Once Adimar had departed, the mechanical dove returned, alighting on Merinel's shoulder. "Are you prepared to discuss arrangements for your daughter's care?"
Merinel sighed. "I suppose so. My sister would come if I asked her, but I wonder if Seme wouldn't be better suited. Byx spends half her time with Isolyne as it is.
"I am certain that Seme and her daughter would welcome Abixandra into their home," replied the dove. "However, if you are amenable, I would like to propose a dedicated caretaker."
"Certainly," replied Merinel, in some confusion.
The door chime sounded again, and a graceful young woman entered the room. "Hello, Merinel. I am Colombe." She spoke in an ethereal soprano tone, and her hair was a brilliant shade of white; for an irrational moment Merinel assumed she was a phantasm from the Verch.
"Welcome, Colombe," Merinel said quickly as she adjusted to the shock of an unfamiliar Human face. "Welcome. When did you arrive in Tenbor?"
Colombe pursed her lips. "I think I am not entirely sure. I awoke several days ago, but I remember the antenna from the dream, so I must have been here earlier."
"You have been here for three months, Colombe," the dove informed her. "However, as you mentioned, the prosthesis was implemented only last week." Merinel's shoulders tensed as she noted the mirror-bright silver disc set into Colombe's left temple.
The dove, sensing Merinel's discomfort, hastened to explain. "Colombe was the victim of an attack by the Eater of Minds – a deranged Entity that believes it can restore itself by duplicating the cognitive transfers that were a part of its creation. Fortunately, the Kyrith Entity was able to intervene before the attack was completed. Although Colombe's forebrain has been randomized, depriving her of higher thought, her midbrain – and, I believe, her capacity for emotion – remains unmodified. The prosthesis allows one of my subselves to simulate the functions of her forebrain, providing her with something very close to a normal conscious state."
Merinel regarded the girl in amazement. "I – I'm very sorry for your accident, Colombe."
Colombe smiled brilliantly. "Thank you. I think I am feeling much better than before. I do not think I am wide awake, but now the dream is like a waking dream, and a pleasant dream, at that."
"Colombe is ready to rejoin society," the dove continued, "but I wish to proceed slowly. Her fear responses are very difficult for me to predict and interpret, and she may panic when faced with a large group of strangers. I was hoping that you would consent to her serving as Abixandra's guardian during your absence. She will provide scrupulous care – I am in firm control of her conscious behavior – and in turn, Abixandra will help her re-socialize."
Merinel eyed the girl uncertainly. "You're absolutely certain there wouldn't be … another …"
"The Colombe subself is rigorously safeguarded. It will disband at the first sign of dysfunction."
Colombe nodded gravely. "I will go back to the dream if my new mind becomes sick. I can be patient. Time does not pass within the dream."
But it passes for the rest of us, thought Merinel. And when you awaken, you will be that much more distant – but you, poor girl, have nobody to be distanced from …
"Colombe, you are welcome to stay."
Colombe smiled again. "Thank you very much. Where shall I reside?"
"I will show you the guest room. Where are your things?"
"I lack possessions," replied Colombe.
Merinel gave the dove a reproving look. "Tenbor, young women simply do not go through life without possessions."
The dove adjusted its wings. “The prosthesis has not detected any material desires…"
"They've been misinterpreted. Colombe, when Byx returns, she will assist you in acquiring a suitable store of personal belongings.”
Colombe smiled, and the dove bowed its head in assent. "I now recognize the voice of the Sensualist, and the boundaries of my own comprehension. It shall be as you wish."
Merinel paused, disconcerted by the reference to her defiant alter ego. “Come with me, Colombe, and once you are settled I must leave you. I have to see to my husband’s traveling arrangements.”