CHAPTER 21: THE ORACLE

“That is because this is Nassima's home!” announced a young woman who stepped from out of the Temple doors and approached Norrin with her arms outstretched in welcome.

“Nassima my sister, I have missed you so much!” She said as she greeted Norrin with two kisses on his cheeks. She held Norrin's hands in hers while looking deep into his eyes and he was sure she could see the look of confusion on his face, but, it did not deter the welcoming smile on hers.

“Are you talking to me? Or to her?” Norrin inquired as he motioned his head toward a delighted Nassima, who appeared behind the woman at the time.

“To her of course, and to you Norrin! Are you not one and the same at this moment? I can feel her essence and energy inside of you. Her heart and soul speak to me.”

Nassima jumped in the conversation. “This is the Oracle Tsikki, one of my oldest friends in this lifetime. She and her disciples are fountains of knowledge, and I am sure will be able to help us on our quest.”

“How does she know my name?” Norrin asked Nassima, while Tsikki still held his hands.

“I told her, of course.”

“So, she also can see and hear you?” Norrin wondered still avoiding Tsikki’s unnerving gaze.

“She cannot see me, but she can hear me when I speak directly to her,” Nassima explained to him. “Tsikki, Norrin here has had a hard couple of days. He needs to rest.”

“Yes of course, come in!” Tsikki replied. Even though this first encounter was odd, Norrin felt Tsikki’s nurturing, warmhearted soul, and this comforted him. She led him into the Temple, which was full of people buzzing with activity.

Nassima said Tsikki was one of her oldest friends, but the Oracle appeared to be quite young to him with her smooth, light olive colored skin. She had a full head of long jet-black curly hair that flowed down her back. She wore a long flowing gown of pink and white silks, and her wrist, neck and ears were all decorated with silver jewelry. She bore a contagious smile, which she shared with every disciple crossing her path, who then returned her smile with deep reverence.

The disciples of the Oracle came in every color, size and shape and all greeted Norrin with respect and kindness. After Tsikki introduced them to Norrin, they would return to their activities, whether it be studying grand volumes in the library, sorting and categorizing herbs and roots, or gathering for group meditations. Every task the disciples performed was done with peace, serenity and gratitude. Even the most mundane tasks, like sweeping the floor, was performed with a small smile on the disciple's face. There was a genuine feeling of tranquility and happiness throughout the Temple like Norrin never experienced before.

The Temple itself was vast with beautiful decor. There were amazing murals adorning the ceilings, and each room was furnished and bedecked with perfect harmony in mind. Circular torchlight crystal lanterns, and mirrors placed with precision, helped to provide an abundance of light in every corner and hallway. There were also benches placed in strategic locations inside the hallways, for the moment one of the myriad of books placed upon the numerous bookshelves caught one’s eyes. The main hall was filled with tables and seating where the disciples would huddle together and discuss the philosophies and teachings they learned that day and debate a multitude of topics.

Norrin continued to be surprised about how large the space was. Judging from the outside, no one would be able to guess the sheer enormity of the atrium and temple housed within. He wondered to himself how a place like this remained a hidden secret for so long.

“This Temple isn’t a secret. We do not hide the fact it is here. Anyone may enter inside if they desire,” Tsikki informed him as she escorted him through the building.

Her statement made Norrin pause and do a double-take in her direction. Did she just read my mind?

“No, I didn’t read your mind,” Tsikki said laughing at the flabbergasted look on Norrin’s face. “Mind reading is a parlor trick. I just knew the question you were thinking, because most people who come to Temple for the first time have the same question. Truth be told, all the hopeless souls who come to Summersedge come for a reason; they come seeking the enlightenment of the Temple. But most don’t know what they are searching for, so they end up never finding it, continuing on their aimless path. It is only those who have the courage to follow their heart and intuition who end up here.”

A disciple who seemed like he was in a rush with a box full of materials, rounded the corner. But when he saw the Oracle, he paused and bowed in respect. Tsikki returned his bow with grace and her trademark smile. “I built this temple in Nassima's honor. Her quintessence is present in these walls. It helps call out to those who need my help the most. Each person here was once lost. I give them a home and hopefully a purpose.”

“And what is that purpose” Norrin asked.

“To forgive and love themselves, so they can learn to make the world a better place.”

Tsikki brought Norrin to a room with a medium sized rectangular pool of balmy water centered in the floor. A disciple was busy pouring a mixture of salts and herbs from a large container into the pool, which caused the water to sparkle and glow as if infused with magic.

“You may get yourself cleaned up in here. We will take your garments and get them washed up for you. When you are finished, meet with me in the dining hall. We celebrate the return of the Azuri Nassima. I will give you your privacy now, so you can relax.”

Tsikki closed the door behind her as she exited, and Norrin began the task of undressing. He hung his bandero with care on a hook next to the door, unlatched and slid out of his armor pieces, and stripped himself of all his crust and dirt covered clothing and placed them inside a small basket. He took a small step into the pool to feel the temperature, it was hot, but not unbearable, before easing into the pool. He inhaled the scented steam and submerged himself completely underwater, letting the effervescent salts and herbs cleanse the grime from his body. By some feat of unseen engineering, the water circulated and flowed with its own current, which washed away this filth, but kept the water warm and clean. Norrin surfaced and sat on a small ledge inside the pool which let him rest comfortably with his head above the water.

