The Empire The Sifting Sands

[Theodore Aleson]

Akka-Yur. Jewel of the deep desert. Oasis city with endless mines.

Akka-Yur was a myth. A fable. A place made up to trick the foolish to seek out impossible treasures within the ever shifting sands at the heart of the Amol-kalit desert. The founder an equally mythical figure: Hero King Naram. High priest of a forgotten pantheon of Amol-kalit gods said to have won their love and favor so much the land itself was reshaped to fulfill his ambitions. Countless beasts of legend subjugated. More gold, gems, and salt filled his and the city coffers than the rest of Amol-kalit (and perhaps even the rest of the world). Prosperity to an impossible degree within an impossible place for it to exist.

And most scholars agreed it was impossible. The city and king could not have been real. He was said to have ruled for over 200 years and upon the crowning of a new king the city swiftly went into decline then ruin. The oasis gem abandoned as the waters that allowed it to thrive began to dry up the moment Naram was no longer upon the throne. In less than a decade they were gone and so too the city. The last king's name forgotten as punishment as well as the location of the city. Both swallowed by the ever shifting sands of the heart of the desert.

===========================================

Theo had heard of this fabled city and king from amol-kalit merchants back in Alliria. Interesting tale, but one not paid much mind at the time. After finding a journal of scholar tucked away deep within the College of Alliria's library, his attention was upon that interesting tale once again. The scholar was fanatical. They held an obsession to prove the myth true. A lifetime of devotion as their search lead from rational, reasoned words to coded, zealous madness. The contents of the journal was a complete, complex mess.... But it made sense.

After following the hints and clues left behind, Theo eventually found himself in Ragash. Tomes, scrolls, and tablets all spread about several tables. A hand drawn map of Amol-kalit upon a sheet hung up from the rafters. A cane being used as a pointer as he pointed to various locations upon the map as he read from one of the random works. His words rushed and energetic as he went through histories, myths, and tales ranging from scholars to minstrels to madmen. All making claims of how Akka-Yur and Hero King Naram were real. Claims that Naram didn't rule for centuries but it was a tradition for kings to take up the name when they took the throne. Claims that all of it was true and Naram was some kind of godlike being. Claims Naram was not human but abtati and only thrived because of his people's knowledge.

Theo didn't care about the truth of the claims. What he cared about was how each of them supported his ultimate point.

As a chubby raccoon crawled up his body onto his shoulder with loud chitters, Theo said, "All of this to say that I believe Naram was using some kind of geomancy and that the location of the city should be around here."

He tapped the map near the very heart of the desert. The raccoon wobbled as it nearly fell off of him, but managed to keep its balance. Proud of herself, the creature began to make a grabby paw in Theo's face while chittering to demand a reward treat.

After a moment of ignoring the distraction, Theo asked, "Any questions?"

 

[Safiya]

Akka-Yur was a name hardly foreign to her ears. She and those like her were well acquainted with the story and mystery of the fabled place and its king, but even they had long ago dismissed it as nothing more than that: a fable. In fact, they had even come to see it as perhaps some kind of misinterpretation of what was to come instead of what was, or rather in her own case, what now was. The Empire of Amol-Kalit was vast, rich, and powerful.

But she'd not come here for anything to do with the stories of Naram or his city. She'd arrived sometime after Theodore and his gathered company in search of literature on far different matters. But as she searched through the grand and dimly lit library, she'd grown intrigued by Theodore's surprisingly well-founded suppositions. She of course could hardly help from eavesdropping on his briefing which had become more distracting the longer she lingered.

When he'd finished, she'd been won over.

Though she was not specifically charged with pursuing such tasks, Safiya felt this endeavour would align with the Empress Regent's current affairs. There were secrets from the past that were being sought after, and even if the fable of Akka-Yur was indeed just that, perhaps there was something else of use that could be found.

From tall shadows cast by the meager light of the library Safiya emerged with a seductive sway and the mincing of feet. With a hand on her hip and a pipe rested daintily in the other she approached as smoke gently rolled out through her nostrils.

"And what, dear explorer, do you truly hope to find," she asked with a voice like warm honey, her amber eyes studying Theodore with interest, "there is little more than sand and rock in those lands, and beasts a plenty with empty stomachs. You can't honestly expect there to be treasure."

