The pearl

Asleep, Vienna could still see the office. She'd almost forgotten that she was still here. She was in both places, but it was hard to remember or focus on both. And the office didn't seem to mind hours of silence- and it didn't seem to notice when no time passed either. It's grasp of time rather tenuous.

"Hey office. I'm back"

"Where did we go?"

"Just me office, I went... Well, I went home."

"That is good, I understand that home is a place of familiarity and comfort. 'Now that you've had a vacation, shall we get back to what's really important?"

Chuckling Vienna asked the obvious "and what's that?"

"That was a quote from the delver's book, 'Memoirs of the deep, Delving the secrets that lay beyond the shallows, the biography of the Delver Samuel Hartwell"

Vienna laughed, it didn't understand. The office didn't understand her, it didn't understand the quote it just said, and it didn't know what was important. And for some reason, in this moment, Vienna found that impossibly hilarious. The office laughed with her, and that made her laugh harder, but she was sure that it had no idea why they were laughing, and that made her laugh even harder, tears formed as she let go, the stress of the day rolling down her cheeks.

Pulling herself together, Vienna asked the office again "What are these important tasks that we need to get back to in such a hurry?"

"Yes. We must hurry to achieve our goals. Quickly now, let's go!"

It really had no idea. She stood there for a full minute just because she finally got it. It didn't know. She had no idea why it thought that it needed to do something, but it didn't know what they needed to do. And it didn't react to her inaction. She suspected that it didn't even notice her inaction. So she allowed her curiosity to direct them "What's that giant shimmering boulder?"

The office shimmered with annoyance. Its attitude didn't shift, rather, it teleported it had one attitude, then instantly it was a different one "Ah, the pearl," it responded, its ethereal voice resonating within Vienna's mind. "It is an idea, as all things are, an irritant left behind by a previous Delver. Just ignore it and it'll fade away eventually."

Hesitation flickered across Vienna's features, but her curiosity got the better of her. She reached out, her fingertips brushing against the surface of the pearl. In that moment, a surge of energy coursed through her, pulling her consciousness into another realm—a room much like the one she had just left, yet less. ethereal and flimsy, as if existing on the precipice of existence.

As Vienna took in her surroundings, her eyes were drawn to a peculiar seal adorning one side of the room. Its intricate design gave her a feeling of containment, hinting at the secrets it held. And there, standing near the seal, was Samuel Hartwell himself.

"Samuel?" Vienna's voice wavered, a mixture of awe and concern tinging her words. "How are you alive? Is it you who made this seal?"

Samuel's ghostly form flickered with a mixture of resignation and determination. "Indeed, Delver," he replied, his voice carrying a haunting echo. "The seal was crafted by my own hand, a last resort to contain the depths of madness that threatened to consume us all. The greatest evil imaginable. A demon from the greatest depths, with the potential and desire to destroy us all. I created the seal from my very essence, and linked my very mind to it." It was all very dramatic.

"Impatient mortals," the office murmured, its voice a soft susurration that reverberated within their minds. Then it continued sharply "Samuel Hartwell, your time has passed. Why do you linger in this realm? Move on you irritating piece of puck!"

Samuel turned his gaze toward the ethereal form of the office, his madness-tinged eyes holding a glimmer of defiance. "I am the delver, you are my office, you will bend to me" he spoke his will into the world "I have not yet shared all that I have gleaned from the depths. I will not falter until every truth that must be known has been known!"

The office emitted a low sigh, the ethereal equivalent of exasperation. "Samuel, you possess the knowledge you sought, and those knowledges ended this path for you. Go, take them with you. The time has come for you to release your hold and allow Vienna to take her rightful place. There is only one delver. You're just the gas that won't go away from a meal gone bad"

Vienna's gaze shifted between them "Office? I'm a little confused. Would you mind explaining what's going on?"

