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This evening, one of Kaveh’s old advisors from his student days has invited him to his lecture. He said that now is the most pertinent time for students to apply themselves to their studies since they can no longer rely on the Akasha to do the heavy lifting for them. One of Kaveh’s strengths was that he never relied so heavily on that technology in the first place. At the risk of sounding arrogant, it was one of the characteristics he possessed which allowed him to gain the title of “Light of the Ksharewar.” Naturally, he was a diligent student.
He arrived a bit late and so he took a seat in the back of the lecture hall, finding it decently full. The topic promised to be interesting, a “Comparative Analysis of Ancient Home-building Techniques in Ancient Inazuma and Sumeru.”
His chosen row was empty save for the spot two seats away from him, where a stranger with a particularly large hat sat with his feet up on the other chair. He looked positively aloof, like he couldn’t care less about the material. How rude! The man didn’t look like a student. He wasn’t wearing a uniform. A traveler, then? It wasn’t too uncommon to see foreigners in the halls of the Akademiya. They were allowed at public lectures so long as they were registered. His clothing had the style of the Shogunate, so perhaps he had come to hear about some of his homeland’s history.
Kaveh put to rest the narrative he was weaving in his mind and left the stranger alone, turning back to the content of the lecture. He drew sketches and took notes based on his advisor’s points, finding the lecture to be both enlightening and inspiring. He forgot all about the stranger until the man scoffed and repositioned himself, setting his feet back firmly on the ground.
“Well that’s wrong.” He muttered under his breath.
Kaveh squinted. The current example was a drawing of a house in Tatarasuna, Inazuma, 400 years ago. Curiosity got the best of him.
“What’s wrong?”
The stranger seemed surprised to have actually been acknowledged, and for a moment Kaveh thought he might just ignore him. Though after a minute he said, “The roofing. It didn’t look like that.”
“Are you by chance a history student?”
The stranger laughed. “Not at all. But I know it’s wrong.”
How cryptic. He didn’t clarify further and Kaveh wasn’t sure what to say. But he did omit that example from his notes, and later research would reveal that the stranger had been right. When he looked at diagrams in old architecture textbooks, the roofing really was different.
“What a waste of time.” The stranger muttered again.
“If it’s such a waste, then why are you even here?” Kaveh couldn’t help himself— he didn’t want to pick a fight, but he had to defend the honor of his advisor!
The man shrugged. “I was told by someone that I should immerse myself in the academic atmosphere.” He said this last part mockingly, pitching up his tone. “So I came by to appease her, but this is rather boring.”
Boring? Architectural and design history was boring?! It seemed that he had met another kind of Alhaitham’s ilk, unromantic fellows who did not appreciate the finer things in life. He stuck his nose up and said, “Did you even check the lecture board? There’s one right outside that lists the topics scheduled for that week.”
“…I did not know about that. Thank you.”
Surprisingly polite, at least. But the stranger did not leave.
“Well?”
He put his feet up again and shrugged. “I might as well finish listening to this one, since I’m here.”
They did not speak more.
He saw the stranger again when he least expected it. He was on his way to the Puspa Café when he spotted Alhaitham leaving. He slowed his pace and hung back, hoping that the other wouldn’t catch him. If he did, he would surely drag him into the café to pay off his tab so it didn’t get transferred to his name. Kaveh was a little short on Mora about now.
The stranger from the Akademiya was walking down the street when he bumped into Alhaitham. He didn’t excuse himself but seemed to recognize the man and said,
“Might you be Alhaitham? The Scribe?”
“That’s right. If there’s something you need, I’m out of the office at the moment.”
“Just a question. I heard you were the one who orchestrated Lesser Lord Kusanali’s escape.”
Kaveh’s eyebrows shot up into his forehead. Yes, he had heard many things about that whole fiasco, including Alhaitham’s integral role in the plot, but surely those couldn’t be true?! Even now he still couldn’t believe it wasn’t some secret political scheme.
“It was a team effort.”
The stranger cracked a smile. Then, weirdly enough, he stared down Alhaitham as if… as if he was waiting to be recognized. But that was odd. Why should Alhaitham know him? He had nothing to do with the Akademiya. As expected, Alhaitham just stood there without saying a thing. If he was confused it didn’t show, but the lack of recognition was clear.
“Hehehe…” The stranger laughed, and his laugh grew obnoxiously until he walked away like that, clutching his stomach. What a weirdo. Curiosity got the better of him once again, and so he walked up to his roommate.
“Look what the cat dragged in.”
Kaveh glared. He skipped the squabbling and got straight to, “Did you know that guy?”
