It has come to my attention that throughout this story, I have been repeating events in different ways and at different times. So far, Chykisasa has met Uchi-Buychi's parents for the first time twice, and I'm sure I've reiterated several other things unnecessarily. That along with plot contradictions, inaccuracies (I have learned that a week in FFXI is 8 days long, not 7) and other such anomalies are the result of my life. My opportunities (and moments of inspiration) are few and far between. I leapt into this with a beginning, an end, and a barren middle ground for events. If you are worried that you missed something or misunderstood something, just pick one path to follow and forget it. Think of it as one of those annoying open-ended stories ;-)
So here you are, my third longest chapter. It's exactly 11 pages long in Microsoft Word, heh. I also had to start a new file for this story--the first twenty chapters were over 140 pages, and were taking forever to upload onto my account. Enjoy, my faithful patrons!
Story Edit: Small spoiler: Yes, I am aware that I never followed up on Uchi-Buychi's arrival at 7 the next day. Don't worry, he didn't fall through a plot hole...okay, maybe he did. But don't worry! I have edited him in a rope, so he'll be climbing out in chapter 22. I have come to edit this disclaimer in, and to put in my divider lines. I forgot they don't transfer over when you upload the file. /sigh.
Chapter Twenty-One: Happens All the Time
Chykisasa, Uchi-Buychi, and Shantotto remained in Sarutabaruta for the rest of the day. They stayed until there was no longer enough light for Chykisasa to see her own handwriting. The last thing Chykisasa wrote that was readable was an invitation to dinner for Uchi-Buychi.
"Thank you, I'd love to! As long as a certain someone isn'taru doing the cooking…" Uchi replied, emphasizing the word "someone" sarcastically. Shantotto was obliged to take the cue, entering the conversation by giving Uchi-Buychi a swift shock to the posterior.
Chykisasa doubled over in laughter.
In Shantotto's manor, Chykisasa showed Uchi-Buychi her "room," and handed him the books she checked out from the Optistery so that he could review them. Shantotto busied herself by preparing their dinner—homemade soup, dinner rolls, rice cakes, and melon juice. She did her best to not listen in on what the other two were saying. Her curiosity, of course, quickly overcame.
Dinner was ready just as Uchi-Buychi and Chykisasa were about to start a conversation. Shantotto considered dragging out the final preparations to gather more information; however, she found herself not wanting to keep Uchi-Buychi away from his parents too long. "What is this feeling…concern…?" How could I be feeling it…absurd!" She muttered to herself. Shantotto thought about it for a moment, sighed, and called out, "Alright, you kiddies, dinner is served! My pantry is out of poison, so don't be unnerved!"
Uchi-Buychi made a face, "Well thataru's a relief." Chykisasa laughed and shoved him jokingly.
"Better learn to hold your tongue, boy! I have other methods of torture in which I can employ!" Shantotto warned, using all of her energy to sound serious. Her threat, of course, went unheeded—the couple only laughed harder.
The experience was certainly new to each of them—all three had never sat down together for a formal dinner, as if a normal family would. Uchi-Buychi had actually wondered in the past if Shantotto and Chykisasa had sit-down meals, or if they simply left each other to fend for themselves. The normal feel of the setting and the abnormal feel of his company confused him, playing at his nerves.
Shantotto did not know how she should behave; whether to use her usual nature of an intimidating pest, or to use her long-abandoned manners and courtesy. After deliberating over the matter as she put the food out on the table, Shantotto deemed it as a stupid matter to be thinking about. She chose to settle both of her worries by simply using the appropriate behaviorism at the appropriate time.
All Chykisasa wanted was for her surrogate mother and boyfriend (after her enjoyable afternoon, the term was acceptable) to act normally and to not overcompensate for the newness of the setting. They were visibly becoming used to each other; however the slightest awkward moment could trigger either a heated argument or an extended bout of silence.
They managed to distribute food to each other without incident. Shantotto equipped herself short rhymes to ask for and pass items across the table, and Uchi-Buychi donned his best set of manners as well. Chykisasa wore her best smile, mouthed her thanks, and signaled toward the items she wanted.
Just after Uchi-Buychi took his first sip of soup, Shantotto asked, "Well, Uchi-Buychi, how is it? There is more of a kick this time, I have to admit." As the words came out of her mouth, Uchi's eyes widened and he quickly took a swig of his juice. "Ohohohohoho!" she delightfully laughed.
"Whataru is in that!? I thought this was soup, not chili-willie!"
