said, eyes wild in excitement, this was going to be easier to perhaps figure out than he previously had thought. "I see the displacement of energy, the way they place the soul, whatever is left after the transfer, and their physical bodies follow not only but a split second later. It seems to go through a different plane of existence for a moment, which is why this method is so dangerous since not only is a soulless body going through a different plane, but the soul is arriving slightly before the body, where that would perhaps allow something from that other plane a chance to catch a glimpse and maybe, if it's fast enough, act upon the instinct and then take action and take over the body before the original soul is able to get back the body that seems to linger in the dimension when it seems that both leave at the same time."
Those inside the tent just gave him a look of disbelief, since not many, if any, were able to catch on that fast to the concept of what exactly made this kind of magic dangerous or even fatal. Guenavi was the first to snap out of his trance, ears folding and unfolding on themselves to try to relieve that embarrassment he felt that strangers were able to pick up on what had taken the rest of them years to learn from scratch. he cleaned his throat, looking straight at Clyde.
"The Night Terrors used this way to get in, as when we began to use this kind of magic, we did not know of all the dangers of it," he began with a heavy sigh. "I was one of the young ones who was first taught that you close the connection to this world and the next one, so that nothing can get through and that you can be sure to be safer. And then we discovered how to make a smaller incision in the next dimension, which was a breakthrough and allowed us to use less of our souls and even live longer and teach those much younger than us the ways of a safer type of teleportation."
“That’s what takes so much of your life source then,” Clyde nodded, looking a little distant, as if he was trying to figure out how to use this to his advantage, or if even the dimension that they go through was his own world in which he was trying to return to. If there was a way to even manipulate the dimensions that they go through, that would take some risk out of it, going through an empty one instead of a full one, which would most likely help in the process as it would allow him to reroute himself and whoever else was teleporting to their home world, which was rather desirable. “I’m sure there’s a way to manipulate which dimensions that you have access to, although you’ll have to really work at it. I’m not sure how hard that will be, as I have yet tried to do this. But I’m sure with a bit of work and concentration, the next generation of shaman will have a much easier time of teleporting as well as a safer, less life draining way of doing so.”
“There is a way to do so,” one of the younger Shamans asked, looking straight at him.
Clyde responded with a quick nod, looking back at the head shaman. “It will take work from all of us to be able to get this to work, but I’m sure that we can do this. To both make sure that you have an easier time with this teleporting and will allow myself and my comrades a safe return home so that we will no longer be a burden to this planet.”
“Then you both will begin your training immediately,” the head shaman nodded. “Your trainer will be Nomad, he is one of our brightest teachers and has become rather adept at your language, while the rest of us can only say so much without trying to think what would sound right next.”
“You seem fine at it to me,” Rowan replied. “Although your accent is a little thick at times, you seem to have a good grasp. Better than I did at the time of my coming here.”
“Practice and patience,” was all that the head shaman said before he turned away, the others except one were left in the tent with them, presumably Nomad.
Nomad was a little short, and was only a tad younger than Kipoo, or so was the general assumption of Rowan and Clyde. The colors of the feathers he wore weren’t as brilliant as those that were there before them, colored only in the light browns of some of the common birds, and two stark white ones of the headdress, tipped with pink that Clyde recognized from one of the beasts that commonly picked off the slaves from Fairfax’s estate. Which meant that it most likely was some honor for them to be able to hunt and kill some, since their feathers seemed to be of some importance. He figured that since it didn’t have anything to do with his objective, that he wouldn’t be needing to know what they meant or were used for.
