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guhzoontight · 5 years

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For a while, I’ve wanted to draw some angst in regards to the Apprentice’s headaches. Thus this sketch was born. Then I took it ONE more step. It lead me to thinking about the first instance of the headaches. Thus, this was born. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The warmth of the afternoon sun kisses my bare skin as I finish getting dressed. Twisting parts of my hair into braids that come together in the back, just below a fluff of bundled hair. Leaving the rest to fall below. Fastening the last button on my waist cincher, I find myself patting down the flows of my dress. I was getting better at dressing myself and looked forward to my master’s proud smile of my growth. For today was the day that he had promised to take me outside of the shop and into the city. If ever we were to leave in the past, it was normally under the moonlight. Avoiding anyone that may cross our paths, his hand tightly encasing mine as we went. Covering my face with my own hood, I never made direct eye contact with anyone else besides my master. I spent the past few days looking out the window of our living corridors. Carefully watching the people that passed by, making sure they could not see me. Then, whenever one would venture into my master’s shop, I would quietly listen and watch from the stairs. People were different from my master and I, and I tried to learn as much as I could from each one. I was so curious about everyone. The scent they would bring when they entered the shop, the sound of their voices as they carried conversations on with my master. So, as I walked down the stairs, ready to take on the city while the sun still gazed down on it, my master’s smile brought a flush of red to my face. “Caragh, you look incredible.” He makes his way over to me, satchel and coat already adorn his person. “And the style of your hair, how did you learn to do this?” His hand touches along the braids, my heart beats faster. I feel a strange almost knot in my stomach and I don’t know why. “I saw a customer with it, so I have been trying to do it too.” My voice is still very soft, as speaking is still a struggle for me. Many of the hands-on tasks have been easy to pick up on, but when I hear the words in my head, I feel them get twisted and pieced together wrong on the way out of my mouth. My master offers me a smile and his hand, leading us out of the shop and into a whole new world.

