Kiya

Kiya


As the transport ship lifted off Kiya felt cold and alone. She had never seen King Triphon cry before and it broke her heart. She looked out the window and could see the crowd all trying to regain the festive mood of only a few moments ago. Father and I both reached out to her and assured her that we would stay with her till late in the night when she falls asleep. I could feel her crying, but I knew she would have a wonderful life on Zhetascha.
When the transport reached the moon Kiya got out and decided to go for a short walk while the ship was being refueled. The moon is a beautiful place and if father had known that Atrilos would continue down his path of destruction, he would never have sent him there. The vacation spot that both planets used to enjoy has been made unsafe for anyone who is loyal to my father. Only the trade station is kept somewhat safe. Kiya walked around the edge of the station and thought of her new title and all that it will entail. A shutter of fear raked her body and she began to cry. Father and I reached to her at the same time and held her close, filling her mind with reassurance and courage. She was prepared, she will be the answer, and she will succeed. As her confidence began to gain power Daqu appeared in her path. He stepped forward and told her she had nothing to fear, not today anyway. Kiya asked him how he was and what he had been up to. The
laugh he let out was one of hate, and contempt. He told her that she shouldn’t worry about the past, only the future, and that she would be seeing a lot more of him now that
King Triphon isn’t standing guard anymore. Father flooded Daqu’s mind with a reprimand he didn’t bother to hide from anyone. The shame Daqu felt caused him to tremble and run away, but I knew his heart was set hard against Kiya and it would be a long rough road for her. We encouraged her to get back on the ship and to stay in her compartment till she reached Zhetascha. She did as we asked and soon she had lifted off the moon and began the final leg of her journey.
When they reached the landing platform on Zhetascha, Kiya was dismayed at what she saw. Standing around the platform were masses from all five elemental groups, but there was a clear dividing line between each type. When the ship got closer to the platform she realized that there were walls between each set, high enough so that they could not see the other elementals. Everyone was focused on her transport as it landed and a hush fell over the crowd as she made her way to the door. Father and I joined her mind as she stepped out and looked around. We could read her thoughts and realized that she was going to start making changes right away, and that she had no qualms about doing exactly what she had been created to do. Pride flooded me and father and Kiya let us know she wanted us to stay close, but she felt strong and capable so not to worry.
The Master Governor stepped forward and gave Kiya a dignified bow before introducing her to the five elemental governors standing behind him. They each stepped forward and introduced themselves in a way that made Kiya realize they each felt supremely above the others present. Jerome was the Master Governor and he was also an earth master, so when the earth elemental governor introduced himself it was with an air of secret power.
Father had thoroughly prepared Kiya for what she would be facing, but to see it live and in action shocked her. Every time a new Master Governor is elected, the power shifts to the element he or she represents, so right now earth elementals are enjoying the benefits of having preferential treatment and they are not shy about shoving it in the faces of those who are not in the same privileged position. This is the core of the problem and why she was brought into existence, and it has to stop or this world will never have peace.
Jerome turned to the crowd facing the section Kiya knew had to be the earth masters, and introduces her to them, cheers went up from the whole assemblage but she was never actually introduced around the full circle of the platform, only to the one section preferred by the Master Governor. He began to make a speech that fed into the idea of the superior position of the earth element and how Kiya, Mistress of Microcosm would help them to achieve the dreams of every earth elemental on Zhetascha. She stood behind him and listened while watching the masters all the way around the platform, murmurs could be heard from each section and she knew it has to stop, right now. She raised her hands and caused the earth to move under them all, flowers began to sprout everywhere, at the same time she brought a halo of fire that was spinning slowly above them all. Silence swept over them as she made rain pour from the fiery halo, and three small tornadoes began to pull all of the rain inside them where they could funnel it down and dump the water away from the crowd. All the while she sent energy waves through the crowd that caused them all to tingle and their hair to stand on end. She continued the manipulation of the elements until father told her she had their full and undivided attention.
Kiya stepped in front of Jerome and began to walk the full circle of the platform, making eye contact with as many of the crowd who were brave enough to return her gaze. Jerome cleared his throat and began to speak again, but Kiya hushed him. He looked indignant and started to remind her of who she was speaking to when Kiya interrupted the master and told him his services were no longer needed. It was an uncharacteristic move on her part, but one she had to make. Father and I could feel her begin to regret the blunt statement, so we forced our own feelings of pride, love and agreement to overpower any uncertainty in her so that she could continue making her purpose known.
“I am Kiya, Mistress of Microcosm, and today we begin fresh. The prejudices of the past are exactly that, the past, and that is where they shall stay. I, as I just demonstrated in a small display, am master of all elements and not only can, but will speak equally for all. I am not an elected official so I owe no one any favors. I have a life station here and this wonderful planet will have peace, you will have rest and most of all you will have global pride. My first official act as Mistress of Microcosm shall be this; these walls that are separating you here shall come down.” Everyone stood in stunned confusion. Kiya continued, “I would prefer it if you take the barriers down for yourselves, but make no mistake I will do it myself if I have to.” No one wanted to be the first to make this bold move so Kiya instructed everyone to step away from the barriers and then she asked, in a way that left no room for refusal, for the earth masters to slowly lower the barriers into the ground. The earth crowd looked to their governor for his approval, which he gave grudgingly and slowly the walls were swallowed up by the earth under them.
Kiya stood on the platform and allowed the absolute astonishment to give way to uneasy whispers. Each group tried very hard not to look at the others. Kiya had to smile as she remembered the dances she used to attend with Daqu and I,; the boys and girls all standing around trying not to look at each other, yet wanting very badly to be noticed. I reminded her of the first dance father let her attend with me; Daqu had stayed home because girls were still full of kooties as far as he was concerned. She had wanted to dance with a certain boy named Poth and had tried to look more mature by taking extra time with her long curly hair. She did dance with Poth that night but it hadn’t been until she took the first step and asked him to take the floor; he asked her for every dance after that. I touched her mind with the warm thought and told her she had again taken the first step now let’s wait and see if they will dance.
Kiya then told them that they were free to go but that she wanted them all to come back at first light; they had a lot of work to do. The crowd dispersed with a hushed reserve that made Kiya uncomfortable, still her resolve stood firm in her heart. She asked each of the Elemental Governors to come to her home in time for the day’s last meal and they could chat over hot food and cold drinks. As they stepped off the platform each governor showed off his talents in very impressive displays of control. Kiya wanted to enjoy the show but father broke into her mind and told her that they weren’t showing off for her, they were trying to intimidate each other. This childishness being acted out in front of her by the “leaders” of the planet was more then Kiya could take. She produced a huge lightening strike that stood in the midst of them; the noise it made as well as the light emitting from it caught everyone off guard. They all stopped their showboating and walked away, each one with an air of indignation.
Kiya was shown to her temporary home. It was very nice and completely sufficient but lacked anything that would make it feel welcoming in any way. She began the task of unpacking her things, a job she was encouraged to let her servants do, but she chose to do herself. As she reached in one of the pockets of her satchel her heart began to warm and hurt at the same time. She found a small packet of leaves wrapped in thin vines. Kiya wiped a tear from her face as she opened it to find Whimling Berry seeds. Nip, her favorite little Whimling had given her the seeds so Kiya wouldn’t forget her. Kiya took one seed out and placed it on the window sill and watched it sprout, grow, flower and bear fruit all in less time then one would normally take to eat a handful of berries. The sweet smell of the fruit made her feel very warm and happy. I looked at father as we shared the moment with her and father smiled as I placed a picture of Nip vividly in her mind. I told her that after she left Ryzald the Whimlings all started trying to sing a little farewell song they had made up, but kept forgetting the words and the tune so they finally decided to just dance, before long everyone was happy again. Father blocked others from following her mind, so he and I were the only ones who knew what all had happened since she left. She was glad to know that the carnival hadn’t been ruined by her departure.
When the governor arrived at her home she greeted them herself at the door. They looked surprised that she would perform such a mundane task and felt that she a bit too common to be taken seriously. They all waited in the enter hall until the last governor showed up and then she lead them into a large room with a massive round table in the center. There were six identical chairs. She then asked them each their age, working from oldest to youngest she told them to choose a seat, this would be there permanent perch until new governors were elected, then she would find a different way to choose the seating assignments. She sat down in the last open chair and began. “For tonight we will proceed around the table starting at my immediate right. Next time it will be to my left and then in a zigzag pattern all over the table.” With each word the volume of her voice rose until she was speaking loud enough to make them all very uncomfortable. She took a deep breath and let her words hang heavy in the air for a few moments before she proceeded. To her right sat the water governor. Kiya looked directly at him and asked him to tell the others a little bit about himself. He and the others looked dumbfounded. He said that he thought they were there to discuss how to improve the day-to-day lives of the people of Zhetascha, not sit around visiting and sipping tea. So Kiya asked him directly if he had any children, how many and what are there ages?
“My wife and I have four children, all accomplished water masters, the two oldest are twin boys, they are in there twenty seventh turn. Next is our girl, she is in her twenty fifth turn and the youngest is a boy who just reached his third turn.” the water master replied.
Kiya smiled and commented that based on the age difference the youngest must have been quite a surprise. He grinned in a very disarming way and said that the boy was both a surprise and a blessing. The two talked for several minutes about his family, a subject that the master obviously loved talk about. Then Kiya asked him to state the greatest concern of the water masters. He looked around the room as if he had forgotten that the others were present until that moment and stated simply that the water masters were fine, just fine. Kiya told he that she knew that the water elementals were fine and that they would continue to fine for generations to come. She also let him know that as the Mistress of Microcosm it was her responsibility to make sure that they were more then simply fine. She turned to address the rest of the room.
