"Ever shall she contend with her fixation on regression."
--
Were the premises of the situation be described to anyone else, one might have expected a round table surrounded by high-backed chairs, austere gazes flowing from the individuals seated in them. As it was, however, the Aljai were arranged in the manner deemed most practical. The contents of the yurt had been almost totally cleared out, save for a small number of seats and stools arranged in no particular order. The group of female Xaela stood or sat wherever there was room. Alaqu's arms were folded, and she constantly tossed her crimson hair with a flick of her head in impatience, her moccasins tapping against the hardened dirt. Seated on a stool next to Alaqu was a wizened, shrunk down female even smaller in stature than her already compact compatriots. The wrinkled matron's ashen skin contrasted sharply with that platinum hue of her hair, and perhaps stereotypically, she held a worn but sturdy walking stick upon her lap.
It was this scene that Kasrjin was led to. The other male who had guided him here merely opened the flap, and when the Khadai gingerly stepped inside the same flap was abruptly dropped, leaving him alone to face the curious stares of the Aljai.
The elderly female was the first to speak, raising her head to stare at the warrior with piercing magenta eyes. The hard scrutiny with which she applied belied her apparent age, and it was evident that the constant seasons had not dulled the clarity of her mind.
"Khadai," the elder spoke smoothly. "The Aljai have been made aware of a special circumstance where your presence is required within Kaarad-El even with the ongoing Communion. We would like any insight you may be able to provide."
Kasrjin paused, first to get his bearings--there was something overbearing about being faced with so many Aljai, and the females seemed to be aware of the effect they had on him--and then to consider the request.
"I do not believe I know anything more than you," he spoke slowly, his rough voice careful and deliberate. "I have been informed by the Tsenkhai that somehow, Kaarad-El remembers my previous role as Tsuven Tsenkhai. I do not know how this is possible. I do not believe the Tsenkhai know, either."
Alaqu bent over to whisper to Albei, the elder female nodding in response to whatever information she seemed to receive.
"I had been speaking with the other Aljai..." Albei gestured to the other females gathered around in a semi-circle inside the yurt. "...in order to determine if there has been precedence for this situation, and if not, what precedence we should establish."
The look Kasrjin gave her was notably confused. "I request clarification," he said in bewilderment.
Alaqu folded her arms within the sleeves of her robe. "As it stands, we are unable to consult with Kaarad-El's memories during the Communion, but even we understand how...uncommon...it is for one who has the capabilities of a Tsenkhai to be transferred to another role. Ordinarily, you would be considered as Khadai and nothing else, and therefore be under the jurisdiction of your korum and subsequently, your korum's Aljai." The crimson-haired female began to pace somewhat, though stopped as the limited availability of the yurt's floor space did not provide adequate room. "However, the fact that Kaarad-El not only remembers Tsuven Tsenkhai, but remembers that Kasrjin Khadai was previously Tsuven Tsenkhai provides a difficult dilemma for us, for now the Tsenkhai believe they possess grounds to collect you."
"We do not disagree, yet nor do we agree," Albei's statement was punctuated with a tapping of the walking stick on the dirt beneath her feet. "If we acknowledge Kasrjin Khadai as Tsuven Tsenkhai, then we have effectively nullified and denied his existence as a Khadai, from the day of his transfer until now. However, if we do not acknowledge Kasrjin Khadai as a Tsenkhai, then it is possible that we will be interfering with the operation of Kaarad-El, and put far more at risk than is necessary."
Kasrjin pursed his lips, an expression of contemplation curling the features of his face. "I have undergone the Forfeiture. It should not be possible for me to be considered Tsenkhai if I am no longer able to use a link."
Alaqu uncrossed and crossed her arms, practically fidgeting with the constant changes to her posture. "Yet you yourself, in addition to that Tsenkhai, have said that you received a character of the Correspondence. Your link to Kaarad-El is still active, or at the least it is present, if dormant. We possess no precedence for this."
"Tsuven--that is, my transition to become Khadai was formalised by the shift in name and role. Under the premises of the system, am I not to be considered as such?" Kasrjin asked quizzically. Such discussion was, although not beyond his comprehension, certainly outside of his typical capacity and made him rather uncomfortable.
