The Magician's Dialogue~ Week Two

Líros, 7th of Tàlniévis, 1306*

It is worse than I could have ever imagined. I am, in fact, lucky to be alive. To even exist now. I met the Psychomancer. I cannot remember her name. Loki? Lokali**? My head is spinning.

She gave me two possibilities. It was the only two she could conceive of. Either a powerful mage used magic to suppress the memory of my name or someone used magic to cut it out. But the landscape of the mind is tangled like an overgrown forest. Memories nest inside memories, and for such an integral part of my psyche as my name to be taken. Well, the fact I am not comatose is certainly proof, in her eyes, that I must be the victim of memory suppression.

This came as something of a surprise to the queen, who began asking if there was now a mage who rivaled Lokali in skill. Any hooligan can rip a memory out, especially if they care not for what happens to the victim. But apparently it takes considerable skill to push a memory down a subconscious until it is inaccessible. They quickly put that issue aside and focused on me again. But this is where everything went wrong.

She told me she was first going to locate the suppressed memory within my deep subconscious. That I would feel a pulsing energy traveling like a wave through my skull. I tried to relax, but the psychomancer's scream didn't allow me.

I remember her panicking. It took a full minute for her to calm down. When she was finally ready, she revealed to us that my name has indeed been cut out from my mind. At the time I was more than a little tense, seeing as I could have been in a vegetative state. But it gets worse. She called it clean. Surgical. Memory removal should be more akin to ripping something out of me, anything connected to it, gets ripped right along with it. And since it's my name, my very identity, that anything is everything. But no. My name, and only my name, was taken.

They tell me this kind of precision is not possible for a “mortal being”. I learn something new. There are spirits, too. Elves, as weird as they are, are very much like humans. Except for their pointed ears, diverse, flashy eye colors, (the queen has this very entrancing purple hue) and, of course, magic, elves are just like people. Or, humans, rather. But these spirits. Not bound by natural laws, like the need to feed, or sleep, or seek shelter from the elements. Completely alien. Something I may never understand.

In the morning, hopefully, the queen will inform me on what steps I can take next. I don't like my chances, not against something I didn't even think could exist just a day ago. Something one might even call a god. Do they have those too? I wonder.

I must remain strong.

Signed, ...

* Dates have been respelled for clarity.

** She refers to the former Head Psychomancer of the Ever-Meadows Royal Court, Lócálí roí Choéfímtùrcà.

Líralh, 8th of Tàlniévis, 1306

Do you ever get that feeling that something changed for you, in a way you did not know was possible? I do not know with whom I am even speaking. But this place, these circumstances, it feels nice to write it down. Something strange happened after I went to bed last night.

It was late, the castle was dark, and I needed to use the restroom. But the palace is so huge, I was sure I could not find it. Why were there no maids on duty late at night? Surely the royals of the castle required it. If I was a queen I certainly would want to be attended to every hour of the day and the night.

I found something. It tugged me. I felt a weight on me, yet helplessly vacant. I powered through. I was wrong before, there were maids on duty. One of them kindly showed me to a restroom. But to get back to my room...

I could not bring myself to turn that corner. I could already feel it pull me apart. How did I not see how empty I was? This has to be a trick. Some sort of enchantment upon me. If it wanted me to touch it, it had to be a trap, I thought.

I stepped lightly down the hall where a plain sword hung upon the wall. Upon its pommel was the head of a hummingbird, its crossguard that of wings. I had stopped suddenly. I do not remember doing so. I am staring at the sword, am I really going to-?

She startled me, the queen. She was there, suddenly, in what appears to be a silk nightgown. It suits her, honestly.

I was confused. The enchantment, surely it must ensnare her as well? No, apparently there is no enchantment. Not on me, anyway. The sword is magic (naturally). And is in fact unnoticeable by almost everyone who comes across it. Except those who the sword favors. Me.

The sword chose me. The queen very kindly explained that this was a questing sword, with several key magical properties. One of which was that only the chosen could perceive of it as a thing to be wanted. It repels everyone else. Except me.

She told me to go on, to take it. Her voice was like that maple tea. What am I writing? This is no time for that sort of thing.

She told me, and I did. I felt its hilt on my fingertips. Electric, but filling. I did not know I could be this. Complete. It scared me. It still scares me.

Overwhelmed, I flinched away, but the emptiness, the vacuum sucked me back and I grabbed the hilt with my hand and lifted it off its mount. Ah, exhilarating.

I returned it to the wall. The emptiness did not return. She says I have accepted it, and it has accepted me. A scabbard shall be made to my measurements, and be ready by morning tomorrow. That's tomorrow from when I am writing this, not the night this happened, mind you. Oh, who even-!

It's still on the wall down the hall from my room. But I still feel it with me. It is mine.

A maid interrupted me while I was writing. Apparently breakfast is served, and the queen wishes to dine with me, and to discuss a plan of action. I am certain I will have a lot to write about this evening, and I already wrote so much! Maybe journaling was a bad idea?

