And then it happens: SigmaDelta bursts into flame, causing a whirlwind of heated air to roar up into the sky. With a shriek, she drops and rolls on the solid ice and packed snow within the wrestling ring. The fire does not die down.
Aurora in complete astonishment rears-up and calls, "No! Sigma," as the gargoyle is engulfed in fire. The centaur kicks her raised forelegs, but thankfully does not make contact with anyone. The startlement and outrage at Sigma's predicament disturbs Aurora to a point where she just can't help but react as such. As she watches Sigma roll Aurora thinks, //This seems senseless! What can this prove?//
Aurora then voices her thoughts to the Lady, but the Lady of Frost only gives a quick, cool glance at the centaur then returns her attention to the ring. Aurora returns her front hooves to the ground, but continues to tremble in indignation as she watches, and hopes Sigma will survive this ordeal.
Surprisingly, Sigma doesn't die as quickly as she should. In fact, after her initial panic, she stands still and examines herself carefully. The pain is great, but constant; like any background noise, it can be ignored.
But her flesh is not burning, not seriously charring and roasting away like any third degree burn would do. Yes, a blister here and there from the heat, the deep brownish tan that indicates a sunburn on her grey skin, but she isn't really burning. The thickness of the flames hide that fact from most people, and in fact someone a little less physically fit might not have survived the shock.
Aurora with a shifting of hooves, and a look of apprehension on her face, waits for Sigma to succumb to the roaring flames, and breath her last. //Such a waste. There should be another way//, thinks the centaur with sadness at the thought of Sigma failing.
A moment later, SigmaDelta realizes that she isn't on fire, that the heat isn't heat but some weird sensation that makes her feel hot.
The gargoyle-form points her finger accusingly at the Lady and shouts, "It's an illusion!"
Aurora raises her head, stops her shifting, and says with surprise, and wonder out loud, "What! Is this true? It's an illusion?" Then quietly to herself she adds,"If such is the case, it is a clever idea for a testing." Aurora looks in the direction of the Lady for her response to Sigma.
SigmaDelta also waits for the Lady's response, putting her hand down and wrapping her wings close as she starts to feel the true chill of the air.
The Lady smiles, but it does not touch her eyes. "Very good. You have one last test, and then you will be given your instructions."
One of the ice pillars nearby shatters, revealing the darker object inside. It is a pedestal of rock, with a single black pebble on it.
"Take the stone, SigmaDelta." The Lady turns and walks away, fading out of sight.
Sigma blinks. //This can't be that easy. It never is. Is it?//
With a sigh, Sigma steps out of the "battle arena" and toward the pedestal. Nothing happens as she approaches, until she's almost halfway there, when a sudden blast of wind throws her sideways. The breeze rushes past Aurora and Mara, chilling them briefly.
Aurora shivers slightly at the touch of the breeze and pulls her cloak tight around her human torso. The sudden blast that throws Sigma sideways bewilders the centaur. //What is this? Another testing?//
Sigma stumbles, then regains her footing. She pushes forward with her hand, and finding nothing unusual, takes two steps forward. Again, wind blows up from nowhere, lifting her an inch or so off her feet and throwing her back. The frozen air blows away once more.
The centaur stamps a hoof in irritation and disgust. //This can't be another test? Surely Sigma has proven herself worthy already?// The centaur thinks of the Lady and scoffs as she thinks, //What if this is some trick of the Lady's? Maybe she just told Sigma she did well eventhough she believed Sigma didn't pass.// Aurora sighs, //Then again, maybe I'm just being hasty? Perhaps there is just some protective field around the black pebble and it's pedestal which Sigma must get by. Well whatever the reason may be I wish Sigma both safety and success.//
//Well, lovely. An air elemental, I suppose.// She looks for it, her lavender eyes scanning the area. Nothing, but that's no suprprise; air elementals are normally invisible to both heat- and light-based vision.
After a minute or so, Sigma stands up and moves to where she was hit last time. No attack comes, so she stretches her arm out, and nearly has her shoulder wrenched apart by the incredible updraft. With careful moves, she holds out both hands and begins trying to feel for boundaries to this force.
As the centaur watches Sigma's progress with anticipation, she silently wishes the gargoyle luck.
And her wish seems to come true as Sigma finds an open spot. With a grin, she takes two steps forward. With confidence, she takes another step, and is launched once more into the air. Spreading her wings, she tries to move forward, and is rewarded with a sudden downdraft.
