A/N: This took a while, but I think the wait has been worth it. The largest chapter to date, at 18k words, I place this AN here instead of at the end to note that you might need a minute or two more to read it.
As always, I'd love to hear from your guys. Share your thoughts in a review or drop a PM, and I'd be more than happy to get back with you.
That aside, I'll shut up now and wish you happy reading. I hope you enjoy the chapter as much as I did writing it.

I become aware of my conciousness slipping back into place.
Then the pain rushes in.
"...Uhhh…"

I notice something quite soft under my back. I'm lying down, on a bed I suppose.
As my other senses return one after another, I begin to hear something, but I can't make it out.
I strain my ears.

"...era…"

Hmm? That sounds like a voice. A feminine one, vaguely familiar.

"...era…!"

The voice grows louder, more clear. I feel something touch my shoulders.

"Xerath!"

!
That's my name! I force open my eyes. The world is still blurry, so I blink several times and gradually get focus back. The first thing I see are polished dark wooden planks at the ceiling. I also notice that the room is rather dim.

"Xerath!"

I tilt my head to the source of the voice. I see Leanna, sitting on a stool beside my bed. Her eyes are shimmering, as if she's fighting back tears. Her hair looks a bit disheveled as well.

I smile reassuringly and reach out a hand to cup her cheek.
That was my plan, if my muscles would respond, that is. At least I manage to smile. And despite my throat being as dry as the sands of Tatooine, my voice sounds only a bit raspy.
"Hey, Leanna."

Her voice sounds like it's about to crack.
"Oh my goodness, you're finally awake! You had me so worried! Don't you dare to do that again!"

She reaches over and hugs me tightly. I am abashed by her concern for me. She really worries about me, doesn't she?
Oh, the irony. The woman of my dreams is hugging me, and I can't move. How I wish I could rub her back or something.
Wait a moment, I can heal myself!
With that realisation, I cast a quick self heal. I think the inquisitors called it Unnatural Preservation, but that's unimportant now. I feel the pain ebb away and control over my muscles returning.
I reach out with a still shaky arm and reassuringly rub Leanna's back.
"Shh, it's alright now. I'm awake and alive. I won't leave so soon, I promise."

Leanna calms down a bit and straightens up on her seat. She smiles relieved.
"I'm so glad you're finally awake."

I push myself up in a sitting position.
"Me as well. My apologies again. I still shouldn't make a lady wait. I hope this doesn't become a habit."

Leanna giggles.
"Yeah, I hope so too."

Her face becomes serious again, though a small smile adorns it now.
"What happened there? Why did you lose conciousness? Are you really alright now?"

I sigh.
"Yeah, I'm fine so far. Though my throat is a bit dry, could you give me some water?"

"Oh, yeah, sure!"
Leanna rummages through a pack and pulls out a waterskin, which she hands to me.

"Thanks."

She smiles at me.
"You're welcome."

I take some sips of the refreshing liquid, and I can feel it reinvigorate my parched throat.
Is it just my imagination, or is Leanna blushing? Odd.

"Ahh, that hits the spot. Now, regarding your questions, the answer is feedback."
I give her the waterskin back.

She arches an eyebrow quizzically as she packs the waterskin away.
"Feedback?"

I nod.
"Yeah. I overused my powers back then… incidentally, how much 'back then' are we talking about?"

"Oh, it's about noon the next day. You've slept through the night and morning."

I breath out in relief.
"Huh. That's good."

"Good?! You mean that you were unconcious for more than twelve hours was good?!"

Leanna sounds upset, so I hold my hands up placatingly.
"Not that! I meant it's good that I wasn't out for longer."

"Oh, right."

"Are you guys alright, though?"

She looks flabberghasted.
"Huh?"

"I would guess we are in an inn, so did you manage to make it to the town in time?"

Leanna's expression tells me that she can't believe what she's hearing.
"You lost your conciousness, and yet you ask how we are?"

"Uhm, yes? I mean, that was the whole point why I strained myself in the first place. It would be kind of sad if you hadn't make it into town despite me pulling all the strings."

Leanna nods with a bashful smile.
"Yeah, we made it to Elendale safely, thanks to you."

Then she continues with a smirk.
"Although Zack had to drag you here."

"Is that so? I will thank him, then."

She nods.
"Do that. We're all staying in the inn, by the way. It didn't felt right to do anything when you're out cold."

I feel my cheeks heating up.
"You all went that far? I... I feel honored."

She smiles warmly.
"Of course. You might want to tell the others that as well. I'll tell them you're awake. Take your time to get ready, then you can join us in the lobby."

I nod.
"Will do."

"I'll place the key of the room here."
Leanna stands up and puts her stool in front of a table and places the key on it, then moves to the door and opens it. She turns around to give me one last reliefed smile before stepping through the door, closing it behind her.

I breathe out. It was not my intention to worry my friends. I just wanted to know them in safety. Still, I can't believe that they would halt their plans simply because I'm out. None of my friends back home would do that, aside from maybe Talos or Ashara, my apprentice. There never would've been the time. Only Talos and Ashara would watch over me.
I notice my vision start to blur again. I reach up to rub at my eyes.
Wetness? I'm tearing up? But why? I'm happy, I shouldn't have a reason to cry.
Wait, is this that famous 'crying out of happiness' I've been told about?
I blink the tears away and dry the corners of my eyes.
Now I also finally have a chance to take a good look at the room.
It is certainly a lot more elegant and grand than any of the others we've stayed in so far. Now that's my style.
First I notice that the bed I sit upon is made out of a richly embellished wooden framework, and it's large enough to fit two persons. The besheet, the cover and the pillows are all of an emerald green colour with elegant golden embroidery.
I look over to the wall, and notice closed curtains in the same emerald colour, mounted on a curtain rail that is hidden inside an inclosure of the same colour with golden decorative strips. Well, that explains the dim light.
Letting my eyes wander, they are drawn to the pale wooden dressers gilded with clamshells and pearls. Two couches sit before a currently unlit ivory fireplace. The mantle is streaked with silver waves with a mermaid carved at the center.
It is clear that they have a clear theme going, because everything is held in the same consistent colour scheme of dark, polished wood, emerald colours and golden details. The floor is covered with bronze, glossy tiles, with several richly decorated green carpets neatly arranged in the room. But not to overwhelm the guest, the walls are painted in a light tone of mint green.
Oh boy, you bet this is absolutely my style! I want that.

I make myself ready, but I almost feel bad for walking in these halls with my rather bland adventurer's garb.
Once I've got everything, I head out of the door, taking a last look at this magnificent room.

I step out of the room, close and lock the door. I turn around and notice that I don't know where the lobby could be, because the hallway continues on both sides. It doesn't slip past my notice that the hallway is decorated in the same colour scheme as the rooms: dark wooden ceiling, light mint green walls and emerald green carpets.
I focus on the presence of my friends and walk in that direction.

On my way I pass by the reception. This is appearently more of a resort and less of an inn. Suits me fine.
I confidently stride towards my goal, and soon enough find my group waiting in the lobby, occupying a lounge consisting of four couches arranged in a square around a table.
Leanna smiles when she spots me, and the others follow her gaze as I step closer.
Amelia's face lights up as she springs up. The others stand up as well as Amy rushes over to me and collides with me in a tight hug.
"Oof."

"I was worried about you. I'm glad to see you up again."
She buries her face in my chest, so her words are muffled. I have no trouble discerning them, however.

I pat her head with one hand, as I hesitate for only a single moment to hug her back.
"I'm alright now, Amy."

She squeezes me one last time before pulling away.
Her cheeks are flushed and she clears her throat to compose herself.
"Ahem. I am reliefed to hear that."

She steps back as Kara approaches me. She hugs me briefly as well.
"You had all of us quite worried. It's good to see you up and running again."

Kara steps away and Zack lightly bumps his fist against my shoulder.
"Good to see you've decided to stop being dead weight."

A small smile graces his face and I can see the relief in his eyes.
"Just make sure I won't have to drag your sorry butt again."

All of them… They all were concerned for me, the person me. Not because I'm a god, not because I'm their leader or emperor, but because I'm their friend.
I feel my eyes tearing up again and my cheeks heating up as well, but this time I am unable to stop the tears from flowing out.
"Guys... I'm sorry... Thank you…"

As she sees me cry, Leanna rushes over to me and holds me in a comforting hug.
"Hey, what's wrong Xerath? Does something still hurt?"

I shake my head against her shoulder.
"No, I'm just so happy!"

After a few moments my tears dry up and I find my voice again. Leanna parts with me again.
"It's just so touching, I'm at a loss for words. I... You…"

I take a deep breath to calm myself down a bit more.
"I'm stunned by the level you guys care about me. I'm not used to this, and this feeling is overwhelming."

Kara looks suprised.
"You really don't know how it feels for someone to care about you? I thought you said you have friends at home as well?"

I nod, a melancholic smile on my face.
"I do, but aside from a few exceptions, they care for me as their leader, as a god. But you guys don't give two damns about that, you care about me as a person, as your friend. And that has me stunned. Know that all of you are just at least as important to me as I am to you."

Kara's face melts into a warm smile.
"D'aaaaw."

Zack speaks up.
"Now that that's out of the way, how about we sit back down?"

I nod.
"Of course."

Thus we sit down on these comfortable couches. It's in the same emerald colour as the fabrics in my room. I let my hand run over the smooth cloth and notice that is quite soft to the touch. A nice feeling.

Suprisingly, Amelia is the first to break the silence.
"Xerath, if you do not mind me asking, why did you lose your conciousness yesterday? You don't show any signs of illness, and my scan of you came up without any results as well."

I glance at Leanna.
"You haven't told them, yet?"

She shakes her head. I notice that her hair looks combed now. Strange.
"I thought you wanted to do that yourself. Besides, I wasn't quite satisfied with your statement anyway. I just didn't push the matter further because I didn't want you having to repeat yourself."

"How thoughtful of you."

I turn to look at the others.
"Well, In short, I overused my powers and suffered the feedback."

Amelia cups her chin between two fingers.
"Hmm, that sounds similar to Mages."

I shrug.
"Possibly?"

"Mages are limited by their manipulator and their inherent magical prowess. Using too much energy may damage the manipulator, and too many casts may exhaust the Mage. The consequences can lead from fatigue and slight nausea all the way to unconciousness."

I nod.
"Just like that, yes. I have nearly unlimited power, but the amount of energy I am able to use per day does have a limit. Even more so when I use it back-to-back."

Zack smirks.
"Seems like you aren't as all-powerful as you always say."

I frown.
"It appears you are underestimating the feat I accomplished yesterday."

Leanna seems intrigued.
"How so?"

"Well, first of all you should know that Phase Jump is an extremely rare ability. There's only one other person alive who is able to use it, and that's only because I taught him in the first place. Secondly, that technique is extremely complicated and energy consuming."

Amy's eyes lighten up.
"Would you mind explaining how it works?"