It's evening now. They serve me a “root and vine tea” this time*. Breakfast was so long ago now. Queen Kalye and Lokali were there. There were many faces besides, but I was never introduced. The food was a mix of seafood and fresh vegetables. Many of them, their taste indistinguishable from watercress, or cabbage. I prefer meat, like a good, simple cut of deer meat. But at least they have fish. I could not tell at first if the flowers were a garnish, or food, but I saw some others eating them, so I did the same.

I am, of course, stalling. This journey is going to be a lot longer than I anticipated. I am starting to miss my family. There is something I did not mention earlier, in this diary. I called my mother, the day I discovered I lost my name. I had not called her in months. She said she did not recognize me. Told me she had no daughter. At first, I thought she was just playing a cruel joke! Of course, it is me, the estranged daughter. But no, she truly did not remember me. And this turned out to actually be a crucial piece of information.

A spirit was obviously behind this attack. That much is clear to everyone. But apparently there are different kinds of spirits. Three, precisely. Demons, Angels, and Titans. These names, which are foreign to me, come from the Greeks all the way in Astartia. At least that's recognizable to any humans reading this. Which, you know it is very rude to read a girl's diary. Ah, but jokes aside.

Their first thought was it to be a demon who did this. They are apparently the weakest of the three, but most numerous, and love to cause mischief and strife upon humans and the fae-folk. I also learn that elves are not the only magical race in the world, or on this island.

Angels mostly keep to themselves. But, remember that piece of information? How my mother forgot me my name. No, that was right. She forgot me.

Lokali looked into it and discovered the only way demons could have pulled that off, is if it was a conspiracy of them all attacking me. In a coordinated attack, they took my name from me, all of my documents, and the memory of me from everyone who ever knew me.

But demons organized like that do not go unnoticed, or so the queen says. That leaves only one option, they tell me. A titan. The rarest, and most powerful spirit of them all, save for the gods themselves (so I was right!).

Little is known about the titans that live now, except there are seven- always seven- and each is connected to a concept. There are records from centuries ago of a titan connected to Names. That must be it. But no one knows where he lives.

However, we do have a lead. A titan has been known to frequent the city of the Nymphs, Mayfly. Demons have been known to work with mortals, for a price, and angels simply do not care what happens to us, so the angel would be no help in seeking a titan. Demons, being so much weaker, steer clear of titans. The demon is out, too. The only way to get help with a titan, is to ask for a titan's help.

I asked the obvious question. What if it's the titan which attacked me? Apparently, the Titan of Names is known to be quite anti-social, while this titan in Mayfly, um, frequents taverns. I do not believe this makes him safe, or trustworthy. But what other choice do I have?

Queen Kalyi brings up something else I did not expect. The sword. Its name and title, The Hummingbird's Consuming Blade, The Shaikao**. The “sh” is sort of like a sound you find in Nahuatl words, but different. Anyway, the word “consuming” interested me. The sword has, apparently, a very, let us say peculiar ability. When it cuts into the flesh of a living thing, it absorbs the life energy of that thing, and with it produces new steel for the blade. The blade itself is life energy, just solid. And sharp. I can even expend existing blade metal in a burst of energy, a forceful shockwave that burns my foes. I do not even have foes! (I guess except for the titan) To have in my possession such a special sword, it almost feels like destiny.

I also wondered about the “hummingbird” part. I turn to Witzil, who, as you may recall, person who is sticking their nose into a woman's private journal, is a hummingbird. He says it is historically connected to his people, but did not elaborate. Eh, good enough for me.

That is when I started to feel guilty. A powerful mage, who certainly has more important things to do than worry about me, a stranger, and a queen, who definitely has better things to do, are giving me all this aid. And had, even by this point, asked for nothing in return. They are even giving me a sword, a powerful magical- and apparently historical- artifact, for free! Nothing comes free where I live. I could not stand to take any more of their hospitality unearned. I ask if there was any way to repay them. The queen then tells me something odd.

Witzil, she says. If I had come alone, I would have had to sign a kind of contract. Become something called a “Flower Witch”, and perform martial duties on behalf of the queen. Only until working off my debt would she “grant my wish”. Honestly, that sounds like it could be a bit of fun! But because I am with Witzil, this is a matter of international politics. The Ever-Meadows and Witzil's home country of Lilyfire are allies. Politics bore me, however, so I did not press further. Strange, though. What was an important figure such as him doing on Chalchiuhtlicuetlan- so far from his home on the island? Is there something he wanted with me?

So my feelings of owing them... continue. I cannot even tip the maids who bring me teas and pastries. Any coin I had on me from home is useless here.

The pastries are delicious. I've written enough for tonight. Preparations were made all day and will go all night or so. I set off for Mayfly tomorrow.

Signed, ...