At first, I leave my hood up as we walk, casting my eyes down on the ground. My nerves hit me like a flood as new sounds ring in my ears. People calling out news of the city, merchants yelling prices and sales of their goods. The sound of carriages and the horses on the main roads lead me to peek my head up to the sight. The sun is bright, catching me off guard, and I have to squint my eyes for a few moments as I get adjusted. My breath taken away for an instant as the life of the city surrounds me. A crowd of people stand in front of a stage with one man before them all. Holding up a number of items as the crowd shouts off different prices. Others are just walking along the roads carrying on with their daily lives. Children weaving through adults in a playful manner. One of them darts between my master and I in a fit of laughter. Others following after them in the same state smiles stretched further than I’ve ever seen. I feel the pull of my master, drawing me closer to him. “Are you alright?” I nod with a smile, the sight of the children playing makes me feel...happy. A sweet smell catches my nose, only taking me a second before I realize the scent. The pumpkin bread that my master would bring home from time to time. I tighten my grip on his hand and start running towards the scent. Looking back to the startled face of my master, my smile grows bigger as I laugh. “It’s pumpkin bread!” A laugh emerges as he catches up to my pace. “Alright, I’ll take you. You always did enjoy going to the marketplace.” His statement confuses me, causing a tinge of pain in my head. I brush it off and follow my master’s lead through the crowd of people. The sun shining down through wooden floorboards that lay above us, scattering the heat of the sun. Giving out breaks of shade as we make our way through the marketplace. Below us, the sound of the canals lapse against the stone that leads them through the city. Our noses lead us straight to the shop where the precious pumpkin bread is just being taken out of the oven. The man doing so, laying the loaves out of a tanned cloth. I instinctively stand behind my master as we approached. “Ah Asra, good to see you this afternoon! And who did you bring with you today? Is this who the second loaf is for?” My master steps slowly to the side, and I meet eyes with the baker. “I would like you to meet Caragh, she’s my apprentice.” My mouth hangs open for a moment as I try to formulate my words. This is the first person I’ve spoken to that wasn’t my master. At first, only whispers of sounds come from my mouth. I feel the nerves kick it, fidgeting with my dress before my body calms with a gentle touch of my master. His eyes bring ease to the nerves, as he encourages me to speak. Taking my hood down, I swallow the knot in my throat and extend my hand to the baker. “It- it’s ni-nice to meet you.” His large rough hand slaps against mine in a sturdy handshake. “It’s a pleasure Caragh, now, here.” He takes two of the loaves, wrapping them in cloths before handing them to my master and I. “A gift for our first meeting. Just make sure you stop by again in the near future!” His jolly demeanor warms me before I have even taken a bite of the warm bread in my hands. “Of course! Thank you!” Waving goodbye as my master leads us back on the trail of the marketplace. Taking small bites as we walk, my eyes can’t help but look at everything as we pass. Soon taking notice that there are quite a few people staring at the two of us, some turning their heads to whisper. I don’t know much about the way of people, but something strikes me as odd with the stares and whispers only increasing. “Master, is it common for people to stare so much at others and whisper things?” My master starts to take notice, his head turning a few directions. We stop our straight path, as he leads us over towards a set of stairs, away from the main path of the marketplace. “Caragh, first, please don’t call me master. It’s beneath you. You can just call me Asra.” He takes both of my hands, a tint of red spreading across his face as he does so. I can’t help but smile, the sun highlighting his pearlescent hair. A moment flashes in my mind, similar to this with that same smile and shines in his hair. But he looks...younger. My head tingles a bit before coming back. “Alright... Asra.” His name comes off my tongue as if I’d said a million times before. It’s then I notice a shine in his eyes, tears building behind them. He takes me in an embrace, surprising me for a moment before he lets go. “Caragh, there are things I need to tell you about…” His eyes trail off, and I try to follow them. “There is a reason they are staring at us. You see, you’ve...you’ve been here before.” Taking my hand once more, we walk back down the stairs to the marketplace. “Asra, what do you mean? I have never been here, at least not during the day when the people have been out.” Our pace slows as I feel a deep pounding in my head. Grasping onto Asra’s hand tighter, breathing becoming harder with each step. “A year ago...something happened Caragh.” He squeezes my hand. “Let’s go…” His words fall off as the world around me becomes silent. Only the sound of my increasing heartbeat echoes in my mind. Asra is still looking off, away from me, but his lips are still moving. My legs start to shake with each step, pulling on Asra in a moment of panic. Asra...Asra I can’t hear you. My head pulses in pain, a feeling of pressure crushing inside my head. A few people at the nearby shops look my way, confusion and slight concern on their faces. Some covering their mouths, as to whisper while keeping their eyes on me. Something happened...A year ago something...happened. Flames flicker in my mind as a river breaks through of red beetles that swallow the space. Blinking back to the marketplace, Asra finally turns his head to me. My knees give out, bending down towards the ground Asra catches my arms before I land face-first on the wooden boards below. My knees scuffed, I reach for my head with one of my hands. The pain in my head is unbearable, causing me to lose focus in my sight. Tears flowing down, everything flashes before me in a fiery blur. My world is almost burning around me. It feels as if my head is being crushed between two boulders. I try to reach out to Asra with my other hand. “Hel...he.” I can barely form words as black darkness starts to swallow the world around me. “Caragh…?” I can’t respond, my lips quiver as I feel my other arm give out. Slipping a little more before Asra grabs hold of me completely. Asra, please make it stop. It hurts, it hurts so much. Help me, please. Make it stop. Make it stop. Make it stop. Make it stop. Make it stop. Make it stop. Make it stop. Make it stop! Asra must be holding me as I watch the marketplace pass him by. I can barely make out his face, but feel his tears dripping down on my face. The darkness swallows my vision whole, as all I can feel or think about is the pain. Make it stop. The warmth of the afternoon sun kisses my bare skin as I sit against the bed. My master sits on the edge as he finishes doing my hair. The gentleness in his movements, as he moves my locks of hair, sets me into a meditative state. I feel a slight tug before he places a small hand mirror in front of me. “So, how do you like it?” Running my hands along with the braids as they come together in the back, just below a fluff of bundled hair. Leaving the rest to fall below. I’ve seen a customer come in with braids like these and always wanted to see what it would look like on me. My smile grows into a toothy grin. Utter joy taking over my heart. “Thank you, master, I love it!” Turning to him, his smile met my expectations, but his eyes caught me off guard. They looked...sad.

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guhzoontight · 5 years

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The Arcana - The Full’s New Moon Book One: The Magician

My gaze shifts focus to the opening of the large elegant doors of the ballroom as Asra slides himself in as inconspicuously as he can. I feel the twist of my partner's body, as she grips my one hand tightly and glides her other hand down my back into a quick dip. Asra catches me stealing a glance at him, a cock to my brow as the music reals me back to Nahara’s attention. With one smooth motion, she brings me back on my feet and I pull myself closer to her. Letting the rhythm of the music guide our steps. A curious look in her eyes as she spots Asra as well, taking a seat with her other sisters who are indulged in conversations. “Nahara,” I almost whisper to her. “Would you let me be selfish for the rest of this dance?” I slide into the lead, grazing my hand along Nahara’s arm.

