Magic is Force: Chapter 19
"You're a…Jedi?" Karn said slowly after a moment of letting Meetra's words sink in. She nodded her head and the tears continued to fall from her eyes. Karn couldn't believe what had just transpired. Angela, the herbalist, who he met from Teirm, saved him from death, and helped train him was in fact a Force-user. He struggled to believe such a thing could be possible. A multitude of questions raced through his mind, begging for answers. Is she truly a Jedi? Where did she come from? Where's her lightsaber? How did she come to Alagaesia in the beginning?
However, as he processed the vast expanse of queries, one seemed to prick his mind – drawing attention to it. As he reflected upon it, the sudden thought sprouted feelings of anger and mistrust. A fierce expression grew on his face which caused Meetra to recoil back slightly. "Why?" Karn said with an edge to his voice. "Why did you keep this from me?"
The tremors that traversed Meetra's body continued, her eyes were red and puffy from crying. She sat opposite of Karn, her arms coming to wrap around herself, as if a means to console her. "I was afraid," she whispered.
"Afraid of what?" quickly replied Karn. "Afraid that I would not want to acquaint myself with a Jedi?"
She shook her head quickly, refuting his accusation. "I was afraid you wouldn't accept me…Ever since I met you at Teirm, I've been worried that you would not believe my claim."
A sudden realization quickly struck a chord within him, "Wait. You knew since Teirm? That I was a Force-user?"
Meetra nodded, "Yes."
The anger from earlier began to quickly grow, "And you still didn't tell me!?" His voice rose, the anger hinted in it.
The tremors quickly doubled and Meetra's body was shaking out of fear, "I'm sorry, Karn. I've been trying to tell you the truth for some time now. But I have always been too weak to admit it."
The anger continued to bubble inside Karn's chest. But in actuality, what was he angered about – was it the fact that the companion that he had traveled for over a month now had kept secrets from him? Or was it due to his inability to notice the faint traces of the Force that perforated from the woman? It all began to make sense to him though, the times that she acted strange. From the moment Angela – no – Meetra first saw me, she knew I was a force-user. How could I be so blind to notice the Force inside her? After recollecting the past several months that revolved around her, Karn could see the faint traces of the true "Angela" emerge. From the first experience in Teirm, when Meetra used the Force to peer into the future, stunned to see his lightsaber; the faint traces of the Force used to make him fall unconscious after she rescued him from Gil'ead; the power of the Force used to heal his wounds and preserve his sanity from the darkness… I need answers.
As he gazed at the trembling woman, Karn could not help but feel some frustration and disbelief. But from her, he could sense her insecurity, fear, and loneliness. However, he could also sense the sincerity in her words and through her emotions. Karn wasn't sure what to do about her, after learning the shocking truth, could he truly allow himself to forgive her from holding such important information from him.
A pressure pressed against Karn's side which took him by surprise as Solembum came up behind him. The werecat silently walked over to the trembling woman and did something that surprised the Grey Knight – he stood on his back legs so his front paws landed on Meetra's chest, supporting him. Then he quickly began to lick the lines where the tears had fallen from her eyes. Unable to hold herself back, Meetra quickly unfurled her arms and quickly grasped the werecat into a giant hug, holding him in place.
The two were silent for several moments, Karn only assuming that the two were sharing in silent conversation through their minds. Minutes passed before Solembum's mind pressed against his own and Karn allowed him access. Boy, the night grows late. Let us not waste time out here in the cold dread of night. I know you have questions you'd like answered from Meetra but wait until we've reached town. There we can take up lodging for the night and we can keep secret such sensitive information compared to out here – where the wind can carry our voices to unfriendly ears.
Unfortunately, Solembum was right. The information that would be discussed between Meetra and himself could not be allowed to be heard by anyone. Aside from those who already knew of Karn and Meetra's true identity. The urge to retrieve answers from the Jedi would have to wait, which left a poor taste in the Grey Knight's mouth. "Fine. We'll do it your way, Solembum. Know this though, the both of you, once we've settled for the night I will want answers."
