Part XX—New Freedoms
The first streamers of light slid soundlessly though the balcony door. Dust danced and played in the beam crossing the floor with an ever widening and smooth advance. Outside, the first calls of morning echoed across the silent vale that now blazed with brilliant emerald and gold fire. With boughs raised like arms to heaven, the ancient stand of trees embraced the morning's glow in their finest raiment of green. The sun relentlessly marched on the firmament and the first simple ribbons of light blossomed into a grand sheet under which the canopy of the dale sprang to life: another day welcomed by this magical place.
The rising light filled the room and eventual reached Zazie; she was still soundly asleep. Slowly, its penetrating glow filtered through her eyelids and heralded another day filled with experience and opportunity. She stirred promptly, obeying the sun's harbinger, and stretched. She felt very relaxed and her body still tingled as vivid memories of dreams that weren't dreams drew a subtly coquette smile on her lips: her body may have slept but she'd been very active with her aspects until quite late. Zazie stretched again and sat up; the light sheet, which draped loosely over her shoulders, slipped to the bed and into a crumpled heap by her hips. She threw it off and, after one more stretch, swung her feet over the edge of the bed. She placed her bare feet against the floor and was pleasantly surprised to find that it was merely cool beneath her feet instead of cold. Zazie stood, boldly, and faced the morning. She walked to the balcony door and looked out at the morning. What should I do? She wondered and gazed into the vale. I wonder if anyone else is awake. She thought and she freed her fae to stretch out and mentally roam though the vale: everyone was still asleep she knew from its foray. Very well then, I'll just have to entertain myself for awhile. She thought and her fae aspect drew back and inside. The multitude of spirit strings she had clearly sensed with her Far powers reminded Zazie how much life was around her. It was almost bewildering that these lives, which existed—intrinsically—as part of this valley resting beside reality, were able to live in this closed space. She turned from the marvel that lay outside her window and Zazie smiled happily and thought: I'm so lucky to be here.
"Library?" Zazie called
"Yes Zazie." It responded immediately.
"I need something to wear but I need to move freely for training." Zazie said.
"Very well, as you request." Library replied. "Would you like to cleanse first?"
Zazie felt sticky and imagined that she was—perhaps—not as fresh as morning dew on a rose. Grimacing at the thought, she said. "Yes please."
Bathed in a golden glow, Zazie's body shimmered briefly. It's amazing how quick you change, she thought, before this I would never have really thought about it. The light faded; she was clean, dressed, and ready to face another day. She turned to the mirror to see what Library had provided: today, Library had provided a very short skirt, which barely reached halfway to her knees and a bodice of tight form-fitting mesh that enhanced and supported her chest while leaving her arms free and bare. He had further wrapped her legs in black close knitted netting and shod her in low-heeled boots that were a little higher than her ankles. Overall, the colour black dominated, today, but gold highlights brought a pleasant contrast and added to the overall effect.
Zazie admired herself and liked what she saw and her aspects echoed in agreement. A girl could get used to this she thought as she turned and looked at herself from as many angles as possible. Oh yes, must remember my sword, she thought, but the white sash isn't going to look very good with the black and gold she thought with disappointment. Why am I even worrying about it, she chided herself, it's not like I'm being presented to nobility but still, I like to look pretty. Nobility? Her vampire thought with feigned outrage, we are the nobility now; let others be presented to us! The human and fae inside mentally smirked at her vampire aspect's haughty attitude.
"Library?" She called out
"Yes Zazie?" Its baritone voice answered.
"I need a sash, like this white one," she said holding up the strip of fabric that Driver had provided, "that is a better match for what I'm wearing."
"Are you being superficial?" Library responded, "The white sash is just as practical as any that I provide."
"Yes . . . yes, I guess you're right but all the same I want to look good." Zazie responded, "Is there anything wrong with that?"
"No, but it beckons the question: who are you trying to look good for?" Library added.
Zazie blushed. Am I trying to impress, someone? She asked herself. What am I thinking! Inside, Zazie felt the mental chuckle of one of her aspects. Quiet me. She thought in response.
