Hyacinth (storyline)/Flame Dance (vignette)

Zofiya still felt uncomfortable if she dwelt too long on her surroundings. She had long since admitted that she was most comfortable in narrow spaces, where she could control every aspect of her environment, and the office assigned to the Administrator was far too large for her liking. Still, the role was hers, and with it came the office, so she did her best to make peace with that.

Some days were easier than others.

Uhlen sat opposite Zofiya, looking as composed as always, her hands folded in her lap and a calm expression on her face despite the story she had just related.

"I'm... sorry, but I would like to make sure I have this perfectly clear, if you don't mind?" Zofiya began.

"Of course. Ask what you must, and I will answer if I may."

"Thank you. You said that... fires... were acting strangely in your village?"

"It is important to draw a line of distinction, I feel. There have been a number of reports of home fires burning far hotter than they should, such that they extinguish the fuel in rapid order. However, this is by no means a widespread occurrence. There are simply enough reports that some have begun to wonder if there is cause for concern, which led to my trip here this morning."

Zofiya took some time to further digest this news, trying to figure out what she should do about this issue. The Iyo were allies, and had been proven so several times over. Zofiya wanted to help however she could, but this was yet another in a long line of problems that she felt completely incapable of addressing. She took a careful breath and started to pick at the problem as best she could.

"Are there any geographical similarities between the locations reporting this issue?" Before she had finished the question, Uhlen had begun to shake her head from side to side, dismissing the question.

"What about magic? Are there... forgive me for being indelicate, but little is known of your culture... do you have magic-users amongst your... families? And could they be responsible for this problem?"

This time Uhlen was not so quick to respond, and a long moment of silence yawned between them before Uhlen spoke.

"There is much I cannot reveal, for it is the way of the People, but I can assure you that none of ours is responsible for this."

Now it was Zofiya's turn to pause, and consider. It didn't fit with her nature to simply take someone's word for something. Anyone was capable of lies, or misdirection, or manipulation, depending on their circumstances, and Zofiya was well acquainted with liars and manipulators. Still, her father had assured her that the Iyo were friends, and she had seen with her own eyes that the native people had a strong sense of honor. She elected to accept Uhlen's statement, but also mentally flagged it as suspect... just in case.

"Very well. Next possibility would be some sort of demon-"

"Absolutely not," Uhlen interrupted smoothly.

"I... see," Zofiya responded. "Then perhaps-"

"If I may," Uhlen interrupted once more, her tone calm and polite, "If there were some means by which the People could discover the source of these issues, we would have done so, and I would not be here before you. What I would request is that you check with those who reside here in the Harbor, and see if similar issues have arisen, or if the issue is one pertaining solely to the People."

Zofiya flushed slightly. She knew Uhlen was right, and she silently berated herself for not approaching this situation correctly.

"Of course, of course," she assured. "I will send out fliers immediately, and see if I can garner reports from around town. If there is any indication of similar issues here, I will of course reach out to inform you."

"That would be most kind, Administrator. You have our thanks, and our ongoing support."

Uhlen's face split into a sweet smile, breaking the neutral, businesslike mask she had worn to this point.

"And a word of encouragement, if I might. You are well-suited to this post, young one. You have grown beyond your years in just the time that I have held your acquaintance. You will find the fit growing more comfortable as days go by."

Zofiya felt a smile crawl across her face as well at Uhlen's words, and she felt herself relax somewhat.

"Thank you, very much. It's been... trying at times, but I feel the importance of the role, and I am willing to do what I must for the town and its people. My mentors have taught me well in that regard."

Uhlen nodded, her smile diminishing somewhat as she stood to leave. Zofiya rose as well, holding out a hand reflexively. Uhlen blinked at the gesture, then made halting movements as she reached for the offered hand, finally clasping it somewhat awkwardly.

"Thank you for bringing this to our attention, Uhlen. It's good to see you regardless, but we also appreciate the warning that there might be a situation that needs our attention."

"The People will support you, Administrator. You have but to call."

Zofiya gave Uhlen's hand a slight squeeze, which the Iyo returned, then they released grips and Uhlen made her way out of the office while Zofiya slumped into her chair and drew out a blank scroll.

---

To the residents of Mist Harbor, and any visitors to the town:

We have received information from Trader Uhlen of the Iyo that there have been some oddities with fires in their homes. Specifically, some fires have burnt far hotter and faster than they should, consuming their fuel with unnatural speed. She has asked on behalf of the Iyo that any similar circumstances be reported as soon as possible, that we might be able to ascertain if this is a widespread enough issue to warrant concern. If anyone has any information along these lines, please send a letter to myself at your earliest convenience detailing what you may have experienced.

My thanks, Zofiya, Administrator of Mist Harbor