Quality Conduits [Kala]

[Hilana Chenzira]

50 Glade, Year 125

[Closed - Kala]

As it turned out, the schedules didn’t work in Frost for the trip to the Plane of Metal. The usual Sentinels were preoccupied, and so they made arrangements for Glade when those who had come with them to the Plane of Wood were able to make the trip. Hilana did not mind; it allowed for more visits from Lady Kala and her entourage and she could plan properly.

And, of course, she found out once she got there from her pedagogus that something had come up for Sentinel Phocion that day that he needed to deal with, so he was not to be joining them. Considering his courtship with Lady Kala, chances were he wasn’t just blowing them off. And with the way her dinner had ended, she didn’t go out of her way to ask Raithen along. They could work that out and while she was curious and hoped for the best between them, that wasn’t her place to get involved.

Hilana, Sviras, Etzalal, Lia, and Kalor, who was hanging onto Lia’s hand, waited in the Praetorium with Sentinel Ævril for Kala and her Silver Wings. Sviras was draped around Hilana’s shoulders while Etzalal was flying in little circles around the sisters and the Sentinel that was waiting with them. Unlike the Plane of Wood, Hilana was not anticipating a nice picnic in the Plane of Metal: Kor had told her it was not well-suited for her usual attire. Snacks and drinks in case anyone had need, but this wasn’t a place to stay long. Attune, and get out. Both sisters wore trousers for once, and Lia wore one of her caftans, though it only reached her thighs. Hilana wore one of her usual short blouses that exposed most of her midriff and her arms, and she had her rucksack over her shoulders.

This one would be trickier than the last, but Hilana liked to think that they were certainly up to it, as her eyes watched the door for Kala. She was looking forward to seeing her again. Perhaps before she had to go back north, they could have a nice cup of tea and a much more drama-free brunch...

[Kala Leukos]

.

They hadn't so very long to wait before a black-clad sentinel led Kala and her small entourage toward Hilana and the rest. A subtle eye would note the markers of the Custodes Deorum upon their uniform. Much had changed since their last, awkward social engagement. Akantha, of course, had noticed, though she didn't know exactly what had happened that Kala could show more skin now, her wings present or absent per her need without a need for the clever cloak Torin had created for her to keep her wings under wraps.

She wore trousers and a sort of tunic, loose, but carefully tailored to a specific silhouette quite different from her male companions. A hint of fringe here and there hearkened back to her people, and hunter green was the primary color of her ensemble. A platinum gorget around her neck was edged with a short shrug or cape, its base hidden, festooned with bits of pale gold fabric reminiscent of flower petals or feathers.

All of the Silver Wings Hilana had ever met were there. They had been to the Plane of Wood with them previously, and wouldn't miss this one. It made sense, though. Both Kaus and Ceran were elementalists; Indric, Asallon, and even Aito were summoners—granted, Aito's poor summoning skills were why his soul was now a strange amalgam of the summoner and the demon of avarice he had been unable to control.

Regardless, they could all benefit from a jaunt to the Plane of Metal, the elementalists to attune, and the summoners to meet metallic spirits in the flesh, so to speak.

Pale blue eyes lit up when the alighted upon Hilana, and she hurried forward to greet her, taking her hands and kissing her cheeks.

"Hilana, it has been too long!" There hadn't been enough time for a proper postmortem after that dinner, but while she hadn't tried to probe past the woman's defenses, she had gotten the impression that they were aligned on one thing: Raithen was an attractive man.

Hilana had seemed practical about it, and didn't seem the type to attempt to marry up; rather, she had carved out a niche for herself that wasn't derived from any man. Kala could respect that. And while Kala had dallied with the dux, a large part of it had been because of his interest in his Avialae heritage. She cared for him, even felt the tug to pull him away from his mother's enchaining apron strings, but he had not indicated any desire to formalize a relationship, whereas Phocion had.

