Chapter 61 - Chapter 61: Good Days & Renewed Friendships Part 2

🕯️Content Warning: 

Emotional dysregulation (sobbing/panic episode) Mention of past emotional trauma/friendship loss

Zenàida 

"Not quite." I smiled nervously, pressing a thumb to the activation glyph. The disk pulsed to life, projecting a faint lattice of light between us. "It maps what knowledge pathways are intact—what you still know, even if you don't consciously remember. Think of it as a mirror for your mind."

Her expression softened. "That sounds… incredible."

Her voice trembled just enough that I felt my own pulse stumble to match it. I'd missed that tone—when her curiosity edged into wonder.

"It's safe," I said quickly. "You'll feel your brain tingle a bit, sort of like it is getting a massage. We'll begin with foundational subjects—academic and essence-based—and the system will show us where to focus."

She took the offered device, looking it over before placing it on her head. Her maid helped adjust it so it sat on her head in a stable position with her hair out of the way. Nyxara got into a comfortable position, like she expected this to take a while, then nodded. "Okay. Let's do this. I trust you, Zen."

The words I never expected to hear from her again pierced my heart. For a moment, I couldn't breathe. I trust you, Zen. I had to look away, blinking rapidly until the sudden tightness in my chest eased. She let me have the moment to pull myself together. She always was one of the most empathetic people I knew…at least until Minette's poison turned that empathy into a weapon to use against people Minette didn't want around Nyxara. 

"Then let's begin," I managed. "We will first scan your language comprehension—both Vel'Sharii and common script. Mathematical theory, numerical logic, and quantitative reasoning. Planetary geography and leyline mapping. General sciences—biology, chemistry, and environmental essence studies. Asari history, Creator mythology, and interspecies relations. Social and cultural studies—governance systems, enclave structures, and etiquette theory. Essencecraft fundamentals—sigils, energy flow, resonance ethics, and applied ritual practice. Then communication studies, literature comprehension, and psychological foundations."

As I spoke, my hands steadied. I inputted the search parameters and adjusted the scanner settings on my tablet to sync with her brainwaves. As the setup was completed, glyphs bloomed to life one by one on the device, the crystal threads of the circlet shimmering like a rainbow kaleidoscope.

"If we find you lack adequate comprehension in any area, the device will flag it for lesson modules. This will let me know what to refresh you on so we won't waste time on subjects you remember well enough." As the system gave me a ready status, I let myself hope—for the first time in years—that maybe, just maybe, we could find our way back to being Zen and Nyx again.

Nyxara

She was right, it does feel like someone is massaging my brain. 

I closed my eyes, resting against the tree's trunk. I must have dozed off for it seemed like no time, yet hours had passed when I was shaken awake by Lima. "Mistress, the scan is complete. Ms. Salgrave says that since Saturdays are supposed to be refinement days and not full lesson days, your session will end here with your first full lesson being on Monday." 

Lima helped me freshen up as she debriefed. I could see Zenàida standing with her back to us, far enough away to not be able to hear us. I did not mean to fall asleep. I had hoped we would be able to chat during the scan. Yesterday and this morning must have worn me out more than I previously thought. Standing up, I brushed off any debris clinging to me while glancing at Zen. 

Lima, noticing my actions, tilted her head curiously. "It appears I was correct in asking her to wait while I woke you. Ms. Salgrave wishes to chat with you if you are amenable to discoursing with her." 

I blinked at Lima, processing her words as if I was the android. Once my mind comprehended, I gave Lima a nod, then walked over to Zenàida . Deciding I was too tired to be awkward, I just hooked arms with her and began walking. 

"Now that we aren't in tutor-student mode, let's catch up. How have you been? How is the family? What is your house's connection with my enclave? Lima mentioned we were once close friends. What happened? I want to know all the things. I feel like you are a long-lost sister to me. I'm just excited, so forgive me if I'm being too much." I gave her a big grin, and to my shock, she burst into tears, sobbing loudly. Like almost siren loud. 

I admit, in hindsight, I panicked. "Lima, grab her and take her to my suite. NOW!" Lima, without question, picked up Zen and ran off ahead of me. By the time house guards arrived, they were long gone, and I told them I handled the situation. They left with skeptical looks and a warning that the incident would be reported to the Patriarch.

Just what I needed. I rolled my eyes as I made my way to my room. Korran summoning me to talk about why there was siren-level sobbing heard in the courtyard. When I entered my suite, I found Lima preparing tea for Zen. Zen was sniffling while wrapped up in multiple blankets like a burrito on the couch. 

Taking off my shoes, I then padded over and snuggled up next to her. I burrowed my way into the blankets until we were side by side in the blanket burrito. We just held each other until Lima handed each of us a mug of tea that smelled spicy, earthy, and just a little like questionable decisions. 

"Hmmm, which blend is this one Lima? I don't think I've had this one yet." Upon taking one sip, I told myself this wasn't a drink—it was a brew to be savored. Zen nodded her head and relaxed into me. We cuddled and sipped our specially made brew that tasted like 50% tea and 50% whiskey. 

"This would be the earthbound recklessness blend. I believe the two of you could use this to unwind and share more easily from the heart. Enjoy. I will be nearby if needed." With that Lima seemed to fade into the background.

Turning my focus back to the tea, I let the warmth slid down my throat and curled low in my belly. Not comfort—command. This tea meant business. I was almost done with my cup when Zen began speaking softly, picking up where our conversation had barely begun. "I'm well for the most part. Training to become Sentinel Support is not as physically intensive, but mentally it is exhausting.

 Fall break will be over in another week and classes will restart. The personal stipend I get from being your tutor will go a long way to helping me update some of my tech systems, so I do feel fortunate to have been chosen for this role." Her head on my shoulder brought tears to my eyes as I rested my head on hers. 

My body seems to long for this closeness as much as my memories cherish what was and what I hope we can be again in this life. Sisters of the heart. I will let nothing tear our bond apart again. "Family is doing well. As a top-ranking Crest house allied with the Ajei enclave, we have truly been blessed to be trusted with the projects assigned to us."