Maintain the focus, she reminded herself. Where is the Union? Psychically, she searched the structure in which she stood for evidence of his presence. She knew he had been in this room only a moment before. Scanning one room after another with her mind, her senses met him returning up the stairs from a lower floor. Perceptive of subtle energies, he stopped, and turned his head as if trying to catch the sound or sight that had fleetingly stirred his attention. Though her presence was centered in another room, Katerina held her mental focus on him, just outside of his range of perception. There was something very special about this one, and she took time to enjoy that uniqueness. But he is not the Union, her mind cried out. Suen? he called. What is it, Yeetar? his partner replied from a room at the back of the top floor. Yeetar looked around, curious. It was obvious that he had perceived an unfamiliar intrusion into his world. He seemed to be reaching out with something more than his five senses, trying to locate her. So Katerina cautiously began to withdraw her presence. Significant, she thought. But, still not the Union. Katerina heard Yeetar reply, uncertainly, Nothing, Suen, as the last of Katerinas foreign essence departed from his world. Katerina knew she could not attempt another visit. Her need to return to the Motherworld was too great. As soon as she pulled herself back into the mortal form that was her own, every member of The Nine instantaneously received her request for termination of the rite. The gurgling song of the streams that surrounded the circle of Crones aided her return. Though Katerina felt her spirit fully identify with the body of her home reality, her mind was overwhelmed with the competing identities she had integrated into her awareness during the searches. Still in the seated meditation posture, Katerina slumped forward, reaching her hands to the ground for reconnection, pressing her palms to the soft, living moss that covered the ground below her. Her breathing was deep and slow. With each inhalation, the scent of the evergreen forest strengthened her connection to this place, her primary home. Surges of energy began to run through her muscles, making them twitch. Katerina strove to suppress these involuntary movements. Undoubtedly, out of need for its own survival, Katerinas conscious mind was feverishly sweeping through the queue of her recent experiences and vanquishing all contending identities to the subdued recesses of her subconscious. Katerina had no way of telling how long the hand had been on her shoulder. Still unable to withdraw her concentration from the processes of recovery, she wasnt yet able to perceive whose hand it was. A minute later, still unaware of who stood above her, Katerina began to realize that sympathetic energy flowed into her through the supportive hand, assisting Katerina in her efforts to integrate. She had not wanted anyone to know how much impact the ceremony had had on her. She had been bold in her claims of being able to handle the process. You have done well, dear heart, and we are glad you are back with us. Katerina knew the voice. Head hanging down, eyes still closed, her sensory perception becoming exclusive to the world of her body, she replied, I could not find him, Holiness. So many manifestations of him, but none of them were the Union. That is both auspicious and unfortunate. With so many connections, the bond between you and him is exceptionally strong. It does, however, complicate finding the appropriate manifestation when seeking him without some assistance on his part. You have been remarkable in your effort, Katerina. No one would have asked so much of you. Care for yourself now, my child. This is a demanding task that you have undertaken. I am certain something is not as we expect this time, Katerina said. We may not understand why things are proceeding as they are, Katerina, but the Collective Consciousness cannot be wrong. We must carry out our practice as it has been handed down to us. The method has always served the need, and will again . . . in its own time. Yes, Mother. But when I received the visions, it seemed he was not within an order. Is it possible? The images you saw must be coincidental, not indicative of his full person, Katerina. How can he refrain from replying? Katerina asked, finally regaining enough strength to rise to her feet, though slowly. Perhaps he cannot, or does not understand the Call. The old Matriarch wrapped an arm around Katerinas back and helped the younger woman to steady her wobbly legs. Katerina looked into the concerned, almost teary eyes of her superior and said, I truly feel that something is unique to this occurrence of the rift. I know you do, and I respect that belief. But you must accept that no matter the situation, the situation is perfection, as it has always been. A tear rolled down the wrinkled cheek before the elder continued.
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