"Ohohoho! Onions, dear boy, my own personal recipe. If your soup needs flavor, a good onion is the key."
Chykisasa giggled as she swallowed her small mouthful, which didn't seem to hurt her mouth at all. She then wrote a small remark on the paper next to her silverware, which Uchi-Buychi read aloud: "Shantotto is notorious for puttaruing onions in anything and everything imaginable—I think she even tried to put itaru in tea once."
Uchi's nose wrinkled, "Onions? Of all things…I truly-wuly pity you now, Chykisasa—more than before, that is."
Shantotto kicked Uchi-Buychi, and laughter erupted from all of them. Uchi was becoming less apprehensive around Shantotto and was making bolder statements. This bothered Shantotto—there was no way she was going to let a minnow of a boy make a fool of her just because he was in love with her charge. She was going to do her best to make sure he didn't forget who she was.
After a few moments of silent dining, Shantotto cleared her throat, "So, you two, what plans have you made for the future? Surely you would like to have children together…"
Chykisasa hiccupped while drinking her juice, causing her to cough violently. Uchi-Buychi accidently sipped up his spoonful of soup rather than blowing to cool it, forcing him to quickly take a drink to put out the fire in his mouth. Shantotto leaned back in her chair and chuckled at the spectacle. "Ohohoho! My, my, whatever is the matter with you two? You both are in love…I figured you had thought it all the way through."
"I—uh…well—we…and…" was all Uchi-Buychi could stammer at first. He was still distracted by the painful sensation at the tip of his tongue. "I eh…really don'taru think…we are ready-weady for that yetaru…" he finally managed. He was nervous again, and his accent was doing its best to alter every word he spoke.
Chykisasa finished a response and slid the paper over to Shantotto. "If you were trying to find a new way to embarrass us, I'll tell you now that you've found it. You win this round."
"'Won?' Oho, Chyki this isn't a race!" she scoffed, turning to glare at Uchi-Buychi menacingly. "I was only putting this boy in his place. Honestly, his words are becoming much to bold. I simply need to show him the threshold."
Uchi sighed in defeat and continued his meal with a hint of blush still in his cheeks. Chykisasa smirked (attempting to hide the red in her cheeks) and shook her head at Shantotto, defeated as well.
The meal went on and concluded on that rather embarrassing note. Chykisasa and Uchi-Buychi thought quietly to themselves about what Shantotto had said. What were their plans for the future? Did they really want to have a family together? Uchi-Buychi mused on how his parents would react to such talk. Chykisasa pondered on the resentment the Yagudo had towards her, and if they would target her heirs, if she were to have any.
After what felt like a few moments, Chykisasa shook her head to diminish the thought. She was getting ahead of herself. Before she worried about how her heirs were to be dealt with, she would have to personally deal with the Yagudo. In that moment, she noticed Shantotto was picking up the dishes around her—dinner was over.
"Oho, did I surprise you, Chyki dear? Dinner is over, come help clean up and open your ears!" Chykisasa stood, and Uchi-Buychi made his presence known again.
"Thankie you for dinner, Chykisasa, itaru was wonderful! Will you be practicing Soul Voice again tomorrow-worrow?" Chykisasa delightfully nodded, mouthing him to please come. "Of course I will." Uchi replied, smiling, his eyes lost within the ocean of hers. They gazed at each other for a long time, until Shantotto broke it up by making a rather loud sound with the dishes left on the table. They were both a little angered by the disruption—it was their moment, not hers, after all.
Uchi-Buychi sighed, "I guessie-wess I should go then. I'll come here tomorrow ataru…say…seven? I assume you leave for Sarutabaruta pretty-wetty early." Chykisasa nodded again and hugged Uchi in a fond farewell. Uchi accepted the embrace, and squeezed her back. "See you tomorrow, takie care until then, Chykisasa."
After Uchi-Buychi left, there was silence between Shantotto and Chykisasa as they cleaned up dinner. Chykisasa was still trying to bask in the moment of being with her one true friend, and Shantotto was reviewing her antics and how Uchi had reacted to them. Ten minutes passed. They were cleaning dishes and Shantotto began to laugh. It was subtle at first, only a muffled giggle, however it escalated into full mirth in only a few moments.
Chykisasa looked at Shantotto with a speculative look, and used her expression to ask what was so funny. Shantotto had to put her hand on the washbasin to balance herself out and regain her composure. She finally answered, "Ohoho, Chyki, that was simply too too great! Now I know how things went on your very first date!" She nudged Chykisasa.