“Each of your societies is fine. Is that all you want or can envision for yourselves and your children? I was created to make this world, your world, better. Fine will not do. As long as there is so much tension and prejudice between the elements you will never have peace. Gentlemen for the sake of everyone that you love and elements you have mastered, we have got to do better then fine. Now please, I ask you again, what is the biggest concern of your element?” Kiya asked as she turned here full attention back to the water master, who now looked a bit ashamed.
“We feel like we are the clean up crew for all the other elements.” He said without taking his eyes off Kiya. The others started to voice their disagreements and there anger that he would make such an outrageous and completely unfounded statement to the Mistress of Microcosm. But Kiya silenced them and encouraged the master to continue. “Our biggest complaint is against the earth masters.” He stated with dignified resolve. “When ever one of them decides create a personal island for the day or wants make a land bride to reach an existing land mass, they give no consideration to where the water must go. So we get angry calls from others who want us to fix the flooding. This is a small example of how inconsiderate the land masters truly are.” Before any response could be voiced by the land governor, Kiya told everyone that there will be no editorializing, she only wants to hear the problems so that they can be fixed. She then asked the water governor to think of a master who he feels could put on a display of what he water masters do, so that the other elementals could have a fuller appreciation for his element. The governor stated he would give it some thought. The focus of the discussion moved to the energy governor and Kiya moved around the table asking identical questions to each.
As the evening progressed Kiya was pleased to see some of the knee-jerk responses of anger and defense change to thoughtful silence. Father and I stayed with Kiya and we both agreed that the five governors were willing to at least give her ideas for peace and understanding a try.
When she finished questioning the last governor; a young energy master who she found out was newly married, she went back around the table asking each for their recommendation of a outstanding master who could showcase their element. She then told them that they could leave but thought it would be a nice gesture of good faith if they touched palms before they go. They looked at her with question on their faces. She explained that each element has their own motion for greeting each other and for saying good bye, touching palms is to be the planet wide salutation and she told them that she wanted for them to start using it right away and teaching it to the others of their given element. They all stood up and performed the new gesture a bit stiffly but father assured her that they were each trying very hard to adapt. They each touched her palm as they filed out and she was pleased to note that they didn’t seem to be competing for position in the line to exit.
After they had all gone she sat down heavily in her chair and started making a list of everything she would need to have prepared for the exhibition of talents. She then divided the list into five parts and had five messengers deliver the sealed parchments to each governor. Kiya felt that if all the elements worked on the display, they just might enjoy it more. She also wanted for them to realize that they could work together to make good things happen. She then gathered the used dished and goblet’s from around the table, walk back to the scullery and thanked the cooks for such a nice meal. As she started to leave the room curiosity got the better of her and she asked them each what elements they had mastered. She was both surprised and pleased to hear that all five elements were represented here and that they worked together beautifully.
Kiya walked back to her sleep chamber and as she walked she invited father and I to come to the exhibition. When she entered her room she saw the Whimling Berry bush still growing on her windowsill and before she could ask, father assured her that we would bring Nip along as well. She smiled and picked a berry from the bush, popped it in her mouth and wished us both a good night. Before I left her mind I pressed my palm against hers and told her she was very clever to create such a simple thing that will eventually bring unity to her planet. Kiya thanked me and asked if I thought she had earned a button, I gave her a strong hug and told her she had earned a bag full.
The next morning started very early for Kiya. She had made a list the night before of the outstanding masters from each element. She now sat at the large round table, eating fruit from her berry bush as she composed five letters, inviting the masters to her home and giving a brief explanation of why she wanted for them to come. She sealed them the same way she would seal every private communication from this day forward. When she sent them out she made sure that the runners were sent to different elemental masters then the one they belonged to. The Master Governor had always kept servants from all the elements so the there would be no appearance of favoritism, but they had always been used to deal only with their own element, she could see that the runners were a bit nervous about the new arraignment but none of them questioned her.
When she saw the sun coming up over the horizon, she hurried out of her home and made her way back to the landing platform. The whole population was to be there at first light and she was already running late. When she got near Kiya noticed that, while the walls were still down, the segregation was still very pronounced. She made her way to the platform and walked up the steps with a clear determination that no one could fail to recognize. She walked around the edge of the platform and as she did she asked how many of them had heard about the new gesture for greeting one another. Several from each element had already been informed of the new motion, so Kiya asked them all to mount the floor to demonstrate the greeting. As they made their way through the crowds
Kiya explained that the greetings of the different types was only punctuating the differences in them and would never help to bring unity to Zhetascha, so the new greeting is to be implemented right away. Her volunteers finally reached to stage and she instructed them to stand in pairs around the edge so everyone could see. There happened to be an uneven number from each element so some of them were a bit horrified to find that they would have to demonstrate the greeting with a different class. They were told to show everyone the greeting and then to walk around the floor and greet all of the other volunteers in the same manner. It was a very awkward exercise but they all got through it and left the platform.
“How many of you would like to get back to your jobs and normal lives for today?” Kiya asked. They all raised their hands. “ I have one request to make of you, I want for all of the energy and fire masters to walk in a circle around the platform to your right. Water, earth and air walk to your left and each master you pass I want for you to greet in the new Zhetaschan way.” She heard a murmurs of protest so she said, “I realize that I said that this is a request, but in reality it is the only way you will be allowed to leave. This can take only few shakes, or it can take several turns but I promise you, no one is leaving until you do what I have instructed, so please begin.”
In what looked like a stiff military arraignment the masters did as she asked. Kiya then told them that even when greeting others of their own element they were to us the new Zhetaschan greeting. She also told them that she understood how difficult it would be for them to break down a lifetime of prejudice and preconceived stereotypes, but that she was sure they would all rise to the occasion. They were dismissed and she felt very good about what had just happened.
I broke into her thoughts and let her know I had been watching her. She said she knew I was there because she heard me laugh at the looks on the faces of the original volunteers who had to pair up with those out side their element. I told her I was sorry but she had to admit the scene was priceless. We both giggled a bit and then I felt some of the weight come back to her shoulders. “This is such a mess Leyloni. How can they all be so narrow-minded? They all have such beautiful abilities and yet they can see only that they are different, not how truly wonderful each is in their own right.” Kiya said with tears in her voice.
“You are making more progress then you realize Kiya. The vast majority of the masters had never even seen a master from another element until you brought those walls down. Father and I both could feel their genuine surprise when they realized that the other elementals look basically the same as themselves. That was a huge step in the right direction. And today, to actually make physical contact with the other elements was a monumental moment for them all.” I told Kiya while allowing my pride to overflow.
When Kiya arrived back at her house, there was a very distinguished looking man sitting on her front step.
“Hello Mistress, my name is Lars. I am the water master you sent for.” Kiya instantly liked this man. In many ways he reminded her of King Triphon and she was sure that they would become good friends. “Hello Lars, you may can me Kiya.” The twinkle in his eyes told her that he liked her as well. She invited him to come in the house but he suggested they take a walk instead. He wanted to show her some of the things he had in mind for the exhibition and they were better enjoyed outside. As they walked Kiya told Lars of her years on Ryzald. In turn Lars told Kiya of his years as a water master on Zhetascha. He also told her some of his thoughts on the trouble between the elements. He was very insightful and she could detect no ill will as he expounded on the tensions. Lars assured Kiya that the exhibition was, in his opinion, a brilliant stroke of genius on her part and as soon as he read her letter he was eager to help in any way he possibly could.
They came to a large clearing with a small stream running through the far corner. Lars looked around for a place for Kiya to sit. She gave a small giggle as she caused a tree to grow right behind her, in the perfect shape of a chair complete with a footrest. She sat down pretending not to notice the look on Lars face. It was a look the shouted “Show
Off” But Kiya knew that he was only teasing her much the same way as Triphon had done throughout her childhood.
Lars walked forward a few steps and began his display. As he gazed in the direction of the stream Kiya watched as he lifted the water right out of the riverbed. He then changed its coarse to flow right over Kiya and himself. Kiya looked up at the water and was excited to see water creatures swimming. Lars was careful not to change the ultimate coarse of the stream, so the section he was playing with seemed to be tethered at both ends. The effect was one of a large rope swinging around the field. Lars pushed the water up very high over their heads and created a beautiful waterfall that roared and foamed that the bottom. Kiya was impressed by the whole scene and thanked Lars for not allowing the water to splash her. Lars continued his show by letting the water from the fall pool about five feet off the ground. Soon there was a large lake that nearly filled the area of the clearing. Kiya got up out of her chair and crawled under the water. She motioned for Lars to join her. When they had gone about thirty feel or so, Kiya laid down on her back, Lars did the same a few feet away and they stay that way for a long time. All sorts of water creatures could be seen in the water and Kiya asked Lars to identify them as they swam passed.
When they finally made there way back out from under the water, the sun was high in the sky and Kiya realized she was hungry. The water master returned the water to the riverbed. When he turned back to Kiya he was pleased to see she had made another chair for him and between the two chairs stood a bush covered with several types of fruit. They ate their fill while they discussed what he has just done. Kiya ask the old master if he would have the power to create a lake that would cover the whole population at the exhibition.
She wanted for everyone to have to chance to see the wonders in the water that she had just seen. He told her he would need help so Kiya asked in a shy voice if he would allow her the privilege of helping him. He of course agreed, but it was decided right then that no one would be told of her help. She was trying to help the elements appreciate and respect one another and her help might be viewed bias on her part. It could also detract from the awesome show, making it a display of her power not the masters.