"I don't really mind. Well, what do you know about molecules and atoms?"

Kara and Zack look absolutely lost, and even Leanna has to think for a moment, only Amelia seems to know what I'm talking about.
"Oh! I've read about that recently. There was a breakthrough in the scientific community."

Leanna speaks up.
"Yes, now that you mention it, I've heard about that too. Something about the smallest observable particles?"

Amy nods.
"Yes, exactly that one. As far as we know, those atoms are the molecules our world is made of. Is that correct?"

"It is. Every single thing you see is made out of different atoms. I won't go too much into detail, for our resident non-Mages, but it is important to know that everything has a different composition of molecules, of atoms. For example, the air here is made out of different atoms than the table here."

Zack shoots me a glance.
"That's quite obvious, isn't it?"

"That it is, but I'm talking about things in a microscopic view. Further, every molecule is defined by several things I like to call the 'Information of Reality'. Those basically define a thing's everything. From the microscopic elements like composition of molecules to the makroscopic elements like position in a room. Zack already knows I am capable of changing those information, changing the attributes of a given object."

Zack nods in confirmation as the others glance at him.

"So what I do with Phase Jump is basically to take the molecules of what I want to teleport and the molecules at the target location, and then swap them. I'm basically rewriting the information of reality in that way, and that's why it's more exhausting the more people I have to transport."

Zack speaks up again.
"But you managed to get those prisoners back home quite well, didn't you? And they were double as much as we are."

Leanna quips up, suprised.
"Wait, what prisoners?"

"When Zack and I were bounty hunting in Wolfsden, we also freed a group of prisoners and I brought them back to their home."

Leanna looks at me with… pride, I'd say?
"That's quite noble of you."

I smile.
"Thanks. I strive to be."

I turn back to Zack.
"Relatively well, yes. But the distance at a whole was shorter and the terrain was better to overlook, meaning I had to jump way less often. As a comparisation, when I brought those people back to their home, I had to use about three hundred jumps. Yesterday, I used one thousand, and I felt the drain of it already after five hundred."

Kara speaks up, astounishment in her voice.
"Why did you push yourself so hard, then? We could have just made a camp and continue the next morning."

I shake my head before smiling warmly.
"Because we couldn't. That was very rocky terrain, I haven't seen any trees and neither have we packed firewood. Overexerting myself or risking you guys freezing to death in that cold? I'd take that option anytime."

Leanna seems furious at my statement.
"But what if you died there, huh?! We have no idea how your powers work! We couldn't get a healer because we couldn't detect anything wrong with you in the first place, so don't you dare do something so reckless again!"

For the second time today, I am left stunned.

Kara smiles slyly.
"You know, she never left your side since we arrived here. She wanted to make sure that you're alright."

Leanna stomps her foot as her cheeks flush.
"Kara!"

I open my mouth, but can't seem to find adequate words. It takes a few tries, until I actually know what I want to say. I avert my eyes to the ground. When I am able to speak, my voice is small.
"...I'm sorry. I took a calculated risk. I knew I would strain my powers, but I wouldn't die. However, neither did I anticipate your concern for my well-being nor your feelings on that matter. For that I am sorry."

Leanna sighs deeply.
"... Just... just don't do that again, okay?"

I raise my eyes again, and see the bashful look on Leanna's face.
"I will take more precautions next time, yes."

Leanna locks her gaze with me, then looks away.
"Good. As long as you get it."

Kara chimes in.
"Great! Now that that's settled, how about we get something to eat?"

I nod.
"Sounds good. Lead the way."

We make our way over to a seperate hall where a breakfast buffet is still laid out, so we help ourselves to some delicious breakfast.

After finishing, we go back to the lobby and step out of the rather large building.
Although there's still a present chill in the air, the sun's bright rays warm us, and I notice we're on a hilltop. I can't see much of the city yet, but I do notice that the people here are well-dressed, yet they pay us no attention. They must be used to seeing those from out of town.
I look down at myself. That won't do.
I call out to the rest of my group.
"Could you guys wait for a moment? I think I forgot something."

They turn around and Kara speaks up.
"Huh? Yeah, sure. Just make sure you won't leave us waiting for another ten hours or so."

She snickers and I smile.
"Yeah, yeah, I promise. I will be right back!"

I head back in and retrack my steps to my room. I step inside this grand room of mine, close the door and begin to change.
I haven't seen much of this city yet, but I know that my simple adventurer's garb won't do here. I lay out my trusted black and dark blue nanofabric robes on my bed.
They were a present from Zash after I defeated Thanaton and was appointed as Darth Imperius. I smile at the memory. I wonder what that old hag has been up to in the last six years?
I shake my head and change. Stowing my armour and everything away, I head back towards the others, after locking my room again.

My group doesn't notice me when I step out again. I clear my throat.
"Well, now I'm ready to go."

Zack begins to speak as he turns around.
"Finally, was about ti…me..."

He trails off as he notices my changed appearence. Kara and Amelia are equally suprised. Right, only Leanna saw these robes of mine.
Kara whistles approvingly.
"Whew, fancy robes you got there, Xerath! Where'd you get them?"

I smile.
"Thanks. This is actually my standard attire. I came to these lands in this robe."

I glance at Leanna.
"I garnerned a lot of attention, which made Leanna uncomfortable. But now, with a luxorious place to stay, my familiar robes on, and I already feel at peace."

Leanna fidgets.
"Well, people were staring at you! I thought it best not to draw too much attention."

I nod.
"I still appreciate that sentiment, but the attention of commoners is something I'm quite used to."

Amelia smiles softly.
"They suit you."

Leanna smiles shyly.
"Now that I've got to know you for a bit, I have to agree. These robes suit you quite fine."

I feel a bit of warmth creeping up my cheeks as I smile.
"Thanks."

Zack glances around before nodding.
"Yeah. They make it easier to believe all your claims."

I smirk.
"I know, right? I petition to keep wearing these, even outside of Elendale."

Leanna shakes her head.
"Denied. It still would draw too much attention."

I pout playfully, short lived as it may be.
"Aww man. Anyhow, what's on our plan today? Explore the city? Go to the temple?"

Amy speaks up.
"We don't know the exact location of the wind temple yet. But I know where we need to go to find out. Follow me."

Without waiting for a reply, she starts to move away.
After a few moments we arrive at rather large staircase leading down the hillside and down to the city center.
It is sufficent to say I am blown away. The architecture is made out of ivory coloured stones.
The buildings are about as tall as the skyscrapers on Alderaan, and at least as beautifully designed with their imperial roofs. Appearently the colour scheme is not limited to the hotel we're staying, as I notice that most of the roofs are emerald in colour as well, with golden decorative strips perfecting the design.
Between the countless suprisingly tall buildings lead winding paths and staircases in dizzy heights.
The sun's rays glint off the impressive buildings, giving them a magical glow.
I breath out in wonder.
"Woooaaaahhh…"

Leanna notices that I stopped walking and turns to look at me.
"You alright, Xerath?"

I can't even focus on her, and that means something, coming from me, as I glance around some more.
"I think I found my favourite city on this planet. This place is beautiful."

She looks around as well, a smile playing on her face.
"You're right, it is."

I stand there rooted for a few minutes as I marvel at the imposing architecture with Leanna at my side, until Zack comes back.
"Hey, you guys comin' or what?"

Pulled out of my trance, I nod.
"On our way."

We catch up with the others and continue.
As we venture further into the town, I notice lots of people heading towards the center of the square and into a large structure.
I call out to the others.
"What do you guys think that building is over there?"

Amy glances at where I point and brightens up.
"That is exactly where we need to be headed."

She speeds up, looking pleased.

I voice my observations.
"It would appear that everyone else needs to be there as well."

Leanna chimes in.
"Is there an event going on? What exactly is in there?"

But Amy is already out of earshot. We pick up the pace to keep up.

When we enter, I am blown away yet again, this time by the sheer magnitute of this place. This building is another proof that I must not take the advancements of this world lightly. The size of this building can rival some of our own palaces or temples.
The main door opens into a hallway which splits off into adjoining wings. One wing is labeled the library. There is a conservatory and a cultural center as well.
The conservatory does not allow visitors, but the cultural center seems to be hosting some sort of exhibition, where the crowd of people is filtering into.
Leanna and I breath out in wonder as we take in the hall.
Large brown walls are littered with crystal sconces which are currently unlit, as the huge lead glass windows let in more than enough light. In the center of the hall is a large sculpture made out of crystals. A large green crystal is orbited by two smaller crystals, a red and a blue one. The sculpture is finished by two winding yellow bands.
My inner art critic deduces that this is a portrayal of the four elements.
Kara cranes her neck to get a better look into the library while Zack watches the crowd.

Amy turns towards us.
"The library in Elendale is renowned for its collection of rare tomes. It is the largest library in Havengarde. Since we are already aware the wind temple is in this vicinity, I hope that by cross-referencing the books in the library with the notes from Elder Issim, I will be able to narrow down the exact location."

My eyes light up as she mentions the library. So much knowledge to learn, so many secrets to uncover, yet so little time. I get the feeling I want to move here.

Leanna nods.
"Good idea. Do you need any help?"

Amy shakes her head.
"I am confident I will discover the information we need sooner rather than later."

Kara grins.
"You don't have to tell me twice! I've got some business of my own I'd like to take care of while we're here."

Zack narrows his eyes.
"What kind of business?"

Kara smiles sweetly.
"I had no idea you took such an interest in me!"

He crosses his arms.
"I just want to make sure you aren't getting in any trouble."

"That doesn't sound like me."

Leanna chimes in.
"Alright, why don't we all take some time to relax and explore Elendale and meet up back here afterwards?"

Everyone agrees and goes their seperate ways. To my suprise, Kara follows Amy into the library. Zack and Leanna both move towards the exhibitions and seem suprised by each other's choice.
I take a closer look at the exhibition and see two signs. I guess the reason there are so many people here is because there are tow exhibitions going on at once. One is the 'illusions of the mind' and the other is about the Heroes of Esaria.
Leanna and Zack both walk towards the exhibit on illusions.
Hmm, I might as well join them. I am curious what they understand under 'illusions', and if it would be enough to fool me.
I enter the exhibit and catch up with Leanna and Zack.
"Hey guys."

Zack nods.

Leanna speaks up.
"Hey! I didn't know you like illusions of the mind."

I shrug.
"The same can be said for you. However, I am quite curious what your culture understands under this term, and if it can trick me."

Leanna smiles and nods.
The room is filled with different paintings and sculptures. People mill around each piece, squinting in concentration and quietly discussing.
We decide to start at one end of the room and work our way down. The first piece is a 2D painting of coloured spirals.
Leanna gasps.
"It looks like it's moving."

Zack nods in agreement.

I cross my arms. It's a nicely done painting, but it does not provoke this feeling of movement for me. Although I can see where they are coming from.