Chykisasa blushed and reached for some nearby papers, but Shantotto grabbed them and pulled them out of her reach. "Tut tut, dear, you cannot deny it! That you two are in love is the only thing you can admit." Chykisasa's facial expression changed from embarrassment to begging. Shantotto sighed and handed her the papers. "But I suppose I can give you two distance, from this point on. I cannot hover to observe this metamorphosis you have foregone. Through life try not to forget about Shantotto, Chyki—and make sure that boy himself doesn't get too cheeky!"
Chykisasa sighed and began to write her response. Shantotto stooped over her to read the words as they formed: "I don't think anyone could forget to even if they tried, Shantotto." Shantotto snorted in agreement. "And don't go overreacting on me—it's not like in with him or anything. We're just two kids dating; neither of us know what the future will hold. However, we would appreciate some…alone time."
"Ohohohohoho, alone time you say. Well, well, well! I wouldn't want to get in your way…"
Chykisasa's ears flared and her cheeks flushed red. Shantotto's point was made very clear.
One hour and a few more lewd jokes later, Chykisasa and Shantotto were finally settling down. Shantotto took up her usual evening reading, while Chykisasa took up a pen and stationary. She had not forgotten the public statement that the Star Sibyl asked her to make. Every time she thought about it, she felt as if her stomach was trying to digest a stone. It simply sat on her nerves like a water spider looms on the water. She had postponed it for a while, but thought she should not procrastinate too long.
For about fifteen minutes, Chykisasa simply sat on her bed and stared at the paper, which sat on a board spread over her lap. She went through several ideas in her head, from the introduction to the actual body and wording. Periodically she would bring the pen tip close to the paper as if to write, however she would reconsider, and bring it back to her side.
Finally, Chykisasa decided on a format. She was both very careful and elaborate with her handwriting—knowing it would eventually be released to the press for to be copied to the newspaper, to inform those who were not able to make it to the announcement. In the second paragraph, she swiftly lifted the quill and pulled it away from the paper in one fluid motion. She had nearly made a mistake—she was going to put a cross through an "i" rather than dotting it. Chykisasa took a small breath, and pressed on.
After she finished the paragraph, Chykisasa stopped abruptly. Her thoughts escaped her—her vision of what the speech was going to be was suddenly blurred. She wasn't even sure if she had a plan for this part of the speech in the first place. It was the place where an explanation as to what the Yagudo did to her seemed like the most appropriate thing to mention. However, she did not know how to kindly approach the problem. Chykisasa wanted to explain the absolute truth, however, at the same time, she did not want the affair to scare the Windurstians into a desperate fear of the Yagudo. She wanted to skip the section altogether, but something in the back of her mind made her feel guilty each time she raised the pen to do so.
The emotional strain made her thoughts spiral back into the depression she had felt while in captivity. Chykisasa felt trapped—cornered between what she couldn't escape from, and yet wanted to find a way to evade anyway. She couldn't stand the feeling; it made her feel like a mouse trapped under the paw of a lion. She was already small and without a voice. Anything else that meant to demean her sense of existence and pride infuriated her.
And yet…she had to give in. She could not rebel against the people of Windurst who treated her like a freak, and she could not rebuke the Yagudo who enslaved her. They were inescapable facts in which she could not rise above. Both had such a bearing on her body and emotions that they seemed to intend on breaking her pride and turning her into a crouching, submissive mouse. They had conspired and worked to warp her into nothing, and would not stop until they succeeded…
The conflicting ideals spiraled in Chykisasa's head like a whirlpool. A battle between her psychological perspective on herself and the facts of her life raged. Memories of the Yagudo taunting her and Shantotto supporting her flashed by one after the other, as if jousting to gain victory over the other.
Shantotto's eyes drifted away from her book and settled on the screen at the other end of the room. It had been a while since she heard Chykisasa stir. Her eyes narrowed and focused on the silhouette of Chykisasa. Chykisasa was motionless, and her head was hanging. She carefully set her book aside, stood, and tiptoed toward the screen.
As the distance between herself and the screen became small, Shantotto realized something was terribly wrong. She sensed an unusual energy in her midst. Surprisingly, came across to her as familiar. "Chykisasa?" she quietly breathed as if the wind of her words would make the entire room unstable. "Chykisasa, what is going on over there? I sense something strange is in the air…"
Shantotto looked behind the screen to see a shivering Chykisasa. She was sitting on the edge of the bed with her eyes, absently rubbing her temples as if they ached. Shantotto rushed beside her and pulled the curtain of her hair away. "Chykisasa! Chyki, Chyki! Snap out of it!" she called, shaking Chykisasa by the shoulders. "Whatever is happening, do not submit!"