They started the walk back to Kiya’s home and she told Lars that the bush and chairs would be there for him anytime he wanted to use them. He thanked her and said that there were some cynical old friends of his that he couldn’t wait to show them to. Kiya just smiled and suddenly realized she was a bit home sick for father and I. Her pain touched me so I joined her for a few moments and we exchanged a brief mental chat. She told me about Lars and how much like father he is. I was glad to know she had someone she could perhaps talk to as she had with father her entire life. I told her she should trust the man walking beside her. He has no prejudice in him. With that she said I left her mind and went to tell father all that she had said, although I knew he had heard every word.
Most of the walk was spent in a companionable silence that both of them were comfortable with. When they reached the house Lars said good-bye and disappeared into the woods beside her home. Kiya entered the house and walked straight to the scullery.
She asked the cook what she had in mind for dinner and was happy to hear that fresh bread was on the menu along with hot vegetable and pie for desert. It was with her mouth watering a bit that she heard a knock at the door. She answered it before the servants could react, something they would just have to get used to. Standing at the door was the earth master she had sent for.
“I was here at the appointed time but you were gone. I wasn’t aware that the time was to be flexible.” He stated with no humor in his voice. Kiya apologized and said simply that her previous appointment had run a bit long. She reached for me and asked me to stay close in her mind. I immediately could feel his dislike for Kiya and knew that it was rooted in the fact that she had dismissed the Master Governor, an earth master. I told Kiya he would be much harder to deal with then Lars had been, so to stay on her toes.
Kiya lead the way to a sitting area that over looked a large courtyard with high stonewalls all around. As they sat in chairs facing each other Kiya ask him what his name is. He told her that his name is Kilmur O’det. Kiya extended her palm to the master and said that he could call her Kiya. In return the Kilmur O’det touched her palm and said that she could call him Earth Master, or if no one else is present simply Master. Then he looked at the courtyard and commented on what a drab place it is. I could feel Kiya trying to restrain herself and whispered to her heart how simply awful it would be if a small rain cloud just happened to appear over his head and got his majesty all wet. Kiya smiled at my words, but the earth master thought she was smiling at his rude remarks so set out to make sure she didn’t smile for long by unleashing a tirade against her that would have sent me running for cover. Not Kiya, she sat with a look of patient indulgence on her face and simply refused to allow this master to hurt her in any way. She commented to me that at least she could be grateful to Daqu for her thick skin.
When he had finished saying all the hateful things he had on his mind Kiya asked him what he thought the solution to his grievances would be. The master looked a bit caught off guard. He stated it wasn’t his responsibility to fix the problems, only to make sure that the earth elementals were treated fairly by the Mistress of Microcosm. Kiya corrected him by stating in a very matter of fact way that his only true responsibility was to grow food to feed the planet. He also was being given the privilege of showcasing his element, something that she was actually far better qualified to do. But she wanted to let him help out a bit.
Kilmur O’det sat in a miserable silence for a few moments and then asked what she had in mind for him to do at the exhibition. She told him that he should try to find a way to let the other elementals see how wonderful the earth is. And what a joy he and the other earth masters find in controlling it. She motioned to the courtyard and said, “As you mentioned earlier this courtyard is a very drab place. Show me what you can do.” I told her that he wasn’t used to anyone standing up to his meanness and that he was really at a loss as to how to react to her now. Kiya encouraged him to use his imagination and to make her a beautiful place where she would be proud to bring the masters and governors for the extensive meetings they would need to have as they worked to fix the problems of Zhetascha.
He started by encouraging whatever seeds were existing in the soil to grow. We were both disappointed find that mostly weeds grew out of the bare ground. He excused himself and said he needed to go get a few seed and to take a look around at what things were nearby that he could bring to the courtyard. Kiya followed him to the door and asked it he wanted any help. But he looked a bit nervous and said he could work faster alone.
Kiya went to the kitchen and asked the cook to bring cold drinks and maybe a light snake to the sitting room off the courtyard. Then she ran to her room and took out the packet of Whimling Berry seeds. She dropped several in her hands. She wrapped the packet back, just as Nip had given it to her and hurried back to the sitting room.
The earth master returned shortly after the refreshments were delivered. He gratefully accepted the goblet of cold Murjec she offered him. Kiya was beginning to miss the sweeter drinks served on Ryzald, but Murjec has enough spicy bite to it, that she is sure she will learn to love it. She and the master sat in silence as they nibbled in dried fruit and nuts. He was studying the courtyard and I told Kiya that he had found a number of beautiful rocks and saplings just outside in the woods. He was deciding were to place them. Kiya showed him the seeds she wanted in the garden and asked if they would fit his plans. He looked a bit embarrassed as he took the seeds from her. He held one in his hand and made it grow. Kiya could see that he was well pleased with the appearance of the bush. When it bloomed he smiled broadly at Kiya. He stopped and asked her where she had come across such an enchanting plant. She told him about Ryzald and the Whimlings. From her seat Kiya made the plant continue its cycle so the master could taste a berries. He loved them, and had eaten most of the berries off the bush before he realized he was in fact being very rude.
“I am sorry Mistress, the berries were so good I wasn’t thinking about my manners.” He said with a stiff little bow. He then turned back to the courtyard and started a breath taking process. In his capable hands the garden came to life. Plants and vines were growing. Trees and bushes were sprouting leaves and flowers, even fruit. The Whimling Berry bushes were plants in a loose circle as a kind of centerpiece where he hoped I would install a fountain. Within a very short period of time my drab dirt courtyard was a lush garden. I was very pleased as I watched him focus beyond the walls and soon large stones would seem to grow from the earth. This was a masterpiece of his talent and I told him to prepare to perform a similar task on exhibition day.
“Earth Master, thank you for giving me such a wonderful garden.” Kiya said with real gratitude. “I am sure a display like this will bring respect to the earth elementals, and eventually peace to our beautiful world.
The master looked up and then back at his hands. “Please Mistress, call me Kilmur.” Kiya smiled and extended her palm to him, “Only if you will call me Kiya.”
They touched palms and he got up to leave. Kiya reached down to the table between them and picked up a Whimling Berry seed. She stepped forward, took his hand and placed the seed in his palm. “Enjoy.” she told him. He gave her a rather timid smile and walked out the front door of her home.
I reached to Kiya and told her that she had truly touched the ornery master. She looked out over the courtyard and sighed with happiness. Walking around the new garden she paused in front of the ring of Whimling Berry bushes and picked a berry while she contemplated what kind of fountain she should place there. It would have to be something that would reflect her desire to bring about unity. Kiya planned to have a fountain made that would somehow reflect all the elements and display them as equals. I suggested making a committee, one from each element, to plan the centerpiece. She giggled and jokingly said that I must have read her mind.
Kiya had been so wrapped up in her own thoughts that she didn’t notice that she had been joined in the garden by an old woman. The woman seemed very nervous as she introduced herself as Marla. Kiya knew that Marla had been the recommended energy master. She extended her palm to the older woman and said simply, “I’m Kiya.” Marla touched her palm and took the seat that Kiya indicated at the edge of the garden. Marla said that she didn’t know why she had been requested for such a task as the exhibition display. She began to show Kiya a few ideas she had for her part of show, and Kiya was quite impressed with the seemingly effortless control this frail looking women demonstrated. The beauty of the lights and the sparkling explosions were a moving tribute to years of mastery. Kiya jumped as she felt a warm wave of heat run up her back then shoot straight up over her head where is dissipated in crackling bits of energy. The women worked with precision and dignity, but Kiya could detect no joy in her accomplishments. I broke into Kiya’s thoughts to tell her the women had a closely guarded secret. She thanked the master for coming so well prepared. Marla once again sat down and looked around the garden in silence.
“You are indeed very skilled Marla. The display you just showed me was more then I expected. It will be just perfect for the exhibition.” Kiya said with real appreciation for the skill level of this tiny woman. “Thank you Mistress, I have little else to do these days besides hone my craft.” Marla stated with no hint of self-pity. “Do you not have any family?” Kiya asked with a bit more curiosity in her voice than she had intended. The energy master took a deep breath and sighed. She started kneading her hands in an agitated way. A tear was teetering at the corner of her eye and finally was pushed over the edge of her eye lid by a hard blink. “I lost my mate a few turns back. We were perfectly suited to each other and very much in love. Besides at my age I feel need to find a new mate.” She began to weigh her words more carefully at this point, so Kiya waited patiently as she worked up the strength to go on. “We had two children, a boy who died very young, we never did find out why he stopped breathing.” Her fragile voice trailed off as she remembered her beautiful baby boy. “For a long time after that we didn’t have another child. We were both too scared of revisiting the pain of losing our son. But eventually we wanted to experience some of the joy our friends found in raising their children. So our daughter was born. We pampered her and spoiled her rotten. Each day we spent with her was one to be cherished and we weren’t about to ruin even one day by making her unhappy in any way. She grew up with no thought of others, no regard for anyone but herself. Holt and I knew we had made a mistake with her, but by the time we realized how mean she was turning out, it was too late. Her physical beauty and manipulative charm got her out of a lot of trouble, not just with us but with others as well. Then she made a choice that ruined everything, in fact the stress and shock of her actions contributed to her fathers death.”
