Interlude. Enlightened
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The elemental power coming from Heart of the Forest enveloped Alliot, improving his senses and boosting his understanding of the air currents and defenses built around Wentouk. Of course, this effect spread at quite a distance from the source. At the city's edges, the difference wouldn't be that obvious unless you made an effort to probe it. But that was precisely what Alliot was doing right now, focusing on the minute differences in the flow of the arcane.

"Hello, Alliot," said Ainorrh, surprising him.

"I should have noticed your approach, High Shaman," said Alliot. "I'm sorry, I was entranced by the source. As usual. It's majestic."

"No need to say your are sorry," said Ainorrh. "It happens to me as well. It's so easy to get carried away by it's magnificence."

Their meeting wasn't a coincidence. The High Shaman invited him here. So, it could only be about the recent interaction with the human. But she could talk to him from anywhere in the city. Why the personal meeting? Was that to make some point?

So many things Ainorrh did were a mystery to Alliot. Of course, that wasn't that strange. They had a whole lifespan difference in experience. Ainorrh has been there since the Dawn of the Enlightenment. Not to mention that as a High Shaman, she had access to much more information. About Wentouk, about the other cities, and even about the humans.

Still, Alliot couldn't understand the need to cuddle the human. Yes, any life was sacred. But how could an enlightened justify spending valuable time on barbarians? He folded his hands behind his back, his stance rigid as he addressed Ainorrh.

"She came, as you expected, High Shaman," Alliot said, his tone clipped. "No surprises there. She made contact, so I stepped in, as instructed. What are my next orders?"

"Continue your observations. Nothing changes for now," Ainorrh replied, her tone calm but deliberate. "The human is an annoyance, yes, but her attachment to Aira could prove useful. Aira herself is vital to our plans."

"I see no value in indulging the human," Alliot said flatly, his gaze fixed somewhere distant. "Do I engage with her directly, or avoid it altogether?"

"If she approaches, don't turn her away," Ainorrh said, her voice softening slightly. "But you're not required to initiate contact. Not that communication would go far without Aira acting as translator."

Alliot's jaw tightened, but he nodded. "And the scope of my studies? Does it remain unchanged?"

"For now, yes," Ainorrh replied. "Focus on the maps and the histories of the sister-cities. But also include records of human settlements."

A flicker of skepticism crossed Alliot's face. "Human history?" he asked, his tone sharp. "How does that serve our purpose?"

"You'll understand soon enough," Ainorrh said, her gaze steady and inscrutable. "Expect further instructions in the coming weeks."

Alliot's shoulders squared. "Are we heading to Ziemrot next?" he asked, cutting straight to the point.

"If things unfold as we anticipate," Ainorrh said, her voice carrying a note of caution. "Ziemrot is only one step. There are other potential targets as well."

"My elemental training—do you expect progress without practical exposure?" Alliot asked, his brow furrowed. "Without the proper influence, I'm limited to theory."

"That's understood," Ainorrh said with a slight nod. "Your training will make more sense once you arrive. Practical exposure to a new element is… complicated. You're not ready to handle it without preparation."

Alliot's gaze flickered with interest. "You've experienced it yourself, then?" he asked. "What should I expect?"

Ainorrh's expression darkened slightly, and for a moment, her usual composure seemed to waver. "It's… overwhelming," she admitted. "The intensity of a foreign source can distort your perception. It can manipulate your senses. It's dangerous if you aren't vigilant."

"Is there a way to counteract the effects?" Alliot asked, his tone clinical and precise.

"We've found no reliable method," Ainorrh replied, her fingers steepled in thought. "Our cities keep outsiders from getting too close to their sources, and we do the same. There's not enough data to draw conclusions. But… Aira might be able to help. She has a way of adapting that's… unique."

"She's an anomaly," Alliot stated plainly. "More observation is required."

"Precisely," Ainorrh said, her gaze narrowing slightly. "That's why we must keep her close. She may be the key to something far greater."

Alliot tilted his head slightly, his expression thoughtful. "You believe she could mitigate the effects of foreign sources?"

"It's possible," Ainorrh said. "Her connection to the ambient energy is unprecedented. She interacts with the elements as though she's part of them. Even we don't fully understand the extent of her capabilities. That's why she's crucial."

A brief silence fell between them, broken only by the soft rustle of leaves outside the treehouse. Alliot finally spoke, his tone measured but firm.

"Understood. I'll proceed as instructed."

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