“You had wished this practice to be with him?” I swallow to hold my composure with her question but can feel the embarrassment on my face. Nahara lets out a soft chuckle. “Well, I guess we must show what happens when you show up late to the summons of the Countess.” She quickly turns my body in a spin, stopping me to face Asra. Quickly pulling his attention from what looks like a talk with the other sisters. My face flushes but for a moment as I feel Nahara’s head tilt into the side of mine, her hand sliding across my shoulder and finding rest on my collar bone. “Let’s show him what he missed out on.” Her voice quiet in my ear. I slide my own hand over Nahara’s and shift my look onto Asra. With a small mischievous smile and satisfaction in my eyes, I let my body shift into the dancing motions with Nahara. The music picks up speed as I notice the rest of the sisters drawing their attention towards us now. Our movement becoming more fluid with each twirl, lift, and step. Though I had wanted to spend this dance practice with Asra, it was fun playing this game with Nahara. Exchanging smiles and winks, enjoying a little satisfaction when I would see Asra’s face lit up in deep shades of red. As the end of our dance was drawing near, Nahara pulled me in close. “Follow my lead, and trust me.” I softly nod my head as she leads me to stand side by side with her. Extending out her hand, I place mine in hers. Sneaking one last glance at Asra. The red extending up to his ears as he covers his mouth and tip of his nose with one hand. Beyond teasing him for sleeping in longer than he should have, I also feel the need to impress him in this moment. I wasn’t the most graceful dancer during the masquerade last year, so for Nadia and Portia wedding, I really wanted to give Asra a dancing partner to be proud of. I let my body be pulled into hers as she scoops me up with both hands on one side of my waist. Twisting my body up along one side of her shoulders, tucking her head down some as she lets me roll across her upper back. Quickly reaching one hand out to catch me on the other side. Only to pull me back in at the waist with both hands, lowering just short of the ground. My one arm still stretched across the back of her neck as she spins once with me in her arms, my legs arched out as not to hit the ground. At the end of her spin, I feel the shift of her body as she lets me gracefully place my feet on the ground, a step at a time. I take only but a split second to breathe as she leads me to twirl around in her arms as she steps along to the side to guide me into a slow dip. I let my head fall gracefully as I close my eyes. The song is right at the end as she pulls me in. Arching my back, I bring my head forward and open my eyes to find my face just inches in front of Nahara’s. She shares a quick smile to me as we step away from each other. The sounds of claps and cheers erupt from the table of sisters. “Nahara and Caragh that was most impressive!” Nasmira standing with her hands clasped tightly together. Navra quickly runs over to me and grabs my hands. “Oh Caragh we must dance at the wedding together!” I giggle softly at her enthusiasm as I notice Asra making his way over. “As long as I get the first dance.” Asra meets me with the soft gentle hazy eyes and smile that always seem to pull me into his touch. But Nahara steps in beside me and looks at Asra. “You can’t have the first dance if you're not there for it.” While stern with her statement, there is a touch of playfulness to her tone. Asra stops himself as his expression changes to that of a guilty one. “It may not be your wedding day, but it will be my sisters. So while you may be a precious friend to her, try not to be late for it.” Winking at Asra and giving him a small shoulder nudge as she walks past us to go have a set with the other sisters. Navra ushers my hands into Asra’s, leaning her body towards him with a wink. “Now let’s go help make my sister’s wedding one no one shall forget.” Just as I go to follow Navra, Asra stops me with a gentle kiss to my forehead. “You were breathtaking to watch. I hadn’t realized your dancing skills improved so much.” Now, leading me over towards the table with the sisters, he glances down at me. “You were beaming with such confidence, I honestly didn’t know how to handle it.” His sweet words tingle down my spine, and would normally send me into a moment of weakness. Yearning for more. But not this time, for once I was victorious at making him squirm, even if it was just a little. And I wasn’t about to tell him that Nahara had been teaching me how to dance for months now after the announcement of Nadia and Portia’s wedding. Confounding in her of my insecurities of the two left feet I had, and wanting to impress Asra. She was reluctant at first, while the notation was sweet, she didn’t want me to only be doing it for Asra. It wasn’t until I realized that I wanted to do it for myself as well that she took me up on the offer. Telling me, “It’s alright to want to impress the one you love. But the light you shine when realize you have gone beyond your own expectations... It is a brilliant beautiful glow that anyone who truly loves you would want to witness.” Those words repeating themselves in my mind as we took a seat with the others. Feeling a little bad now for making him squirm if what Nahara had told me held any true possibilities to it. We all indulged into conversations as we waited for Nadia. Discussing the plans for the wedding that was only days away at this point. Everyone had their roles that were finally piecing together after months of rigorous planning. Asra and I helping out so much, that we were thankful when his parents said that they would look after the shop for us in our absence. While Nadia was very accommodating to every need of ours and spared no expense to give us things even beyond our needs. Many nights I missed the feeling of tucking myself under the familiar smelling sheets of Asra and I’s bed in the shop. The scent of incense and herbs, the scent of home. Waking in the morning to make two pots of tea, Lapsang souchong for Asra and Bleu mint for myself. I thought of how Asra would reach out for my waist as I tried to get him up each morning. Only to give in to that sweet smile of his as his head would find rest in the crevice of my lap. Now, most of our mornings were filled with a number of duties planned out mostly by Natiqa. Asra and I were in charge of creating the perfect magically setting. Even bringing on other local magicians to help set up preparations under our guide. All of our conversations are brought to a pause as Nadia and Portia enter the room, currently caught in a small fit of laughter between each other before turning their attention to us. “I do hope you were not all waiting too long for us.” While Nadia holds up to her standards of a Countess, most of us exchange looks as we hear the underlying mischievous tone that hints that she may not be too concerned about us having to wait a little. That and Portia turns her eyes elsewhere with a smile. She might have once been the keeper of secrets in the Palace, but with