Kiya held her breath as the story was being told. Marla had suppressed her thoughts so far back that even I couldn’t see where her story was going. Father joined us as well and he waited with us to find out the long repressed secret. “One day our daughter brought home a fine looking male from Ryzald. He was very polite but for some reason Holt and I didn’t trust him. He was hiding something, but we had no idea what. It was about this same time that heard of King Triphon’s engagement to Mykah. We were so happy for Triphon. He had become good friends with Holt during his years in Zhetascha and we had always thought that he and Mykah was a pair. On the wedding day we couldn’t find our daughter. She had been acting strange and had begun staying away for days at a time.” Marla shook her head slowly as she considered how different things would be now if she and Holt had raised her with a bit firmer hand. “We left the planet without her. Holt said she was more then likely going to be at the wedding, everyone was, she would be on Ryzald when we got there. We searched for her but with no success. After the wedding the king through a party like none anyone had ever seen we continued to look for her but not even one person from either planet had seen her. Imagine our shock when she showed her face at the party on the arm of the handsome stranger we had met only a short time before. She was introduced as his wife. His wife!
Holt and I looked at each other at the same time and said his name. A name that we now recognized as Triphon’s best friend, Atrillos. Jorn, our beautiful daughter had married Atrillos?” Once again her voice trailed off and she started to cry. Kiya tried to approach her to offer her some gesture of comfort, but the old master had put a energy force field around herself. She didn’t want to be touched, so Kiya sat back down. “At that time we were surprised and there was an uneasy air surrounding the announcement, but it would take almost exactly one full turn for us to completely realize what a disastrous decision our Jorn had made. Later when Triphon exiled Atrillos, he was no longer welcomed on Zhetascha either. So Jorn lives on the moon with him. We, or should I now say only I, have never met our grand daughter Taliana. I’m sure you have heard of her Mistress, she and Daqu are quite close.” A chill ran through Kiya at the mention of her bothers name. “I haven’t met her yet Marla, but if she is with Daqu, I’m sure I will.”
“This is why I don’t understand why they chose me to represent our element. Our family name is more than a little tarnished.” She said with a heavy sigh. “I can only imagine you were suggested because of your skill. The Energy Governor must trust you to make all energy masters proud. Besides I don’t believe I could have been more impressed then I was at your demonstration.” Kiya was shaking inside as she spoke. Father had let a bit of his unresolved feelings toward Atrillos reach her before he remembered to shield his emotions. She had always known about Atrillos, but had never experienced father’s true feelings. He let Kiya know that his feelings were for only Atrillos and that he held nothing against Marla, Jorn or Taliana. She should trust this woman; her heart is broken but true. Without notice Marla stood up, extended her palm and left Kiya sitting in a heavy silence with father and myself.
“That poor women.” Kiya said, her voice quivering.
The cook came out to the courtyard to tell Kiya her dinner was ready. She was lead into the dinning room where she found a perfectly set table, for one. “What is your name?” Kiya asked. “I am called Luca mistress.” The cook said with a bit of question in her voice. “Please Luca, call me Kiya. Have you and the others already eaten?” “No Miss, I mean Kiya, they are setting the table in the kitchen for us right now.” Luca stated. “Is there something you need for us to do before we eat?” “Yes there is Luca. Please set me a place in the kitchen as well. I hate to eat alone. Besides, I want to get to know the other members of this household, and for all of you to get to know me.” Kiya stated this while gathering up the flower arraignment that had been placed to the side of her plate.
When she walked into the kitchen she could feel a happy air of relaxation and companionship. She placed the flowers in the middle of the long narrow table and asked where she should sit. Kiya was pleased when another plate was placed on the table and she was told this would be her seat. The head of the table was occupied by a large fire Master, and Kiya was relieved when he showed no signs of giving her his chair. Father had never held himself above the others on Ryzald so he was pleased to see Kiya doing the same in her household. He did caution Kiya about maintaining a bit more of her
“Mistress of Microcosm” air when dealing with those outside her house. At least until some of the problems were solved.
Kiya sat and mostly listened as the others talked and joked with one another. Then one of the maids asked her to tell them about Ryzald and King Triphon. She spoke with excitement and loves about her home planet. It was easy to see that the others at the table were happy to have her in the group and that they would enjoy having her join them every night.
Everyone pitched in to clean up when the meal was done and Kiya was no exception. She dried dishes and told a funny story about a time when Nip had tried to bake a pie. They all laughed and were both surprised and delighted when father sent them an illusion of the sight and smell of the kitchen, with Nip standing in the middle covered in berry juice and batter.
There was a knock at the door and Kiya excused herself to go and meet with fire master she knew was the visitor at the door. When she opened the large door she saw two masters standing there, both with very indignant looks on their faces. “Gentlemen, please come in.” They stepped in the door and looked at Kiya. “Well, there seems to be a misunderstanding about the time of your appointments.” Kiya said with a laugh in her voice. “I think this will work out just fine though. Perhaps the two of you can show me your demonstrations together. She showed them to her courtyard and sat down in a chair next to the entrance. “Please” she said with a sweep of her hand toward the middle of the garden.
At first the two masters worked alone on separate sides of the courtyard. Kiya could see they were lost in their own display. When she would clap her hands or comment on something she enjoyed the other master would try to out do whatever had brought the reaction from her. Gradually however, as the displays got bigger and more grand, they began to cross over into each others space. As the two elements would collide, they would do their best to create something special in the chaos and it worked wonderfully.
Kiya marveled as a huge ball of fire was sucked up into a tornado the air master controlled, then laughed out loud as tiny flames came raining down from out of the top of the funnel. She could see that in spite of the tension that had started the visit, these two masters were enjoying the possibilities of putting their skills to use in a joint exhibition.
Before long they were laughing and discussing what they should try next. The resulting show was what Kiya hoped would be the first of many more breathtaking combinations; this would show others who watched the exhibition that the elements can work well together. While the masters worked out the details of their next “trick” Kiya ran to the kitchen and got a flask of wine and three goblets. It was easy to see as the masters worked together that this would be a friendship that would likely last the rest of their lives.
The masters finally sat down with Kiya and sat sipping wine in a comfortable silence. She knew they were both reliving some of the beautiful things they had created together. When she offered them each a bit more wine she looked deep in their eyes as she thanked them. The thank you was for, not only coming and doing the display, but for working together. Each in turn thanked her as well.’’
“The two of you will perform last at the exhibition. Just as you did today, I would like to see you work alone at first and then join your efforts. It will be a grand way to complete the show. Perhaps some of the other masters will feel inspired to join is as well.” She said with hope in her voice.
The three sat and talked for a long time trading stories and laughing till late in the night. When the two masters left Kiya let out a little whoop of joy that brought Marla running. The cook had only to look at Kiya’s face to see that there was nothing wrong, but in fact many things seemed too right.
In her room Kiya brushed her hair and thought about father and I, she hoped we had seen the success of the last meeting. I assured her that even though we both had been busy that evening, we had “watched” her with pride. I could feel the questions coming so I began telling her of the events of our evening, starting with a short battle we had with a small group of the Hoard. Kiya fell asleep before I had a chance to tell her that Daqu had come to Ryzald, testing the waters.

Leyloni

The sadness that my father felt on that day would color all the days of my earliest childhood. He had my cradle moved to his sleep chamber, and in the night when I would call out for comfort, it was always he who tended to my needs. Many of the others who lived in the castle offered to help their widowed king cope with the sadness of his loss as well as the constant attention I needed. A few even offered to take me away to be raised until I was able to take care of myself. But father was resolved to raise me himself and to make sure I knew my mother, even if it brought back painful memories to make her live in my mind.
He was always a loving and very indulgent father, but he had a veil over his heart that made being in his company always feels a bit subdued. We used to sit for hours at a time and simply be, nothing more, just be. Sometimes he would fill my mind with memories of my mother; her laughter, her smile, the way her hair smelled after a day in the sunshine. At those times I could feel the veil lift off his heart and the true man my father is would shine forth in a bright, happy, larger than life glow. Even when those moments would pass and the veil returned, I knew I had his heart and that he would always love me.
As I started to grow, father loved to create illusions for me, of my mother sitting at a tea party with me, or her singing the silly songs she made up to lighten the mood when things were going badly. I always knew that they weren’t real, but I couldn’t help but entertain the notion that she was always a beautiful dream, and that she had not died, she was simply always what she is, a perfect illusion in my heart. With my father’s ability to make dreams live, I could sit and talk with her, ask her questions, and confide my deepest secrets to her. Because my father is an exceptional person, he always made sure that my secrets were kept safe and never let on that he really knew them all.
Father taught me to use my own ability to bend reality as well. As a young child my dreams were simple. Father told me he often walked in to find my room filled with purring ploxen, and me playing with butterflies that would light on my toes. Sometimes he found me floating on a lazy river with my mother asleep on the raft next to me; I never tried to talk to her when I dreamed her for myself, she would simply sleep in a comfortable companionship that brought rest to my mind. These types of dreams and illusions are where most of our young start there journey to mastery over fantasy and mental bending, but the power of illusion is something we have to respect and never abuse, father keeps close tabs on all bending and he is able to interfere with the ability of others to view there own imagery; something he only does in extreme cases.
