~ Running Ragged~

Piper didn't have much time to herself anymore. She was up from dusk to dawn (not that she could tell, being in a cavern deep underground) and Agate always had her busy doing something; meditation, practicing her techniques, crystal studies, and whatever else Agate put on her plate. She didn't really have time for leisure reading, or leisure anything to be honest. Maybe that's why Piper decided to keep the book to herself and a secret from Agate.

It turned out the book that Stork had delivered to her was more valuable than she initially realized. It was actually an old book about crystal methods and techniques. She didn't know if one of the old true Masters had written it, or if one of the later human ones had, but it didn't matter. For once in her life, Piper had some knowledge in her hands. Most of the stuff the book covered in the first chapters was pretty basic, and things that Piper had already learned; it was the latter chapters that intrigued Piper. Some of the techniques were very advanced, and she trusted Agate to teach to them to her eventually, but Piper wanted to prove herself. She wanted Agate to see her dedication, and she wanted to see Agate's pride when Piper mastered something on her own.

So Piper spent her late evenings pouring over the book, going chapter by chapter when she wasn't too tired.

~ Costs ~

Piper wasn't initially worried all that much when there were some things that Agate hadn't taught her that were mentioned in the book. Even if they were in the beginner's section. Piper was sure that there was a reason for that; they were pressed for time. And she was sure Agate didn't want to waste their time learning the principles of crystal mathematics and conversion rates. Most of it was theory, anyway, very dry stuff, even for her.

It was chapters later, and many nights later, that she came across something a little alarming. She had to reread the text slowly, making sure she was understood it correctly.

It was how to produce a permanent ring of protection around a residence, but the crystals used in the ceremony had to be dipped in the blood of dead man; a freshly dead man. Piper had dropped the book like it had burned her. She didn't want anything to do with a book that mentioned killing a person.

~ Excuses ~

Piper did go back to the book, but only when her curiosity had almost gnawed holes completely through her. She was able to rationalize with herself; even if there were evil chapters in the book didn't mean she had to use them. So, Piper continued, flipping past the chapters that were a little squeamish for her, like how to make an oath crystal that would bind the parties to their word; they had to cut open their palms and leave a bloody handprint on the crystal.

Piper's concerns were wary but hidden at that point. They only started to grow again when she stumbled across Subletting.

The art of Subletting is a delicate one. One risks damaging the soul, or fracturing it, if the ceremony is done incorrectly. The air must be scented with myrrh, and the individual must sit within a circle of salt with the crystal before them. A great deal of power is required, and it is recommended one of the Nights of Ceremony are used for this task. Done properly, Subletting with leave an impression of the person's soul in the crystal. The Subletted crystal will then contain memories, personality and behaviour patterns. This impression can later be 'absorbed' by a student as a learning tool. One must be careful that one does not absorb the impression completely, because then impression will be part of their personality, rather than be a memory. If a person wishes to absorb an impression then the same techniques and safety precautions must be taken when the crystal was first Sublet.

A niggling fear started to root in Piper's gut that terrified her for no apparent reason. She wasn't able to sleep well that night.

~Hard-Earned Truths~

It was like someone had opened Piper's eyes. There were details she hadn't noticed before. Or she was just getting paranoid. She tasted strange herbs in her food, which made her realize how much control over her diet Agate had gained. Which, in turn, made her realize how much control Agate had gained over her life as a whole. Piper was essentially cut off from her original support group. She had become isolated. That put a streak of fear through her as hot as lightning. But no matter how bad or terrifying her paranoia, Piper was able to calm herself with logic and reason. But the usual mantra of how she trusted Agate was starting to wear thin.

How can you trust a person you barely know? How can you understand a person who has lived hundreds of years longer than you? Who has seen the massacre of their kind?

Despite the fears eating away at her insides Piper forced herself to remain calm. She didn't have proof, just paranoia that Agate was less than truthful about something, possibly everything. But that's all it was. And spring was coming soon. She needed to be prepared for the upcoming war, and she needed Agate for that. Once the battle was done and the war won Piper would allow herself to worry about her the problems that seemed to keep on growing endlessly.

A/N: Better late than never I say. Yes, it's been nearly four months. School's been crazy; and we'll leave it at that. And yes, it's not Cyrrow. We'll be getting to that, very shortly, so keep your pants on (four chapters, honest). I swear, all this stuff that's happening is important later on.