10. The Rot Beneath #2
“Multiple mana echo signatures along the East Veins confirm Solutus presence near the outermost tributaries. Two smugglers were intercepted bearing Light sigils—blessings of the Doctrine inverted with Void glyphs.”
— Auryn’s note: Rebellion in calligraphy. The radicals do love their flair. What are their motives? Disturbing that no one seems to care. They’re just obstacles to these people.
Councilor Lamari (Civic Regulation):
“We should seal the tributary routes. Force them into known passages where the Reskala can intercept. Let’s choke them by the wrist instead of chasing their fingers.”
— Auryn’s note: Lamari once likened the city to a body. He forgets that starving one limb poisons the rest. He speaks rarely, but it's on all topics at hand. Odd than an Archivist holds such influence.
Councilor Vezair (Military Oversight):
“We need authorization to triple guards in Han. Reinforce transport runes. Increase curfews.”
Councilor Mirava:
“And risk sparking riots in already-brittle districts? No. Keep things subtle. Presence, not pressure.”
— Auryn’s note: I tire of hearing this man. How did he climb the ladder without a title?
Resh’Agar Iridias Savarax:
“Control does not require volume. It requires precision. Give the people music. A parade. Something to watch while we hunt in silence.”
— Auryn’s note: A parade. How like him to suggest a stage before a strike.
He’s always known that the knife lands softer after applause.
If there is a parade, perhaps the Sokar and the Resh’Agar can both put on an act.
That is the usual game. Not that I mind.
I want to fight, and for now this may be the only way I can.
Councilor Torven Rax (Commander of Civil Defense):
“We’ll need to draw from next month’s reserves if you want that many stationed watchers. We can’t do both containment and distraction.”
Resh’Agar Iridias Savarax
“Then make a choice.”
— Auryn’s note: There it is again. That weight. That voice. It always sounds like judgment softened by regret. That is why it hurts so much when he softens it with me.
Result: The Resh’Agar’s Directive Voted Forward
New Topic Proposed: Lifegiver Selection and the Fertility Harvest
Councilor Vyrellis (Lineage and Breeding Oversight):
“The latest Fertility Census yielded disappointing figures. Only thirty-one girls passed threshold purity for integration into the Lifegiver program. That’s below the threshold for sustainable yield.”
— Auryn’s note: ‘Yield.’ Like girls are grain. Or cattle. Or glass waiting to be blown into a mold they didn’t choose. I’ve heard the People say they are happy to have Roles. But how can one know happiness when one’s soul is tethered to the will of something like the Flaeme?
Councilor Mirava (Infrastructure):
“Is the failure biological or environmental?”
Councilor Vyrellis (Lineage and Breeding Oversight):
“Mixed. Some lack the correct frequency resonance for mana transfer. Others carry unsanctioned strain traits. Iliri’s soil quality may be degrading.”
— Auryn’s note: Perhaps the soil is tired of being walked on. I understand that sentiment completely.
Councilor Lamari (Civic Regulation):
“We could expand the search bracket. Begin assessments at an earlier age. Ten, maybe even nine.”
Councilor Ervanya (Sanctum Liaison):
“That may be difficult to justify within Doctrine. The public grows skittish if we draft too young.”
— Auryn’s note: But not skittish enough to stop them. They whisper, they wince, and then they watch. The Flaeme won’t let them do otherwise. Worse yet, the girls think it’s an honor. If I could have a voice, I would end this in a heartbeat. I will end it!
Councilor Vyrellis (Lineage and Breeding Oversight):
“Then veil the selection deeper. Introduce them through temple wards as Attendant Novices. Sort them quietly.”
Resh’Agar Iridias Savarax:
“You’ll veil the truth until someone peels it open with light. Then it will be worse. Choose your quiets carefully.”
— Auryn’s note: I hate when he says things like that. Because I agree. And that feels worse. Like I’m becoming a part of this cage. Melding with the bars. Losing myself.
Observation: The Sovereign Flame remained seated throughout the session. No audible commands or gestures recorded. His posture remained unchanged.
— Auryn’s note: Shu’Khan does not speak.