As my fantasies grew in both variety and strength, he began to join them from time to time to show me how to enhance the experiences. It was always a treat when he joined in, but I would soon find out how lacking I still was in my imagery. I would have a beautiful sunset cloaked in shades of purple and pink that to me was something to be proud of. My father would join in and brag on the effort, cast a bit of orange across the tops of the clouds and the whole scene would take on such depth and beauty that I could only thank him for letting me enjoy such an awesome surprise. Or I would make a party for my friends and create a park full of flowers and the sweet smell of the happy Whimlings who would tend to our needs. I would spread a table with all the delicious treats that make our mouths water, and father would enter my thoughts for only a second to suggest a babbling brook with a short water fall at the source and just a trace of spice to off set the sweet smell of the Whimlings, once again the perfect finish to my almost perfect dream. It was this type of persuasive thought and coaxing that made my young life full, and very enjoyable.
It is difficult to think of the training I did as work, but that is what we call it just the same. Playing with colors and testing the limits of our ability is something all dreamers enjoy, but it is also a craft we take very seriously. I always have tried to hone my skills in private so I can make a perfect first showing of my work, father calls it my vanity but I think of it more as my dedication to precision, father tells me they are the same thing.
I used to ask father if he would one day send me out to find my own world where I would create my personal paradise, as his parents had done with him so many years ago. He only smiles and laughs when I bring it up and tells me that his paradise could never be complete without me in it. So I shall be stuck here with him forever. When he says those types of things I feel such honesty and love from him that I know he is speaking from a full heart and not merely easing away the worries of his only child. Many times he would bring my mother out to comfort me as well and to reassure me that I must take care of her beloved husband for many, many years to come, and that no one will be sent away, although some may choose to chase there dreams elsewhere. I had to stay for another purpose as well; the elementals. It was to be my job to help father as he used his considerable power of creativity to genetically engineer a unique elemental being who would master all the elements and bring civil rest the our sister plant, Zhetascha.

This was a process that had begun long before I was born, and father had volunteered to help make the dream of a peaceful home a reality for the elemental beings he had come to love and respect during his years as a guest on their planet. The genetic codes of the elemental beings are unique to each kind of elemental mastery, so there was no natural way for a blended offspring to ever come about. This is where father was able to help, on Ryzald; with father as king anything is possible. It was in my seventh turn that Daqu and Kiya were brought about, some use the term born, but they were never actually born, they were made.
I remember seeing them for the first time, they were small and perfect and I thought absolutely wonderful. I sat with them for a long time that first day searching their minds to learn their names and to see if they liked me, but with no success. Father entered my thoughts from deep in the woods to ease my mind. He assured me that they were not ignoring me, but they were simply incapable of answering me. The offspring of dreamers are able to communicate with everyone mentally from the moment they are born and with their parents even before birth. So the idea that they were unable to do the same had never entered my mind. I felt father stroke my hair and pat my cheek, he let me see what he was doing in the woods, and then he told me I would have to wait a good while for them to learn to talk. I asked him if he could tell if they liked me or not. The deep chuckle he gave startled the little Whimling he was teaching to fish and I knew right away the smell poor father must suffer through as he told me to make direct eye contact with them and I would be able to know in my heart the answer. I stood next to the cradle I was proud had been mine, and looked first into Kiya’s eyes, the answer was clear to me, she liked me very much. Daqu’s eyes were wondering around the room and it took a bit of mental gymnastics to produce and object I could use to lead his eyes to mine, but as soon as our eyes locked I knew he too liked me. The happiness that flooded my mind alerted father of my triumph, he smiled and said he had no doubt that they would like me and that I would be a wonderful big sister to them. This was a shock to me. Until that moment I had no idea they would live with me and father in the castle and that I, Leyloni, would be a big sister. I skipped around the room and started sing one of the songs my mother had taught me.
Soon a florescent blue butterfly appeared in the room, I knew father had sent it to lead me to him and that he wanted to share my joy in person, so I followed it and found my father still patiently helping the Whimling untangle his fishing string. I put my hands behind my back and produced a perfect untangled string and gave it the Whimling who in return treated us to an extra burst of the sweet berry smell we both love. Father thanked me and looked a bit embarrassed that he hadn’t thought of doing the same thing from the start. I jumped in his arms and filled his mind with the happiness I was feeling. I also began asking questions faster then he could answer about the duties and responsibilities of a big sister. He told me it all comes naturally and to always follow my heart when dealing with them. This way I couldn’t go wrong.
Over the next several turns Kiya and Daqu grew up as the children of King Triphon of Ryzald. They were given the same love and attention as me, and were treated with the same dignity. We spent hours playing in the woods and in every way we were true siblings. I would entertain them with fantastical illusions and sparkling displays of light and sound. I would delight at them as they would dance and tumble around trying to keep up with the ploxen and it never failed to make me laugh when Daqu would tease one of them a bit too much and get flashed with flame by the frustrated little creatures. In those days they had only slight abilities in controlling the elements. They would sometimes do things by accident that would surprise us; such as causing a flower to grow and bloom just by holding a seed I their hand; or lighting a candle on fire by merely reaching for it.
I was so proud of my little brother and sister and wanted them with me all the time. They in turn loved me and never got tired of tagging along. Our parties were always a blend of little children and young adults. Some of the older kids would silently voice their disapproval of the little ones attendance, but I didn’t care; before long Kiya and Daqu were mesmerizing the group with their tricks. My friends had made a game of producing the most outrageous illusions and asking the twins to pick out what was real. If they were successful they were given a gold button, if they failed they had to give a button to the one who tricked them. For a long time it was a pretty even give and take but eventually Kiya began to never fail. She would pick out the reality and tweak the noses of my friends by causing the elements within the dreams to destabilize. I would shield her mind so the others couldn’t read her thoughts and then her eyes would meet mine, looking for my approval just before she would shatter the illusion. It was great fun and she was always generous with her buttons, giving them to others or sneaking some of hers over to Daqu’s pile so he wouldn’t feel bad.
Once the twins had come into their ninth turn elemental masters were sent from Zhetascha to Ryzald. These masters were to help Kiya and Daqu achieve true mastery over the elements. Daqu was intended to be the ultimate master, he was of course the male and the council on Zhetascha had simply assumed he would be a stronger leader.
They focused on Daqu and put him through test after test to realize the extent of his abilities. Lesser masters were sent to begin Kiya’s training; she still had a lot of free time to spend with me, so our bond grew closer. Father had told me to stay out of Daqu’s mind while he was with the masters. They were very edgy and intense in their style of training, so any interference would not go over well. So I tried to stay away, but I had to check in from time to time, and was always sad for Daqu when I would touch his thoughts. He was miserable and lacked the focus the masters were demanding of him.
One morning Daqu had come to find me before the masters came for his training. He sat next to me and the flood of troubling thoughts that he released overwhelmed me with grief, I could only cry as I held his small body in my arms and tried to quiet his mind. After he left I reached out for father, he knew why I was looking for him and told me he shared my sadness but that there was nothing he could do. I asked if I could go and try to help focus Daqu’s mind, but father said absolutely not; Daqu must learn to do this on his own. I couldn’t keep myself from touching his thoughts though and I heard some of the hatful things that the masters were saying to him. Kiya was sitting on my bed playing with the ploxen father gave her last turn; I asked her if she wanted to go check on Daqu. I told her we had to sneak and not make any noise at all, her eyes sparkled and she giggled the same little giggle she would keep her entire life; yes, she was up for the adventure.
The stone building where Daqu was being trained was guarded during his lessons. I didn’t know how we could get passed the guards, I looked at Kiya and told her the problem, and I wished there were a door here, where we could enter without being seen. I had no sooner completed the thought than the stones in the wall in front of us turned to liquid and a crude doorway opened in front of us. The happy expression on Kiya’s face told me she was quite proud of herself and that she thought I should give her a button. We walked inside and heard impatient voices telling Daqu to do it again, use more control, not so clumsy. I touched Daqu’s mind to let him know we were near, he thanked me and I felt some of the tension release from his small shoulders. Kiya and I found a place where we could watch and settled in for while.
A water master was standing face to face with Daqu; he was instructing Daqu to gather all the water from a large pool and hold it up several feet in the air. I was surprised to see Daqu raise his slender hands, focus his mind, and lift the water in a perfect ball out of the copper basin. He continued to raise his hands and the massive water ball seemed to float to the ceiling. I was so impressed I nearly began to clap my hands. The dower master looked completely unmoved by the effort and told him to now begin separating the water ball in half and half again; he would count how many times Daqu could separate the ball before losing control. The tension came back to Daqu’s shoulders and I felt his mind beginning to lose focus. I pushed in to maintain his focus but when I did he could no longer continue the exercise of separating the water. I let Kiya’s mind join the bond I had with Daqu and she instantly began separating the water. She kept going until finally the whole ball of water was a hazy mist in the room. She did it so fast and with such slight effort that she surprised even herself. The water master of course thought Daqu had done the exercise and told him he must now bring the water back to the texture of rain and return every drop to the basin. Kiya began the process of gathering up the water molecules. Daqu and I were laughing silently because she had started storing the raindrops directly over the master’s head. It was impressive to see how easily she did this task, and how effortlessly she could continue the chore while at the same time causing the completed raindrops to perform the elaborate dances that are popular with my friends. The water master was so intent on making sure that the physics were performed correctly that he was totally unaware of the amazing sight going on in the rafters above his head.