"I . . . I'm not trying to impress anyone; I just want my clothes to match." Zazie said. Her aspects snicker, again. "Tha . . . that's all."
"Very well," Library complied, "where do your want to hold your sword on your waist or on your back?"
"Back? Can it go there too?" Zazie asked.
"Yes, but I think we'll keep it at your waist." Library answered, "I believe that is how Driver intends to begin your training."
The sash shimmered into existence, about her waist. Zazie looked at her reflection: Library had provided a black silky sash embroidered with golden fae and flower patterns.
"That's very nice Library," Zazie said and began to untie it.
"Why are you untying the sash, Zazie?" Library asked, almost sounding hurt by the young woman's actions.
"Driver told me to become so good at tying it that I don't need to look when I'm doing it." She said. "If I just accept it tied on—like this—then I won't learn anything but thank you Library, you've been very helpful."
"You're welcome." Library replied, "Would like something to eat or drink?"
"I liked those cakes yesterday, a few of them and some water would be nice." She answered.
Another golden shimmer and another minor miracle drew her eyes to the table; a small basket of steaming buns, a jug of water and a cup appeared. The smell drifted to her and her stomach growled in anticipation. I guess I'm hungrier than I thought, she considered. We gave you a good work out last night. Of course you're hungry. Her fae aspect observed and faded back as the vampire and her giggled good-naturedly. Zazie hungrily ate the buns and washed them down with cold sweet water.
"Library, I've been meaning to ask." Zazie began.
"Yes Zazie?" Library responded.
"What are you?" Zazie asked.
"I'm a summoned shadow being." It replied.
"Oh," Zazie said, "like Hunter and Driver and Equis?"
"Close, but not entirely correct," Library said, "I was far more limited, at summons, than they were and I'm confined strictly to Central. I am able to observe what happens, throughout the vale, but I can't act outside of this building. I keep the archive records and the library ordered. I also help with research because I can immediately recall something that I've recorded or had placed on my shelves. The name Library came as I developed a minor personality later on."
"You don't sound like you have a minor personality, Library." Zazie remarked.
"I've grown since summons." Library said simply.
"Thank you for the food and water, Library I think I'll go for a walk. I've never really explored the valley." Zazie said. "It's still hard to believer that everything I see here is inside a carriage."
"Yes, Flaw theory and magic allow many wondrous things." Library commented. "It's unfortunate that my records have no copies of the sorcerer's ideas or magics on it."
Zazie rose from the table, walked to the balcony, and looked at the valley below. It's a beautiful morning. She thought as she considered the lush green forest that ringed the glade, which was filled with wildflowers and home to a throng of butterflies—frolicking and playing between colourful blooms—below her. Central, isn't that what Library had called this? She thought as her fae sent out empathic tendrils and found that, other than the birds and animals, she was still the only one awake. I think I'll take a walk but which way to go? The green wood seemed to call to her and that made her decision. How can I get to this side without getting lost trying to find a path?
"Library?" She called, "Is there an easy way to get to this glade or do I have to walk all the way from the bridge?"
"You could jump," Library, commented off handily, "but there's no easy path from Central's front, if that's helpful."
"Jump!" Zazie exclaimed. "It's at least three rutes to the ground.
"Four and a third but well within you observed range, Zazie." Library concluded. "Hunter can do it, she can also jump up but that's when she's in her full lion form. I'm not sure if she can in her human form, though."
"I'm not Hunter." Zazie observed sarcastically. "I got hurt following her yesterday and Healer was nearby, too."
"I've reviewed the archive, Zazie," Library began, "and the only reason you hurt your leg was because you landed wrong. Land right and there should be no trouble."
"Land right?' She said, "Are you being funny?"
"I don't understand the nature of your question." Library responded. "I assure you that you are capable of this jump."
"And if not?" Zazie asked.
"I can summon Healer if needed."
"Wonderful," the irony oozed from her words. "The first thing Healer will have to do this morning is fix another one or two of my legs."