---

Theodore Aleson ​

 

[Medja]

A hidden, long-forgotten city and its godlike, geomancer king. When this proposal had initially managed to make its way all the way to Medja's desk she'd been skeptical to say the least. It seemed it would be another crackpot conspiracy theory with little in the way of tangible evidence to support it. Sameera, one of Medja's best Sapphires, had stopped her from scoffing and moving the document into a burn pile.

"You're going to want to read this one, Mistress." She had said.

Medja was glad that she'd reconsidered. As she sat now before the enthused scholar, fingers steepled and intently listening, the regent grew excited. Already she was drawing connections to the history she knew, to the potential threads between this "hero king" and her long deceased mentor. If such a place were to have existed, surely something of use to Medja's cause might still be buried there.

Before the Vizier of Stars could begin to ask her own follow-up questions, a familiar voice chimed in, causing a wonderful wave of goosebumps to roll over Medja's shoulders and down the length of her back. Perhaps the single best choice Medja had made when establishing the hierarchy of the Cabal of Amenthes, the splendid form of Safiya stepped into view. The Empress shot her a sidelong glance and smile. The sister was asking the right questions.

"Indeed," Medja purred, her eyes at a dim glow in the low light of the library. "Do you have reason to believe there will be anything of value left within Akka-Yur, knowledge or otherwise? Surely what hasn't been stripped away by thieves and scavengers must have been taken by the desert by now."

She studied the explorer curiously. What an unexpectedly interesting day this was turning out to be.

 

[Theodore Aleson]

Gimme. Gimme. Gimme! The paw demanded snack. Treat of honey hard baked biscuit or dried grub tallow ball rolled in seeds. A reward earned by not falling to floor. That was what all the chittering was saying. It was all very clear and obvious.

Theo just continued to ignore the obnoxious raccoon. No stopping her once she got started in her whimsical demands to sate her hedonism.

Somehow the nature of his presentation had leaked. Scholars, treasure hunters, and tale tellers had gathered in hopes of glory and gold, or at least a good laugh at the crazy person. Many had even tried to make themselves seem as if they were already a part of this venture. Opportunistic scavengers. Same as him if it was one of them presenting things. But this venture was only him and the food gremlin on his shoulder right now.

Then the first question was asked by a intimidating woman. Not her looks that were making him feel like a beetle beneath a boot. She was dark skinned elven beauty that would no doubt have a throng of admirers attempting to buy her a drink if they were in a tavern. No, it was the way she spoke. No good ever came with a voice as smooth as warm honey. When they cooled you always found herself trapped if you stuck around.

Another followed suit and followed up for confirmation. His gaze shifted to the new speaker and his heart sank into his stomach. By Alliria, the Empress herself had actually shown up and not just one of her retainers. What was he to do now? He had caught a shark on a minnow hook.

The raccoon mounted scholar did his best to remain as calm as he didn't feel right now. Hopefully a face of ice while he boiled beneath it with anxiety. "The answer to your question Empress is the combination of the first question and the location."

With his cane he pointed to the spot once more on his hung up self made map. "Heart of the Amol-kalit desert. Sand. Sun. Wind. Harsh as can be. Beasts living here means there must be some source of water and place to shelter. What accounts I've found suggests neither is available, yet these creatures exist all the same. The ruins of Akka-Yur would explain how both might exist, just beneath the sands. Accessible to the local life but not to human or abtati."

He set the cane down in front of him with both hands placed over the top. It made a grand pose, but more importantly it was a vital source of stability. His head was spinning a bit. His legs felt made of softened soup bone. Didn't help Sammy had started to rock around on his shoulder as she got more energetic and adamant about him giving her a treat she most certainly hadn't earned.

After taking a moment to regather himself more so than to let the current information sink in, he continued. "And to answer both questions, I believe both knowledge and treasure yet remains. The water drying up was why people fled the city. Its location in the heart of the desert as the only true source of water was the only reason it existed to start with. Transporting heavy goods such as knowledge and treasure would require quantities of water that would not be feasible. Over half a caravan would need to be dedicated to transporting water. There would be some kind of tale of such events taking place, yet not a single such story ever surfaced in any of my research. That implies mass exodus of goods never took place. Just people. And this was during a time when water did exist, if in limit amounts, at the destination. Water to last the trip to Akka-Yur, while in the abandoned city, and back to the nearest source would be required after. A feat not possible to be undertaken due to the sheer scope of the logistics of it all."

His gaze went towards Medja as he paused. "One not possible until now, Empress."

By Alliria he hoped she didn't think he was pandering or trying to flatter her with that statement. Only a state with the resources and central authority of this new Empire could hope to undertake this gamble of a venture to discover Akka-Yur.

