Amdirlain’s PoV - Enoshima shrine

  The Dragon that had formed from the sea water drew back, his long body sinking into the cove until his topaz eyes were level with the top of the shrine. A calm stillness settled over the place, a sea hawk swooped down and perched on the Dragon’s crest. The wind off the bay eased, and the emas stopped clattering against their rack.

  “Excuse me for any inconvenience, Lord Ryujin. There are visitors seeking entry into the East Wind’s Court.” The Priest who had been guiding them smoothly knelt and kowtowed.

  Ryujin minutely dipped his chin at the announcement but didn’t shift his attention from Amdirlain.

  I’m sure Cyrus knows what he’s doing, so the introductions are in his hands.

  As Master Cyrus stepped forward, Amdirlain didn’t lower her gaze.

  “Good afternoon, Lord Ryujin. Long time no see. It’s an honour that you would come yourself.”

  “Good afternoon, Master Cyrus. I heard of your approach and decided it was fitting to meet you myself.”

  “You honour us, Lord Ryujin, guardian of the eastern ocean and warden of the East Wind’s Court. Would you have time for me to introduce those I travel with from Wudang Mountain?”

  Ryujin nodded.

  Master Cyrus motioned between them with a sweeping gesture as his introduction began.

  “First, I’d like you to meet Lady Am, one of the Titan’s world creators in this life and others.”

  The wording feels weird to me, but Cyrus said it will set a tone that shows a readiness to establish good relations.

  “It’s an honour to meet you, Lord Ryujin,” Amdirlain stated. “I’ve come to consult with the healing sages about their techniques for tending scarred souls. The others have their own reasons, but we look forward to seeing the beauty of the East Wind’s Court. Please take care of us.”

  With her piece said, Amdirlain gave a shallow bow between equals that precisely met Cyrus’s instructions; the soft rasp of her silks felt loud in the moment of formality.

  Ryujin’s gaze narrowed slightly, and Amdirlain could feel the pressure on her concealments, but they slipped the force away without buckling.

  “Likewise, Lady Am. News of your accomplishments precede you, and I believe there are a number within the court that would wish to host such a conversation with you.”

  Cyrus motioned to Sarah with the same elaborate gesture.

  “Lady Sarah Shindraithra, Dragon Sage, daughter of Aitherlar the Eternal, Mother of the Diamond Dragon species of Mechanus, and Lady Am’s wife.”

  Ryujin’s serene composure went still with strain.

  ‘The next introduction you get to be called mine,’ projected Sarah.

  ‘I already am. Did you like how Cyrus used the common part of your various Dragon names as your surname?’

  ‘That and he is freaking out about mum.’

  “It’s an honour to meet you, Lord Ryujin. I’m carrying parcels I prepared with Lady Jiutian Xuannü for the court enchanters.”

  Sarah offered a respectful bow fractionally deeper than Amdirlain’s, her red and gold silk robes formed in the same layered style as Cyrus and Amdirlain.

  “A mutual honour, though we are dragons from different trees. I’ve heard of you, Lady Sarah Shindraithra, though your family connection wasn’t conveyed to me. I’m sure the court’s enchanters will be pleased to receive materials prepared by such august individuals.”

  Cyrus motioned to Kadaklan. “Immortal Phoenix Kadaklan, Grandmaster of the Alchemist Pavilion in the South Wind’s Court.”

  Kadaklan’s been holding out.

  “Lord Ryujin, meeting you today is an honour and a pleasant surprise. I hope to speak to the healers of the court so that we might exchange knowledge.” Kadaklan pressed his hands together before his chest and briefly bowed his head.

  “Grandmaster Kadaklan, your reputation precedes you.”

  “Klipyl, Sword of Light in service to the Goddess Lerina,” Cyrus announced next.

  Klipyl offered Ryujin a bright smile. “Good afternoon, Lord Ryujin. I’m along to help Lady Am and Master Lu Jinfeng with the journey the Jade Emperor’s koans sent them on. I’ve no business personally or for Lady Lerina with the East Wind’s Court, though I’m looking forward to seeing the beautiful views, as the jade maidens spoke highly of them.”

  “I am familiar with the history of the Goddess Lerina and some of your recent deeds, Klipyl. It’s my understanding you’ve helped banish denizens of Di Yu in the frozen north and within the borders of the Middle Kingdoms in recent moons.” Ryujin’s whiskers flexed with his restrained enthusiasm.