Zazie continued looking over the balcony wall. Heights still made her nervous; at least when she thought about them, but it was true that she had followed Hunter without concern, yesterday. Go ahead, the vampire came forward and thought, no point being timid at this point. And putting action to thought, the vampire aspect manifested enough will to take control of their body long enough to place a hand on the wall and leap adroitly over the edge. She landed, as soft as a cat, on the grass and looked back up to the balcony. Easy! Her vampire aspect thought as it returned control to the human aspect. Sometimes we need to give you a little push. Her fae aspect tittered. Quiet you. Her human aspect thought in reply. I get the point I can do more now but that doesn't mean I'm going to abandon caution. Her aspects faded and she looked at the forest before her. A path carved its way through the trees and she decided to explore. With sword tied properly at her waist Zazie stepped on the path and left Central behind.
Caster flew on the breeze and the morning sun towards the balcony of the sorcerer's—No, Zazie's, she corrected herself—bedroom. Fluttering into the room the pixie found it empty.
"Library?" She called.
"Good morning Caster how may I help you?" Library responded.
"Where's Zazie?" She asked with concern.
"After eating she decided to take a walk." Library answered.
"Which way did she go?"
"Across the glade and into the wood," Library said.
Caster fluttered out to the balcony and looked down.
"How did she get there?" Caster asked, curiously, knowing how difficult the trip would be on foot.
"She jumped." Library responded.
"Down there?" She asked aloud without meaning to.
"Down there." Library confirmed.
Caster fluttered off in the direction of the forest. She wasn't worried that Zazie might get lost; the vale wasn't large after all, and she wasn't really surprised that the young woman had jumped: Healer and Hunter had told her about yesterday. But, all the same, Zazie could still get injured by accident, as she had with Hunter, and her full range of abilities had yet to be explored. Explore? Caster considered, we've barely begun to find out what she can do. All we've learned so far is that she is incredibly resilient and harbours great potential. She flew under boughs that looked as ancient as she was and marvelled at the forest's glory. It was a good illusion but Caster knew that the forest was only as old as the Tapestry she maintained. She hovered for a moment and let her fae sense wend its way through the forest. In the distance, she sensed an odd three-part aura and flew in that direction. She broke from the wood by the training hall and saw Driver. He was obviously awake and looking into the forest with rapt curiosity.
"G'morning Driver." Caster called.
"Good morning, Caster." He replied without looking at her: his eyes remained focused solely on the forest.
"Have you seen Zazie?" Caster asked, "I sensed her auras nearby and Seeker is looking for her, too."
"She's on Hunters high path right now. I'm watching to see if she makes it back again: if not I'll likely have to call Healer and go look for her." He replied, shielding his eyes from the brilliant image of the sun in the sky.
"High path? What's she doing?" Caster asked.
"Running." Driver simply replied. "You should be able to see her better than I if you want to take a look."
Caster flew higher and looked into the forest. She did not see her at first but sudden motion on a large branch drew her eyes: Zazie was running, indifferent to her path, high in a tree with the sword on her side. Caster's eyes followed the young woman as she made a graceful leap to another branch: she hadn't slowed a shade before leaping and the young woman landed without missing a step and continued to run. Unbelievable, Hunter's got some serious competition, she thought as Zazie jumped from the branch and, following a mid-air somersault, landed perfectly on the forest floor. The young woman turned and looked up at where she had been and then turned towards the training hall. Caster could see Zazie's self-satisfied smile positively beaming as she walked towards her. As graceful as a deer she leapt over some of scrub and entered the clearing.
"I thought I felt you, Caster." Zazie said looking at the pixie. "Good morning and good morning to you too Driver. I sensed your watchful eye earlier. So, how did I do?"
Driver found Zazie's smile disconcerting and wondered if he had been too harsh with his judgment. No, he thought, a warm smile does not make an ally.
"Good morning Zazie." Driver replied perhaps a little stiffly. "I was watching you and was a little surprised by your performance."
"Bah! Little surprised." Caster scoffed, "You're as amazed as I am, admit it."
"Don't want to." Driver muttered under his breath, which brought a sidesplitting laugh to Caster. He turned from the two girls and started walking towards the training hall and, without looking back, added. "I'll see you after lunch."
