๐๐ฟ๐พ๐ฃ๐ฐ๐ฝ ๐๐พ๐ณ๐ฐ๐น๐ฟ๐ฐ
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ด๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ฟ๐๐๐๐๐๐
v ๐๐ธ๐ป๐ฝ๐ป๐ช๐ฒ๐ฝ v
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[Those informations may be found in Baldur's Gate city registers]
z Name : Ashenie, Aphaen, Eleashyn DARAKH
z Origins : Lost lands of Narfell, Lake Ashane
z Birth :16th Night of The Time of Flowers (Kythorn), Year of the Wanderer (1338 DaleReckoning) ~ Likely during Moondark Heart's Hour (Around 2 AM)
z Zodiac :The Chamaleon, Third Decan (Formerly known as The Gorgon)
z Ethnicity : Damaran[Those informations may be read in the Temple of Ilmater]
- "Damarans see life as a series of unending
challenges to be overcome, many of them legacies
of the hubris of long-fallen empires."
- Races of Faerun, page 88
z Guiding Deity: Ilmater in the Triadic Faith & His Saintsz Service Status:
- Devotion for Saint Jasper
- Devotion for Saint Merielle
- Devotion for Zaphkiel
z Known Affiliations : Church of Ilmater; Sisterhood of Saint Jasper of the Rocks
- Revered Sister of the Ilmatari Faith in Baldur's Gate Shrine of Suffering;
- Caretaker in the Orphanage of Mercy
- Nurse in the Infirmary in Baldur's Gate Shrine of Suffering
[Those informations may be percieved when the character is on sight]
"Sisters of St. Jasper of the Rocks are a rarity in the Ilmatari religion. They are exclusively female. St. Jasper was a cleric that saved many women and babies from death during childbirth. Most of these women are descendants of those whom St. Jasper saved. They have formed a (mainly) hereditary sisterhood that concerns itself more with easing female suffering than general suffering. The Sisters believe that females share an even greater burden of the world's suffering since it is females who bring life into the world. A blue lily is used as the symbol of their sect."
- Ilmater and his Church, Affiliated Orders
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
z Holy Symbol : A crafted stone hangs around her neck, tied by a rough piece of ageless cord. The rock has been polished and crafted into a magnificent work of precision. A craved lily circles the locket . The heart of the locket shelters an unusual depiction of two hands bound together with a cord: one is frail and the other strong. Four engraved scenes of compassion have been engraved upon the locket, each of them seemingly representing a virtue. Only a closer inspection would reveal further details.
z Silhouette : Puny and small for a human female
z Hair: Light golden blonde
z Eyes : Heterochromia : One Green and one Blue
- "Beware of The Eye of the Witch,
spying preys through the mismatched
wells of virgin eyes!"
- Old Women's tale of Narfell
[Those informations may be read in Ashenie's diary, in the Temple of Ilmater]v ๐ท๐ธ๐ผ๐ฝ ๐ฑ๐ป๐ช๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฎ๐ท๐ฝ๐ผ ๐ธ๐ฏ ๐ฝ๐ฑ๐ฎ ๐๐ช๐ผ๐ฝ vz ๐ฃ๐๐ ๐พ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hidden: showAlmarea90 wrote: โSun May 23, 2021 5:55 pm Astral Portent for Sister Ashenie
by Scribe Edelgarde Spades, 21st of Mirtul 1357 DR
Preliminary Divination
In order to discern exact birth sign for Sister Ashenie, I employed a cantrip devised by Priestess Aeili Azenci called Detect Birthsign. Once the unique sign for her was assessed, I provided to calculate the luminaries positions in respect of the constellation and obtained the following reading:
Sun in the second decan of Velessea
Moon in the second decan of Velessea
Anadia in the third decan of the Serpent, trine with Coliar, sextile with Chandos
Coliar third decan of the Triton, opposed to Chandos
Karpi second decan of the Chameleon
Chandos in the third decan of the Lion
The constellations of Tassabryl, Chalice and Throne in the middle are also visible.
The reading showed also something akin to a comet, but further investigation revealed this was instead the passage of the Eye of Misfortune.
Further examination of the sky maps of Candlekeep showed the presence of Cassima as well.