her wedding day approaching, it seems to be a little harder to keep those secrets to herself. “We made sufficient use of our time.” Nahara glances over at me for a moment. “And now tying up any loose ends left.” “Speaking of!” Navra gets up from her seat, heading towards Portia. “Portia I need you to come with me to the kitchens. The cooks have a few questions for you, and concerns in regards to Mazelinka. Something about threats with a wooden spoon.” Navra and Portia’s conversation break off as they head to the kitchens. Nadia takes a seat at the end of the table, facing us all in her natural poised state. I find myself straighten my posture in my seat. Sitting amongst princesses and a Countess was still pretty intimidating. Despite becoming so close with them all in these past few months. I feel Asra’s hand find rest on my thigh that brings a little relief. He must have noticed my fidgeting and passes me a reassuring smile. “So what is left that needs attending to? Do I need to hire any more help for the preparations?” “I think it’s best that you and Portia dismiss yourselves from whatever may be left.” Nafizah speaks up, intense with her words as she normally is. But she is right and most of us agree in the statement. With only days left before the wedding, Nadia and Portia shouldn’t be worrying about anything and focusing on themselves. Nadia, of course, is taken back a little from her sister’s blunt statement. “Nafizah I want to make sure this day is absolutely perfect. While I normally do not care for such extravagant parties, I find myself wanting to share to the world the love I feel for Portia.” Nadia blushing at her own words as they leave her lips. I feel Asra’s hand tighten slightly over my thigh, drawing my attention to him. But his gaze is focused on Nadia with a warm smile, probably filled with happiness for his close friend to find such a joy in this world after having to deal with Lucio. I can’t help but share her sentiment as I place my own hand on top of Asra’s. “And well, this is bigger than the Masquerade, not only for that reason. But as you all know, royals from all over have found that such a wedding deserves to have their attention. With our city on the rise again, many have started to return to us for means of trade and wisdom. I wish to show that this city has truly risen from the crumbling mess it once was.” “Nadia you can leave it to us to handle.” Leaving the touch of Asra behind as I adjust myself with my hands laying on top of each other on the table. For a moment mimicking something I feel I saw once before. “Nafizah is right, you and Portia should be only thinking and focusing on each other. You don’t need to worry about impressing anyone else. Once they see the love you and Portia share. They’ll understand and truly see what this city has become and recognize the two brilliant lights that have guided us all there.” “Well said Caragh.” Nahara expresses with a smile and nod in my direction. Nadia looks at me wide-eyed, lips parted slightly without a word to say. “Nadia,” Asra tilts his head with a finger pressed gently to his cheek, the other fingers curled under his chin, “As long as I’ve known you, you have only ever wanted to treat those you care about with every pleasantry and luxury you had to offer. Now is our turn to return the favor for you and Portia. We want to do this for both of you.” All of our attention now focused on Nadia. “I doubt any of you will let me protest this idea of yours?” Nadia finally speaks up with a knowing smile and a gentle flush to her face. “Afraid not.” Nazali chimes in as Portia and Navra return from the kitchens. “Now run off you two and enjoy yourselves, relax. Doctor’s orders.” With a wink at Nadia, Nazali is the first to stand and head off with Nafizah. The rest of us follow suit as we break out into our respected job duties. Portia looking around with what looks to be a thousand questions racing through her mind. “Wait, what. Nadia I thought we were going to-” Nadia gingerly presses one finger to Portia’s lips. “We’re on strict orders from the bridal party to enjoy ourselves for these next few days.” You can see the excitement in Portia’s eyes at the thought of not having to put in any more work. “Care to join me on a ride with the horses?” “Care for that to be a race m' lady?” While Portia was no longer Nadia’s personal handmaiden, that didn’t stop her from calling her that in a slightly teasing manner from time to time. Taking each other’s hand they raced off to the stables. Watching their interactions was always enjoyable to me. I don’t remember what Nadia’s marriage was like with Lucio. But from what she had told me a few times in conversation, and from the gossip of the city folks. Nadia has never looked happier than she does when she is around Portia. I feel a giddy laugh as I watch them take a corner out of the ballroom a little too hard and almost trip over each other. Until I hear scratching and a small scuffle in the back of my mind that quickly takes my attention. Looking around the large ballroom for the source and only seeing some of the other sisters talking amongst themselves, a few servants running around, and Asra who is speaking with Natiqa. The sound turns into a voice that quietly echoes, “Ouch!” in my ear. But still, there is nothing near that would make such a sound, until I catch a quick movement from the corner of my eye. High up in one of the corners of the ballroom near the ceiling, I swear for a moment I see small legs crawl behind a hole that I hadn’t noticed before. A sting in my head shakes me for a moment as I feel my hand reacting institutionally to a pain I hadn’t felt for a while. “Caragh?” The hand on my shoulder snaps me back to the moment. I look back up to the corner where I saw the legs, and the hole the person had crawled behind is gone. “Caragh?” Asra steps in front of me to focus my attention on him. “Caragh are you alright?” Concern reflects in his face and I quickly react. “Yes, of course. Sorry, I was just spacing out, maybe I’m a bit more burned out then I realized.” I lie. I just lied to Asra, or well didn’t tell him the full truth. It’s true I was feeling burnt out by all of this, but I can’t recall the last time I so easily avoided telling Asra something. It scares me a little until I talk myself down. I have to be burnt out if I’m seeing things. Asra seems convinced for now from my quick response. Interlacing his fingers with mine. “Well, let’s go make sure our ends are tied up. Then maybe we can retire early for the evening.” Bringing his lips close to my ears in a quiet whisper. “Then maybe I can help rejuvenate your tired spirit, hmmmm?” His warm breath tickles my neck, my face tingles at the thought. Twisting my head to meet his lips I nip at them with my teeth and pull away. “Is that a promise?” I tease him back with a tender flutter of my eyes. “I don’t recall romantic advances being on that list I gave you Asra!” Natiqa shouts from across the hall. Both Asra and I caught in a moment of embarrassment that breaks out into laughter. Walking off to the gardens to finish our preparations for the wedding.

