RP:Scales of the Mind

Setting: The path to the North, where Melbane once worked.

Participants: Sororia and Korike

Synopsis: After sparring briefly against Sororia, Korike offered to teach her how to manipulate light, even though he himself controlled shadows. But he had to begin with a look into her deepest thoughts.

Story

Korike nods. "That wasn't too bad." With a wave of his hand, the wall fades away. The gnome then walks back over to her. "This might sound like an odd question, but...would you allow me to see the scales of your mind?"

Sororia spits out the water she has taken a sip of. "Whaaaaaaat?" she says incredulously. "Scales of my mind?" She caps her bottle. "Do you mean balance-scales or dragon-scales? I don't believe I have either in my mind."

Korike chuckles. "I guess I should have worded it better. I meant to say the balance of your mind, if it is alright with you, of course. You would not feel a thing."

Sororia nods slowly. "Go ahead then. I've no idea how this works."

Korike smiles and nods. "Alright. Please take a seat." He has a hunch that if he was correct, he might be able to help the female unlock more of her dormant power. He walks behind her and gently places his palm on the top of her head. Upon closing his eyes, the gnome begins using a combination of his mental and dark magic to see how much darkness the paladin had in her heart and mind.

Sororia knows that Korike can see her thoughts and her feelings, perhaps even those she does not see herself. And then she has a sudden thought. Her eyes fly open and she almost shouts, "Korike! Can you see my memories?!"

Korike slowly lets the human's head go. "I'm afraid I cannot. My mental power is not quite that strong. I was able to read your thoughts and feelings, though."

Sororia sighs and looks down. "I really wish I could remember. Almost as much as I want to be The Paladin. What did you see?"

Korike nods. "You are angry at the world...as well as yourself, for not being strong. You also consider the world to be cruel. You mentioned before...that you cannot remember. Maybe some trauma in your past?"

Sororia says, "Perhaps, but I appeared in Kelay Tavern and nobody there had ever seen me before."

Korike thinks for a moment. "I see." His eyes then widen. "Wait a minute! I may not be able to read your memories...but perhaps I can unlock them for you!"

Sororia says excitedly, "Then--please do so now!"

Korike nods. "Alright. Please be patient when the process starts, though. If I unlock them all at the same time...your mind could be severely damaged. He then places both hands on the top of her head, and focuses. Within a few moments, the gnome begins slowly unlocking her memories.

You closes her eyes and waits hopefully, eager for a glimpse into her own past. So many questions...she has so many questions...and perhaps now they can all be answered.

Korike focuses, and starts unlocking her memories...making sure not to do too many at once.

Sororia stiffens. Her eyes snap open; they are glazed. "No," she murmurs to herself, and a single tear traces its way down her cheek. She frantically breaks away from Korike's magic. "Stop!" She gasps for breath. "Thank you. But I think I was better off not remembering."

Korike tilts his head to the side a bit. "What did you see?" he asks her.

You turns back towards him. "Fire. I saw fire." She stares intently at him. "Have you ever smelled burning human flesh? Have you ever heard flames licking at human skin? Seen people turn into ash?"

Korike nods. "Not often, but yes."

Sororia continues, "In the ten seconds I remembered, I did--I saw all of that and more--and I don't, I won't, I don't want to remember..."

Korike's eyes go wide for a moment. "I'm...so sorry." replies the gnome.

She stares down the mountain for a while, before standing up. "I think I should go back to the tavern."

Korike nods. "Sure. Are...you going to be alright?" the gnome asks her.

She nods. "I'll be fine. I just need to sleep."

Korike smiles and nods. "Yes, you've had a rough day."

Sororia picks up her fallen dagger. "Goodbye. I'll be here again. So I think we'll meet again. I...look forward to it." She walks down the mountain path. Each step echoes.

Korike thinks for a moment before adding "Wait a second! Even if you did do all that, you must have made up for it at some point...why else would the gods have allowed you to keep your holy magic?"

Sororia whirls back in fury. "What makes you think the fire was my fault?" She looks down at her hands. "But then maybe it was. Even so...I didn't set it, didn't I? I didn't light the flame. I didn't...so..."

Korike nods, but only says, "Good night." The gnome figures that she deserves a break.