Chapter 391: Behind
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Chapter 391: Behind
Tala glanced back at Alefast as it faded into the distance behind her and her traveling companions.
Her unit-mates sat around her, Mistress Cerna piloting their combined, flying contraption, as she usually did.
The Paragon for this trip was a wisp of a woman, smaller even than Tala.
Her hair was a blonde so light that it was almost silver.
Her skin was smooth and unblemished, and she could have been anywhere between twenty-five and twenty thousand.
-Probably in the middle somewhere.-
Yeah, I think Master Xeel is among the older Archons, and hes only a millennium and a half old.
-...only.-
Fair.
Tala might have assumed the Paragon was a slender dwarf, but she could see the evidence of the gate within the Paragon easily.
It was funny that she left her aura open for just such verifications.
She probably knew what she looked like.
Or she has an item like my through-spike.
-That way lies paranoia. Anyone could have one.-
Thats true, I suppose Are you really what you seem, Alat? Are you using a through spike to fool me?
The alternate interface huffed a laugh within Talas head. -Fair.-
The group was heading to yet another cell that was near to breaching.
There was something odd about this cell in particular, but no one could quite tell what it was.
The general assessment was that it would either be laughably easy for their unit, or theyd be calling in backup before even opening the door.
Master Grediv had begun to rotate through the units, sending them out in something closer to an actual rotation instead of just sending out the smallest units again and again.
The number of cells appearing this waning was truly extraordinary, and the various units had been theorizing as to why.
While it was fun to theorize about a time when disaster was striking every week, with some new world-ending threat that the peoples of the day had to contend with, that just wasnt realistic.
That theory was made less viable by the fact that cells decayed at somewhat random rates. So, the alignment of cell degradation had almost nothing to do with when the cells were originally created and filled in relation to one another.
A more realistic, popular notion was that the increase was the result of a cascading effect.
Since there was already greater stress in the region, cells that might have endured another cycle or two were coming in need of maintenance sooner.
It was a good theory, all things considered.
Much better than Talas own original theory.
I still think reality is especially angry, and its breaking cells down more quickly as a tantrum, or an attempt to wear us down or something.
-...You know how I feel about that theory.-
That it lines up too well with the facts, except that it would require reality to have the ability to choose?
-Precisely.-
It could also be that one of the cells which is weakening contains a powerful Reality Mage, and he or she is the one choosing.
-And thats why I dont dismiss your theory out of hand. Do you have any idea how maddening it is when you spout foolishness, then put reasonable backing behind it?-
Tala felt herself smile. Considering that Im doing it to myself? I imagine it is pretty maddening.
Alat laughed within Talas mind, purposely making the sound a bit manic.
I do hope that isnt the case, regardless. Id rather be wrong than have to clash with a Reality Mage. They sound less than great.
-Agreed.-
Tala lifted her gaze up to Terry, where he perched in his usual place, eyes closed, simply enjoying the wind streaming across him, ruffling his feathers.
He was a wonderful companion.
Flockmate. She corrected herself. Friend and partner too.
Her gaze flicked back toward Alefast once more.
It had been a week, and while Rane was up and moving around, some indefinable spark had gone from within him and was yet to return.
He moved slowera bit more deliberatelyas if to make sure he didnt hurt himself.
He spoke less and seemed to be thinking even more than usual. It was either that, or his mind was wandering without purpose.
They hadnt specifically discussed the Refining session, yet, and she wasnt looking forward to that talk.
Still, she had seen him everyday, but it had mainly consisted of her just being there while he recovered.
As she herself had experienced, magical healing couldnt remove the worst of the symptoms.
He had to adjust to the changes in his body, and come to grips with the weight of what hed been through mentally.
She thought back to the last time theyd interacted before the Refining session, her birthday.
It had been the day before his first session, and Tala had thoroughly enjoyed spending the day with him.
She hadn't expected anything, and he had masterfully surpassed her expectations.
Several others had wished her happy birthday when shed seen them, her unit-mates included, but shed still elected to spend the day almost exclusively with him.
Now, he was clearly not in his usual state of mind. After all, he had apparently refused to see Master Grediv.