Chykisasa heard her name being called, however it sounded as if an ant was crying it from the inside of a cave. It helped her regain a bit of mind presence, just enough to realize something was not right with her. Her memories were still about her, alternating between something horrific and something of great appeasement. But no matter what the image appeared before her, it only made Chykisasa more afraid. She waved her arms violently at them. "Stop! Stop, getaru away from me!" She heard herself cry. "Get away all of you! You're hurting me!"
With every word she spoke, the vortex slowed. The images faded until they were barely visible at all. "Stay…away…" she exhaustedly whispered. Those last two words brought everything in her mind to a halt, leaving Chykisasa lying on her back, unbearably tired and nauseous.
Shantotto was relieved to find Chykisasa fully conscious again, but still could not figure out what had happened. "Chykisasa, are you alright? You're still sweating all over and your face is white. What kind of trouble did you get yourself into? Who, or what, was trying to hurt you?"
Chykisasa's eyes opened and studied Shantotto. "But…how did she…how could she…" she asked in her mind, while trying to lift her body up. Shantotto helped her rise gently, hoping that her nausea wouldn't cause a mess on the sheets. Chykisasa helped herself to her writing set and a spare piece of paper, which had been tossed aside during her spell.
She wrote a simple question: "How did you know I was being hurt?"
Shantotto's eyes widened, suddenly realizing what had really happened just a moment ago. "Chykisasa, you spoke the wordsin your sleep. I heard you cry for help, and you nearly whapped with that arm sweep!"
Chykisasa sat for a moment, wondering if she should believe what she had been told. She closed her eyes and opened her mouth, yet no words came out. She shook her head at Shantotto, and began to write.
"I'm not exactly sure what happened. I was writing the statement for the Star Sibyl to read to Windurst when I began to think hard about all that has happened to me. I guess I delved in too far, and my Soul Voice began to take over."
"Hm…that does make sense, I will agree," Shantotto slowly said, individually weighing each word. "But, what exactly did you see?"
"That I'm not sure of either. I saw good things and terrible things at the same time. They switched off again and again in my mind. Eventually I got so confused it was frightening—I didn't know what to believe."
The two sat for a long time in silence, each keeping their thoughts to themselves. If Chykisasa could not control the Soul Voice while she was even thinking of the Yagudo, a direct confrontation would be disastrous.
Shantotto was the first to break from withdrawal, "Well, then we must learn to control how your Voice is released. Before we confront the beastmen, we must learn to compromise with this beast!" Shantotto patted Chykisasa on the back, and Chykisasa nodded solemnly in agreement. "And the first step in doing so is to get a good night's rest. We can't have you training all tired and stressed!"
Shantotto hopped off the bed, taking Chykisasa's writing utensils with her. "And now it is time to say good night. I'm keeping an eye on you—don't even think about turning on a light!" she warned, putting the writing set on the table. Chykisasa mouthed good night, somehow managing to crack a small smile.
Chykisasa quickly went into a dreamless sleep. Soul Voice had drained her mind of all images and creations, giving her a calm and recuperative rest. The only downside to this good fortune was that she woke up unusually early. She sighed, reluctant to leave this perfect state of tranquility, and sat up.
On her nightstand was an eternally lit punk, which Shantotto herself crafted. It never burned itself out, hardly put out any smoke at all, and was safe to be left alone for long periods of time. It could only be put out by force, and made matches obsolete and wasteful.
Chykisasa used the punk to light her candle. When she put the punk back in its place, the stationary caught her eye. She stared at the two paragraphs in recollection of last night's episode. A new persistence washed over her there in the dark. She was tired of being weak, losing control, and always having to hold back. Chykisasa quickly, but silently, took up the paper and board. She pulled up the quill and the bottle of ink and swiftly prepared them for use. Quill and paper met without reluctance or fear.
The statement was done within the next twenty minutes. Chykisasa proudly smiled at it. She had finally done something deceiving and undercover without Shantotto knowing a thing about it.
…Or so she thought.
"You're supposed to be resting, as we agreed. Just what are you doing up, young lady?"
