Journey Through the Soul Window - The Caregivers: Part 2

Journey Through the Soul Window
The Caregivers: Part 2

“So, this means you and your people get to see what is happening in our heads?”

   Cailu had managed to convince the others to follow him as they headed closer to the magical pools in this cosmic Caregivers’ cavern. The veiled Haedians were patiently waiting by simply sitting or standing around the mystical pools, snouts pointed at the visitors from the Above following Cailu.

“Correct. That way we’ll know if your souls are as pure as your intentions you’ve demonstrated so far. I heard of your adventures with the Tranquil and how glad they were to have hosted you. And given how the Oracle accepted you, I’m more than certain that you’ll be absolutely fine and safe.”

   Abrenna hummed thoughtfully to Cailu’s reassurances. She and the other two Vayrons had started to trust him over the few days they journeyed here, but it still wasn’t easy to fully relax when being surrounded by strangers. Plus, the thought of them having a live feed of what’s happening in their heads as they’re floating… Needless to say, neither of them was sure if they’re ready for it.

   One of the veiled figures stood out from the others, as they had a more flashing costume with countless gems adorning it, indicating their superiority. The topsiders could sense their powerful presence and the respect the rest of the Reoseans in this chamber held for them. This made them all slightly uneasy, but the vibe they all gave off was welcoming and caring, so there was nothing to be afraid of. The leading figure stepped forward to greet the newcomers, speaking with a pleasant feminine voice.

“Welcome, topsiders. I am the Governess, second in command after the Matriarch.”

   Cailu introduced Abrenanna, Heldanau and Orvillos to the Governess, each of them giving her a deep respectful bow as their names were mentioned. The figure of authority seemed thoughtful as she was examining the outsiders standing before her.

“I sense the tension in you… would you like me to help you alleviate it? This little tincture will ease your mind for the upcoming journey.”

   She pulled out a vial with slightly bluish liquid in it, offering it to her guests. When the three of them looked at Cailu, he gave them a nod, indicating that accepting the help was perfectly fine. Orvi was the first to reach out for it, taking a sip out of the strong-smelling herbal mixture before he passed it on to Helda. After Orvi and Helda had received their share, Abreanna finished it up as there was just enough left for her, and with that, the empty vial found its way back to the Governess's pocket. As promised, this unknown potion erased the sense of worry and anxiety in the trio of topsiders, both thanks to the concoction and the Caregivers’ motherly presence. It didn’t make them doozy or disconnect from reality, just pleasantly calm, which meant they were ready to begin, which Cailu’s confident smile confirmed.

   The idea of reliving a memory in its full glory suddenly seemed inviting for Abreanna. She was already focusing on the positive memories and the strong sensation of happiness they carried with them as she was waddling towards a pool. She touched the water-like stuff in it - it felt like normal water, just at the temperature she’d like it to be. Helda and Orvi followed her example and approached another pool together. Getting over the initial chills from water wetting his fur, Orvi confidently walked in and softly pushed off the bottom to float, enjoying the weightless feeling. Helda was the last to immerse her body, but she rolled on her back before pushing off towards the center of this magical spring, keeping her eyes on the glistening ceiling. Abreanna and Orvi also rolled on their backs, letting the copy of a starry night sky lower them down in a relaxing meditation as they all closed their eyes. The arcane substance around them became alive, gently tugging at their minds to establish the connection. Cailu was happy to see how his new friends were doing so well, and together with the Governess and the rest of the handmaiden, he kept an eye on both of the pools to see what the topsiders were going to present about themselves.

*** Heldanau and Orvillos ***

   The Pullers felt calm and secure, especially because they had each other right next to them. The gentle embrace of the water around them wrapped them in a sense of tranquility before their consciousnesses started to sink down somewhere, as the Caregivers’ magic started to work. They ascended through the flashes of their memories as the magic and their subconscious navigated towards something. Since Orvi and Helda shared many happy memories together, their journeys entwined, taking them to a shared memory of how they met.