"Hee hee," Caster began, "He can't stand it when someone outperforms him. Anyway, Seeker asked me to take you to the workshop this morning."
Zazie obediently followed the pixie.
"What does Seeker want with me?" Zazie asked as she walked.
"I'm not sure but he was really worked up about it, that's for sure." Caster said. "Whatever it is, make sure you show interest: we don't want to hurt his feelings."
Zazie smiled at the pixie's playful jab and continued walking. The forest was very beautiful, the birdsong clear and tuneful and Zazie seemed almost in a trance as she walked.
"You're quiet." Caster commented as they continued along a path.
"Oh, sorry Caster." Zazie said, "I don't mean to be rude but I was letting my fae aspect explore the forest while we walk: well, while I walk, anyway. I never knew how much life there was in this place until yesterday."
"Wait until you're in the outside world." Caster said completely understanding Zazie's awed silence as only a Fae can. "You need to filter it or the mental noise is deafening."
They approached the chasm that served as a moat for Central. Zazie looked into the abyss, its bottom invisible under the waterfall's mist, and took a deep breath. Looking straight ahead, this time, she crossed without hesitation. Zazie climbed the stairs, as water raced by to roar over the chasm's edge and, entering Central, they then skirted the model of the world. Caster brought them to a door and it opened for her automatically; she fluttered in. Zazie followed and suddenly she found herself face to face with the Scrythe.
Zazie screamed.
The Scrythe's menace obviously present and directed wholly at Zazie barred her way. Zazie knew that if she were to move in any direction, other than back, she would once more feel its touch. Coldly efficient, in all its sharpened edges, it gazed without sight and measured her threat. Suddenly, it was no longer in front of Zazie and with a deep relived breath she knew she had passed its watchful and intimidating scrutiny once more. It remained in the room as a reminder to its purpose and stood motionless in a corner near another door. Zazie cautiously stepped forward, her eyes unable to turn from the black sentinel's form, and joined Seeker and Caster at a large table.
"I don't think it likes you very much, Zazie." Caster said to break the heavy silence.
Zazie managed to turn her gaze from it and smiled weakly at her two friends. "No, I don't think it does."
"Library?" Seeker called.
"No Seeker, I still have no control over the Scrythe." Library said, anticipating the fairy's next question. "I don't even know exactly what it is, other than the guardian of the Tapestry, I've checked too. The sorcerer never made mention of it in any book, scroll or conversation I have on record except for the other night and that doesn't really count because it wasn't really the sorcerer speaking, just a memory of him."
"The other night?" Zazie asked, "You mean when I . . ."
"Yes . . . but I think we have other things to speak of this morning, which are more important. I think we'll just have to endure the Scrythe's presence." Seeker said. "I know it will be hard, Zazie, but try to ignore it: I need you to fully concentrate."
With a last glance at its glassy and faceted form, Zazie turned her attention to Seeker and said. "I'll try."
"Very well then," Seeker began, "Yesterday, when we woke your aspects, you asked if there was a way to use this to our advantage. As I sat and contemplated your request, I remembered something I had read a long time ago but I couldn't remember where the scroll or book was. I scoured the library . . ."
"Seeker!" Caster exclaimed, "get on with it."
"Oh yes, sorry." He continued. "I eventually remembered what I was looking for and began researching your request. I'm glade your aspects are awake it will make this whole experiment far more probable for its success."
"Aspect awake?" Zazie puzzled aloud, "How does that help?"
Just listen, the choir of her aspects rang. Let's hear what he's saying; we're intrigued.
"It's odd you know," Seeker began anew, "that the sword and this piece of magic that I researched originated in the same place."
Seeker!" Caster sounded exasperated.
"Very well than," He said, "when we were on an Eastern Island, many years ago, the sorcerer and I heard an interesting tale that we felt deserved our attention. Because the sorcerer was actively seeking knowledge about puppet-magic at the time we investigated the legend since it seemed related to his work. In an area near a mountain called Osare in a region called Aoyama, we met an ancient enchantress of the sorcerer's acquaintance. With her help we were able to learn how to make these."
