The Concept of Crafting

Interlude: Allysa

—

I sighed for the umpteenth time, furrowing my brow as my thoughts wandered back to Lycara. There was something seriously wrong with the girl, even for the normally stoic aurisal. While most aurisal, and especially their nobles, were known for seeming fairly emotionless to others outside of their family and friends, this went beyond even that.

It was as though she had no emotions at all. One second she would be calm and collected, the next it was the same but… different, somehow. Almost as though the few emotions that peeked through her mask were just… gone, removed. Vanhara tapped on her glass, grabbing my attention.

I looked over at the guildmaster, who was sitting at her desk drinking far more whiskey than is healthy.

“What do you keep sighing about, Allysa? Are you still thinking about Lycara?” She asked. I nodded, leaning back in my chair.

“It feels like there's something just… wrong about her. She doesn't seem affected by what would have traumatized ninety-nine percent of people, her emotions change from calm yet still noticeable to calm and just… artificial, I guess? Like they aren't even there.” I said, pouring myself a glass of whiskey.

Vanhara nodded. “Yes, and there is a reason for that, and it is quite horrible. You see, the title she holds other than ‘Noble’, is ‘Unbroken’. It grants a skill called [Disassociation], which allows the user to temporarily remove the influence of their emotions and personal biases, as well as passively helping with trauma.”

I tilt my head, sipping my drink and feeling the slight burn from the alcohol. “Isn't that a great skill?” I asked. She simply nodded.

“It is, but it isn't designed for how she is using it. It is meant to be used in dangerous situations or when a neutral verdict is needed. In short, in small amounts. She has it on all the time. When she finally realizes this and disables it, all the built up emotion and trauma, though it likely will not stick, will be forced upon her all at once.”

I grimace and think back to when she burst into tears. “I think she may have already disabled it at least once.” I relayed the story to her, and Vanhara shook her head.

“No, she didn't. If she did, it would have been significantly more than just some tears. She has had it active, at least slightly, since probably shortly after she was kidnapped and acquired the title. All the suppressed pain, suffering, and sadness will all hit at once should she deactivate the skill, and though her title and mental fortitude should prevent Lycara from becoming a gibbering, brain-dead moron, it will probably be for the best if someone is there for her when she does.”

The guildmaster gave me a pointed look. I sighed again and nodded, slamming back my glass of whiskey and pouring another.

“We should also look into why there has been no word about her being missing, as her parents should have posted a bounty for her return.” I said, already preparing for a lengthy investigation. Vanhara chuckled at my resigned expression and raised her glass in a toast.

“To new allies and old.” We say in sync, clinking glasses and drinking late into the night.