Albei inhaled before letting out an introspective sigh, the elderly Xaela adjusting her position on the stool. "The Tsenkhai govern all that is associated with Kaarad-El. Your link is still active, and regardless of extenuating circumstances you have received a character of the Correspondence that you are required to forfeit. I believe it to be best to turn the Khadai over--"
"You will not do so!" a forceful, feminine voice practically shouted from outside the yurt. Storming into the yurt was another female Xaela, unkempt black dreadlocks matted with snow, her azure robes lined with white fur in disorder. She was breathing rather heavily, and as soon as she had flipped the flap open and practically careened into Kasrjin's back, she placed her hands on her knees to catch her breath as if she'd been running across the valley.
Albei's mouth wrinkled into a frown. "What is the meaning of this interference, Tsenkhai?"
Tsanai paused before answering, allowing her pants to slow to a manageable level. "He is to be released into my discretion. He belongs to me." Albei's sharp glare was met with a forceful look of Tsanai's own, a silent clash of wills. "I am Tsenkhai. You may consider this a surrender."
The elderly Xaela's frown deepened into a scowl. "Why do you attempt to disrupt the process? He is to be taken to--"
"You step outside of your role, Aljai." The interruption was quiet but abruptly halted Albei's protest in its tracks, Tsanai's tone muted with a reservation of tranquil fury. "Tsuven is mine. As he still possesses the capabilities of an adjutant to Kaarad-El, he is to be released to me. Resist my demand and you resist the structure of the system you claim to have such respect for."
Kasrjin could do naught but shuffle awkwardly to the side. To her credit, Alaqu shot him a sympathetic glance. Lightning practically crackled between the elderly Aljai and the younger Tsenkhai, though the former eventually relented with a nod of her head and another sigh. A tired yet satisfied expression crossed itself across Tsanai's face. An idle gesture with her hand indicated for the taller warrior to step outside.
The pair walked away from the Aljai's yurt in silence for a time before the Tsenkhai practically whipped around, her arms crossed. It was a familiar stance, and Kasrjin reflexively stiffened upon seeing it.
"Do you remember...the plans we had made several seasons past? We must needs be prepared for that." Tsanai was noticeably quieter; were she tall enough, she would have surely attempted to speak closer to his horns.
Kasrjin nodded his head. "Then...?"
"I have other individuals to gather. The old amphitheatre on the west side of the valley is where we will gather, and discuss travelling to the western continent."
--
Were the premises of the situation be described to anyone else, one might have expected a round table surrounded by high-backed chairs, austere gazes flowing from the individuals seated in them. As it was, however, the Aljai were arranged in the manner deemed most practical. The contents of the yurt had been almost totally cleared out, save for a small number of seats and stools arranged in no particular order. The group of female Xaela stood or sat wherever there was room. Alaqu's arms were folded, and she constantly tossed her crimson hair with a flick of her head in impatience, her moccasins tapping against the hardened dirt. Seated on a stool next to Alaqu was a wizened, shrunk down female even smaller in stature than her already compact compatriots. The wrinkled matron's ashen skin contrasted sharply with that platinum hue of her hair, and perhaps stereotypically, she held a worn but sturdy walking stick upon her lap.
It was this scene that Kasrjin was led to. The other male who had guided him here merely opened the flap, and when the Khadai gingerly stepped inside the same flap was abruptly dropped, leaving him alone to face the curious stares of the Aljai.
The elderly female was the first to speak, raising her head to stare at the warrior with piercing magenta eyes. The hard scrutiny with which she applied belied her apparent age, and it was evident that the constant seasons had not dulled the clarity of her mind.
"Khadai," the elder spoke smoothly. "The Aljai have been made aware of a special circumstance where your presence is required within Kaarad-El even with the ongoing Communion. We would like any insight you may be able to provide."
Kasrjin paused, first to get his bearings--there was something overbearing about being faced with so many Aljai, and the females seemed to be aware of the effect they had on him--and then to consider the request.
"I do not believe I know anything more than you," he spoke slowly, his rough voice careful and deliberate. "I have been informed by the Tsenkhai that somehow, Kaarad-El remembers my previous role as Tsuven Tsenkhai. I do not know how this is possible. I do not believe the Tsenkhai know, either."
Alaqu bent over to whisper to Albei, the elder female nodding in response to whatever information she seemed to receive.
"I had been speaking with the other Aljai..." Albei gestured to the other females gathered around in a semi-circle inside the yurt. "...in order to determine if there has been precedence for this situation, and if not, what precedence we should establish."
The look Kasrjin gave her was notably confused. "I request clarification," he said in bewilderment.