As she began returning the raindrops to the basin I got caught up in the silly little parade Kiya was orchestrating with the water. She had a little raindrop circus complete with acrobats, tight ropewalkers, animal tamers and even a group of tiny wet clowns who were tripping and falling over each other as they marched to the basin. As each “performer” would reach the basin they would execute spectacular and very complex dives. The water master was watching the progress of the return of the water, when he suddenly realized what he was seeing. He looked at Daqu who was completely lost in the spectacle his sister was creating, and knew he had nothing to do with the display. We were all so enchanted that we didn’t see the master searching for us. He rounded the corner where Kiya and I were hiding. Fear swept over me, but Kiya looked at him and said she was just helping Daqu, and that it was a fun assignment, did he have any more? For the first time a smile came over his face and he introduced himself as Lars. One of the guards was sent to get father, but I had already called out to him for help. Father stepped in the building and tried to look sternly at us, but he was too proud of Kiya to keep it up. He had been searching the mind of Lars and had been watching his memory of the water parade. Father hugged all three of us and asked Daqu if wanted a break from the training, Daqu was very relieved at the prospect of no more grueling lessons. More interesting though was the fact that Kiya was not surprised at all. I searched her mind to find she had always known she was the one to bring civil rest to Zhetascha.

From that day on Kiya was the focus of attention. It was she who the masters came to see and it was she who would be groomed to lead. She loved the training and looked forward to each master’s visits. The experiences she was having were a true joy to her and the visitors from Zhetascha never failed to marvel at her natural abilities. Daqu was taught in a halfhearted effort to control his abilities, but was never again seriously trained to be anything more than a slight shadow of Kiya.
It was during this time that I concentrated on Daqu. He would come back from his training sessions bored and angry, much as a talented music prodigy would feel at spending days learning basic scales. He hated the under masters who were sent to teach him. I talked to father about this and explained that Daqu is being “taught” by elementals that can’t hold a flicker of a candle to his abilities. It is embarrassing and humiliating for Daqu to be treated as a less than average child when in reality he is more powerful than any of them, save Kiya. Father spoke to the masters and asked if Daqu might take on a bit more challenging lesson plan. The masters didn’t want to waste time on Daqu, they felt anytime given Daqu was time stolen from Kiya and they would not bend. So father asked if he and I might be permitted to teach Daqu, this would free up more masters for Kiya. They agreed and we started teaching the boy I viewed as a brother. Father took him on long walks where he would teach Daqu self-control and patience. He also taught the boy the history of both planets and the universe, as my father knew it.
I was given the privilege of helping him master the elements. I felt silly at first trying to instruct him in a subject I knew nothing about, but I soon found that all he really needed was someone to give him ideas on how he could strengthen his abilities and to watch him as he controlled the earth, air, fire, wind and energy around him. I was an enthusiastic audience and he loved to show off for me and my friends. We had fun together and when Kiya would get a break from her lessons she would join us and show Daqu some of the new things she was learning.
For many turns this was the arrangement and it seemed to suit everyone. Kiya and Daqu were both becoming very powerful and the maturity level that Kiya displayed made me forget sometimes that I am truly the older sister. She still loved to have fun and take part in the silly fantasies Daqu and I invented, but she knew that soon she would have to take on the full responsibility of leading Zhetascha, so she didn’t have the same care-free abandon we enjoyed.
It was becoming more and more obvious to me that Daqu truly resented Kiya’s place. It wouldn’t have been so bad if they had simply started with her from the beginning, but the way they did it made Daqu feel like a failure and that Kiya had taken what was to have been his. He started make cutting remarks to her and about her. When she would try to show him something new he would mess it up, or he would start a storm to prevent her from keeping control. It was an awe-inspiring sight to see some of the war-of-wills they had. Kiya would be in the middle of a delicate procedure to completely engulf a tree in flames without allowing any heat or smoke to escape. It was beautiful as she would control the flames and cause them to dance around on the limbs of the perfectly unharmed tree. From nowhere Daqu would cause a rainstorm to lash against the tree. Kiya would then create a bubble around the tree so firm that the rain could not penetrate it, and the flames would burn brighter inside. Daqu would begin hurling lightening at the bubble trying to break it and finally Kiya would open up the earth to swallow the whole scene and then walk away in a calm reserve that made Daqu furious.
One day Kiya came from her lessons to find me and Daqu making a playground for the Whimlings. She rushed up to us and said, “They are to call me Mistress of Microcosm.”
I could feel the pride she was enjoying and I was very happy for her very impressive title, but I informed her she would always be just plain Kiya to me. She looked a bit embarrassed so I gave her a mental hug and assured her I was very proud of her. Daqu simply continued to play with the Whimlings, so I touched Kiya’s mind to help her deal with his rejection, and soon did something I had never done to either Daqu or Kiya before. I created the illusion that only Kiya could see of Daqu turning to her with a big smile on his face and had him tell her in a very heart felt way how proud he would be to have the Mistress of Microcosm for his twin, and he hugged her. She was so happy it made my heart sing, so I watched with contentment as she spotted the bright orange butterfly father had sent to lead her to him. When I looked back at Daqu, he said simply, “I need to think for a while, alone.”
He walked into the woods and I followed him with my thoughts until he begged me to leave him. He was gone for a long time and I was very worried, but I resisted the temptation to reach out for him. Kiya was readying herself to go to Zhetascha and begin her work of undoing the damage caused by eons of prejudices, and Daqu was to go back with her if he could be found. Father too had reached for Daqu when he first left but respected his desire to be left alone; after all he had become a young man and needed his privacy. The day Kiya was leaving for her new home father threw a party like none I had ever seen. It was a true celebration and all of the elemental masters who had trained Kiya were invited, they seemed a little annoyed be not worried at all when we told them we hadn’t seen Daqu in some time. Finally the transport ship was ready for the quick trip, first to the moon then on the Zhetascha. Everyone was smiling as she gave a short speech about how proud she would always be to call Ryzald her “birth” place, and how much she would miss the fun and fanciful atmosphere of our world. I produced a rainbow that appeared to reach the moon and touch down before ending on our sister planet. Everyone was laughing as the Whimling started trying to climb on it only to fall through to the ground. It wasn’t until father approach Kiya with tears streaming down his face that the mood turned sad. With the sight of mighty King Triphon standing in full view of everyone crying, the whole crowd soon began to cry and Kiya had to board the transport before the Whimlings got too upset.As soon as she left, Daqu appeared as if from nowhere and father called me close to him. Father was trembling as he told me that Daqu had been living on the moon. I touched Daqu’s mind to find he had been living on the moon and that he had become close to Atrilos and his daughter Taliana. I could feel his love for me and father, but I could also feel that his hatred for Kiya had deepened and he had been making plans to ruin her efforts on Zhetascha. A chill ran through the crowd as more of the dreamers touched Daqu, or dared to touch father and I. He came to me and father to thank us for raising him and giving him a family, but he knew he had to go to Zhetascha, as was made evident by the small ship the elemental council had left behind for his use if he ever returned to our world. I hugged him and asked him to stay with us a while longer but the hard resolve in his heart was deep and I knew he was going to make life unpleasant for Kiya. I told him to feel free to come back anytime and that I would be reaching out to him daily to visit and see how he was doing in his new world. Father too hugged him and locked eyes with him in a private exchange that was blocked from my mind. Daqu looked sad and a bit defiant as he stepped away and father told him he would always have a home at the castle. Just like that he was gone and after many years of sharing my father, I was to be an only child once again.

Chapter 2 Triphon

When my father, King Triphon, set out on his quest for a new world the title “King” was not part of his name, he was merely Triphon, youngest of fourteen children born to his parents. As each of their children came to an age of maturity, they were sent out to find a world of their own, a place where they could make their own fantasies come true. As my grand-parents saw it, each person must make his or her own happiness, and one planet could never hold all the dreams dreamt by their children in a single night, much less in the almost ageless lifespan of their eclectic brood. So off they each went to start a new life, on a far away planet, where their minds could explore the deepest realms of happiness and fear to create their own paradise. Father went with a few of his less gifted friends in search of the perfect canvas to paint his dreams; this is how my father became King Triphon.
When they first came upon Ryzald, father was struck by the beauty of the twin planet system he saw in the distance; a small glowing moon with two planets of almost identical size in a perfectly synchronized orbit. Ryzald looked much like the iridescent crystal marbles he had played with as a child, and truth be told, still plays with to this day. Zhetascha resembled a clay ball with deep blue-green water masses covering large areas. The Sun of the solar system looked small against the backdrop of a black velvet sky, but the heat it generated created the perfect atmosphere on both planets to suit his dreams, and even he could never conceive a more beautiful place to conjure up the world of his vivid imagination.
Triphon reached out though space to see if he could feel intelligent life on either planet. He found that Zhetascha was filled with very intelligent elemental masters. They took great pride in their ability to master the elements, and he found them to be fascinating. As they traveled the remaining distance to reach Zhetascha, a distance that took several weeks to traverse, he was in almost constant contact with the planet. For the first time in his life he felt humbled by the abilities of others. My father and those of our race are masters of illusion, this race though were truly masters of the physical world. Each master who spoke to him had a different area of expertise and they were absolutely proficient in their abilities. By the time they reached Zhetascha, my father was both eager to form an alliance with them as well as a bit star struck by the men and women he had linked his mind with.