Outside in the gardens, the florists are setting up the last of the hanging flowers in the trees. With a mix of magic and proper gardening, the ceremony area had transformed into a magical wonderland. Quickly becoming a place I felt a bit of pride in. After the events of last year, Asra and his parents agreed to teach me more in the ways of the Arcana. While Asra had always seemed to be confident in my abilities, I had felt like he had finally let go of his worried tied to it. We had even shared in some teasing magically fights between each other. So when presented with some otherworldly tasks for the wedding, I almost jumped at the chance to put some more complicated magic to use. The design seemed a bit complicated at first. It was a mix of ideas from the brides themselves, but some secret suggestions are thrown in there by some of the sisters. Of course, ones that we all agreed that they would both enjoy, as not to sour their own wishes. They had chosen a spot in the gardens where a number of willow trees hung just enough to hug the area in its branches. The hanging foliage was twisted with a number of colored flowers and small hanging lantern not yet lit. The seats had been arranged in rows that are connected to form an oval shape on its side, curved in on one side closest to the stone steps that led to where Nadia and Portia were to be married. A large ring of twisted dry branches are wrapped in a number of flowers, mixes of pinks, violets, and whites scattered throughout. Becoming a full collection of leaves that seemed to naturally lay on the stone, making their way down into the grass below.

