To hear of Dalgarren's men having survived the sudden cold that had gripped this land was concerning. And even though Itae-O'mal assured them their safety, by her own admittance, she'd been wrong before. She predicted their pursuers' demise, and yet they pursued them still. For now. But he did at least take from her words that they were safe here for the moment. So as they made their way into the familiar chamber, he once again took up his watchful position, just a few steps behind Yvaine, this time with his arms crossed loosely over his chest, his composure more relaxed.
He did at least trust Itae-O'mel now, that she intended no harm, so he was content to observe without alarm as she began.
"What is this place? Is..
Is what I saw before a vision of the past, or future.. Or the present? Is it true at all?"
"What you saw is what is to come, but it has already begun... and what you see here, is what was. This is the heart of Aeraesar, as it once was..." her solemn stare fell upon the image, and then the waters shifted,
"... and as it could be again."
And the water continued to shift and whirl, until again an image took shape. This time there were high hills and jagged cliffs, snow covered pines, and a structure. It was a vast and tall castle, and rested on the steep slope of a great mountain. It was cold, and quiet. As the image took shape,
Faulkin was drawn closer and even entranced. Even she, Itae, seemed fixated upon it. And for them looking upon the water, their perspective drew closer, descending upon a cool path just a short distance from the structure, and all the while the image became more real.
There was a cool breeze that licked at his skin, and snow that gathered round his planted feet. He looked to his left, where Yvaine stood just as she always was. He looked to Itae, likewise standing exactly where he expected her. Her eyes had raised too, but were fixed upon him now. Then he looked back to the pedestal. Something gripped at him, at his very
essence. It was not exactly uncomfortable, but it was not exactly harmless. It perturbed him, and before he knew it, the pedestal was gone. Beneath him was cold ground, and around him were snow covered pines. Again he faced each of them, right where they were supposed to be, only no longer did he see the safety of Itae's abode surrounding them.
"Where are we?" Faulkin asked, almost meekly.
"We are still where we were, only now we are also here."
Placed in the midst of the cool path they'd seen, now they stood on the road to that grand structure they'd been shown just before. Though it seemed now that while they were here, everything seemed strange. Voices were somewhat muffled, colours a little less vibrant, and even the sense of touch was lessened. To Faulkin at least, it was a most peculiar experience, as well as unnerving.
Itae looked between the two of them, unwavering in her confident composure. Most certainly she was in control of this entire experience.