She didn't get the sense that aught was amiss between them, and that gladdened her, for she didn't see them in competition, but preferred to think of how they had collaborated since they met at the Citadel all that time ago.

Indric was actually the next to step up, having pulled something out of a hidey-hole in the slipspace. He handed a velvet bag to her, and she held it out for Hilana. The velvet was a dark blue, and a small scroll was tied to it with blue ribbon.

"Mail and a small present from Siv. I didn't open it, but it's fortified mead. I didn't want to break the sigil of dormancy, so I'm assuming some alchemy was involved..."

.

[Hilana Chenzira]

“It is good to see you,” Hilana beamed at Kala, squeezing her hands gently and leaning in to kiss her cheeks. “I’ve missed you, too. I hope you’ve been well.” She had fingerless gloves on that Kala could see contained tiny shards of frostrylyth and pyrolyth, alternating between warming and cooling, controlled by scrivening in the spell-thread stitching.

While she might have liked to have had a powwow with Kala to discuss the shitshow that was supposed to be an enjoyable dinner, but the timing hadn’t been there, and perhaps they’d get an opportunity some time here. She knew Raithen had gone off into the sands, though he’d refused to tell her where or why. He hadn’t been over since the dinner, she’d not seen him in person since, though he called her regularly enough on the enchanted mirror he had given her. She did worry about him, but he was going to do whatever he was going to do, and he had experience in the desert. It wasn’t like he didn’t have Traversion to get himself home in case something dire happened.

Some roads you had to walk alone.

She didn't know if he was upset with her for the truths uncovered at the dinner, or perhaps for her reactions. Maybe he was embarrassed. She didn't know if Kala was familiar with Raithen's stance that Cithaera Princeps would make whatever arrangements she chose for her winged son and Raithen was not about to do anything outside of that, but perhaps that might help... In any event, Kala hadn't needed to worry about if Hilana might have seen her as competition. She did not - because there wasn't one. It was just the way things were here; if anything, Kala was far more likely a match than she was.

However, she put the secretly-sensitive Avialae Dux out of her mind for now, because there was an exciting trip at hand and Athalia was admiring Kala's attire. "Your capelet is beautifully made."

"My sister, Lia," she made the introductions. "This is Lady Kala, her brother, Lord Kaus, Ceran, Indric, Asallon, and Aito," she indicated who was who, as Lia followed along.

"The pleasure is mine, Domina, Dominus," she offered a small bow. Hilana's sister was shorter than she was by nearly a full head and she did seem more solemn than the other, but she was smiling. "This is Kalor," she introduced the little fire spirit in the golem chassis.

"Salve, hello, hello. Am Kalor, friend of Athalia," the woman gently squeezed his little hand as Kalor looked around at all of the new people with interest.

As Kala offered Hilana the bag and Indric explained, Hilana perked up even more. "Gratias, thank you for this--"

"Siv Hearthtender old friend. New friends. Sparks joy," Kalor was looking curiously at all of the new people. There was little doubt that the mention of Sivan brightened the spirit up. They would really need to go for a visit soon - Kalor would surely like to, and Hilana was due for more lessons. She wanted to introduce Etzalal to him, too.

"He and Sivan are good friends," Lia explained.

"Good Helf," Kalor agreed.

"He was too excited about the Plane of Metal to not come," Hilana offered. Beside her, Sentinel Ævril was glad of wearing his veil; his student had quite the menagerie coming with them this time with the three spirits, one of which was in a golem body. Athalia had done her best to add her own wards to protect him from any damage that might come in this new place, but they would just have to watch. She tucked the bag inside of her rucksack for now, although Kalor was extending a hand upward for it. "We'll read it later," she assured the palarae.

[Kala Leukos]

.

"Oh, thank you... People in Kalzasi used to look at me strangely when I arrived with my mountain people clothes. Now some of them copy me. A strange world we live in."