Sun and Moon
It is easy to see the two luminaries converging on the same position. This marks the New Moon, whose interpretation is provided by Priestess Azenci:
The fact that the two luminaries are on the same constellation, makes its aspects of great importance for Sister Ashenie. In fact, they both rest on the constellation of Velessea, defined by Aeili as follows:1. New Moon - The dark phase at the beginning of the lunar month when the Sun and Selune are in conjunction. It is a time for planning and formulation.
Interpretation: It is clear Ashenie is a charitable soul dedicated to protecting the vulnerable. The fact this constellation is associated to Ilmater hints to her strong faith.Associated Dates: 22nd Nightal until 20th of Hammer.
Birthstone: Jasper
Planetary Ruler: Chandos
Element: Earth
Elemental Deity: Grumbar
Associated Deities: Ilmater, Shaundakul.
Significations: Defense, repulsion of enemies, unification with allies, protecting the vunerable, withstanding evil and tyranny, perseverence, perpetuity, exploration, knowledge of geography, cartography.
Coliar, Chandos and Anadia
The reading shows the chief luminary Coliar on the third decan of the Triton. Aeili provides the following definition for this chief luminary:
And then proceeds with the Triton:Element: Air
Elemental Deity: Akadi
Other Associated Deities: Azuth, Mystra, Gond, Oghma, Mask, Brandobaris, Erevan Ilesere.
Significations: Freedom, perseverence, travel, wilderness, trickery, illusion, deception, lawlessness, problem-solving, wisdom, philosophy, invention.
Coliar is opposed to Chandos, that rests on the constellation of the Lion. Chandos is defined as follows:Associated Dates: 20th of Alturiak until the 20th of Ches.
Birthstone: Crystal
Planetary Ruler: Karpri
Element: Water
Elemental Deity: Istishia
Associated Deities: Umberlee, Valkur
Significations: Risk-taking, escaping danger, managing unpredictability, meeting challenges, capriciousness, volatility, seafaring, storms, trials, troubles, respect for divine forces or nature.
While the Lion is described with the following definition:Element: Earth
Elemental Deity: Grumbar
Other Associated Deities: Tyr, Dumathoin, Labelas Enoreth.
Significations: Order, lawkeeping, stability, endurance, reliability, defined limits, changelessness, devotion.
Coliar and Chandos are opposed, which is an unfavorable alignment that would therefore reinforce their negative traits:Associated Dates: 23rd Flamerule until 22nd Eleasias.
Birthstone: Diamond
Planetary Ruler: Sun
Element: Fire
Elemental Deity: Kossuth
Associated Deities: Nobanion, Siamorphe.
Significations: Leadership, honour, nobility, noble behaviour, beneificence, lawfulness, sociability, order, self sacrifice, responsibility, resource management, fairness, cooperation, compassion, harmony, tolerance, bards, knowledge, genealogies, lineage & titles, service, role-model, excellence.
- Deception, lawlessness for Coliar, further reinforced by capriciousness and volatility of the Triton.
- Defined limits, changelessness for Chandos, further reinforced by the orderly traits of the Lion's constellation.
The two chief luminaries are one trine and one sextile with Anadia. Being those two favourable alignments, the positive attributes of all the three of them are drawn forward.
- Freedom, perseverance and problem solving for Coliar, further enhanced by the positive aspects of the Triton, escaping danger, managing unpredictability, meeting challenges.
- Order, lawkeeping, stability, endurance and reliability for Chandos, further enhanced by the positive aspects of the Lion, self sacrifice, fairness and nobility.
Anadia is defined by Priestess Azenci as follows:
Since she is in favourable alignment with the other two luminaries, we must consider its positive aspects: courage and survival. Anadia, however, is on the third decan of the Serpent, which has very negative aspects as explained by Aeili:Element: Fire
Elemental Deity: Kossuth
Other Associated Deities: Garagos, Tempus, Tyr, Gruumsh, Solonor Thelandira.
Significations: Courage, survival, combat, battle, ruthlessness, cruelty, rage, manipulation of force or strength.
Interpretation: Anadia on the Serpent represents what Sister Ashenie faced and what she opposes with courage: sadism, pain, disease, torment and despair. Its alignment with Coliar and Chandos represents her conciliatory role and mediation between very different group of people that would likely conflict. Her ability to unite them and prevent conflict. This also resonates with the previously discussed aspect of Velessea: unification with allies.Associated Dates: 24th Marpenoth until 22nd Uktar.
