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It was still. Almost.
Candles flickered, melted wax dripping and forming small wells around the wicks. They'd been burning for a long time.
The sun drifted in through stained glass windows, carefully placed to catch rays of light at different times of day. It was about to set, giving few more beams of warmth through the window set high at the back of the church. The twilight window.
Lovingly crafted tapestries hung on the walls, detailing different phases and cycles of the sun. They were long and thick, the tassels almost brushing the creaking floorboards.
A few worshippers kneeled on mattresses, deep in prayer to the dying sun. Asking for good blessings for the next harvest, requesting protection, even when it finally vanished over the horizon.
There was a mighty brown bear, lying in the aisle, shifting in his sleep. People who walked by would scratch his head, respectful but caring.
The stillest one of all was the sovereign ruler. She was laid back across a mattress beside her bear, hands resting over her heart. Her tiara of gold and ruby was set aside, discarded. She did not speak, not even to whisper blessings, or respond to the worshippers that quietly bid her farewell as they exited for the night. She simply breathed.
The ruler had barely left her church since it's construction. Her people told tales of her devotion, her complete surrender to the sun's mercy. Perhaps they were right, the empire was flourishing. The harvests had been good, and so had trade with neighbouring empires. Things were going well.
Her people also whispered about the strange guests that visited their princess, the people that had emerged from a mysterious rift. Some claimed that their princess knew them well, that she belonged in two worlds, and travelled as she pleased, through sleep. But most dismissed this as foolish nonsense, meaningless gossip.
One citizen, a devout worshipper, spread a rumour that these strange guests were upset with her, in some way. They had been praying one early day, and couldn't help but overheard a conversation between the princess and a couple of the visitors.
"Though it was strange, the princess did not speak at first. She merely lay there as the strange guests pleaded with her to speak with them. When she did speak, she reassured them of her good health and requested they leave her alone."
The people of Dawn puzzled over this. The princess was a very kind and sociable ruler. Why would she send people away when she always urged her citizens to be kind to strangers and welcome guests into their homes? Especially when they seemed to know her, well at that.
Some excused it as devotion. She did not want to be disturbed during prayer, and who could fault her for that? But people began to question why she never seemed to leave. When the princess of Glimmer Grove came to discuss the candle making collaboration, their ruler did not engage in friendly conversation at all, just provided more honeycomb.
That made the citizens more concerned. The two princesses were known to be close friends, and often had hosted tea parties for each other. All the people of Dawn knew Princess Katherine's secret, and kept it well. They were close allies.
When the visit turned out to be a stifled trade discussion, Princess Katherine clearly surprised and confused, it set off alarm bells that something was sincerely wrong.
But the people of Dawn did not know how to act. One could not simply approach a princess, especially when she seemed to... unsociable as of late. Her loyal bear companion stood guard by her side, glaring at any that looked to come near to her.
All they could do was whisper and worry about their beloved princess.
There was a roof above, tall. It was a gradient of sunshine, warm and pretty. Gem liked it, she decided. She thought about the roof a lot.
Gem was a fool.
She should have been more careful. So many times, that same warning had been given.
"World hopping is an ability with not many effects. However, the most notable one occurs from overuse of your ability. Consistently travelling through worlds, and then stopping entirely, will have an impact on your body. You will be accustomed to travelling, and your mind will begin to drift. It is best to simply slow down before stopping."
She was such a fool. But Gem hadn't wanted to hop back into Hermitcraft. It felt unfair, when the rest of the hermits were trapped there. Especially since she was worried they might change their minds about her ability, decide it was selfish and unfair.
Gem was selfish. That was true. She had chosen to stay, so she could spend time with all her friends, show off her flourishing empire that she'd hid from them all that time.
But now it was different. Gem didn't remember why it was her fault. All she knew was that something was wrong, and she could have stopped it.
Now she was trapped in a mind that drifted. Gem was barely there at all, floating through an endless well of nothing. It was easier to just lie there. Everything else felt wrong, just slightly out of place.