Rane was understandably upset with how differently the session had gone than his expectations.
Master Grediv wasnt too put out by the rejection. He had apparently become rather used to that reaction from those he led to this stage long ago.
Regardless, Tala and Rane also hadnt discussed her being in the room with him for most of it. Though, he had said a simple thank you on several occasions.
Honestly, Tala would be fine if they never discussed it beyond that.
-Yes, because then you wouldnt have to think about all of the implications.-
Huh. Tala examined the writing on the wall alongside some of her companions. Is this real?
Mistress Sigyn was grinning broadly. I think it is, and it is a welcome surprise.
Master Clevnis had already sat off to one side, slowly slicing small bits off of a rock that he found. He was clearly sad that the cell was likely to lack excitement.
Mistress Vanga was reading her slate, and Master Girt was reading a book.
Master Limmestare and Mistress Cerna were beside Tala and Mistress Sigyn.
Terry had returned to Kit when theyd landed in a forest clearing beside the cliff-face.
The cell didnt even have an antechamber.
Those who created it would clearly have been happy if anyone were to open it in the future.
A simple message was written beside the entrance to the cell.
Tala was quite happy that she was able to incredibly easily identify the entrance with her threefold sight. Unfortunately, it didnt really show her much. All that she could see was just something that looked much like a reality thread connecting an otherwise innocuous point on the wall to something in between increments.
Something in the void.
-It does make sense to have the cells segregated off within the void.-
Yeah, it also lines up with what weve learned about them as well.
The message read: If the world has survived, may what is contained within help you to rebuild and endure.
Its a doomsday vault? Mistress Vanga was looking to Mistress Sigyn. Ive heard of those, but I havent encountered one myself.
The basic concept was rather obvious.
There was something that made people of the time fear that the world would end in one way or another in the future.
Unfortunately, whatever it was couldnt be contained in a cell, so the people of the time took the opposite approach: They tried to send resources into the future to help when they would be needed most.
Thus, they gathered what they thought would be needed if the feared disaster came about and put them in a safe place, to hopefully help society restart, or remember, or just survive.
Some were even from the time before the unification of language, often even from before the Archive, or at least from a time when the Archive wasnt widely usedor not used in a way that would allow a legacy to be easily left.
Or the information was left in the sections that were deleted when some fools tried to breach them.
Regardless, given the information provided, this should be a very easy process.
They would open the cell and determine if the items within were of use. Then, they would either seal it back upnoting what was in it in case there was ever needor empty it and recover the cell-core, if one had been used and if it was recoverable.
Generally, the existence of a cell-coreor the lack thereofwould be a heavy factor in whether or not the cell was maintained.
Cell-cores were the items crafted so that humanity could still place something in a cell at need if they lacked a Mage capable of doing so with their own magics.
Currently, Tala understood that humanity had four Archons who were capable of such, but they might not be nearby when the need was identified.
Also, the number was only that high due to Archons being so long lived.
Thus, every city had at least one or two cell-cores for such emergencies.
Tala had yet to see one and had only heard them referred to obliquely.
That is, until now.
So what does a cell-core look like? Mistress Sigyn looked her way, and Tala shrugged, continuing, If were going to be seeing if this cell has one, Id like to know what it should look like.
The Paragon quirked a smile. Well, for starters, it wont be in the cell. It will be on the reverse side of reality, anchoring the cell while helping to hold it suspended in the most robust, physical void we know of.
There was a lot to unpack in that statement, but one thing stood out, causing Talas eyes to widen. The Doman-Imithe?
Mistress Sigyn nodded. That is as good a name as any for it. The arcanes, for all their faults, do have a depth and history of knowledge that shouldnt be ignored.
Tala tilted her head to the side. Should I go look?
Her whole unit stopped, turning to look at her even as the Paragon shifted to face her fully. You can go there? On purpose?
Tala shrugged. I believe so. I havent done so under my own power, not yet, but I have been considering doing so at some point. If it would be helpful, I can try now.
The Paragon grimaced, rubbing between her eyebrows. Mistress Tala Why do I dont
The woman rubbed at her temples, clearly a bit at a loss.