Kala felt a brief pang of empathy for Athalia, as she was the shortest in her family. Akshara was a statuesque woman, Aquilios of a height with Ceran and Indric. She and Kaus were born small. Kaus, at least, was tall enough for a human, if not so tall as Avialae tended to be. When Kala herself had been refashioned by Garel, she hadn't gained any height, most likely because it came after pubescence. Alas!

But people underestimated her, and that was a blessing sometimes.

Once everyone had met everyone, it felt quite relaxed, even if there were Sentinels looking on. She couldn't help but acknowledge them, nodding a greeting at least while otherwise pretending that with their veils up, they didn't exist.

"I thought I recognized his work," Asallon was saying, the Siltori crouching to make Kalor's acquaintance.

Indric was wondering whether he might help Hilana and Sivan meet more easily; he was the Traveler, and would be able to take Sivan to any of the planes he had visited and then open a door to Hilana's home in Solunarium. If Sivan wasn't comfortable in the realm of the Ex-Re'ha, perhaps Indric could make play dates more convenient for teacher and student.

In any case, after a bit of chit-chat among them all, Kala stood up after feeding Kalor a mote of pure Fire. The summoners in her life had taught her some best practices for making spirits like her, even if she wasn't a summoner herself. She had considered learning it, but now, between her on-the-job legal training, her ability to travel to various planes where spirits existed, and the divinity within her, she was rather sure she could just scrive a compact that would be as binding as what a summoner did.

Of course, she hadn't yet tried; she was cautious.

"Silver Wings, reporting for duty," she said with a faint, amused lilt. "We are ready to venture forth when you are."

.

[Hilana Chenzira]

"The most attractive thing a woman wears is her confidence," Athalia's Common was more accented than Hilana's, perhaps because she wasn't used to using it as much. But it was still fairly easy to understand. "You wear your authentic traditions with confidence and pride, and others desire them. And perhaps your own styles and traditions are new to the city, and their eyes have been opened to them."

Lia did not mind being shorter than her sister - in some ways, Hilana was the odd duck of the bunch. She was the tallest of the four surviving siblings, and took after their father, while her elder sisters took after their mother. She was also the one who liked to be more physical than the elder sisters, and certainly the most athletic. But big things could come in small packages - she could empathize with Kala for that as well.

"You did," Hilana agreed with Asallon as Kalor waved his free hand at the Siltori.that crouched down to see him. "We saw his work in the shop and thought it was incredible. And fire recognizes fire." Khalcifer had been what had given Lia the push to make this request; Sivan's spirit friend had utterly charmed her. And now Kalor did much of the same.

With everyone introduced, Sentinel Ævril nodded to Kala and her Silver Wings. "This way," he led the way in. This was the same way they had gone before when they had arranged to visit the Plane of Wood, into the depths of the Praetorium and through a portal that led to to a pillar of what looked to be an array of metals that had been twisted and flattened. Sentinel Qaevix met them there, and as Sentinel Phocion was not attending, those that had escorted Kala from the Custodes Deorum would in his stead.

"When we go through, mind your step," the veiled Vigilia warned as she produced the portal. "This is not a nice Plane." Even the beauty of the Shadowlands had an ethereal quality to it, but the Plane of Metal...

Kala's research had doubtless told her that the Plane of Metal was quite small compared to the other ones. It was jagged, hostile, and it would take someone fleet of foot, or at least well-practiced on their pins, to manage. Those with wings were at an advantage here compared to those on foot - the sisters had both worn serviceable boots, and Lia put Kalor on her hip like she might a toddler. It was fairly dark here, but Hilana Manifested Light. While they had had quite a hike for the perfect spot for Meditating and a picnic, this would not be the case today. Everywhere else, there had been a good walk to get used to the place and find somewhere comfortable... but this, well.

