Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

With every passing minute, a cold deluge relentlessly pummeled her. She welcomed the chill that surrounded her, numbing her skin, the flesh beneath, and seemingly her very marrow. The water dulled the aching in her bones that grew every time the waves withdrew. As she stirred, sand bit into her skin, causing her to grit her teeth. Suddenly, she felt something salty drip into her mouth, causing her to bolt up in surprise. She choked and sputtered, gasping for air as she crawled away. Her vision was clouded, and she could feel her soaked hair clinging to her face.

“God… What happened?”  Helen felt her muscles protest as she inched blindly toward higher ground. Dragging herself along, she figured this had to be a beach from the smell of salt. Finally, she found a spot to rest and rolled onto her back, shielding her eyes from the sun with a hand. Helen’s eyes widened as she counted not one, not two, but three suns in the sky. “What the..?” she whispered, her heart skipping a beat at the sound of faint movement.  She whipped around with a pained yelp. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up as a shiver ran down her spine. She couldn’t tell if it was due to fear or the cold biting at her limbs. “H-hello?” she coughed, her throat parched and raw from seawater. Was the river possibly an estuary? Struggling to see, the blonde blinked and strained to make out the blurry scene before her. No silhouettes revealed themselves as Helen looked around, only finding a haze of sea and sand. She glanced back up at the sky and rubbed her stinging eyes.  “Dammit,” she cursed, frustration and confusion building inside her. There was no other explanation for what she was seeing except for hallucinations, but everything felt all too real. Hypothermia hadn't set in yet, at least not fully. Then again, maybe it had progressed to where she couldn’t tell anymore.

“Um…  Hello? Is anyone there?!” she shouted, her voice echoing through the empty beach. Her legs felt like jelly as she struggled to stand up. Looking around the strange beach, she couldn’t help getting a twinge of excitement. The sounds, the smells, it all seemed…different. She couldn’t shake the suspicion that she was somewhere entirely new.  With her arms stretched out at her sides, Helen floundered along the shoreline. The weight of her soaked clothes was like lead as sand crawled up her ankles and into her shoes with every step. Despite the vast expanse of the beach, it amazed her she had yet to encounter anyone. Was it a private beach?  “Is there anybody here?!” Helen yelled again, using her hands to brush the soaked hair from her face. Her stomach clenched as she remembered her parents and brother. How long had she floated downstream to get this far? No doubt they were worried sick and searching frantically. When she began her second year in her program, they’d been ecstatic. The cabin getaway was supposed to be a gift to celebrate the start of the new semester. Now though, the guilt was overwhelming as she imagined search parties and tearful appeals in front of news teams. All this mess over her just wanting to get a closer look at the river… The sound of the sea mingled with the clatter of wood on stone, causing her to snap her head up.  “Hello?!”

The Mystic Valley hummed with life, a gentle buzz that filled the air as the urRu went about their daily tasks. As the first rays of morning lit up the sky, the Master had just emerged from his hut. However, the normal monastic routine was about to be disturbed. urSu heard it first, then the Ritual Guardian, as the ground trembled underfoot. The air was alive as two new melodies joined the Song, creating a sensory symphony. He began to hum, and the rest chimed in, their sonorous unison welcoming the pair into the chorus. These leading-tones brought with them a sense of impending change. Whether it would be for better or worse, urSu couldn’t yet say.

As he watched urZah resume his sand paintings, a sudden stinging sensation erupted in his nose and hands. Closing his eyes, the Master took a deep breath, trying to smother the darkness rousing in his flesh. His shadow was foolish as he was stubborn, content to stain them both in rot. As he started back inside, he couldn’t resist the urge to flick his tail ever so slightly. Meditation would soothe his troubled spirit, he thought, as the Chanter’s gaze followed him.

A blurry figure emerged up ahead on the shore. Helen’s pulse quickened as she rushed towards them, only to stumble and crash into the sand when her knees gave out. She crawled forward, her fingers digging into the sand as she desperately looked for any sign of where they could’ve gone. “Wait! Please don’t go!” she pleaded.  The blonde turned around, her mind racing at the prospect of rescue. “Sorry I freaked you out,” she said. “I just need help... I don’t know where—”

Suddenly, the sound of shifting rocks caught Helen’s attention, and she turned her gaze towards the source. A pair of wide eyes peered out from behind the rocks, causing Helen to fall silent. They were so small, they must have been a child…  A child with long, pointy ears and fiery red hair.

Helen was speechless as she observed the child before her. They looked like a deer in headlights with how big their eyes had gotten. The child suddenly dropped what seemed to be a bag or sack and started backing away, their shaking hands raised. “Wait! It’s okay, it’s okay, I won’t hurt you,” the blonde said, trying to get closer, only for her foot to sink back in the sand and fall on her face. She hissed, brushing sand off her face while grumbling curses.  She waved in a friendly manner, trying to prove she meant no harm. The child only pointed a sharp object at her, yelling at her in a language she didn’t recognize. Helen could tell from the trembling in their words that they were petrified. “Okay! Okay!” she said while scooting away, trying to give them space. She thought it might be Spanish, but the words eluded her. As their motions became more frantic, the sound of shouting filled the air.

Chapter Text

The little elf wasted no time taking—no, dragging—Helen back to what she assumed was a fish market or port. The rope around her wrists dug into her skin, leaving raw, stinging marks. She didn’t really have much choice, considering the little guy turned out to have friends. They’d all ganged up on her with sharp little swords and more incomprehensible shouting. Prisoner or not, why did they have to be rough? It wasn’t like there was anywhere to go. She could have fought them or escaped, but she was still disoriented… and her clumsiness didn’t help the situation, either. 

Helen hadn’t even gotten five feet before being surrounded and face-planting again. As she looked around, the blonde took in all the details of her surroundings. She had to be dreaming, right? The strange architecture seemed like something out of a fairy tale. There was no way she drowned in a lake, only to end up in a fantasyland. Was this the set of some kind of Alice in Wonderland reboot? Lost in thought, she squirmed against the post that they’d tied her hands to.

 Amidst the bustling stalls, a crowd of curious onlookers had formed around Helen. Their debating blended together into an indistinguishable jumble, but the gawking was obvious. The air was thick with the smell of spices, perfume, and fish mingling with the musty aroma of sweat and dirt. Helen’s head throbbed with the sensory overload, her mind too foggy to make sense of it all. Taking one problem at a time seemed the best solution at the moment. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves, and mumbled to herself, “Just great.”

 Helen sighed and rolled her eyes at the little elves as she tried to adjust her body to a more comfortable position. She’d woken up on an unfamiliar beach, only to be taken captive by creatures straight out of a fairytale. Where the hell was she?! Panic threatened to overwhelm her, but she forced herself to remain calm, knowing that she needed answers more than anything. Unfortunately, she’d been left with only her own thoughts for company. Suddenly, one of the elves caught her eye, brandishing a tiny sword and shouting what had to be a warning. Helen jolted as she realized the elf must think she was trying to escape. The sight of the tiny weapon would have been almost comical in one of her books, but here, in this strange and unsettling reality, it only added to her unease.

“Alright, cool it. I’m just making sure my legs don’t fall asleep, okay?” she told him, trying to remain level-headed and not to agitate him further. He just had a bewildered look on his face as Helen spoke, the furrow in his brow deepening with confusion. For a second, she forgot they could not understand her either. “Right, you don’t speak English. Isn’t that great?” she muttered, her voice laced with sarcasm. The human grunted as she shifted again, her body protesting against the hard ground beneath her.

“What are we going to do with this deformed Vapra?” One of the gelfling hissed, cutting through the tension like a knife. 

“Where in Thra did you even find her, Saybar!?” another said, their voice dripping with disdain. The words hung in the air like a bad omen. 

“Don’t blame me! That thing practically attacked me. I feared for my life,” Saybar said as he pointed a shaky finger at Helen, who blinked obliviously.

“Really? She’s dangerous, Saybar?” one Sifan said, arms crossed tightly over his chest. “She seems too… fair,” he put it in simple terms, his voice barely above a whisper. 

“Yeah, Saybar. Are you sure you didn’t just bring her home tied up so she wouldn’t run away like the others?” another joked, eliciting laughter from the crowd. Saybar’s cheeks puffed up in anger, his face flushing a deep shade of red that matched his auburn hair. 

“Remember the one girl who snuck out his window after her stupor wore off?” one woman said with a chuckle. 

“I’m serious!” he snapped at them. “We should send a message to the Mariner. She has to know about this,” he explained, his voice growing more frantic by the second. 

The Sifans fell silent, save for the sound of worried whispers and shuffling feet. The palpable tension in the air was almost suffocating. As they exchanged glances, their faces were marked with worry. “She’s at sea for another unum. You know this,” one of the gelfling scolded. 

“I’ll get Maudra Ethri,” a brunette said, trying to run and get her only to be caught by an older man. 

“She’s just going to tell us to notify all the All-Maudra. Do we really need their meddling right now?” he said, his voice filled with frustration. A sudden surge of tension filled the room as more arguing broke out, growing louder as they tried to figure out what to do.

“I found Elder Cadia!” a young gelfling exclaimed as he rushed towards them, his footsteps thudding against the cobblestone. Following closely behind him was a middle-aged gelfling with a beard. Onica trailed after them both, her mind whirring with questions.

Cadia didn’t know what to expect when someone burst in, words tumbling out in a frenzy about a mysterious ‘creature’ that had washed up on the shore. He’d figured maybe it was a beached behemoth, but never in the stars did he expect the towering creature before him. Its mane shone like the sun, even caked in sand. No wings, but its pale features were soft. Maybe it was female? The soothsayer’s breath caught in his throat while his assistant studied the scene with cautious curiosity.

 “Where in Thra did she come from?!” the Elder asked in a firm voice, his brow furrowed with concern. The crowd gathered around him, hands waving in the air as their voices melded into a unified clamor. After everyone had said their peace, the Elder was left with a dull pain throbbing in his temples. “So no one knows where she came from. Is that correct?” he asked, rubbing his tired eyes as he spoke. 

The group shifted uncomfortably, and one gelfling spoke up sheepishly, “Well, Elder… we can’t understand her. She doesn’t speak our language, or any language of Thra, as far as we can tell.” Cadia just blinked, struggling to wrap his head around all this. The sound of his own thoughts drowned out everything around him as he tried to make sense of the creature before him.

Helen, unaware of the fateful words being exchanged, pulled and tugged at her bonds, attempting to free herself. Onica, accompanied by a group of inquisitive children, gazed curiously at Helen, watching her like an exotic animal in a zoo. She tensed up, her confusion evident, as she heard the footsteps coming closer. “Okay, what are you doing now?” she said to herself, eyes fixed on the elves.

 Despite not being fluent in their language, she could tell from their tones and looks that they were still deliberating her fate. A particularly pretty elf came over to look her up and down as she circled the blonde. Her dark red curls framed her face from under her bandana and bounced with every step, brushing against her cheeks.

“Take a picture, it’ll last longer…” Helen said under her breath, though she doubted they knew what a camera was. When she spotted the tiny figures trailing the small woman, the human wasn’t too shocked. From their small size and the unbridled curiosity in their eyes, she guessed they had to be children. They were actually quite cute, in a mischievous sort of way. With hushed voices, they were taking quick glances around tents and shop stands, daring each other to move closer. 

She had plenty of experience with kids, having watched her little brother grow up. Making silly faces helped to put them at ease, and soon their caution dissolved into infectious giggles. However, soon the adults noticed the children were too close and shooed them away with harsh scoldings. She felt a tightness in her chest as she became more anxious. 

It was clear to Helen that she wouldn't be set free anytime soon, and her stomach was tied up in knots as she contemplated her fate. She needed to find her way home as quickly as possible. It didn’t seem safe to remain here, so she had to escape and figure out where she was. Leaning against the pole, she felt a wave of dizziness wash over her. The world tilted as her vision swam and faded, darkness closing in. Helen’s mind was bombarded with a rapid succession of ghastly images. The horror of each one surpassed the last: a sickly purple hue, an endless sea of decay, scuttling creatures, and piercing shrieks. The putrid smell of rot engulfed her, making it impossible for her to escape. She couldn’t make sense of what she was seeing, but it was clear these were all connected. 

