To See The Sky Part 2

“I’m sorry your radiance!” I nervously bow my head, following my father’s example.

“Settle down child.” She began to walk towards me, each step swaying her billowing white pants. As she drew near, I couldn’t help but notice her focus being on the painting rather than me. A smile played on her lips— yet, that kindness never reached her eyes. It was almost upsetting seeing how her eyes cut into the frame, defiling it.

“I can see why you were beside yourself with wonder, this is a remarkable piece” She declared, extending her starkly black-gloved hand—a measure designed to contain the heat and protect the healing touch of the Incrux.

“Yet, I do wonder how it found its way down here of all places… No matter, it will have to be removed.”

My heart sank. I barely manage a murmur “Your radiance, if I may ask, why does it need to be removed?”

She fixed  a gaze upon me, sending lightning down my spine, “Hmm? Clearly, it has no right to be down here of all places” she said, clear disgust in her voice “It would in all likelihood, serve a far nobler purpose among the Ashilyr, in the middle and lower rings. An apt subject for research, theological debate and immense discussion, the notion sounds incredibly riveting does it not?” She tapped the painting roughly, “its purpose is wasted down here, which just won’t do. It goes against the very principles of the Ashilyr.” 

Her words struck me down, a stark reminder of the immutable principles that governed our society. The Ashilyr, were more than just mere scholars; they were the preservers of our culture, our history, our “heat.” They were the ones who could harness Immolation with unmatched skill, a blessing crucial in manipulating the heat. 

Their influence, however, extended far beyond theology. Many Ashilyr devoted themselves to medicine, science, art, law and deep exploration. All for our society's continuous evolution. But that would mean nothing could be wasted, even if it could bring happiness to those who really needed it.

“... I understand, your radiance” I cower, grabbing onto my Fathers hand. 

“Good, I consider any further explanation unnecessary. Whether or not I should have even had to remind you just shows the quality of your upbringing.” My Father flinched as she said this “But then again, what was I expecting from the lower ring? In the name of Deviri Layti of the Incrux, I hereby command your immediate departure.” 

 I tug on my Father’s hand, I knew we couldn’t stay but to be ripped from something that felt so right… It didn’t sit well with me.

Deviri noticed this “Do not trouble yourself, child. It is not as though any of us shall ever behold the sky. Our blood has sealed our fate, after all.”

And with that, I was forced back into reality.

My feet pad softly against the wet, mulchy pavement, the icy water splashing up with every step. My eyes wander, taking in the familiar structures  looming overhead like a dark shadow. They were like palaces suspended in the air, their bases encrusted with thousands of shimmering phyelia crystals. A network of bridges wove between them, all converging upon the towering centerpiece of the city The upper rings of Llanka are, without doubt, a sight to behold

Yet, even those who lived there were trapped underneath the  unyielding torrent of rain. 

I thought back to those paintings once more. The vivid blues, oranges, golden warmth of the sun… Those thoughts are overridden by the smell of metallic rain, clangs of construction and tides of crowds throughout the bustling streets of the lower ring. 

Countless canals weaved underneath the bridges with boats strung along by morugs, giant serpentine slugs with four curved antennae. With their bioluminescent flaps to their sides, they would push themselves across the surface of the water. The effort was applaudable but the howls they would make were less than affable and utterly despair inducing if you weren’t expecting it. It started like a guttural croak but very quickly switched to a distinctly high pitch as if something was being shocked back to life. I can’t count the amount of times I almost fell into the canals because of a poorly timed howl. 

Luckily, the art exhibit was only a few blocks from our home—a hollow carved into the tall cliffs leading up to the vast plateau of the middle ring. From the southside of the lower ring, we had a fog-laden view of the restless ocean. Silhouettes of unseen monstrosities lurked within the mist, their massive forms stirring the waves with each eerie, slithering movement. The Ashilyr insisted there was nothing to fear—that the creatures were too far away to pose a threat—but that did little to ease my fear. Night after night, I dreamt of the fog parting, revealing their grotesque heads as they turned their sights upon the city.

I shudder from this thought as we ascend the steep metal stairs, leading up to the haphazardly stacked,  hollows. We finally reach the door of Hoolay Hollow,  its rusted hinges barely holding onto the frame. We were told to slowly open it lest we’d have to worry about a draft throughout the Hollow. Though, considering the state of the cracked windows, that was already a problem.

A narrow corridor stretched ahead, flanked by two rooms on either side. At the far end, a small staircase wound upward to the next floor. It was tight and I constantly heard voices and all kinds of vivid sounds through the thin walls. Today it was quieter than usual, which wasn’t saying much. Though, I could still hear light thumping coming from upstairs.

“Those Ihpi sure are an enthusiastic bunch” He sighed fiddling for the key to our room.

“Yeah… I wonder why they are always wrestling?” I ask, rubbing my chin.

He let out a confusingly loud laugh before opening the door to our room. I hear my mothers stern voice cut in as we enter. “Ayha, you two came back quicker than expected!” She brushed off her hands before strutting towards the two of us, her eyes locking onto me “Ah, your hair is so messy— did you let her walk around outside like this?” She asked my Father.

“Good to see you dear, and no it was just exceptionally windy today.” My father ruffled my hair even more “Don’t worry, Seneca looked like a cute and proper Itzan girl today. I’m sure everyone was very impressed by her manners.” I pull my hood over my face to hide my embarrassment.

“Mmhm, since you're here early, you two can help me set up dinner” My mother said, crossing her lean arms. “Fir. and Fira. Li gave me some excess truffles, so guess what we’re having?”

My face lit up. The Ihpi tribe was known for their food, and the Li’s would occasionally share some every now and then. “Truffle risotto again?” I asked eagerly.

“Nope, truffle soup tonight.” She replied with a small grin on her face. My excitement faded slightly, it wasn’t the worst thing in the world. She patted my head, making sure to fix whatever piece of hair was sticking out “Ayha, don’t pout. When you become an Ashilyr, you’ll have all the truffle risotto you want. Though by then you’ll have better options”

My stomach churns as she says this, the face of the smug Deviri flashing vividly through my mind. Her belittling smile, the way she talked down father, the way she vehemently believed we could gain no value from the art. I didn’t realize how mad it made me until just now. 

“For now, we will have to make due with what we have.” My Mom popped back up and started towards the kitchen. Me and my father stood for a moment before she beckoned for us to follow.