Medja Safiya

 

[Safiya]

Ever since the assembling of the Cabal by the now Empress Regent Medja, Safiya had never been shy in her fondness for the emerald eyed beauty. Her lips pursed in wordless reply to Medja's smile. Her eyes slid down the length of her as she drew herself nearer, all the while Theodore briefed them on his findings. She came close to the Empress, and afforded her attention to Theodore once she'd placed herself within a comfortable closeness to their reigning leader.

Among other things, now standing so close she found even her scent to be pleasant, and more and more began to accept how Ashuanar could be quite so enthralled with her.

Even she began to feel...

Yes.

Water.

Yes thatOf course. ​

Safiya did her best to hide the gentle shake she gave her head as she focused on what Theodore had to say about the fabled city she'd dismissed as myth. But the more he explained his position, the more she too began to believe perhaps it was indeed feasible to presume there was at least something worth investigating there. Her people had long talked of monsters and other creatures in those lands, but none had ever traveled there and returned to tell of any sources of water, hidden cities, or anything else of the sort.

But Theodore was right. Now they had the means to undertake such an expedition.

How exciting.

She crossed her arms together, saying, "I have to agree, my Empress, it does some as though there is at the very least some kind of mystery that could be a benefit for us to uncover, hidden city or no."

---

Theodore Aleson | Medja ​

 

[Medja]

What an odd man, and what an odd creature crawled over his back and shoulders. With fur like that it certainly wasn't any sort of local fauna. Theodore managed to maintain both focused and composed in spite of its attempts at distraction, but Medja had to wonder why such a pet was brought along at all. Oh well, there was no accounting for eccentricity, and this apparently well-traveled scholar seemed to have that in spades.

As a matter of fact, Theodore hardly skipped a beat even when he'd realized that Medja herself was in attendance of his little seminar. Bold. Medja always fancied that.

Safiya, for her part, began to orbit closer to the regent, and Medja welcomed her presence. A smug grin and another glance in her direction was spared, as well as a subtly hooked finger beckoning her closer. Despite the situation, Medja greatly enjoyed her attention and couldn't help but revel in luring her in.

Despite the distraction, the regent still payed full attention to the presentation at hand. She studied the map, absorbed the information, and considered the proposal.
"So what you require is the Empire's funding, then." She replied, unshaken by the title she'd already begun to fit herself into. To many of her followers, the "regent" half of the moniker had already fallen off, as Safiya proved handily. The sealing of the Scar was the only thing standing in her way to truly taking her place at this point.

To that end, Safiya was absolutely right. Anything that had a strong chance of bringing her closer to that goal was likely worth pursuing.
"Then how shrewd of you to seek us out. You have caught my interest, fair scholar."

 

[Theodore Aleson]

"Theodore Aleson, Empress."

The scholar bowed to Medja causing Sammy to freak out and go tumbling to the floor. The angered gluten began to chitter like mad and even make hissing sounds at him for it. He just ignored the protests as he was more happy things were progressing smoothly. Things hadn't been going his way at all for some time, but finally something seemed to be. A reason to celebrate!

As he pulled out a small treat in the form of a ball from a pouch, Theo said, "Resources are indeed what I require. Be they whatever form you deem worthy to provide them in. My biggest concern is the logistics around storing and transporting the water. After safety. A good guide can help with both. A trustworthy one that isn't likely to rob and strand us. Not that they can be blamed given the nature of where we would be going."

The food gremlin took her treat with the purest of glee and seemed more to inhale it than gobble it up as quickly as it was gone. The demand for more followed as grubby, soiled paws tugged at the fabric around his knee. A second treat was idly produced and handed over. The same actions from her and thus the cycle repeated with even grubbier paws.

"Providing a geomancer would also be helpful, if only to prove my theory that Naram was one himself correct or not. Also would hopefully speed up the removal of centuries if not millennia of sand build up from the top of the city."

Trying to calculate how long such a task would take by hand was horrifying. And that was the most conservative estimates. The more liberal ones he wasn't even going to attempt to sort out if he could avoid it. All it would do would discourage him from an already daunting task and give him another ulcer to go along with the one he swore had formed being in the presence of such powerful people.

Medja Safiya

 

[Medja]

Curious creatures indeed. Both the man and his pet. Medja couldn't quite recall the last time she'd kept animal companionship. The closest thing she had to a "pet" these days was that Gerra clone that Iesha had conjured so long ago. How Medja delighted in having destroyed that little plot, Arreg being an invaluable trophy among her collection.