Zazie and Caster followed Seeker's eyes to the tabletop. Three small, Caster sized, straw dolls lay inconsequentially side-by-side.
So, Zazie and her aspects thought.
"So?" Caster said, voicing the obvious question.
"As I was saying," The fairy continued, "these effigies are meant to contain the essence of a summoned spirit or enchained ghost. Once the essence is contained within the doll it would manifest into physical body and the maker could use it as an obedient servant."
"Very convenient, I'm sure." Caster said unimpressed, "but what purpose does this serve?"
"Well yesterday's encounter with the three aspects that are Zazie," Seeker said, "made me think that since each seem to have a distinct being it may be possible to transfer each of their existences individually into a doll."
"It sounds risky, Seeker." Caster said and Zazie nodded in agreement. "Besides why would you want to trap Zazie's aspects like that?"
"Please, bear with me," Seeker maintained, "What I'm suggesting is that if an aspect flows freely into an effigy and we don't close the container then they would be able to manifest separately and then be able to return to their primary shell, which is Zazie."
The pixie stared at Seeker unable to think of what do say next. It sounds incredible, Caster thought, there must be risks to it though. I guess it for the Zazies to decide.
Manifest separately? Zazie thought in accord with her aspects. That might be very helpful to us. Sounds dangerous. Her fae aspect thought and her vampire aspect added. We agree that it would be helpful and dangerous but I think it might be fun too.
"Do you think it would be dangerous, Seeker?" Zazie asked.
"It may be: I can't really say honestly, Zazie," Seeker replied, "but I'm reasonably sure that as long as we don't close the containers your aspects should be able to move freely between you and their effigies. Besides, there is a good chance that it won't work anyway. There are no records beyond the making of the dolls in the library. The sorcerer never tried, either; there was no need for him to."
Shall we try? Her fae aspect thought we wouldn't mind being free to roam. Don't you like us? Her vampire teased, we're hurt. It's not that but we've been asleep for our whole lives and we'd like a chance to experience things on our own. Her fae aspect responded. Please ask him how to do it.
"My fae aspect wants to try," Zazie said, "what do we have to do?"
"Well," Seeker sounded uncertain, "I don't really know. As I said, the sorcerer never tried it but I think the effigies may call the spirit to themselves, how else would you get a spirit of ghost into the container in the first place? There must be some force at work or the people who used this type of magic would fail. My best guess would be that you loosen your hold on your aspects and they use their individual wills to sense a doll and allow themselves to be drawn to it."
"That's it?" Caster said sarcastically. "You really don't know what you are doing do you? How do you expect Zazie to loosen the hold on her aspects, it's true they manifested separately yesterday but you had cast that Consciousness Containment Column and yanked them out of her. That's not going to be very useful if this scheme is to work."
"Might I suggest something?" Library asked.
"Huh?" Seeker asked surprised, "You're making a suggestion?"
"Yes Seeker." Library said plainly.
"You're usually more passive and wait for requests." Seeker said.
"That doesn't mean I don't have ideas, I do have immediate access to every record, tome, scroll and book after all." Library said with something that sounded like pride.
Momentarily stunned, Seeker fluttered with his mouth open then said, "I'll listen to anything."
"I would suggest you place Zazie in a trance state like you did yesterday, this may weaken the bond between flesh and spirit." Library said. "Of course for this to be truly effective—if it works at all—Zazie will need to learn how to reach the same state on her own."
It was rare to see Seeker lost for words but his amazement was obvious as he opened and closed his mouth like some winged fish. The sight made Caster giggle and she thought it looked good on him. There, that what it feels like to be a normal Fae, we don't know everything like you do. Caster thought.
"Um . . ." Seeker began, "I don't really know what to say."
"Say nothing then and ask Zazie." Caster said smugly.
"Very well then," Seeker said turning to the young woman, "do you want to try?"
Zazie nodded.
"You sure about this?" Caster asked with concern.
"Yes, I'm going to trust what Library and Seeker have told me." Zazie said. "From the way it sounds it will work or not work and if not I'm not out anything one way or another. Either way, I still would like to try because if it works I'll be able to learn things so much faster."