Forced to land before slamming into the ground, SigmaDelta re-evaluates. She is once again outside the first "wall", and still has to find a way to her ultimate goal. She walks over to the opening, moves forward two steps, then carefully begins feeling around her once more, as if she were in an invisible maze.
With a sigh of relief, Sigma finds the next opening to her right. She moves forward, stopping suddenly as her toe just crosses the line on the first step. She closes her eyes, pushing her tension and frustration down into her arms, clenching her fists and tensing her muscles. The cold is starting to work into her, and she can't think of any verse or rite she could use to warm herself.
She shrugs, wraps her wings around her body, and continues to search out openings in the maze.
After an hour or so, she manages to stumble up to the pedestal, shaken, shivering, somewhat battered, but still on her feet. SigmaDelta has survived the maze of wind. With a sigh, she falls at the base of the three foot tall column and rests for a few minutes, waiting for her strength to return. It takes several minutes before she can think clearly.
Aurora, who had been watching Sigma's progress with apprehension, sighs in relief as the Gargoyle reaches the column with the pebble. As Sigma falls to the column's base, the centaur hopes the gargoyle is alright. As Aurora waits for Sigma's next move, she thinks about the pebble on the column //What could it's significence be? And I wonder what Sigma is suppose to do with it?//
The girl beside Aurora giggles. She leans over and whispers, "I like this part."
The Lady's last command finally rouses her. She has to pick up the pebble. With a shrug and a heave, she stands, ready to perform this minor feat. Something catches her ear, though, and she turns.
It is a ghost.
At the sight of the ghost Aurora not only shivers slightly, but finds herself mesmerized by the apparition. Also at the same time another aspect of Aurora wants to reach for her sword. She knows the later reaction is purely a reflexive one. But such a reaction if followed through would be a futile attempt, since Aurora was not allowed to interfer.
Something comes to rest in Aurora's hand; a quick look shows that no sword is there, but a roll of parchment. "Read it later."
Aurora, after a reaction of surprise at the parchments appearance, wonders about it's contents. Eventhough curiousity nags at her, Aurora follows instructions and doesn't read the parchment. Instead, she tucks it into one of the straps of her weapon's harness.
The centaur returns her attention to the ghost with hopes that it's intentions toward Sigma are not hostile. For Aurora feels Sigma has been through quite a bit already, and has surely proven herself worthy for whatever important task she is destine to accomplish. But it is not Aurora's place to judge such a thing, since she is but a spectator in this great affair.
SigmaDelta looks unsteady as she stands straight to face the spirit. "Who are you," she calls out, "and why are you here?"
It looks pained. "Don't you know me? Don't you know my name?"
"Oh, I know what you look like. She's been dead for threescore years. Who are you, and why are you here?"
"Say who I am, and you will learn why I am here."
"Speak your own name, or I will not recognize you."
The exchange seems likely to last a while.
As Aurora watches the exchange, a variety of emotions cross her face. Looks of concern, bewilderment, restlessness, and fascination grace the centaur's visage as she waits to see what the outcome of this developement will be.
The girl beside her sighs. "She's smart. Would you like some jerky?"
Aurora wonders briefly at the girls first words. For Aurora is as of yet unsure of the purpose for this confrontation between Sigma and the spirit. The centaur doesn't voice this however. Instead she decides to watch and see if an answer evolves from observation. //If not, I can ask after events come to a close. And then there is the note. Perhaps that has some answers in it//.
Putting aside her thoughts on the reason for the confrontation transpiring, Aurora decides to accept the offered jerky. "Thank you. I am a bit hungry." After she takes the jerky, Aurora returns her attention to the spirit and Sigma.
Down below, Sigma continues to argue. The spirit slowly fades, and eventually flickers. Nearly an hour has passed, and the gargoyle is showing signs of great weariness and mental strain. She finally turns, reaching for the pebble. As her hand makes contact, the spirit returns full-strength, and asks again in a strong voice that SigmaDelta name her.
The centaur finds herself holding her breath in anticipation as Sigma makes contact with the pebble and as the spirit returns.
Sigma turns, and says, "You are Annoyance. Go away." Then she grasps the unassuming little rock and lifts it from the pedestal. The spirit blinks out. The area seems a little warmer. Snowflakes begin to drift lightly down from the sky.
Aurora releases her breath and cheers loudly at Sigma's accomplishment. After a second, Aurora coughs slightly and looks away as she feels slightly flustered at her ouburst. //Perhaps such a display is not appropriate here//, thinks the centaur. Aware of a possible transgression on her part, Aurora smiles appreciatively to show her reaction at Sigma's success instead, and then waits to see what will happen with Sigma now.