He does not need to. His presence is a pressure.
A stillness that makes the air taste like stone and old blood.
When he turns his head, it is like watching a statue breathe.
I wonder why he came. He never comes. Not unless he wants to be seen.
And when the Sovereign wants to be seen...
it’s not for the sake of vision. It’s for memory. For fear. For alignment.
Result: Motion Delayed
New Topic Proposed: Construction of a Dedicated Wing for the Sokar
Resh’Agar Iridias Savarax:
“The documentation was submitted last week. Preliminary structural assessments, material requisitions, and rune-bound anchor sequences are complete. The construction of the Sokar’s personal wing should begin immediately.
With the required approvals, we can achieve foundation-lay within three spans. ”
— Auryn’s note: His voice is calm, but I recognize the steel beneath it. He’s pacing himself, but the tension is there in the clipped way he says ‘immediately.’ I wonder how long he has been planning this…
Councilor Feyne (Steward of Strategic Contingencies):
“It’s only been a week. You expect the Council to approve such measures after a mere handful of documents?”
Resh’Agar Iridias Savarax:
“It’s already been a week. With blueprints, runesgrams, and material routes in hand, there should be no further delays. Unless, of course, we are prepared to admit we have no intention of treating the Sokar as more than a ceremonial afterthought.”
— Auryn’s note: I know that tone. He’s baiting them. Coldly. Skillfully. As if daring them to say aloud what they’ve only whispered until now.
Councilor Torven Rax (Commander of Civil Defense):
“The Resh’Agar seems to be in quite a hurry. But I suppose it must be...uncomfortable to share quarters with our lovely ornament.”
Resh’Agar Iridias Savarax:
“Use that word again, Rax, and I will personally teach you what ‘uncomfortable’ means. She is the Sokar, and each of you will address her as such.”
[Pause recorded. Unintelligible murmurs. The Councilors look afraid.]
—Auryn’s Note: He’s never flinched before when they’ve called me such things.
I am so accustomed to it that I hardly even noticed this time.
I see the truth before me—his conviction, his determination.
Yet, despite my racing heart, I cannot condone him drawing so much attention to the regard he holds for me.
What if they retaliate? What if they scheme? I must stay vigilant. For him.
Councilor Mirava (Still Untitled, Still Unqualified):
“The motion was voted forward last session, but a private wing? What’s next? Matching robes and Council voting privileges?”
Resh’Agar Iridias Savarax:
“The matter of the Sokar’s Attendants, wardrobe, and stipend is a topic I am prepared to discuss in full.
Rest assured, that motion will not be ignored or delayed.
Judging by the looks on your faces, this is not something you would rather I speak on now.
As such, I suggest you make haste in reviewing the documents.
Construct the wing. Full insulation wards.
Shielded corridors. Attendant quarters. I will oversee the warding runes personally.
The Sokar deserves safety. And silence.”
— Auryn’s note: Silence. I know what he means. No more footsteps in the hall at night. No more fingers rifling through my things. No more banging on the walls while I try to remember I am still someone.
Councilor Calixtan (Elder Voice of the Eternal Seat):
“The Council will vote, but prior to initiating this, we would know if your side of the bargain is being carried out.”
Resh’Agar Iridias Savarax:
“The Estar has been scheduled for the next moon cycle. The Companions have been tasked with preparations. The Sovereign Flame himself will oversee the ritual to witness.”
— Auryn’s note: Bargain. I don’t like that word.
What is this dread in my heart? Kailorien’s shadow dances.
He is hiding something, keeping something from me.
I have no right to ask, not after keeping my own secrets for as long as I have.
Still, he has never looked so tense at the mention of Estar before. Has something changed?
Result: Motion Voted Forward
End of Session
These notes are private. They will not be entered into official record.
Filed under false compliance, beneath the cushion I stole from Zeera’s divan.
How many years have passed since I began keeping these journals?
It seems like ages ago when I discovered this hollowed-out passage.
I yearn to add my voice to the Resh’Agar’s, but doing so would make a target of me.
Am I prepared to face not only the petty abuse of the Companions but to carry the weight of the Council’s disapproval?
—Auryn