Timeless Meditation

The sensations were still so new, so unfamiliar and alien. Cain wasn’t waking up, but merely refocusing her mind, as if she was caught in a day dream. She could feel that her eyes were probably still closed, but she didn’t know for sure. Her way of seeing was more feelings, sensations, and sounds instead of actual sight. 
She didn’t remember how she got into this state, when, or how to get out. While the feeling of being trapped should have made her spring into action and find a way out, her whole body felt at peace - calm, like a constant cool breeze was washing over her. The sensations she felt after “waking up” from her dream-within-a-dream gave her the imagery of sitting in the tall grass with the warm sun shining on her, while a gentle breeze rolled through. This felt oddly familiar.
“Your memories are so very interesting. Though it is doubtful you remember ones like these.” A female voice, soothing, sweet - far away, but right next to her at the same time. 
The woman. She did not have a name, nor did Cain know what she looked like, but she shared the space with Cain in this dreamworld. Cain began to remember some of their past conversations, as this wasn’t the first time they have interacted. 
“No, I’m afraid I don’t.” Cain ran her hand through the tall grass absentmindedly. 
“This is a distant memory, closer to your birth than to your current time.” The woman said. “What you would call your childhood.”
Cain took in the scenery, which was devoid of any obvious features other than rolling hills, tall grass, and beautiful weather. She still couldn’t place where this was, possibly Tribute? She couldn’t say for sure. 
“I wasn’t aware you could scan my memories.” Cain commented, not exactly sure how she felt about someone, or something, prying into her brain so effortlessly.
“Do not fear! This is only a general representation of a memory. It is only so I can make a more pleasant experience for you while you observe xankara.” The woman replied. “I have not performed this on a Reclaimer before, but your species does take very well to our technology.” 
Cain looked upwards, taking in the beautiful blue sky accompanied by white, fluffy clouds. “Xankara?” 
“A state of timeless meditation. It is imposed while your physical, mortal body lies in suspension inside the cryptum.” The woman stated matter-of-factly. 
The rest of Cain’s memories flooded back. She was forced into this meditative state after sealing herself within the cryptum to protect herself from....from….
That...she couldn’t remember - though she wondered if that mattered now. 
“Am I safe? When will I be able to leave?” Cain asked. 
“You are very safe. Violating a cryptum is quite difficult, and invokes dire consequences. I am certain no meddlers will interfere.” The woman paused. “Unfortunately, I cannot be certain when I can revive your conscious body, as my protocols dictate that I can only do so when I know you are not in danger. This cryptum has suffered some anomalies that I must repair before I can begin the process of revival.” 
Cain frowned. She didn’t like “anomalies”. “What happens until then?” 
“Rest and meditate. A cunning, seasoned warrior such as yourself deserves such, do you not agree?” 
Cain notices a distant flock of birds leisurely fly past. “I suppose.” She thought for a few moments. “What happens on the outside, while I’m here?” 
“While it is impossible to detect time figures while you are in xankara, time outside the cryptum will go on, as it always does.” The woman assured. “There is much I can offer you in the form of information, if you were to grow bored.”
“I can’t say I can offer much in return.” Cain replied, looking back down to the grassy plains she sat upon. 
“Nonsense!” The woman objected. “I have never interacted with a Reclaimer. You are a fascinating specimen. My master would have been so eager to meet you.”  
Category:The Weekly