Wiping the tears from her eyes, Meetra gave a slight nod, "And you shall get them…I'm sorry, Karn." She apologized once again.
She gazed at him with red, puffy eyes but Karn could see the honesty within them. His anger still fumed inside him and he could not allow himself to fully look her in the eye. Disgruntled, he brushed the sand off his robes as he stood up and prepared to make way. Meetra followed suit, grabbing the mare that still continued to refresh itself in the lake.
The final leg of the trip to Petrøvya would take about another half hour before they could enter the fishing town. During that time, Karn and Meetra made no effort to discuss the shocking truth. Karn walked along the road, attempting to straighten out his thoughts over the experience and formulating new questions which he hoped have answered. Solembum sat in the saddle though this time, Meetra allowing herself the chance to walk giving the exhausted mare more time to recover. The two walked alongside each other, both Force-users barely making eye contact.
As the sun finally had decent over the horizon and the stars finally shown brightly across the night sky, the group arrived into the small fishing city. Walking down the main road through town, the houses aligned themselves spaciously between small alleys. All roads in the city lead towards two bustling areas: the docks and market square. The dock where most of the city's populace conducted themselves and the market which consisted of several fishing stalls, jewelers, and small general wears businessmen.
The streets were mostly deserted aside from the occasional street beggar, degenerate, and drunk walking aimlessly home. As the group traversed deeper into town, they took up residency within the Silver Fish Tavern on the south side of the wharf – just off the main road into town. Meetra picked the mare outside near the water trough and followed Karn inside who was already discussing on rooms with the tavern owner.
"One room for the night. And bring up a tray of food and ale, enough for two people," ordered Karn.
The tavern owner, big in size and belly with a long white flowing beard peered over to the young man. "Is the room just for you?"
Meetra just appeared off to the side of Karn, to which he pointed to her. "For the both of us."
"Very good, sir," he said with a wink in his eye. He took one of his meaty fingers and pointed in the direction of a flight of stairs leading to the second floor of the tavern. "Third door on the left. Make yourself comfortable. I'll have some food brought for you and the lady as quickly as possible."
"Thank you," Karn said. He was about to leave before he turned to the tavern owner one last time. Reaching out to the Force, Karn took a hold of the man's mind, influencing it. "Once you've done what I've asked, ensure that no one disturbs us for the night. Understand?"
A blank stare glazed over the old man's bearded face, "Yes. No one shall disturb you."
Nodding in approval, Karn lead the way to the stairs, ascending them with Meetra following behind. Solembum was the last behind, being quiet and unnoticeable as he followed the force-users to the second floor. Counting off the doors, Karn headed for the third door on the left and lifted the latch, revealing a small room with a single bed, a water basin, and sitting chair facing an open window.
Meetra had dropped the traveling bags next to the bed and exhaustingly sat on it. The mattress and wooden frame creaked as she sat and moaned with protest as Solembum jumped onto the Jedi's lap. With a sudden swipe of his hand, the door swung shut and Karn locked it – ensure no one could barge in on them.
"Start explaining, Angela," Karn said harshly to Meetra. He walked over to the lone chair by the window and dragged it across the floor, situating it so it sat in front of the woman and werecat. "Or is that even your actual name?"
The woman wrapped her arms around the werecat as if using it as a means to protect herself from the inquisition. Her eyes were full of guilt as she stared directly into Karn's own. Taking a deep breath, she said, "My name is not Angela. It is Meetra. Meetra Surik. And I'm a Jedi Knight."
"You're a Jedi?" Karn said with some vile in his voice, remembering his attempts to recruit his brother to help free their mother.
"Yes," Meetra nodded. "At a young age, I was discovered to possess force abilities and was taken to the Jedi. I quickly became part of the order soon after."
"Where's your lightsaber then?" Karn asked, noting the lack of a Jedi's weapon on Meetra's person. "It seems far-fetched for a Jedi to not possess a lightsaber."