  Her smile dimmed slightly. “Lady Am did most of the heavy lifting with the Black Wind Calamity, and I was merely along to help Master Lu Jinfeng with the other expeditions.”

  “Perhaps what I heard isn’t the complete story. When it is convenient, I would like to hear the details of those expeditions from your unique perspective,” said Ryujin.

  Her hand twitched forward, but Klipyl gripped the side of her pants and bowed deeply. “I’d be delighted, Lord Ryujin.”

  After she’d straightened, Cyrus motioned to Jinfeng.

  “Master Lu Jinfeng of the Martial Pavilion, from the Monastery of the Western Reaches.”

  Jinfeng stepped forward and saluted. “Good afternoon, Lord Ryujin. I hope to exchange pointers with members of the Martial Pavilion and research commentary on some texts in the library.”

  After Jinfeng straightened, Ryujin smiled solemnly. “Both worthy endeavours that I hope progress your way. You’ll have to speak to the officials of those areas to arrange suitable access and times.”

  Ryujin hooked a front claw into the lip of the cliff and manifested as a stern-faced Japanese man in his early twenties wearing a dark green kimono whose patterns resembled shark skin. He secured his Katana and wakizashi in black lacquered scabbards through his obi. The wrapped hilts and blades had been well-maintained throughout their centuries of use. A staircase formed from the clifftop leading down into the bay, a tunnel descended through the ocean.

  He made a sweeping gesture towards the ocean. “There are stairs if anyone cannot fly.”

  With that, he lead the way downwards, his feet skimming above the watery steps.

  Although there was a slight dimensional shift, the passage was still within the Material Plane. The angle grew steeper as they raced along its course, the tunnel dimming around them. Behind, the tunnel closed, sealing the way back to the shrine. Two hundred kilometres on, the darkness gave way to a shimmering ethereal light illuminating the ocean floor around them. From the ocean floor, many coral formations sprouted, some looking like strangely hued trees, with a central trunk supporting branches that ended in cauliflower-like arrangements from every branching. There were also delicate silvery white spirals of fronds reaching out from the central stem, waving in the same ocean currents as the white fan growing from the soil nearby. Across the floor were low orange growths that swayed about, next to rocks covered in growths that matched pick octopus suckers.

  As a school of fish swarmed among the coral, Klipyl paused, her nose nearly touching the tunnel’s barrier, watching them dart among the different fronds. The others stopped ahead of her, and Ryujin halted as well.

  “The outer rooms of the palace provide views of many coral beds.”

  Klipyl pulled herself away and bowed apologetically. “Apologies, Lord Ryujin. The beauty took me by surprise. I never stopped to think about what was under the ocean’s surface. Just like people, there is so much hidden away.”

  “Your group is not scheduled to meet with anyone in court yet, Klipyl,” reassured Ryujin. “Sometimes, one needs to stop when inspiration strikes. It was my intent to inform you that the palace has many spots to enjoy such sights, not to hurry you along. Mortal poets extoll the ocean’s surface or where it touches the coast, few explore the beauty of the depths in verse, and Immortal poets praise other ventures.”

  Stolen story; please report.

  “People often weigh the appreciation of beauty against the risk because the setting and source can sometimes be life-threatening. We are far enough beneath the surface that only those with sufficient magical ability could see these sights normally,” replied Klipyl. “Then there are those that use beauty as a lure to entrap.”

  “Beauty or desire?”

  Klipyl smiled sadly. “For good beings, beauty and desire can be entwined or separated freely. For those with ill intent, beauty is the lure and desire the hook, as some find there is a fine line between desire and addiction. Addiction turns choice into a farce that scourges the body and Soul. I prefer it when beauty brings such happiness that it eases a person’s pain and makes life brighter.”

  Ryujin studied Klipyl intently for the first time, seeing her as more than merely an aide within the group. His curiosity deepened as he took in the glowing swords and ribbons hidden beneath Klipyl’s elven form. “Some might be interested in speaking to you about such matters. With your permission, I will share your thoughts.”

  “You don’t need my permission to share anything I say, Lord Ryujin, but it’s lovely you asked.” Klipyl’s smile transformed and lit up her face.

  Ahead, Amdirlain sensed a multi-layered atmospheric dome anchored to the sea floor by a series of pillars; the earthquake stabilisers in them had a high technology feel despite the arcane energy maintaining the dome’s integrity. The hexagonal sections of the dome were formed of enchantments that repelled the water, the tunnel leading to a ramp that ran through the centre of one. Beyond the triple barrier were open city streets, with manors and training halls circling the palace in the centre.