There was a disturbing rhythm to the madness, like an unfamiliar song stuck in her head. It all flew past as she tried to focus, but everything blurred together. She tried to scream and thrash, but unseen hands held her still. It was like being trapped in an endless nightmare. The sounds grew louder until they stopped abruptly. Suddenly, a tingling sensation spread throughout her body, followed by a searing pain. Everything went black again, only to be replaced by a slow, pulsating light. Helen tried to force her eyes open, but they wouldn’t budge. She couldn’t move. She couldn’t even breathe. Darkness consumed her, and she felt herself sinking. The swirling images ceased, leaving a void as her consciousness slipped away.

A blood-curdling scream echoed through the port abruptly, interrupting the heated argument amongst the crowd of Sifa. They stumbled back in fear, ears pinned to their heads, as the slackened creature began writhing and sobbing. Onica’s eyes grew wide as glowing purple eyes flicked toward her, seeming to stare right at her for a moment.

“Ka…” Cadia mumbled, his voice barely audible, while Onica assessed the scene in front of them. The blonde screamed for what seemed like forever. Any attempt to get close or check for injuries was met with violent thrashing, making it impossible to approach her. Cadia shouted for someone to put her out of her misery by knocking her out. The soothsayer could tell from her expression that she was having a premonition, a powerful one, and it seemed to be her first time experiencing it. 

With a swift and accurate strike, Onica struck the back of the blonde’s head with the hilt of her sword, and a resounding thud filled the air. The redheaded woman felt a deep sadness for the poor creature as she gently shook her head. As a far-dreamer, she was familiar with the clash between the beauty and terror that visions could bring. The blonde slumped against the pole as Onica began cutting through the rope.

Helen woke up feeling groggy, her head pounding. She instinctively put her hands to her head and found that she was no longer tied up, but lying on something soft. As she sat up, she stretched her arms, hoping that everything that had happened before was just a weird dream. “Mom? Mom, you’ll never believe what crazy—” Helen began, but stopped mid-sentence. She looked around and realized that she wasn’t in her room or bed. Instead, she was in a tent that was filled with little trinkets, charms, and brightly colored fabric hanging all around. “Goddamnit…” she muttered to herself, laying back down what she now discovered was a pile of pillows. “Now where the hell am I?” she wondered, covering her eyes with her forearm.

Suddenly, a soft, vaguely Irish voice jolted her back to reality. “Are you spiritual?” it asked. 

Helen was startled and jumped a little. “Oh, God!” she yelped, blinking a few times as her heart raced. She saw the same curly-haired elf from before. Helen moved her hair out of her face, sitting up as she turned to face her visitor.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you,” the elven woman said quietly, moving around her slightly. “So was it your ‘God’ that brought you to our shores?” she asked curiously. 

Helen blinked, a bit confused at this, but remembered when she took the lord’s name in vain. “Oh no, no, no. I highly doubt it, I’m not spiritual in any—” The human’s words trailed off as she realized she just understood the elf. “You speak English?” she asked, disbelief clear in her tone.

Onica blinked, her golden eyes squinting in confusion as she tried to make sense of Helen’s words. She shifted on the pillow beneath her, adjusting her position as she spoke. “In-gla-lesh? I’ve never heard of that,” she said, her voice soft. “But it is not I who speaks that, but you who speaks Modern Gelfling.”

 “Excuse me, gelfling? What is that?” Helen raised one eyebrow in confusion as she tried to make sense of what she was hearing. Her confusion was palpable, and it seemed to thicken with each answer she was given.

“That’s what I am, what my entire clan is,” Onica explained with a chuckle. The fabric of her robes rustled softly as she shifted her arms. 

“You’re not elves then?” Helen’s brow furrowed deeper.

The human’s response had the Sifan woman utterly perplexed. “What’s el-vz?” she asked, her voice tinged with confusion.

Helen let out a long sigh, rubbing her eyes with both hands. “Nevermind... Look, Miss..?” Helen’s words hung in the air, uncertain of what to call her.

“Onica,” the gelfling introduced herself. The sound of her name was soft and musical, like the tinkling of wind chimes. “I’m a soothsayer of the Sifa clan,” she told her. Helen blinked slowly, the weight of the information sinking in. “See-fah? Soothsayer, really? Like a fortune teller with crystal balls?” Helen gave a quiet laugh, thinking this was a joke.

The Sifan crossed her arms, the fabric of her robes brushing against her skin. Onica's face twisted into a slight scowl. “Yes, I far-dream for fortunes occasionally. Other times I look at the future in the stars,” she told Helen. The sound of her voice was quiet, yet it resonated with confidence. “You don’t believe in such things, do you?” 

“Sorry to say, I don’t. I believe in facts and science,” Helen said, running a hand through her golden locks, still sandy and crunchy with saltwater. 

Onica cocked her head inquisitively at the mention of science. Her clan had benefited from a plethora of gifts from the Mariner’s good friend, the Scientist. From improving sails to spy-glasses, the illusive lord’s generosity had advanced maritime travel over countless trine. The Sifan closed her eyes for a moment, collecting her thoughts. “If you doubt my abilities, then how did I know you drowned in a lake, only to wash up on the shores of our sea?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

That took Helen aback. She never said that…they couldn’t understand her before. Why the ‘gelfling’ could understand her now was beyond her, but she’d kept the information to herself. Even when scrabbling after that other little redhead. “How did you know that?” She asked curtly.

“Like I said, I’m a soothsayer,” Onica told her with a smile. “Something tells me the premonition you saw is the reason you can understand me now,” she said, leaning her face down a bit to look Helen in the eyes. At that, the blonde's eyes widened, and she quickly looked away. “I was delirious from the saltwater. It was just a nightmare,” Helen said,turning away.

“Nightmare? Or a warning?” Onica added with a knowing look in her eyes.

Chapter Text

The sound of Onica’s voice echoed in her ears. A warning? Warning for what? Helen couldn’t shake off the feeling of uncertainty despite everything she had seen. A wave of disbelief hit her like a ton of bricks. Her anxiety and stress-induced delusions couldn’t be freaking supernatural. Then again, how the hell did she end up here in the first place? As her thoughts raced, she felt like she was caught in a whirlpool, spinning around and around. It just couldn’t be. 

“So I’m obviously dreaming.” Helen chuckled nervously, trying to convince herself that it was all just a dream. When the blonde buried her face in her hands, Onica noticed the tremor in her shoulders. “So let me get this straight? You’re some little elf called a ‘gel-fling’ of this sea-fan clan, right? And you have psychic powers, see the future, right? So tell me, how did I get here?” She looked back up at Onica’s sincere expression, and her laughter grew to a squeaky, feeble pitch. The truth of her situation was weighing on her, making it harder for her to deny it. “So if I’m not on Earth, then where am I? And how?” she asked in a trembling tone.

 Onica smiled patiently. “You are on Thra. The home of the Gelfling and Podling, where our great Lords of the Crystal reign. Here the brother suns rise every day, and sister moons hold vigil every night,” she extolled. “As for your question of how, I believe the Song must have ushered you into its melody.” 

Helen struggled to comprehend Onica's words, her confusion mounting. What the hell, this place had three moons too? “Excuse me, Song?” she said, trying to understand what music had to do with this. “Are you telling me someone sang me here?” Helen’s mind circled the thought, and with each passing moment, she grew more perplexed. 

“In a way, yes,” Onica replied softly, “Our world lives and breathes by Song. Some can hear it, some cannot, but each one of us carries a tune. They all come together to create melodies, from the notes at our beginnings to the ones at our time’s end. This harmony helps the Song to thrive.” 

As Onica finished, Helen thought hard, trying to make sense of it all. Though confused, she grasped the concept had to be like the circle of life. “I’m—I'm not on Earth, am I?” she timidly asked. 

Onica blinked at this. “Ear-th? What’s that?” she asked, leaning forward. Though the creature now spoke flawless Gelfling, it still had a strange foreign accent, and occasionally used words that even she did not know.

“It’s my home, my planet…” Helen’s voice trailed off as the world came crashing in. “Oh God, oh God,” she gasped while clutching her hair tightly. She was stranded. Marooned in some vaguely medieval-era land on an entirely different planet altogether. The sound of her own ragged breathing echoed in her ears, and she could feel her heart pounding in her chest. “How? Why me?” She muttered under her breath, her eyes scanning the tent for a way out. Sure, she always dreamt of experiencing something fairytale, but it all was just that: Fantasy. Make-believe without consequence. Escapism from the mundanity of essays, long hours, and grocery store runs. Why couldn’t it just stay a dream! 

Onica’s brows drew together as she hurried over, plucking Helen’s hands away. “Please, you’ll hurt yourself. I apologize for overwhelming you,” she said, placing a reassuring hand on one shoulder. “I don’t think you ever told me your name?”

“Helen, my name’s Helen.” She tried to steady herself, still trembling from the shock of the situation.

“That’s a nice-sounding name, though I do not know if it is auspicious or not...perhaps later, I can scry it for you. Now, forgive me for asking, but what are you, Helen?” Onica’s eyes widened in amazement, amazed to be conversing with someone from the stars themselves. “I am gelfling, and you are..?” she prompted gently.

“Um, I’m a human,” she said, her voice shaky. 

“Hoo-min?” Onica tilted her head at this foreign word, which felt just as strange as the others on her tongue. 

“Yeah, close enough,” Helen sighed, rubbing her eyes wearily. 

“You came from the stars, eh..?” the Sifan said in a dreamy tone. She had always been interested in stargazing and mapping. Helen took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves.

“I guess…” the creature said in a hushed tone. She sounded so lost.

Onica's expression turned to a worried frown. While she was sure her clan would be laid back in its interest thanks to era-ianem, others, especially the Vapra, would cause an uproar. Who knew how the Lords would react, or how the Mariner would once she came back from her voyage? “Helen,” Onica’s voice became serious, and Helen felt a shiver run down her spine. “For the time being, keep what we talked about between us.”

The gelfling’s grim look made Helen pause, despite her bewilderment. “Don’t worry,” she reassured Onica. “I won’t tell anyone.” She knew enough that saying the wrong thing to someone could put her in danger. Her first run-in with these gelflings was enough of an introduction. 

“Though I am more worried about...” Onica trailed off, “Don’t worry, no one will hurt you here. I swear, despite the Sifa’s shore-side reputation, we never hurt those who are defenseless.” At that, Helen raised an eyebrow. What kind of reputation? “If anyone asks, for now, say you’re a deformed Vapran. Can you tell me a little about your world?” Onica stood up, and Helen followed her lead, rising to her feet. 

“A what? Well… We only have one moon and sun, for one,” Helen said, trying to bundle up in her damp puffer jacket.

Though they couldn’t find anything available that would fit her frame, Onica had managed to fashion a makeshift dress out of a huge stretch of cloth and twine. Maybe later, a tailor could make something more fitting, but for now, she was stuck. Being dry and mostly comfortable was a relief, though, even if it meant enduring some awkwardness. Being in a strange place with nowhere to go, she had no choice but to timidly follow the gelfling around. 

The bustling pier caught Helen’s attention as she watched the many ships docked. Gelflings met their loved ones with joyful embraces, while others displayed the spoils from their voyages. Onica spoke up as the street parted like the Red Sea as they walked. “Those who sail with the tide do not return to port for long. While the sea calls for us, we never forget what we leave at the capital.” 

Helen’s expression turned solemn as she pondered her fate. Would she ever find a way back home?

Suddenly, Onica called out to her, beckoning her to follow before darting into a nearby tavern. Helen hesitated for a moment, but finally ventured inside when the cold sea air began to gnaw at her skin. Once inside, as she stepped into the room, the orange lights hanging from nets overhead emitted a warm glow, casting dancing shadows on the walls. The smell of ale and food wafted through the air, mingling with the patrons’ loud conversations and drunken laughter. The room looked like a Pirates of the Caribbean ride meets D&D, with wooden tables and chairs scattered throughout the space. In the corner, a bard of sorts played a soft tune on a lyre.

Onica led Helen to a secluded table at the back of the tavern, partially hidden from view. It reminded her of her brother’s little coloring table back home with how short it was. Helen struggled to find a comfortable position on the small chair before eventually settling for a sideways perch with her knees awkwardly drawn up. “Would you like anything to drink?” Onica asked while she raised her hand to flag down a server.

“Oh, no, I don’t drink. It’s okay,” Helen replied, still trying to adjust to her surroundings.

As Onica scanned the array of faces, the familiar sight of her maudra caught her attention. The captain of the Omerya had risen from her seat at the bar and was quickly approaching their table, her boots thudding against the creaky wooden floor. The tension in her shoulders was obvious, despite her attempts at maintaining a calm posture.