Unconsciously, a hand slid down to Meetra's waist band, attempting to grab hold of an imaginary weapon. "It was destroyed, long ago. It's been impossible to repair it."
"How was it destroyed?" he asked, eyeing over the woman. His gaze never left hers, his anger was simmering over one important question – a question that would not be asked until last.
Meetra's hand hovered over her waist, imagining that the lightsaber was holstered. "It was destroyed by force-lightning during a fight with a Sith."
"How long have you been in Alagaesia? How did you even manage to find yourself in this world in the first place?" Karn remembered his own experience with the Sith Lord on Alderaan and the clash that occurred; the mysterious energy field that pulled him into the void and transported him to this unknown world.
Brushing a strand of hair out of place, behind her ear, a solemn and mournful appearance gripped Meetra's expression. Her eyes darted back and forth as if watching a holorecord being played before her. "It all started when a dear friend of men went missing. Another Jedi who was known throughout the galaxy as savior and conqueror…Revan."
The sudden mention of the famous Jedi surprised Karn greatly. He had heard mention of the Force-user, Revan, from researching the archives in the Grey Knight Temple. Archives which consisted of information from both the Jedi and Sith archives – due to the countless years of Grey Knight infiltration of both parties.
The Grey Knight for centuries stayed hidden in the shadows, watching the events surrounding the Jedi and Sith. When the Sith Empire revealed themselves, the Grey Knights had to go into greater efforts to learn and oversee both groups. As such, the Grey Knights sent out operatives to watch over the two groups as part of each order. Some of the agents, which served as critical members of each group. However, for their safety, these individuals' identity were kept secret from all but the Grey Knight Council.
Across the centuries, these agents had acquired important pieces of information concerning the history, training, rituals, weaponry, and power of the Sith and Jedi. During Karn's training, he had happen to stumble upon the story of Revan, whilst conducting his studies. Deduced by Grey Knight records, the order unofficially considered the man a 'Grey Knight.' However, he was never approached due to the amount of attention that he drew from the Jedi Order. It was said that Revan had disappeared from known space and there was no contact of him heard following the demise of Sith – led by Darth Malak. In addition to Republic records, Karn had full access to the events that surrounded the Force-user.
"You knew Revan?" Karn said with some shock hinted in his voice.
A curious looked appeared on Meetra's face. "Yes. I'm surprised to know that you are aware of him."
Keeping a serious face, he nodded. "I know of him. Only from the information that I've researched about him."
"He was the most powerful warrior and Jedi I had ever met," Meetra admitted.
Realization suddenly occurred to Karn, "Revan was the one that led the war effort against the Mandalorian Wars, correct?" Meetra nodded. "That was three-hundred years ago!"
A look of shock ripped at Meetra also. "It's been that long?" A hand came up and cupped her mouth as she seemed to process the new-found information. "How long has it been since the Sith have returned?"
Karn thought back through his thoughts, developing an estimated time. "It's been nearly thirty-nine years since their appearance. The war between the Republic and Sith Empire have taken its toll on the galaxy. On the Force…this you should remember." Karn was referencing to the time where he explained to Meetra the emergence of the Sith Empire and the war they waged on the Republic while they traveled through the Empire.
She produced a slight nod in agreement. "I remember…It's hard to imagine so much time has passed by since I've been here for such a short length of time."
Karn could understand that aspect. However, their conversation – his questions – were veering away from topic. "What happened though? How did you get here?"
"Like I said," pointed out Meetra, "It began when Revan disappeared. His wife, Bastilla, requested that I go out and search for him. With the assistance of Revan's personal astromech droid, we managed to track him to the homeworld of the Sith: Dromund Kaas. There, I discovered that Revan was held prisoner and managed to free him with the unexpected help from a Sith, Lord Scourge. We learned that the Sith on Dromund Kaas were the ones responsible for the Mandalorian Wars, and the reason why Revan returned to Republic space as Darth Revan. We took it upon ourselves to set out and combat the Sith Emperor and destroy him before he could invade the Republic and destroy the Jedi…However…
Fear and anguish suddenly ripped at Karn's chest as Meetra's feelings swarmed him. Her thoughts percolated his mind and images were revealed before him.