Chykisasa jumped and gaped at a fully dressed Shantotto whose arms were angrily crossed. Shantotto tapped her foot as Chykisasa's shaking hand wrote a response on scrap paper. Shantotto snatched the paper away from her, and pursed her lips as she read. "I have rested enough, but I really wanted to get that statement done before we left. I completed it without any strange goings on, though it's strange. I thought about the very same things last night, but it didn't stimulate my Soul Voice at all this time."
"I really don't think it is your thoughts, but how you react to them. Soul Voice seems to be acting as a defense mechanism. Let's say you are very angry or afraid. Only then will it come to your aid. Otherwise, you can think about anything you want." Shantotto took the paper and gently swiped Chykisasa's head. "But don't you dare think my rules you can flaunt! Now get up, get dressed, and break your fast! Soon enough you will see your lover at last."
Chykisasa sighed in agony, flinging her body on the bed in refusal. Shantotto rolled her eyes. "Oho, fine, I'll put the food away away. You will simply have no meal today!" Chykisasa's ears perked up, and she rose again. She began writing a response, but Shantotto started walking away halfway through.
Chykisasa let out a sharp, shrill whistle, making Shantotto wince. She finished up writing as Shantotto came back in a huff, irritably snatching the paper and reading aloud: "I will come as long as you tell me how you get everything ready so silently. Do you sleep in your clothes and put breakfast out before you go to bed or something? Or are you simply the ghost hag of Windurst?"
Shantotto read the last sentence in a higher octave out of pure astonishment. She glared at Chykisasa with a look in her eyes that would normally send the victim into a fetal position. Chykisasa swore she actually heard a growl emit from Shantotto's lower throat. Shantotto continued to hold the leer as she slowly crumpled the paper in her tightening grasp.
Suddenly, the glare disappeared. Shantotto's eyes face turned delightful—so much so that mischief also glossed the smile, "Fine, I will tell you how I manage to silently roam. BUT: today you must train so hard that I must drag you home! If you want to be enlightened of my secret, you'll have to suffer a day you'll not soon forget!"
Chykisasa nodded in submission, however she wrote one more response on another piece of paper: "You've got a deal, but first we have to take the statement to Heavens Tower. I will also be informing her of my plan, so don't cause too much trouble outside. Promise?" Shantotto, having no other option, agreed.
When Chykisasa was finished dressing, she realized that it was nearly 7:00. It was an overcast morning, and so she was deceived by the dark tint of the light which came through Shantotto's small windows. She ate a quick but hearty meal of toast, jam, and juice. As she ate, she wondered when Uchi-Buychi would show up. They decided to wait a bit longer for him to arrive even after Chykisasa had finished eating and Shantotto had packed their infamous picnic basket. At 7:30, they agreed to go to Heavens Tower and then drop by Uchi's later to see what had happened.
The usuals of Windurst Walls were very used to Chykisasa and Shantotto leaving this early in the morning, and paid no mind. However, the usuals of Heavens Tower were intrigued and slightly frightened by their presence—specifically Shantotto's.
The guards outside the entrance portal kindly greeted Chykisasa as she entered, however they were visibly disheartened when they realized Shantotto was going to wait outside. Shantotto looked at them and smirked with amusement, and turned to gaze at the moat which surrounded the Great Star Tree. Even though she could not see them, she knew that they were still being unnecessarily wary. "Little fools, they should not be guards! Being around Shantotto is not that hard," she muttered to herself.
Chykisasa gratefully accepted her usual greetings and the doors that opened in front of her. She had been to Heavens Tower so often already that no one thought twice about letting her into the more exclusive upper chambers. Her allowance was also enforced by the Star Sibyl, who specifically told all of her guards that she was to have as much access to the upper levels of the Tower as the Ministers did.
The Star Sibyl had gotten up early to gaze into the Star Spring, and was nearly finished when Chykisasa arrived. They met less than ten minutes later.
"Chykisasa, it's good to see you again. How are you?" Chykisasa's mouth formed into a small, meaningful smile, and she held out an elaborately decorated envelope, with the underlined word "Public Statement" clearly labeled on the back. "Thank you for preparing this statement. I will not read it in advance, I am sure that you have already included everything necessary," she said, not even lifting her arm to open the envelope as she promised.