  The ramp ended at the western gatehouse of the court, allowing them into a courtyard with dozens of officials in silk kimonos that varied in style between the men and women. The men’s were divided between stripes and the same shark skin pattern as Ryujin, while the women’s style was ornate. Most were water patterns that included herons and cranes, but a couple wore cherry blossom-themed garments. The officials were overseeing workers dressed in sturdy cotton garb who were busily shifting goods from storage sheds on either side of the path. As they loaded hand carts, the officials checked off lists and gave directions to the person handling the cart.

  This place is a long way out, so unless you’ve got high levels of Ki Flight or Ki Movement, you’re not coming in this way without camping on the ocean floor. They’re teleporting the goods into those warehouses. Do servants and return visitors use similar means?

  As one lady in a cherry blossom kimono with hair up in gold combs stepped towards Ryujin, the motion drew the attention of the others, who turned and bowed in unison with her. When he nodded in response, the others returned to their duties, leaving only the lady attending on Lord Ryujin.

  “Lord Ryujin, might I know your wishes?”

  “Lady Takano Kaisa, I would have you take care of Lord Qinglong’s guests.”

  The introductions were far shorter than the ritual on the surface. They took their cue from Master Cyrus’ instructions but left out the individual purposes behind their visit.

  “See that Lady Am and her companions receive accommodations along the southern edge where the most colourful coral lies,” instructed Ryujin.

  Lady Takano nodded, confused suspicion darting in her gaze before Ryujin continued. “That puts them closest to the vents, and the heat will comfort Grandmaster Kadaklan’s Phoenix nature.”

  He didn’t need to give her a reason, but the East Wind usually places those it holds in the lowest regard on the outer edges.

  She bowed deeper than the initial greeting, an implicit apology for her misunderstanding. “I’ll ensure they get the largest manor with a view of that region.”

  The group exchanged polite farewells with Lord Ryujin, after which he vanished. His departure eased the subtle tension in the courtyard.

  “Would you prefer a manor with staff on hand, Lady Am?”

  “The offer is generous, but we are well-practised in self-sufficiency. I’d prefer not to distract the court’s servants from their current duties.”

  Lady Takano motioned to a pathway from the gates. “I’ll escort you myself.”

  She led the way towards the eastern edge of the dome, exchanging a flurry of silent messages with people to sort out their accommodation.

  The manor she led them to was a modest, free-standing building with servants’ quarters downstairs and just enough rooms upstairs for each of them to have a room. The communal living space faced the dome and, as requested by Ryujin, looked out over an area covered by coral.

  “Is there a Martial Pavilion training hall nearby, Lady Takano?” asked Jinfeng.

  “There is one a few rings inwards, going eastwards along the main road. I’ll have someone sent over to escort you to see the Master in charge, Master Lu,” advised Kaisa.

  “Thank you very much, Lady Takano. I’m sure we can get settled, so I wouldn’t want to keep you further,” said Master Cyrus.

  “While I know you’ve been here previously, Master Cyrus, I’ll have some guides come by tomorrow to give your group a tour of the main locations in the outer rings of the court.”

  When they got upstairs, Klipyl rushed to the back porch and stared wide-eyed at the brilliant reds and yellows of the coral stretching towards the vent. She dropped to sit cross-legged, staring between the railings, she fixed her attention on a gap between the hexagons incorporated in the triple dome. Her gaze settled on schools of fish swarming across swaying strands and among the more rigid structures.

  “I already know where the enchanters are. It is tempting to drop off the materials Jiutian Xuannü entrusted to me,” said Sarah.

  Master Cyrus shook his head. “They don’t appreciate surprises in business. It is best to compose a letter detailing what you have for them and let a courier deliver it. Wait for them to determine the timing, as since you are essentially gifting it to them, they’ll want to reciprocate.”

  “Okay, I’ll give them time to prepare a token. Guess I’ll figure out what to include in the letter then,” huffed Sarah. “Jiutian Xuannü could have warned me about that issue.”

  “I should write something to the Medical Pavilion then,” said Kadaklan. “I’m used to just turning up and lending a hand.”

  Amdirlain nodded. “Have fun planning your introduction pitch. I’ll keep Klipyl company.”

  Sarah looked at her curiously. “Are you going to take time to relax?”

  I’ll leave asking about the texts until I’ve spoken to Qinglong. He might already know what I’m after since Xuan Wu was prepared for me.