It was rocky, rough terrain - occasionally the Light caught on flashes of something embedded, likely ore or some sort of mineral. Kalor very much wanted to explore, but Athalia didn't want to set him down just yet, as the Vigilia motioned for Hilana to lead the way. Her task was getting them there; the younger Vastiana's was to lead the way. After taking a moment to assess the area, Hilana pulled out her Map to find the borders and figure out precisely what they were looking at and where. Koraellon had warned her that it was quite easy to pass through the Plane of Metal into the Plane of Earth, and never really notice the difference, except for should they try to use the element that they thought they had Attuned to, they would not have it.

Qaevix had brought them to the centre, according to the map, and the ground was crunching under them with each step. "North," Hilana decided, and started in that direction. The topography indicated a shallow hill not too far away, and when she looked in that distance, she felt it would be close enough. Their escorts would fan out to at least scout around and ahead - where dangers had more of an opportunity to hide in the Plane of Wood, the rough, barren terrain around them gave the visitors a bit more of an advantage in that regard... but it would not do to let their guards down.

[Kala Leukos]

.

"As I would gladly borrow some of Hilana's style, although I would only be able to wear it in the hottest part of the year in Karnor," she said with a rueful smile.

But when the time came to move, Kala and her kin calmed immediately and were prepared to move. The Silver Wings were mercenaries, after all. And Kala did not like to make the Sentinels' jobs more difficult than they needed to be either.

When warned to watch her step, she smiled and beveled one foot to show the steel-toed boot, seemingly too heavy for her delicate frame.

Once across the threshold, she could feel the difference. She could sense it via different runes, and she could also sense the metals around her with an intuitive sort of understanding how they had been forged in the heart of a star. It was a strange way to think, but it was becoming more commonplace the longer she was divine.

"Curious," she murmured. Even the dust under her feet was all metallic: mostly iron just here, and traces of others. And she was curious about the geography of the planes, as well. Did north even have meaning here? Perhaps she could look over her map later, if that wasn't some secret. Solunarium was a land of many secrets, and she supposed she herself was one of them. The Twins had welcomed her, and their Custodes Deorum kept her divinity quiet.

Aware that this was less a pleasure trip than the Plane of Wood had been, Kala and her Silver Wings were resolute and quick to follow the dictates of Hilana and the Sentinels.

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[Hilana Chenzira]

"I thought Avialae were impervious to the cold?" Lia inquired. "When we visited Karnor, the way some of them dressed certainly alluded to it, even in the height of Frost." She glanced sideways at her younger sister. "Though I do suspect it might have more to do with how that much fabric might be ungainly down in the snow... or her attire is not particularly appropriate for someone of your status, Domina." Hilana, for her part, shrugged and winked at Kala. Her father had insisted she wear more fabric than she used to in the sands, and, well, if she sometimes looked like a stage performer with the low-cut, short bodices and her skirts, oh, well. She just eschewed the longer tunics or more modest blouses.

Through the portal, Kalor very much wanted to be set down as Hilana let the way. Etzalal stayed close, though the spirit flew overhead, and Sviras hung around on her shoulders in lieu of her normal pythons. Considering how well metal was a conduit, Hilana had requested that the flying spirit not utilize their zappy flaps unless absolutely necessary. Who knew how much damage their sparks could cause in a place like this, particularly as friendly fire with the ore around and under them? That might be an experiment for another day, using powdered metal to increase Etzalal's capabilities, but it wasn't one Hilana wanted to do while she had friends nearby...

Kala likely remembered Hilana consulting the Volumen before, and the map back in the Plane of Wood was quite different from the map she was scrutinizing in the Plane of Metal. Whatever it was, it was a rather odd artifact, but useful in the right hands. And for someone like Hilana, who clearly enjoyed traveling and exploring... it was decidedly handy. Kor had been right, though, that this Elemental Plane was small - the moving dots showed the young woman how far they were before they would accidentally leave the place they needed to be. "See that hill over there? It's not too large, and there's enough of a plateau for us to sit and get comfortable while we attune."

"Kalor down?" the spirit requested of Lia, and when the Vastiana followed Hilana's indication, she repressed a sigh and carefully lowered the golem to the ground. Worst case scenario, they would need to make an emergency trip to Kalzasi to find Sivan to fix something if something happened to the chassis despite the wards Lia had wrapped him with to try to protect him. "Shiny, melty, pretty. Sparks joy. We make shinies."