She was almost certain people had come to visit her. For something. Gem couldn't remember how she was supposed to act, what she was supposed to say. Were those people her friends? People she liked? Her sunglasses stayed on, hiding her eyes that didn't seem to focus on anything at all.
The most frustrating part was how simple it would be to pull Gem out of it. If she'd actually explained what could happen, explained what she needed in case of an incident like this. But she had stayed closed off, refused to elaborate on her abilities, and was now paying the price.
It was too deep now. Gem wasn't aware of anything, not the people that walked past her in the church to pray, or Apollo, who would sniff and grunt beside her. She hadn't eaten in days. Or however long it had been. Maybe it had only been a few hours. She could believe it.
Gem knew it was the drift. At least she thought she did. Everything was hazy, and when she did get moments of clarity, they faded away quickly, nothing to ground her.
All she could do was hope it would fade away, being her back down to reality. Whatever that was supposed to really be. But she was drifting further and further, and it felt like she could never return.
When Pearl stepped through the portal, she was again struck with how beautiful Dawn was. The idea that her friend had been able to make an entire empire, with an economy and politics and people while simultaneously living across a bridge from Pearl was slightly insane. But true, clearly.
Impulse followed her, shielding his eyes from the bright glare of the sun. He let out a low whistle of appreciation.
"It's amazing here. She's worked so hard on this."
Grian stumbled out of the portal, squinting his eyes.
"Is it just me, or is the sun brighter here?"
Pearl looked around. He had a point, if she was honest. It was like the buildings were laid out as if to spread the sun's rays as far as possible, casting everything in a warm glow. Impulse clapped his hands together, breaking her out of her thoughts.
"Right, we're here to find Gem. Where do think she might be?"
Pearl frowned thoughtfully. "We could ask one of the villagers? They might know something?" When they didn't disagree, she approached a young woman, who was setting up a market stand for the day.
"Excuse me?" The woman looked up.
"Hello, sun's blessings, miss. Could I interest you in a golden carrot?" She immediately pulled out a tray of produce, clearly about to launch into a sales pitch. Pearl quickly cut her off.
"No, that's okay. I was wondering if you could tell me where your princess is?" The villager suddenly gained a slightly frightened expression.
"Um...she...the church. I think. But I must warn you, miss. She has not been taking kindly to others lately. I do not wish to speak ill of my ruler, of course," she hurried to add. "But between you and me, she has not been acting like herself. Snapping at other, and that bear...I hope you get through to her. Good luck, miss."
Pearl nodded her thanks, only becoming more worried. She turned back to Grian and Impulse, only to find the former bearing a full sack of potatoes.
"Grian?" He sighed heavily.
"The people here are really convincing."
They made their way down the path, potatoes and all. They attracted some stares, which did make sense. They certainly didn't look like they belonged in a kingdom like Dawn.
The church came into view, tucked away into a corner. Pearl began to approach, only to notice Grian lagging behind. She turned to him.
"What's wrong?" Grian began to pick at his jumper nervously.
"Do you guys think she'll want to talk to me? After I-"
Impulse cut in immediately. "Of course she will. She didn't say she was mad, did she?"
He didn't look convinced. "But...I revealed something she was clearly trying to hide. Now she's not talking to anyone? It has to be connected in some way." He pulled out a rocket. "Maybe it'd be better if I leave?"
"No!" Pearl grabbed his arm. "You're coming with us."
Impulse nodded his agreement. "We need to make sure she's okay. I know you're worried as well. So see for yourself."
He agreed, albeit reluctantly. They approached the church, and Pearl stepped inside.
It was beautiful, all glowing candles and quiet. It was empty, most citizens starting their workdays. Peal's eyes fell on one of the rows in the centre, and stilled.
There was Gem, lying back, unmoving. Pearl walked closer, ignoring Impulse and Grian's confused murmuring.
"Gem?" She spoke quietly. No response. Pearl tried again, inching nearer. "Gemmie? You with me?"
