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Many sisters could not do magic, or had a difficult time with magic, Dyakida included. Sacred hearts had a better grasp on it, of course, and Mystics were adept at magic because of their sacred connection to the Mother Tree, but Dyakida was neither. Sacred Heart had never been her path – she would have been an Amazon or, perhaps, if she'd found a creature to partner with, a Guardian. Had she not lost her sight, she could have been many things. Those paths were closed now, but the fact remained – magic did not come to her easily.

Yet, it fascinated her. When she did not have an overwhelming amount of commissions, Dyakida spent a lot of time studying magic weapons, trying to - in a very literal way – get a feel to how they worked. She thought she had a sense of magic-craft now.

“What are you doing?”

“Ah, I'm making beads.” she said. She'd forgotten she'd had an observer. “Nearly done.”

The young Sister sitting beside her had watched her craft before. Many Sisters found it boring to hang around a crafter – moderately entertaining at most – but this one had insisted on it even when presented with other options. She had spurned those other options completely, from walking to hunting.

Semashi was her name, and she had been introduced to Dyakida by the ever effervescent Kaalnia. Kaalnia was an oft-rejected womanizer... who apparently knew more about women than she let on, if Semashi was any indicator.

Dyakida's relationships were rare and unsuccessful in general – warriors either spurned her because of her blindness or wanted to protect her... and were then repulsed because she was not as passive or delicate as they had hoped for. Or, the relationship was that of friendship, the sort that neither wanted to ruin.

Either way, unsuccessful.

But Semashi...

“Those are not Alkidike weapons.”

It was as much a question as a statement. “No.” Said Dyakida, “These are the weapons of an Earthling Soul-linker – Beads channel and store magic power, and aid in focus.”

“Oh.” a touch on Dyakida's wrist. “May I see?”

“Of course.” Dyakida handed over the carved wooden beads she was carving, “I'm nearly done with the carving. Next will come dye for color and a glaze to hold the magic in. Then, I will string them on a blessed length of rope.” she held up the rope in question. “Then I will see if I've done it.”

“Why?”

“Why?”

“Why are you making these?”

“Because I want to.” she said defensively, reaching out her hand to take back the beads. “I don't need to explain myself. I can make non Alkidike weapons if I wish!”

“I was just curious...” Semashi said softly, “I didn't mean anything by it.”

“I... I apologize.” Dyakida said, “It is... occasionally a matter of contention.”

“It's all right.” said Semashi, as Dyakida began to dip and dye her beads, “I understand.”