We move on to the next one. It's a drawing of a large seemingly four-legged animal with wrinkly gray skin, large ears and ivory coloured fangs, but something seems off. Both Leanna and Zack squint at it.

I speak up.
"It's missing a leg, I'd say."

Zack agrees.
"Yeah."

He leans closer.
"Wait, no it isn't."

Leanna counts.
"Only four legs but it looks like there should be one more."

"This is actually quite confusing."

They murmur in agreement as we move on.
As we study the next image, I move my hand under my nose in an effort to hide my growing blush. Is that a naked woman?

Zack seems to see something else.
"Dancing figures."

Leanna nods.

"Hmm. That's what you see? Interesting."

The two of them give me strange looks.

I close my eyes and try to lift my mind out of the gutter. Taking another look at the picture, I can see where they are coming from.
I smile.
"Ahh, I see. I love paintings like this. At first I saw a woman, but after taking another glance, I can also make out the dancing figures."

Zack raises an eyebrow.
"A woman?"

I nod.
"Of the less than clothed variety."

Leanna's cheeks turn pink as she studies the image.
"What? Really? How?"

"Look. It's quite obvious once you notice it."

She squints.
"I don't see-"

Leanna's eyes widen.
"M-Maybe we should move on!"

Her cheeks are flushed as she hurries on to the next image. It would seem like she saw it as well.

We pass a few more images and both Zack and Leanna are in agreement of what they see in each one. They spotted an old man in an image where there are an old man and a woman, and they saw a swan in an image where there is a swan and a rabbit.
My mind, now used to these images, detects both variants rather quickly. These are one of my favourite category of paintings, as there is no wrong or right answer what to see, as there are several possibilites.
Every time they'd agree, they'd grin at each other, and sometimes they'd even share a glance as if they were in a secret no one else knew.
It's a bit uncanny how in sync they are with each other right now. I've never seen them get along so well before… or Zack smile so much at once.
I feel an emotion surfacing I have never experienced before. It is small, as if just arising. I can't quite pinpoint it, but I do not like it. It's not a positive emotion, but not wholly negative either.

As we pause on the next painting, a man ponders the image thoughtfully. He wears a black robe with gold stripes, and a mess of blond hair sits atop his head. His blue eyes squint intently at the image as he ponders the illusion.
"All of these images hold so much meaning. They're the epitome of understanding that not everything is as it seems. If you change your perspective, you're told a completely different story. I see these images and I wonder what it is the artist is trying to share. Which story is theirs? The one that I see first or the one I understand after further study. This piece has been especially interesting."

He seems like a wise man, and one of great taste.

He turns to us.
"Tell me. What do you see in this picture?"

Leanna and Zack share a knowing look and grin.
Zack is the first to speak.
"It's obvious."

Leanna nods.
"Yep!"

They answer simultanously.
Leanna closes her eyes as she smiles.
"Faces."

Zack does too.
"Vases."

The two of them freeze, their eyes wide in shock.
Leanna narrows her eyes.
"You meant to say 'faces', right?"

Zack crosses his arms, his familiar scowl back in place.
"No, they're clearly vases."

"No, they're faces!"

"Unless 'faces' look like 'vases' to you, you're very wrong."

Leanna shakes her head as she crosses her arms below her chest.
"How could you have been so right about all the others and so wrong about this one?"

"Actually… In that last illusion, I didn't see a swan. I saw a RABBIT!"

Leanna gasps.
"I trusted you!"

Zack's face relaxes into his stony mask.
"I thought that was the only time, but I see now that you've been wrong this whole time."

"You're the one who's wrong!"

The wise man tries to interrupt.
"Now, now, there's no need to-"

Leanna and Zack glare at him.
Zack raises his voice.
"Not now!"

The emphasis was on tries.

Leanna suddenly rests her gaze on me.
"What do you see?"

I raise an eyebrow as I cross my arms.
"Oh? Now you suddenly care about my opinion?"

Leanna looks apologetic.
"Yes, I do care about your opinion. I'm sorry if we kind of ignored you earlier."

I sigh in an exaggerated manner.
"It is alright, no harm done."

I just can't stay miffed at this woman. That is a thing of impossibility.

She looks like she's about to speak again, but I cut in.
"And to answer your question, I see both."

Leanna and Zack are both equally perplexed and ask simultanously.
"What?"
"What?"

Before I can clarify my thoughts, the philosopher chimes in.
"Have you considered the possibilities that you're both right?"

Leanna and Zack look at him.

"This illusion tells two independent stories intertwined in a single piece of art. The precision, the illusion, wrapped in perfect symmetry. To understand another perspective instead of being rigid in one's own perception, that, is the true intention."

I nod along.
"This man's absolutely correct, you know? You must keep yourself open to other perspectives, for otherwise you will be confined to your own narrow view, and stagnate. All of these images show us different things, depending on one's personality and world view. None is more wrong or right than the other, because there are several ways to interpret any given painting. Those are actually among my favourite pieces of art."

Leanna and Zack nod slowly, as if fully understanding and taking in what we said. Calm and pensive, they face each other again.
Leanna rubs her arm.
"I guess it's possible that they're vases."

Zack smirks.
"I'm glad your eyes are finally working."

Leanna stomps her foot.
"What?! You jerk! You're supposed to say you see faces!"

He looks puzzled.
"Uhh, why would I agree with something wrong?"

Their arguments resume and I sigh deeply. Not this again. But at the same time, I feel relieved, and I have not a single clue as to why. Strange.
Well, at least I tried. No, we tried. I turn to the blond man.
"Please forgive my friends, for they do not know what they are talking about."

He smiles politely.
"Not everyone can understand the finer details, or the deeper meanings."

I nod sagely.
"Indeed. I am just glad to have met someone who does."

"Likewise. It is rare to meet someone so enlightened. Before it is lost on us, I am Delzic Arhiman."

He bowes slightly, which I return.
"Agreed. I am Xerath Kallig, a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is mine."

My gaze wanders around the room and I glance wistfully at all the other illusions, wishing we could move on. I turn to my bickering friends.
"Hey guys, let us move on."

They don't hear me.

"Guys?"

Again, they are too wrapped up in their argument to hear me. At least this time Leanna tries to defend my knowledge. But Zack is too adamant in his own view.
It seems like this is going to take a while.
I turn to Delzic.
"It would appear that my friends are unavailable at the moment. Would you care to join me in analysisng the remaining paintings?"

He smiles.
"I would certainly love to."

Seems like I have to check up on those guys later.

Unnoticed, the two of us slip away from Leanna and Zack.
We continue down the exhibit, both pondering the different images. It is refreshing to have someone to discuss matters of the arts on an equally sophisticated level.

Eventually, we finish the exhibition.
Delzic turns to me with a smile.
"Well, this was unexpectedly pleasant."

I return the smile.
"It certainly was."

"I wouldn't have dared to hope to meet an individual with such an open mind."

"I can only return the sentiment."

I remember that there's the exhibition on the Heroes of Esaria in the next hall. I originally thought that maybe Leanna would want to go there with me, but she is preoccupied. I wonder...
"Would you like join me in my visit to the exhibition on the Heroes of Esaria as well?"

He smiles apolegetically.
"I would love to, my friend, but I'm running short on time as it is, I'm afraid."

I raise an intrigued eyebrow.
"Oh? How so?"

"Certain businesses that demand my attention. I'm sure you understand. But if you ever come to Elendale again, my door will stand open for you."
He hands me something that looks like a business card.

I accept his card and glance at it. It reads 'Delzic Arhiman, art dealer and merchant for cultural objects' along with an adress here in Elendale.
"I will keep that offer in mind, thank you. I certainly plan to return here. It is a beautiful city."

"That I can most certainly concur with. It was nice meeting you, Xerath Kallig. I hope we see each other again."

"I hope so as well, Delzic Arhiman."

With one last friendly smile, he turns away and walks out of the hall, heading for the exit.

Well, now I'm back to square one. I turn to look back at the last known position of Leanna and Zack, and, sure enough, they are still locked in their argument.
I sigh. I really hoped I could watch an exhibit with Leanna alone, but I guess it's not meant to be this time.
So I decide to attend the exhibition to learn more about the history of Esaria.
I follow the signs directing me into the Heroes of Esaria exhibit and see a broad wall with an enlarged portrait of five people. Below the portrait is the text 'Heroes of Esaria'.
There are a few historical items on display, safely preserved behind cubes of glass. I see a rusty sword which was found at the site of the first battle.
On the wall is some information on the War of Esaria. I begin reading.
The War of Esaria began with the establishment of VOID. Originally, shadow magic practitioners lived in harmony throughout the three kingdoms. A small faction became discontent with the status quo and abused the uses of shadow magic.
As this faction grew, they became known as VOID. They quickly turned into a dominant force and spread chaos throughout the kingdoms.
The three kingdoms: Havengarde, Vanaeya, and Krezimar had been in a constant state of land wars with each other - pushing their boarders and boundaries - and did not initially notice the rise of VOID through the disarry.
VOID was free to ravage towns and cities within all three kingdoms, and the destruction was immense.
It wasn't until the Heroes of Esaria emerged that the tide of war changed. Although originally divided, the three kingdoms realised they had to work together to stop VOID, and they collectively supported the efforts of the heroes.
With their help, VOID was ultimately defeated. The kingdoms recognised that their wars helped carve the way for organisations like VOID to grow and they called a ceasefire.
Together, they established their borders and found peace. All three of the kingdoms agreed that shadow magic was too dangerous of an element and banned its use. Thus, the Treaty of Esaria was born.

Huh. I've heard tidbits about the War of Esaria before, but this helps me understand the severity of VOID's appearence and reappearence. But this sounds so much like my war against the Revanites, it's scary. I guess war never changes. But the fact that the kingdoms were able to find common ground after this war fills me with hope. Maybe my galaxy can still be saved before truly everything is lost to the flames of war.
As much as I and my council are the heroes of our galaxy, or rather the Heroes of the Republic and the Champions of the Empire, as we were known before joining forces in the Alliance, I would like to know more about the Heroes of Esaria as well.
Luckily, there is an excerpt on them as well.

The Heroes of Esaria are the group of five people who banded together to defeat VOID's operation. Although they came from different places in Esaria, they each had the same goal: to do whatever it took to protect their country and people.

Yeah, sounds familiar alright. There's more written under their portraits. I think I'll make my way from left to right.
The first is a portrait of a young man with unruly black hair, similar to mine, and two differently coloured eyes: his right is an icy turquoise and his left a light amethyst.
Heterochromia. Fascinating. Quite a rare trait.
The man wears a black bodysuit and dons a white trenchcoat. Most curious are his weapons, for he appears to wield a sword and dagger formed out of ice. Let's see, this man's name is Wrixne Lenti.
Wrixne was a student at the Zelicek Academy in Krezimar where he studied to become a Mage. He learned to conjure weapons of pure ice as a speciality of frost magic.
When the War of Esaria broke out, Wrixne left the Academy to join the fighting efforts against VOID. Never one to think inside the box, he created and mastered a unique form of materialising weapons of all shapes and sizes.
At the end of the war, he was invited to complete his studies at the Mage Academy in Havengarde, which he accepted. He adjusted his studies to become a Mage-Knight due to his weapon conjuration technique.
After graduating, he joined the Mage Guild. He quickly rose through the ranks and earned the highest honour a Mage-Knight can achive: Class S.