"Once we get to the hill," Lia smiled at him. This really was not unlike a small child, considering his enthusiasm and curiosity... though that could be a dangerous thing here.

"One, two, three," Kalor started counting steps instead, though his own much smaller stride took far more steps than the rest of them. Lia would likely lift him again before much longer.

"So you have been well?" Hilana asked Kala, putting the map back in its case and in her rucksack again, though she was also watching the pathway as they walked. So far, so good, and it was solid enough that it wouldn't be too treacherous as long as they watched their step. There were some spots where sharp rocks jutted out. The Sentinels spread out enough, though they were keeping a weather on the trekkers. Lia's steps were more measured, where Hilana was far more of the mountain goat from her experience with climbing and unsteady ground.

[Kala Leukos]

.

"Impervious, yes," she said with a smile, "but we do still feel the temperatures. And I still keep my wings hidden from most people at the behest of the crown. They do not want me to be a target for Gelerand, and I agree with that. If they could capture a draegir and his draconic spouse in the heart of their domain, I fear I would be even easier pickings. I would not like to end my days as a brood mare for the Kathar legions."

As awful as that eventuality was, she said it rather matter-of-factually.

Then she laughed, apropos of something she hastened to share lest they think her mad. "My mother, bless her heart, is quite offended on my behalf that the great lords and ladies of Kalzasi haven't offered me either their hands in marriage or that of male heirs in order to secure a more robust bloodline—winged parents on both sides of the family tree—but I must admit that being desired for my wings would be even more troubling than if I were desired for... Well..."

She looked down. Her bust might be underwhelming, but she rather thought the other women would catch her drift. It was, of course, nice to be desirable, but if she was reduced to a set of wings attached to a womb, that would be disgusting.

"But I think Vastian attire would be more comfortable in the months of Searing, even if only because then the stronger sunlight would feel like a caress upon the skin. And most likely people would just see it as exotic, rather than unbefitting. Formal affairs require formality, of course, but showing skin when the sun is out is hardly taboo."

The relationship between the fire spirit using a golem body like a suit of armor and Hilana's sister made her smile as they began to hike. Already, she was reaching out to the plane around her, sembling through the lens of her elemental rune. It was important to sense the world around her, the better to prevent nasty surprises.

When Hilana asked after her, she had to think about what she could say that would be of interest to her that wasn't classified. Hilana, at least, might suspect her divine nature given they met at the citadel of the Custodes Deorum, but whether she ought to tell her about the leap in power and responsibility since her dinner party—that was questionable. Should she share the news from Arcas about the tears in reality? No, but she would collaborate with Aværys should he deign too in matters of Light. Most likely Phocion did not want Hilana to know that he might be joining her at a royal wedding in Silfanore...

And then there was the question of Raithen. She knew some of what Kaus knew from his chats via magic mirror, but she didn't know whether they had better speak of him in front of Athalia or any others, especially given there were Sentinels within earshot.

Kala didn't think he loved her any differently from how he loved Hilana, but he was certainly acting strangely. Most likely it was a Phædryn-Sol'Aværys thing. In any case, perhaps they would get a chance to speak before she had to return to Kalzasi.

"Hm, well. Yes." She laughed quietly. "The work never ceases, but I cannot complain. And you?"

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[Hilana Chenzira]

That did make sense to both of them. While their father had certainly raised Lia with the expectation of being a wife and mother that more or less ruled over their home, Hilana had no intention of it. But being diminished to a broodmare was not something either of them was keen on. And the look on Hilana's face very clearly had said 'fuck that', though she was polite enough not to curse in proper company. "Successful people often scare away meeker personalities. They know in their hearts they're not up to meeting the standards set by one like yourself... and it would be a sham to try," Lia smiled at her.

