𝐓𝐖𝐎.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒, 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄 𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐒
The first lesson had proven rather insightful; more than I anticipated.
No great secrets were shared with me, though my mentor is very promising.
My mentor spoke of the shadows and their ties to the world- both theirs, and ours.
"To be here is to be in agony for them," a surprising and disturbing truth to hear.
It had never occurred to me that the shadows that linger north were in pain.
That's not something I want to even try to imagine. I pity them.
"You are free to ask your questions, Jane. I will answer them."
Does this path make you happy? Are you and your counterpart friends?
The sheer look of surprise was abundantly clear- I nearly laughed at the sight.
My mentor's answers were noncommittal...I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised.
This path was a means to an end, for them; a way to uphold their duty.
As for their counterpart...well.
I didn't find the answer particularly satisfying.
"It is up to you how conscious they truly are," was what I was offered.
...Really? Surely the counterpart tied to you is more than a puppet at your whim?
This was something that didn't quite feel right to hear- I felt bad for doubting my mentor.
And even now, this is a thought that gnaws at the back of my mind; never quite resting well...
They both departed with a few, simple requests.
"Do not neglect your academics," they had warned. "Study the shadows and their home."
This sounded simple enough, though I had my doubts on how available information would be.
"Reach out to them; offer to them your emotions and thoughts to forge your connection."
Easier said than done, I imagine, but I promised I would try my best.
Several minutes passed after my mentor and their counterpart departed.
A quiet chat followed; the rekindling of being home, and reveling in the feeling.
It was peaceful and serene...until I caught movement in the corner of my eye.
A simple tilt of the head, a curious guest watching by the armoire.
It was one of them- one of the shadows, but not my mentor's.
The excitement within me was practically bubbling.
I beckoned it to us; "So long as you do not harm us, we will not harm you."
To the shadows it faded. Disappointment sank in, initially, before it returned to sight.
So close...it was so close to me, that I probably could have reached out and touched it.
I'm not sure of the malevolence I felt was true to the shadow's whims, or merely its energy.
Even still, I didn't fear the presence. Rather, I welcomed it; this was an opportunity.
Perhaps we could become friends.
So unfortunate that it was startled.
It saddened me to see it retreat, but I understood.
Within the safety of the shadows it remained; I could feel it watching.
Not that I minded. I was far more hopeful in my pursuit, now.
"Try to reach out to them- make a connection," I had been told.
What if the shadows reach out to me first?