“We will start you off like we start our first timers,” Nomad nodded, sitting down cross legged. “Please, sit as I am sitting. It will open your lungs to the air and allow you to see more clearly with your mind so that you will be able to see your pathways better. This is important since these will be the pathways that you will be using on your journeys when you learn our way of teleportation. These are the openings to the dimensions, the openings that will allow you through and out the other side at your destination. Your spirit will lead you, although part of it will die in the other dimension if you are not careful, which will shorten your lifespan considerably. To avoid such a thing happening, my suggestion is to see the pathways now, we will get into how you will go about opening and closing them when you advance to that stage in your training. “
Clyde and Rowan both sat in the way that they were instructed, backs rigidly straight as they had been coached back their own school days, where those teachers would not let one little slip of discipline escape them as it was a sign of great disrespect and therefore usually resulted in beatings or some other sort of punishment for not only the breaking of the rules but for the trouble they had caused the teacher. Nomad seemed to not notice the increase in their concentration of the matter, and went along with the lesson, teaching them how to breathe and how to concentrate to see the passages through space and even time.
The passageways themselves seemed to glow throughout the land, or so that was what Clyde thought as he ‘opened’ his eyes to the ways that the shaman looked upon the world. They were streaks of pink, yellow, green, blue, and white, each representing a different dimension and the length that it remained parallel to the world, or so he could only assume with the way they broke off and then started again, going either far or short, ending and beginning again. There seemed to be not one dimension that ran exactly parallel to the planet, which concerned him greatly as there was usually one that was able to go across the entire world, or so that was what he assumed as this was how his home worked, although their way of teleportation had evolved greatly since the time of crossing dimensions and slowly waddling away at the life force.
“There’s not one that runs through the entire world,” Clyde frowned, making Nomad’s head turn towards him. “Not one that stays in complete contact with this world, but instead they keep touching and then stray away from whatever reason. This is problematic for finding one that would help your kind be able to allow you all to find a safe one to go through, one without dangers and perhaps even without dwindling your lifespan.”
“There is one,” Nomad nodded. “However, you cannot see it yet, as it only appears in the moon’s light and not either of the sun’s. It runs through the planet, the path like a glowing black against the earth, it is a very ominous looking pathway, one that most of us refuse to use, but curious about it all the same. It seems that it is always here, always allowing itself to be connected to, but we don’t know why it can only be seen by the moon’s light, which doesn’t bode well for us, so we use those that we can see in the sun’s light, as we see them as the safest routes to wherever we need to go.”
“Don’t be afraid of that you can only see by the moon,” Rowan nodded, trying to keep in mind that these creatures did not view the night as a good thing, since this world was naturally bright and so many dangers still lurked about in the underbrush during the night. “Yes, I know of the dangers that hide in the forest, but this is different, this is natural and therefore, it can’t be all that bad to follow a pathway that is opened up for you by a different dimension. It most likely will make this world safer for you to travel with since your spirit most likely can navigate this pathway better than any of the others that you commonly use.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Nomad nodded. “however, I am not sure what the verdict will be when you try your first jump, as many shamans lose themselves their first time, but I am sure that if you try to jump with that pathway your first time and prove to us all that you know what you are talking about that it would open that pathway up for discussion once again.”
Clyde looked at the earth, not seeing evidence of the supposed faint glow of the pathway that he would try to open, but he hoped that if he was able to see it later that night, it would be worth it since it would assure him that this was perhaps possible after all. Rowan on the other hand was a little more cautious thinking about this situation, not caring for the fact that he wouldn’t’ be able to see the pathway during the day, which was most likely when this task of their first teleportation would take place, but knowing that Clyde would want to take the risk. The former king was known to be a risk taker, and this seemed to be no exception.
Meanwhile, Fairfax wasn’t fairing so well, as living with Isabelle proved to be a challenge in itself, more than he had anticipated. The girl wanted so much, to have him pay his slaves, to make sure that she was happy and that everyone was created equally, and that she had her own paid servants come with her to live with him while they awaited the day of the wedding, which Fairfax decided could be postponed forever since he didn’t care for these demands that had been placed on him. He was sure that he would be able to carry them out with no problem, but it would most likely effect his social standing, which was something that he wouldn’t be able to deal with since it was fragile already and this would either tip it in his favor or out of his favor if he took one wrong move. He would rather not deal with the repercussions that would surely go along with this charade.