   Orvillos was soaking wet from the rain that had been pouring for several days straight. Where he came from or where he was going, he didn’t know. Why didn’t he have a coat on? Or why was he carrying one rugged satchel with him and nothing else? He couldn’t remember, all he knew was that he was muddy, wet and chilly.

   At the same time, Helda was sitting under a large tree, which formed the perfect protective umbrella above her as the branches had so densely entwined. She watched the rain pour and hoped it would have a less intense phase soon enough. She was heading back to her village as she had business to the neighboring one, even in a weather like this she took on the journey.

   She noticed movement. It happened to be the soggy Orvillos, head lowered and gait indicating his exhaustion. Helda released a coarse huff to greet him, to which he raised his head, looking at her with a weary gaze. She indicated for him to join her, which he did without a great enthusiasm.

“Hi stranger! I’m Heldanau, what brings you to these parts of Warrenfall?”

   Orvi didn’t respond as sitting down made him realize how worn out he was, so he plopped on the ground. Helda’s smile was wiped as it was replaced with concern when she leaned over him.

“Oh dear, you’re at your limits. Please allow me to help you.”

   With the help of her magic, she dried Orvi’s coat so he could keep the what little body heat he had left. She also removed the chunks of mud from his limbs, revealing he had all his toes, paw pads and nails still intact. Feeling someone take such instant care of him even though they just met warmed Orvi’s heart, and life started to pour back into him. He felt comfortable around her, or maybe he was just too tired to feel much of anything.

“Hi, I’m Orvillos. Thank you for helping me.”

   He uttered with a weak smile, to which Helda responded with a beaming smile. She sat down, legs crossed and lifted Orvi’s head with a part of his upper body on her lap to help him eat and drink even a little of the rations she had with him. Why she was so generously aiding him, she didn’t know, but both knew from that moment on that the seed of a strong bond between them had been planted in this exact moment.

*** Abreanna ***

   The albino Empyrian showed no resistance when she sank down in the depths of herself. She knew she was safe and thanks to that, felt entirely secure. Joyful memories were flashing by, until her mind stopped at one she held very close to her heart.

   It was a nice warm sunny day as she was in Warrenfall, together with her brothers Rhagran and Thuryves. They were still pups, but as she was the youngest she was forced to watch from the ground how her siblings were practicing flight. Thurr was the eldest, so he already managed to fly in the direction he wanted to while Rha managed to stay up in the air but occasionally had trouble with coordination, which made him crash into nearby trees a couple times. Thanks to his fluff, the branches couldn’t scratch him so Abre and Thurr got to giggle over Rha’s comical poses as he attempted to free himself from the tree’s clingy embrace.

   Abreanna sat in the shade and dreamed of flying among her brothers. Seeing how much fun they were having awakened the desire in her to actually join them. She spread her wings, flapping them to get the feel of her strength. She tried to lift herself off the ground but couldn’t get there, so she took a moment to rest and try again. This caught the attention of Rha and Thurr, so they glided down to her to watch what the baby sis was doing.

“Try climbing on that rock and jump from there first, you need to get the feel of it.”

   Thurr instructed her and pointed towards a mossy rock resting under the trees, which had a nice descending slope next to it. The forest floor was also covered in soft moss and grass, so Abreanna should be perfectly safe practicing there. The three siblings climbed the rock, and Rha demonstrated how to push off and glide. Of course Abreanna didn’t succeed for the first few times, but the support and encouragement she received from the brothers made her swallow her tears and try again and again, until she managed to glide some distance. Thurr and Rha cheered loudly and energetically chanted for her to do more, which she obviously did. From this point, it didn’t take long when all three of them competed on who could glide the farthest. One round Abreanna got lucky and went past her brothers, she could hear them gasp of surprise and cheerfully jump up and down till she landed, turning to look at them with the biggest smile possible that could barely fit across her tiny snout.