Mistress Cerna walked over, next to Mistress Sigyn. Mistress Tala goes about things in odd ways at times, but she does get the job done. If she says she believes she can, then most likely she can.
The Paragon sighed, looking up. Oh, I dont doubt her word. Im just a bit flabbergasted. Most Refined arent even aware of the Doman-Imithe, and she can most likely go there, directly.
Tala cleared her throat. She is right here, and Im still waiting for your answer.
Mistress Sigyn nodded slowly. My apologies. I was simply sorting through the possible implications. She seemed to consider. Can you get back?
Absolutely. I am much more confident about getting back than getting there.
Another moment passed, the Mistress Sigyn nodded again. Alright. It will be a quicker, easier way to get a definitive answer than the methods I have at my disposal.
Tala smiled, taking Kit off her belt and tossing her against a blank wall, where she grew into a door into the sanctum.
There, a nice anchor if nothing else.
-Good thinking. It would have been rather embarrassing if we got stuck.-
Your confidence is inspiring.
-I am exactly as confident as you are.-
Tala sighed. Yeah. I figured that was the case.
-Shall we explore the great behind?-
Tala hesitated, stifling a laugh and almost choking.
-Hmmm I was going for the great beyond but the Doman-Imithe is behind Zeme. The combination did not work as well as I thought it would.-
But it definitely made me smile.
-There is that.-
To the great behind! Tala sent mirth to Alat within her mind.
-I really, really dont want us calling it thatplease?-
Alright. Tala took in a deep breath and let it out, nodding once. Lets do this.
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Chapter 391: Behind
Tala glanced back at Alefast as it faded into the distance behind her and her traveling companions.
Her unit-mates sat around her, Mistress Cerna piloting their combined, flying contraption, as she usually did.
The Paragon for this trip was a wisp of a woman, smaller even than Tala.
Her hair was a blonde so light that it was almost silver.
Her skin was smooth and unblemished, and she could have been anywhere between twenty-five and twenty thousand.
-Probably in the middle somewhere.-
Yeah, I think Master Xeel is among the older Archons, and hes only a millennium and a half old.
-...only.-
Fair.
Tala might have assumed the Paragon was a slender dwarf, but she could see the evidence of the gate within the Paragon easily.
It was funny that she left her aura open for just such verifications.
She probably knew what she looked like.
Or she has an item like my through-spike.
-That way lies paranoia. Anyone could have one.-
Thats true, I suppose Are you really what you seem, Alat? Are you using a through spike to fool me?
The alternate interface huffed a laugh within Talas head. -Fair.-
The group was heading to yet another cell that was near to breaching.
There was something odd about this cell in particular, but no one could quite tell what it was.
The general assessment was that it would either be laughably easy for their unit, or theyd be calling in backup before even opening the door.
Master Grediv had begun to rotate through the units, sending them out in something closer to an actual rotation instead of just sending out the smallest units again and again.
The number of cells appearing this waning was truly extraordinary, and the various units had been theorizing as to why.
While it was fun to theorize about a time when disaster was striking every week, with some new world-ending threat that the peoples of the day had to contend with, that just wasnt realistic.
That theory was made less viable by the fact that cells decayed at somewhat random rates. So, the alignment of cell degradation had almost nothing to do with when the cells were originally created and filled in relation to one another.
A more realistic, popular notion was that the increase was the result of a cascading effect.
Since there was already greater stress in the region, cells that might have endured another cycle or two were coming in need of maintenance sooner.
It was a good theory, all things considered.
Much better than Talas own original theory.
I still think reality is especially angry, and its breaking cells down more quickly as a tantrum, or an attempt to wear us down or something.
-...You know how I feel about that theory.-
That it lines up too well with the facts, except that it would require reality to have the ability to choose?
-Precisely.-
It could also be that one of the cells which is weakening contains a powerful Reality Mage, and he or she is the one choosing.
-And thats why I dont dismiss your theory out of hand. Do you have any idea how maddening it is when you spout foolishness, then put reasonable backing behind it?-
Tala felt herself smile. Considering that Im doing it to myself? I imagine it is pretty maddening.
Alat laughed within Talas mind, purposely making the sound a bit manic.