Now Alhaitham raised an eyebrow. “Did it look like I knew him?”
“Come on Alhaitham, just answer the question!”
“No, I have no idea who he was. But he seemed to know me. I mean, beyond just being the Scribe.” He pondered.
“I suppose he’s a visitor. I saw him for the first time attending a public lecture at the Akademiya.”
“Well if he’s new around here, then how did he know…” Alhaitham’s voice trailed off. “Well, it doesn’t matter anyway. What strangers know or don’t know is of little consequence to my work.
He rolled his eyes. “How can you call yourself a scholar with such a lack of natural curiosity?”
“It’s not that I lack curiosity. It’s that I have the means to properly allocate my curiosity towards better things, like languages or runes. You on the other hand,” he pointed, “Haven’t you ever been curious about what it feels like to pay off your own tab for once?”
“Wait—“
“Come on.” Alhaitham grabbed his sleeve, tugging him inside. “Let’s have a chat with Enteka.”
“Alhaitham!”
A week later, Kaveh was fussing over his appearance at the last minute before heading out. He had an important meeting, and it wasn’t just any old client he could charm with a simple smile.
“I don’t think Lesser Lord Kusanali cares whether you parted your hair on the left or on the right,” Alhaitham said. Usually, when he was reading he had little care for the world around him. Kaveh could count on these moments for some peace and quiet, but perhaps Alhaitham thought he had gone too far this time. “Besides, don’t you think you’re being a bit presumptuous?”
Kaveh submitted a request to Lesser Lord Kusanali to take a tour of the inner residence of the Sanctuary of Surasthana. He was lacking artistic inspiration these days, and what better place to receive it than a sanctuary that had been locked away from the public for the past several hundred years? It was like visiting ancient temples in the desert, a glimpse into history that could spring forth new innovations in the modern age. He wrote all this in his request of course, which passed the desk of the Scribe. The request had made its way up to the archon, so he saw no reason why Alhaitham should find fault with it now. It was just his never-ending need to be at odds with him.
“If it was really a problem I’m sure Lesser Lord Kusanali would have just rejected it. More importantly, how do I look?”
“Fine.”
“You didn’t even look up from your book!”
Alhaitham made a big deal of sweeping his gaze up and down his form. “You look the same as you always do.”
“Which is?”
“Fine.”
What did that even mean? The man was insufferable and useless. He let him know as much before making sure his hair was parted his usual way, then set off.
Lesser Lord Kusanali was waiting for him in the Razan Garden, so it saved him the trouble of having to explain himself to guards. He greeted her with the usual courtesies but she assured him that they didn’t have to spend so much time on pleasantries. She looked really happy to meet him.
“I’m excited to have a casual visitor! I don’t have too many of those.”
“If you’ll permit it, I brought along a sketchpad. I’d like to make a few notes and drawings.”
“Of course!” She smiled.
Even just passing through the threshold into the main meditation chamber, he was in awe at the grandeur of the space. He immediately got to work drawing what he saw, noting the arches, geometric layout, and gorgeous plant-like motifs which were befitting for the God of Dendro. As he drew up his notes she explained to him how this was just the outer sanctum, and the private residence was inside. This place had served as a meditation chamber, then her prison, and was now her base of operations. Although he admired its beauty, he wondered if it should not also make her a little bit sad. The vastness of it all was lonely. And cold.
They moved on.
“These are the actual living quarters. I think you’ll find it to be, um, very different from the first room.”
His eyes widened. Not because it had somehow surpassed the grandeur of the meditation space but actually because it was a lot smaller than he expected. This area, while still occupying the same framework as the rest of the Akademiya, was so much more quaint. It looked like an Akademiya dorm room or a regular Sumeru City house. It was almost unremarkable.
Yet it was still interesting. The tall halls and high ceilings of the Akademiya had been compressed into a normal-sized home, which made for an interesting mixture. Unlike the serious aura of the meditative outer sanctum, this place was warm and inviting.
“Feel free to walk around, there are quite a few rooms.” She offered.
The first place he entered seemed to be a workstation. There were woodworking tools, mechanical parts, and diagrams strewn all about. A wooden chest was overflowing with what appeared to be game boards and carvings, while another device on the table was pulsing with soft light. It was like a peek into the God of Wisdom’s mind. He glanced over at her. Even though she was a child, she retained so much intelligence and capability. It was a strange dissonance to have a young girl appear so wise. Sometimes he, like the other people of Sumeru, was still getting used to having their archon around.
Lesser Lord Kusanali picked up a chessboard. “Want to play a round? I made this set myself.”