Truly fascinating. He sounds like a cool guy. I wonder if Leanna knows him? Granted, I do not know how large the organisation of the Mage Guild is, but if he's still around she might've met him before.

Well, the next up is a young woman whose name is Odessa Redlone and she has long green-blue-ish hair and golden eyes. She wears black underclothes with an orange vest and skirt on top, along with an orange cape. On top of her head sits a small rodent-like creature with white fur as she holds out her wand with a glowing yellow crystal.
Odessa can always be spotted with her loyal pet mink, Maeva. She grew up in Havengarde and was a proud student of the Mage Academy. She excelled in her studies and was always on top of her class. Upon graduation, she was invited to join the Mage Guild.
A skilled fire caster, it is of no suprise that she was selected to assisst the Guild during the battles against VOID. Her magical proficiency and understanding of alchemy made her a valuable addition.
After the war, she returned to her alma mater in Havengarde where she became a professor. Her expertise continues to shape the young minds of future mages today.

Interesting. I'd imagine that she's actually Amelia's teacher. Amelia is the Academy's current prodigy and a fire caster, so it would make sense to be taught by the best. Might as well ask her sometime.

The next one is a young man wearing a cocky smirk, a black open trenchcoat with red stripes, brown trousers and very little else. His styled back flaming red hair and piercing golden eyes are rather striking. His name is Ex Zee. Huh, strange name, even by my own standards. Well, whatever.
Ex Zee grew up in a small town in Vanaeya, but not much else is known about his past. Always wearing his classic smirk, he is known for his quick-witted jokes and cheery demeanor.
But beneath his bright demeanor, he is a formidable mercenary, known for his powerful fire augmentation and martial arts. A natural leader, Ex Zee likes to tackle his problems head-on. It is not uncommon for him to be the first to run into battle.
After the war, Ex Zee returned to his hometown, where he is honoured as a hero.

Interesting. Or rather mysterious. He came from somewhere, made an impact, and then was gone, more or less. Sounds a little like me, here. I wonder... I think I want to investigate this man further later on. At the very least, he has me intrigued.

I turn to the next portrait, and my jaw drops. A woman by the name of Isabel Selene who has tan skin, braided white hair and amethyst eyes. She's wearing a brown leather corsett and a green cloak and holds a black bow with a nocked arrow made out of pulsing energy. She's the one who's been with Broodman! Well, let's see what's written about my friend's friend.
Isabel is a skilled archer from the desert dunes of Vanaeya. Living in the harsh climate of the desert forced her to grow up quickly. She had a natural proficiency with a bow, and it wasn't long before she became deadly accurate with her shots.
Paired with her casting abilities, she is a dangerous opponent and a great asset to the team. She uses her environment to her advantage to target her enemies without being seen.
Isabel began tracking VOID's operation at the start of the war and was one of the main reasons the heroes were able to quickly find VOID encampments.
After the war, Isabel disappeared. No one has been able to track her movements, but many say that where there may be shadow magic, Isabel will be there to deal justice.

I nod. Yes, this sounds quite like Broodman's friend. Who knows, if Broodman calls for me, I might have the chance to chat with her. Although she doesn't strike me as particularily talkative. Oh well.
But wait a moment, did it say desert? On Terra, Esaria even? I was under the impression that Terra is a continental world. That a planet has several different and contrasting biomes is unheard of. At least in my galaxy.

I turn to the last of the group. A young man named Robin Ostergard that has fair skin and long, chestnut brown hair tied back in a ponytail. He wears white clothes with a red vest and a blue cloak. Atop his head sits a large read hat, and he smirks in a confident, but not quite cocky manner as a ball of apparent wind energy swirls in his palm.
Robin spent his younger years in Havengarde. He was a lively man who had a fondness for song and poetry. Kind and gentle in nature, he was often found reading the texts of past histories.
Even in his youth he had a passion for helping others. He had a skill for wind magic, but he only used his casting to protect others, and only when he felt the situation was dire. Regardless of how infrequently he chose to cast, it did not lessen just how powerful of a Mage he was.
After the war's end, Robin disappeared. Many believe he may have been killed in battle.
Nevertheless, Esaria chooses to remember him for the hero he is - a saviour of the kingdoms.

This is actually pretty interesting. I can understand why these heroes are so respected.
I continue browsing the exhibit until I've seen all there is to see. But as informative this has been, I bet it would have been way more fun with Leann. Then again, lately everything is more fun with Leanna. I sigh.

That reminds me of this strange emotion I felt earlier. Maybe I could ask Kara about it? But she would tease me about it, that is certain. Hmm, at the very least I can look what she's up to.
Kara said she's going to take care of some business... in the library? I wonder what she's up to.
I head into the library and find her among the shelves.

I smirk as I call out to her.
"Hello there, Kara."

She smiles.
"Hey there."

"Are you checking out the selection?"

"You could say that. I'm wondering if I have something that might interest them."

I raise an eyebrow amusedly.
"Haven't you given all books and tomes you found to Amy?"

She shakes her head.
"Most of them, but not all."

I raise an eyebrow curiously.
"Oh? Why not?"

She smiles knowingly as she slightly takes out an old tome.
"This one's actually a children's book. I didn't think Amy would like it."

I nod.
"I understand."

"I mean, if this library is as extensive as Amy says, maybe they are looking to expand their collection."

"I am quite sure of that."

I browse the books among the shelves.
"It looks like they've got other old books here as well."

She pulls out a book and inspects its cover, then grins as she puts it back.
"They've got Aerais texts."

"That name rings a bell. Weren't they the ones in correlation to the wind temple?"

Kara smiles.
"Yes, exactly! They're the ancient civilization here, the people who have built the wind temple. If they got Aerais tomes then they're sure to be interested in what I've got."

Kara confidently approaches a librarian.
"Perhaps you could assisst me."

The librarian glances down his nose at Kara and sniffs disdainfully.
"Perhaps."

I understand that people can only judge a person by their looks at first. It remains to be seen from further interaction if this librarian will be reminded to look past a book's cover.
Kara ignores his haughtiness as she pulls out the book and places it in front of him.
"Would you be interested in a Gaean text?"

He leans closer to inspect it.
"Where did you acquire this?"

Kara places a hand in front of her mouth, hiding her growing smirk.
"From one of the ruins. Unlike most of texts found, this one's very atypical. It's actually a children's book."

Suprise slips through his demeanor.
"A children's book?"

Kara carefully flips through the pages to show off the illustrations.
"Yes, and you can tell it's Gaean based on the calligraphy."

She points to two different places on the page.
"The Gaeans didn't use punctuation while the other ancient civilizations, such as the Aerai, did. And the parchment itself is out of animal hide which is typical of Gaean culture."

Kara continues to spout more and more facts. The more she talks, the more impressed the librarian seems. By the end of her speech, his frown is replaced with an interested grin.
He further inspects the book and then nods in satisfaction.
"Fascinating! And you're hoping to donate it to our library?"

She smiles.
"Well, donate for a small fee."

"Ah, of course."

He lists a number which Kara pleasantly couners. They go back and forth for a while before the librarian finally nods. The two of them disappear for a few minutes, before Kara returns with a small pouch.
She grins as she safely tucks away her pouch.

I smile.
"You look like it went quite well."

"Yeah, actually! I was hoping I could get a bit more, but I still ended with more than the initial offer. That's a win in my book."

I can't help but be impressed. It must have shown because Kara looks at me questiongly.
"What is it?"

I scratch my cheek.
"Nothing really. You just really know your craft. I heard you explaining to the librarian how to tell the book was Gaean."

She smiles.
"All in a day's work. It's important to do your research in my line of business. Don't want to be ripped off."

She laughs.
"But who am I telling this? Right, mister archeologist?"

Her laugh is contagious and I have to chuckle as well.
"Precisely."

I smile amusedly.
"Although I noticed one bit that puts a dent in your credits."

She raises an eyebrow, suprised.
"Really? What is it?"

"When you talk about calligraphy, you normally would indicate that the texts, the very letters themselves, are written artistically. But since you talked about the generally different writing styles and their readability, that would be more fit to typography, no?"

I notice Kara's expression to be a bit baffled.

"At least, that's the way in my society. As with anything, I cannot say for certain that it is the same here."

She shakes her head.
"No, you're actually right. It's just, those two fields are so similiar and interwoven, yet distinct, it's quite hard to tell them apart."

I nod.
"That is correct. Just keep in mind what both schools of thought focus on, and you should be able to counter anyone trying to give you crap. But, appearently, you already do so."

She nods happily.
"Aye!"

I chuckle.

"On another note, how about we go check out the shops?"

"Although I hoped for a chance to browse the library myself, I might as well accompany you. You still have found plenty of other treasures in the temples, right?"

She looks at me, intrigued.
"Yeah, why do you ask?"

I smirk.
"Because I may have met someone who could have an interest in purchasing those cultural artefacts."

"Oh really?"

I hand her the business card of Delzic.
"Yes."

She studies the card.
"Sounds like you're right. Alright then, let's go!"

Kara grabs me at the arm and drags me out of the library.
I look back and theatrically raise my other arm.
"But - but the books! They call for me!"

Kara smiles happily.
"They'll still call for you later as well. Now come on!"

I sigh, still theatrically.
"I guess I will have to resign to my fate. Well, at least I'll get to see some more of the city."

"That's the spirit!"

Kara and I leave the building and wander the cobbled streets until we come upon the marketplace.

I turn to her.
"We might want to check out the shops first. Delzic said earlier that he had business to attent to, so he still might not be available at the moment."

"Alright, then we do that, no problem."

We browse a few of the storefronts. Kara mostly ignores the clothing shops and seems more interested in stores selling trinkets or antiques.
While Kara peers through the window of a shop, I overhear a father and son talking in front of a sweet shop.
The boy claps happily as his father hands him candy. His dad grins equally as wide.
"I'm proud of you, son. Remember to keep up your studies. Maybe one day you can grow up to be a Mage."

"Thanks, Dad!"

I smile.
This is how a family should be. A parent doing his best to make sure the children are happy and growing up to be capable and independent persons.
My smile disappears.
How does it feel to be looked at like that? How would I have developed had I have a family, had my parents survived?
I feel myself tearing up a bit.
This. This is the very reason why I shoulder this burden, why I fight. So that the normal citizen might know and experience the peace and love that was always out of my reach. But do they even appreciate all of my sacrifices? I know the Republic and the Empire certainly don't.