Standing in a large, dark metallic room with ancient statues and lit braziers, a man wearing a mask with a t-shaped visor, was locked in a force-duel with a black-garbed Sith. Energies ripped through the room, buckling the metal interior. However, off in the corner, a tornado of crackling force-lightning imprisoned a lonely figure. A curly-haired woman with a double-bladed lightsaber laid on the floor, crying out in agony. "Make it stop." She cried out. "I don't want to die!" The laugh of the Sith Emperor echoed across the room. His victory nearly at hand.
"We tried to defeat the Emperor, with all our strength…We failed, though," whispered Meetra. Her eyes grew watery, remembering the horrific scene. "As I laid helpless, all I wished was for the dreadful pain that was inflicted upon me to disappear…I didn't want to die. I wanted to live. And as my life nearly came to an end and darkness took me, I woke up to find myself lying in a forest. It took me some time to learn that that I had been teleported here, to Alagaesia. I woke up within the woods of Du Weldenvarden, the land of elves, and it was there under their care that I was nursed back to health."
Amaze, shock, and disbelief seemed to wrack at Karn. It was hard for him to believe that this woman, alongside with the infamous Jedi, Revan, engaged the Sith Emperor in open combat. Since the Galactic War started, such an offense made to draw out the Emperor was never made. And yet two lonely Jedi managed to do so? That's unbelievable.
"How long ago has it been since you came into Alagaesia?" asked Karn. He was glad to see that Meetra had answered all his questions without hesitation. And surprisingly, he knew for a fact that all she spoke was the truth – he could sense the sincerity and honesty seep from her.
She passed her hand over the Solembum's fur, petting him as she recalled the years. "I've been living in Alagaesia for nigh of sixty-five years."
"Sixty-five years?" Karn replied in shock. For over sixt-five years old, he was surprised to see a young, fit, and physically attractive woman before him, instead of some older and frail lady.
"Yes. For sixty-five years, I have lived most of my life here in Alagaesia – most of my time spent with the elves of Du Weldenvarden. As a result of the Force and the healing offered by the elves, my life was prolonged and no longer in danger. I spent many months, even years, learning the history of the land and the inhabitants that populated it. I spent great time determining if there was any way possible to return home, to our galaxy. But alas, my endeavor proved to be fruitless. I soon accepted the harsh reality that I would never be able to return home; I would never be able to see my comrades or friends ever again."
"When I first learned word of the Varden and their plight against the Empire, I felt as if I was called to help them. And for a portion of my life, I provided any help that I could to help the rebels win the war against Galbatorix."
"Why did you leave though?" Karn asked, learning back in the seat while crossing his arms. "What caused you to take up a residency in Teirm and become an herbalist?"
"I spent almost two decades collaborating with the Varden, attempting to promote their efforts. After a time, I soon grew a longing to go about my way and live my life…I have always been accustomed to war. It seems that it is perhaps one of the only few things within my life that I have been exceptional at. Fighting wars, that is." She said as she ran a hand through her unkempt curly hair. "And perhaps, it is because I've been accustomed to be alone…My time during exile was the cause for me to harbor such feelings. I mean, honestly, the Varden take residency within the Beor Moutains in Tronjiheim – that place isn't' exactly spacious. I wanted peace and quiet for a change." She commented while raising a finger.
The quick sensation of the Force tickled at Karn's mind. Extending her hand out, the wineskin from the traveling bags soon rose into the air and floated into Meetra's grasp. She uncorked the lid and took a mouthful of the alcoholic liquid. "What do you mean you were exiled?" curiosity beginning to gain the better over him.
"I was one of the few Jedi to accept Revan's call to arms against the Mandalorians. I served as a general in the Republic forces. But my actions resulted in my exile from the Jedi Order. They deemed me to have followed the path to the Darkside, and saw fit to cast me out." She took another mouthful of liquid, savoring the taste of the liquid. "And for several years, I traversed the unknown regions of space, alone, trying to forget my actions during the war."
