"Oh? That is unusual. Most Marked remain unaware of their status until it is revealed to them," the Farwalker said. "Do you mind if I bring them up again?"
Felix looked around at the crowded intersection. "Here?"
"Before was to show the Synod and dash the Matriarch's hopes for your failure. I can project them just for us, if you wish." At Felix's nod the Farwalker once again reached out and touched his chest. A wave of light was released, solidifying into a series of patterns above their heads. Felix saw the outspread wings of the Endless Raven, now highlighted in his vision. In fact, all of them were.
[Mark of the Endless Raven]
[Mark of the Maw]
[Mark of Vellus]
[Mark of the Archon]
[Mark of the Cantus Sodalus]
Both Vellus' and the Maw's Marks were faded, though in entirely different ways. The Maw's was sunken, like it was barely emerging from the darkness, and Felix instinctively understood it was because he had absorbed and incorporated so much of the Maw into himself that it was now inert. The Mark from Vellus was basically obliterated, the pattern of light scattered like far flung stars, all save for a single branching shoot of crimson at the very center. Just as the crimson growth in his core space; the only surviving remnant of his connection to the Goddess of Storm, Tide, and Blood.
The others were more concerning.
"Do you need me to explain these to you?" the Farwalker asked.
Felix's heart raced as he pointed at the fourth Mark, one of red-yellow energy infused with flashes of bronze-like rigidity. "This one. What can a Mark accomplish?"
"It is a tool of recognition, an accolade in most cases. That is how the Raven treats them. To the unscrupulous, it can be used to subvert one's Will and Mind."
"Can it track location?" Felix asked, careful to keep his voice level. He initiated his Mediation, breathing slowly and purposefully.
"Perhaps. But to do that it must first overcome the Will of its target," the Farwalker said. "Do you fear such a thing?"
"Fear is a bit of an understatement," Felix said. The Mark of the Archon pulsed regularly, like a heartbeat, or a tumor. "How do I get rid of a Mark?"
"Troublesome, especially in the case of one put in place by those of greater power. If it were someone of your level and advancement? Such a thing is easily broken. The difficulty only increases with each advancement Tier above your own, and in the case of Urges or...or gods," the Farwalker's eyes widened a bit as he stared at one Mark in particular. "In that case, it is all but impossible."
"Hrm," Felix said, focusing inward. Had his Will been compromised? His Bastion was secure, its walls as high as ever. His Mind, while strained by his spell, was sound. He was safe, right? The Archon couldn't find them. So absorbed was Felix in the search that the Farwalker had to clear his throat quite loudly.
"Ahem. That Mark...the shattered one." The Farwalker licked his lips, and Felix realized the man had dropped his face shadow. He looked nervous. "Can you tell me who bestowed it upon you?"
Felix's eyes flicked up to the array of Marks. An idea wormed into his head, and he bared his teeth. "Perhaps we can trade for it."
The Farwalker's eyes narrowed, but a small smile thinned his lips. "Oh, and what do you wish to trade?"
"Knowledge of this," he pointed to the Mark of Vellus. "In exchange for items of equal value."
The Henaari regarded him carefully. Based on what Felix knew of the Henaari, knowledge of Vellus' existence and location should be worth quite a lot, provided they didn't know about it. Felix was worried he'd turn down the deal, but the man's curiosity got the better of him in the end. "Very well. An equal exchange."
"In addition to the boon you already owe me," Felix clarified. The Farwalker flashed a smile of large white teeth. Amusement warred with excitement on his face.
"As you say, Felix Nevarre."
Felix immediately pointed at the shattered Mark. "That is the Mark of Vellus. Goddess of the Storm, Blood, and the Tides."
"What?" The Farwalker's hissed exclamation came at the exact same time as Wyvora's panicked yelp. The toughened warrior looked suddenly terrified. "How?"
"Ah ah, you first," Felix said. He pointed at the last Mark, the one called the [Mark of the Cantus Sodalus]. "What's this?"
The Farwalker visibly collected himself. It was like he was reining in a dozen lunging dogs on leashes, all of them straining to reach the treat of Felix's knowledge. "Ah, that. That is of less concern than the others, I imagine."
"Why?"
"Because, unlike the others, I can see the Tier of who placed that Mark. Master Tier, but that is quite the step below even the one you are concern with," the Farwalker said.
"What is the 'Cantus Sodalus'?" Felix asked. "That sounds like Latin."
"Latin? I have not heard of that language, but the words are an ancient dialect from the Interior," the Farwalker said. His brows drew down in remembrance. "Cantus means Chanter, unless I miss my guess."
Zara. Felix felt a knot in his gut. She's Marked me? Why? He tried not to assume the worst, but first the Urges, Primordials, Gods, and assholes. Now his friend? His teacher?
"Felix?"
The Unbound looked up, away from his own spiralling thoughts. The square had filled with people at some point, and all of them were frozen with expressions of fear, while at their feet the ground writhed with blue-white electricity. Felix could feel the heaviness of things pulling into him, like a bowling ball on a mattress, and small stones collected at his feet. Gasping, he cut off the Skill and tried to apologize, yet every Henaari fled the moment the Skill deactivated.
"Felix, are you alright?" the Farwalker asked.
Pit warbled and pushed his head up under Felix's right arm. The Unbound licked his lips and absently scritched his Companion before looking guiltily at his hosts. "That was...I'm sorry about that. The Skill got away from me."
The Farwalker shook his head. "None were harmed. But you seem out of sorts, and I am realizing it has been quite some time since last you ate, yes?"
In answer, Pit's stomach gurgled loud enough to startle several nearby birds into flight.
"We could eat," Felix said in an attempt at dry humor. "But what of your questions?"
"We'll talk over a meal. I promise it will be delicious."
Felix grinned. "How can I say no to that?"