A hand waves in front of my face.
"Hello? Are you still there?"

Kara looks concerned.

"Huh? Sorry, what's going on?"

"You okay there?"

I wipe at my eyes.
"I'm sorry. It's just, I saw that father and son over there and it just reminded me of several different things from my past."

Kara's expression softens.
"You never really talk much about your home. About your place in general, yes, but never about your personal life. Sometimes it's hard to remember that everything is so up in the air for you."

She wraps her arms around herself as she looks down at the ground.
"One minute you were living life as usual, and then in an instant all of that was ripped away and your life turned completely upside down."

Kara's voice increases as she talks. She seems to speak from experience.

"I do not wish to overstep my bounderies, but it sounds like you've dealt with something similar."

Kara looks suprised, then laughs bitterly.
"Nothing quite as extreme as being transported to a different world."

"But something did happen?"

She goes quiet.

"I am sorry, I did not mean to pry. It's just unexpected since you're always so confident. I got the impression you liked traveling alone and it's hard to imagine you'd be unable to handle yourself."

Kara smiles softly.
"I wasn't always like that. When I was young, I lived with my father in a big town. I went to school and gossiped with my friends and played with dolls just like every other little girl."

I raise an eyebrow, slightly smiling amusedly.
"I can't really imagine you playing with dolls."

She laughs.
"I loved them! It's a bit embarrassing how many I head. My friends always liked to come over to my house because I had all the popular dolls back in the day."

My smile broadens a bit.
"You know I can't keep this information to myself, right?"

She smiles as well.
"Little girls like dolls! I'm not ashamed."

She's starting to sound a little more like herself again.
"Anyway, sometimes things happen out of your control and all you can do is roll with the punches. I'm sorry that you've been feeling alone and that it's taken me so long to notice."

"I don't feel so alone anymore after talking with you."

Kara grins mischievously.
"You should save lines like that for Leanna."

I sigh.
"I'm not sure Leanna feels the same way. Not to the same extend, at least. I know she cares about me, in one way or another, but I'm afraid to push my luck."

Kara chuckles and sighs.
"If only you knew what she says about you behind closed doors…"

I raise an eyebrow, my intrigue peaked.
"What does she say?"

Kara just smiles and sighs again.

"Don't do that… Don't give me hope…"

Her playful smile melts into a warm one.
"You should ask her yourself. You never know…"

She concludes with a wink.
"She might tell you."

I feel my cheeks warming up.
"I plan on it."

"Seriously, though, stay persistent."

She glances down the road and speaks up before I have a chance to respond.
"Let's keep going."

I sigh but then I nod.
We resume walking but I still speak up again. There has been something on my mind since earlier.
"Incidentally, Kara, I was hoping you could help me solving a conundrum."

She raises an eyebrow, amusedly.
"You, the mastermind, ask me, the simple treasure hunter, for advise? How do I recieve such honour?"

I smile.
"Well, the nature of the conundrum made me think that you are my best bet at solving it."

She looks curious now.
"How so?"

"It is a matter of the heart. Through my training I have learned to constantly analyse my feelings. And yet I have felt an emotion today that I never experienced before. I hoped that you could help me figuring it out."

Her expression turns suprised, then melts into a smile.
"I'd love to help you. So, what did you feel and what was triggering this? What happened when you felt it?"

I think back.
"Well, I was visiting the art exhibition with Zack and Leanna, and this feeling surfaced when I noticed Leanna and Zack getting along quite well, which is rather atypical for the both of them. And the emotion itself… it's hard to describe it, but it was unpleasant, yet not quite. I was somewhat miffed, but not in any extreme. Further, when the both of them later disagreed with each other and started an argument, I felt reliefed. And I am quite confused as to why."

Kara listens to me with a straight face and nods when I am finished.
"Hmm, sounds to me like you were jealous."

I cup my chin.
"Jealousy? I have seen the effects this emotion can have on an individual. Sith often express it, I was exempt of this as I am no ordinary Sith. I have to be quite careful in this case, refrain from letting it cloud my judgement… "

She smiles softly.
"You must really like her, huh?"

I return her smile.
"I never tried to be subtle about my feelings."

She laughs.
"Yeah, that's true."

"At any rate, I thank you for helping me figuring this out."

Kara smiles warmly.
"Don't mention it. What do you have friends for?"

I smile.
"Still, thanks."

"You're welcome."

We walk around for a while longer to explore the city before heading for Delzic's given adress. It's located near the outskirts of the marketplace, away from most of the commotion. As we get closer, we notice it to be a rather large and intricate building. A sign is mounted over the entrance, reading 'Arhiman Gallery of the Arts and Cultures of the World'.
We enter the building and come face to face with a large lobby filled with many various sculptures as well as paintings on the walls and propped on easels.
Pacing around the room, we look at all the pieces of art on display. Delzic truly is a man of great taste.
Just as I think that he enters the room.
His face lights up as he spots me.
"Ah! Xerath, my friend! What a pleasant suprise. I didn't think I would see you so soon again."

"I did not anticipate this turn of events either, but my friend here has some things that might interest you."

He turns to look at Kara.
"Oh? I am sorry I did not notice you sooner. I am Delzic Arhiman, owner of this humble gallery. With whom do I have the pleasure?"

Kara smiles.
"Kara Noir, treasure hunter. A pleasure as well to make your acquintance. I assume you have interest in expanding your collection?"

He returns her smile.
"Of course, always. What do you have to offer?"

"Oh, nothing much, I'm afraid. Just some small, carryable cultural artifacts from the fire and the earth temple, respectively."

His eyes widen as Kara lays out the mentioned objects.
"Those are beautiful, don't cut yourself short."

Kara smirks.
"Well, make me a good price and they are yours."

Delzic inspects each object carefully before finally speaking up.
"Certainly. I believe one thousand coins for all of these should suffice. Are those terms agreeable?"

She nods happily.
"Quite much so!"

He smiles.
"Splendid. Now please follow me."

They both leave to another room, presumably to get the money.
After a minute they return. Kara happily holds a new pouch.

She speaks as she secures her new pouch.
"It was a pleasure to do business with you."

Delzic nods.
"A pleasure indeed."

He turns to me.
"Although I presume our business to be concluded, I hope you still have some time on your hands. There are many pieces I'd love to show an art lover such as yourself."

I glance questioningly at Kara.

She nods.

I smile at Delzic.
"We would love a tour through your impressive collection."

He smiles widely.
"Perfect! Well then, please follow me. I'll make sure to keep it brief, as I'm sure you still have other things on your agenda."

Kara and I follow him as he gives us a tour of his collection. He introduces each piece and describes what it is, as it isn't obvious in some cases, and tells us its history. But despite all the information he gives us, he's sure to keep it straight and to the point. Although it is clear that he's given the same speeches countless times, he speaks with content and joy. His love for the arts is quite audible.

After a while we are finished. I speak with a smile.
"Truly a wonderful collection you cumulated here."

Kara quips in.
"Agreed. It was quite lovely. Thanks for the tour."

Delzic smiles at us.
"Thank you, my friends. Your kind words mean quite much for me."

His face falls a bit.
"Albeit I believe it is time for us to part. As much as I appreciate your company, I do not want to impose on you further."

Kara speaks up.
"Yeah, it is getting a bit late, we probably should get a move on. At any rate, it was nice meeting you, Delzic."

She smiles as she reaches out a hand.

He takes it with a smile of his own.
"Likewise. And when you find some more treasures, I'm always looking for new ware."

"I'll keep that in mind."

He turns to me and reaches out a hand with a smile.
"Thank you for your fast visit, my friend."

I take his hand with a smile of my own.
"It was my pleasure."

I rummage through my bag.
"Before I forget it, I have something I'd like to give you as well."

He raises a curious eyebrow.
"Oh?"

I reach out and hand him one of my infused pebbles.
"I know it's not much to look at, but it can be quite useful. I'm a sorcerer far away from home, you see, and you can call for me with this stone. If you feel the need to chat, or if you run into trouble in one way or another, do not hesitate to use this stone and think of me. I'll answer your call."

Delzic takes the stone with a suprised expression.
"Oh. This is quite unexpected, but not unwelcome. I will honour your gift and keep your words in mind, my friend. Thank you."

"You're quite welcome. It was certainly refreshing to talk with someone with a sophisticated tongue."

"Indeed. Now then, I wish you safe travels. Cheerio!"

"Take care!"

"Farewell."

Kara and I leave Delzic to his own devices and decide to explore the city some more. I need to familarize myself with the layout if I were to move here, after all.

We eventually return to the library and exhibition hall and part ways.
It would appear that Kara was right. The books are still calling for me.
But there is so much I want to learn. Where to start?
Decisions, decisions.
I think I'll go with magic studies, for now. I look around the hall and find the correct aisle after some time.
On my way there I spot Amelia at a secluded table surrounded by a mountain of books.
Checking up on Amelia wins out against my pursuit of knowledge, I decide, and thus make my way towards her.
She doesn't hear me approach.
"Hello there, Amy."

"Hello."
She doesn't look up from her text book.

"How is your progress?"

Finally, she looks up at me and smiles slightly.
"Quite steady."

She gestures to the books around her.
"All of these texts include data on the Hundred Floating Isles. I have spent the afternoon gathering and analysing all of that information."

"Wait. Did you say floating isles?"

Amy blinks.
"Yes."

"As in, they're hovering in the air?"

"Yes."

"I have visited dozens of different planets, and on not a single one were naturally floating isles. Yet you don't seem suprised by this."

"Of course not. The islands float due to the magical dispersion in this area. This is a natural phenomena which has been around since the time of the ancients."

"Fascinating. Do people live on these islands?"

"No. Most of these islands are far too small for colonisation and those which are large enough to hold a small population are not suited for civilization. But because they have been mostly untouched, the isles are still one of the most beautiful natural wonders of Esaria."

I cup my chin between my fingers.
"Hmm. If they are naturally floating, I suspect they lie under a large pocket of wind energy, which would make it a prime canditate for the location of the wind temple. Given you said that the temples we visited thus far were constructed over such. Am I correct?"

She beams at me.
"Yes. That is my hypothesis as well."

I smile warmly.
"Would you share your notes with me?"

She nods.
"Absolutely."

Then she begins to explain her scribed notes. The rest of the group slowly trickles in. Zack and Leanna arrive first and a short while later Kara follows.

Amelia adresses all of us.
"If my calculations are correct, the temple should be located in this region."

She opens one of the books to a map and points to a cluster of islands.

I speak my thoughts.
"Do you guys have any way to get up there?"

Amelia pulls her hand to her chin as she smiles faintly.
"Wind magic would solve that predicament."

Everyone focuses on Leanna.

She stems one hand on her hip and holds the other in front of her lips in a thinking pose.
"That's true, but while I can jump form isle to isle, it's impossible for me to manipulate enough energy to be able to float everyone. I could float myself and perhaps assist one other person."