"How fortunate, then, that I have the means to provide both gold and guide, Theodore Aleson." Medja replied, folding one leg over the other as she reclined into the plushness of her seat. "You will have your geomancer and whatever supplies you need. Excavation should prove mundane, I should think."

In truth, Medja was no stranger to these sorts of things. The artifacts of Aramekh were strewn across the world, and the majority that had found there way into Medja's possession were acquired either personally or by charters that she herself had commissioned. This one showed promise.

 

[Safiya]

"...Excavation should prove mundane, I should think."
​

---

Her lips slowly curled into a smile. Did the Empress Regent just commit to undertaking this task herself? There were many geomancer's at the Empire's disposal, but to declare such a colossal task as excavating even a portion of a city as mundane? There was only one geomancer, no, likely only one spellcaster altogether who had any kind of business making such a claim.

Still, excited as she was, she hid it well despite reveling at the opportunity to see arguably one of the most powerful figures in all of the Empire - formal titles aside - in action. Very few of the Cabalists had actually seen any real manifestation of any of their power, most had only ever heard of it. Neh'rai, High Priestess of the Sisterhood of the Golden Gaze was among those few who had seen. While Neh'rai had declined becoming directly involved with the Cabal, she remained with her sisterhood and continues to provide spiritual guidance. Her and the Empress likely had their own arrangements... but when it came to the at the time Vizier of Stars herself Neh'rai had only a few words a smile...

"Do not cross her."
​

Safiya for one had no inclination to do so, she rather liked Me- the Empress.

She started to slowly move around the table, drawing ever close to Theodore, "I would come with you on this task as well, I am certain my talents could prove useful in some way..."

When in came to Safiya, her talents were indeed many. Excavation was perhaps not her greatest talent, not on her own, but if they were to come upon the proper circumstances then she could perhaps be of significant use.

---

Theodore Aleson | Medja ​

 

[Theodore Aleson]

That small smile of the pleased stoic professional crossed Theo's face. He was not a stoic person, but found it to be a better way to conduct business. His time around those looking to take advantage of any sign of weakness had taught him to keep things close to the chest. An act that the predatory woman seemed keen on performing with the Empress.

Now for the part that he never went without in these affairs.

A quick triple snap from Theo's right hand saw Sammy scrambling off somewhere chittering. The smile still on his face, the scholar spoke as his furry problem was doing her thing. "Excellent news Empress. Before we proceed further I need to inform you on what working with me entails."

Sammy returned back waddle running on her back legs with a satchel held in her front paws. She refused to release her parcel when he went to take it from her. A treat was exchanged and a happy raccoon gobbled up her snack then went back to her previous demands for more. Demands that promptly went back to being ignored just like before.

The scholar pulled out papers, ink, and a quill. They were placed on the table as he continued.

"We will need to sign a magical contract. Bind us to follow it to the letter. No betrayals or double crossings. Not that you would ever. Just a precaution after some very unpleasant events."

Theo twisted his hand a bit and the objects he just placed animated themselves. The quill dipped itself into the ink as the papers shuffled about into a straightened state. Then he began to go on with the boring details, such as all relics and artifacts going to Medja and his cut being 10% of the profits. The man became lost in it all as the quill was writing the details out onto the paper while marking out any section that needed amended. The inky words fading away to the void a moment after the line crossed through them.

And so it was that the scholar spoke while his tool moved themselves and his chubby assistant chittered on in her demands for more treats.

Medja Safiya

 

[Medja]

While Safiya likely had her own goals and intentions, her skillset was both useful and desirable. Medja was well aware of what ambition looked like, and while she had no intention of quashing hers, she certainly had her eye on the woman. For all the contexts that entailed, of course. A knowing glance and half-smile was granted to the woman as she rounded the table.

As for Theo, well...a contract, hmm? Not just a simple one, either, but one with magical binds. Medja was no fool; she hadn't reached her sixth century of life by recklessly signing any piece of paperwork that crossed her desk. Switching from entrepreneur mode into analyst mode was a quick and natural thing for her, and her eyes began to subtly glow as she followed each verse that Theodore inscribed on his pages.