Even though Nassima’s power gifted him a more rapid healing response, he felt the steaming bath worked miracles on his body and mind. The herbs mixed inside the waters brought another level of relaxation and tranquility to his psyche. He was so at ease; he almost did not notice Nassima appear. She lounged in front of him hovering just above the pool of water. The steam of the bath softened her glowing aura and muted the colors of her translucent form.

“Oh, you are here,” Norrin said in a sleepy haze, “how long have you been there?”

“Not long, just wanted to check if you are comfortable,” She replied while dipping her hand in the pool. She gave a small pout, disappointed that she was unable to feel the warmth of the water.

“That’s nice of you to check on me, I was beginning to miss you,” Norrin said, now slurring his words. “Your friend the Oracle is so nice and pretty, and so is this room, and Temple, and everything. But nothing is as beautiful as you…”

The salts and herbs in the water were fogging Norrin’s mind. In his altered state his inhibitions were near non-existent. His tongue was free from the limitations of his mind. Nassima decided to not let him say something he would not remember anyway.

“Rest up, Norrin we will talk soon.”
“Okay I …” He drifted off to sleep before he could finish his sentence.

****

Nassima knew Norrin was not aware of what he was saying. She realized in his extreme relaxed state, he forgotten the conditions of their bond. In truth, she had been there the whole time, observing Norrin in silence as he undressed and viewing the entirety of his physique.

She noted he was more fit and muscular than what she believed, probably because of some subconscious body image issues Norrin possessed. She also beheld each tattoo, blemish and scar on his body, and was able to glean through his memories where they each came from, their significance, and the role they played in making Norrin who he was as a person. Besides the half-skull tattoo on his neck, he bore many other markings. There was the number “9” on his chest, and an octagon on his right forearm, both representing places he came from. The stylized feathered-snake tattoo wrapped around his torso which signified the first beast he encountered as a Chaser. Lastly, he sported an insignia of the Firstview Army Scouts division on his lower left calf from his time in service.

He bared the scars of battling with a myriad of beasts and bandits. However, he never boasted about his exploits or showed off his scars to prove how brave and tough he was like others may have, because he believed he wasn’t that special. He believed it was him just doing his duty like the many other people that took the oath of the Chasers. He did not know that this was the very quality which made him special to everyone he met, and special to her.

The Oracle awaited Nassima just outside Norrin’s chamber on a small cushioned bench. Nassima drifted in front of her as she sat cross-legged with her eyes closed as if in deep meditation.

“Tsikki, my dear friend, how I have missed you,” Nassima said joining her in the same crossed legged position, only without assistance from a bench.

Tsikki perked up but still kept her eyes closed as she spoke. “I have waited for your return for so long. I am so happy to hear your voice, I only wish I could see you and your light now.”

“I wish that too. When I realized Amaliel sent me here I was overjoyed to see you again. The Temple is still so beautiful, and you have taken on so many more disciples,” Nassima replied.

“Oh yes, there are so many more souls looking for peace in this world. The beasts of the wild lands have become so dangerous and unpredictable lately, that people have crowded the Citadels looking for protection behind the walls. But those same walls that secure them also stifle their spirits. All the disciples here have risked everything to find their solace.”

“I have spoken with Amaliel about her beasts. When I return to the physical world, we will find a solution that will let humans live in peace outside of their walled cities.”

“I hope you were not too harsh with Amaliel. She lamented your loss and her role in your disappearance.”

“I ascertained as much, but what is past is past. Amaliel is still my sister. I am disappointed by her actions, but cannot hold a grudge against her. Did she visit you in my absence?"

"Yes she did. She often guided many of the people fleeing from her wild beasts here. This is why I believe she was sincere when she told me she regrets betraying you. She wanted to help clean up the mess she had a hand in making."

"That may be true, but she did not tell me who guided her to betray me."

"I am sure she had her reasons to remain cryptic. But, I think finding out who imprisoned you should not be your priority now."

"It is because now that I am free from my prison, I must seek justice.”

“Your spirit may be free, but you are borrowing someone else’s body,” Tsikki corrected, “He has faced many dangers bringing you here, and going on a quest for revenge may endanger him even more. Which puts you in a precarious situation if he faces a challenge that he is not ready for.”

“Yes,” Nassima admitted, “even with my powers it has been hard for him.”

“Does he understand how many more tribulations he will face?”

“I do not know, because even I do not know what is to come. I believe that is why we are here. So, you can tell us our fate.”

“Nassima, you know I cannot do that. But I will help you and Norrin in any other way I can.”

“Just giving him a place to rest is something I am sure he appreciates,” Nassima said with a smile. “What do you think of him?”

“His colors are vivid and bright, but he holds back. He does not have a natural fighting instinct like you do, but this not a negative quality. The amount of power he is in possession of now is a new experience to him. Is he aware of the danger it holds?”

“I have warned him that my powers will eventually be too much for him. He has assured me he will relinquish them back to me at the end of our quest. Should I be worried?”

“You have made a good choice, my love. You always have.” Tsikki said as she opened her eyes and rose to her feet. “Rest your soul now, while I make sure everything is prepared."

A small shining tear rolled down Nassima’s cheek as she wished to embrace her friend. She promised herself that she would cherish the moment that she would be able to do so again.