Ethri’s freckled face twisted into a frown of concern as she sized up the giant sitting next to her childhood friend. Amidst the sound of chatter and clinking glasses, she locked eyes with Onica. “Would you excuse us for a moment?” the soothsayer told Helen, before rising to leave the awkward human alone at the table. 

“When were you going to tell me about this?” Ethri’s voice was barely above a whisper, yet it cut through like a knife. It had clearly stung that her old friend didn’t come to her first. “I had to find out from a third party.”

“I was going to speak with you, but I had to talk to her first,” Onica explained, gesturing towards the human being offered a drink by a persistent bar-podling.

Ethri raised an eyebrow, perplexed. “I thought she couldn’t understand our language?”

“She didn't… until the Song permitted her ears to listen,” Onica replied simply, a knowing smile flashing across her face for a moment.

“You mean that scene that happened today? Was it a premonition?” she asked, her eyes widening in disbelief. Only a select few possessed such talents. Ethri glanced back at Helen, raking over her strange features. “She looks like an overgrown flat-faced Vapran. Is she an outcast from their clan?”

Onica shook her head. “She does, but she isn’t. She is not of this world at all,” she said, barely audible over the din of the bar.

At that, Ethri’s expression soured as she crossed her arms. “Onica, I have no time for your star theories. This is serious,” she sighed.

“As am I. The ‘hoo-min’ is from the stars; I’ve seen it myself.” Onica remained undeterred, her face resolute as she raised her palm. “Dreamfast with me and see.”

The maudra hesitated for a moment before finally relenting and taking her friend’s hand. As they closed their eyes, the world around them slowed and shifted. Her mind was then filled with a torrent of memories from the day’s events, each one vividly replaying in her head. When she pulled away, Ethri sat there baffled, her mouth agape. “H-How is this possible?” she said in a shaky voice.

Meanwhile, Helen kept to herself and took in the sights and sounds of the people around her. Some of the gelfling had already started whispering about her, and she shrank in her seat. Being the tallest person in the room, everyone’s eyes seemed to gravitate towards her. It was then she noticed a little potato-like person come over to her with some sort of wine. “Have, have,” the lumpy creature said with a smile, offering her a small tankard. 

“Um, thank you, but I don’t handle alcohol very well,” Helen said meekly. 

“Oh c’mon lass, you’re in the tavern. What do you suppose most folks do in here?” one Sifan close to her said, clearly a bit tipsy. The sound of his voice was slurred and muffled, his words blending together in a drunken haze. 

“Getting scurvy or syphilis, if that’s a thing here,” she said, looking around as he shot her a puzzled look.

“Please,” the podling insisted, making Helen sigh heavily. 

“Alright…” She reluctantly reached for the offered drink, the liquid inside sloshing against the sides. It smelled like strong grapefruit, but as she took a gulp, Helen found it sweet as peaches. The taste was refreshing and fruity, and she savored it as it washed over her tongue. “Oh, this is pretty good,” she said, surprised. 

The drunken gelfling let out a boisterous laugh, amused by her innocent reaction as she gulped down more. “Of course, lass, do you think we’d be drinking Stonewood tree liquor?”

“You would drink the sea if it put you in a stupor, Jalon,” another Sifan commented, which made the room erupt in laughter. 

Jalan only took another swig of his drink with a shrug, letting the jest roll off his back with a smirk. “Ay, must be good salt water, then,” he mused.

Helen’s face had already turned rosy, and she was swaying gently to the rhythm of the music as she downed her second drink. The room was filled with the sweet aroma of the liquor and the sound of laughter and music. “You know,” she said between hiccups. “If I’d known I would end up drinking with elves and cute little potatoes, I’d have to stand up on the cliff—” As she giggled, the room spun around her, and she found herself clambering on top of the table. The onlookers laughed heartily at the spectacle as they watched her become more and more uncoordinated. “—And jump off it ‘cause I must be dreaming, right?! But then again, I’d probably grow wings and fly,” she said, her voice slurred and wobbling a bit as she grew dizzy.

“With how big you are, you’d probably just glide, lass. You’re a girl, remember?” someone shouted. 

“Wait, people fly here? Great, more to add to the dream… Woah!” she yelped as she fell backward on her rear, before hiccuping again. The texture of the cool wood scraped against her palms as she struggled to maintain her balance. “Did I fly?”

“Not quite,” one patron chimed in as she reached to poke their ear. “How are your ears so pointy? They are so cute,” she snickered, before leaning forward and pressing her forehead to the table. 

The regulars were well accustomed to odd behavior, so her actions were nothing out of the ordinary. With a smile on his face, the song-teller filled the air with the sound of jovial singing. The rhythmic tapping of a drum and a lute accompanied the melody, producing a catchy sea shanty-like tune. Helen couldn’t help but tap her foot along to the beat. The song was in some archaic dialect that was lost on her, except for a few words along the lines of ‘sea’, ‘love’, and ‘new’. As she listened, the blonde realized their voices were quite pleasant.

“So, lass, got any good songs where you’re from?” asked one of the Sifans as he nursed his tankard. Helen blinked, confused. “Whenever people visit our taverns, they always have something to share with us. It’s a way to learn about where they hail from,” he explained, taking another gulp of his drink.

It took little time for the crowd to agree, and they began cheering and shouting for her to sing. Helen usually recoiled from the spotlight, especially with an audience. Now, however, as drunk as she was, she had no qualms about it. She decided to try singing a song that her grandfather used to sing on his boat when she was younger. In a rhythmic beat, Helen began hitting the table.

What will we do with a drunken sailor?

What will we do with a drunken sailor?

What will we do with a drunken sailor?

Early in the morning!

Way hay and up she rises

Way hay and up she rises

Way hay and up she rises

Early in the morning!

 The lights flickered overhead as the sailors clapped and stomped their feet to the beat. Helen’s mellifluous voice seemed to enchant them, making them sway to the tempo. Ethri furrowed her brows, concerned about the new being in their midst. “What does it mean for our clan if your words are true?” 

Onica placed a reassuring hand on her friend’s shoulder before gazing at the rowdy shenanigans in front of them. “I believe she will show us a new future.”

 Far to the south of Cera-Na, nestled deep within the heart of Thra, stood the Castle of the Crystal. Hidden away behind those menacing garthic walls, the Crystal is kept prisoner, its keepers coveting its life for themselves. Clueless about the true cost of that stolen fractured light, corruption spread: to the ground below, life both big and small, and to the Lords themselves, even. skekSo had been an ethereal being with a charming face of black feathers and ivory teeth in his prime, winning tournaments he hosted, his bed never left cold. Now time and paranoia have quietly rotted his strength, gradually secluding him to the throne room as ninets passed.

His highest-ranking courtiers bustled about their duties, ornate robes swishing with every step. As they made their way to the Crystal Chamber, skekSil’s short legs moved swiftly as he finally caught up to the Ritual Master. The reek of his perfume announced his arrival first, causing the taller skeksis to turn and face him, pale blue eyes narrowing in distaste. Plans were already in motion, yet much remained to be done.

“Mmmmhhhmmmmm, preparations have been arranged, yes?” the Chamberlain simpered.

“Don’t impugn me, skekSil. I take the arrangement of every rite seriously,” skekZok said in a firm tone, the sound of his voice reverberating against the stone walls.

“Ritual of passing solstice should be memorable as possible. Reaching of thousand trine is sublime moment for Skeksis. Consignments from Ha’rar—”

As skekSil rambled on, skekZok began to zone out, instead focusing on the anticipation of the upcoming opulent party. The Skeksis were notorious for throwing extravagant celebrations, where no expense was spared. Despite their advancing age, they were still renowned for dancing and drinking until morning. Drunken debauchery aside, skekZok wondered if they’d be acquiring any hannyhock this time around. It was the best thing he’d found to soothe a hangover when mixed with ta. 

“—What is this?!” The alarmed voice of the Chamberlain snapped the Ritual Master out of his thoughts.

skekZok looked down the hall at two very familiar doors where the Crystal lay, hidden from prying eyes. A bright and intense glow was emanating from under the clearance gaps, leaving both skeksis stunned. Such a reaction had never been seen before. The doors flew open with a deafening bang, and they rushed into the chamber, struggling to adjust their eyes to the sudden brightness. The scent that permeated the air was unlike anything skekZok had smelled in centuries — it was electric. 

“Gracious! What has happened!” skekOk’s voice said, popping in from behind them. As he spoke, a low, teeth-rattling hum vibrated through the room. 

 “Catastrophe!” skekAyuk yelled in terror, nearly breathless as he and the Ornamentalist followed suit behind him. 

“We’re all doomed!” skekEkt shrieked, burying their face in their hands.

Soon, the approaching footsteps of the Emperor could be heard, skekVar’s lumbering gait following close behind him. “What is the meaning of this? Why are you all wailing like childlings?!” skekSo demanded as he burst through the doorway. The sight almost made him drop his scepter as he burst through the doorway. He had to stifle his wheezing when he saw what lay before him, and his scepter nearly slipped from his grasp. The Emperor scoured the room, searching for any cause, but finding none. The closest the Crys

tal had been like this was the day they’d been freed from that punishing light. skekSo’s shocked expression soon twisted into a suspicious frown.

Chapter Text

Helen's condition has shown some improvement since her arrival at the port of Cera-Na. To be more precise, someone coerced her into it, but ever since then she has been making earnest efforts to adapt. At Onica's suggestion, they replaced her clothing. It stood out too much, to keep up the ruse of the deformed vapran story she had to blend in. The only few knew her to be an alien where Maudra Ethri, who she found out was the clan leader and Onica. Thinking it was best to keep those who knew the information to a few would be best. They gave her a set of custom-made clothes, including a blue blouse, a red tunic, turquoise pants, a green waist sash, and a brown cape with beads. Without pockets, she kept her few personal items in small pouches on her belt. Surprisingly, most gelflings didn't wear shoes. Well, more like they looked to be thin open-toed shoes, at least in Cera-Na port. Usually sailors wore some type of boots but were thin as well with no heels. She deduced their feet were thicker than those of humans, enabling them to navigate rugged terrain. But since she wasn't like that, she needed more support for her feet, given boots similar to what the sailors wore. Though it definitely was a change, considering like she said, they weren't thick, so they felt like very thick socks in a way. Her feet didn't get hurt, but she still felt uncomfortable bumps and nooks and crannies more than once. She knew it would take a while for her feet to build up calluses to get used to it.

It didn't take long for a word to get out about her. A "deformed vapran" would definitely be hard to hide for long in a busy port, especially considering how tall she was. She was practically the talk of the port for the first couple of days. The Maudra fabricated a story about how her Vapra family shunned her for shame and how she had shut in for many trines, resulting in her being "out of touch" with Thra. She couldn't count how many times gelfling would come up to her asking about her hair or if she liked to dream fast. Her hair she found out to be more golden than most Vapra, whose hair was very pale. At first, she definitely felt confused by that. She later found out that dream fast was a mind link that the gelfling did through touch to share memories of better connection with each other. Helen figured it might be a biological nerve connectivity. The idea of sharing brain cells seemed like science fiction at first. But then she facepalmed, realizing where she was.

But no, she found out from Onica it was spiritual as well, which made an atheist like her but frustrated. Onica found it astonishing that their planet lacked something similar or that many of their planet's inhabitants held many spiritual beliefs or none. Here, they considered such things unspeakable, as they believed that without the Crystal, one would surely lose their way. The dream fasting definitely put her in tight spots, while Onica explained how her "deformity" made it impossible for her to do so. This definitely put some gelfling be on edge around her, for if they couldn't understand her through her memories, how could they trust her?

Helen was aware that it could be a lengthy process, despite the skepticism of certain individuals. The Sifa's reception towards her was not one of rejection; Onica had informed her that they were actually quite accepting. As explorers, they were naturally curious about everything in nature. But as for the other clans, the soothsayer had to warn her, telling of the separation and mistrust the clans had for each other. The blonde individual discovered that the Sifan were part of a group of seven clans. The neighboring Vapra, gelfling residing in the snowy mountains, were known for their indulgence in literature but also had a haughty demeanor, particularly because of their favored status with the Skeksis. Next was the Stonewood, a warrior clan who to’ favorite. Following that, we have the Stonewood, a clan of warriors renowned for their exceptional physical prowess. They lived in the middle of the endless forest and controlled much of the center of Thra. People often hired them as soldiers or bodyguards, especially for the Skeksis. However, they were also quite paranoid and prejudiced.