As Karn listened to Meetra's story, he could not help but think that he had heard of a Jedi that suffered the same fate as herself. His studies over Revan also led him to another individual Jedi that served under him. This individual served as a general of Republic forces and was a brilliant tactician against the Mandalorians which was displayed at the Battle of Malachor V. Republic forces had managed to draw the Mandalorian forces to the planet before activating a secret weapon which caused a massive gravity vortex that pulled the ships out of orbit and onto the planet's surface – destroying it. The Jedi general returned to the council to receive punishment and was exiled immediately after.
Wait a moment. Karn thought to himself. Could it truly be possible? He sat on the edge of his seat, "You're the Exile?"
Meetra gazed at him with a perplexed look. "It has been some time since someone has referred to me by that name…Yes. I am the Jedi Exile, Meetra Surik. The Jedi that went to war with Revan. The one that led countless battles against the Mandalorians and eventually the death of both Mandalorian and Republic forces at Malachor V…" a shiver ran down Meetra's spine and Karn could suddenly sense a great deal of remorse and pain echo from her soul. "The amount of death that occurred that day… I could sense it through the Force. It nearly killed me. I was afraid to die on that day. In order to preserve my life and escape from the echoes that rippled through the Force, I had to deafen myself to it."
"It was for that action that I was exiled," she continued before quickly taking another long gulp from the wineskin.
Karn sat in the chair, stunned. It had never occurred to him that when Meetra revealed herself to him that she one be the Meetra Surik – the Jedi Exile. Karn had read the holoreports over her and Revan exploits and was amazed at the feats they achieved. However, upon hearing the harsh reality of what transpired to the woman, Karn could not help but feel some form of sympathy for it.
"That must have been a harsh experience for you to bear," he said clasping his hands together. "I could not imagine would it must be like to endure that kind of hardship on one's shoulders."
A serious gleam filled Meetra's eyes and her face became rigid. "And I hope that you will never have to bear the same cruelty, as I have."
The werecat rolled itself into a furry ball and positioned itself on Meetra's lap. She continued to pet Solembum and the slight sound of his purring could be heard across the room. "How'd you encounter Solembum?" Karn inquired. He found it quite interesting how a Jedi would cross paths with a being such as Solembum.
"We met during one of my return trips to Ellesméra, the main city within the woods of Du Weldenvarden. Within the palace of Queen Islanzadi, a werecat graces her with their company. One day, I had managed to gain an audience with the queen and met the werecat, Maud. And normally, it is only Maud that appears within Islanzadi's presence. However, a second werecat was there," she smiled and scratched behind the furry tipped ears of Solembum's. "That was the first time I had ever met Solembum. He proved to be quite smug to talk to at first, but over time, I grew found of him. He even took to appreciate some of the conversations we had between us. When it grew time for me to return to the Varden, Solembum accompanied to the edge of the forest before deciding to come the whole way. He's graced me with his company since then." The purring within Solembum's chest grew in volume as Meetra retold the story of their first encounter.
"So does anyone else know that you're a Jed-" Karn's question was quickly stopped when he heard a series of rasping knocks on the door. Tensed, Karn quickly rose from his chair, a hand placed on the hilt of his lightsaber, and headed towards the door. Unlocking the bolt, Karn inched the door open and was met with by the face of the tavern owner. In his arms, he was carrying a tray of meat and fruit with two mugs of ale. "I've brought up the food as you requested, young master," the man said in a rough voice.
Karn opened the door wide enough to reach out and take hold of the tray of food and thanked the man before closing the door, locking it once again. He laid the food on the bed next to Meetra and the two ate it heartily. After Karn had eaten several pieces of stripped beef and several sips of ale did he continue his question from early. "Does anyone else besides Solembum and I know of your true identity?"
Taking a pear from the tray, Meetra bit into and shook her head. "No. It is just the three of us."