Birthstone: Emerald
Planetary Ruler: Karpri
Element: Water
Elemental Deity: Istishia
Associated Deities: Tiamat, Garagos, Talos, Hoar, Malar, Beshaba , Talona, Loviatar, Gargauth.
Significations: Domination, control, tyranny, greed, selfishness, hoarding, war, fury, bloodlust, destruction, orcs, inciting terror, barbarians, trickery, storms, murder, subversion, rebellion, corruption, bitterness, sadism, misfortune, disasters, poison, pain, disease, torture, torment, despair, depravity.
Karpi
Karpi is in the second decan of the Chameleon and is defined as follows:
While the Chameleon has the following description:Element: Water
Elemental Deity: Istishia
Other Associated Deities: Sune, Eldath, Sharess, Rillifane Rallathil
Significations: Beauty, love, life-force, passion, nurture, care, attachment, connectedness.
Interpretation: These two seemingly opposite elements leave room to various interpretation.Associated Dates: 22nd Mirtul until 21st Kythorn
Birthstone: Selenite
Planetary Ruler: Coliar
Element: Air
Elemental Deity: Akadi
Associated Deities: Mask, Brandobaris, Uthgar
Significations: Scheming, plotting, treachery, deception, darkness, stealth, disguise, secrets, espionage, larceny, lawlessness, intrigue, sophistry, subtlety, misdirection, manipulations, subterfuge, illusions, luck, halflings, risk-taking, adventure, travel, mischief, pranks, humour, sensual pleasure, hedonism, shamanism, hunting, dislike for arcane magic.
- At first I thought this might have been a reference to Ashenie's mother (nurturing and caring) opposed to the cult that had her captive and perverted the very concept of motherhood.
- This chief luminary might refer to the figure of pure light who held Ashenie and her mother captive and we suspect might be deceiving others by pretending to be the Lady of the Lake, a motherly figure who takes care of unwanted children.
- The third interpretation was given by Ashenie herself and is related to her role as midwife: someone who acts like a mother but never gave birth.
Other Constellations
Three constellations external to the Zodiac were revealed, and a fourth one was present in the sky maps: Tassabryl, Chalice, Throne and Cassima. I could find a study of Tassabryl and Throne in the volumes of The Celestial Sky of Faerun, written by an anonymous author and recovered from Ulcaster Ruins. The Chalice required a more in depth research in the library.
Interpretation: again, the hubris showed by Tassabryl might be a representation of the "figure of pure light" who kept Ashenie prisoner in her early years. It is also worth mentioning that Tassabryl threw herself into the sea, while this figure is likely related to the Lake Ashene.Legends speak of a beautiful princess that lived in some long ago kingdom. Deemed the most beautiful woman in Faerun, this vain and rash creature dared to boast herself even more beautiful than Sune, goddess of love and beauty. To punish the foolish woman, Sune cursed her; the woman would still be deemed beautiful by everyone who saw her, except for the woman's true love, who would find her hideous and repulsive. In the end, after being spurned by the one man her heart desired, the princess threw herself into the sea, never to be seen again. Especially vain or foolish people (especially women) are still referred to today in certain parts of Faerun as "Tassabryl's Children."
Interpretation: It is clear the faith of Ilmater is central in the life of Ashenie and many ilmateri order intertwine with her story. This might also hint to the Order of the Golden Cup being involved somehow.The Chalice is a very minor star belt in the sky, inclined as a cup. Ancient text refer as the Chalice as Chebelos, or even "The Ordalin". "The Ordalin" can figure as a mytic cup associated with the Ilmatari Order of the Golden Cup. From this constellation would the Golden Chalice of Saint Ra'az draw a powerful healing source, only drinkable once by souls devoted to benevolence. The ancient texts indicate that "Chebelos" has a very important role in the Heavens, much like a Chalice could be a symbol of leadership, power or wisdom in the myriad of artefacts royalty is depicted with, and this, despite its very small and minor aspect. When reversed, a chalice could symbolize poison.