Known for their song tellers, the Spriton, a farming clan neighboring the Stonewood, supplied the majority of the kingdom's crops and produce, but their extreme timidity prevented them from taking sides in disagreements, ultimately isolating themselves. The Drenchen were a gelfling species with amphibian-like characteristics residing in the swamps. They were renowned for their expertise in medicine, particularly during times of medical emergencies. However, their straightforward and wary disposition hindered their ability to interact effectively with individuals beyond their clan. Unfortunately, the Grottans remained unfamiliar to most, including Onica, as their rare appearances made it difficult to acquire knowledge about them, given their cave-dwelling lifestyle. Based on her understanding, they were caretakers of animals known for their gentle nature.

Last was the Dousan, the gelfling clan that all the other clans who held equal mistrust for except the Sifa, mostly. Was a nomadic group, akin to Sifan, who placed great emphasis on meditation and spirituality; however, there were rumors circulating about their worship of death. In spite of this, Helen came to realize their profound respect for the advancement of life and its diverse stages. Additionally, there were the podlings, diminutive individuals resembling potatoes, who possessed their own unique language, although a few were familiar with the gelfling tongue. In the eyes of the gelfling, they are regarded as second-class citizens, seen as servants and objects of pity due to their primitive nature.

Onica informed her that while they may not have much intellectual knowledge, they excel in botany and have the unique ability to communicate with animals and plants. They are often responsible for their care. Helen didn't know how talking to animals or plants was even possible, but she knew probability was going to be thrown out soon for her. Furthermore, the Skeksis come into play, revered guardians of Thra, entrusted with preserving the Crystal and establishing laws. Onica informed her that they had provided valuable knowledge and guidance to the gelfling during their period of crisis, specifically the wars against the Makraks. Their efforts resulted in the eradication of the Makraks and the introduction of new opportunities for the gelfling. Helen learned these creatures were over 1000 years old and resembled both reptiles and birds. In a way, it reminded the blonde of ancient dinosaurs. Typically, the Skeksis resided in the castle, though some did possess their own territories within each clan. For example, the Sifa clan had skekSa the Mariner, whom the blonde had not yet encountered due to her extended journey. Onica warned her not to reveal herself if she returned, as the Skeksis lord could harm her. Onica mentioned that Maudra Ethri would have to help her ease into it. The Sifan council definitely needed to, that was for sure, in the beginning, but now begrudgingly accepted her.

It had been two weeks since she arrived here and two weeks since they made her a resident of Cera-Na... and she has been away from home for two weeks. Luckily, she could stay with Onica. Having grown up with no family other than Cadia, the soothsayer had enough space. The Sifan didn't mind, mostly because she thought it would be best, considering only two knew her secret at the moment.

“Helen, like this?” A childlike voice snapped the human girl out of her thoughts, making her blink to see many tiny gelfling children around her holding buckets and cups filled with sand.

She smiled as placed the bucket she had upside-down and instructed them. “Yeah, did you put just the amount of water I told you about?” she asked in a cheerful tone.

“Yeah!” they all said in Union.

Helen couldn't help but find them cute. The children, or childlings as the gelfling called them, were about the size of a one-year-old human, even though she knew their ages ranged from four to eight. Helen realized soon this planet time rotation used trines of the sun instead of years, so it was but getting used to.

“So you pat the bucket a little like this, but not too hard or else the sand will crack.” She showed them. They all copied in very cute ways.

“Shake it a bit as you pull it off,” she said, shimming it up side to side. “And voila! A sand castle,” she gestured to the molded sand.

“Ooo!” 

“That's so neat”

“I’ll make a big one—“No me!”

The children got eager as they took off the molds and saw their creations. Helen laughed warmly at them, having fun with the activity. She could see some children get creative in some ways, like making a moat or trying to make a bridge. They do not differ from human children, basically, despite their size. She then felt a tug on her cape, making her blink to see a little gelfling girl looking up at her curiously at her features.

“Helen,” she said childishly. “Why do you look so strange?” She asked. Helen was definitely used to this question by now, especially by the children who were naturally curious by nature.

“I was just born this way,” she replied simply as she made little more castles. “Some people are born different,” she put in simple words. Technically, she wasn't exactly lying, though she wasn't really good at lying, so she put some truths with exaggerations.

“Why do I look scary?” Helen asked with an amused smile.

The little girl shook her head, giggling. “No.”

“My father tells me that other clans don't like different things,” a boy spoke up.

“Yeah, like the Vapra! They are so full of themselves,” another childling agreed.

“Is that why you're here, Helen? Because Vapra didn't think you were good enough?” Another childling asked.

Helen's eyes widened, not sure how to respond. It was clear that someone taught them from a young age about the other clan's superiority and she definitely noticed that they suffered from low self-esteem because of it. To be taught at a young age that your clan was beneath another… she didn't know how the children processed this. It would have a great mental effect as they got older, and it saddened her. She knew her planet had such similar prejudices if not more, but another way to see if the "dark ages" so to speak. 

Helen then looked towards the setting suns. She knew it was getting too late making her send the children home for that day. Of course, most whined in protest, but gave in eventually at their parents calling for them. Helen, meanwhile, sat in the sand watching as the suns sunk lower and lower into the planet, slowly bringing darkness to the beach. The blonde watched the stars above solemnly. Eventually she got up and started to walk around a bit, moving hair which blew in her face out of the way with her hand. She couldn't help but wonder how long she had been away from Earth? Was the passage of time different on this planet from hers?

—----------

A few days had gone by since then, and people were eagerly waiting for the next voyage to return to the docks with their exciting discoveries, hoping to catch a glimpse of their beloved lord. Though Onica hoped to delay that as long as possible. Ethri had concerns about the gradual change of the tides, suggesting that it might be possible for them to come back. The Sifan maudra anxiously looked for her childhood friend in the busy market. To her surprise, she spotted her near the landstriders’ stables.

" Onica! She called out for her, surprised to see her friend giggling" Onica we need to- wait, what is she doing?She was bewildered to find Helen hiding behind a puller, observing the landstriders with caution while the steads peacefully drank nectar from flowers. Some of them blinked, confused by her actions.

" Helen, like I said, they won't hurt you. They're the most gentle creatures in Thra," the soothsayer said as she walked over to pet one who brayed in content.

"I find that very hard to believe," the human said, still feeling freaked out by them. She had already been startled by most of the animals she had encountered, and she could honestly say they were pretty freaky. Onica had somewhat convinced her to try at least petting what they called a landstrider. How she did it she wasn't sure.

" You know I change my mind. I'll pet one another time," Helen said, trying to turn around only for her waist to be pushed forward by none other than Onica.

" Helen, relax. They don't bite, just offer your hand. " 

" no, no, no, no," the blonde said repeatedly.

The landstrider she approached looked up from a flower and sniffed the air to find the human. She nervously held out her hand for the creature to smell, closing her eyes tightly in anticipation of something bad happening. The landstrider nuzzled its whiskers against Helen's hand, making her heart race. To her surprise, she felt its wet tongue wrap around her fingers as it licked her.

Helen turned to look at Onica, who looked at her with a smirk and crossed arms, giving the tell you so look. " Oh haha, you're right ok," Helen said as she rolled her eyes.

Helen nearly stumbled over when the landstrider nuzzled into her side, the creature being bigger than a gelfling, but for her it was close to her ribs.

"She's afraid of landstriders?" Maudra said, puzzled.

" They're not of her world from what she's told me. " Onica watched a bunch of landstriders crowd the human awkwardly.

The gelfling with one eye refocused on her search for her friend, whispering "Onica, the tide is coming" under her breath.

" Yes, I know this," she replied like it was no big deal.

" Onica, please be serious. If the Mariner is part of this returning voyage, I won't be able to keep her existence hidden for-

The Maudra soon cut herself off hearing a familiar bell, Onica and she looked towards the harbor, many were running towards the docks. Onica could feel an Erie feeling in the air. She knew it wasn't a regular return voyage, a cloud of misfortune was looming over the tide. But the screams of horror and panic soon confirmed it.

Ethri instinctively made her way towards the epicenter of the commotion, maneuvering through the massive crowd by displacing others. Onica was not significantly lagging behind, perceiving profound sadness emanating from the pier along with fear. The Sifan Maudra gasped loudly once she glimpsed what the commotion was. She could see many gelfling carrying other gelfling or some limping to healers' dens, injuries ranging from severe to moderate.

" What happened? " The Sifan leader grabbed a shoulder of one of the wanted answers as she looked upon the damaged vessel that the injured were coming out of.

"The B-behemoths," the gelfling strained to understand. He could only utter, "A wild behemoth attacked us," as he crawled towards the group.

Onica caught wind of what he said, her eyes widened. Yes, behemoths got violent when provoked or their territory was invaded, but the Sifan were very cautious about making sure that wouldn't happen. However, to hear that one actively searched and attacked a ship was surprising. Had it gone mad? Ethri didn't waste time trying to navigate the chaos and along with a couple other elders. Helen, by then, came upon the scene and looked upon the scene bewildered.

—---------

"Oh, cease this torment!" cried a gelfling in excruciating pain, as he writhed while others restrained him, attempting to cauterize a stump that was once his hand in order to staunch the bleeding.

" the behemoths ... .they all came at once" one said as another group bandaged one sailor with shaky eyes and wheezing breath.

"We need more healers!" One of the elders shouted, trying to bring order to the chaos. Many Sifan were coming in injured, along with their families, asking for help and searching for loved ones. The situation was overwhelming, and they desperately needed more medical care.

" Tell me what happened Saybar?" Onica asked the hunched over gelfling holding his head.

"They appeared out of nowhere... we weren't even in the big sea. Normally, we can handle one big creature, but three? Why didn't they attack together?" he wondered, trying to make sense of what just happened.

Onica frowned at this..3? What I'm in the world is going on. 

"He's bleeding internally," Helen said, observing blood coming from the gelfling's chest near his heart. The human nurse instincts took over once she saw so many casualties. She couldn't sit by and watch so many suffer agony and what clearly lacked medical professionals. She quickly put her hair up in a makeshift bun and rolled up her sleeves. Without a stethoscope, she checked the gelfling's pulse and listened to their organs.

The gelfling around her was doubtful and didn't understand what she was doing, but they didn't object because she was helping their friend/family member. While Helen looked like she had everything together, she was actually quite horrified. She hadn't even interned yet while she was in school, let alone worked in a trauma ward before. She had been informed of the frightening tales surrounding the interns who became trapped there during their initial orientations... It was a gruesome experience, and most interns couldn't handle it and ended up being traumatized. The trauma ward was not a commonly sought-after area within the medical field. But the situation she was in now basically threw her in the line of fire.

" I-I need forceps" she struggled to say aw she tried not to let the smell of flesh cause her to be sick.

The gelfling looked at her baffled.

" Um scissors, I need scissors they need to be burned" she told them, realizing they will not know earth medical equipment, so she had to improvise. She gulped as she looked at the opening of the wound. She knew she had to cauterize the bleeding.

" I need a burning piece of metal," she told one the gelfling ran off to get what she asked, coming back with the items she requested. The blonde wanted anesthesia, but she knew there probably wasn't enough available. Knocking out the gelfling would be challenging and could add more stress to the body.

She held the metal tool and instructed everyone to hold him down. She was scared, but determined as she burned the man's wounds shut. The sifan looked at her as she was crazy, seeing her move around a piece of metal and surrounding organs closed. All the while, the patient screamed bloody murder from the excruciating pain.

" Hold him down!" Helen screamed, knowing one wrong move could make her hurt his insides.

" You're killing him!" One of the gelfling said.

" If I don't do this, he'll bleed out from the inside, " Helen struggled. She was very close to finishing. Going into the next was stitching up the man's chest, planning on using stitches. The Sifan was amazed to see how the gelfling improved after she fixed the internal bleeding. But what she didn't count on when the patient shook rapidly.

" What’s wrong with him?" One asked, shocked.

Helen panicked as she searched for something to help him. She realized there were no medical supplies nearby, so she had to keep his heart going by hand. Pounding on his chest, she tried to keep in rhythm with her heartbeat. She pounded like crazy as her bloodshot eyes wide and filled with tears.

"Darling... please forgive me for leaving," the Gelfling said deliriously, calling out for his wife. " The creature…had eyes of madness…sickness spread all over," he replied as he recalled what happened.

Please don't let him die…. please don't let him die. With barely any experience as a med student, she wasn't prepared to lose a patient. Little did she know how much this would shape her future. She hadn't witnessed death before and didn't expect to encounter it so soon after becoming a nurse. She practically prayed to an unknown force to perform a miracle, though she knew she was right. Her pumping soon stopped when she noticed a light glow of gold coming from her palms, making her pause slightly.