The elemental beings were magnificent. Fire was a toy to be played with and manipulated as if it were no more dangerous than simply releasing a butterfly. Water became a pliable mass that could be molded just like clay in the hands of a skilled potter, or a wave of controlled beauty that could be enjoyed and simply put away for another time. Father especially enjoyed the earth masters because he could add to the spectacle of their elaborated mosaic and listen as the audience marveled at the incomprehensible display of life in motion. This was a very happy time for Triphon, and in the early years of his stay on Zhetascha he could envision himself growing quite old and satisfied in years there. It was only after he had become a regular fixture on Zhetascha that he was able to see the true nature of this wonderful planet. An air of civil unrest and out right prejudice permeated the air and caused a physical reaction in Triphon that can only be described as a disease. He spent day’s sick in bed, unable to breathe the heavy air his lungs refused to inhale smoothly. As they trusted father and the others more, the meticulously built walls in their minds were lowered just enough to allow a glimpse of the anger these wonderful beings felt for one another, and any attempt to play diplomat was met with such strong negativity that he had attempted it only a couple of times before he gave up trying. It was his sensitivity to the emotions of others and his deeply entrenched belief that life is to be, not merely lived but celebrated that caused him to look to Ryzald as an alternative home. He could never leave the extraordinary masters he had come to call his friends but he had to go to a place where he could continue the quest his parents had sent him on, to find a world where all his dreams could come true. As intriguing as Zhetascha was, his dreams were much more whimsical and much less structured then his elemental friends could allow him to fully explore.
Triphon had been to Ryzald many times and he thought it was a beautiful place. It had a small population of two very different species; the Whimlings and the Trovelians. It had been obvious that the Trovelians were the more astute group; they had been the ones whose minds father had linked with, and they were the ones who welcomed any visitors to the planet. Father asked for a meeting with the Chieftain of the Trovelians in order to ask for their permission to use Ryzald as the foundation of his dream world. They welcomed the idea with open arms and soon were making preparations for the new population of fanciful beings that would soon brighten the somewhat boring days on Ryzald.
In the time they had spent on Zhetascha many of his friends and chosen mates and begun families. Also father hadn’t been the only one to form friendships with the elementals and he wasn’t sure how many of his original group would join his dream on Ryzald; so he simply touched the minds of each and conveyed his plan with a warm mental hug that made clear his understanding if they chose to stay. He had instructed those who wanted to come with him to meet him on the moon in three days; he felt it would be best to present the whole group at once to their hosts to show them his conviction to making his dreams come true on Ryzald. Their were only two who told father right away they would come with him; Atrilos, his best friend and Mykah, the beautiful sprite who had captured both of their hearts. On the designated day the trio said their good-byes to the elementals that came to see them off, and set out on the short hop to the moon. It was with a heavy heart that he brought his ship down at the meeting place; no one was there. Out of the roughly two hundred he had brought with him to Zhetascha, was he to bring only two with him to his dream? Atrilos let out a deep chuckle; it was his way of acknowledging disappointment without letting it show. Mykah soothed Triphon’s mind with a warm whisper of support and she began to sing a song that always made him laugh, but the sadness he felt lay heavy on them even as they joined her in the silly choirs of the song.
They decided to wait a while on a grassy hilltop over looking a beautiful valley filled with flowers. They trudged up the hill and tried to fill their thoughts with the exciting future they were soon to begin building. As they neared the top Triphon felt a restless wiggle touch his mind; and he heard the voice of a small child asking, “How much longer do we have to wait?” At almost the same moment they reached the top of the hill a wave of love hit the three friends so hard that it nearly knocked them over. On the backside of the hill he saw a sea of happy faces, and he instantly knew they were all here. Every one of his core group were their along with dozens of children who were impatient to start the party they had secretly planned to mark the beginning of their new lives on Ryzald. Happy tears ran freely down their faces, and father showed his appreciation by treating the crowd to a spectacular display of lights and colors that soon took on physical shapes and motions that told the story of their journey and let them see a glimmer of the future he planned for them all.
By the time they reached Ryzald the energy of the group could hardly be contained. Triphon had always felt that the entrance his group made on that day was a spectacle the Trovelians neither expected nor appreciated, but they accepted it as the only drawback to their new alliance.
Triphon and the others immediately went to work on their new home. The small huts the Trovelians lived in were the sad product of minds devoid of imagination, they were eyesores that the creative newcomers could not tolerate, but trying to find an image in the minds of these serious beings was difficult at best. Illusions of colors and buildings were slowly placed in from of the Trovelians in hopes that they would come up with something that the people of this planet liked and that would fit in with Triphon’s dream. It was with a bit of surprise that a building style was agreed upon, small individual homes that were elaborately painted with a kaleidoscope of colors, for the first time a sparkle was felt emitting from the Trovelians and a twinkle of happiness soon gave way to the awkward sound laughter; something that was foreign to them. Some of the larger structures that were used for community meetings were decorated with a bit less whimsy but still with much more style than anyone thought possible. It took a long time to get used to the sight of the dull little creatures with potbellies, as they came and went from the fancy little huts they now took great pride in keeping up. Eventually, as they practiced, they even came up with a sound that somewhat resembled laughter, or at least joy.
The Dreamers, as they started calling themselves, made homes of sleek white rock, very cool and clean, with extensive gardens and courtyards where dreams could be displayed and viewed in private before sharing them outside. Triphon had chosen for himself a wooded hill for his home, the beautiful white castle he built could be seen for miles around and from his balcony he could he could touch minds with just about everyone. The one great mystery of the planet was the Whimlings. Triphon could tell from the conversations he had with the Chieftain and more importantly by the feeling of dismissal given at the mention of them that the Trovelians found the Whimlings to be of little or no consequence. But Triphon could feel their presence, and for some unknown reason, he always smiled when he could feel them near. He knew the creatures were watching him and that they were even more curious about him the he was about them. One day he was walking
through the woods near a lake and as he stepped over a large fallen tree, a small branch broke under the weight of his foot, immediately a strong odor of swamp and decay filled the air. As he turned to retreat from the stench he tripped over a small furry creature with enormous eye and a black button nose, a Whimling he instantly knew. The little guy trembled as he began to back away from Triphon, it was at this point that he realized the smell was coming from the cute little creature, and he had to smile at the thought of the large nosed Trovelians trying to suffer through any contact with these stinky little things. He allowed a breath of sweet spice to surround him as he touched the mind of the Whimling to find out how intelligent he really was. At first father was devastated to read only thoughts of fear and what seamed to be a small prayer for safety. He sat down, crossed his long legs and pulled a piece of fruit from the folds of his coat. As he sat he began to mentally scratch the creatures head, and soon found his name to be Nog. As he cut the piece of fruit in half and offered a piece to Nog, father could detect the sweet aroma of berries fill the air. He left the spicy smell he had created and came to realize that Nog, the one who only moments ago smelled of rotten food, now had a very pleasing odor, father was enchanted.
The conversation they were able to have was simple but actually very deep. By using his ability to feel emotions and convey the same, they had a true meeting of the minds. Triphon found out that the Trovelians make the Whimlings nervous, not intentionally but the effect is the same, the bad odor. It is a defense mechanism and they have no control over it; father couldn’t help the boyish grin that came over his face. Nog liked him and trusted him completely so father was asked to come and meet some of the others.
As they approached the little village the smell of berries filled the air and a look of happiness and pride came over Nog’s face that could not be mistaken. Father could feel the energy of hundreds of happy souls, skipping and playing as well as working and teaching, it was the feeling of a completely carefree lifestyle that few in the universe are able to enjoy. Father found himself lost in the simple desires of the minds he secretly touched; a sweet cake, another nuzzle from a parent, finding the perfect flower to complete a present intended for a young males true love. The simple beauty of such thoughts and the overwhelming power they convey were a surprise to father, he was in love with these little critters.
Nog motioned for father to wait while he went in to announce his unexpected guest. Father could feel curiosity fill the air as Nog began to tell the others about the friendly giant he had met in the woods. They had many questions and Nog tried to answer with what little information he had. Finally Nog told them that he had brought the giant to meet them. Instantly the rotten smell filled fathers nostrils and made the thought of breathing suddenly very unpleasant. The Whimlings began to make a trilling sound and again he could detect small prayers for safety, his heart ached for these lovable little things. With a gentle wave of his staff the air became tranquil. He stepped forward into full sight of the Whimlings, while at the same time creating a filter of soft green to shade the sun. He reached out with his mind and touched each of them with a warm tap of reassurance, and his unconditional love for them. The sweet little Whimlings were slightly confused but complete awestruck by the gesture. The air slowly began to return to the sweet smell of berries he knew was a sign of contentment on their part. He walked over to a grassy spot in what looked like a town square and in one smooth motion sat down with his legs crossed and simply waited to see what would happen. He continued to coax them with small touches and feelings of trust and love. Before long they were coming close, some of the more daring young males would run forward and touch; first his lose fitting garment, then his long hair, and finally his hand. As each one touched father he would reward them with an encouraging pat on the back.

Soon the whole populations of Whimlings were sitting around father and as he sat with them he answered their many questions. He also told them of his desire to make Ryzald his fantasy planet, and to make their lives good. He knew the latter of these was of little use to the Whimlings, because they were already a happy and content race, but when he mentioned the Trovelians, he detected a bit of rot in the air and quickly explained his desire to make them friends. An uneasy murmur went though the crowd that father soothed with a warm hug and a mental image of the Trovelians frolicking through a field of flowers, the genuine giggles from the little ones told father he had eased a bit of the anxiety he had caused by mention of the Trovelians. Father spent most of the day with his new little friends and found a measure of the same joy and contentment they enjoy everyday.