Interpretation: Ashenie was born in a place that in ancient days hosted the Narfell empire, but there might be more to this than the geographical position of her place of birth. This portent might confirm our suspects that the cultist group that held her captive might in fact follow the same costumes of the ancient empire, to the extent of trying to generate an heir, as hinted in the documents found in the library. It is worth mentioning the central position of this constellation.In ancient Narfell, the Throne was known as The Altar, and represented the altar upon which sacrifices were made to their dark gods. The name is still in use today by their descendants, the Nars, even if the sacrifices aren't.
About Cassima, the following script written by an anonymous monk of Deneir explains the story behind this constellation:
Interpretation: Ashenie believes herself cursed and many people in her childhood believed so as well. This constellation might be a hint to her being unjustly feared "for the sake of obscure beliefs". She is the pure soul unjustly accursed and Cassima is the hope of seeing her curse lifted.Cassimma shines bright in full moon, and its radiance wanes with new moons. This wondrous story is one of truth, of a woman believed to be a witch. The young woman, name Cassima, was beautiful and fair, damning a foul by her sole presence. One believed her bewitching charms was the result of obscure magics. She was hunted and convinced of witchcraft, and burnt for the sake of obscure beliefs. As the flames licked her, the silver hand of Selune reached Cassima, and the flames shrouded her. From their union, a bird of flame took flight, a majestic Phoenix that could sometimes be seen across the skies. It is said that when Cassima shines at the brightest, pure soul unjustly accursed can meet the brid of flames, and see their sorrow lifed. The bird was then allowed to join the Heavens, adorning the vault with a new star : Cassima.
The Eye of Misfortune
What we thought was a comet at first, was in fact one of the strangest astral phenomena ever witnessed. Scholars define the Eye of Misfortune as follows:
Interpretation: It is unclear if this disgrace heralded by the Eye of Misfortune is yet to happen or it already has, although we hope for the latter. For the purpose of this portent, the Drifting Star is likely a symbol for the Eye of the Witch, a condition that according to the people Ashenie grew up with, afflicts her. Needless to say, this is a very negative sign.Shaundral is often an omen of mistfortune, disaster, and suffering. As it shines bright with a faint red glow, it is rumored that a great harm is about to come. Shaundral is not a common heavenly body : its erractic and unpredictable moves have been studied for many years without a clear explanation. It can stay in one place over a year and then move suddenly. Some call it "The Eye of Beshaba", while more ancient texts refers it as "The pulse of the Abyss". Also called "The Drifting Star', its influence is often controvsered between Beshaba, The Maiden of Misfortune, and Shaundakul, the Merciful Hand.
This is not a planet, nor a common heavenly body. Its consistency is lacking. What it truely is remains a mystery.
Shaundral can eclipse another star when it shines bright.The Starsign has been drawn by Edelgarde Spades and Lucia of Candlekeepz ๐ฃ๐๐ ๐ท๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐z ๐ฃ๐๐ ๐พ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐พ๐๐๐๐Hidden: show"For each brath taken, a new hope fostered, until dawn comes bright to shine through fear and darkness..."
"Listen my child, come close to me..."
Her motherly arms attempted to wrap me, but those heavy cold steel chains bit her right in the wrists. They were keeping us apart, close enough to barely feel the touch, long enough to endure the distance.
"Save your tears... there is no need to cry. Breathe... each time you do, you will foster a new hope"
I remained frozen, held close in the imaginary embrace of her warmth that I felt once. She told me I was cold. And I have always been, as if itย was part of the essence of my soul. Her voice as gentle as a caress was trembling. I remained withdrawn, close to the wall that kept me safe... or perhaps was this wall a dooming guardian.
She begun to sing anย old damaran poem:
"Three companions sailed upon the sea of stars, sailed upon a golden vessel.
They walked long from the lands afar, a enduring and painfulย travel.
"Where do you lead, fair mates? The voice came from a dragon in the skies.
"We lead in the Halls of Justice", answered the elder, watching further.
"We sail upon the sea of virtue to bring swift Judgment", answered the other.
His youth gentle, his heart of gold, he reached his sword, and watched the heights.
The third kept quiet. His arms broken, his body wounded, he watched the dragon.
"Where we lead does not matter. The journey is long, and we intend to make it safer.
Stay with us for as long as you need. Rest and mend. We hope for you to reach further."