Witnessing the glow from Helen's hands, the gelfling nearby was taken aback by the man's chest starting to close up. Helen was too shocked to react or move her hands as she watched in disbelief. The man's shaking had stopped as he closed his eyes. It appeared as though his pain was substituted with calm. He quickly opened his eyes and sat up. The gelfling family rushed to embrace him, relieved that he was okay and not worrying about what happened.

Helen backed up slowly, her hand trembling as she alternated her gaze between the gelfling and her hand. She couldn't fully grasp what had just occurred.

" It's impossible…" she replied to herself quietly.

—---------

The castle is currently experiencing heightened tensions due to recent peculiar activity involving the Crystal. The Skeksis are feeling anxious because they have never encountered a situation of this nature in their 1000 trines. No one knows the cause, but many fear that the Crystal will become their enemy. The individual who experienced this feeling most intensely was skekSo, renowned for his susceptibility to paranoia and his volatile temperament whenever situations were beyond his command. The notion that something was occurring with the crystal beyond his grasp was unbearable to him. However, he was aware that associating with those who complained and panicked would be detrimental, as a revealing weakness in the presence of the Skeksis was akin to social suicide. He assumed his typically composed and serious demeanor as he sat in his chair, engrossed in contemplation. SkekSil, who harbored similar thoughts, maintained a composed demeanor despite the anxiety coursing through his body, as he observed the unfolding of the dramatic scene before him.

" What are we going to do? What are we going to do!" SkekEkt hyperventilated as they dug their claws in what little hair they had. " Never in a 1000 trines had the crystal acted in such a way!" 

"It's an obvious sign the crystal is sending a message, " skekZok said.

"The message of the upcoming war that we need to prepare for," skekVar added, pulling out his sword. " We need to strike now!" He said with adrenaline.

" Skekvar, are you so dense? This has never happened in the past in previous wars the kingdom has faced, " Skekok said, frowning as he adjusted his glasses." I would know I keep every record of our history. Why would it start now?"

Skekvar could not resist casting a glare and grumbling in response, while Skektek couldn't help but scoff at the situation.

" Something to add Skektek" Skekok asked with an accusing brow 

" I just find it humorous considering you mostly indoctrinate our history," the scientist insulted.

SkekOk becomes irritated by this” Given your reclusive and idiosyncratic nature, what insights can you offer about significant worldly matters?” Skekok hissed. 

Skektek hissed and responded, "If there is indeed a mad recluse, it would be that abhorrent collector you are acquainted with, who hoards items to an appalling extent," he retorted.

" How dare you!" SkekOk hissed.

SkekLach growls at skekTek, while a pulsing vein pops on her forehead from the building irritation of SkekEkt's very loud anxiety.

" Oh, would you just shut up, you feathered Spithead!" She yelled in a long, dragging tone.

" Oh! How cruel!" They said, cradling their face in their hands.

" I have every intention of wringing your throat, SkekLach!" SkekAyuk snaps at her for yelling at skekEkt.

" Skeksis please, please, no time for fight we must-

SkekSil, who tried to defuse the situation, was cut off by the loud hoard of hissing and clanking of clothes and items as the skeksis were close to start an outright brawl. While SkekSil enjoyed watching a good fight like the other skeksis, he knew this wasn't time for that with the pressing measures.

The emperor was getting a splitting headache from the bickering, and he could feel his rage building up. With a growl, he rose from his throne, causing SkekSil to step back. He then slammed his scepter onto the marble floor, creating a loud echo that froze the skeksis.

 " ENOUGH!! you all act like whining childlings, get out my sight before I send you all to spitter caves' ' he finally snapped as he pointed to the doors.

The skeksis, now timid and small, didn't protest as they quickly made their way out of the room, knowing better not to entice the emperor once he was in one of his moods.

SkekSil whimpered softly and nodded in agreement, expressing satisfaction. As he turned his gaze to look upon his emperor but his smile dropped to see his frowning face that looked down in deep thought.

" Sire?" The Chamberlain spoke up only for Skekso to stand up with a twirl of his robe and leave behind one the curtain. With a determined stride, he navigated the corridors, his ultimate destination being a well-guarded secret concealed within the castle's depths - the catacombs. In light of the crystal incident, he couldn't help but speculate whether his recent "endeavors" played a role in this. Descending into Rocky's dwellings, where darkness had prevailed for an extended period, was eventually replaced by a vibrant purple illumination. As he descended further towards the bottom, the brightness intensified until he found himself in a lower catacomb filled with cracks and a vibrant shade of purple. As he walked across the purple cracks he looked do

wn at the glowing blight frowning.

" Was it you?" He asked it as it glowed. " Or is it you? " he looked up at the direction of the crystal chamber. " Trying to dissuade me, are you?"

Chapter Text

Once more, she found herself seated by the shoreline of Cera-na, unable to find rest for the evening. Ever since her arrival, she has been unable to experience a restful night's sleep. Whenever she shuts her eyes, she perceives unsettling visuals that are challenging to recollect or elucidate. The occurrences were frequent and brief, yet they all appeared to have one common element that she could never seem to forget: the sound of a large rock or crystal-like object cracking. There was a large rock that underwent a gradual transformation from a light pink hue to a dark purple shade, subsequently releasing a liquid resembling the vibrant color associated with blood. Consequently, a blight resembling thorns emerged, spreading across the ground and siphoning the vitality of the entire planet.

Prior to witnessing a looming, large, dark figure, she would consistently awaken in a state of perspiration. Failing to regain her sleep, she made the decision to confront the cold weather and take a stroll along the beach. Despite the chilly sand, she made an effort to keep herself warm, and once again found herself gazing at the stars. 

“ Are you up there home?She gazed upon numerous unfamiliar constellations, feeling unsure about how to establish a connection among them. She pondered the possibility of departing this planet and wondered which direction to pursue. “And how far Earth would actually be from here?” She uttered while tilting her head to the side, positioning her cheek against her knees, which she held close to her chest to keep warm.

"It feels unreal. I never imagined this could happen to me," she said, her voice fading as she reminisced about the events from a few weeks ago.

 It is an understatement to say that her nightmares were not merely random images. On that day when everyone arrived injured and she suddenly gained the ability to heal a wounded sailor, something extraordinary occurred. It can be said that she was unaware of how to handle the entire situation. Despite her efforts, she remained unaware of the possibility. According to Onica's explanation, the knowledge of healing magic, also known as vivalya, was typically limited to a select few individuals due to its challenging nature. However, some individuals possessed a natural affinity for it, as they were more attuned to the song associated with it. Whatever that means, the human still didn't really understand this song theory that she kept talking about.

Even if that were true, how the hell did she be able to use such things! She wasn't even from here! Throughout her entire life, she has never been aware of using magic even once. Magic didn't exist where she was from, but it clearly existed here. Well, that's what others keep telling her. She gripped the pants of her legs tightly. It had been almost a month since she first arrived here and she still had no clue how to get home. 

“ Mom…Dad…Tyler how long have I been gone on Earth? "I'm sorry," she said, tears streaming down her face. "I'm doing my best to find a way home. I won't give up, I promise," she assured her family, even though she couldn't see them.

She began to reflect on the events that occurred a few weeks ago, specifically regarding the revelation that the sea creatures responsible for the recent attacks were behemoths, according to Onica. Helen was genuinely taken aback upon learning this, especially given the resemblance between her world's name of that of a biblical creature, the behemoth. Though a herbivore, people believed that this creature, alongside its counterparts Ziz and Leviathan, brought about chaos. This revelation sparked her belief in a possible connection between her world and Thra, particularly due to her presence in the moment. This newfound hope motivated her to persist in her search.

The gelfling had started looking at her in a new way, with a mix of curiosity and admiration. The information swiftly disseminated among the sifans regarding the extraordinary "miracle" she had executed. It took less than a day for gelfling to start approaching her, seeking assistance in healing their loved ones or alleviating their afflictions. In the initial stages, Helen made an effort to assist, as she had been acquiring proficiency in the gelfling language under the tutelage of Onica. The overwhelming vision she experienced upon her arrival may have enabled her to comprehend the language, yet it did not facilitate her reading ability. No she had to learn that from scratch, but eventually she got the hang of it. This turned out to be quite useful, as she dedicated most of her free time to studying the scrolls and books available in Sifan. By combining her knowledge of New Age medicine with the knowledge of Thra, she was able to familiarize herself with the planet's medical history. Despite her best efforts to assist the gelfling using her medical expertise, many found it peculiar and were mostly let down by her failure to employ her "magical" abilities. However, since that day, she had not demonstrated any further signs of her extraordinary powers, much to the disappointment and dissatisfaction of the majority. The blonde's assistance was greatly appreciated by some, while others expressed their frustration more openly.

Helen was undeniably overwhelmed during those occasions and experienced a sense of guilt for her inability to meet their urgent demands. Since that day, Helen's soothsayer guardian noticeably increased her level of protection. It was decided that it would be beneficial for Helen to spend more time in her caravan and avoid public attention, ensuring closer supervision. However, as a result of these circumstances, Helen found herself becoming isolated. She had been confined to the caravan, where she tried to stay occupied by reading or writing in a journal in order to maintain her sanity. Typically, Onica was the sole company she had, although her duties often required her to be at the beck and call of Cadia. Considering that Sifan was her sole social connection at the time, her feelings of loneliness were further intensified. Occasionally, she would engage in play with Sifan or receive visits from Maudra Ethri to check on her. 

Her presence was mainly for observation, occasionally involving inquiries when Onica was not present. This ensured she couldn't accuse her of being impolite or unkind.

“ I thought I might find you here,” the familiar soft voice said, snapping her out of her thoughts as she wiped her face. Turning around to face Onica, who looked up at her with concern.

“I'm sorry… I couldn't sleep…I needed air,” she replied in a raspy voice.

“ Have you been dreaming again?” The girlfriend asked if she came over to sit next to her.

“More like nightmares. Even when I'm awake, they don't stop” she rubbed her eyes with the palms of her hands.

Onica expressed her sadness with a nod. "Our destinies are not always within our control. Each of us has a role to play in the song, sometimes more significant than others. And I truly believe that includes you as well," she sympathetically replied.

"I don't know how my "magic" hasn't worked since that day. It felt more like a fluke," the blonde replied sarcastically.

“ I'm sick of this, I'm sick of this weirdness, I'm sick of being isolated, I'm sick of being stuck here, I just want to go home” Helen bemoaned as she nuzzled her face into her knees again” you don't know what it's like to miss your family” .

Although the human swiftly grasped her words, they promptly sat upright, fixing their gaze upon Sifan with profound guilt. Occasionally, she displayed a lack of intelligence, failing to recall that the soothsayer had experienced the loss of her parents at a young age.

“Onica I'm sorry-

"It's all right," the Sifan cut her off with a sad smile, "you're right I might not know what it's like to be so displaced from your home... but I know what it's like to miss the ones you love... especially when they're still here," she said as her eyes trailed away.

The human bemused by these loved ones that were still here? She wondered what she meant by that.

“But I believe I might know a way to help you,” Onica said.

Bring this Helen's eyes sparkled with hope” Really? How? “ she said as she moved closer, getting eager.

“ All right, calm down” Onica chuckled, finding her reaction cute” I just have a theory I don't know to be fruitful in your investigation though”being honest with her.

“I believe the Great Library in Harar might have some answers for you,” a look of uncertainty formed on her face and she said this.

Helen took notice of this, fully aware of its possible significance given the details she had disclosed about the vapra clan and the need to exercise prudence in exposing herself to other clans.

“Are you scared what would happen if we got there? Onica, I understand the rest, but this is the only chance I probably can get,” the blonde pleaded to her.

Onica let out a profound sigh as she gazed into the deep blue eyes of the human standing in front of her. She held reservations due to the numerous potential consequences that could arise from this, particularly in terms of international relations. Furthermore, she couldn't ignore the deep-seated distrust the Vapran harbored towards the Sifa, perceiving them as deceitful opportunists. For her to act in such a way, if not even the status of elder. She worried this would reach the All-Maudra; it would probably relay this to The Mariner, but what more? She was afraid what would happen if the All Maudra found out about her and…her.

Exhaling heavily and massaging her eyes, she came to the realization that she had no alternative, even considering the persuasive effect of the blonde's pleading eyes. She knew it was the right thing to do, to help the poor “hoomin” find her way home. 

“ Well, I guess I'm heading for Harar in the morning,” she told her with a smile.