Zack chimes in as he gestures to me.
"Obviously that second person would be him."

That's only logical. I am the only one able to absorb the energy, after all.

"What about the rest of us?"

I adress her.
"Don't worry, Kara, I'll bring you back some souvenirs from the temple."

Kara laughs.
"I appreciate that, but we should still be close by. The least we can do is keep watch."

Zack expands on her thought.
"We can setup at the edge of the first isle and wait for their return."

Kara nods.
"That sounds good to me."

Amelia speaks up.
"There is still some distance for us to travel to reach the isles. We can cross that distance as a group and split up from there."

Zack chips in.
"Yes, but tomorrow. It's already growing dark so we should rest tonight."

Kara concludes.
"Let's go back to the inn then."

Once in agreement, we help Amy clean up and then return to the streets.
Now that the sun has set, I can once again feel the cold. In my face, at least, as everything else is covered by my nanofabric robe.
Leanna, however, doesn't share this comfort and blows on her hands.
"The change in temperature is really apparent without the sun…"

Amy glances at Leanna.
"If you are cold, it is a good thing we sought out the Flushed Mermaid as our recent residence."

She nods.
"Yeah, the fireplaces and heat-stones they provide are really helpful."

Kara perks up.
"And now that Xerath is with us again, we could also finally check out the hot springs."

She cheerfully begins to push Amy westwards, towards our inn.

I turn to Kara with an arched eyebrow as we follow along.
"Why are you so chipper at the prospect of seeing hot springs?"

Kara abruptly stops and whips her head around.
"I'm sorry, what? Don't you know what hot springs are?"

I frown.
"Naturally I know what hot springs are. Naturally occuring fonts infused with thermal energy, usually scalding hot. So I'm confused about your eagerness to see some."

Kara looks flabberghasted.
"To bath in them, of course."

"You want to bath in liquids that are hot enough to boil a living being in a matter of minutes?"

"What? No! Hot springs are not that hot. They are just warm enough the be extremely relaxing and soothing."

Finally her behaviour makes sense to me.
"Ohh, that explains it."

I make sure that no one is in earshot as I continue.
"I keep forgetting that your planet is quite unique given my standards."

Amelia chimes in.
"In what way differs Terra from the other planets you have visited?"

"Well, I came across informations that your planet is host to several different habitats, whereas the planets I know usually only are of one biome."

She ponders my words.
"Most curious."

Leanna speaks up.
"Does that mean you've never been to a hot spring before?"

I shake my head.
"No. As I said, the only ones I encountered so far would have boiled me alive. Not that inviting to take a bath there."

Kara ponders.
"A world with no hot springs… How horrible! Well then, it's a good thing you will get to experience them today."

I nod.
"I admit that your high esteem of them made me quite curious."

She smiles.
"Trust me, you'll love it."

Our group returns to the Flushed Mermaid. The first thing we do is to head towards the reception to make reservations for the hot springs. We approach with Kara, Amy and Leanna in the front as Zack and I hang back behind them.
The lady receptionist looks up and greets us with a smile.
"Good evening. You're the group that came here yesterday with the unconcious man, aren't you? How can I help you?"

Kara speaks up with a grin.
"Yeah, that's us. We would like to make reservations for the hot springs."

"Certainly. For when and for how many people?"

"This evening for three women and two men, please."

She looks suprised.
"Oh, does that mean that your friend has awoken?"

Kara and Leanna part to give her view on me.
I step up to the counter.
"That I have. I hope my lack of presence wasn't of too much trouble."

She smiles in a friendly manner.
"You didn't cause as much trouble as you caused worry. It's not every day a group of adventures comes here carrying an unconcious man with them, you know?"

I incline my head in respect.
"I apologise for that. I simply overstepped my limits as a Mage."

She waves off.
"It's alright. Your friends said something like that as well. At any rate, I'm glad you've woken up again. I hope you are fully rested?"

I nod.
"I am. I found this place to be exemplarily accomodating to my preferences. Incidentally, I am quite fond of the furniture used. Who is the architect of this beautiful resort and where can I find him?"

She smiles apolegetically.
"While I am glad you like your stay so far, I'm afraid I don't know the architect. But I can inquire that with the manager, if you'd like."

I smile.
"That would be most appreciated."

Kara pointedly clears her throat.

"But that can wait until after our visit to your hot springs, I guess."

She blinks.
"Right. I assume you would like to go at the same time?"

Leanna nods.
"Yes. If possible."

She looks back down in her book.
"The springs should be free in about fifteen minutes. How long do you wish to reserve them?"

Kara chimes in as she slings an arm around my shoulder.
"Well, our friend here has never experienced the comfort of a hot spring, so reserve us some hours."

The receptionist smiles.
"I'm sure you'll find our hot springs to be most relaxing."

Kara nods with a smile.
"I'm sure of it."

After we complete our reservations, we head upstairs to get ready.
Zack and I enter my room and I turn to Zack as my eyes gaze along the elegant designs.
"Why don't we always stay in rooms like this?"

"They're expensive."

I roll my eyes before raising an eyebrow.
"Of course they are. But how expensive are we talking?"

"A normal room costs between five and ten coins per night. One of these costs one hundred coins per night."

"And it's worth it. Besides, we can afford it. We have the money, why not use it?"

"True..."

"At any rate, what do I need for those hot springs?"

Zack raises an eyebrow.
"Wow, you didn't joke earlier, huh?"

I shake my head.
"I'm afraid I did not. I'm not a man of exaggerations."

"Yeah. Well, normally you only need a bathing robe and towels, both of which should be in the dressers. Soap and stuff is down at the bath."

"Okay. So, do we change into those bathing robes and then meet up again or how does this work?"

"Yep. But didn't you even have any public bathhouses in your world?"

I think back. I mean, I always lacked either access or time to go to one.
I shake my head.
"None I could visit."

Zack raises an eyebrow.
"Anyway, I'll get going now."

I nod.
"Do that."

Zack heads towards his own room as I take a look at the closets and, sure enough, find a bathing robe and towels. Once I am ready I meet up with Zack and we go downstairs and make our way to the men's side of the hot springs.
So they are divided by gender. I can see how the alternative might be… problematic. But the only experience I have with public baths was way back on Tatooine, and there we were lucky enough to have a bath in the first place. I never cared too much that it was a shared one. I was still a child back then, anyway.

The soft groan of Zack pulls me out of my musings, as he lowers himself into the water. His bathrobe and towels are discarded near the edge.
"You coming or what?"

I glance over to him as I step closer to the water.
"Don't rush me, I'm coming."

Luckily there is a staircase. I hold my toes tentatively into the water. Hot, but not quite as much as I imagined. It is… bearable.
I continue down the stairs one step at a time, whilst pulling my bathrobe up just enough for it not to get wet. It takes me a while until I am used enough to the heat to take the next step, but eventually I get there.
Eventually, I am settled across from Zack, who is enveloped in a vapor cloud. I sink even lower for the water to cover my chest as I put my bathrobe neatly besides me.
Zack raises an eyebrow, but doesn't say anything.

I understand his question regardless.
"There is a reason why all my sets of clothing cover everything but my head."

He nods in understanding.

"Poi!"
The pango plops next to me with a small splash. After a moment, he drifts back up to the surface.
The pango drifts in place, his mouth still covered under water. A second later, he lets out a happy, bubbly noise.
"Poi! Poi poi!"

I smile and pat him on his head. I have to admit...
"This is nice, isn't it?"

The pango beams up at me.
"Poi!"

He leaps out of the pool and then makes a game of jumping in and out of the water.
Now that I'm settled, I finally have the chance to relax a bit and take a look around. We are in the outside, and the sun has long since set, revealing the sparkling star lit night sky once more. The pool itself is lined with rocks, which appear to keep the body of water from seeping into the earth. Beyond that is lush green vegetation, boardered by even larger rocks. Presumably to ensure the privacy of the perimeter. On the other side, going back towards the building, the floor is covered in glazed tiles.
On my left, some distance away, protrudes a wall made out of some kind of wood. I take it as the the divider between the sections.

I lean back and close my eyes, focusing on the relaxing effects of this hot spring. Kara certainly didn't exaggerate. As the warm water washes over me, I feel my muscles relax and my shoulders loosen up. It feels as if a heavy weight has been lifted off of them. I breathe out in content as I let my head roll back.
"Ahhhhh."

Although I can't see it, I can hear the smirk in Zack's voice.
"Sounds like you're enjoying it so far."

I chuckle.
"Yeah, actually. This is way better then I could have imagined."

I just lay there and let my thoughts - and my limbs - drift in the water. Another content sigh escapes my lips.

"You okay there?"

"Never been better. I think this is the most relaxed I have been all my life."

The skeptism in Zacks voice is audible.
"Really?"

"Yeah. My life has been… rather hectic. Not much time for me to just hang back and relax."

"What do you normaly do to relax, then?"

"Meditate, mostly. Meditation and sleeping filled most of my little free time. And if I found myself with a bit more time to spare than an hour, I liked to read."

"You know, my life was demanding as well, but I always found time to wind down a bit."

"Me as well, but those times are- were sparse."

"Sounds like a stressful life."

"Heh, you don't know half of it. One does not simply reach my power level overnight, you know? That is the culmination of my life's work, as short as it may have yet been."

"Huh. I actually never thought about that."

"Most don't. All they see is that guy wielding godlike powers. Not many spend a thought about how he might've come across them."

"How did you come to those powers, then?"

"The short answer is that I defeated the one who wielded them before me, and absorbed his powers as my own."

"And the long one?"

"Is something I'd rather not talk about right now."

"Right, sorry."

"S'alright. It's just a story for another time."

Both Zack and I fall silent again, but it is comfortable.

We continue to relax for a bit and I let my thoughts wander again.
The wind temple, huh? Amelia said that those floating isles are one of Havengarde's most beautiful landmarks. And Leanna and I are going to be alone up there...
My thoughts go back to a day or two ago, to a certain situation. Before Zack broke it, that is. I have not a single shred of doubt about my emotions for her. But the same cannot be said for her feelings for me. I do think that she likes me, in a sense, but to what extent I cannot be certain. Regardless, this scenario provides me with the best possible setup to confess my feelings. At the very least, I can give her the gift I still carry around with me.
I continue to reminisce about my interactions with Leanna until a certain thought plops into my mind. I divert one thought process back to my observation of Kara's presence in the Force.
It is absolutely and utterly unremarkable, just like your average citizen. But her superhuman feats have to come from somewhere. However, if I want to observe this matter more closely, what I definitely want, then I need to provide a sort of stimulus. I have no doubt that Kara heard our conversation earlier, so I might want to start a conversation that would interest Kara enough to focus on it. With my mind set, I speak up as I open my eyes to look over at Zack.
"Soooo…"

He doesn't even open his eyes. His arms are spread along the edge of the pool.

"How's life?"

"Fine."

