A MEETING IN THE MIND

***A MEETING IN THE MIND*** takes place after the events of Session 19. Making a rash deal with the Monarch, Hira is invited in to speak on her part of the bargain, and learns even more...

## Synopsis

As Hira sits during their short rest stewing in her frustration, in the back of her mind someone encroaches, The Monarch's voice speaks to her, saying there's nothing wrong with being mad. They agree with her, that she shouldn't apologize for what she had said. The Monarch states her actions were a step in the right direction, and Hira isn't convinced it was, but hopes they think about what she said.

The Monarch states she doesn't hesitate. They invite her in to have a chat and Hira feels the Monarch holding out their hand to her in her mind. In a fit of hypocrisy she hesitates, remembering the last time they had touched her, before accepting their hand. Pulled in closer, the Monarch states it doesn't matter if they learned from it, but what matters is her and her development, for she has a greater purpose.

Dragging her in, Hira feels herself being brought into deeper in her mind. A space is formed in the void, feeling the cold mountain air around her. Hira finds herself in a large tent, decorates with pillows, rugs, and drapes of fabric. The Monarch sits in the middle, leaning against plush pillows, waiting unexpectedly. They tell her she must keep fighting, to get mad and furious, and they suppose they can help her continue to fight. Hira stands awe struck, a strange honour to be in such a place. She takes a moment before sitting across from them, stating she is ready to hear what she owes to them.

Before they begin Hira makes a request, to ask a question after their conversation. The Monarch feels generous, accepting these terms. They explains their wish for her to improve herself, to grow and fight, and eventually calling her back to the Mountains. They expect her obedience when she hears that call, to which Hira states she will, as part of the favour. Additionally, they have another requirement. They speak of Arel, seeing as Hira wishes them dead, and learning Arel causes problems in between their own plans, they want them dead as well. They want Hira to make sure whatever Arel is doing in the Fade does not happen. If she ever finds herself in the Fade, they say to call for them to see what they can do with their connections.

Hira thinks to herself, believing the favour would be so much worse. The Monarch will keep their half of their bargain, giving her their strength and knowledge in return. They ask of one of her requirements, that *they* can't hurt her friends or they don't want *her* to hurt them? Hira states she doesn't want them to hurt them and they claim they won't with a grin. They will lend them what they can and will not hurt her friends, and for once Hira can tell that they mean it.

They reach up to their face, pulling down their mask.

> *"You see Hira, all I want is for you to be a good successor...and I can't do that if my protege does not obey me...."*
>
>

Where the scar starts below their mask goes above their right eye, which is clouded and pale. A dark scar spirals around their eye, encroaching over their face. The further along they are in this relationship the more freedom she can earn, as it seems she values that. They express she's not like them, like her family. They aren't as malleable or gifted as she is. For Hira to gain their liberties they must first get her honesty and obedience. It's not like she can lie to them after all. Hira sits in disbelief, seeing them without their mask, learning her purpose. Her mind makes the connections before expressing her disbelief, stating she was never good and perhaps the worse at what they do. The Monarch states that despite everything, *she never stopped*, they need that fight in her, it's what they need.

The Monarch reminds her of the others, they are all puppets, weak minded folk. She is not like them, she's resisted them ever since she left. They claim it's a commendable feat to have pulled off, they see her purpose clearly. Finding herself overwhelmed, Hira asks if there is anything else to be spoken of. If she finds anything on the Fade or run errands for them she'll be rewarded accordingly. Hira half heartily agrees before asking what they know about the Fade. The Monarch sits up, interested piqued at the topic.

The Fade is a hub of magic, a place between places, where the Hells and Heavens and all the other creatures that don't belong in the material plane exist. In between Orion and the Fade is the Veil. There have been tears within it recently, spilling things over to Orion. Hira asks if there's any way to navigate or locate people or things? The Monarch says they've never been, but have heard if one wills and focuses hard enough, the Fade will take you where you want to be. If you are weak willed, poor of mind, you will be subject to be the Fade's victim making you lost. Getting lost is not a matter of space, but of the mind.

Hira continues to ask since they are aware of the tears of the Veil, do they understand going there whilst unconscious? Dreams are rather linked with the human mind, where memory and will reside, they fuel our magic which stems from the Fade. The Monarch admits in her dreams they can't get a hold of her. They imagine perhaps whilst dreaming those are premonitions, looking into the future, or someone reaching out through the arcane. As for individuals who are unconscious, it may depend on how they got in, pulled in by another force.

Hira thanks them for answering her questions. She asks if there's anything they need of her, to which they dismiss her. They say to enjoy the life they gave Oriza, to which she thanks them once more. The Monarch holds a hand out, saying they'd like to shake hands with their newest protege. Not hesitating, Hira takes their hand, feeling an eldritch energy go up her arm and to her chest, where a moth tattoo seers itself in between her sternum. They tell her to be careful of the Fade, as there's everything in there, everything the human mind remembers is in there, including Gods. They remind her that the most obedient, loyal proteges get the most valuable thing of all: their trust.

They'll watch her close for now, if she proves herself to them perhaps they'll offer her privacy in her mind. They lean back against their cushions once more, stating she may leave. Hira slowly stands up, taking in the room once more. Something swells within her, this room, this place where the Monarch resides, and all of the snow and people that have tormented her in the past now belong to her as well. The Monarch stares at her with a grin, they say they're glad she doesn't wear that ugly cloak, blue doesn't suit her. She looks down at her blue tunic, but they state it's the Owl Man's blue that doesn't suit her and to keep it off. Nodding as she goes, Hira walks out of the tent, finding herself walking up back in the sewers.

A burning sensation against her chest.

A pact has been made.