"Be warned, Mr. Aleson, I do not enter into such contracts lightly. Protection or no, if I learn of foul play, you will wish for death soon after." The warning came with a sternness in her tone, not as a threat but as a promise that one of her caliber could easily make good on. Work in her field long enough and you become quite adept at picking out loopholes. Her gaze and tone softened as she continued. "That said, your profit margin is of no concern to me. Ten percent is fine and fair. Oh, and you neglected an apostrophe...there."

The regent pointed out the mistake with a green-painted nail, a thinly-veiled display of her attention to detail.

 

[Theodore Aleson]

Grabby hands were tugging at Theo's cloak as he continued on with the discussion of the details of the policies. A mixture of different kinds of familiar enjoyment the entire time. His days of scholarly study going over the details of ancient accounts to solve the mystery of the past. His days listening to his dad going over the policies of their tavern for one of their more thick headed regulars for the third time that month. His days forcing merchants into a criminally fair deal that they had to follow.... Bliss....

His movements came to a stop and with it the life within his tools as well. The quill froze in place hovering over its ink well just dripping into a perfectly still bottle. The Empress just threatened him, but more importantly she was accusing him of cheating her. A deep frown formed on his face. Her comment about the apostrophe unheard.

"Pardon this rudeness Empress, but assuming I would attempt to cheat anyone is utter foolishness. My dealings are fair. Foul play fills my mouth with the worst of tastes. I have kept all the details for our dealing out in plain sight and spoken in bare words. If you still feel I would dare use subterfuge against you for my own gain then I will no longer have any desire to proceed."

With that he just waited. Thank Alliria for his cloak hiding how he was sweating like a fountain as anxious as he was feeling standing up to such a powerful figure. But this was a particularly sore subject and point of pride on his end. Foolish as it was.

Theo just held his frowning face as Sammy finally noticed his tension. Her demands shifted into concerned chittering and tugs. Perhaps a snack for them both would help.

Medja Safiya

 

[Safiya]

"Foolishness," she echoed, her words passing through a smile, "careful my dear scholar, we can all be very, very good friends."

Her smile deepened some, and her eyes fell down his figure and then slowly traced his lines back up to rest again on his eyes. She didn't feel the need to say much else, this Theodore seemed more than intelligent enough. By now Medja had no doubt established that she was not one to be trifled with, or insulted, and Safiya's gentle warning would likely be the last. Though, one could hardly fault his approach. The deserts had historically been treacherous and rife with deceit, it was only after the Empire's rise that such things slowly began to fade in favour of good will and, of course, profit - in whichever form was best suited.

When wealth came in many forms, there were many avenues to take. Losing out on an opportunity like this was not something the imperials would enjoy. Besides, she was beginning to think she liked him.

---

Theodore Aleson | Medja ​

 

[Medja]

No statement that started with "pardon this rudeness" or "with all due respect" ever ended cordially. Medja did her best to suppress her annoyance in favor of patience. Nonetheless, her eyes flared with emerald energy, though her expression did not shift.

Thankfully, Safiya spoke for Medja in that regard. It was always so pleasant to be understood, and Safiya certainly seemed to.

"I would be the fool if I were to take you at face value Mr. Aleson. I have not lived as long as I have nor achieved my status by blindly trusting anyone who happened to present some wondrous opportunity to me." Medja chided calmly, eyes boring into the man as she crossed one leg over the other.

The sorceress flicked her fingers and a few small stones, rounded and polished to marble smoothness, floated to the contract. The stones pressed themselves to the paper and lifted it back to Medja, who took it in her hand and began to read it more thoroughly.

After a pregnant silence, Medja felt confident that the scholar was not attempting to fleece her. A clay-wrapped quill hovered its way into her hand, which she dipped in ink and promptly signed the contract.
"Do mind your manners going forward, Mr. Aleson. Remember who it is you're dealing with, and I believe we will all be quite happy moving forward."

 

[Theodore Aleson]

Foolish. Foolish. Foolish. Pride will take you Theodore Aleson.

The scholar stood as both women spoke their words to him. One a warning. The other a promise. All he could think as he studied the pair was that he was before predators ready to gobble him up. A spider and cobra. The darker woman had already begun weaving her web so she might trap and drain him ever so slowly dry. He was a mere bug to these women and he needed to keep that in mind.

Perhaps his only salvation was that the Empress wasn't a viper but a cobra. Vipers preyed upon small things like rodents. A quick bite and then darkness took them. Dangerous beings. But cobras prey upon vipers. Only dangerous prey was worthy of them. A viper hunting a mouse might soon find itself the one gobbled up. Theo was no viper. He was one of those small things. She would naturally have no interest in him. Alliria's blessing surely.... Except she had her spider here to deal with him should he make himself a meal.