Silence.
I clearly haven't thought this through enough. How could I catch his interest?
"Er... Catch any scary bad guys recently?"

He raises an eyebrow.
"The bandit group at Wolfsden?"

I facepalm, sinking a little lower into the water.
"Right."

I notice a huge scar that ripples across Zack's chest. I think about my own scars and wonder if he'd be willing to share about his. Given his resemblance to my mandalorian Sith friend, he might have a tale of an epic battle to tell.
I ask cautiously.
"Your scar… would you be willing to share its origin?"

Zack finally opens his eyes, if only to stare me down.
Yeah, should've figured. You don't get a scar like that without going through a possibly traumatic event.
"I'm sorry, nevermind."

Zack turns away.

Man, this isn't going anywhere. Aside from my desire to get to the bottom of Kara's apparent abilities, that no one else seems to mind whatsoever, is Zack a friend of mine as well. A friend I'd like to converse with.
I close my eyes as I think about another topic we could talk about.
In the quietness I realise that I don't hear the pango splashing around. Come to think of it, that stopped quite a while ago.
I open my eyes and realise he's not there.
"Hmm. Where's the pango?"

Zack turns to look at me.
"Hmm?"

Zack looks around. The pango is nowhere in sight.

"The pango is constantly running off. Aren't you curious about where he goes?"

Zack shakes his head.
"No."

"... If he's not hanging around with me, he's usually with Amy... 'for science'..."

Zack arches an eyebrow.
"And?"

"That means the chances are high that he went over to the girls side."

"I don't think so."

I raise an eyebrow.
"Why not? I mean, they hogged him when they went asleep already. Perhaps we should double check just to be sure."

"Nah."

Okay, switching gears.
"On an unrelated note, what are your thoughts about our group?"

He looks at me.
"Adequate. All of us are competent in our respective fields, and our fighting prowess is nothing to scoff at, even without your powers."

I nod.
"A fair assessment, but not what I was going for."

He raises eyebrow.
"What then?"

"What do you think about them as people?"

He takes a moment to think before he speaks.
"Leanna is determined and driven, kind and selfless. She would shoulder all the burdens of the world if given the chance. While she is a bit naive at times, she's not clueless to the dangers of the world. Amelia, on the other hand… Well, let's just say that your words earlier made me rework my observations on her."

"How so?"

"She made some incredible scientific work, that much is obvious, even if I don't understand half of it. But I always viewed her like a kid that needs my protection."

"Right, that was the reason why you went with us in the first place."

He nods.
"Yeah. Anyways, I realised that you were right, she's older, and way more mature than I gave her credit for. I always thought that her logical and almost monotone voice along with her manner of speaking were only meant to appear more mature, but I realise that's not the case."

I smirk.
"Oh? So you can admit mistakes, after all?"

He smirks as well.
"Of course. If you refer to my discussion with Leanna today, I was just messing with her anyway. It's too much fun teasing people like her."

I'm honestly a little bit suprised.
"Oh?"

"I'm not entirely stupid, Xerath. I know you and that other guy were absolutely correct. But I decided it would be funnier teasing Leanna."

"I somehow doubt she saw it the same way."

He shrugs, but remains silent otherwise.

I wait for a few moments, but he makes no notion of speaking up again.

I smirk. This is it.
"And what about Kara?"

Zack's cheeks appear to gain a bit in colour, if only minuscule.
"What about her?"

"Your thoughts?"

There! I feel Kara's presence shift, but only so subtly that it would be unnoticable if you weren't focusing on it.

Zack clears his throat.
"She is… unique."

I give him a blank stare.
"You originally thought I was 'unique' as well. I think you should elaborate on that."

He sinks a bit lower as his cheeks flush more, a bit more noticable this time.
"She is… fun to be around. Her upbeat nature and bubbly personality… it's refreshing."

I smile as I nod.
"That I can agree with. But there is more to it, no?"

He crosses his arms.
"I don't know what you're talking about."

"I suspect that your thoughts and emotions regarding Kara are heading in the same direction mine do with Leanna, even if not at the same magnitude. Yet."

His eyes dart to the side, but his blush becomes more noticable.
"I don't know what you're talking about."

I arch an eyebrow, amusedly.
"Really now? Then you are not interested in my observations?"

Zack freezes, and his eyes narrow.
"What kind of observations?"

I hold my hands up as a slow smirk lights my face. I still lower my voice, Kara shouldn't be aware of this part of the conversation. Not yet, at least.
"Nothing bad, I assure you. It's just... did her exquisite acoustic perception or her ability to sneak up on people never seem suspect to you?"

I feel another shift in Kara's presence, as if it would return to normal. I'd guess she stopped listening in since she can't hear us anymore.

He shakes his head.
"I never thought about it, really. It's that some people have better hearing than others, or are lighter on their feet."

I nod.
"A fair point. If it would stop there. She sneaks up on people by completely veiling her presence in the Force, which is something even I cannot achive."

He arches an eyebrow.
"Are you sure?

"Positive. I have the ability to constantly monitor my surroundings for presences in the Force, so that I could not get jumped. Kara passed my senses on several occations. Further, I noticed very subtle shifts in her presence when we started talking about her and when we dropped our voices."

"What do you suggest doing then?"

I cup my chin.
"I'd need visual conformation that the shift in her presence is really caused by some kind of powers of hers."

He frowns.
"But even so, she's not a Mage. Hell, she's even more distrustful of magic than I am. I doubt she has some kind of abilities."

"Again, a fair assessment. However, Force Sensitivity is not always noticed. Your world lacks the knowledge to properly locate this phenomenon. Combine that with the fact that Force Sensitivity alone gives you access to superiour senses - like hearing - and reflexes, and it isn't so far fetched anymore. Her ability to conceal her presence might have developed through her lifestyle as well, where it is imperative to remain concealed. If I am correct, she would be the most powerful intuitive Force user I know."

He sighs.
"So you want to go over to the girl's side?

I nod.
"Correct."

Zack quickly clears his throat.
"Well, we'd be doing it for Kara. Right?"

I smile slightly.
"Absolutely."

"And we're just trying to make sure if there's merit to your theory. If we end up running into anything else, that isn't our intention at all."

I nod.
"Naturally."

Zack uncrosses his arms.
"Then I suppose we can check this out... but only for a second!"

"Yes, that is what I was suggesting."

We both make our way across the hot spring, while I make sure to cover my body every step out of the water, and we eventually come across a massive wooden wall.
Mist puffs up behind it. A few crystal lamps are lined overhead, but it's so dark that their golden glow can't quite penetrate it.
We hear a loud splash, followed by a bunch of girlish squealing. We can't seem to make out any words.
My heart rate starts to pick up as my scientific curiousity is peaked. We have to make it over!
I make a move for the wall, but Zack grabs my shoulder.
"No. This way."

"Huh? Why?"

"There's a darker spot over there - less risk of being seen if a guard comes this way."

My eyes follow to the shadowy spot he's pointing at. I blink in suprise. I hadn't even noticed it before. It's a good thing I have a skillfull mercenary on my side for a noble cause like this.
Zack inspects the wall as if analysing the best way over. He keeps his voice low.
"Boost me up."

Confusion settles for a moment as I decipher the idiom, but then it clicks into place and I cup my palms together and give Zack a push. He jumps with one smooth motion and manages to grab the wall. I get the feeling this isn't his first time scaling a wall.
From the top, he extends a hand down that I just manage to reach by jumping unaugmented, and he pulls me up.
When I've just about scaled the wall, we hear footsteps and see the shadow of a guard approaching.
Zack hisses.
"Get in. Quick!"

We dive over to the other side of the wall. My heart starts racing again. Did we actually make it?
We both slip into the water, whereas I am slower due to my need of removing the bathrobe slowly, and we swim over slowly so as to not make any noise or splash. Soon, we hear the familiar voice of Kara.
"Oh... Leanna, that feels so good."

My heart leaps in my throat. What the heck is happening there? I try to peek for a closer look, but Zack pulls me back and points to one of the larger rock formations. His face is bright red as we swim over, but I do not know why.

Leanna giggles.
"Do you like that?"

Kara breathes out.
"Yes, so much!"

We settle behind the rocks and peek over to be greeted with a perfect view. We can overlook the entire hotspring from here.
The first thing I see is the pango splashing around. That sneaky pango! I knew he ditched us for the girls.
"Poi poi!"

Kara speaks up again.
"Alright, now it's my turn to wash your back. Turn around."

Leanna nods.
"Okay!"

I glance towards the voices... and...

"Ah! Kara!"

My heart stumbles to a halt.
Kara stands behind Leanna, her arms are wrapped around Leanna in a strange manner. Both of my thought processes short-circuit as the gravity of the situation catches up with me. Through my delirium and the mist covering her, I wonder what she'd look like from a different angle.

Leanna's voice grows small - sensual.
"Oohh…"

Kara looks suprised before a feline grin slides across her face.
"I was certainly not expecting that sort of reaction from a Mage-Knight."

"H-Huh? What?"
Leanna glances down. It takes her a second to register what's happening and her face goes from sunset pink to murderous scarlet.
"KARA!"

Kara laughs.

Leanna squirms a little.
"How could you do that?!"

Kara nuzzles her face between Leanna's neck and shoulder and giggles.
"Are you really suprised?"

Leanna twists away from her, crossing her arms to hide her chest.
"You can't just -"

She sputters as the words escape her.

My face burns with a searing blush.
"W-We shouldn' be watching them like this! This wasn't part of my plan at all!"

Zack's voice sounds distant, dreamy.
"Yeah… You're right."

Yet we continue to stare, wide-eyed, as if we were phyiscally unable to turn away.

Amelia chimes in.
"It is most perplexing that Leanna continues to claim disinterest in Kara's actions even though her body language and audible responses are that of positive stimulation."

"Amelia!"
Leanna's face turns an even brighter shade of crimson as she stomps her foot.
"T-That's not true!"

Some part of my mind comes back online, and it immediately picked something up. Continues to deny Kara's advances? How many times have we missed out?! Do I have to compete not only with the men, but the women now, too?

"Poi?"
The pango bobs with just his eyes above the surface, staring in our direction.
His voice is bubbly and muffled from being under water.
"Pooooiii?"

He blinks.
...Oh shit. I forgot that he can most probably sense us, sense me, if he doesn't outright sees us.

"Poi!"
The pango jumps and lands on the rock we are hiding behind. He bounces up and down with a huge smile.
"Poi! Poi poi!"

"Pango, no! Shh!"

"Poooooii!"

Zack hisses.
"Get your pango under control!"

"I'm trying, damnit!"

Kara sounds curious.
"Hmm. What's going on?"

The pango leaps higher and higher into the air. He seems to be excited to see us again. While adorable, it is monumentarily unhelpful.
"Poi! Poi!"

Leanna reaches for a towel.
"I-Is someone there?"

Crap! What do we do? This wasn't planned at all!

"Meow."