Marra looks a little troubled. "Well, she did it. That's more than the last two managed."
Aurora raises an eyebrow in curiosity at Marra's troubled look and at her words. The centaur then feeling compelled asks, "If it is alright of me to ask, what happened to the other two?" After giving Marra a chance to answer, Aurora looks back at Sigma.
Marra points at one of the frozen pillars. "One of them killed himself. He'd never failed at anything before, and the spirit showed him his pride; to face the enormity of it broke him. The other simply didn't get that far, not having quite the strength or wit to pass our tests.
The shaman approaches Sigma, carrying a large, warm blanket. He wraps it around her, and leads her away.
As Sigma moves away, Aurora makes a move to follow, but stops, and asks Marra,"What will happen to Sigma now? Can I see, or speak to her yet? And is there anything I need to do, or know now?"
Marra shrugs. "What happens to her tonight, only Father knows. But you will be busy with a lesser test. We must be sure her companion is something better than a fiend. You see, we cannot let you stay for too long; it changes us. You are so troubled, and you would make us troubled as well. She makes us happy, but to the point that people stop working to follow her around."
After Marra speaks the centaur thinks to herself, //So I to will be facing some test. I wonder what it will involve//? Aurora then considers the rest of Marra's words. The word 'fiend' causes Aurora to bristle slightly. But the feeling doesn't last long, and she makes no objects. For hearing herself described as such is not unusual. In her travels she encountered many who used that word to describe her. As well as the words 'freak', 'monstrous', and 'abomination'. Aurora sees herself as none of these things. But she understands how a half human, half horse such as herself could cause such a reaction in others. But not everyone had been so inclined. She occasionally met others who were more understanding, or even tolerable of her appearance. Aurora comes out of her thoughts as Marra speaks some more.
The girl takes Aurora's arm. "Come, I will guide you. Is there anything you will need for tonight?"
After a moment Aurora replies, "No, nothing much. Probably just a brief period of time to meditate before my testing."
As Aurora moves carefully besides Marra, so as not to step on her with her sharp hooves, she thinks about her upcoming test with some trepidation, but mostly excitement.
Aurora is led down to a soft hollow where ice has been sculpted into a small amphitheater. There is a small black case on a shelf in the left wall, and a blanket on the floor in the center.
Marra nods to her. "You will be here overnight. There will be voices.. listen to them, and respond as you see fit. You will have light, and some warmth. Father will be here for you in the morning."
"Thank you," says Aurora.
Once Aurora is alone, she takes a moment to look around. The soft glow of light emitting from the walls provides not only light, but also helps ease the centaur's anxiety about the upcoming test. Now Aurora was no stranger to testing. Within her Clan, she didn't merely inherit her role of Chieften, she also had to prove herself worthy via testing. Such a testing in her clan was familiar to her and her people, but here, she wasn't sure what would be expected. As she thinks of this testing, she contemplates some questions.
//Will I answer the voices correctly? Might they require something else of me besides merely answering questions? Will I be deemed worthy and thus be able to join Sigma? The thought of failing does not sit well with me. But if I do I do. I will just listen carefully to what is asked and answer with sincerity//
Someone is out there, hidden from the centaur. This person sits quietly, watching, for now.
As Aurora walks to the center of the amphitheater, she pauses briefly to look over at the black case in the wall with curiosity, but does not go over to it. When she reaches the center of the amphitheater, she tucks her equine legs beneath her and wraps the blanket around her.
Once the centaur settles, she takes some time to prepare herself for the testing by meditating. This helps her not only prepare her body to stay awake for the night, but it helps her clear her mind and push aside any anxiety so she can focus on what is to come. When the centaur finishes her meditation, she opens her eyes, shifts her bulk a bit to get comfortable and waits.
Time passes, until a soft, masculine voice whispers from above, "You are touched by light. Do you rest in shadow?"
Aurora is by no means startled at the voice, for she knew such a voice would come. She ponders the question, //A good question. One which might sound cryptic, but I understand the gist of it//.
"It is true that my name is light-touched," says Aurora as she looks over her shoulder at her sun dapple colored hide. "But I do not walk a dark path. Likewise, I do not walk a completely light one. I only use violence, subterfuge, or other negative means when no other option manifests itself, or when it is by only such negative means that a solution can be obtained. Likewise, if a resolution can be obtained with positive means then that is the way I will go."