I do hope that isnt the case, regardless. Id rather be wrong than have to clash with a Reality Mage. They sound less than great.
-Agreed.-
Tala lifted her gaze up to Terry, where he perched in his usual place, eyes closed, simply enjoying the wind streaming across him, ruffling his feathers.
He was a wonderful companion.
Flockmate. She corrected herself. Friend and partner too.
Her gaze flicked back toward Alefast once more.
It had been a week, and while Rane was up and moving around, some indefinable spark had gone from within him and was yet to return.
He moved slowera bit more deliberatelyas if to make sure he didnt hurt himself.
He spoke less and seemed to be thinking even more than usual. It was either that, or his mind was wandering without purpose.
They hadnt specifically discussed the Refining session, yet, and she wasnt looking forward to that talk.
Still, she had seen him everyday, but it had mainly consisted of her just being there while he recovered.
As she herself had experienced, magical healing couldnt remove the worst of the symptoms.
He had to adjust to the changes in his body, and come to grips with the weight of what hed been through mentally.
She thought back to the last time theyd interacted before the Refining session, her birthday.
It had been the day before his first session, and Tala had thoroughly enjoyed spending the day with him.
She hadn't expected anything, and he had masterfully surpassed her expectations.
Several others had wished her happy birthday when shed seen them, her unit-mates included, but shed still elected to spend the day almost exclusively with him.
Now, he was clearly not in his usual state of mind. After all, he had apparently refused to see Master Grediv.
Rane was understandably upset with how differently the session had gone than his expectations.
Master Grediv wasnt too put out by the rejection. He had apparently become rather used to that reaction from those he led to this stage long ago.
Regardless, Tala and Rane also hadnt discussed her being in the room with him for most of it. Though, he had said a simple thank you on several occasions.
Honestly, Tala would be fine if they never discussed it beyond that.
-Yes, because then you wouldnt have to think about all of the implications.-
Huh. Tala examined the writing on the wall alongside some of her companions. Is this real?
Mistress Sigyn was grinning broadly. I think it is, and it is a welcome surprise.
Master Clevnis had already sat off to one side, slowly slicing small bits off of a rock that he found. He was clearly sad that the cell was likely to lack excitement.
Mistress Vanga was reading her slate, and Master Girt was reading a book.
Master Limmestare and Mistress Cerna were beside Tala and Mistress Sigyn.
Terry had returned to Kit when theyd landed in a forest clearing beside the cliff-face.
The cell didnt even have an antechamber.
Those who created it would clearly have been happy if anyone were to open it in the future.
A simple message was written beside the entrance to the cell.
Tala was quite happy that she was able to incredibly easily identify the entrance with her threefold sight. Unfortunately, it didnt really show her much. All that she could see was just something that looked much like a reality thread connecting an otherwise innocuous point on the wall to something in between increments.
Something in the void.
-It does make sense to have the cells segregated off within the void.-
Yeah, it also lines up with what weve learned about them as well.
The message read: If the world has survived, may what is contained within help you to rebuild and endure.
Its a doomsday vault? Mistress Vanga was looking to Mistress Sigyn. Ive heard of those, but I havent encountered one myself.
The basic concept was rather obvious.
There was something that made people of the time fear that the world would end in one way or another in the future.
Unfortunately, whatever it was couldnt be contained in a cell, so the people of the time took the opposite approach: They tried to send resources into the future to help when they would be needed most.
Thus, they gathered what they thought would be needed if the feared disaster came about and put them in a safe place, to hopefully help society restart, or remember, or just survive.
Some were even from the time before the unification of language, often even from before the Archive, or at least from a time when the Archive wasnt widely usedor not used in a way that would allow a legacy to be easily left.
Or the information was left in the sections that were deleted when some fools tried to breach them.
Regardless, given the information provided, this should be a very easy process.
They would open the cell and determine if the items within were of use. Then, they would either seal it back upnoting what was in it in case there was ever needor empty it and recover the cell-core, if one had been used and if it was recoverable.
Generally, the existence of a cell-coreor the lack thereofwould be a heavy factor in whether or not the cell was maintained.