"If you say so Zazie," Seeker said, "Zazie's aspects I'm about to enter your minds please allow me to."
After a brief pause, Zazie said, "we agree, you may."
"I suggest that you take a seat then." Seeker said as a chair materialized behind Zazie. "I don't want to have to pick you up again—my wings are still sore from yesterday."
"Oh, I didn't know you were hurt moving me." Zazie said in apologetic concern as she sat.
"You sometimes take things too seriously for one so young." Seeker said in an almost fatherly tone. "We're going to have to teach to lighten up—even Driver isn't this dyer. Very well then since you are now seated please close your eyes."
Zazie closed her eyes and felt the now familiar presence of Seeker in her mind. She followed him and his thoughts until she visualized a triple stranded thread. I'm only putting you in physical rest state, Zazie. She heard Seeker's thought as if he was another one of her aspects but it was different; there was no doubt that he was a completely different person and she could sense his great age and experience. He was like a deep well of knowledge. She felt him touch the thread that she recognized as her spirit and noted it was different from the other threads she had seen after her awakening. Unlike those, this one was triple stranded and glowed with an odd pulsating light. Seeker touched the thread and gave it a mental twist, opposite to its wind, and they came apart. She lost the sense of Seeker and found herself hovering in a dark place with a string on either side of her. One pulsed with a red glow and the other with a green: she knew that she was looking at her divided aspects. She felt strangely alone and empty. That worked. The words were like pulses on the red thread. So it would seem. This time the pulses were on the green thread. I can still hear you both. Her own string pulsed like the others but she could not see it. Of course we're still connected though our body. The red string pulsed. Now what? The green thread pulsed. I guess we need to reach out and sense those dolls on the table. You first then, you're the one who wanted to roam. The red string pulsed.
"What happened?" Caster asked a dazed looking Seeker. "Did it work?"
"I'm not sure." Seeker answered, "I feel like I've been hit in the head with a big stick right now. It happened after I gave her thread a twist."
"Thread a twist?" Caster said.
"Yes her life thread is made up of three strings wound together." Seeker said, "It is very strange but not really surprising I guess."
Seeker and Caster watched the table and noticed that one of the effigies was changing. At first, it looked like it had turned to clay but as time passed it began to look like a person with no distinguishable features, as if waiting for some sculptor's tool to finish it. Hesitantly, at first, the blobby figure began moving and trying to stand. Caster fluttered to the tabletop and held out her hand. The thing reached for it and Caster helped it to its feet. It stood, unsteady at first, and looked at its body. It opened and closed its mouth as if trying to speak but not whisper was heard. It kept trying and eventually a weak voice came from the figure.
"Not much for detail," It said looking at the arm held out in front of it.
"Which aspect are you?" Caster asked, noting there was something alien about the way its mouth moved when it spoke.
"I'm the Fae," she said, her voice growing stronger by the moment, "Is there anything we can do about this. How am I going to attract a playmate if I look like this?"
"I'm thinking it works on self-image," Seeker said intently scrutinizing the soft clay-like figure. "Try to focus your mind on your self-image and the effigy should follow in appearance."
"Just focus, eh?" Fae-Zazie said.
From the nondescript figure, features began to form and sharpen. With each passing moment, details became sculpted into the clay-like material until a finished figure stood, naked, on the tabletop. Caster stared into limpid green eyes and stood transfixed. The figure before her was the proportionally perfect form of Zazie—albeit in pixie size—with beautiful butterfly wings flapping languidly on her back. Her entire body was set in hues of green from the very pale of her skin to the deep forest green of her hair. Even her wings were green but traced with lines and veins of gold. Stunning was the only thought in Caster's mind.
"Caster . . . when you stare at me like that . . ." Fae-Zazie's voice trailed off teasingly.
"S . . . Sorry fae-Zazie, I . . . I couldn't help myself." Caster managed to avert her eyes from the gorgeous pixie-like creature before her.