It was with a bit of sadness that he finally left the village the Whimlings call simply Ot and as he walked back to his castle he thought about what it would really take to make Ryzald his fantasy world, so that he too could be as happy as the Whimlings are all the time. He produced an image of Mykah in from of him, and simply stared into her beautiful green eyes as he slowly walked along the narrow path through the woods behind his castle. He knew that in her secret heart of hearts she loved him best, but she was afraid to hurt Atrilos by choosing, and until now Triphon was comfortable with the intricate dance the three of them had been engaged in for many years. But no more, it was time for him to take a mate and have a child; he felt these were both necessary in order to find his paradise. He knew that no one else would do as his mate, Mykah was his match, in every way, and he would have made his choice known long ago if Atrilos hadn’t fallen in love with her too. He would talk to Mykah first and make his intentions known to her, and then they could go to Atrilos together and gently let him know, and reassure him that the three of them would always remain the best of friends.
The next day father sent for Mykah to come to his private apartment in the castle. As he waited he went over in his mind what he would say, and how he would react to any conceivable response she might give. He found himself unable to produce any of the usual illusions he used for relaxation, or even to remember the simple phrase the Whimlings used as a sort of emotional pacifier. Long before she entered the room he could feel her presence in the castle, and then he could hear the ring of her laughter in the hallway, he could feel the other residence of the castle fill with happiness at the sound of her voice, and he knew she would be very welcome here, not only as a member of the household but as Queen Mykah of Ryzald. She knocked as she entered, a self-assured gesture he found both endearing and irresistible. The room was immediately alive for him as she swept through the distance between them. She approached him with no hesitation and kissed him on the cheek with the same familiarity she always had shown him, but as her lips touched his cheek he could no longer shield his feelings. She felt the flood of love he felt for her and was happier then she ever thought she would be at this moment. Mykah had known for a long time that one day, either Triphon or Atrilos would become bold enough to unshield his heart for her to see and that she would have to decide between the two. She had never allowed herself to fancy one above the other, nor was she surprised to find her heart had made Triphon her definite choice long ago.
The two talked for hours about their plans for the future and what still needed to be done in order to make Ryzald a fantasy world. They had spoken many times of these things but never as mates and the happiness they shared was so over powering and complete that they forgot to shield their emotions to those outside. They had wanted to make a proper announcement and have a party to celebrate, but they could already feel the excitement building around the castle and they knew they had to hurry to find Atrilos before he found out from someone else, or worse, felt it for himself.
They ran from the castle amid jubilant cheers, in search of Atrilos. As they searched they tried to keep there feelings in check, but it was no use, every time they looked at one another they were overcome with the purest love either had felt possible. When they finally found Atrilos he was in his field, checking on the fruit he would soon turn into the finest wine on Ryzald. He had his back to them as they approached and neither could read any emotion from him at all. Mykah reached him first and he looked at her with a crushed silence she could not bare, her words caught in her throat and she crumbled under the weight of his pain. Triphon helped her to a bench at the edge of the field before he approached his best friend to make him understand. As he inched his way closer to Atrilos the pain his friend was in reduced father to tears. He tried to reach out to Atrilos, not sure if he was trying to comfort him or if he needed his friend to reassure him as Atrilos had always done in the past. The emotional wave Atrilos sent out knocked father off his feet and he could only lie on the ground gasping for air as his friend walked away.
Over the next several days no one saw Atrilos, but everyone could feel the pain he was in, and everyone grieved for the man they knew Triphon loved as a brother.
Preparations were being made for a royal wedding and King Triphon had begun to reside over short meetings between the Trovelians and the Whimlings in the hope that the Whimlings would find no reason to be nervous on the big day. He kept reaching out to Atrilos trying to find out if he was all right, but Triphon knew that Atrilos was very adept at shielding and could block even him for as long as he wanted.
When father sent word to Zhetascha about the impending marriage the whole planet of Ryzald was treated to a natural show of the elements, and father was happy to find that the tensions between the elements was to be put away for this one happy day.
Finally the wedding preparations were complete and the Whimlings were no longer nervous around the Trovelians, this fact made the cute little Whimlings very happy, and the Trovelians were merely relieved to be rid of the stench. The wedding would take place even if Atrilos didn’t come, and Triphon tried to comfort Mykah by telling her that Atrilos would come around and all of their fantasies would soon be true.
The wedding itself was a very simple affair; Mykah pledged her love and her devotion to father and his vision of the fantasy world they would make. Triphon for his part looked Mykah deep in the eyes and promised to love her, protect her and cherish her always. Then he took her hand and stepped behind her, introducing her to the crowd as Mykah Queen of Ryzald. The cheers from the crowd made Mykah feel small and yet ready to do what ever she could to make all their dreams come true as well.
The party went on for days and it would have lasted longer if Atrilos hadn’t come back. Triphon and Mykah were happy to see their old friend but very surprised at the change in his appearance. He looked older and his warm green eyes now looked like the emerald green eyes of a cunning snake. He had on his arm a very beautiful girl from Zhetascha and introduced her as Jorn, his wife. He told the crowd in the cold way of a braggart that she was an energy master and he hoped they would soon have a child. The look on her face told everyone present that she would not tolerate any questioning of her or Atrilos. One of the young Whimlings took a step closer to see what was happening and Jorn shot a spark of static at him that sent him end over end across the small path. This action of course scared the Whimlings and so ended the party as everyone ran from the park. Triphon approached Atrilos as they reached the edge of the meadow; “It is good to see you old man,” he said with true feeling and relief at the safe return of his friend. The gesture was ignored and I cold shutter ran through father, as he followed Atrilos’ gaze only to realize that he was staring at Mykah.
Atrilos and Jorn left that afternoon and no one really knew where they had gone, but father could at least feel his life force and knew he was healthy. Father also knew when the child Atrilos had hoped for at the party was born. A girl they named Taliana. Triphon hoped with his huge heart full of love that the child he and Mykah were expecting would give them a place to start with Atrilos. He wanted so badly to make things right between them and he was very intrigued by the beautiful Jorn he had barely met. Maybe the two children would grow up to be friends and how could any father deny the pleadings of a small child for a friend?
The joy that had started the day of my birth was unmatched anywhere. King Triphon summoned the whole planet to come and welcome his beautiful baby girl, Leyloni. When father tells me of that day his heart always swells with the remembered joy of holding me for the first time and his looking me in the eyes to ask me my name, and the sweet sound of my voice in his heart as I told him “My name is Leyloni.” My mother was weak after my birth and she had to stay in bed but I told father I wanted to see everything. So he packed me around showing me all the wonders of our adopted home world, and introducing me to my future subjects. The mental images I have of those first days are clear and bright, and my father has never again come close to matching the joy he felt at the birth of his only child.
I was being presented to Oren and Moi, the leaders of the Whimlings when father and I heard mother cry out in pain, and her frantic pleas to be left alone. Father touched her mind to comfort her but her fear was too great, and then he could see in her mind Atrilos trying to pick her up and carry her away. Father held Atrilos in place with a mental grip so tight that Atrilos’ mind couldn’t control his body. When we reached the castle chaos had broken out as the residence tried to figure out how to help. Atrilos with his powerful mind had made them uncertain of even where the staircase was much less how to help the queen.
Father would tell me later he always wished he had left me to one of the servants when he ran up the stairs, but at the time he couldn’t bare to leave me out of his sight. So into mothers sleep chamber we ran only to see Atrilos still holding mother and her limp body lying awkwardly over his arms, blood was trickling from her gown. Father mentally forced Atrilos to his knees and took mother from him. He kissed her hair and her cheeks and laid her back on the bed, tenderly he propped me against her and took a picture of the scene in his mind and heart before turning is full attention back to Atrilos.
Father swept the room with a thick cloud of gloom that made it hard for Atrilos to breath; he then released the mental grip he had on his old friend demanded an explanation with the single word, “Why?”
“She was to be mine. You tricked her into loving you; it was only one of your illusions that made her believe it. She was to be mine! I would never have left her here; I would never have given my love to that little brat, I would have loved her more.” Atrilos said with such hatred that father felt every word like a slap in the face.
Father was disarmed for only a moment, but Atrilos took the chance and charged at father. He lunged through the dark mist and tackled father, as they wrestled around I began to cry, mother came to and tried to stand up with me in her arms to carry me out of the room. Father stopped fighting a split second before Atrilos saw what was happening, but it was too late; Atrilos had thrown what had been a baby present for me, a crystal bell with a tiny portrait of the three of us etched in the side, the object hit mother in the side of the head and she was instantly dead. Her lifeless body slumped to the floor and I rolled out of her arms and was suddenly calm with fright. Father turned his full fury on Atrilos and began chocking him with a vicious force that would have killed him if I hadn’t been in room. Father heard my tiny thoughts of cold fear and emptiness and he could no longer maintain the iron chock hold he had on his oldest friend and his newest enemy. He froze time for Atrilos, scooped me up in his arms and knelt beside mother, pulling her up on his lap, he stroked her hair and the emotional shutter that was forced from him brought a simultaneous knowledge to all, the queen is dead.
The next morning we buried my mother Mykah Queen of Ryzald. Every being on the planet attended the ceremony along with a huge group from Zhetascha. She was a much-loved person and a magnificent queen, the grief everyone felt was matched only by the hatred they all felt for Atrilos. Father kept thinking of what would have happened if I hadn’t been in the room? How would that day have turned out? Questions that will haunt him forever. Father banished Atrilos to the moon our planet shares with Zhetascha. Father knew that Atrilos felt a similar pain to his own but could not stand the sight of the man who had killed his beautiful wife, besides he still had his family, such as they were.
It was with this unfortunate knowledge that I grew up, and while I viewed Atrilos as an enemy I always felt sorry for him. Such a tragic way to say good-bye to your hearts true love, and he was banished to think about it for the rest for his life, which is a very long time for the people of my race, for most a blessing, but for one such as Atrilos a curse.