Cell-cores were the items crafted so that humanity could still place something in a cell at need if they lacked a Mage capable of doing so with their own magics.
Currently, Tala understood that humanity had four Archons who were capable of such, but they might not be nearby when the need was identified.
Also, the number was only that high due to Archons being so long lived.
Thus, every city had at least one or two cell-cores for such emergencies.
Tala had yet to see one and had only heard them referred to obliquely.
That is, until now.
So what does a cell-core look like? Mistress Sigyn looked her way, and Tala shrugged, continuing, If were going to be seeing if this cell has one, Id like to know what it should look like.
The Paragon quirked a smile. Well, for starters, it wont be in the cell. It will be on the reverse side of reality, anchoring the cell while helping to hold it suspended in the most robust, physical void we know of.
There was a lot to unpack in that statement, but one thing stood out, causing Talas eyes to widen. The Doman-Imithe?
Mistress Sigyn nodded. That is as good a name as any for it. The arcanes, for all their faults, do have a depth and history of knowledge that shouldnt be ignored.
Tala tilted her head to the side. Should I go look?
Her whole unit stopped, turning to look at her even as the Paragon shifted to face her fully. You can go there? On purpose?
Tala shrugged. I believe so. I havent done so under my own power, not yet, but I have been considering doing so at some point. If it would be helpful, I can try now.
The Paragon grimaced, rubbing between her eyebrows. Mistress Tala Why do I dont
The woman rubbed at her temples, clearly a bit at a loss.
Mistress Cerna walked over, next to Mistress Sigyn. Mistress Tala goes about things in odd ways at times, but she does get the job done. If she says she believes she can, then most likely she can.
The Paragon sighed, looking up. Oh, I dont doubt her word. Im just a bit flabbergasted. Most Refined arent even aware of the Doman-Imithe, and she can most likely go there, directly.
Tala cleared her throat. She is right here, and Im still waiting for your answer.
Mistress Sigyn nodded slowly. My apologies. I was simply sorting through the possible implications. She seemed to consider. Can you get back?
Absolutely. I am much more confident about getting back than getting there.
Another moment passed, the Mistress Sigyn nodded again. Alright. It will be a quicker, easier way to get a definitive answer than the methods I have at my disposal.
Tala smiled, taking Kit off her belt and tossing her against a blank wall, where she grew into a door into the sanctum.
There, a nice anchor if nothing else.
-Good thinking. It would have been rather embarrassing if we got stuck.-
Your confidence is inspiring.
-I am exactly as confident as you are.-
Tala sighed. Yeah. I figured that was the case.
-Shall we explore the great behind?-
Tala hesitated, stifling a laugh and almost choking.
-Hmmm I was going for the great beyond but the Doman-Imithe is behind Zeme. The combination did not work as well as I thought it would.-
But it definitely made me smile.
-There is that.-
To the great behind! Tala sent mirth to Alat within her mind.
-I really, really dont want us calling it thatplease?-
Alright. Tala took in a deep breath and let it out, nodding once. Lets do this.