After a silent moment following Medja's promise. Theo said in that calm tone he had been trying to maintain only this time edged with anxiety, "Noted Empress."

Then the contract was moved by the Empress herself. Geomancy. He had heard of it and heard she was a true master of the craft, but it was his first time seeing it for himself. All the possible uses were already passing through his inquisitive mind. He waved his hand so his quill would come to rest back in its ink well.

Sammy had been tugging and chittering in her concern the entire time. He had ignored her so she climbed up his leg to his chest. His arms came about her to hold her. Idly he stroked the chubby pest and began to calm down some. This journey was looking to be like walking across hot sand or coals. Should the Empress agree to even participate following his foolishness of course.

She signed it. Another promise followed.

Holding onto the raccoon with one hand, he waved his other and the quill floated into his fingers. His own signature was placed upon it. The moment that was done, the papers rolled themselves up. Translucent wax and ribbons wrapped themselves around the outside of the contract. A sizzling sound quietly yet notably echoed out as the wax had a seal in the shape of a magic circle appear into it like a signet ring being pressed. The translucent wax and ribbons faded away. In their place upon the contract was markings that looked just like them only in ink or perhaps even seared on. It then plopped itself into her lap.

Theo smiled faintly to Medja. "I apologize for the spectacle. It is not important to the binding. Just a bit of flair for those unaware of the arcane's enjoyment. You may keep the contract. It can be opened whenever you desire to review it. Do not worry about either of us breaking contract. We will be compelled to follow the terms to the letter and no one has yet to actually break it despite some very adamant attempts to do so."

After a brief pause he said somewhat slowly, "So I do not know what the punishment for breaking it will be.... Please keep that in mind Empress. If anyone has the power to do it would be yourself from what I have heard. You might accidentally overwhelm it and an accident of unknown effect might follow."

Perhaps he should have explained that detail before, but this whole affair was entirely unprecedented for him. No one strong enough to break the contract's magic had ever signed one with him. Even he as the caster lacked the strength to do so.

How foolish was he going to be today?

Medja Safiya

 

[Safiya]

Safiya's smile lingered as the events unfolded before her eyes. She could hardly believe how many details this apparent scholar had so conviently overlooked, and then choose to actually divulge. She covered her lips with her fingers as she stifled an amused giggle, and then shifted her eyes to rest on the scroll.

Medja had signed their contract but Safiya was bound by no such signing. She imagined the contract would forbid Medja from even ordering another to transgress against their pact, but surely it had no hold over what she chose to do herself. In this she saw opportunity, and when the time came she would weigh the benefits... but treachery was not something she strove toward. It was not exactly in her nature, depending on who was involved of course.

And so with the particulars settled, she awaited the appointed time of their setting out.

---

Theodore Aleson | Medja​

 

[Medja]

So I do not know what the punishment for breaking it will be.... Please keep that in mind Empress. If anyone has the power to do it would be yourself from what I have heard. You might accidentally overwhelm it and an accident of unknown effect might follow.

How curious. This almost sounded like a challenge, all things considered. Medja smirked in spite of herself; perhaps she really had reached the point where she could simply overpower a binding enchantment. Lady Vashe would certainly be bewildered by such a development, as would any of her otherworldly comrades that came searching for her. A distraction for another time.

"You needn't worry, dear scholar. If all is on the up and up, I should have no reason to defy the contract. This is a mutually beneficial arrangement, after all, and an Empress should be as good as her word." She intoned as she watched the magic take effect on the contract. She tucked the thing away, then leaned back in her seat and steepled her fingers, elbows resting on the arms of the chair.

"If there is nothing else, I shall begin making the requisitions for the expedition. One of my Hands will be in touch with you, and I expect you will cooperate with them in ensuring we have the supplies we need. Oh, and Safiya?" She turned her eyes knowingly on the priestess. "Do keep an eye out, will you?"

With that, Medja pushed herself forward and rose from her seat, alighting into the air with the aid of her magic and the bangles that adorned her body. Even now, the ground was not good enough to be graced with Medja's permanence.

 

[Theodore Aleson]

Theo silently nodded.

What else could the scholar do? Things were now in motion and it was time to get busy. She was going to handle the funding and logistics. The expectation was for him to be present so they could keep an eye on him, but that was never going to be an issue. Before she event departed he was already setting about working out exactly what all they would be needing for this venture to work.