Fae-Zazie giggled, it sounded like the tinkle of a silver bell, and Caster felt her skin crawl pleasantly with a wave of goose bumps. The sublime aura from the creature held her in an armless embrace and she loathed the idea of pulling away.
"Fae-Zazie!" Seeker's voice was stern and his words woke Caster from her enraptured gaze, "control your aura and let Caster be."
Fae-Zazie turned her eyes to Seeker and smiled. He felt her Fae-field pulling at him but he was made of sterner stuff than Caster and with a thought, cast fae-Zazie from his mind and said, "By yourself, your powers will not work on me. The only way that you could ever enthrall me is if all your aspects worked together. I don't believe in your current form that you can channel that much power and mesmerize a high Fae Lord."
It was the first time Zazie had ever heard him use the term 'Fae Lord' to refer to himself and she ignored his words. Playfully, she pushed a little harder. A force of will, so powerful that it dwarfed her own made Zazie very aware of the difference in power that lay between them. Suddenly, fae-Zazie felt very small and alone for the very first time. Her other aspects were aware of what happened but that was all, there was not a strong enough bond to channel powers between them.
"Have I got your attention now?" Seeker asked, plainly. "I understand your desire to assert yourself but this is neither the time nor place for such displays of power. Heed me, fae-Zazie, there are two of us here that you will not overcome and in your current state, don't try. If you force our hand we will crush you as you are now."
Even Caster was taken aback by Seeker words. It had been a long time since she had heard that tone and vividly remembered when it had been directed at her: those words were, almost, exactly the same then too, she thought. She understood his point but felt he was being a little harsh. After all, she had only just woken up, Caster thought, but I guess it serves a purpose and he did it for my protection. She overcame me effortlessly; even in her single aspect, Zazie is very scary.
The mood around the table lightened and Seeker smiled once more.
"Does anyone else want to try?" Seeker asked.
I will. Her vampire aspect thought and put action to words. She reached out with her mind and felt the tug from the effigies. She allowed herself to pour into one of the containers and, with a strong image in her mind, molded the clay to the body she desired. She rose from the table, complete and ready to face the others.
"Well, what do you think?" Vampire-Zazie asked, her hands provocatively on her hips as she leaned forward a little.
"You look very nice; too, vampire-Zazie." Seeker said.
"How did you know?" Vampire-Zazie chuckled, fully aware of how she had cast her image, and then haughtily asked. "Can I get a mirror?"
Library provided the request and a mirror sparkled into existence before her. Vampire-Zazie looked at her reflection and was pleased. She had eyes of glowing red and straight black hair. To further her self-image, she had given herself true vampire fangs and leather-like bat wings of black, which fluttered slowly on her back. Her skin had a faint, almost unnoticeable, blue tint and—as it was with her fae-counterpart—her body was perfectly proportion, although better endowed than Zazie's true body was. She smiled at her reflection and liked how her fangs added just the right hint of sensual menace to her over all appearance.
Caster fluttered a little above the table and found herself drawn to these two creatures, whose very appearance seemed designed to provoke her basest desires. This is their self-images? She thought her mind foggy yet not under any spell. I don't think they would even need to use their powers if they wanted me, I'd be willing fall into their embrace as they are now. I wonder? The images she drew on the 'I wonder?' surprised even her and she chased them form her mind by imaging kittens. It didn't work, the kittens just turned into images of the two pseudo-faes within her arms reach. Dazed, Caster was beginning to feel very not in control. Get a hold of yourself girl. She thought forcefully and slowly she felt self-control return.
"So, what about our last aspect does, she want to try?" Seeker asked.
The human aspect within Zazie stretched out and felt the tug of the last effigy: it scared her a bit, the idea of leaving her body, but she knew she could return. Faint as they were she could see the strings connecting their separate aspects to their body. One only need to follow it back and you'd be home she realized. Still hesitantly, she let go and found herself drawn to the last doll. She tried to form a solid self-image for herself and let the putty like material meld to it. Will it be all right? She thought as her mind filled the figure with her being and it took shape. Weak, she rose from the table and looked at the world the way a pixie did. Everything seemed so big, from down here, but the smiles of her friends and the encouragement of her aspects encouraged her. Human-Zazie took her place at the table. A quick glance and she saw that their body was in a restful slumber in the soft chair. The sight made her feel better and closer to herself but, as with the others, there was a sense of loneliness that was unpleasant. Part of her wanted them all to return to their intimately wound thread and never leave it again but another part of her wanted to fly freely and explore the world through a new set of eyes. Fly freely? She thought mockingly, I've got no wings like the others.