  “I’ve got some thinking about options that I’ve been putting off. Chilling and watching the fish might bring up things I’ve ignored,” said Amdirlain.

  “All I see is dinner.”

  “That’s because you enjoy snacking on fish,” quipped Klipyl.

  Sarah snorted and headed for the main bedroom. “Have fun, you two.”

  His gaze flitting nervously across the tension within the wall of water restrained by the dome, Kadaklan slunk off to his room. Though Jinfeng turned on her heel as if to depart, she redirected her motion and settled on a chair near Klipyl to watch her reactions.

  Amdirlain knelt and felt a child-like innocence coming from Klipyl, who intently watched the fish dance among the coral. After a few minutes of amusing herself by listening to the simple thought of the aquatic lifeforms, Amdirlain sent her focus far south. The energy of the Power twitched to life, and Amdirlain felt the mental circuitry glow within her awareness. Her intent flipped mental switches that adjusted the Power’s reach, and the channels widened as they drew on psionic reserves. Far to the south, she sensed the Sahuagin colonies and the perimeter guards they kept scouting, fearful of their northern neighbour while already at war with other colonies further south and east of their queen’s domain. Shifting her attention to minds closer by, she brushed across those maintaining the enchantments of the dome and took in a list of materials they used in their day-to-day work.

  I’m curious why Qinglong doesn’t just set the dome through his Primordial Will. Does he avoid doing it so the court isn’t dependent on him? I can hear a theme I suspect is his further east beyond this dome, so he’s not even living inside.

  Not wanting to overlap his immediate awareness, Amdirlain took in the music to the east, listening to the echoes rather than reaching further towards it. It painted a picture of a Dragon who dwarfed Ryujin a thousandfold. His tail tip extended beyond Benten-Jima on the northern tip of Nippon, and his body coiled through various trenches to where his head rested east of the Okinotorishima atoll to the south of Nippon.

  He puts the Mortal great wyrms of every breed to shame, but Aitherlar has him beat size-wise. She’ll be so smug if I drop that tidbit. The question is, when was the last time he went to their heavenly realm? Does he have a mechanism that lets him avoid water displacement, or is it a tsunami event whenever he hops?

  Master Cyrus guided Sarah and Kadaklan in arranging letter deliveries to the groups they wanted to visit. By then, Klipyl was sitting with her legs through the railing, her face resting on the bars, her gaze still locked on the fishes.

  Kadaklan returned from his room with his normal, tanned complexion unnaturally pale; he swallowed as he looked at Klipyl getting as close to the barrier as the rear balcony allowed. “Are you right there, Klipyl?”

  “They’re so beautiful. I want to go swimming with them. Is that something people do?”

  “We had recreational diving, but I don’t sense any locals out except the crew gathering materials near the vents,” advised Amdirlain. “We will have to ask and see if they have any objections.”

  “What do you intend to do this afternoon?” asked Kadaklan.

  “Watch the fishes swim and try to resist meddling,” replied Amdirlain. “We have to wait for them to reply to your letters or send their own.”

  Klipyl gave a playful cheer.

  Sarah sat in a chair behind Amdirlain and leaned forward to run fingers through her hair.

  “Are you going to be tempting me to misbehave?” muttered Amdirlain mischievously.

  “No strangers are about, so you can’t use this as an excuse.” Sarah leaned further and kissed the top of her head. “How long do you think they’ll give us to settle in?”

  Master Cyrus settled into a chair beside Jinfeng. “Don’t expect to hear from anyone until morning. Then we’ll receive letters offering us a range of times and detailing matters the party would like to discuss.”

  Jinfeng nodded. “Very formal.”

  “Don’t go off the agenda unless you want the topic rejected. They’ll reject it politely, but it’s still a rejection, and you’ll have difficulty raising it with them later.”

  “Because going back on the earlier rejection causes them to lose face?” asked Klipyl.

  “It’ll depend on how they turned you down the first time. Pushing on with a topic will get it firmly blocked.”

  “In as polite and nonconfrontational manner as they can manage,” added Amdirlain. “If they ask to meet and we agree to a time, can we raise a topic in the reply?”

  “Yes, just don’t surprise them,” advised Cyrus.

  Amdirlain nodded. “Got it, no running off-topic. I’ll make a note of the ideas and come back to them.”

  “Figure that out once you hear from them. They might have plenty in common they want to discuss,” said Sarah. “Have you considered your classes yet?”

  “Psionic Dreadnought is looking good.”