The dragon welcome fed and rested, befriended the three companions,
And soon announced. "I am to fish the golden star of fairness, shining bright in darkness,
My nest are made of gold and silver, my intention is to bring it back to your Halls."
ย The elder is a head full of thoughts, dreams and ideals. His eyes watch the horizon.
The youngest is a heart full of courage, paragonย of virtue. He keeps watch in the night.
The wounded is a pair of caring hands. He keeps safe, warm, and bright.
The dragon is the kindest of believers, whose soul is pledged to the cause of Justice.
Now close your eyes as mother sings the wonders of this land,
And you will see treasures and wonders, even where the three companions fished,
And the dragon will take you home. Care, believe, and dream..."
I closed my eyes while she told the old tale of the three companions. Something thick and wet was over me, over my head. I could not open my eyes. It hurt. Something... hurt. Her voice hushed, and while I still believed she was there, only her shawl was left on my shoulders. I could not turn back to watch her. Around my neck, hung a heavy stone... The one the woman brought to her.
And there she was, this woman, lying on the floor, her hands holding a piece of ageless cord so tightly. Her eyes revered another sky... far beyond our reality. She was no more.z ๐ฃ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ท๐๐๐๐Hidden: show"Sentenced to remember for those who fell for me, freedom may only unchain in grave's womb."
It was a long, burning fragment of steel that would forever trepan my mind. My nights are filled with those sounds, the loud clashes of steel echoing in the dark, the soft effraction of sharp blade whispering in the flesh, entwined with those unforgettable squeaks of pain. Shivering in exhaustion, she was there, unable to endure, unwilling to share.
My head was bent down, as it always ought to be. Her blood stained the heavy, mocking chains that kept us from escaping. I remember their bite, so tightly crushing our joints. They were so heavy, too heavy... And the shadows around... Would we have had this strength to escape, even without restrictions? I wonder why we were kept here.
The air was heavily colored with the scent of a strange brew. The musk of blood kept my head spinning in constant darkness, fertilized with mold spores. The air was lacking. I keep hearing her chest struggling to recover from strain, to catch her breath after they left. It could not find fresh air, only absorbing volutes of rot and moisture that the old stones kept nurturing.
"You always have... to remember... darling... Keep... breathing. Even if you... believe you cannot... breath, so it... is all better. Breathing is magic"
Despite pain, her voice was so sweet when she talked to me. It had the flavor of this disarming charm poets hold secret. The blessing of Lady Firehair upon her skin, green eyes sparkling with pride even when they came. They had wished to honor her bewitching grace by coloring her hair in red. Shame on The Beautiful meant, soon her long golden curls had been covered with thick, and soon dried, blood, for what was left of it. Some locks were scattered on the ground, tickling my feet for some time. I could not see them well... but soon, the game was over.
"Sish-sy, The night comes pale, dilly-lily
Sish-dy, Stars keep us safe, lily-dilly,
Sish-sy, I'll keep yourself warm, dilly-lily,
Sish-dy, Now dream in my arms. lily-dilly,
Sish-dy, sish-sy... oh, dear baby, my lily,
Come to my breast and find some rest.
And find... some... rest."
The lullaby was sweet, whispered in the dark. I could feel her gracious veil stroking my flank. The tender caress of her song keeps lingering in my mind. Why did I not behave? Tears on my cheek, quiet sobs drew their attention. The shadows came. So many, so dark.. and one shadow of pure light. All together, around us. I chewed my tongue, I kept my head low. I could hear a new rain of blows... that only stopped when they reached the wall.
"A wicked womb has to pay. Sweet deception... but a mother has to be creative, right? What a shame... oh ,what a shame. It could have been so much better, if you gave us a son."
The voice was almost playful. Overly attempting to seduce, she pondered among the dark shadows. She whispered.
"But do not worry... I have this blessing you seek.... I will care for you. Equinox will come soon..."
I kept trying to hide among the stones of the wall, as if they could eat me... forever. She was there, hanging in the dark, while the shadow of light kept her from making any sound. New bloodied strands of hair fell on the ground, adding to the disgrace. I keep hearing those muffled screams, almost unheard. She was crying, trembling. She had no strength to fight. And I did nothing... I did nothing.