“Maybe some other time.” He rejected her softly. If he played a round of chess with the God of Wisdom, he would certainly get destroyed. He thought she deserved a fair challenge with an apt competitor, but she frowned.
“Kaveh, could I ask you something? Something which worries me about the state of the Akademiya. I believe your perspective as a great talent could shed some light on the matter.”
He was taken aback. She wanted advice from him? “I’m not sure what I may have to offer, but go ahead.”
She shook her head. “Please don’t look down on yourself. All forms of knowledge are valuable, whether they be from a small bird, a child, or a renowned genius. All these different perspectives come together to form the world as we know it.” Her eyes softened. “I wanted to know your thoughts on the shutting down of the Akasha.”
“Well…” he took a moment to compose his thoughts. “I think it's a good thing. People became so reliant on it, that they forgot to think for themselves. But that is the beauty of creativity— every design is crafted with your own unique voice, your own perspective. The Akasha can’t speak for you. We need more of that originality in the future in order to pursue true wisdom, I think.”
“That is an excellent perspective.”
He felt proud to attain her approval. But that wasn’t the end of it. “Even if that’s how I feel, it’s going to take a while before the Akademiya as a whole comes to understand that. As it is, many of the current students complain about having to research at the House of Daena for hours on end. I mean, can you believe that?! Obviously being a scholar takes work!” He let himself get carried away, and then remembered who he was talking to. He cleared his throat. “Excuse me.”
The archon only giggled at his small outburst. “Unfortunately you are right. But we will find a way to remedy that somehow. I hope everyone can come to share similar views on wisdom as you.”
They continued their tour, with her allowing him free roam of the residence. He looked at the kitchen and study, once again finding nothing out of the ordinary. It was interesting to think of how differently gods could live in different places. He had seen drawings of the Tenshukaku, the abode of the Raiden Shogun. Now that was a palace. Although the Sanctuary was also a palace, he would describe this interior as a mid-sized mansion at best. There was a lot of potential for glory and splendor since there was so much space, but she kept everything neat and compact. He could also appreciate that.
Down the hall, he found an open door to what appeared to be a guest bedroom. It was tidied up and looked hardly lived in, except for the slightly unmade bed and the shelf in the corner. There were dozens of trinkets and collectibles, some herbal tea blends, books, and dolls. The toys were rather cute— he spotted a wooden carving of an Aranara and some chess pieces. There was also a representation of Lesser Lord Kusanali which possessed a striking likeness to its muse, a matching pair with another sewn doll beside it in the image of a man with a blue hat…
Wait.
“It’s that guy!” He exclaimed. What was that doing here?! Why did Lesser Lord Kusanali have a doll in his image?
She popped into the room a moment later. “There you are Kaveh! I lost you for a second. This bedroom is only used on occasion, by someone who doesn’t usually like me being in here. But what he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.” She winked.
She took a look over the shelf as well, clasping her hands together in joy when she saw the books stacked on the desk. “Are these from the House of Daena? Oh, I’m so happy! By the way, this Aranara carving here is my own handiwork.” She looked proud of herself.
“Lesser Lord Kusanali, how do you know this man?” He asked. He pointed to the doll to clarify whom he meant, feeling a bit silly.
“Hm? You know him? Where did you meet?”
“Ah, he was attending a lecture from one of my old advisors the other day. I chatted with him briefly.”
Somehow the news made her even happier. “I’m glad he’s taken my advice.” She took it upon herself to go and fix up the loose bed sheets, humming to herself as she straightened them out.
He recalled what the stranger had said in their initial conversation about how his attendance at the lecture was only meant to appease a certain someone’s wishes. Her wishes? But that couldn’t be…
“What are you doing in my room?”
Speak of the devil. Kaveh froze in place upon seeing the stranger at the door, crossing his arms in obvious distaste. Lesser Lord Kusanali put her hands on her hips.
“Don’t be rude! I was just giving Kaveh a tour of the Sanctuary. He’s a great architect from the Ksharewar Darshan.”
“We’ve met.” He said curtly. “Didn’t I tell you not to come in here even when I’m gone?”
Kaveh wanted to apologize for the intrusion, but he held his tongue. He wondered what kind of person could tell the God of Wisdom to stay out of a room in her own palace. It was strange to witness someone speak so casually to her.
She waved him off. “I’m so happy to hear you finally visited the Akademiya. I think you’ve earned yourself a head pat!” She smiled.
The stranger paused. Kaveh couldn’t read his expression at all, and if there was any embarrassment from her doting praises it was well hidden. But he was kicked out just one minute later.