Nodding in approval, Karn ate his supper quietly, while developing new questions for Meetra. He found her answers acceptable but the feelings of anger and mistrust were still present. Even though Meetra was making up for not telling the truth initially, Karn still felt betrayed that she never revealed herself until suddenly doing so earlier. However, there was some legitimacy in her reasoning for not telling him so.
Meetra had spent sixty-five years in Alagaesia, alone with no means of returning home. She had to accept the cruel truth that the possibility of returning home was impossible. As such, she had to accept the world she currently lived in and adapt to survive. When Karn first appeared to her in Teirm, the years of being spent alone in solitude and with the mentality of having no connections from home must have caused Meetra to hesitate. What must it been like for her to learn that another Force-user walked the lands of Alagaesia? He thought to himself.
Actually, Karn could understand that thought completely. He himself, during his travels with Brom, Eragon, and Saphira had to accept the possibility of returning home was impossible; and to see anyone from home was as well. But the sudden truth that another Force-user was here, next to him, seemed surreal to him. To him, it was a relief of joy to know that another individual from home was here, in this small little room. However, a part of him felt unsure of what to say to Meetra. With accepting the mentality that no hope was possible of seeing any trace of home, what was he supposed to say her. Would she have believed me if our roles were reversed?
Slightly, Karn could see some understanding from the Jedi's perspective.
"Do you hate me?" The words spoken took Karn by surprised as he looked up at the Jedi. Meetra stared at him with a worried look and he could sense her unease.
After spending some time reflecting upon Meetra's motives and all her efforts, Karn could not help be see no fault in her actions. As much as his anger and mistrust for her were currently, he could not hold her at fault. "No," he said flatly. "I do not hate you. However, I wished you would have told me sooner about this. I've been under the impression that I was the only Force-user in all of Alagaesia, and yet here you are. It has been difficulty being the only person with this power and knowledge that we possess; and is unable to turn to someone of similar background for advice."
The unease that Karn felt, immediately began to evaporate and the worry on Meetra's face lightened. "I understand. Truly, I do. That has how I have felt for the past six decades. However, I no longer have to worry of such a thing… I have you, Karn."
The Grey Knight was drinking a sip of ale when Meetra said those words, startling him. He coughed slightly as the liquid fell down the wrong pipe in his thought and it took him a moment to clear it. He stared at her for a long moment before asking, "Are you serious now?"
"Quite," she replied. "For too long I have kept my personal life a secret, and now I finally have someone who I can be myself – my true self once again. You've given me something Karn that I thought was no longer possible."
Slacked-jawed, Karn stared at Meetra for a solid minute without uttering a single word. He was mesmerized by her words of endearment and part of him felt the same. Beneath the frustration towards Meetra, he was glad that there was someone that he could be his true self. Someone whom he could relate to. "…The feeling is quite mutual, Meetra," he whispered. She stared at him with a curious expression and remained quiet. "I've been alone for as long as I can remember at home, and that loneliness only has gotten worse since arriving here in Alagaesia. It has lessened slightly when I traveled with Eragon and Saphira but it has been because of you that I have felt better in a long time. You've provided me with company which has helped me overcome my loneliness. For that I am grateful."
Happiness overwhelmed Karn's insides as Meetra's emotions burst forth from their Force bond. "Then do you forgive me and my arrogance for not revealing myself to you earlier?"
Reflecting back to his reasons from earlier for being disgruntled at the woman, Karn slowly began to realize that there was no actual reason for his anger. She was justified in her actions and putting himself in her position, Karn was sure he would have behaved in the exact same manner. Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, Karn exhaled letting the residual anger and bitterness escape him. Taking the mug of ale in hand, Karn held it out towards Meetra. "Water under the bridge, as the phrase goes."
A smile grew on her face and a small glint grew in her eyes. The happiness that Karn felt doubled in strength. Taking her own mug of alcohol in hand, he and Meetra cheered each other.
"Was that all the questions you had for me, Karn?" asked Meetra after taking a sip from her mug.
Karn asked all the questions he currently needed to ask. However, he was curious about one thing in particular. "Actually, I have one more thing. How did this Force bond form between us?"