"I see you have another letter in hand, is there something you wish to tell me?" the Star Sibyl asked, in a more concerned than prying manner. Chykisasa hesitated before nodding, and handed over the plainly folded and informal paper. The Star Sibyl read it aloud, so that her ever present head guard Semih Lafihna would be included as well:
"Your Holiness, I think I have found a foolproof way to end this battle with the Yagudo once and for all. I have been doing some practicing in Sarutabaruta, and I believe I am nearing mastery of the Combat Bard ability Soul Voice. Even though I am mute, when I use the ability it gives me a voice."
The Star Sibyl paused there in pure wonder. Semih Lafihna audibly gasped. Her eyes went to Chykisasa, who stood before her calmly, however edgy, as if she were awaiting some sort of punishment.The Sibyl wanted to say something in congratulations or support, however no proper words came to mind. She chose to go on:
"Several times now I have used my voice to vanquish monsters, and today I will try to take that power and mold it into controlled words. If I can master this ability and orally refuse servitude, the Yagudo will never be able argue, and this can end quickly.
However, I would like to receive your approval before I go any further. If you believe that it is too dangerous, I will stop all practice and we will try to sort it out diplomatically as originally planned. So I ask: Do you, yourself, truly believe that this will work?"
The Star Sibyl intently focused on Chykisasa. Of all the things she thought Chykisasa would want—or even could—do about the Yagudo, orally refusing was something she naturally considered out of the question. She could not think of a direct and coherent answer at first, "Chykisasa…I think I can honestly tell you that this is the last thing I was expecting. I just don't know what to say…" her voice trailed off and she paused to gather her thoughts. "Before I answer your question, I would like to know how…powerful this Soul Voice is. Just this morning when I addressed the celestial bodies, there was a lot to be said about you, and a very formidable force you were attempting to master. It was a very devastating sight to see—I thought it was vision of the Great War until I saw your face."
Semih Lafihna handed Chykisasa a clipboard and fountain pen, and Chykisasa quickly went to answering the Sibyl's question. The other two were silent and patient, not wanting to send her any signals to rush. In about a minute, Chykisasa held the board out to the Star Sibyl. Semih took the Sibyl's other two papers so she could take the board and read:
"When I first used the ability in Shantotto's manor, ma'am, I found out I had to use my strongest emotions to unlock the power. The visions of the Yagudo were so powerful that I was knocked unconscious. When I came to, I was able to use the ability just as other Bards would. However, it is much more difficult for me because I do not have my own voice as an outlet of emotions. My Soul Voice becomes…zealous, if you will, when I use it. It is eager to let out my feelings and thoughts, and if I am not careful, it can be dangerous to others near me. Shantotto stays far out to the side to be ready to protect me if things get too far out of hand.
However, I have noticed that controlling my Voice becomes much easier with each time I use the ability. Yesterday I could nearly use words, and I think I will be able to say something coherent today. I don't think it will be too long before I can let out my Voice in small, safe amounts, so the Yagudo do not get the wrong message when I use it."
"I see…" the Sibyl began, her eyes showing that the news deeply distraught her. "I think you already know how much I do not like adding the element of danger to a situation unnecessarily, however if you can master this ability, I will let you go through with it. What the Yagudo said about them having foolproof evidence of their ownership greatly troubles me, and if you can legitimately break the contract, this can end soon and without question. You have my full support, and I wish you the best of luck, for the sake of yourself, and for the people of Windurst.
But please be aware of this: I will not think any less of you if you cannot harness this power. If you do not think you can be ready in six days, do not hesitate to tell me so. I would not mind in the least preparing to legally debate with the Yagudo, I made a promise," the Star Sibyl concluded, looking directly into Chykisasa's eyes. Chykisasa nodded, and clearly mouthed the words "Thank You."
"You're welcome," the Sibyl replied. "You may leave now, I do not want to cut short your training time. Be safe." Chykisasa bowed low, and exited towards the stairs, just as quietly as she had entered.
The Star Sibyl started off towards her chambers; however Semih Lafihna lingered in her place, staring at the beginning of the stairway that Chykisasa had just left behind. The Sibyl turned around, "Is something wrong, Semih?"
Semih snapped out of her daze. "No, ma'am—it's nothing. It's just…I thought that when Chykisasa mouthed thanks just therrre…I thought I heard something like a whisper. It could have been anything, though. Things like that happen all the time—it comes with having overly-acute earrrs," she said, dismissing the subject almost too quickly.
The Sibyl stood in her own place for a moment, and soon dismissed Semih to go to her daily duties. She went back to her typical place of star reading, with Semih's words still echoing in her mind. "All the time, yet at that very moment…" she mused, summoning the energy to address the stars, but this time on an entirely new matter.