“Thank you! Thank you!” the human girl said, hugging the gelfling tightly.

“ Um Helen I can't breathe” Onica let out breathless from being squished.

Unbeknownst to the human, the rumors about her had spread extensively, surpassing the borders of Cera-na and reaching even the castle. For word spread around to that of the castle guards. One of the individuals had returned from a leave of absence to visit their clan for a brief period. But with them they brought back the story of the “fair healer”.

The urban legend was so captivating that it circulated quickly and widely. Given that it described a being surpassing the height of a gelfling yet possessing peculiar traits resembling a Vapra, with formidable magical powers, as not even a Drenchen is reputed to revive someone near death.

“ Really, do you believe such stories? “The guard which appeared to be a Stonewood said.

"I am uncertain about what to believe, particularly given the fact that they are referring to her as a tall vapra, which is unprecedented," expressed a Spriton guard. 

"The act of resurrecting someone... can a vapra possess the ability to perform such an act? This is considered heretical and goes against the teachings of the crystal," the Stonewood said disapprovingly.

Unbeknownst to them, an inquisitive listener had overheard their conversation precisely at the moment of resurrecting someone. A particular individual expressed a curious whimper of reflection.

“No gelfling can do such things” the Spriton added” so what in the world is-

However, the guards abruptly ceased their conversation, with one exhibiting signs of anxiety upon seeing the imposing figure behind his comrade.

“What's the matter?” the Stonewood asked of a raised brow of confusion.

“ Hmmmmm gelfling seems to be in the middle of an interesting story, yes,” said the familiar voice of Chamberlain.

The Stonewood jumped, startled to see one of the Lords so close.

“M-My Lord, forgive us. It's just some rumors we've-

However, his words were abruptly halted by a dismissive gesture from the skeksis. " now no need for nervousness, Chamberlain loves to hear new stories. Would you mind sharing with Chamberlain? Yes, much interested in yes,” he said with a big smile.

Chapter Text

Onica’s thoughts consumed her, the weight of anxiety bearing down on her as they approached the Vapran capital of Ha’rar. Anticipation filled her lungs, mingling with the offshore wind. Miles back, the open ocean stretched out to meet the far shoreline, deep blue waves crashing against the ship’s sides. Distant screeching seabirds and the creaking of the wooden cart provided a discordant concert to the backdrop of her inner turmoil.

With each passing hour, she pictured the countless scenarios that might unfold upon their arrival in Ha’rar. The image of Helen, standing out amongst the Vapra with her unique features, causing a stir wherever they went, persisted in her thoughts. Blending in would be nigh impossible with her height.

The Sifa had accepted the explanation they’d received, for the most part. The “human”, she’d claimed, was a mere vapran belonging to a splinter group secluded in the Claw Mountains. No intrigue, no magic, only a case of unfortunate heredity and bored gossips. The Vapra’s belief in such a story could be a different matter, however. With the Fjordlands’ small population, it might work, even circumvent inquiries that neither could answer.

Yet, she was aware of the potential consequences. Her actions could bring repercussions from her clan, the All-Maudra, or worse, the Skeksis. Just hiding the truth about the human’s origins could lead to Onica being charged with treason. Discovery could risk her ward’s execution or imprisonment.

All the while, Helen’s gaze wandered, captivated by the breathtaking sight. Untouched alabaster mountains of snow and ice choked the sky. She felt connected, in a way, through her awe. No longer just an obtrusive, invading giant. Beneath those peaks, everyone was small. The air was frigid, its bitter chill turning her cheeks rosy. She had spent so long smothered in Cera-Na. Weeks had dragged on like months of endless repetition. The vastness of the unfamiliar was a liberation, and she marveled at the landscape ahead.

It wasn’t as if she didn’t enjoy her time at the port. She did. The hostility and suspicion she had encountered hadn’t lasted forever. It thawed into acceptance inchmeal the more patience she gave it. Their friendly, adventurous nature had shown through once they realized she posed no threat. The echoes of children’s laughter in her ears brought a poignant reminder of what she’d left behind.

Helen grew up around the beach, so she was used to it. Dread gnawed at her, thinking about her family. Despite her guilt, she was drawn to see more of Thra before leaving. Her curious nature was winning out at this rate, but she wouldn’t lie. She shared Onica’s apprehension about what lay ahead in Ha’rar.

She was both eager and anxious about their arrival. Her initial encounter, tied to a post and facing the chilling clang of swords, was unforgettable. The memory lingered, intensifying her concern about the Vapra’s reaction upon seeing her. The stories she’d heard about vapran elitism, stemming from Skeksis favor, only fueled her unease.

At that point, Onica had no trouble persuading her childhood friend to let her take Helen to Ha’rar. Though normally cautious, the danger in Cera-Na from the Mariner’s return outweighed Ethri’s reservations. Her impending arrival demanded the blonde’s immediate departure. 

She didn’t mind the arrangement, despite the puzzling tales of skeksis she had heard. The stories lauded them, but she sensed an unsettling undercurrent of… competition of sorts to curry their goodwill. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but it seemed to bring out the worst in them. Her fear of the Lord’s reaction, coupled with that, was enough motivation to not take unnecessary risk.

As she immersed herself in contemplation, a swift gelidity crept up her body, causing her to shiver. She wrapped herself in the furs she had been using as a makeshift coat, seeking warmth. The sensation yanked her back to reality, her senses heightened by the cold.

Onica watched from beside her. “Not used to the snow, are you?” she giggled, her words interwoven with soft laughter echoing through the wintry landscape. 

“No, not really,” she said, her voice trembling as she rubbed her arms, trying to generate some heat. “I grew up somewhere much warmer. Sort of like a desert.”

The wind chilled her to the bone, making her teeth chatter. Memories of San Diego, with its warm beaches and sunny days, filled her mind. Her father’s preference for camping had limited their opportunities to experience the wintry landscapes. She reminisced about her family’s infrequent visits to Lake Tahoe, the sight of snow becoming a distant memory as time passed and life grew busier.

Onica’s gaze turned toward Ha’rar, her auburn hair glowing in the sunlight as she wore a wistful expression. The silence surrounding her hummed with an unseen yearning. Helen, observant as ever, tracked her companion’s line of sight, her eyes tracing the path between them and their destination. 

“Do you have a friend there?Silence followed as Onica blinked, surprised by Helen’s question. “I mean, I’m sorry for prying, it’s just... you look like you miss someone.”

The gelfling let out a deep sigh, her breath visible in the chilly atmosphere, while she brushed away some curls that clung to her face. “Yes, I do... more than a friend, actually,” Onica replied, her solemn tone carrying a mix of longing and sadness. “One I hold dear… I haven’t seen her in a couple unum.”

Helen’s eyes widened at the revelation. 

“Her?” she uttered aloud, her voice tinged with curiosity. At that moment, a realization dawned on her, and she pondered the depth of their connection. She had noticed no hints of her friend’s interest in women, not that she judged. From what she’d seen in Cera-Na, people didn’t seem to look down on same-sex relations here, considering the number of couples Helen witnessed. Some had even been parents. She wondered if her presence caused Onica’s prolonged separation from her lover.

The weight of guilt settled upon her, pressing against her shoulders as she remembered the gelfling was an orphan. She recalled Elder Cadia’s mentorship, yet the sifan’s relatives were a mystery. She guessed the closest thing the soothsayer had was Maudra Ethri, her childhood friend. Her likely loneliness and longing for the one she loved tugged at Helen’s heartstrings.

“I’m sorry…” she whispered. 

The sifan blinked, her confusion clear in her eyes. “What are you apologizing for?”

“You’ve been stuck with babysitting me for the last month—I mean, unum. Probably longer. I’ve been having trouble keeping track of the days as of late,” Helen muttered, looking up at the sky, frowning at the three suns overhead.

“Baby-sitting?” Onica asked, perplexed, as she tried to process what the human had just said. “When have I sat on any babies? Who would do such a thing?”

She facepalmed, realizing the term she used was likely as foreign as she was. “Sorry, I’m an idiot. You’ve been stuck being a nanny to me. Nothing to do with sitting on infants,” she added, punctuated by a touch of amusement.

Helen rubbed her eyes, feeling the rough texture of her fingertips against her skin. “I mean, you acted as my caretaker, watching over me,” she explained, simplifying her words for ease of understanding. A sigh escaped her lips, carrying with it a sense of longing. “If you hadn’t been with me, maybe you could have spent quality time with your loved one. I know how it feels to miss the ones you love.”

Onica’s reaction was unexpected, her confusion giving way to a soft smile. Her hand, warm and comforting, rested on the human’s shoulder. “It’s not your fault, Helen,” she said. “You’re not stuck with me, and you were never a burden to me.” 

Turning her gaze towards the horizon, Onica studied the outline of Ha’rar, the bustling city drawing nearer. “We come from different social classes and clans. Others disapprove of such things. Especially her family,” she continued, rising above a whisper as she closed her eyes. “Being together in the open would bring consequences for us both. Just being near me in public could affect her status.”

Helen’s astonishment at the revelation was clear on her face. Though aware of their ingrained distrust and biases, the taboo against inter-clan romance surprised her. However, the possibility of Onica’s lover being a Vapran noble came as a shock. “If what you’re saying is true, does that mean she’s the connection you were talking about in the capital?”

The sifan nodded. “Yes… That’s why when we arrive, I must talk to her first. I’m not sure how she will react to seeing you or what I’ll tell her. I know, however, that out of them, she is the most reasonable.” The redhead reached out to assure her, holding her hand. 

With her gaze fixed on Ha’rar, Helen observed its nearing but still minuscule shape, a stark contrast to the obstacles awaiting. Yet, she disregarded it. A lingering sense of unease settled within her, like a heavy fog plaguing the path ahead.

What would follow the Mariner’s return? She doubted their ability to keep her hidden for long in Cera-Na. The arm of these bird creatures’ authority stretched far and her arrival wasn’t clandestine. What if skekSa came back at the exact moment they did? How likely is an encounter with another one in Ha’rar?

“Onica, you’ve met the Mariner before, right?” Helen asked in a soft, cautious tone. She hoped to keep their conversation discreet, not wanting to alert the carriage driver. The wheels rolling over the uneven terrain provided a rhythmic backdrop.

Onica’s red hair fluttered in the wind as she flinched at the mention of her clan’s patron, eyes darting around to ensure their privacy before nodding. “Yes, I have encountered her... many times,” she responded, her voice hinting a blend of forced levity and caution. As Cadia’s assistant, I was required to attend whenever the Mariner summoned the Sifan council.

Helen continued, her tone hushed. “You said she was called skekSa, right?”

Panic flashed across Onica’s face as she covered her mouth, checking to make sure the driver hadn’t heard them. “Listen to me. You must never speak a Lord’s true name out loud. It’s considered an ultimate disrespect to presume such familiarity,” she explained in hushed tones.

Onica peered back at the oblivious carriage driver, their focus fixed on the path ahead. She let out a sigh of relief, readjusting her posture. “Yes, that’s her name, though,” she admitted, her voice thick with weariness. “You are always to use her title, whether to others or her face, Thra forbid.”

She glanced at the driver, then nodded to her friend. Onica’s deep-seated paranoia regarding the skeksis was only natural, all things considered. The knowledge she’d gained about them painted a vivid picture in her mind.

“I’m sorry... I guess the cold weather is messing with my head,” she apologized, her voice laced with regret. Guilt and inquisitiveness warred in Helen’s downcast eyes. “I was just wondering. What is she like?” she asked, her curiosity piqued once more.

Onica stared at her, puzzled, not expecting this question. She furrowed her brows, the sun casting a warm glow on her face. “Well,” she began, her voice carrying a hint of pride, “she’s quite fair to our clan. Most love her. She is adventurous, brave, and tenacious,” she said, listing her admirable qualities.

Helen could confirm what the other sifans had relayed, given the myriad she’d heard about the skeksis. Tales of her exploits spanned from how she took down a sea behemoth to discovering a new island of treasure. She doubted their veracity, uncertain if some were just speculative. But hearing it come from Onica’s mouth? It must have been somewhat accurate.

“But there’s also a reason you’re worried about her though… Isn’t it?” Helen said, pointing out her concerns. There had to be a valid cause why her friend feared for her safety. All the secrecy made no sense otherwise. Benevolent as the Lord might’ve been to the clan, there had to be questionable acts at play. 