"So, human-Zazie," Caster asked with an oddly breathy voice. "What do you think?"
"I didn't get wings," she said sadly.
"Did you visualize yourself with wings?" Seeker asked.
Human-Zazie shook her head.
"Well try to visualize wings and they should form. You best make it quick because I don't know how long your images will remain malleable." Seeker said.
Human-Zazie tried to visualize wings but the only image that came to mind were those she had seen on the stone angels at the Cathedral in Pfalzgrafenweiler. As the image came to mind, she felt a pull on her back. She looked at the mirror, her vampire aspect had used, and saw white feathery wings growing from her back. Nervously she flapped them: it felt very strange. Her motions caught the eye of her fae aspect who fluttered over. She began laughing as the human and vampire stood side by side together. Fae-Zazie thought the two looked like they had stepped from a church painting.
"Angel and demon," Her fae aspect laughed heartily as the vampire and human aspects stared at her, thinking she had become unhinged somehow.
Even as she was gently teasing her aspect mates, the fae aspect began fluttering higher and higher showing a natural instinct for flight. Her fae heritage was serving her well but she wanted her other aspects to join her.
"Come on you two, get off your feet and on wing," She called playfully as she spiraled and rolled freely through the air.
The vampire aspect after a few halting attempts finally managed to flutter from the table but she wasn't nearly as talented with flight as the fae side was. She looked up; her fae counterpart looked like she was laughing. That will never do! She thought and put more effort into flight. Although not as graceful as her fae counterpart she was doing far better than the human-Zazie still grounded on the tabletop. Caster was beside her and likely offering her insight and encouraging words but they weren't speaking loud enough to hear. Eventually, the human aspect discovered the right wing motion and slowly began to rise. Her smile was radiant even though she was very very unstable but it wouldn't stop her. As time ticked on, they all became reasonably capable fliers but without a doubt, the human aspect had a lot more work ahead of her.
"Come back down," Caster called as she flew to meet them we need to figure out a few more things.
The flying aspects followed Caster back to the tabletop the fae landed gracefully, the vampire stumbled a bit but the human, more or less, just fell to the table. At least it wasn't very high. She thought with some consolation to the fact that she had never flown before. Suddenly, the human-Zazie felt weak and hungry and her discomfort was not lost on Seeker who summoned a bowl of small meat buns to the table.
"We can eat?" Fae-Zazie asked, surprised.
"Eat, drink, get drunk and have sex," Seeker said, "These dolls, for all intents, are alive when you are inside them and require energy to function. Some of that energy will just naturally flow into you but I doubt it will be enough to sustain you very long or if you are very active. If you run out of energy, you will likely be pulled back to your body but I wouldn't want to trust my assumptions on that matter and would suggest that you keep to normal meals when you are in these form. You also can't forget about your shell. It will last without food or water for a long time but you must protect it from harm and ensure it receives adequate nutrition as well."
"Anything else, master?" Fae-Zazie teased but helped herself to one of the steaming buns.
"I think we need to do something about the name business." Caster said as she nibbled more out of polite company than true hunger. "If we have to preface all our conversation with Zazie with either a fae or vampire or human it's going to be a mouthful. We also need to have some identifying term for when you are all together too. I think we should simplify the exo-aspects with the names Pix, Vam and Zaz and use Zazie for the whole or the possessor of the shell."
"Yes, I believe that will be a very good idea Caster." Seeker concurred. "So Vam, Pix and Zaz what do you three think?"
"Why not." The vampire aspect said.
"Sure, I'm fine with it." The fae aspect said. "What about you Zaz?"
Zaz mumbled in agreement, her mouth full of meat bun.