She's In The Garden - Log (short story)

You carefully open your cloth-bound book, revealing the smooth pages of vellum within.

The page, written in Common, reads as follows:

Today is Restday, day 5 of the month Imaerasta in the year 5121. It is 20:48 by the elven time standard. It is currently late evening.

I'm standing in the garden of Fash'lo'Nae, in Solhaven, and a slowly growing group of people have gathered to examine the living statue of Magister Orphia. I've only heard of all the to do from Missoni a few moments ago, in regards to freeing this woman. We walked over together, filled with curiosity, though I've seen this crystal-encased figure before.

Obviously, Orphia is here for a reason, and it turns out that it has a bit to do with fluctuations in time. I personally hold reservations on reviving her, though I am holding my tongue. There seems to be no basis for my concern. The last time someone was awakened from a deep rest in Solhaven, it was not a very fortuitous event. There was also a very recent blood magick working in Landing that resulted in the rise of a lich. The circumstances of those events were different, but I do feel a bit flustered and anxious.

Malvernus has arrived in the garden and gotten straight to the point: He has said that people can assist or observe, but anyone's interference or interruption will not be tolerated. Oddly, he has a broom with him, and is sweeping around the crystal statue of the petrified Magister. There is a fine purple-grey dust in the air, and it is settling all along the ground. He is insisting that the area be clear of all debris. While they debate efficiency, I am again holding myself back from scraping the substance up. The colors intrigue me. Maybe later.

He says that there will be three circles. He will be in the center, to focus the energy and mana needed to restore Magister Orphia. Magister Svala will be in charge of the second circle, and she will regulate the flow of mana from the outside in. The third circle will be the responsibility of any volunteers, and will be for containment and the initial mana flow buffer.

It is asked if the area should be infused with mana, and we are told that the goal is steady and slow with no influxes or spikes. Thus, we begin. I opt to stay outside of the circles so that I can observe fully, as I have learned that faithful recording takes all of my attention. Those with more martial prowess take guard positions, and the circles are drawn on the ground. Malvernus and Magister Svala stand surrounded by people such as: Missoni, Akenna, Earthdiver, Meliyara, Alosaka, Kyaloria, Thrassus, Meril, Delindra, Darcena , Eliseen, and Aeith. Among those ringing the magic users stand: Guarrin, Cryheart, Kippe, Geijon, Perigourd, Berkana, Perivan and Jaysehn.

Familiars, companions and spirits are being sent away, or warned not to cross these laid drawings on the ground.

Three circles have been very carefully drawn centered around the crystalline woman. The inner most circle is inscribed with numerous runes and sigils in an neat hand. The middle circle has been draw and annotated in strict detail. The outer circle is comprised of a variety of inscriptions and sigils as if by many hands, but is no less substantial than the others.

Someone walks in commenting on the work being done, and while I am distracted by her lovely rose gold cloak, Malvernus bends to touch the inner most circle, causing it to glow. This completely distracts me, and I am confused because I had imagined that the working would begin from the outside in, but perhaps it needs to be properly activated first? In any case, Malvernus plants the butt of his staff on the ground and his runes glow white. Raelee activates her circle, and her eyes glows as well, along with her drawn runes. Soon everyone involved is focused and channeling energy, and the circle seems to be fully empowered.

Malvernus seems pleased with the effort, and says that the input flows are steady, flat and regular. Raelee checks her own circle with unruffled calm, and the outer circle mages and warriors appear unstrained and unhurried.

I had a brief moment of inattention, but looking back up, I heard Malvernus and Raelee reciting a soft incantation. After a moment, Orphia's crystalline form seemed to be cupping a glimmer of light in her palm and appears to be cupping something in her hand. The rest of her body does not seem to be reacting, which is strange. Does she hold something, or are we literally pulling her in spirit? It is an odd point of contact, to say the least, intimate and guiding somehow.

What a poignant image.

Now there is a soft luminescence building in Orphia's chest. This is extraordinarily strange. Akenna and Alosaka call for focus from the group as people begin to murmur and shuffle. It is almost silent in the garden save for the occasional burst of song from the bard supporting our efforts, and the comment here or there on our progress. Otherwise, even the sound of a sigh draws the ear and makes people tense and glance about.

The shining light within Orphia's chest pulses twice like a crystalline heartbeat, and then the entirety of her begins to glow until she sheds light all across the garden. The luminescence is very bright, and becomes incandescent to the point of pain and discomfort. It becomes very difficult to look directly at the center of the circle, but none of the mages falter, one dancing and brushing her fingers over the gleaming runes as her energy drains into the ground.

I pull out my umbrella and duck behind it so that I have a hope of seeing anything... ever again, as the light flickers light the crackle of lightning. Then there is a blinding flash of light akin to staring at the sun. I just close my eyes until I hear a soft voice.

"Did you do this?"

Orphia stands before all of us looking tired and weak. I want to rush to her side, but she isn't dying. Malvernus tells us that the working has succeeded informing her that she has been gone for a long time. She is walking with us once more. Orphia seems disoriented, and speaks of her body feeling stretched and tired, and a library. I can only feel a touch of pity and wonder. Not for the years that she has obviously lost, but maybe for what she has gained. I note a small tendril of black energy floating around the ground, but I think perhaps it was a remnant of one of the mages' magics. It can be hard to tell when you walk around people with magic dripping from their fingertips.

After Orphia was led away from the garden to rest, I knelt and plucked a simple flower from the grass. Hopefully it will have some of that fascinating dust on its petals. If not, I have a reminder to press for my binder. Perhaps we will be able to observe and aid her if she requires it. For now, I am glad to have a chance to put it to paper. Maybe I can glean some useful knowledge here.

You gently close your cloth-bound book, taking care not to bend any of the pages.