I jerk my head up and gape at Zack. What the heck was that? That was the most unconvincing animal imitation I've ever heard! Ever!

A serpent's smile slides across Kara's face. She plants a hand on her hip.
"Zack, is that you?"

"...Meow?"

Kara laughs out loud.
"Oh, this is gold."

I hiss over.
"Dude! Has that ever worked for you before in your life?"

"Uhh… Once."

"What? How is that even possible?"

"I... realised the guy was deaf afterwards."

I sigh.

"Poi poi!"
The pango bounces up and down, going crazy with happiness.

Amelia speaks up.
"I hear more than one voice."

Leanna looks horrified. She hauls herself out of the water and wraps her towel even tighter around herself. Stumpling, she lunges for a pile of fluffy towels folded off to the side and starts cloaking them around herself.

"Poi!"
The pango leaps off of the rock and straight into my arms.

"Poi poi!"

I let out a deep, deep exhale. This mission has failed. I stand and Zack begrudgingly does the same.
The pango leaps onto my shoulder and snuggles against my cheek.
"Poooi poi."

Aww, man. He's so sweet, how can I stay angry? Oh, maybe because I finally die here tonight.

Amelia cocks her head. A light pink towel covers her and her pigtails are rolled into buns.
"It is quite suprising to find you two occupying the same hot spring as us. After all, this is the women's side and you are both men."

My face goes hot.

Zack arches an eyebrow. His expression is stony as usual, but the blush on his face betrays him.
"Oh, it is? We are obviously lost."

Kara giggles.
"What a terrible excuse."

Leanna has somehow successfully swaddled herself in at least ten towels.
"You guys-"

One of the towels falls over her face. She huffs and shoves it back.
"You guys can't just come over here! I'm disappointed in both of you! Especially you, Xerath! I wouldn't have thought you would do something like this!"

I can't meet her eyes and look at the ground in shame as I bow deeply.
"I am terribly sorry! But I do have an explanation for this, I swear!"

Kara speaks with amusement.
"Oh? Do tell."

I take a deep breath.
"Well, you see, we wanted to confirm a hypothesis of mine."

Leanna's eyes are narrow dangerously as I look up.
"What hypothesis?"

I dodge her gaze as I still can't look her in the eyes.
"I have basis for the assumption that Kara has access to Force powers."

That makes all the girls pause. Kara finds her voice first.
"I'm sorry, what?"

"Your sharp hearing and quick reflexes are traits that can be attributed to Force Sensetivity. Further, you seem to have the ability to cloak your presence in the Force to the point that even I cannot detect you. Which should be well-nigh impossible, by the way."

The girls are quite suprised by my explanation. I don't think they saw that coming.
When no one speaks up, I continue.
"Well, at any rate, that is my hypothesis. I hoped to clear that up this evening, but I realise that I clearly haven't thought this through enough."

Zack raises an eyebrow.
"Wait. You want to tell me you didn't even know what you implied when you said you wanted to check up here?"

I scratch the back of my head.
"I am ashamed to admit that I did not. I was so focused on getting to the bottom of this, that I failed to see the signs that should have been rather obvious."

Kara laughs.
"Hey, if you wanted to hang out, you should've just said so."

I am as puzzled as Zack is, as he manages only a simple answer.
"Huh?"

To be fair, my response is not better.
"What?"

Kara grabs our arms and yanks us out of the bushes.

I am quite confused.
"Wait, what? But... we shouldn't be here. This wasn't part of my plan! Don't you have anything to say to that matter?!"

I am flabberghasted at Kara's apparent disinterest in the topic. It's about her, after all.

She just shrugs.
"Don't get me wrong, I'm quite curious. But there's not much I can do now, is there? You said it's not something easy to check, right? So I'd rather do that some other time, not when we're relaxing at the hot springs.

Leanna looks mortified.
"What?!"

She grabs even more towels. I'm not sure which part of herself she is trying to cover at this point.
Kara leads us into the water and smiles, while I make sure to keep both my body covered and my bathrobe dry.
"We don't mind. Right, Amy?"

Amelia barely registers Kara's comment.
"The activities of the rest of the team do not concern me lest it disturbs my research."

I arch an eyebrow.
"Research?"

Amy nods. She lifts her hand and makes some of the water rise, shaping it into little aquatic animals.

"Poi?"
The pango blinks curiously. He jumps down from my shoulder and onto a small rock to investigate.

She smiles and waves her hand. The tiny animals dive in and out of the water. The pango's eyes sparkle with wonder.
"Pooiii!"

She looks pleased with herself. But I have no idead what the heck she's trying to research. A small part of my mind tells me that she just wants to play with the pango without seeming childish, but the largest part of my brain is still trying - and failing - to process the situation.

Kara slides in and bumps Zack with her hip, making him jump.
"Sooo… did you like what you saw earlier?"

He turns away and crosses his arms, but his cheeks turn a slight pink.
"I saw nothing!"

Kara's smile turns wicked.
"Oh, really? What a shame. Well, now that you're here, you might as well make yourself useful. I need my back washed, please."

He uncrosses his arms and turns to look at her.
"But Leanna already did -"

She tilts her head.
"I thought you didn't see anything."

Zack shuts up and his face becomes red. Kara grins and hands him something that looks like a sponge.
She swims over to the side so she can prop herself up and relax as she sets Zack back to work.

I swim to one of the edges, completely lost. With the pango and Amy having fun and Zack and Kara are doing their own business, there's only one person left…
"Hey... where did Leanna go?"

"Meep!"

That was just about the cutest sound I have ever had the pleasure to hear. It sounds like Leanna, but like it's supposed to be something else. Like Zack earlier.
"Huh?"

I turn around, but there's nothing there except for a giant pile of towels as tall as a human. This girl... I understand her desire to cover up her body, despite my reasons being different, but this is quite extreme, even for my standards.
"Leanna? Is that you under there?"

"Um, no."

The towels shiver a bit at what I'm sure is Leanna shifting around from underneath.

Can this situation possibly get any more weird?
"Why are you buried under all those towels?"

"It's just very cold out here."

"...Cold?"

"Yes."

"...In the… hot springs?"

"That's right."

"...You know, I'm mildly offended that you aren't honest with me. It is obvious that I make you uncomfortable, and I shouldn't even be here in the first place. I should just leave."

I swear I can feel Leanna's searing blush through all those mountains of towels.
"That's not - I mean -"

She takes a deep breath, then the layers of towels slowly start to drop off until there is only one lavender coloured towel left.
She comes over and takes a seat on the edge of the spring, letting her feet dangle in the water. Her face is still flushed, and I have a feeling it's not just from the heat.

Maybe I can make her a bit more comfortable?
"You know, all things considered, I think your Wolfsden armor was more revealing than this."

Leanna blinks at me, then she laughs.
"You might be right."

"Although I do have a confession…"

She looks at me curiously.
"What is it?"

"Even with your stack of towels… I saw something just now that I didn't see when you were wearing that other outfit... your ankles!"

Leanna bursts out laughing.
"Oh no! How embarrassing, I feel so exposed!"

She laughs again and the tension from before eases. We continue to chat for a while longer, which mostly consists of me relaxing in the water and Leanna telling me how it is possible that the hot spring is not boiling me and later about my theory of Kara's Force powers. Kara continues to tease Zack who stubbornly pretends not to notice, and Amy conjures little tricks in the water to the delight of the pango.
During a pause in our conversation I glance over and smile at the sight of Amy just playing with the pango. She is viewed as a prodigy, and much is expected of her, thus her chances to behave like a child should were cut short. As someone who has gone through something similar, I am glad to see that she can still express this side of her. It is important that she doesn't feel like she needs to supress it.

Once it gets close to the end of our reservation time, Zack and I slip back to the men's hot springs so we don't end up in trouble.
After our time is up in the hot springs, we change back into our clothes and meet at the Flushed Mermaid's inn to have a late night snack.
We gather around a mother-of-pearl table, flecked with bits of coral. The colour scheme of the resort continues here, with white walls, emerald green baulks and golden decorative strips. The room is illuminated by the warm glow of crystalline chandeliers. The chairs here are also more comfortable than the wooden one's I've gotten used to.
The servers bring us each a scoop of ice cream, which is something I know of in my galaxy, but never really had.
Leanna grins and digs in.
"Wow, this is delicious!"

Kara glances over to her.
"What kind do you have?"

"Chocolate."

Kara's expression turns wicked.
"Mmm, looks good. Mind if I try?"

Leanna smiles.
"Not at all."

She goes to slide over her bowl, but instead, Kara moves in on the spoon of ice cream that Leanna is holding and eats directly from it.
Leanna doesn't seem to like that, for whatever reason.
"Kara!"

She smiles.
"Yup, you're right. It's delicious."

Kara giggles and winks.

Zack stares at the scene.
Kara seems to feel his stare because she turns to face him.
"What's wrong? Want me to lick yours too?"

Zack chokes on his ice cream as his face becomes completely red. I wonder why.

"Oh wait, nevermind. We both got the same flavour."

She grins deviously and winks.
"I'm glad we have the same tastes."

Zack mumbles something incoherent.

All the while I enjoyed my frosty treat of vanilla ice cream with chocolate chips in peace and quiet. And I have no idea what that exchange meant whatsoever. Eh, I'll just write it off to cultural differences.

Afer we're done with our snack, we all decide to turn in for the night. We make our way towards the staircase to our bedrooms.
On our way upstairs, Zack spots a fancy vase.
"Hey, Leanna… what's that?"

He wears a shit-eating grin and I mutter softly.
"Oh no."

Leanna looks.
"What? You mean that -"

She suddenly pauses. Pink creeps into her cheeks.

"Sorry, I didn't catch what you just said. What is that?"

She frowns.
"It's two faces."

I let out a low groan.
"Not this again! I'm out!"

Kara and Amelia blink in confusion. Amy speaks up.
"Leanna, is it not clear that the object to which Zack is referring is a vase?"

Leanna stomps her foot.
"I know what I saw."

Zack smirks triumphantly as Leanna crosses her arms and pouts.

Kara looks from Zack to Leanna and then shakes her head.
"I'm not even going to ask."

I nod.
"That's for the best."

We hike up the stairs and seperate into our own rooms.

"Poi?"

I glance down.
"Huh? You want to stay with me, pango?"

The pango perks up.
"Poi poi!"

I open the door a little wider, and he bounces into the room.
The wind howls outside and I automatically step closer to the fireplace.
"Didn't Amy say something about slipping hot-stones into our beds if we're cold? But those blankets look quite comfortable, I think I'll survive."

All in all, I feel as relaxed as I have never before. I suppose that is the point of those hot springs, and the reason Kara was so eager to get into one. I'm sure I'll get a good night's sleep.
I crawl into my bed, where the sheets are smooth and welcoming. The pango snuggles up next to me under the blankets.
My eyelids feel heavy and in only a few minutes, I find myself drifting off into a deep sleep.