Chapter 391: BehindTala glanced back at Alefast as it faded into the distance behind her and her traveling companions.Her unit-mates sat around her, Mistress Cerna piloting their combined, flying contraption, as she usually did.The Paragon for this trip was a wisp of a woman, smaller even than Tala.Her hair was a blonde so light that it was almost silver.Her skin was smooth and unblemished, and she could have been anywhere between twenty-five and twenty thousand.-Probably in the middle somewhere.-Yeah, I think Master Xeel is among the older Archons, and hes only a millennium and a half old.-...only.-Fair.Tala might have assumed the Paragon was a slender dwarf, but she could see the evidence of the gate within the Paragon easily.It was funny that she left her aura open for just such verifications.She probably knew what she looked like.Or she has an item like my through-spike.-That way lies paranoia. Anyone could have one.-Thats true, I suppose Are you really what you seem, Alat? Are you using a through spike to fool me?The alternate interface huffed a laugh within Talas head. -Fair.-The group was heading to yet another cell that was near to breaching.There was something odd about this cell in particular, but no one could quite tell what it was.The general assessment was that it would either be laughably easy for their unit, or theyd be calling in backup before even opening the door.Master Grediv had begun to rotate through the units, sending them out in something closer to an actual rotation instead of just sending out the smallest units again and again.The number of cells appearing this waning was truly extraordinary, and the various units had been theorizing as to why.While it was fun to theorize about a time when disaster was striking every week, with some new world-ending threat that the peoples of the day had to contend with, that just wasnt realistic.That theory was made less viable by the fact that cells decayed at somewhat random rates. So, the alignment of cell degradation had almost nothing to do with when the cells were originally created and filled in relation to one another.A more realistic, popular notion was that the increase was the result of a cascading effect.Since there was already greater stress in the region, cells that might have endured another cycle or two were coming in need of maintenance sooner.It was a good theory, all things considered.Much better than Talas own original theory.I still think reality is especially angry, and its breaking cells down more quickly as a tantrum, or an attempt to wear us down or something.-...You know how I feel about that theory.-That it lines up too well with the facts, except that it would require reality to have the ability to choose?-Precisely.-It could also be that one of the cells which is weakening contains a powerful Reality Mage, and he or she is the one choosing.-And thats why I dont dismiss your theory out of hand. Do you have any idea how maddening it is when you spout foolishness, then put reasonable backing behind it?-Tala felt herself smile. Considering that Im doing it to myself? I imagine it is pretty maddening.Alat laughed within Talas mind, purposely making the sound a bit manic.I do hope that isnt the case, regardless. Id rather be wrong than have to clash with a Reality Mage. They sound less than great.-Agreed.-Tala lifted her gaze up to Terry, where he perched in his usual place, eyes closed, simply enjoying the wind streaming across him, ruffling his feathers.He was a wonderful companion.Flockmate. She corrected herself. Friend and partner too.Her gaze flicked back toward Alefast once more.It had been a week, and while Rane was up and moving around, some indefinable spark had gone from within him and was yet to return.He moved slowera bit more deliberatelyas if to make sure he didnt hurt himself.He spoke less and seemed to be thinking even more than usual. It was either that, or his mind was wandering without purpose.They hadnt specifically discussed the Refining session, yet, and she wasnt looking forward to that talk.Still, she had seen him everyday, but it had mainly consisted of her just being there while he recovered.As she herself had experienced, magical healing couldnt remove the worst of the symptoms.He had to adjust to the changes in his body, and come to grips with the weight of what hed been through mentally.She thought back to the last time theyd interacted before the Refining session, her birthday.It had been the day before his first session, and Tala had thoroughly enjoyed spending the day with him.She hadn't expected anything, and he had masterfully surpassed her expectations.Several others had wished her happy birthday when shed seen them, her unit-mates included, but shed still elected to spend the day almost exclusively with him.Now, he was clearly not in his usual state of mind. After all, he had apparently refused to see Master Grediv.Rane was understandably upset with how differently the session had gone than his expectations.Master Grediv wasnt too put out by the rejection. He had apparently become rather used to that reaction from those he led to this stage long ago.Regardless, Tala and Rane also hadnt discussed her being in the room with him for most of it. Though, he had said a simple thank you on several occasions.Honestly, Tala would be fine if they never discussed it beyond that.-Yes, because then you wouldnt have to think about all of the implications.