She didn't even seem to realise Pearl was there, that anyone was there. She didn't even acknowledge her bear, who sniffed Pearl thoughtfully. He seemed to consider her safe enough, and moved away from Gem's side to let her pass.
Pearl carefully removed Gem's sunglasses with a tug, folding them up. Her eyes were open, Pearl realised, but didn't seem to really see.
"What-" Impulse stilled. "What's wrong with her?" Pearl shook her head, looking at her unreactive face.
"It's like...she's dissociated. But not...at the same time? I'm going to try..." Pearl trailed off, and reached out to touch Gem's hand. She squeezed, firmly.
Gem's expression, flickered, just for a moment. Pearl felt herself let out a small breath of relief. She tried it again, squeezing and releasing.
Her eyes slowly drifted over to Pearl's face, gazing at her with some sort of recognition. Impulse joined them on the mattress.
"I sent Grian to go cook some of the potatoes. If she's been like this for days, she probably wouldn't have eaten." It was something Pearl hadn't even considered, and she nodded in thanks. Impulse reached out to touch Gem's shoulder. "Should we try sitting her up?"
Pearl nodded, and together they carefully shifted Gem upwards, until she was slumped against Impulse. He wrapped his arms around her, keeping her upright.
"Gem? Are you with us?" Pearl reached out to take Gem's hands again, seeing as the pressure seemed to have helped before.
Dazed, green eyes met hers. Tired. Distant. But there was something there. Pearl squeezed again, trying to squash her worry for her friend.
There was a faint movement, Gem's fingers tightening around Pearl. She grabbed onto the opportunity.
"That's it! Gem?" Pearl was searching in her face for something, stomach churning. Gem blinked. Once. Twice.
"I...who-" Gem frowned in confusion. Pearl looked at Impulse, his expression of concern matching her own. Gem let out a small puff of air, squeezing Pearl's hands. "Where am I?"
Impulse swallowed, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You're on empires, Gem. And the hermits are here as well. Do you-" he cleared his throat "-do you know who we are?"
Gem shifted to look up at him, her face scrunched up. "Impulse...but...you shouldn't be here?" She slumped back, exhausted. "Should be on Hermitcraft. You shouldn't have come."
Pearl was confused. She squeezed Gem's hands again. "Why shouldn't we have come, Gem?"
"Cause...I was meant to go back and forth. Like normal. Now I can't. So my mind...left."
Things began to click, but it didn't quell her concern at all. "What does that mean?"
Gem closed her eyes. When Pearl squeezed her hands again, she reopened them. She seemed more lucid, at least. "Means I went from world hopping all the time, to stopping. So I started drifting." She sniffled. "I'm sorry. I wanted to be around, to hang out. But my stupid mind-"
"Hey, no. It's okay, Gem. It wasn't your fault." Impulse tightened his arms around her, hugging her. Gem leaned into the touch, sighing heavy. He pulled back, and gave Pearl a concerned glance over her head. "Gem?"
"...Yeah?"
"When did this start happening? Would you say?"
Gem thought. "A few days after the church was built?"
Pearl winced at the implications. "So, it's been almost a month? Of you just, unable to take care of yourself?"
She shook her head. "I ate. I slept. At first. But when the drift sets in...it made me feel like I wasn't...real."
Impulse gave a decisive nod. "Then that means you need to eat. Do you think you can be moved?"
Gem gave a shaky nod. When Pearl went to stand up, she grabbed her arm, squeezing.
"What is it, Gem?" She shook her head rapidly.
"There's a good chance I won't be able to...hang on. I might go again. Will you..."
"I'll bring you back." Pearl swore. Gem nodded again, and let Impulse scoop her into his arms.
The walk to Gem's house was slow, villagers averting their eyes in respect. Pearl found herself deep in thought.
She just wanted to understand, really. Pearl knew next to nothing on worldhoppers. Gem had claimed there was nothing to know, which she had clearly lied about.