Samuel interjected, his voice filled with a mixture of frustration and urgency. "Vienna, listen to me. The office does not comprehend the value of the intricacies of the knowledge it possesses. We have a duty to unravel the mysteries that lie beyond the veil. You must embrace this responsibility, you have no idea what man is capable of, or what dangers lurk below! You are the office's hands and feet, it can do nothing without you! Control this thing, do not let it control you!"

The office sighs again "I regret choosing you. Now go away!" the room shifts, the feeling of pressure, like being underwater- the same feeling as being in the well, pressed on every part of her body as the office strained.

"I will not! Vienna! Do you see what it is doing! It's trying to eject me! Trying to kill me and release the seal!"

"So yeah, you can see how annoying it is. Just ignore it until it goes away."

She was, of course, still inside the office, but now also inside the office's pearl. It was hard to focus on both, much like when she was awake yet inside the office. She let go, her consciousness returning to only one place, the office. That prison too much to unpack for today.

***********************************

Vienna wakes up

As the first rays of sunlight filtered through the gossamer curtains of her bedchamber, Vienna woke. The sight of Nivalla and Nephil moving about her bedchamber, unaware of her waking, brought genuine warmth to her heart. Their diligent care and precision were products of pride, They had trained together for years, becoming quite skilled. They dart about her room like whispers, not waking her despite their speed and work. With deft and precise movements, they prepare her for the day ahead, handling all the details she never thinks about, because she doesn't need to. Having worked at the owl's rest, she'd now done many of these tasks, just enough to understand how diligent and skilled they were. stoking the fire in the hearth, the bathwater was drawn with care, tailored to Vienna's preferences. they knew her, every inch, every preference, but they did not know who she was, nor did she know them. Such disjointed intimacy. Vienna sighed as she remained silent in her musings. Dismissing their attempts to help, she rose by her own strength, and went to bathe.

As she immersed herself in the luxurious bath, Vienna allowed herself to be fully present in the moment. The bubbles caressed her skin, and her maids, skilled in the art of pampering, worked their magic with gentle hands. But this time, Vienna made an effort to bridge the divide that had separated them for so long. She would not be afraid any longer, and strangely, she found the fear of relationships no longer held any sway.

Vienna, still dripping from the bath, meticulously brushed Nivalla's hair, much to both maid's dismay, they found themselves in the bath they'd just drawn! Their silly giggles born of amusement, and nervous energies, could be heard among the sounds of splashing and squeals!

Once Nivalla's hair was inexpertly braided into, well Vienna did her best, the two maids worked together harmoniously to convince Vienna that it was time to get dressed for the day! The process was thrice as difficult, as Vienna simply refused to stand completely still, being sure to offer suggestions, to which to Vienna's surprise and glee, they refused. Not to mention that the maids had to dress themselves, and that the water mess had to be cleaned before the dress could even come out, lest the hem become water damaged! In the end, they accomplished their goals, and stood back to observe their creation. intricate details and the artistry that had gone into its creation. Utilizing the looking glass, she could see the appeal. On previous days, she'd known intellectually, but today was different. Today, she liked the second child of the Honsi family.

Breaking her own mold

Just as she did yesterday, Vienna stepped out of her Annex. The tiny personal cottage Entrusted to her, into the grounds proper, the morning sun on her skin matching the warm glow inside of her. Her morning entourage replaced her maids, as they did every day. While her maids were designated as Exclusively hers, these four were the estate's, only for her use while she needed them. They would move on to support anyone they were assigned to.

"Honored teacher" Vienna Preempted "Today I fancy tales of heroism. Tell me about the Delver."

"As you desire miss" he began "though there aren't many stories about Samuel Hartwell, that's the current delver. More interesting than him is his legacy and nation I think. Delvers' actions tend to be seen through the claims of their people." the teacher's prattling began, and then, for the first time in a long time, she listened.

Vienna wandered the estate, not entirely sure what to do with herself. She could learn here, she had teachers and books plenty. She could enjoy herself here, enriched by poetry, art, song and story. Anything she lacked, she could summon- save one. She couldn't return to the Owl's gaze, could she? That would be irresponsible. But Oddosatum did say that she was perfectly positioned there. But she couldn't.