-Huh. Tala examined the writing on the wall alongside some of her companions. Is this real?Mistress Sigyn was grinning broadly. I think it is, and it is a welcome surprise.Master Clevnis had already sat off to one side, slowly slicing small bits off of a rock that he found. He was clearly sad that the cell was likely to lack excitement.Mistress Vanga was reading her slate, and Master Girt was reading a book.Master Limmestare and Mistress Cerna were beside Tala and Mistress Sigyn.Terry had returned to Kit when theyd landed in a forest clearing beside the cliff-face.The cell didnt even have an antechamber.Those who created it would clearly have been happy if anyone were to open it in the future.A simple message was written beside the entrance to the cell.Tala was quite happy that she was able to incredibly easily identify the entrance with her threefold sight. Unfortunately, it didnt really show her much. All that she could see was just something that looked much like a reality thread connecting an otherwise innocuous point on the wall to something in between increments.Something in the void.-It does make sense to have the cells segregated off within the void.-Yeah, it also lines up with what weve learned about them as well.The message read: If the world has survived, may what is contained within help you to rebuild and endure.Its a doomsday vault? Mistress Vanga was looking to Mistress Sigyn. Ive heard of those, but I havent encountered one myself.The basic concept was rather obvious.There was something that made people of the time fear that the world would end in one way or another in the future.Unfortunately, whatever it was couldnt be contained in a cell, so the people of the time took the opposite approach: They tried to send resources into the future to help when they would be needed most.Thus, they gathered what they thought would be needed if the feared disaster came about and put them in a safe place, to hopefully help society restart, or remember, or just survive.Some were even from the time before the unification of language, often even from before the Archive, or at least from a time when the Archive wasnt widely usedor not used in a way that would allow a legacy to be easily left.Or the information was left in the sections that were deleted when some fools tried to breach them.Regardless, given the information provided, this should be a very easy process.They would open the cell and determine if the items within were of use. Then, they would either seal it back upnoting what was in it in case there was ever needor empty it and recover the cell-core, if one had been used and if it was recoverable.Generally, the existence of a cell-coreor the lack thereofwould be a heavy factor in whether or not the cell was maintained.Cell-cores were the items crafted so that humanity could still place something in a cell at need if they lacked a Mage capable of doing so with their own magics.Currently, Tala understood that humanity had four Archons who were capable of such, but they might not be nearby when the need was identified.Also, the number was only that high due to Archons being so long lived.Thus, every city had at least one or two cell-cores for such emergencies.Tala had yet to see one and had only heard them referred to obliquely.That is, until now.So what does a cell-core look like? Mistress Sigyn looked her way, and Tala shrugged, continuing, If were going to be seeing if this cell has one, Id like to know what it should look like.The Paragon quirked a smile. Well, for starters, it wont be in the cell. It will be on the reverse side of reality, anchoring the cell while helping to hold it suspended in the most robust, physical void we know of.There was a lot to unpack in that statement, but one thing stood out, causing Talas eyes to widen. The Doman-Imithe?Mistress Sigyn nodded. That is as good a name as any for it. The arcanes, for all their faults, do have a depth and history of knowledge that shouldnt be ignored.Tala tilted her head to the side. Should I go look?Her whole unit stopped, turning to look at her even as the Paragon shifted to face her fully. You can go there? On purpose?Tala shrugged. I believe so. I havent done so under my own power, not yet, but I have been considering doing so at some point. If it would be helpful, I can try now.The Paragon grimaced, rubbing between her eyebrows. Mistress Tala Why do I dontThe woman rubbed at her temples, clearly a bit at a loss.Mistress Cerna walked over, next to Mistress Sigyn. Mistress Tala goes about things in odd ways at times, but she does get the job done. If she says she believes she can, then most likely she can.The Paragon sighed, looking up. Oh, I dont doubt her word. Im just a bit flabbergasted. Most Refined arent even aware of the Doman-Imithe, and she can most likely go there, directly.Tala cleared her throat. She is right here, and Im still waiting for your answer.Mistress Sigyn nodded slowly. My apologies. I was simply sorting through the possible implications. She seemed to consider. Can you get back?Absolutely. I am much more confident about getting back than getting there.Another moment passed, the Mistress Sigyn nodded again. Alright. It will be a quicker, easier way to get a definitive answer than the methods I have at my disposal.Tala smiled, taking Kit off her belt and tossing her against a blank wall, where she grew into a door into the sanctum.There, a nice anchor if nothing else.-Good thinking. It would have been rather embarrassing if we got stuck.-Your confidence is inspiring.-I am exactly as confident as you are.-Tala sighed. Yeah. I figured that was the case.-Shall we explore the great behind?-Tala hesitated, stifling a laugh and almost choking.-Hmmm I was going for the great beyond but the Doman-Imithe is behind Zeme. The combination did not work as well as I thought it would.-But it definitely made me smile.-There is that.-To the great behind! Tala sent mirth to Alat within her mind.-I really, really dont want us calling it thatplease?-Alright. Tala took in a deep breath and let it out, nodding once. Lets do this.
