Unity’s Chord

Viden ran his hand over the crystals. The long chambers, extending from and running into the wall, hummed. “They are improved,” he remarked.

“They improved dramatically once the lead left,” Lyris stammered behind him. Viden glanced to see the man sorting through papers. “A Jefor Ovid. He’d served for ten years. I’d thought him a viable choice, but–”

Viden raised his hand silencing Lyris. “Not every voice melds with every group.” Twisting his wrist, he gestured for Lyris to approach.

Taking uncertain steps, Lyris gulped standing closer than he’d ever been to the crystals.

And only stood.

“Place your palm against the crystal,” Viden said.

Lyris paused a moment before slapping his palm down. The man yelped, but didn’t withdraw. Viden waited, both for Lyris to regain his composure and for his palm to stop stinging. The crystals were sturdier he could harm.

“Do you feel that?” he finally asked.

Lyris nodded, his expression transforming. “I do!” He paused, tilting his head closer as if listening would sort what he felt. “There’s… a harmony. A cohesiveness.”

Viden nodded. “Yes, and as long if that endures, it does not matter which voices raise to its creation.”

Lyris swayed closer to the crystal, his eyes drooping closed. Grasping his wrist, Viden directed him away. “We must not be consumed by the harmony.” Lyris warned.

No, the peace of the crystals belonged to the workers above. Workers living within the crystalline city’s confines which sang troubles away. Leaving unquestioning peace.

Tarinne stood within a chamber. Peering through the grey light, she recognized Berlotte. Berlotte who’d carried her through scorching light when Tarinne hadn’t a step left and had disappeared some months past.

But why did she crouch upon the floor with her hair gripped tightly within clenched fists and she heaved silently.

Tarinne reached out her hand, moving to step toward her friend.

Her feet refused to move. Looking down, Tarinne focused as if attention would loosen them, but they remained fixed, nearly hidden in gloom. Trapped in neither light nor dark. A scream swelled unvoiced in her throat.