Onica took a sip from her canteen, the water trickling down her throat filling the silence. “The Mariner is a fine captain. I will not deny that,” she started, her tone filled with a hint of caution. “But she has her temptations.” The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken truths. Onica’s gaze wandered toward the horizon, where the shimmering sea met the endless sky. “She’s known for her love to drink and, I must admit, she has a rather… foul temper.”

She looked back at Helen, her eyes filled with a mixture of concern and hesitance. “And she can be acquisitive… She is prone to lust as well.” Onica’s voice lowered, as if sharing a secret. Her gaze fixated on something beyond the present, like she could see the vivid images of the Mariner’s escapades playing out before her. “There’s never been a night when she’s returned to port where she hadn’t taken the lovely maiden, sometimes two, into her bed. They are often quite vocal,” she huffed as she took another sip. “You may be… different… But you would be the type she would try to charm. That, or lock up out of fear. Either is possible.”

Helen’s cheeks flushed a deep shade of crimson, radiating a warmth that betrayed her embarrassment. She’d already concluded that, as they were called Lords, they likely kept…Mistresses? Concubines? Whatever they termed it. But to hear it out loud was a unique experience, to say the least. Imprisonment was something she had always expected, however, since she had first learned about the Skeksis. The locals had feared her before, to the point of chaining her to a post upon her arrival. It seemed par for the territory.

“Has she ever tried to seduce you?” she asked her friend, her tone conveying a mixture of curiosity and unease.

“She’s extended the offer a few times, but I’ve always made sure my duties come first. She values them too much.” Onica’s reply carried a hint of resignation, her words accompanied by a subtle shift in her body language.

Helen nodded, but she could tell from the soothsayer’s expression she had been uncomfortable in the skeksis’ presence more than once. She knew the Mariner likely put a lot of pressure on her. 

“I’m sorry that happened to you…” she replied softly, looking down at her hands. The air seemed to grow colder as the truth settled in, and the information left her uncertain. No matter how she tried to hide, she would have to face the skeksis eventually, Onica knew her concerns as well. She wanted to offer some word of comfort, paltry as it would be, but a hand on her shoulder interrupted her thoughts. 

The sifan smiled, before gesturing ahead. Something beyond the carriage drew her attention, and she turned to follow Onica’s gesture. As her gaze landed on the scene before her, Helen’s blue eyes widened. Before her, a breathtaking sight unfolded: a symphony of colors and shapes dancing in the sunlight. Structures of steel and stained glass glimmered, casting a kaleidoscope of hues upon the landscape. The air buzzed with the noise of bustling streets and the distant hum of city life, leaving her in awe of the grandeur that awaited her at the gates of Ha’rar.

Time seemed to warp their walk became a hazy stream of sights and sounds. Helen, hood still pulled over her head tight, moved through the area with wide eyes, taking in the lively scene with childlike wonder. The capital was unlike anything she had ever seen before, a city that rose from the ground with its towering stone and metal buildings. A cacophony of voices filled the air, the clinking of coins, and the tantalizing aromas of street vendors selling their wares. People in fine clothes—blues, purples, whites—were there, along with thongs of diplomats, aristocrats, and even farmers.

As she wandered, oblivious to the biting cold, the blonde’s presence was impossible to ignore. Whispers traveled through the crowd like a wave, drawing attention to her towering height and unfamiliar features. Helen, lost in her fascination with the city, remained unaware of the stares and murmurs that followed her every step.

“Dear Thra,” one man exclaimed, his voice filled with surprise as he watched her walk by. 

“She’s so tall!” A woman gasped under her breath.

“Her face looks so different,” another said, whispering amongst themselves.

However, her companion, Onica, grew more and more concerned about the scrutiny they were attracting. Aware of the necessity for caution, she reached out and grabbed the blonde’s hand. “We need to head to the library now. We are drawing too much attention,” she whispered, scanning the crowd for any signs of guards.

“Mama, who’s the giant?” One of the childlings on the street pointed towards the human, making their mother snatch her child away. “Is she half-landstrider?”

Helen, realizing the impact she was having, an anxious titter leaving her lips. “Okay, I definitely feel like a freak of nature now,” she admitted, sheepishly following Onica’s lead.

As they hurried through the city, the blonde was compelled to notice a strange energy abound. Ha’rar may have been beautiful, but an underlying sense of entitlement permeated the atmosphere. It hung heavy, resembling a suffocating fog. She observed the way the Vapra interacted. They treated certain clan members with deference, but dismissed others outright. Every gesture betrayed a haughty spirit.

Her eyes returned to Onica, recalled the redhead’s warnings about Ha’rar’s social hierarchy and high standards. Now, witnessing it firsthand, she understood why her paranoia was necessary. Memories of the discrimination she had witnessed on her own planet resurfaced, though not to this blatant extent anymore where she lived. It disheartened her to see the gelfling society set so far behind, entrenched in such divisions. Caught between admiration for the city’s beauty and discomfort with its underlying flaws, Helen didn’t know how to react. This world’s unexpected state of affairs left her feeling unsettled.

As she lost herself in thought, a sudden loud thud jolted her from her musings. Startled, she turned to see a chaotic scene unfold. A vapran gentleman and a female gelfling dressed in dark indigo attire from head to toe collided, sending the woman to the ground.

Helen approached, seeing intricate silver and blue braids adorning her hair, while her skin displayed a blend of yellow-green and lapis. She had to be a Dousan. Curiosity stirred within her, as she had never encountered a desert gelfling before. However, her intrigue soon turned to concern as she registered what had unfolded before her eyes. She released her grip on Onica’s hand before making her way in their direction.

“Excuse me? Are you not going to apologize?” she interjected, her voice cutting through the air while gesturing to the dousan on the ground.

The man, his brows raised in defiance, turned to face her. His snooty tone dripped with arrogance as he retorted, “For what, girl? Some clumsy, death-worshiping sand-folk?”

The commotion had attracted the attention of the locals, who gathered around, their murmurs blending with the sounds of the bustling street. Onica’s nervousness shifted into panic, realizing that their disagreement was escalating into a spectacle.

Sensing the rising tension, Helen persisted, gesturing towards the woman again. “Clumsy? You knocked into her without even caring if you might’ve hurt her.”

Meanwhile, the unexpected defense from the imposing ‘vapran’ took the dousan aback. Such actions were unfamiliar to her, especially in Ha’rar, where she had rarely experienced such kindness from any but her own in this foreign land.

The man, however, remained dismissive, brushing off the incident with a wave of his hand. “The girl is fine,” he scoffed, pointing towards the woman, who was struggling to gather her scattered scrolls. “She said nothing.”

Helen’s frown deepened. “Perhaps she expected a small amount of common courtesy,” she remarked, her disappointment palpable. “I thought the Vapra to be paragons of manners. It see It seems, however, that podlings possess better etiquette than you,” she pointed out, her words eliciting laughter from a few onlookers.

He seethed with anger, his face reddening. “Watch your tongue, girl! Clearly, no one ever taught you—”

Before the situation could escalate further, Onica intervened, raising her hands in a defensive gesture. Stepping between them, she pleaded, “Please forgive her. She hails from the Fjordlands...” Her voice trailed off, but her eyes conveyed a stern warning to her ward. “You know how isolated they are up there. They are unfamiliar with the ways of the capital,” she explained, attempting to appeal to the man’s prejudiced ego.

Helen couldn’t refrain from looking offended, forgetting her cover story for a minute and that she was causing a commotion. “Onica, you can’t be serious—”

But the gelfling cut her off, grabbing her hand and yanking her down. “I understand, but you’re creating a ruckus, which we were trying to avoid…” she whispered loudly into her ear.

She then grasped the situation’s severity, absorbing the scene: numerous onlookers, hushed whispers. Not only that, she realized Onica was putting herself in a difficult situation as well, giving her status as an assistant to a clan elder. Any mistake and disturbance on her part reflected on her friend. “Oh, shit… I really am an idiot,” she muttered under her breath.

The sifan, gazing at her, sighed. “You’re compassionate Helen. Sometimes it gets the best of all of us,” she said before turning back to the vapran, trying to smooth it over.

Taking the chance, the blonde pulled her hand away from Onica. She made her way towards the dousan, her footsteps muffled by the bustling crowd. She couldn’t help but feel a stab of sympathy as she picked up a scroll, returning it to her. 

“Hey, are you okay?”

The gelfling nodded, retrieving it from her grasp. “Thank you, you didn’t have to—”

But the hooded woman stopped when she saw Helen’s face. It wasn’t disgust or horror that colored her expression, but sheer bewilderment. Once again, the human felt awkward, until the sifan pulled her away.

Chapter Text

“Ow, Ow, Ow,” Helen whimpered as she gingerly stepped into the building, the low ceiling and narrow corridors catching her off guard. The musty smell of aged stone hit her nose, mingling with old parchment. At least, in Cera-Na’s tents, the fabric offered some forgiveness, unlike these constant concussion hazards. They were spacious, accommodating large families, perhaps a nod to the regular presence of the Mariner.

“Are you alright?” Onica asked, her voice echoing in the empty hallway behind Helen as they made their way to the library.

“Yeah. I’m just a klutz,” she replied, wincing as she bumped her knee against a table. The sharp pain shot through her body, causing her to hiss and clutch the wall for support. She bit her lip, trying to contain her discomfort. “See what I mean…”

A sheepish chuckle escaped Onica. She couldn’t shake the nagging worry about leaving her ward all alone, but she had to talk to her. “Are you sure you’ll be okay here by yourself?” she questioned, her tone thick with concern, as Helen perched herself on top of a table.

“Ha, I’ll be fine. It’s just a library—” she reassured, but as she glanced about, her eyes widened in disbelief. “Oh, my God...” she mumbled, taking in the avalanche of manuscripts. The towering stacks resembled a blend of Mount Everest and a wizard’s domain from a fantasy story instead of a simple repository.

“Woah...” Helen whispered in awe, standing up and turning to take in the overwhelming scene. As she moved closer to the center of the room, she marveled at the sheer size of it, the bookshelves spiraling like a labyrinth around her.

Onica couldn’t resist smiling, observing Helen’s childlike wonder as she explored. Her reactions to the unfamiliar sights of this world oscillated between fear and amazement. “Helen?” she called out, hoping to regain her attention.

The human blinked, turning back to her. “Oh yeah, I’ll be fine. I practically have a handle on Modern now. Old Gelfling might be a challenge, but I will figure it out,” she said, picking up one of the stacked books and flipping through its worn pages. “Besides, if I need help, I won’t be alone, right? There’s a librarian here, isn’t there?”

Onica hissed under her breath at the mention of the librarian, forgetting about him. “Yeah…that’s true,” she replied, scanning the room. She had no issues with him, but his history with her mentor created considerable awkwardness. 

“Welcome guests,” said a familiar older voice, right on cue, making the Sifan rub her eyes. A sigh escaped her lips, inaudible amidst the hushed whispers of pages. “Crap...” she muttered under her breath, knowing there was no avoiding it now.

“May I provide any assistance—Oh dear Thra.” The floorboard creaked as he stumbled backward into a precarious stack of books clutching his chest.

Onica watched the scene unfold with a mix of amusement and discomfort, nodding her head and sighing. Meanwhile, with a sheepish smile, Helen waved down at the librarian. “Um, hello…”

The silence that followed seemed near endless. He stared up at her, his eyes almost popping out of his sockets. Clearing his throat, he regained his composure, his voice now filled with a touch of formality. “Yes, hello. Is there anything I can help you with?” His words hung in the air, professional aside from his initial stutter. He looked her over again, continuing to study Helen, marveling at her alien appearance.

Onica, sensing the librarian’s curiosity, stepped in between them. As she spoke, her tone carried a hint of weariness, mirroring the growing lines etched on her face. “She’s a Vapran from the Fjordlands,” she explained, her hand gesturing to the imposing peaks visible outside. “Helen has been living amongst the Sifa in the interim to gain some worldliness. You know how rural it is up there.”

The librarian followed her gesture, losing himself in the view a moment before refocusing on the human. “Extraordinary,” he murmured, the hint of awe in his voice. “It’s rare for someone from the Fjordlands to come down here, especially to visit the library. We don’t see them venture inside often, given their usual lack of literacy.”

As his gaze turned to Onica, the librarian’s demeanor shifted, his expression growing serious. “So young soothsayer... is the Elder with you today?” He watched the doors, his tense voice seeming to expect another visitor amongst the shelves.

Helen’s brow furrowed, realizing the librarian must have had a past with Cadia, before glancing over at Onica. The Sifan gave him a stoic look, her silence speaking volumes, before shaking her head. “No, he’s not. I came here only with my pupil for the time being,” she assured him.

