Conversation Space II.

[powersthatbe]

As Thorne shared with the network, Travelers who vanish find themselves alone in a small room. But it doesn’t look quite as described last time. Paper lanterns hang in the corners, and a lemniscate of live, spicily scented blue roses traces a figure eight on the floor. A little marble plinth sits beside the looping roses, with a champagne flute balanced on it, pink, fizzy liquid quietly effervescing within. In place of the throne that was there before, each half of the loop holds a brown leather sphere - a yoga meditation-ball chair. They’re a little tricky to balance on.


The walls, floors, and ceiling are tiled, a prismatic fade from one color to another, each tile unique, just slightly different in hue than those around it, each colored line giving a sense that it belongs to a bigger pattern, but never revealing enough to allow anyone certainty about what that pattern might be. It is only a glimpse of a larger world… in this small, quiet space.

Comments

[callmemeibe]

"Do you like the roses? I made them." A calm woman's voice speaks to Gabrielle, fond yet proud. Turning, Gabrielle could see a woman sitting atop one of the meditation balls, carefully balancing. Her lowest right hand (of eight) holds a large spear, though it rests at ease in her hand, not ready to be used.

"You must have questions, yes?"

[battling_bard]

Gabrielle lets herself take in the woman's appearance before replying. Was the woman a god? One that Gabrielle had never heard of? The arms and the creation of the roses seemed to suggest that she is.

"I have many questions," Gabrielle says finally. "Who are you and what is this place? And why have I been brought here?"

[callmemeibe]

She holds herself proudly, to be sure, so it might be easy to mistake her for a goddess of some sort.

"I am called Durga, the Eighth Arcana... Strength." She pauses, rising from the meditation ball as she approaches Gabrielle.

"We're still in Liminal Space. A quiet corner." Durga slowly looks Gabrielle up and down, nodding. "I would like to make you my Chosen."

[battling_bard]

Gabrielle had so many questions, she hardly knew where to start. "What does that mean, being your chosen? And what exactly is an Arcana? And why is ... just why? There's so much I don't understand yet."

[callmemeibe]

"You are representing me in Phase Three," she answers simply, pondering Gabrielle's question for a moment longer, twirling her spear among her right hands. "We are compatible in spirit, you and I. Compassionate, yet disciplined and persevering. Thoughtful before charging headlong. A strong arm - and strong heart. That's why I would have you represent me."

The question as to the Arcana remains unanswered.

[battling_bard]

Gabrielle could take a hint, even if she didn't like it, and moved on for the unanswered questions. "And what exactly is required to represent you?" She can't quite explain it, but she also feels a connection to Durga. It reminds her of what she felt when she met Xena for the first time.

[callmemeibe]

"Only that you represent my traits. As I said before: compassion, discipline, inner strength. Do this, and I know we will succeed. Winning the tournament between us Arcana is essential. It will ensure no one else is lost. I would also safeguard your journeys home."

[battling_bard]

It all sounded good, until the mention of home. "What happens to people who don't have a home to go back to?" Gabrielle can't imagine that Durga doesn't know that she died in her own world.

[callmemeibe]

She pauses, seeming confused. "Your home still exists; you may still return. I'm afraid I do not understand your question."

[battling_bard]

Or perhaps she is.

"I know my world is still there but right before I came here, I died. Or, at least, I thought I did."

[callmemeibe]

"... usually futures are not shared. But I will share this one. You will not remain so, Gabrielle. You will return home to complete your journey."