Approaching the blossoming tree, Vienna's fingers trailed along the rough bark, she imagined the years it grew here, planted a decade before her birth. She tottled in this field and climbed in its branches. She'd known this tree for as long as she'd known anything, And her family knew it for longer than they'd known her. What was her value compared to this tree? Infinitely more. she could fell this tree with a single request.

Vienna's gaze lingered on a delicate rose, her fate decided before she could walk. She was to bring honor to the family. The rose's petals unfurling in an exquisite display of nature's artistry. It served as a gentle reminder that even amidst the grandeur, beauty could be found in the simplest of things. She resolved herself. In another plane, a place beyond physical dimensions, a tree stood, planted before the birth of the world, on that tree there was a branch, and on that branch was a branch, and that branch had a branch, and there, on that branch that represented her family, was a tiny, broken, twisted branch. And as Vienna resolved herself, choosing who she was and how she would affect the world, that branch grew. If but just a little. She turned toward the gate as Anna returned to the Owl's Gaze.

***************************

She told herself that she had two objectives for coming back to the owl, first to ingratiate herself with those powerful people as Oddosatum suggested. There was power in knowing the powerful, so she would gain clout in their eyes, and through that relationship, leverage recognition in her family. Second, she needed to stop the horrible thing that was coming. Resolving herself, Vienna stepped through the doors of the Owl's Gaze. The familiar sights and sounds washing over nearly brought her to tears, she'd hardened herself, determined not to return, but now that she was here? There was a third reason that she'd come. A reason that she would not admit to herself.

Vienna looked around the room for Valkyrie, who wasn't there. Vienna had missed her opportunity again. She didn't move when she'd had the opportunity last night, and missed her chance. Perhaps Valkyrie would return later. She wouldn't miss a second time. Miss Goldstine was serving Oddosatum, who was sitting in the exact same spot. She couldn't use being a waitress to approach. Also, it's a good thing that she'd chosen to simply disappear from her job last night instead of saying she'd quit, else this would be more awkward. As far as Miss Goldstine knew, Vienna was just late today.

She saw SvenKa and Error, SvenKa appeared far more groomed than yesterday. His hair behind him, contained in an intricate braid. He looked tired. Not "I didn't sleep last night" tired, but something deeper, as if there was something missing deep inside.

"Alright office, let's do this."

"I'll put on pants!"

"What? No. what? You don't wear pants, and we're already there, it's too late!"

"It's never too late to not wear pants."

"Stop talking about pants. There's a parade we need to prepare for."

"Very good. I won't wear pants."

"Stop talking about pants."

"Very good. I will seal away this forbidden knowledge."

"Riiiiiight... so anyway, you were talking with someone about the parade happening later today"

"Very likely"

"Who was it?"

"I don't know"

"We need to stop all the fire, blood and death. How can we do that?"

"I love giving advice! Have you considered water? Water is good for smothering fires, cleaning up blood, and eliminating a surprisingly large number of forms of death." the office said helpfully

"Why did I ask you? Ok look, We're going to talk with potesta, and convince them to convince Sun to call off the parade."

"Water is highly valued by organic beings as they need it to survive, it could be used for bribery, or perhaps you could use the threat of removing the water as motivation. Another idea: perhaps it could be used to deter the parade in sufficient quantities and pressure."

"We'll call that plan B"

"I'll begin preparing for plan B" the office said with far too much confidence.

Vienna, now fully dressed for work, approached Oddosatum's table, breaking the ice with a simple "What did Mrs Goldstein think about the coffee?".

"Ah! Anna! It's good to speak with you today. I think that Mrs Goldstein was impressed with your bold investment. That kind of decisive action is useful in leadership. I brought in the first batch this morning, and would appreciate if you could tell me how well it's received among the patrons."