* There is no debate on which tea this is.

** Na Seáicáu is the proper spelling, of this particular historical item.

Lírin, 9th of Tàlniévis, 1306

I am apparently to have an armed escort to the city of Mayfly. I feel both important, and wildly undeserving. They have done so much for me, I cannot believe it. This whole time, I have been called “Lady” and “Miss”, and other such polite terms. But the escort is a group of three male elves, so it would probably be a good idea to give myself a placeholder name. A moniker, if you will. I am not very imaginative, so this was a bit hard for me. Witzil came up with “Jade”. Since I am from “the Land of the Goddess with the Jade Skirt”*. Hmm. It's fine. At least I have something to sign my entries with now, until I get my true name back. I am eating lunch right now. After, we start moving on.

The men of the escort are... fine. Two of them are obvious military men. Broad shoulders, but with gentle eyes, and their hands too. I feel very safe with them. One of them is not too noticeably fit, but I was standing beside him, and he had a- well a sort of. Ah I don't know!

The third escort was very not like them. He seemed to have very little body strength. He is a mage, apparently. I sort of zoned out when they trotted out his overly long title. Apologies, person who is snooping upon my personal life, I do not remember any of their names.

I am trying not to feel extra special, surrounded by, well, men with the bodies of thunderers**. On the other hand, there is something electric about the touch of a woman as well- especially a powerful woman like the queen. My escort, I feel their strength, but its in a way that is comforting. Oh, but the queen- I feel like I just want to let her- But I cannot think about such things! I wonder if I would have time to myself after I finish eating.

This is embarrassing. I hope nobody is reading this!

Well, I am done... eating. Time to get going. The trip is going to take some time. My entries will have to be shorter than this, as I will only have the light of campfires to write beside.

Quick update! We've made camp for the night. Queen Kalli DID in fact see me off! She had this, absolutely wicked smile on her face. Like. Like she knew. She kissed my cheek, which I'm sure was burning red. Okay! That's it! I hope the other four are far enough away to not hear me giggle like an idiot while I wrote that. I will try to get some sleep.

Signed, Jade

* This is the meaning behind the name of the human nation of Chalchiuhtlicuetlan. Please refer to the “Human History and Politics” subject area for more information.

** References Haudenosaunee mythical figures. Please refer to the Foreign Cultures subject area for more information.

Lírem, 10th of Tàlniévis, 1306

First full day on our journey, things have gone well. The leader of our little entourage, whose name is Moskaru*, or something, told me repeatedly to put my sword away. I feel like a kid. Like a bratty kid. It is strange. I just like holding it in my hands. Do you understand? Eventually he was so fed up he offered me swordplay lessons. I agreed enthusiastically! But oh, dear Diary he is kind of annoying. Sure, he is pleasant to look at, but I know for sure I would not want anything more than a night with him. And with minimal communication. I still do not have a good grasp of the other two's names, I am afraid. It is difficult though, as I do not want to get overly chummy with them. I have a mission, and they have a job to do. We'll keep it professional.

Signed, Jade

* No Historical Data Available on this individual.

Líratá, 11th of Tàlniévis, 1306

Keeping everything professional is not something we are doing, apparently. I am also guilty of this, I had so much fun! Especially with my swordplay lessons! Moska (that is my nickname for him) said I was picking up on things very quickly! Perhaps he was only being nice. Or, flirting? It is sweet. I hope I will not have to turn him down. Oh, ah, the other one's name is Yufeero*. Or, something. I have seen their language's writing and it is weird.

I had a- I had something of a conversation with Yufeero. It started out pleasant, but turned when I suggested a nickname for him, Yufi. He said it sounded like a girl's name. I don't know, I thought it sounded cute. Ah, perhaps that was the problem. He suggested “Yufo” as an alternative. It's no Yufi, but it will do. Yufo is charming. Were circumstances different, if he wanted to get to know me better, I think I would take him up on that!

Can't think of anything else to write, and everyone's gone to sleep.

Signed, Jade

* No Historical Data Available on this individual.

Líris, 12th of Tàlniévis, 1306

My days on this journey are typically: breakfast in the morning, after getting up at the crack of dawn. Using the cool early mornings for most of our travel. Midday is just too hot to do anything, travel, or practice sword fighting. My sword lessons happen in the early evening. The mage, who I have not spoken to for more than good mornings and nights, asked if this was delaying us too much, stopping early for training. Yufo chimed in and said the time difference was probably negligible, and it was a good thing I was learning how to use my sword! Getting started early will really help me down the line! I feel like he's right. The mage didn't push any further. He also looked like he wanted to say something to me, but stopped.

Hey. Hey wait a minute! It's HOT. What on earth? It's like, the middle of Ochpaniztli. Or, I do not think it is Teotleco yet. Is it??

We're very north of my home why isn't it cold!! I'm asking Witz or someone about this tomorrow!

Signed, Jade