War of the Heart

Merari

When Sabrina had approached her asking her about her sentiments towards folks with powers, it became clear that something was up. So, of course she'd said she pitied them, which was the truth. However, as she'd told Kaya, she pitied their attachment to their power more than anything, but she didn't tell Sabrina. The Rindea was clearly satisfies with the response, for soon after the two of them had met with Allard.

'Now, I'm not officially allowed to do this, but Detruienn's seeking out people with powers to build an army. I think it's time we took preventative action.'

'Leere fest?' Merari had raised an eyebrow.

'The opposite. We're going to build a shelter for those with powers,' Allard had proclaimed.

'And how are we going to do that? Remember, we're not Leere, we can't detect powers.'

'Don't worry, I've got that covered. We go in three days.'

'Good luck breaking that to the cherry.'

'I'll just claim to need some divine mind and body counseling,' Allard had responded.

Somehow he'd managed to sway Tiresias too, though the Chèr was rather bitter about losing them. Nevertheless, Sabrina and Merari set off one cold afternoon with Allard. Where they were going and what the plan was remained a mystery.

They rode on horses, taking a couple of short breaks on the long journey. Merari supposed Allard was glad that their swift trot hindered an interrogation. Still, it made sense that they had to travel to the more secluded regions of Cines. Those with powers that evaded detection had to hide in areas that rarely saw Leere and the fewer people around, the less likely an incident.

After a two hour long journey, they took a longer break in a tavern. Allard struggled to get to the table, his strength failing him after the ride. All he could do was slump in his chair, nursing a glass of multivitamin juice. It was a rather pitiful sight.

Once his strength had somewhat recovered, he made his way to the bar. 'Did anyone leave a package for me? The name is Samson Ursa.'

Sabrina and Merari exchanged confused looks. It seemed this break wasn't just the result of a lack of strength, but also a strategic decision. Perhaps this would finally shed some light on the plan.

The prince returned to their table with a little box. He opened it towards himself, feeling around until he found what he was looking for. He opened up a little green book-like box, revealing a collection of pale yellow pills.

'Did you invite us here to indulge in hallucinogenics?' was Merari's first thought.

He was not amused. 'These are used by foreign law enforcement units to track magic.'

'What, like a build your own Leere kit?'

'Yes and better. Part of the reason some individuals can avoid detection is due to certain spells and potions that can help cover up magic, preventing Leere from detecting them. These can even detect those spells, no matter how masterfully cast.'

'Why don't the Leere use them then?' criticised Merari.

'Because they'll contain magic themselves,' guessed Sabrina.

'Indeed. That's how the group that passed through here a couple of days ago has evaded Leere for so long. Fortunately, we should be able to track their route and find them.'

Not long after, they mounted their horses and rode down a path. Beforehand, each of them swallowed a tablet. The world took on a new quality, once vibrant colours growing muted. Before them was a small trail of... Merari couldn't quite explain it. It reminded her of the spirits, gentle patches of coloured orange energy. A voice whispered a word in her head, over and over again. Mava.