To his credit, Alhaitham actually paid attention when he recounted his experience in the Sanctuary. He even turned off his soundproof headphones, though that gesture could’ve just been for show.
“So even the God of Wisdom has fallen on hard times in order to necessitate living with a roommate. That or the more likely option,”
“Yes?” Kaveh listened intently.
“She’s just being incredibly benevolent and has taken responsibility for a social parasite that would be unhoused otherwise. I know the feeling all too well.” He nodded sagely as if he was truly empathizing with her. Kaveh scowled.
It just didn’t make any sense. A god with a roommate? What was their relationship? From his perspective, it almost seemed like an annoyed son who didn’t want his mother to pester him. When he was younger, he certainly didn’t like it if his mother touched his projects in his room. They were rather amateur, to be sure, but to him, they were the greatest treasures. Perhaps those items the stranger had collected were also his personal treasures.
“Based on what you’re telling me, there are a few options,” Alhaitham offered. “They could be family—“
“Gods don’t have family, do they? At least, not the Dendro Archon. Besides, he’s from Inazuma.”
“Adoptive family?”
Kaveh couldn’t rule that out, he supposed.
“Or they could just be friends.”
“No offense, but she was locked up in the Sanctuary of Surasthana for 500 years. She probably doesn’t have many friends.”
“Well, that’s a bit rude. She does have friends— she’s friends with the Traveler.”
“But the Traveler is a renowned figure! This is just some guy!”
Alhaitham laughed to himself, finding Kaveh’s cluelessness hilarious apparently. “You’re much too nosy for your own good. Aren’t you meddling in a god’s affairs?”
The way he saw it, he was just a concerned citizen. The archon had just been rescued from imprisonment after facing a calamity great enough to overthrow the sages and send the Akademiya into disarray. She had to be careful about who she let close to her, right? There were many individuals he felt could be trusted because they had served the nation for many years such as General Mahamatra Cyno and, he hated to say it, Alhaitham. But if she had just met this… wanderer recently, befriended him, and given him a home, then couldn’t it possibly be a trick?
“Just ask them the next time you see them. No need to tear your hair out over this.” He laughed softly. “You’re too empathetic, Kaveh. I’m sure the Dendro Archon can trust the people she’s chosen to keep close.”
“You’re right.” He finally relented, drooping like a withering flower. He hated it when Alhaitham was right. He hesitated at the thought of having to ask the Dendro Archon a question about her private life.
Luckily for him, he didn’t have to. He was scoping out a building site in the wilderness when he noticed the subject of his recent curiosities seated by a tree. A couple of birds had perched on his hat, but when he saw Kaveh approaching he shooed them all away.
“No need to dismiss your friends.” He greeted. The stranger frowned. “I just wanted to offer my apologies for the intrusion the other day. I didn’t expect the Dendro Archon to have any other, er, occupants in her home.”
He shrugged. “I didn’t expect you to know. It was she who should know better. She’s always pestering me. That’s why I finally did as she asked and started going to lectures and the like.”
“Well if it makes you feel any better, she was extremely happy when she found out.”
“Why should I care?” His words were harsh, but nonetheless, there was a small smile on his face. Perhaps her happiness made him happy too.
He cleared his throat. It was an awkward question to ask, but he just had to know. “What is your relationship to Lesser Lord Kusanali, exactly?”
“Hehe, now there’s a question.” He stood up, gesturing for Kaveh to follow. Below the hill they were standing on was a marsh with a couple of crocodiles lounging about. Some of them had their jaws open with little birds cleaning their teeth, a phenomenon he had observed many times before.
“Think of it like this. The birds and the crocodiles share a symbiotic, mutually beneficial relationship. Although the crocodile could close its jaws at any moment and chomp down on the bird, it doesn’t, because it needs them. They need each other, and they help each other. Even if their nature is completely different, together they have achieved a unique balance.”
That was wonderful, philosophical, and poetic, but… “I still don’t get it.”
The stranger sighed.
In a later conversation, Lesser Lord Kusanali was more clear-cut in her response. “He’s my nephew!”
“Nephew?!”
“Well,” she put a finger to her chin, “it’s a little complicated and a long story. He’s been under my care for a little while, and technically speaking since I’m one of the Seven, you could see it as him being my nephew. Human relationships are complex, but this is the best analogy I can make.”
Now she was making even less sense. What did she being one of the Seven have to do with anything? Kaveh accepted her answer without any further questioning, accepting that he would simply never understand.
Though maybe he didn’t have to. They seemed happy, and that was probably enough.