Keeping the Balance
“Aurora,” Raeth said. Their tone had suddenly shifted to deep and serious, sending chills down Aurora's back. “Put the rock back.”
“Huh?” Aurora asked, turning away from the gate. “This?” She took the pretty stone from her pocket. It had been lying by the riverbed, swirled in blue and white. “I'm sorry... was there a taboo? I just thought Isabella would like it, and...”
Raeth shook their head, taking the rock gently from Aurora's palm. “This isn't a rule of this world. There's nothing special about the rock.” They tossed it over their shoulder, sending Jauleth skittering away with an annoyed shriek. “But it is a vital rule of traveling on the web. Never take any more from a world than you have to. Never bring more in than you have to.”
Aurora felt like she'd been chastised by a teacher back in elementary school. She nodded a few times, her eyes welling a bit. Then she laughed. Funny how little things stuck with you. “Sorry. Yes, of course. I understand. It's about the balance, right? It makes sense.”
Raeth smile, their voice returning to their usual, smoother voice. “My apologies for being so abrupt. It's just... there are relatively few rules, but every one is extremely important. The Council takes them very seriously and for good reason. It's our duty to prevent disruption to the web and the worlds. We have to do everything we can to keep them stable.”
“Even rocks, I guess,” Aurora said.
“Indeed,” Raeth replied. “There's already a great deal more traffic now than there once was. Everyone needs to play it safe. You especially.”
“Me?” Aurora asked. That was a genuine surprise. “Just because I'm new?”
“In part,” Raeth said. “But also because you're an anomaly. I've mentioned that I noticed you because you're an outlier. That Earth wasn't expected to produce enta viyane for many thousands of years.”
“Yes,” Aurora said, her brow furrowed. “It was one of the first things you mentioned. Before even telling me what a enta viyan was, by the way.”
“Well, the Council has noticed, too. And they aren't very happy about it.”