"Ah yes," Meetra quickly understood the direction of the question. "I created the bond soon after Solembum and I came and rescued you from Gil'ead. While I tried to heal you, the wound on your shoulder would not close. A dark aura had prevented it from doing so. I did not have the strength to do so; your life was slowly fading away. I did the only thing I could do; I used the Force to preserve what life you had left and I linked it to mine. With the bond established, I drew upon your power and added to my own to help close the wound."
Remembering the sheering pain inflicted on his shoulder from Durza, Karn instantly reached for his shoulder. The mere thought of that duel sent shivers down his spine. "How potent is this Force bond between us?"
"That depends on the connection between the individuals. The stronger the connection between the two, the stronger the bond."
"I see," Karn took the last bit of sips from his ale before exhaustion suddenly gripped him. Peering out the window, the moon shown over Lake Tüdosten, its reflection cast upon the tranquil waters. "I may turn in for the night."
Nodding her head, Meetra placed the food tray on the floor next to the bed. "I agree. We've reached the last leg of our journey and we need our rest."
"What are our plans for tomorrow?" asked Karn.
Pulling off the top sheet of the bed, Meetra laid down, placing her head upon the soft pillow. A yawn escaped her lips and she stretched before answering. "It's a day and half ride to Aberon. From there, we can get in contact with a Varden agent who can take us to Farthen Dûr."
Pulling one of the traveling bags as a make-shift pillow, Karn laid down on the floor, parallel to the bed. The prospect that they were so close to reaching the Varden put Karn's worries to ease. He knew that soon, he would see Eragon and Saphira and they would be safe. He could not wait to see them and share the experiences that transpired to them since their flight from Gil'ead.
Just before Karn fell asleep, the outline of Solembum appeared above him from atop the bed. His big red eyes gazing down at him. His presence pressed against Karn's mind and he allowed him to enter.
You handled that experience rather well. I could have sworn you'd be more angered about Meetra's true identity, said the werecat.
I won't lie. I was slightly put off by her actions. However, he placed his arms around his head, supported him as he gazed up at the werecat, I understand Meetra's reasons for not telling me so. It is not good for one to harbor feelings of anger and malice towards someone who was only doing what they thought was best.
The whiskers on Solembum's face twitched slightly and his ears perked up. That's quite insightful, Grey Knight. You've grown since the first time we met.
Karn inwardly smiled at the werecat's comment. I've had time to grow. My time here in Alagaesia has caused me to change my mentality.
Tilting his head slightly, Solembum replied. Oh, I do not believe it has been 'Alagaesia' that has changed you. The werecat said with a hint of amusement.
What do you mean? Karn asked.
Without warning, Solembum's figured disappeared from his sight and went to lay alongside Meetra. Hey! Solembum, what did you mean?"
A quick series of chuckles echoed across their mental link. My dear boy, Solembum said, if you do not know the answer to that question, then perhaps you still have much to learn.
The werecat's presence withdrew itself from Karn's mind before he could ask any more questions. He sat there on the ground pondering Solembum's words. What does he mean Alagaesia hasn't changed me? What could have done so? He spent some time thinking over the prospect when he suddenly felt sense of tranquility sprout within him. The unexpected touch of emotions caused Karn to draw his attention towards the woman laying above him in the bed. It was Meetra's tranquility he was sensing; then the answer to his question appeared.
Thinking of all the times Karn spent with her, Meetra was certainly a factor to Karn's changing attitude. Her company, her wisdom, and training allowed him to come this far within the world. The words he spoke at the lake jumped to the forefront of his mind. I see you as a close friend, and I would never hurt someone close to me. You've gone to great efforts for my sake, and for that I'm grateful.
Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, Karn focused on the bond that he and Meetra shared and drew upon her serenity. He grew quiet and still, his mind being put to rest of all the thoughts and anxieties that occurred that day.
… It seems that she has. Thought Karn as he slightly chuckled. He turned over onto his side and allowed sleep to overcome him.