The Hands would find themselves being there more to double check and confirm than actually sort out any of the details. No doubt a boring affair for Safiya to watch.

============
After a couple months of preparations, the caravan would have set out into the heart of the endless sands in search of their ancient fable. Travel had been terrible. The heat of the day. The cold of the night. Winds blowing scorching sands everywhere. Tight rationing endlessly fighting against morale. And the water already began to taste stale a week into the journey.

Under these conditions a slightly sun burned Theo was looking over a map. Twirling his fingers he was measuring their progress as well as pinpointing their current location while cooking. The smell of exotic spices and fresh ink mixed with his natural musk built up while traveling filled the air. Familiar and comfortable for him. If only he could get Sammy to stop trying to steal bits of the food when she thought he wasn't paying attention things would be perfect....

Medja Safiya

 

[Safiya]

"Do keep an eye out, will you?"
​

Though Safiya's response was only silence to Medja's ears, her focused stare upon Theodore and the lingering smile lifting her lips was evidence enough that the order had been heard loud and clear. Boring, was a relative term.

---

In the months following the signing of Theodore's contract, much had happened. Not only did the preparations for their joint endeavour carry out, but so too did a number of unusual circumstances all the while. The lasting night, monsters abounding, all of it threatening far more than their planned expedition. But none of those things were enough to bring pause to the Empire or its machinations. All had taken place as had been planned, and they departed from the grand city of Ragash on schedule. It was not long until they found themselves in the deepest depths of the desert's great seas.

With feet bare, she slowly moved atop the burning sands. Her gait was like a dance, and her arms stretched out and up as she preformed. Clad quite scarcely, her sun-kissed skin glistened in the sun's golden light, and her hair swept about her with each motion.

Her feet carried her closer and closer to where their guide studied diligently by his lonesome.

In her wake, beneath her footprints just here and there, soft trembling began as she departed from those places.

And as if unheard music came to and end, her movements slowly faded into a casual walk as she quietly drew near to Theodore. She took in a deep, contented breath as she moved in with a slyness in her step.

"Do tell, dear Theodore," she said, taking in an obvious breath through her nose, raising her brow at him, "we must be getting close."

The smell of the surround was one she found... enjoyable. The spices were all too familiar to her, and comforting. Ink too was a scent she was more than familiar with, having spent many nights writing and drawing. His scent, however, she was far from familiar with. Taking in another breath and studying him through it, a shrewd smile found her lips.

She drew even closer now, crossing one leg in front of the other as she stepped, "you must be getting... anxious."

---

Theodore Aleson | Medja ​

 

[Medja]

Bemused, Medja observed from afar the sly motions of Safiya as she closed on their mutual traveling companion. Like looking into a mirror of her past (and sometimes present), that one. Hundreds be, Medja wished she had that kind of free time again on occasion.

*Months* were not exactly the time frame she had expected when she set Theodore on the path of this hunt, but she supposed it was difficult to rush a project this large if you wanted it done proper. Still, weeks would have been preferred. The sooner this was done, the closer she potentially was to her ultimate goal. The Scar of Drakormir awaited still.

In the meantime, Medja was quite satisfied with investing resources into her little golem projects. Navran's magical research had been the gift that kept on giving, truly. The construct the regent Empress rode atop now was like a huge palanquin, a luxurious, shaded, mobile throne, only striding upon its own, stone legs. No mount in the empire could really compare; the ride was fairly smooth, and the stone beast would never tire...nor did it carry the usual stench that a natural creature would. It was hard to believe Medja had never considered blending blood magic and geomancy in such creative fashions before the last couple of years.

For now, Medja was content to enjoy the ride in relative peace. The palanquin golem was large enough to house some of her servants alongside her, and guests if they should choose to join. She supped at her wine as the thing rumbled along; all things considered, this was almost a vacation, for the moment.

 

[Theodore Aleson]

Going off his calculations they should arrive at the city location the next day. Good news to take to the Empre-

Safiya's words made him visibly flinch. All the tools he was magically manipulating to measure their progress and prepare his meal suddenly became lifeless. Nearly to the carpet of his tent over the sands they dropped, but he barely got control of them again. A small cough as he straightened out his clothes and the tools resumed their activities.

Theo turned to the terrifying woman. He tried to look professionally stoic, but his eyes and general body language betrayed his nervousness and embarrassment.

"Indeed, yes. According to my calculations we should arrive at our destination tomorrow. I will confirm once the stars are fully visible in the sky to cross reference our location."