Briefly, Aurora wonders if her entire answer sounded too cryptic. After she decides it doesn't matter whether it did or not since that was what she felt was the truth, she continues, "I think I am a steadfast, honorable, loyal, caring, and trustworthy being. Yet I do not deny my negative qualities. For I can be high strung and temperamental at times." After delivering those negative elements, Aurora feels compeled to add something else. She tenses, drops her eyes and adds, "I also do not deny that I bare a taint of anger and vengence within. Both stem from the senseless, unprovoked, and violent destrution of my family and my Clan by a foul menace. Some day I will find that menace and avenge my lose. Such an oppurtunity will come in due time however and I can wait for it."
The centaur returns her gaze to the arena, adjusts the blanket about her and says politely,"If you wish, please continue with your questioning. I am ready."
There is a long and patient pause. Eventually, the voice speaks again.
"How much of the truth is enough?"
Briefly Aurora thinks,//Does that refer to how honest I am to others, or how honest I expect others to be to me?//After taking a few more minutes to formulate a reply the centaur answers.
"I've heard it said that honesty is the best policy. But I do not completely folow that. I believe how much honesty is given or received depends on the situation. If for example, I am asked to take on a task by another, I want to be given an honest answer to what is expected of me and what I might encounter-whether it be good or bad. However, I do understand that in some cases a second party may not give me an honest answer if my knowing the truth might jeopardize them or the outcome of a task. In terms of honest from me, I will go the honest route. Unless in my doing so, I would cause more harm then good to a situation, to myself, or to another."
"So therefore, in response to your query, I believe how much truth depends on whether or not the knowing of or giving of the truth, would cause more damage then good."
After the centaur shifts her weight a bit to ease a slight equine leg cramp she says,"When it befits you, please continue your questioning. I am ready."
There is no response for several minutes. Snow crunches lightly, and lupine howls begin to echo from some distant place. The cold is not overwhelming, but it seems to make itself better known.
A shift in the cold air about the area bothers the centaur little. Her hide is quite thick and her human torso is well clothed. The addition of the blanket which she received earlier aids her as well.
Then something snarls, and a human yelps. Nothing more can be heard, and the direction is uncertain.
For one of her mass, Aurora is fairly quick. As she rises quickly to her four legs, she removes the sword strapped to her back. The direction of the noise was uncertain, but Aurora would not have run off had she had known the exact local. For even though she is a warrior, she is not one to react rashly unless circumstances call for her to be so. As the centaur stands ready with weapon in hand, her senses of sight, sound, smell, and inner instict come into play as she waits to see if anything or anyone of an ill or friendly intent manifests itself.
A breeze zips into the clearing, visible as tiny snowflakes. Several words follow it in: "Quick! Open the box!" There are no more sounds, and no further movement of air. The atmosphere is as clean as any winter night can make it.
The breezes ruffles Aurora's main of long hair. She tilts her head as she listens to the words. The centaur then briskly trots over to the box which she saw when first she entered the arena, but had paid little heed to. Sighting caution, Aurora places herself at an angle to the front of the box. Then, instead of using her hands, she opens the box with the tip of her sword. Her position however does not prevent her from being able to see into the box. As the lid rises, the centaur grips her sword, tenses her muscles, and waits to see what the mysterious box holds.
The box seems to hold nothing, its interior so dark as to absorb all the light that enters. Nothing issues from it, though with darkness so flat upon the interior, perhaps it is filled with colored dust or cloth of some sort.
At the sight of the box's interior, Aurora stamps a hoof in irritation at its apparent emptiness. A desire to throw the box to the ground and trample it as she voices her discontent to the voices she heard earlier, surface in Aurora's mind as well. The centaur however does not folow-through with these actions. Instead, she reminds herself that things are not always what they appear to be. With that in mind, she decides to cautiously investgate the box some more.
Aurora starts by carefully looking over not only the area upon which the box sits, but the box's edges and its interior as well. Next, she probes the box's sides, but not its interior, with the tip of her sword. The centaur even speaks a cheery 'Hello' just in case the box is somehow voice activated.
Throughout her investigations, Aurora does not touch the box's interior with her sword or her person. Sighting safety, she uses a less direct means to see if anything happens when contact is made with the interior. She takes a small amount of snow and tosses it into the box and watches. As she waits, she adds her dagger to her free hand. The dagger, even though it isn't as effective as her sword, might prove useful. Perhaps, if it isn't needed for an engagement or for defense, she could toss it into the box's interior if the snow fails to cause any reaction.
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