[Caregivers] Prompt 1

The pair of vayrons followed the haedian who saved them from Shira as they ventured to another location. This haedian, Cailu introduced as the Governess, wasn’t speaking. It was Cailu who explained where they were going. Garmr and Herja were suspicious, but nevertheless grateful for the assistance.

Alowyn, as always, was cheerful, and chattering about their journey so far to bring The Governess up to speed. The haedian didn’t provide any indication that she was listening, but Alowyn powered through. By the time Alowyn reached the end of her tale, The Governess had brought them to another group of female haedians all adorned in veils and crystals. 

“These are the Handmaids,” Cailu explained, “They take care of the Matriarch.”

Herja had trouble accepting what she saw. From her perspective, it looked more like a cult and these haedians were brainwashed. She remained silent, but the thoughts were running wild in her head. 

“They’ll have one more task for you,” Cailu continued, “Once you pass it, you’ll be able to meet the Matriarch.”

“Let’s get it over with,” Garmr grunted. 

“Polite as always,” Alowyn muttered under her breath as the Handmaids directed them further into their domain. 

The potential of a fight between Herja’s two travel companions brought her out of her mind. However, Garmr either didn’t hear Alowyn, or chose not to respond, but either way, Herja was grateful not to have to deal with their bickering. She looked around them to see the assortment of crystals that surrounded the walls.

The group watched as they walked further into the Caregivers territory and the walls went from completely rock to completely crystal. These crystal walls were mostly smooth and each of the reoseans could see their reflections in the walls as they walked. Until finally, they reached a cavern that had crystals surrounding an equally clear and reflective pool of water. 

“Here,” A disembodied voice said, “You’ll begin the next task.”

Another voice continued, “Enter the water and float.”

A third disembodied voice finished, “Reflect on your past actions.”

Silence followed as Herja, Garmr, and Alowyn stared at the Handmaids, expecting more. However, when the group of Haedians didn’t speak, Herja gave them a weird look. 

“Is that all?” Herja asked. 

There was no answer, but the three companions were thrown off by the statue-like stillness the Handmaids stood in. 

“That’s rather vague,” Herja tried again, “How far back do our ‘past actions’ include?”

Again, no answer came. 

“Answer her!” Garmr raged in the face of one of the Handmaids. 

However, like before, their stillness remained and no answer came. 

“Guys, enough,” Alowyn said calmly, “Let’s just get in the water. Maybe the answer will come to us?”

Herja exhaled and nodded. While Garmr growled ready to put up a fight at what he perceived as disrespect to his partner. 

“Garmr,” Herja called, “We’re nearly there. Like you said, let’s get it over with.”

Alowyn, Herja, and Garmr stood next to each other at the edge of the pool with their reflections looking back up at them. 

Alowyn stepped in first, with a calm step, she carefully moved deeper into the water. Immediately, she sank her whole body into the pool with her eyes closed. The water was the perfect temperature. She settled on her back and floated letting a peaceful calm surround her. 

Garmr was next. When he put one foot in the water he was surprised. The water was nearly scalding hot. He looked at Alowyn laying on her back in bliss. He looked at Herja confused. 

“Step in the water,” Garmr said, “Is it hot?”

Herja stepped into the swallow pool and was surprised at how hot the water was. She looked at Garmr, nodded, and then glanced at Alowyn. 

“How is she…?” Garmr started to say. 

“Alowyn,” Herja called, “Isn’t the water too hot?”

Alowyn opened her eyes to stare at the ceiling. She didn’t move out of her position as she sighed and shook her head. 

“The water is perfect,” Alowyn said dreamily. 

Herja and Garmr glanced at each other once more. 

“It must be magic,” Herja said. 

Garmr nodded, there wasn’t any other idea he could think of that would allow them all to feel a different temperature in the water. Garmr stepped out of the water while Herja stepped further into the water until her whole body was submerged. 

“Why do you ask?” Alowyn eventually said. 

“Because to Garmr and I the water is scalding hot,” Herja said. 

Alowyn sat up briefly to look at Herja before she shrugged and settled back in her floating position. 

“Come on Garmr,” Herja called when she realized he wasn’t with her. 

Garmr grunted from the shore and watched as Herja and Alowyn both relaxed in the still water. He stepped off the edge and moved further into the pool until he was near Herja. 

“What now?” He asked. 

[812]