"What a pity! It seems you are not ready... I will have to make you behave. Your womb is wicked, dear... we have to heal it, right? So the baby could be stronger than this worthless shame. ... Yes, I see you agree there. I see that light in your eyes."
A flash of light blinded me, while steel screamed. A long, powerful blade was handed to the white shadow. It was radiating with the warmth of something unknown. It was a licking warmth, invasive, burning... harassing flesh ans minds around. Tiny fairies must have left their dust upon it, for it was shimmering with strange glows. They even wrote something on the blade. Or perhaps was that the marking of shadows? They said she could not undo the pain. They said she would need to break the blade... and she could not.
"Now, you pride falls, wicked womb. He fell for you, and you will feel for him. Ready, are we? We are going to heal it... to fuse it... to let it embrace the whole mystery of creation!"
Blood dripped from her arms. Her flesh was burnt, the wounds deep to the bones. "Wicked womb". It had been scarred on her flesh with bloody letters. They were taking her away, and I must have beared witness of this last moment. She would never return. I did nothing, I said nothing, I let her go. The chains mocked me for my weakness. They would not let me go, and they kept laughing. She needed me... and I stayed in the dark. Until dawn.
Hidden: show"Blinding memories upon the way of dirt, colorsforever anchored upon the ruins left in the shadows of the great fortress, burried where none would reach. Alive, and lifeless, living with hope for a lifetime."
Alone against the mossy wall, darness surrounded me as the echoes of tormenting shadows screamed their drums. The sounds came everywhere, harassing the old stones with their pleading melodies.
"Stop! ... Make him stop please! I...!"
She was in the face of danger. Cries in her voice, strangled in the tears that refused to be shed, and yet powerless. The shadow of her care was caressing me, while the mocking whispers of the chains kept chanting my shame. I bore witness of shadows passing along the torches. The great fortress was so lively, and steps hurried while the drums screamed again.
"He... puppet! Beg... harsher, and you... pleasure and pain.... Hiding... But you ARE a witch...hairless... Pay... crimes... Simulacrum of Love... real male is. ... Behave..."
Incomplete echoes were beating the mossy wall. The high pitched screams were fading under the drums of heavy footsteps. Hushed, as a mummy brushing the floor with bloodied bandages. The door was left open, or... was the locket broken? Shadows came to surround me again. Their whispering torment chanted the doom of the Abyss : those whispers that never cease, and never escape from the prison of my mind. Burried deep, where hands may not find anything but dirt and shame, their scarlet voice melt screams with promises of torment, pleas of help with dead hope. No escape, and no freedom, only the grave to unchain painful memories that did not belong to me. I heard, and always in the silence, they cover the emptiness of the soul.
Something thick and wet was crawling upon me, flicking from above. The shadows around me agitated. The chains screamed, alerting the shadows. The shouted hatred and revenge, before being torn apart. Their bite had left a strange mark around my wrists and ankles. A violet, strangling hue that would not fade. They refused to disappear. But the ground was suddenly pulled away from me. I sensed warmth, strong dark arms sheltering me. I tried to look above his shoulder, but he kept turning my head forward. Without a word, or even a growl.
His heart raced, drums beating his chest with a vigor I never knew. He was running, right down the path of light. A turn, another jump, stairs... that seemed infinite. And he kept turning my head forward. Agitation in his wake, and strange kysts on the floor, blossoming like flowers on the wall. The Abyss screamed. But he did not hear.
"Let... Inside.... ! ... Mine!"
I was thrown up, landing on a strange ground. I only knew the stones so far. These were melting, mud drawing me down. I feared I would never be able to stand anymore. The dim light was blinding, and I could not see. Was he another shadow? I would know what she knew. It was my turn now, and if she can be saved... or just graced from another blow... I would take it. But he did not. The powerful, dark skinned man took me on a beast of burden, one that would carry him away. He was in a hurry, and suddenly, everything went faster.
Colors melted with stones, and flowers. Mists around us tamed the shades with their bright blight. Reflections, hues and clouds melted upon this path of light. I suddenly understood that it was too late. I would never see her again. Not until I could be grown, at least. The more we raced, the more my heart was torn. The ruins behind us were misty now, fading while the colors waned. Was I dead for good...?
Ashenie, in the mists of "The Path of Light"