Unexpected Visitors

Time passed without much conversation. Sayane enjoyed simply sitting in place and listening to the noise just beyond the store. Strange, unfamiliar sounds and scents drifted through the thin walls. After a moment, she asked to walk around a little more to see the rest of the main atrium. Azag agreed and joined her.

Neither spoke as she moved between the stalls with willful joy. In the center of the space was an enormous floating orb made of dozens of rings. Each ring had symbols of what Sayane assumed were different languages. Small spotlights were at its base, casting somber awareness onto the sphere as it undulated in silent reverie.

“What’s that?” Sayane asked Azag.

“Names of families that have been wiped away by The Silence. When there are none left, the name is added, so they will be remembered at least through this,” he explained.

Sayane wondered if he had any family, but did not feel it was her place to ask. His demeanor told her that he did not wish to linger.

At the edge of the space, near the cascading waterfalls, there was a food serving operation. Dozens of creatures lined the edges of makeshift tables, where they were serving over one hundred others, including small, child-like creatures.

Several of them saw Azag and bowed.

“You are respected here,” said Sayane.

“Maybe. I care not. I simply help gather food for the tables so that none go hungry,” was all he said.

“You have a kindness to you. Thank you for all you have done for me, Azag,” Sayane said softly.

“I would have done it for anyone. But you’re welcome,” Azag said in a somber tone as he turned away to return to the store.

Sayane had nothing left to add, so she simply resolved herself to follow him back to Can-Mo’s shop.

Once they returned, Can-Mo was waiting. Attis was smiling a full-fanged smile of excitement. A dozen pieces of new clothing were hung on display across a dozen tentacles. Small, intricate accessories hung along the edges of each outfit. Pulsing threads of neon lit ribbons adorned the edges of each piece. It was far more than Sayane had expected.

“What? How? That was so fast!” she exclaimed with a clap as she almost skipped forward.

“Finest tailor in the Upper Rings!” said Attis.

“Finest tailor in The Underworld!” said Sayane as she rushed forward to hug the tailor.

Regret was nearly immediate, as another bellowing wail escaped the creature.

“The songstress! Helper! The helper… she… she embraces Can-Mo! Can-Mo shall never again bathe!!!” cried the creature as its tentacles nearly dropped the clothing.

“It’s fine! It’s fine! The helper is just very grateful for you! Please, do not stop bathing on my behalf!” said Sayane, who found her own eyes watering for some unknown reason.

A few sniffles later, Can-Mo calmed itself enough to give them instructions on how to tend to the new options. It was decided that Sayane would change back at The Shattered Stone, so as not to draw any more attention to herself. Following a thorough walkthrough of care and storage, along with a few more tears, Can-Mo gave the a last bow.

“I do not know why you have arrived here, helper, and I do not know what any of us could dare to expect of you. But I do know that I will cherish this day for the rest of mine. I hope to see you again, perhaps at the Stone,” Can-Mo said with a teary smile.

Confusion and an intimidating uncertainty almost opened the floodgates of Sayane’s own eyes. She did not know why she was here either, nor did she have any understanding of what she could possibly do to be of comfort or usefulness in the face of such cruelty. Back in her first life, she had by all rights been a failure. Now, every being she met seemed to view her as a lightning rod of hope the moment they learned of her musical connection. Once again, it was all too much. For now, she was simply excited to finally shed the layers of dirty fabric she’d been existing in for weeks.

Thus, the trio left the Omega Bazaar and its tiers of colorful shops. Down the path they went, further and further into the meandering darkness. Soon, they were nearing their destination. For the first time, Sayane was able to see the marvelously humble exterior of the tavern, and fully appreciate its name.

An enormous single shard of hexagonal obsidian was jutted from the ground at a strange angle. A massive crack was cleaved through its center, which was where the doorway was carved.

Crates lined the edges. Harsh, bright cans of light hung from the obsidian’s ledge. Moss and vines draped along the walls and over the neon veins. A small, unassuming sign hung lopsided over the doorway. It was exactly what Sayane should have expected. Her thoughts were so focused on studying the tavern’s exterior, she didn’t even notice the handful of figures sitting in wait beside the doorway. Only once Azag sighed and Attis murmured did she see the interest.

“The Council… Azag, I did not reach out to them. I give you my word. Songstress…” Attis started.

Sayane’s heart raced in fear that it was The Silence. But Azag, and even Attis, seemed more annoyed and concerned than frightened. Their steps did not cease, and soon Azag was upon the five cloaked guests.

“To what do I owe this unfortunate visit, Erosc?” Azag growled.

A figure that was almost as tall as Azag, but much broader, stepped forward and lowered its hood. Doing so revealed the features of a grizzled, intimidating tusked being with tired eyes and a grey beard.

“We are not here for you, Azag,” said the being as it stepped towards Sayane.

Now the dread returned for Sayane as the being’s silver eyes settled on her.

“The revolution has been hearing the most fascinating rumors over the last week, but none from our dear messenger Attis. So we sought him out. And as it turns out, he has been with the very rumor herself.”

The rest of the beings stepped towards Sayane in curiosity. All the while, the silver eyes never looked away.

“My name is Erosc. It is an honor to meet you, songstress. The Revolution would like to speak with you.”