Adventure #3: Temple of Toma Thule
The embrace was long, hard, and comforting. Ciani wanted to stay in the warmth of that embrace for an eternity, but knew deep down it was not to last. The two of them separated and let out small, embarrassed laughs as they both realized they were wiping tears from their eyes.
“Be safe and may Desna guide you my dearest one.”
Ciani smiled a heartfelt smile in response. “I will Medoni, I most certainly will. I have had the most relaxing time here, and I thank you. Every time I come back; I am renewed with your spirit.”
“Well, come back with joyful news of discovery and wonder next time.” The Medoni smiled a knowing smile which Ciani interpreted with astute acknowledgement.
“I will Medoni.” Ciani held her head just a bit lower revealing the truth of what she had been through and the baggage she had brought back with her to the door of her mentor. The three “Vault” experiences had worn her psyche down and she had found herself falling into the arms of her mentor for support and guidance. The past six months had been a time of deep, inner, personal reflection that had brought her back from the precipice of abandonment to the very ideals and philosophies that she had always grown up with, that she had been taught, that she had sworn to be a disciple of. She owed her upbringing and now rebirth to the dearest one in all creation; her mentor. “Thank you for everything.”
“My pleasure dear, now go. They await you at the gate.”
Ciani picked up her things and headed towards the gate. Three floating platforms followed her laden with her extra essentials and extra supplies for the ship. The Gate Controller, Raiyiri, held up a hand indicating for Ciani to stay where she was. Raiyiri fiddled with the controls and the stones embedded in the archway that created the “elf gate” began to glow.
The Aiudara is a wonderful device of magic and technology, and what Ciani loved most about this one particular aiudara gate here in the Qabarat Gateway District was hearing the splendor of singing that actually activated this gate. Ciani closed her eyes and felt the beautiful melody engulf the area as the doors to the archway shimmered and began to open. She opened her eyes and nodded to Raiyiri and slowly walked towards the beckoning gateway. Starhawk, here I come.
The Medoni smiled but held her concerns to herself as she watched her star pupil vanish through the portal along with three palates of supplies. She is still so young and naïve, she thought to herself. May Desna guide her towards maturity.
In the blink of an eye, Ciani stepped away from the aiudara gate and found herself in what had to be a cargo bay of the Kevolari vessel, Starhawk. After introductions, and the explanation of where her essentials might be going, she was led to the bridge. She still had no idea where her stuff would be or whom she might be bunking, which worried her as she entered through the hatch and into the area known as the bridge. She made her introductions with protocol and grace, her training ever apparent as she greeted them all.
Ciani inquired as to where most of the crew was and was informed they were on the surface of the planet. Well I might as well introduce myself. She was handed a comm for her personal use, although she could have talked through any of the devices on the ship. Ciani took a big breath, swallowed hard and began to speak to the away team below. You can do this, she encouraged herself. You have guided those around you in tactical starship battles, you have survived the games on Eox, and have come face to face with your own fears deep in the shafts of the Vault. You can do this. You are a Wayfinder.
“Away team. This is Ciani Keiss, newly arrived and newly appointed Ambassador to the crew of the Starhawk.” Her voice cracked just a bit, but she continued on. “I greet you with open palms. Tell me of your findings, and advise me on how can I help with your mission.”