She definitely wanted time with Kala once they were done here, and it would be a more relaxed meal, hopefully, than the last disaster of a dinner party. Just the two of them. It had been a considerable amount of time since they had seen each other last, and there was doubtless plenty to talk about. She wouldn't mind introducing her to Kor, either, but they definitely needed some girl talk time. She wouldn't mind hearing her take on Raithen, either. She did feel bad that she'd known quite early that the Dux had been busy with the northern twins, considering it had been mentioned over the mirror, but they hadn't known about Hilana and Raithen, it seemed. Still... there was a lot to talk about.

"There are never enough hours in the day," Hilana agreed readily. Kala likely had good idea about the hours the younger of the two sisters kept, and it made a lot of people tired just to think about it. "But if you enjoy it, then we're luckier than most people in the world that don't necessarily like their jobs but do it anyway. If I thought I could use Aeternus to get more done, I'd try to find a way to get it..."

"You will not," Lia told her dryly as she made her way carefully behind her sister. The turf below was less compact, and the different jagged bits and pieces underfoot were not smooth walking. "There is no pastry important enough, nor flower necessary enough, for you to accidentally make a mess of Time itself, Hilana. Beyond that, you would upset Finn. Careful, Kalor," she steadied the little golem as he stumbled.

"Up-up, please, Athalia," Kalor reached for her with his free hand. He did not like this ground that much, it seemed, and the amount of walking he had done was enough for him until they would reach their decided-upon spot. Lia released his little hand, crouched, and scooped him up, putting him back up on her hip. "Gratias. Ore, shiny. Silver. Silver spirits," he pointed just before them. Kala likely would have seen them first, considering she was actively Sembling, though Hilana looked rather pleased to see them now once they were pointed out.

The Sentinels that were escorting them were close enough to act if something occurred, but did attempt to give them some level of space to confer as they wanted. "Do you have a few days here?" Hilana asked Kala as they picked their way down and began the way up the hill that she had figured was their best bet for an attunement spot. "How soon are you expected back home?"

[Kala Leukos]

.

Kala shared a rueful and long-suffering smile with Athalia. The standards she held herself to were far stricter than what she expected of others, but that was a function of the idea that power came with responsibility. She didn't know the particulars of how that applied to the Vastian sisters, but the empathy was real.

She smiled for Hilana's jest, as well—at least, she hoped it was mere jest—and nodded in agreement with Athalia's veto.

Not knowing the particulars about why it might upset the crown prince's Kalzasern husband, she could only laud him for his wisdom in the matter. Kala herself was already low-key terrified knowing that the stars bent time and space around them, and what a responsibility came with that domain. She might be able to bend time a little if she focused her divine powers upon it, but she would hesitate to do anything of great moment—leave that in the capable claws of the appropriate Dragon God.

A quietly radiant smile was cast upward in acknowledgement of the spirits.

She had no Dratori blood to speak to them, nor the appropriate Cardinal Rune; stellar spirits spoke to her, seemed inclined to offer her service merely because of who she was, or who she was becoming. Most of their work, however, happened far beyond the bounds of what most people considered Ransera. Eventually, she was determined to get their Sun to speak to her, though, as the nearest star.

"Ah, I believe after a meeting with the trade minister tomorrow, I have no plans keeping me in Solunarium."

In fact, she had heard that the newly ducal Finn Viator was in Drathera on a diplomatic mission and now she was wondering whether she couldn't get Pahoran to take her to Dawnhold again, and there gain passage to Ailos; from there, she might easily reach Drathera and speak to their trade ministers. While she was nominally in charge of trade within Karnor, she had already made headway with Sol'Valen in Turoth and Solunarium in Ecith; somebody had to do the work that the Lord Minister would not, after all.

Of course, she didn't want to rile up Hilana with talk of the Orkhan people. Not here where many things were quite, quite sharp.

"But I can make time. That is, not literally." It was a recall to Hilana's previous joke, but might slip under the waves. She smiled.

.