Secrets and Doorways ~ by SaralynArati

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Story continues on this doll (red dress at beginning of this gallery): httpwww.dolldivine.com/Azaleas-Dolls/SaralynArati-2931669

10 years ago

SaralynArati

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"I see," says White Bear. "This is your idea?" Jonas nods. "It strikes me as immensely convenient, potentially very profitable, and also dangerous in the wrong hands," the older man comments. "Yes," answers the inventor, "that is why it is still so secret." "And you will explain to Smoke Cat Watching, at least, how this doorway of yours works. But after it is closed," pronounces the chieftan. Summer Wind, therefore, thanks her fellow magic student, and obediently collapses the tunnel.

10 years ago

SaralynArati

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Then, apparently satisfied, Summer Wind and the other magician step aside as the screen blurs and vanishes, leaving an amazingly normal looking portal to someplace else hanging in Smoke Cat's tent. No one speaks for a moment. "It's stable?" the shaman inquires finally. "And safe," Jonas says proudly. "I've passed through one of these dozens of times, testing it under various different conditions. This goes to a special room in the Arcane Academy. That's where they all come out as of yet."

10 years ago

SaralynArati

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It's a big hole, the size and shape of a doorway, tacked up over head high at the top, but only a few inches deep. At the back there seems to be a lattice screen. "Summer, if you please," Jonas says grandly, not able to resist a little theatricality. She takes out a small mirror. "They're ready," the girl confirms, and begins to concentrate, passing her hands back and forth in front of the shallow opening. Initially, another mage becomes visible through the screen, doing the same thing.

10 years ago

SaralynArati

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"What is it, exactly, that fortunately does work?" the shaman asks patiently. "It's easier to show you," Jonas replies, rummaging in his pack. He takes out what appears to be a wad of heavy fabric. "I need a wall. Can we go to your tent now?" And, of course, everybody follows them, crowding inside, waiting for the man to do something miraculous. Smoke Cat Watching and Summer Wind, however, are perhaps the only ones who are not surprised when he actually does. What he unfolds, is a hole.

10 years ago

SaralynArati

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"I had no word from you, either," she says to her young sister. "It was extremely secret," Summer Wind excuses herself. "Although I would have told you anyway, if it weren't for Jonas," adds the girl, gleefully shifting the focus back to him. "I wanted to be sure it would work, first," he explains, conscious of many eyes on him. "If it didn't... well, I was just going to stay gone, fade away..." Smoke Cat exercises restraint and neither chokes him nor tells him what she thinks of that plan.

10 years ago