Isabelle herself was pleased, in already gaining some ground with her new future husband and therefore would most likely be able to make a difference in the world a lot sooner than she thought that she would be able to. Already, those that worked exclusively inside the manor were being paid, wages that she had found rather agreeable and the former slaves turned servants found it rather nice as well. Those in the fields weren’t as lucky, but were being at least paid some wages, although not as much nor not as high of a rate than those that worked inside the manor, but then again, Fairfax wasn’t that well off, not as well as some of the other traders anyway.
She had found that Fairfax was a quiet man, which suited her well enough, as he would most likely turn his head like her father often did to the way she carried out her business and wouldn’t try to stop her, but wouldn’t exactly help her either as long as he would be able to have some peace and quiet. She made it a point to try to keep what happened to her father’s home from happening to Fairfax’s, mostly by keeping herself low and quiet, not raising her voice in the streets like she had done before but trying to be a little more roundabout things, although she hated that method more than she wanted to admit.
Clyde and Rowan’s venture into the jungle hadn’t gone without it’s own set of difficulties, Senkora, although she was doing the best that she could, was having problems with some of the town’s more reckless and troublesome members, where Fairfax had to often go and defend the estate and the girl from their endless harassment and whining about why they weren’t chosen to see over the way things were run instead of a slave girl. However, they did not realize just how well Senkora was doing, for she was raised differently and had Clyde’s trust, which many people fought for and never received from him. He wasn’t one to just give it away, as he would rather make those who wanted it earn it by their own sweat and tears.
Life was comfortable, however, Isabelle sitting on the porch, looking at the overhanging canopy above with patches of color from the second sun’s rising while the first sun blazed high in the sky. She had to admit that she liked living here much better than opposed to the town, where things now seemed too crowded, even when she went there to do some shopping or even to hold her weekly meetings with the townsfolk that shared her opinions about what should be done about slavery.
Fairfax would be gone for the duration of the day, taking care of business that he needed to, mostly getting some food, and paying some bills that had come up this month as well as talking to her father. He himself didn't mind the arrangement, but wished that she didn't oppose slavery as much as it was taking its toll on his finances. He was making a fair living before, but now he was fearing that he had to pump up production of rice and other crops if he was going to continue to live with any sense that he was still apart of the upper class society. He was also not too thrilled about Clyde and Rowan's little trip, as he thought that they might be gone for good if they decided to just go back home without taking him, leaving him stuck on this damned rock and tied down with hopefully no children to care for nor about. He shuddered at the thought of children, and hoped that he and Isabelle wouldn't be able to have any since their genetic makeup was so different. That was one of the hopes would carry out to be the truth.
The town was much more quiet than it had been, the absence of Kipoo wearing some of the population down as it didn't allow an excuse for those that didn't usually venture out to venture out and see something amazing and something that they shared this island with. They took the appearance of another intelligent being with mixed feelings, some with the fear that they were just trying to infiltrate their technologically advanced society while the other extreme thought that his intentions where just what he said they were and that they were in no danger whatsoever. Fairfax himself didn't care either way, he would just sit on his property as he had done in wars before, and just make sure to keep himself quiet, let the victors be the victors, and live life, ever searching for a way off and out of this society. He never liked it when wars broke out, since Clyde liked to fight, to keep his skills up he would say, which meant that at one point or another he would enlist, just to do his duty and keep the other in line and make sure that he didn't return back where Faolan didn't want him.
He was greeted much more friendly as he walked throughout the town, the impending marriage apparently taking a lot of weight off a lot of people's minds, something he guessed that they were all thankful for. The town saw it as a chance for Isabelle to settle down and give up her fight for the freedom of those that had lost at their hands and had become their slaves. He didn't mind it, as it would make it easier to do his business or so he hoped. He had been asked many times if they already tried to have children, his reply being that they hadn't and needed to talk of the subject matter still. In truth, he was sure that she didn't want children as much as he didn't want children, or so he kept hoping. It would just be another complication in within an already rather complicated situation.