By Alliria, why was she here? Surely not just to ask him about something so mundane....

After a moment he said in a politely meek tone, "Hungry? Would you care to join me for a meal?"

She would say no. Obviously it was a no. A high born lady eating the handmade meal of a scholar was beneath her. The gesture was just to keep things civil and to be polite. She would say no. He would accept the answer. She would return back to the Empress' side on that massive golem she had been riding....

Lady Luck grant him her grace!

"Oh and Empress Medja as well! Would be rude of me to invite her trusted companion and adviser and not her as well."

He didn't know which would burn his feet off first right now: the sands or angering a high born benefactor.

Medja Safiya

 

[Safiya]

"Hungry," she echoed, her voice low, "why yes, quite so in fact. I'm sure that the lady Medja too has developed an... appetite. But my dear Theodore, you haven't," she stepped, "answered," and another, "my question."

Her final step brought her so close to Theodore as to nearly graze against him. She stood with a hand on her hip and her chest pushed out in a quite obvious posture. Her eyes studied the meekness of his body's language while her own exclaimed her dominance. Then, after a moment, she slowly leaned close to him, audibly smelling the air around him as she drew in. Her eyes moved this way and that, drawing up to meet his eyes only once she was close enough to feel his breath on her lips.

"Tell me, Theodore," she said, biting her lip. Then she gave a quiet, feigning moan while saying, "are you nervous?"

---

Theodore Aleson | Medja​

 

[Medja]

The palanquin golem had trudged to a halt, the caravan having been made aware that Theodore was recalculating their approach. Indeed, the evening was approaching and winding down for the evening would likely do many of the participants some good. Why then had Safiya and their scholar companion not chosen to join Medja in her mobile shelter then? Surely it beat standing out in the midst of the wastes.

The regent inquired on their locations and one of the servants leaned out one side of the palanquin to point them out. Medja shifted in that direction and looked over the palanquin's edge to see for herself. Only then did she see a most devious sight: Safiya encroaching on Theo and the latter appearing to shy away in the face of the former's advances.

Medja's lips curled upward in a Cheshire grin, her eyes creasing in a mischievous squint. The fun part about being a geomancer when everyone was standing on sand was that you could do precisely what Medja was about to. With the tiniest modicum of focus and the graceful flick of a finger the sand beneath Theo would shift and he'd find himself thrust forward into Safiya. If Medja was lucky, perhaps right into something of an embarrassing predicament...

 

[Theodore Aleson]

By the bay! This woman didn't just accept his offer but was trying to get him to answer her question. Obviously he was anxious! They both knew she knew he was. Why was she bent on him answering? And getting closer to him.

Theo didn't know what to do, what to say, or where to look. The spider had him in her web and was spinning her silk tightly around him. If his gaze went to her then he would see bare skin and her ample beauty. If his gaze went away then she just seemed to get even closer. He was trapped.

She asked again. This time they were practically kissing as close as she was. Sweat had formed. His eyes moving around her to try and avoid falling prey to her eyes and lips. A rough cough as he shifted his weight a bit.

"Uhm.... Uh...." Theo was having trouble with his words. This ambush had him completely off his guard. He couldn't seem to get that stoic state he held when conducting business and addressing his superiors. "I would say y-"

As the scholar moved to shift his weight again all balance was lost. It was as if the sands themselves gave way under his feet. The worst part was how it was not backwards or to the side that the shifting pushed him but straight forward. Straight into and on top of Safiya.

Medja Safiya

 

[Safiya]

If Safiya were the spider, spinning her ensnaring web, then Medja was the branch where which she wove. At her Empress' whim her silken strands shuddered, pulling prey straight into the spider's grasp. Were there enough time, her pursed, half bitten lips would have formed into a sly smile, but instead they found themselves firmly pressed against. Theodore fell against her in a display that to the untrained eye might have appeared as an emboldened claim, but Safiya knew better. Generations of her people's time amidst the sands had trained their senses to feel the desert's dangers underfoot, feel a predator's hidden excitement.

Her stance was firm enough, and Theodore's misstep gentle. He pressed against her like a lover might after a long time apart. She closed her eyes.

One of her hands held tightly against his collar, the other reaching nicely around his back.

Her eyes snapped open to look into his with a devious smile that her lips were too occupied to show, saying what her voice could not with their breath so entwined as it was.

Oh, Theodore, they said.

---

Theodore Aleson | Medja ​