“But as I was saying, Helen is learning about gelfling history.” Her hand rested on the human’s arm, her touch light but grounding. “And I have educated her on all the information the Sifan possess regarding the other clans. I knew the Vapran library would enrich her with its wider variety.”

The librarian, now intrigued, couldn’t help but show a surge of excitement. “Oh yes, yes, of course, we should indulge young ones in our history. Hmmm, I have many suggestions of what you can read,” he said, hurrying off in another direction, the sound of his footsteps fading away.

Onica let out a deep sigh filled with relief, as she no longer had to endure the awkwardness. Helen, still processing the new information, tried to find a comfortable spot on the tiny chair at the desk. It creaked under her weight, its old joints protesting. “Soooo... Elder Cadia knows him?” she asked, curiosity clear in her voice.

Onica’s eyes darted towards the door and back to her ward, brushing a strand of red hair behind her ear. “It’s a long story, which I don’t have time to explain right now,” she replied, her gaze reverting. “You should be fine here. The library is usually vacant, especially today.”

The longer she stood, the antsier she seemed to grow. “I will return once I’ve briefed my contact on our predicament,” Onica explained as she hurried out.

“Okay, I’ll see you when you get back,” Helen waved to her just before she vanished into the hallway. The librarian returned a second after, laden with books and scrolls. With a grunt, he placed them on the table, the thud resonating through the room.

“Oh wow, you really do have a lot,” she remarked, poring over the pages and delicately turning them to peek inside.

He chuckled, the sound muffled and warm. “That’s not all, my dear. This only goes back to three hundred trine,” he revealed, his voice filled with glee. He then climbed up a ladder, its metal rungs creaking in protest, reaching for a shelf that housed ancient scrolls. “There’s so much of our history you need to catch up on.”

“I was wondering, is there anything in there about Mother Aughra?” Helen inquired, her eyes fixed on the pages of a book she’d opened.

Coming down with the parchments, the librarian paused. “I’m sure we have a few things. Records on the subject are archaic, however. There have been no recent writings about her, unfortunately, given her ninets-long absence.” With a slight furrow in his brow, he brought them over, their ancient history sporting a thin layer of dust. “It’s rare for anyone to research about her, though. Many of the childlings learn essential facts about her at an early age and, after that, nothing else.”

“Yeah... I learned the basics about her, too. I just couldn’t help but be curious about her, you know, because she’s kind of mysterious,” Helen replied, trying to come up with a solid reason. “Do any of the history books or scrolls that talk about where she lived and what happened to her?”

He gave a solemn headshake. “I’m afraid not. She came and went as she pleased back then, providing wisdom and aid. If there was any record of her domain, it’s been long since lost,” he said, walking off to his desk seated at the far end. 

A deep, frustrated sigh escaped Helen’s lips at this. “Wonderful…” she scratched her head, tangling her fingers up in her hair. The one person she needed to talk to seemed unreachable. “What’s the oldest record you have about Mother Aughra?” She asked, looking over at him.

The librarian hummed in thought, rubbing his beard. Suddenly, a memory sparked in his mind. “I believe there is something. Let me check,” he replied, going into the backroom.

“Can I see any of the other earliest records you have about general gelfling history, too?” Desperate for any glimmer of information, Helen turned her attention back to the table, her eyes gluing to the piles of scrolls and books. Despite herself, she felt a thrill of anticipation, her heart fluttering at the prospect of adventure. It was as if she had stepped into one of the magical quests she had read about at home. The irony in that statement didn’t escape her, however, because she kind of was. Sort of.

About twenty minutes later, he returned, clutching a weathered scroll with tattered edges. Even the scroll’s tarnishing bronze holders gleamed with age. “Oh, whoa...” she exclaimed.

“This is perhaps among the oldest scrolls in our collection, a cherished treasure of this library,” he said with clear affection. “Please handle it with care and refrain from excessive touching. It has endured the test of time,” he cautioned, untying and unfurling the scroll. “Are you fluent in Old Gelfling?”

“Oh, I know some. Why?” she asked before her deep blue eyes fixated on the ancient script adorning it. Faded images of the Endless Forest greeted her gaze, vibrant despite the bygone era. Vivid colors of brown, orange, and yellow streaked across the page, an odd blend of what looked like gouache and oil paint. Amongst the imagery, various trees with diverse shapes and hues stood out. “What are these?”

“Oh, my dear child, don’t you know? Those are the Stabas, the revered patrons of each clan,” he replied, gesturing towards them. Helen blinked, surprised by her lack of knowledge. Then again, Onica’s time constraint had prevented intricate explanations.

“Kira-Staba, our tree,” he indicated the ethereal-looking cluster of white-violet birch trees.

“There’s more than one?” she inquired, scrutinizing them.

“Indeed, they may look separate, but they are a single entity. They share an interconnected root network,” the librarian explained. “This next is the Omerya-Staba, the Coral Tree.” He pointed to one with stone branches of purple and blue, resembling a majestic reef formation.

“The Omerya?” she whispered to herself, a faint recollection stirring within her. Onica had mentioned it once, but she thought it was a boat.

“You’ve been living with the thief and the child. Surely you have seen it,” he remarked, slightly taken aback.

Helen shook her head. “No, I don’t think so. I believe I would have noticed a tree in the middle of Cera-Na.”

“Well, to be blunt, my dear, it’s not situated in their capital. It resides on a ship, the Lord Mariner’s vessel, if I recall correctly,” he said, stroking his beard thoughtfully. The human’s eyes widened at the revelation. “I suppose that means she has not yet returned from her voyage, does it?”

“Yeah… she’s been gone for a while,” the blonde replied, her voice tinged with nervousness and unease.

“Well, when she gets back you should be able to see it,” he said, moving on to point to another drawing. The sight was captivating, with its dark gray roots reaching into the earth and emerald shimmering leaves resembling a bonsai, but larger. “The Olyeka-Staba, the Stonewood’s Cradle Tree. Many get lost trying to find it, due to how deep it is hidden away in the Endless Forest.”

The librarian’s distaste was obvious as he looked at the next. “Oszah-Staba, or Wellspring Tree. It’s the Dousan’s patron tree in the center of their capital.”

It resembled a canopy tree from her home, with pretty white leaves. Helen couldn’t grasp the reason for the widespread bias against the Dousan. Sure, they were in tune to death, but they were beautiful. 

“The Smerth-Staba, also known as the great Smerth or the Glenfoot Tree,” he explained, showing a wide-trunked, massive tree covered in moss and vines. Well, she was unsurprised, considering its location in the swamp, but she didn’t expect it to be so huge. “It’s enormous…” she exclaimed, admiring its grandeur.

“Yes, my dear. Most of the Drenchen call it home.”

“Wait, they live in it?” She said, looking back. She never thought someone could dwell inside a tree, but then she remembered the long-limbed elf from The Elf and The Shoemaker. It seemed like a storybook come true.

“The Nenadi-Staba, called the Low Tree colloquially for the spirals of its trunks that spread throughout Sami Thicket,” the librarian explained, pointing to the picture of a tree with golden leaves. Its shape reminded her of a weird-looking pine. 

“Wait, they have big trunks everywhere?” She said taken back, she couldn't help but wonder how no one tripped. 

“Yes, it does. It can be inconvenient at times, but I've heard childlings do take fun playing in it,” the librarian chuckled, amused. Hearing this, she couldn't help but think of her own brother, Tyler… He loved to climb trees. She had to go up after him often, just to get him down.

“Finally, the Vliste-Staba, or Sanctuary Tree.” The librarian pointed to the last. It resembled a blooming cherry tree with pink flowers and vines.

Helen blinked, puzzled at the presence of another resting upside down below it. “Why does it look this way?”

“Well, because it exists above and below, my dear.” He shrugged, “I’m unsure why, however, few have ventured down there in so long.”

Helen continued to examine the scroll, squinting in concentration. She ran her fingers over the seams until she spotted a figure, a lengthy-limbed creature with a lion-like mane and heterochromic eyes. It reminded her of a goblin, or something of the sort. “Who’s this?” she asked the librarian, curiosity peaked. It sat on a log, surrounded by gelfling who seemed captivated by its storytelling.

“Oh, dear child, that’s Raunip, the son of Aughra,” the old man said with a heavy sigh, picking up some scrolls that had fallen. “Surely you must have heard of him? Such a pitiful and tragic story, though.”

Her confusion grew, trying to process his words. “Son? I mean, aren’t all the gelfling her children? Isn’t that why she’s called Mother Aughra?” she asked, visibly bewildered. Why hadn’t Onica mentioned him before?

“I’m honestly surprised she never told you, but then again, Raunip the Heretic? Never has a story been more unsuitable for the timid.”

“Heretic?” Helen raised a brow.

“Yes, Heretic,” the librarian replied, moving to sit in front of her, the creaking of the chair filling the room. “And yes, child. While it’s true, as all gelfling are creations of Thra, he directly came from Aughra. He was a part of her.”

This shocked her, but it also filled her with a bit of hope. Maybe she could talk to him. “What happened to him?” she asked.

He moved towards a shelf, the soft shuffling of scrolls filling the silence. “The Makrak wars happened.” The librarian opened a scroll, revealing illustrations of red crustacean-like beings attacking gelfling. “It was soon after the Urskeks disappeared. They, including Mother Aughra, entrusted the Skeksis to protect the Crystal and guide the creatures of Thra in their absences.”

Helen knew little about the Urskeks. In summary, they were vital in assisting the clans advance from their bronze age. Their help included home construction, literature, and more. Even Aughra held them in high regard. From their pictures, she could only describe them as celestial beings of light.

“Raunip loved all of Thra’s creations, helping his mother guide them and regal his stories,” he said fondly. Then, his expression turned solemn, and a shadow seemed to pass over his face. “But he was no friend to the Urskeks. Very mistrustful of them, he was,” the librarian continued, moving some scrolls out of the way. 

“Until his dying day, he didn’t trust them, convinced they would destroy Thra. This suspicion and paranoia grew with our great Lords’ arrival, their stewards. During the ancient war of the Makraks, everything was in chaos. They destroyed the podling village of Noy and the earliest Vapra settlement.” He showed a scroll describing the Makrak Wars.

As she read, Helen gasped, her eyes widening at the vivid depiction of the destruction. “It was a brutal time… We were at a loss until the Skeksis provided their aid and guidance,” he said, his gaze lighting up with fondness.

“You still haven’t told me why he’s called Raunip the Heretic, though?” she asked, turning her head to look at him.

“Because he and others rebelled against the alliance at its fruition. What’s more, he tried to get us to reason with Makraks. Well, I understand his love for all creatures, but there was no reasoning with those beasts.” He paused before going to retrieve a book.

“No one knows much about his fate after that,” he continued, his finger pointing towards the towering mountains beyond the window. “It’s said he wandered the Crystal Desert for years until his untimely demise alone, sadly. Though he made mistakes, we still honor him for the good he did for us.”

“We call this area Raunip‘s Pass. It is near the Foothills. I’m surprised you haven’t heard of it, my dear,” he asked, frowning.

“Yeah, I kind of lived in an isolated part of The Fjordlands,” she played it off, rubbing the back of her neck. The weight of Raunip’s story had touched her, leaving her with sympathy and a sense of her own vulnerability in this new place. The poor guy died alone, pushed away by those he’d safeguarded. She hoped her fate wouldn’t be the same.

Soon, the librarian returned to organizing the disturbed parts of the library. The oldest scroll recaptured Helen’s attention, its faded writing enthralling her. She wished she could decipher the script written in Old Gelfling.

The longer she peered at it, the more a dull ache bloomed in her skull. She wasn’t fluent, and even stringing words together into simple sentences proved arduous. She let out a sigh that grew into a yawn, feeling a wave of weariness wash over her, and rubbed her tired eyes. “I have no idea what I’m looking for… It seems like everything leads to—”

A torn part of the scroll caught her attention, the figure on it almost worn away. “What the…” she murmured to herself. Confusion etched across her face as she scanned the room, searching for something to magnify the image. Her eyes landed on the empty inkwell.

Helen picked it up, peered through the glass, and saw a woman. Her skin resembled Aughra’s, but she was taller, more humanoid. White dreadlocks, similar to the Drenchen’s, just about hid her blotted-out face, and bohemian-style green fantasy clothing adorned her.

“Who is she?” she whispered. She frowned at the picture, her fingertips tracing the worn edges.

“Who’s who?” a young female voice chimed in, startling her.