Pearl understood a desire for privacy. From what she did know, Gem certainly had her reasons for hiding her true abilities. History had never been kind to people who were different, and worldhoppers would not be an exception.
But, Gem was her friend. Probably her best friend, really. Pearl wished Gem had told her. Told her anything at all. Even after she found out, Gem hadn't decided to share anything more, like the drift she was currently experiencing. If Pearl had known, she could have helped, she could have-
"Pearl?" Impulse was looking at her, carefully. "Gem fell asleep. You okay?"
She nodded, picking up speed again. "Yep. Yeah. Is Gem okay?"
He frowned slightly, looking down at their friend with concern. "She's very light. I know it's not her fault, but I wish she'd explained more, what it meant. Maybe we could have helped earlier."
Pearl was glad she wasn't the only one. "Gem's always been closed off. Like last time-" She cut herself off. There was that confusion again, that feeling like this was all painfully familiar. The trading systems, the sunflower dress that had just seemed to appear when they crossed over.
"Pearl?" Impluse was giving her a strange look. "You okay?"
She nodded again. "Yeah. Yes. Sorry, I was just thinking." It was all so, so familiar. Pearl felt convinced something had happened before. Gem left weak and tired, light to carry-
She just couldn't put her finger on it.
No matter.
When Gem came to, she became aware of a deep, dull thud in her head. Loud and pounding and slow. She opened her eyes, and struggled to sit up.
"Oh no you don't!" Grian came into view, and gently pushed her back down onto the bed. Her own bed, Gem realised. Not just one in the church. "I'm under strict orders from Pearl to not let you out of bed."
"Why?"
"Why?! Gem, you've had us all worried sick!" He was practically shrieking, and it felt like sharp vibrations going straight through her skull.
Coming out of the drift always seemed to leave her senses sensitive. She pulled the covers back over her head, trying to muffle his berating.
"Grian!" Pearl's voice came in, finally silencing Grian. It wasn't like Pearl was much better, though. "What did I tell you?"
"You told me to keep her in bed! But she's being all... annoying about it!"
"Grian that's not what-"
Gem did not have the energy to deal with their squabbling. She pulled the covers closer around herself, burrowing deeper into the bed.
Then there was another voice. Firm, but at a more normal volume. Impulse. "Guys? Can we not be fighting directly over Gem's bed?"
"Oh." Grian sounded a lot more subdued. There was a hand gently patting the bed. "Sorry Gem."
"Yeah, I'm really sorry. We should have thought." Pearl sounded guilty, also lowering her volume.
Gem shifted. "It's okay. Can you pass my sunglasses?" There a hand underneath the blanket in seconds, and Gem very gratefully slid them on before re-emerging.
Grian smirked. "You look like you're hungover."
She chose to ignore that, instead sitting further up the bed. They were all staring at her rather intensely, and it was weird.
"Gem?" Impulse knelt by the side of the bed to get to her eye level.
"Mhm?"
He gave a short sigh. "I know you might not want to, but can you tell us more about the...drift that you get? How can we help you with it?"
She couldn't help but hesitate. It felt stupid, when they already knew. They already knew that there was something wrong, with her powers, with her mind. Drawbacks that had left her weak and vulnerable. But there was something that still held her back. The idea that if she gave too much information, trusted too easily, it could be used against her.
"Gem?" Grian looked worried. They all looked so worried, staring at her. She closed her eyes under her sunglasses.
They were trying to help. They were her friends, and they could help.
"Well, for starters, there can be times that my body refuses to acknowledge that I need food. I'm not hungry at all right now. But I should be eating."
Pearl gave her a beaming smile. "We can help with that."
It was quiet in the church of Dawn. Most of the worshippers were about to leave, the sun drifting over the mountains, ready to be swallowed whole.
But there were two people, lying on mattresses, side by side.
One was like a kite, easily pulled away in the wind.
The other kept her tethered, pulling her back down.
The drift was over.