Vienna noticed the look of expectation in his eye. Like he knew what she'd come to talk about. This man was far too sharp.

"Actually, I brought you a gift to celebrate our new partnership" he reached under the table and pulled out a long wooden box.

Or he was interested in giving her a present. Regardless, she'd need to breach the subject sooner than later. "I didn't come to talk about the coffee. I think something terrible is going to happen today."

He gave the box a look of broken expectation, clearly excited about the present, but it was ignored. So he just put it on the table. "Go on"

"You see... I thought about what you said yesterday about my position, so I looked for opportunities to leverage" she lied. It wasn't much of a lie, after all it's what she was attempting currently. "I talked with everyone here, and one of them was the Delver." She took a breath to calm her nerves. "They told me that something terrible is going to happen today"

"Sounds vague"

"it was pretty vague. But he said that there would be fire, blood, and death during Sun's parade today."

"Are you sure that it's going to be today? The Delver doesn't have a great track record for accuracy about these kinds of things."

"Well, that's what he said. And It makes sense doesn't it? There are five potesta here, something horrible's bound to happen!"

"Six" he corrected.

"So we need to stop the Parade."

"And what would that do? Parades aren't known for their blood and fires. Instead, look for the cause of the problem. Find what's behind the tragedy and their motivation."

Vienna sat there, he was right of course, so she mulled over his words, unsure what to do next. As Oddosatum returned to his drink and book, content to give her the time she needed. Shuddering, Vienna steeled herself and asked "Office? How do I talk to the fear of spiders?"

"The fear of spiders is always inside of you! Let me call them for you!"

Then she could see herself from the rafters, not just herself, but everyone in the lobby her eight cold eyes taking them all in. something deep inside her screamed to look up, to witness. To know. But she already knew, and to look would be to make it real. She could not move, not even her head. It wasn't an illusion, and it was here. A prick on her leg, then another and another, something began climbing up her leg- oh god, it was touching her. She didn't move. She was trapped. Enclosed in bars of steel inside unyielding tower, she had to call for help, she could hear them from here, her family beyond the stars, they would come in the thousands and descend upon this world, consuming it, they would extract pain, vengeance, blood. She saw men in robes, bags of blood to feast upon surrounding her, they connected her to her family, they caged her, they took her to this place, this tower that held the sky aloft- they would die first. "DESCEND!" she screamed without lungs, with inhuman tones and words she called- and Vienna knew. They come on eight legs.

Sweating and crying, overwhelmed by the experience of such strong emotions her body incapable of experiencing, she reached a trembling hand to take Oddosatum's cup, and drank it all. It was the best Coffee she had ever tasted.

Oddosatum watched her intently, his expression more curious than concerned. "Anna, are you alright?"

"Something is wrong. Something is very very wrong. I can't do this on my own, I think... I think that I need help." then looking at him, her gaze confident through her tears she demanded "A year and a day, you swear it."

"I swear"

So she told him everything that had happened to her these last two days. The next few hours slipped by like a blur as the torrent would not stop spilling from her, as once she'd started, the emotions she'd damned inside her heart gushed forth, refusing to slow. Oddosatum listened. The full tale he listened. Then, asked her to sit at a table closeby to remain anonymous but listen, hired a runner to, summon Valkyrie and Sun, who, to Vienna's surprise, came. Not only this, but they came immediately as his call. Without sharing Vienna was, Oddosatum informed them of the situation, listened as they made a plan, and watched as they left. Then he summoned the heads of the three families, Vienna's father among them, to inform them of what was about to happen. Vaelstrom sent a representative instead of a head, and Emberheart tried to demand operational changes to the plan to assert their authority and importance, but Oddosatum patiently informed them that they had no authority over the stars. He was simply informing them as a courtesy, so that they can more properly serve the people, as is their role. Soon after, a runner delivered a message from Sun that it was finished. As True heroes, the nightmare she'd lived solved just hours after hearing about it.