"When will you be at the auction again," Vivienne asked politely, the woman heading down to the market herself to get some things for herself, as the woman usually had her slaves get what she needed otherwise. "I am sure that with the new wife you'll need some more slaves to help with the work that usually comes with a woman."
"She has already brought in her own servants," Fairfax bowed politely. "And I am not sure the next auction I will be at, but be sure that I'll either be selling or buying at the next one that I do go to. May you sell well and make a good profit off them all! From what I hear, your business has really been booming."
"Yes, well, I look forward to the day you buy something," she replied, excusing herself. "Good day."
"Good day," he replied politely back. Hopefully he would be gone by the next auction, although that hope was a little far fetched since he was rather sure that wouldn't happen as learning the art of teleportation was hard enough and with the added fact that Clyde was a sneaky bastard didn't help his prospects at all. He just wanted to go back to his home plane and ask Faolan what in the world he was thinking, and what exactly was going to happen to him since he did want to stay home, and if someone else could keep an eye on Rowan and Clyde so that he didn't have to go to a different world and start the fight to rise to the top of society yet again, as conditions for their coming most likely wouldn't have been as favorable as they had been when they were dropped onto this plane.
He paid his bills, and went straight to the mayor's office, which was in the center of the church, a little room set up with separators so that he could have some privacy as he worked on bills and such that would make a big impact on the towns people or he just wanted to get away from all his problems for a bit and just relax. His home's basic structure was almost finished, the finishing touches on the room being done as he sat there, which was good as the rainy season was coming and he really didn't need construction to be halted on it because of the heavy rains that would be around for the next month and a half. He was happy that now they just had to work on making the interior just as beautiful as the first mansion had been, maybe a little better with the new building techniques that they were trying out on his house.
"Fairfax," he said with a joyful tone as the man was led into the 'office'. "I'm glad to see that you are well! I hope that you haven't changed your mind about the marriage, as it's only in two weeks."
"Ah, I would never think of such a thing," Fairfax nodded, although it was a lie. He had thought long and hard whether he should or not, but figured that she needed the wake up call of going to another world. Maybe he should start teaching her the languages now? "And everything is fine. I was just checking to make sure that the rest of the arrangements have been done, since I want everything to go as smoothly as possible, if you understand. I would rather not have something go wrong and a wife that will agonize it for the rest of both our days."
"Ah yes, yes," the mayor laughed joyfully. "Do not fret, my future son in law. I am sure that everything will go according to plan. Just don't worry about it and get to know each other better during this rather short engagement. I was rather surprised to have you agree so quickly as well as her agree as well. I guess I was either blind or missing something rather important, for I didn't think that you two weren't very compatible."
"Yes, well, I was a little surprised myself," Fairfax replied, not expecting the high strung woman to give him a yes after he asked for her hand at her father's consistent prodding. Although he guessed he could learn to like her, in a great deal of time. Either way, he was pretty much stuck with the decision now. "I never expected her to say yes, nor had an inkling that she even thought twice about myself or my estate."
"Woman are very surprising creatures," the mayor laughed again. "But go on your way and don't worry about the wedding, as it will go according to plan and I'm sure that you both will be happy it's over afterwards. After all, not everyone has such a beautiful bride to look at when they go home."
"Very true," Fairfax said, breaking a little wry smile as he bowed and left. Good, there was little chance that their marriage would go into the realm of disaster, which was something that he kept hoping wouldn't happen. He kept also hoping that Clyde and Rowan stayed away from the town until the wedding was over, so that they wouldn't be able to cause him any trouble. That was all he needed, those men being there and throwing the whole thing off.
With that, he returned home, the scent of rain already in the air which made him hurry faster, the clouds racing up from the horizon. Well, at least the weather turned after he was close to home, and the first rain drops and indication of the rainy season began to hit the ground, feeding the trees and other plants which meant that his crops would hopefully begin to grow well.
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