I sat against the tree in the opposing end of the ceremony. Listening to Asra scratch in the last details of the glyphs to the tree, as I finished painting my own glyphs on the bottom of the shoes that Nadia and Portia were to wear that day. Occasionally one of our magicians' help would rush up to us with a question or two. “Asra?” I tilt my head back along the tree, catching him intensively scratching away in small motions, a slight bite to his lip as he leans in closer to his work. He only responses with a quick hum in his throat. “Were you at Nadia’s first wedding with the Count?” Asra gently blows on the mark and briskly wipes at any leftover residue. Giving the glyph one last look over. “No, I was still a mask seller and future teller in the market around that time.” His eyes narrow with cold stare out into the void of space before him. “But knowing Lucio, he probably made the day all about himself instead of the two of them together.” His expression lightens when he glances down at me and the work in my hands. “And knowing Nadia now, I know she deserves the best and I think that is just what she found.”

I finish up the last line of my glyph and it sets off a soft glow before diminishing. Holding the shoe in my hand for a moment, “Was I there?” The question leaves me easier than I thought, if I even spent a moment to think about it that is. If Asra and I had known each other for almost a decade, then surely I was here around that time. I stand with the pairs of shoes interlace in my fingers, not really taken aback by Asra’s silence. Prior to finding out that I had died, Asra always trend so carefully to anything connecting to my past. I catch a glance back at Asra as I walk away towards the fountain nearby, wearing that same expression whenever something like this is brought up. Finding myself sighing that he still hasn’t said a word and is just quietly following behind me. I bend down to the lip of the fountain and place the pair of shoes gently on top of the water. The glyphs activating and glowing as I let the shoes stand on their own on top of the water. A gentle flow of air pushing out the water from around the shoes. “I- I don’t think you were.” An answer, an honest answer. I can hear it in his tone, warming a small spot in my chest as I clench the area with a smile. “I don’t think you met Nadia until after her marriage.” Almost forgetting about the shoes, I place a kiss on his cheek. I don’t know if I could express just how much that meant to me. “Miss Caragh!” A petite woman comes running over to us from the garden area, Pepi cradled in her arms and Chandra flying alongside her. Her checks matching the color of the tips of her hair as she takes a moment to breathe once she reaches us. “Miss Caragh I’m sorry! I was trying to get the collar to stay on Pepi, but she kept insisting that it was a new toy for her to play with. Chandra understood well enough, but I fear Pepi may end up losing Nadia’s ring!” I pick up Pepi from her hands and hold the cat up from under her forelegs as she lets out a friendly meow at me. “Of course it’s a problem if the shiny rock is lost Pepi!” I make eye contact with Asra as we both hold back small giggles. Daphi was a magician helping us out who had a thing for being able to understand and talk to animals. Asra had told me it was more of a spiritual magic that deals with connecting with nature. “How about using a cloaking spell on the collar until Pepi gets up to Portia during the ceremony?” Asra suggest as he reaches his hand under Pepi’s neck to give her a few scratches. I can feel the vibrations of her purrs as I give into pulling her to my chest for some much-needed pets. “Of course! Asra that is a brilliant idea! I see why they have you two as the lead magicians! Thank you thank you!” Daphi scoops Pepi back into her hands and rushes off in the direction she came, Chandra following shortly after from high above almost blending into the colors of the sunset. “We should probably check on the rest of the help, make sure they are wrapping up by now.” Stretching my arms up in an arching motion as a loud yawn escapes turning into a satisfied hum. “Miss Caragh you aren’t trying to rush their work now are you?” Asra tries to pass off a tease at me, only to catch himself on the yawn I infected him with. Exiting the fountain area, most of the other magician have left. Leaving behind the beautiful fruits of their labor. Two others are turning to leave with their supplies bundled in their arms, only to stop and wave goodbye to us as they continue on. The sunset’s glow is casting its colors on the stone platform, causing the color of the flowers to change in a fluid motion. I know it isn’t any magic causing them to flutter in hues. But the moment still takes my breath away as I imagine Nadia and Portia standing up there, hands interlocked tighter than they ever have. My feet move on their own as I walk up to the platform, letting my hands brush over the flowers and capture their scent in the calm breeze. I twirl around slowly feeling my heart pull towards Asra in the moment. He meets my pace and comes to stand next to me, offering out his hand. “I’m sorry for missing our dance early, may I have this moment to make up for it?” His words are so gentle that I’m scared I may shatter them if I dare speak. I reply with an affections smile as I take his. Both of us pulling in and finding rest on the other’s shoulder. My arms relaxed around his neck as he finds rest with his on my lower back. Swaying gently with the movements of the willow trees. Reeling myself back a little, aligning my face with his. I start humming a soft tune, our feet treading gently on top of the stone platform. I can’t hear the song in my head, but the hum almost comes out naturally with a nostalgic feeling. But my lips are sealed as Asra surprises me with a kiss, hovering over them a little longer after breaking off. Our heavy-lidded eyes only on each other, pulling me in closer for one more kiss. “Caragh, I love you.” My eyes blur but for a moment as a few tears escape down my cheeks. Tasting the saltiness of them as I smile. “I love you too Asra.” Asra lets go of me, his face turning bright red as if he had never heard me say those words to him. He turns his body and reaches into his bag when panic quickly hits me. “Oh no the shoes!” I rush off down the platform and back to the fountain. “Caragh wait!” Asra quickly catches up to me as relief rushes over me to see the pairs of shoes still floating above the water. I break into a laugh, Asra just shaking his head with a smile. “Well at least I know they’ll work.” I lift the shoes off the water and the glow of the glyphs fade. A swirl of magic still rippling the water from where I put the shoes down at. Satisfied with my work, I make sure to tuck them away into my own bag. Hissss A splash of water comes from the fountain as I find Asra kneeling down over it. Staring wide-eyed at the water, a few droplets going down his face. I wipe them away with a piece of my hood. “What was that?” “The fountain must have been reacting to your magic. I was just dispelling it before we left. Don’t need any passerbyers to stumble into a magical realm.” “I’d have to agree. If a guest at Nadia’s wedding were to end up in another realm. I don’t think she’d be too pleased with us.” Extending my left hand out to Asra, he looks at it for a moment. “Come on, you have a promise to keep, remember?” A kiss to my hand brings back the smile I know and love. “Of course.” Taking my hand and leading me over to the tree where he craved my name into so long ago. Embracing me with a kiss, he pulls us through one of the portals to inside the palace. I catch a glimpse of a small creature on the side of the fountain before falling through the rush of magic with Asra.