Alaqu folded her arms within the sleeves of her robe. "As it stands, we are unable to consult with Kaarad-El's memories during the Communion, but even we understand how...uncommon...it is for one who has the capabilities of a Tsenkhai to be transferred to another role. Ordinarily, you would be considered as Khadai and nothing else, and therefore be under the jurisdiction of your korum and subsequently, your korum's Aljai." The crimson-haired female began to pace somewhat, though stopped as the limited availability of the yurt's floor space did not provide adequate room. "However, the fact that Kaarad-El not only remembers Tsuven Tsenkhai, but remembers that Kasrjin Khadai was previously Tsuven Tsenkhai provides a difficult dilemma for us, for now the Tsenkhai believe they possess grounds to collect you."
"We do not disagree, yet nor do we agree," Albei's statement was punctuated with a tapping of the walking stick on the dirt beneath her feet. "If we acknowledge Kasrjin Khadai as Tsuven Tsenkhai, then we have effectively nullified and denied his existence as a Khadai, from the day of his transfer until now. However, if we do not acknowledge Kasrjin Khadai as a Tsenkhai, then it is possible that we will be interfering with the operation of Kaarad-El, and put far more at risk than is necessary."
Kasrjin pursed his lips, an expression of contemplation curling the features of his face. "I have undergone the Forfeiture. It should not be possible for me to be considered Tsenkhai if I am no longer able to use a link."
Alaqu uncrossed and crossed her arms, practically fidgeting with the constant changes to her posture. "Yet you yourself, in addition to that Tsenkhai, have said that you received a character of the Correspondence. Your link to Kaarad-El is still active, or at the least it is present, if dormant. We possess no precedence for this."
"Tsuven--that is, my transition to become Khadai was formalised by the shift in name and role. Under the premises of the system, am I not to be considered as such?" Kasrjin asked quizzically. Such discussion was, although not beyond his comprehension, certainly outside of his typical capacity and made him rather uncomfortable.
Albei inhaled before letting out an introspective sigh, the elderly Xaela adjusting her position on the stool. "The Tsenkhai govern all that is associated with Kaarad-El. Your link is still active, and regardless of extenuating circumstances you have received a character of the Correspondence that you are required to forfeit. I believe it to be best to turn the Khadai over--"
"You will not do so!" a forceful, feminine voice practically shouted from outside the yurt. Storming into the yurt was another female Xaela, unkempt black dreadlocks matted with snow, her azure robes lined with white fur in disorder. She was breathing rather heavily, and as soon as she had flipped the flap open and practically careened into Kasrjin's back, she placed her hands on her knees to catch her breath as if she'd been running across the valley.
Albei's mouth wrinkled into a frown. "What is the meaning of this interference, Tsenkhai?"
Tsanai paused before answering, allowing her pants to slow to a manageable level. "He is to be released into my discretion. He belongs to me." Albei's sharp glare was met with a forceful look of Tsanai's own, a silent clash of wills. "I am Tsenkhai. You may consider this a surrender."
The elderly Xaela's frown deepened into a scowl. "Why do you attempt to disrupt the process? He is to be taken to--"
"You step outside of your role, Aljai." The interruption was quiet but abruptly halted Albei's protest in its tracks, Tsanai's tone muted with a reservation of tranquil fury. "Tsuven is mine. As he still possesses the capabilities of an adjutant to Kaarad-El, he is to be released to me. Resist my demand and you resist the structure of the system you claim to have such respect for."
Kasrjin could do naught but shuffle awkwardly to the side. To her credit, Alaqu shot him a sympathetic glance. Lightning practically crackled between the elderly Aljai and the younger Tsenkhai, though the former eventually relented with a nod of her head and another sigh. A tired yet satisfied expression crossed itself across Tsanai's face. An idle gesture with her hand indicated for the taller warrior to step outside.
The pair walked away from the Aljai's yurt in silence for a time before the Tsenkhai practically whipped around, her arms crossed. It was a familiar stance, and Kasrjin reflexively stiffened upon seeing it.
"Do you remember...the plans we had made several seasons past? We must needs be prepared for that." Tsanai was noticeably quieter; were she tall enough, she would have surely attempted to speak closer to his horns.
Kasrjin nodded his head. "Then...?"
"I have other individuals to gather. The old amphitheatre on the west side of the valley is where we will gather, and discuss travelling to the western continent."
