Drink To The Past

JP with Cindy and White_Caribou

Shalia watched the shaky pitcher fail to lift and reached over to pour the glass for Islana. Afterward the dark haired woman slowly lifted it to her lips for a much needed drink, the water cooling more under the witch's care. A nice cold glass of water was always refreshing. She was silent through the action, though not out of disinterest but in digesting all of the tale. Hadn't even processed yet that she was now holding the Seer's hand.

"Sounds maddening. Any lesser person would've crumbled under that. You're...so strong now. I'm proud of you, you know." The witch stopped herself from continuing with the sentiment just then as she had some questions. There would be time soon for a tender exchange.

"But this Skara you encountered died," she glanced over to the egg pack for a moment before looking back, "and still these linked minds plague you? Did it attack you in this manner because you were chosen? Is that why the spirit aided you, as well?" Shalia quickly realized how overwhelming the rapid questions were so soon after confronting such a turbulent experience. She was in the same boat now and to do so was inconsiderate. "If you can stand to recall," she quickly added.

Islana's throat had become as dry as the sands themselves. The cool, clear liquid was refreshing and helped settle her, somewhat.

The words that Shalia was proud of her wasn't lost on the younger witch. It's not something that had been said often towards her. A quiet "Thank you," was uttered towards the dark haired witch.

The questions which then came seemed to be overwhelming, but the worst part of this was over, or so Islana guessed.

"It's my belief the Sk'elep choose to help me, at least in part, because I was on the Pilgrimage. I did use my power right before to call for help but I don't think I brought it to me." Like so much in her life, Islana might never know for sure.

"I believe the Skara attacked my mind because I linked with it." The Skara took advantage of an opening, that seemed to be the main reason. "I don't know what happened to the hive mind after it died. I'm concerned it still might be out there, somewhere, just waiting for me to give it another opening."

There was contemplation over what to say next. "I need what I'm about to tell you to not leave this room. As Sister Locust, I can't show weakness. There are likely already enough people that don't like that I was the one chosen." She didn't explain that last part further. "I've not been able to bring myself to attempt magik since the attack. I'm terrified of what might happen if I do."

Shalia rested her chin on her empty hand, eyes falling to where she held Islana's palm in her own. It took her by some surprise, but she was just happy it happened finally. Her hands were still so delicate through it all.

"Well, whatever happens when you do take that step, I will be right here. We are in this together now, and though I doubt I can interfere much with the business you suffered, I will be present for the near future. Things may be getting intense, but we should also allow ourselves a moment to breathe. To really heal. We cannot neglect those parts of us in favor of the grand scheme all the time. I made a promise to protect you and I do not like breaking loyalty. You're still Islana and as long as that is the case, you're still my little bird."

She gave the woman's hand a squeeze, a faint smile on her lips. It was so good to hold someone again that even if this was a simple gesture, it felt like it spoke a thousand words to Shalia. She hoped it had a similar effect on the young leader.
As much as the comforting statements were for Islana, they were for the witch herself, too. A reminder that they both had long marches ahead and would get there when they needed to most.

"But I guess you're not that little anymore, huh? What is it with us and harrowing experiences?" She said with a semi-playful expression, an attempt to elevate the younger witch's spirit a bit more from the gloom. She looked down to their hands again and traced her thumb over Islana's pale knuckle. Her tone was bittersweet when she spoke now.

"I missed you. I was worried the whole time, as much as I tried to shove it away..."

The extended friendship and kindness from Shaila meant a lot to Islana, especially right in this moment. They were really in this together, come what may. The touch no longer caused any retreat in the redhead and meant so much.

"For what it's worth, I had decided to ask to stay with you, if I hadn't become the Prophetess."

Islana hadn't lost everyone she was close with, though the losses were felt deeply. She still had Shalia.

"It does seem like one trauma replaces another," There was no telling why that was. Why did some just seem to have things easier than others.

"I missed you as well. If I had any choice in the matter, I wouldn't have left like that. Without letting you know I hadn't died or just wandered off. Its impossible to not do what two Gods want." Islana looked down at their hands. "I'm connected to the the Twins and Ozainine in a deeper way than I've ever felt for any Gods or culture and its people before."

Islana had no idea if she was explaining any of that correctly. Maybe it was difficult to understand but she had a feeling Shalia might be one of the few people that did.

Her eyes glanced towards the bags, they really needed to finish that topic. "Here's what I'm going to say about the contents of the bag. I'd like to keep the playing cards. You can keep the rest, except the egg and let me know what you find out. I'll ask Tamazzalt to figure out what to do with the egg. I don't want the thing just hatching and getting loose in the temple or really anywhere."

Another sip of water seemed to bring about a different train of thought. "I don't know about you, but I could use something stronger than water to drink. If you'd like to come to my room, I can have food and spirits brought up. And I can regale you with the story of the Pilgrimage, if you care to hear it."