With heavy lids, my eyes rise slowly capturing the low light peeking out from the curtains in our room. In a sleepy hazy I had forgotten Nadia had us switch rooms for these next few days, a room located in Lucio’s old wing. While his old room is now used for storage, the other bedrooms in the wing were still undesirable by most. The servants had done a fine job of bringing some life back to the wing, but for many the shadow, it cast for years still lingered in the far corners of people's minds. So when asked to move to the wing, Asra and I can’t say that we didn’t feel some hesitation about the idea. Lucio was no longer a problem, but we hadn’t stepped foot into the wing since the night of the masquerade a little over a year ago. Despite our feelings, we knew it was for the best, as today a number of royals would come from all over to stay the night for the wedding tomorrow. So keeping them away from the wing felt to be the right thing to do. Even Nadia’s sisters moved to this wing to help accommodate for the extra space needed.

Above all else, I was certainly glad to have Asra with me in the room. Our blankets and pillows sprawled out in a scattered mess, just like home. Asra’s face tucked closely to mine as he laid on his stomach. One arm reaching up to around his head, fingers interlaced in my hair. The other tucked under his cheek. Faust is quietly curled further up the pillow, both of them breathing gently almost in unisonant. I take in the sight and quietness of their sleep, gently brushing my fingers through Asra’s soft hair. After months of wake up calls from a number of the sisters, I settled myself back into the comfort of sleep and relaxation. Today we had no obligations, no errands to run or people to see. Nadia and Portia would be having dinner later with all of the royal guests, which Asra and I were pleased we didn’t have to be a part of. Sure my curiosity of a dinner with people of such standing was roused, but the formalities of the situation were enough to damper that feeling. So snuggling a little longer with these two was something I wholeheartedly planned to take advantage of, but of course, I was restless. On the one day where I could lazily spend my time in bed with Asra, my body couldn’t bring itself back to rest. After trying until the sun was finally awake itself, I gave into defeat with a deep sigh. Gingerly I shuffled my way out of the bed, freezing once I felt Asra move one of his legs shift towards mine. “Asra?” I whisper softly, trying to test the waters to see if he was truly awake. After a moment of silence, I continued my slow departure from the bed. My feet finding the carpeted ground and I shiver a little, no longer encased in the warmth of the bed and body heat of Asra. I quickly search for my palace attire, a slight chatter to my teeth from standing disrobed. Friend? I catch Faust’s head as I pull over my dress. “Yes, Faust,” still keeping my voice to a hushed whisper. “Would you like to come with me?” She answers my question without a word and makes her way over to me. Extending my hand down to slither her way up. “Asra can join us on our adventure when he’s ready. In the meantime, shall we have our own adventure?” Faust just rubs the top of her head along my jawline, and I take it as a yes. Closing the door as softly as I could, I catch a glimpse of the back of Nafizah as she rounds a corner.

