It appeared as if the river had cut a path through the mountain for humans to walk. As Terakiel grew closer to the river's source, his surroundings became more and more rugged. Drifting off the path would not only be inadvisable, but probably impossible. One step on that terrain and he'd most likely find himself tumbling wildly out of control--not a feeling he felt like revisiting any time in the near future.
The sun was sinking slowly but steadily into the horizon, heralding the coming of the night's chill. Terakiel mourned for the loss of his cloak and shirt, abandoned what seemed like a lifetime ago. It had only been a few days since he left his home, but so much had changed since then. He had a new life now and a new identity. How long those things might last for him, he wasn't certain. He had no clear destination and Aisen was clearly lost as well. He had nothing but questions.
"Could I ask you about something?" asked Terakiel.
"Well, it seems somewhat out of character but I suppose I'll allow it."
Brushing a strand of filthy red hair away from his eye, Terakiel examined the other man's expression. He was growing weary of being so confused and unsure of himself. He wanted answers, but didn't feel like being particularly forthcoming about his own secrets. "The planar stone. Through it you traveled the Exod, that black dream world. Is that correct?"
Aisen furrowed his brow, although he kept up his pace and did not look directly at his companion. "Well yes, I suppose I did. But as you know, this is not where I was supposed to end up."
"You said you were traveling to Sidea."
"Well no, not exactly," he corrected. "I am from Sidea, or rather I was born there. I never claimed I was traveling there."
"No? I suppose you did not."
There was an uncomfortable silence; Aisen was not being very forthcoming about traveling the Exod. Terakiel could hardly blame him considering how little the two knew about each other, but he did not give up on his inquiries.
"What exactly is the planar stone? I know what it is called but know nothing of its origins or. . .Do they have them where you come from?"
"Planar stones are used to travel from place to place, of course. Everyone knows that. They are very commonplace." His tone was very matter-of-fact, and possibly somewhat condescending.
"It is clear that not "everyone" knows of them, because the one in the clearing is the first I have ever seen," Terakiel countered hotly. "If I were to hazard a guess, I'd say you know very little about them yourself."
"Well--" he sputtered. "I've used them an awful lot of times. I can tell you they're not pleasant. The Exod's not a nice place. It's an awful black world. Never feel safe there."
"But, who created them? Are they very old?"
Aisen sighed. "You are correct. I don't know very much about them at all. All I can tell you is that they have been around for a very long time. Even the stones in Sidea predate the construction of the city by. . .well, they were there long before we were, that's for sure."
"So you don't know how they work?" Terakiel asked incredulously. "How do you know its safe? What terrible things might the Exod do to you?"
"Oh, they're absolutely safe! Of course. They've been used for dozens and dozens of years. Very commonplace, as I said."
"But you cannot know that. Does anyone know for sure?"
"Er, well, I suppose not. But I haven't had any negative consequences, aside from some. . .nightmares. Exod's not a nice place, like I said."
Terakiel recalled the terrifying effect the planar stone had had on the clearing . It had drained the heat from the air until it was as cold as the most punishing winter tundra. Touching the surface of the stone had been like caressing the sun. Then, as Aisen was deposited unceremoniously into Lakara, the stone's power winked out. Even if those stones were commonplace in Sidea, it was clear something uncommon had occurred between the two of them and it made Aisen uncomfortable. Although relentlessly optimistic, it was clear he was experiencing a great deal of anxiety about what had happened.
None of that made Terakiel feel better.
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