Most of the sisters are likely awake by now.

Walking aimlessly, I try to think of what I could do to pass the time, or if there is something I should try to do before the wedding. “You know Faust, we should probably check on the shop and Asra’s parents. Or see how Muriel and Inanna are doing. A break into a more simplistic atmosphere sounds pretty appealing.” A loud rustle of papers and a chair screeching around catches Faust and I’s attention as we pass the Library. Squeeze! I’ve picked up enough from Faust in this past year, well enough to know why she would be saying that. Peering around the door that is slightly ajar, I spot Julian hastily pacing around his old desk in the library. Muttering curses as he throws a crumpled piece of paper to the ground. Before I can do anything, I feel a cold brush over my shoulders as I notice the absence of Faust. Looking around quickly, I spot her all too late. “Gaah!” Julian stumbles over himself, thankfully into one of the cushioned chairs. “Ah no get off-!” “Faust!” I hurry over to Julian, uncurling Faust easily as she wasn’t really even squeezing him. “Sorry, Julian. I think she was just trying to help.” Lifting Faust back onto me, she nestles her way around me. Julian dramatically brushes her hair back to lay over one side of his face. “Strangling me to death isn’t going to help me with my predicament, at least not this time.” I throw him a side glance and he immediately picks up on what I’m saying as his signature grin comes out. While Julian has grown a lot, leaving much of his pointless self sacrificing gestures in the past, he is still dramatic as ever. “Well then Julian,” I take a seat across from him and play into his dramatic demeanor. “Then what is your predicament?” I pick up one of the books laid out on the table and mindless start flipping through it, awaiting his response. Slumping into the chair, his expression shifts to an uneasy one and I start to realize just how stressed he is about whatever this is. “Julian,” I put the book down and situate myself in the chair next to his. Pulling it a little closer to him, resting my chin on my interlaced fingers. “You know you can talk to me.” It was true, after learning I was his apprentice and going through the hardships of the events from last year. I was trying to open myself up to others, expanding my own little world. Though I would be lying if I said I didn’t just enjoy his friendship as a whole.

“I know…” Red creeping along his nose, spreading to his cheeks. Only to then have a twinkle in his eye as he grabs a hold of my attention. “I could tell you the tales of my many adventures out at sea!” He stands in his chair, one leg propped up on the armchair with a hand placed on his forehead as if looking out to the sea itself. “Or-” Hoping down he swirls into a tall coat stand, holding on and dipping it down, bringing his face close. “How I spent a night with the most beautiful Prince of the eastern lands.” He places the stand back and bows to it. I can't help but let out a genuine laugh at the site as he continues over to a large stack of books. “Then there was that time when I brought a wealth of medical knowledge to a land ignorant of such ideas, bettering the lives of many with my practices!” A large grin explodes from his face and he looks over to me, but it all too quickly fades and his eyes distance themselves from mine. Finding rest back into the chair beside me sluggishly. “But here I am, the day before my sister’s wedding and I can’t find the words to say. Pasha, she’s been more than I could have asked for in a sister. Even after all those years of not seeing her, she stood by me through everything that has happened despite how grim. I just want to express to her how much I love her, and how much joy it brings me seeing her and Nadia happy together.” I can feel Julian’s genuine happiness in his words, the stress of the situation washing away for a moment.

“You know Julian, I feel like you are going about this all wrong.” Getting up, I grab one of the papers he had crumpled up and tossed aside. Unwinding it and laying it out on the table. Picking up his quill with my left hand I begin writing on it. I hear Julian lift from his chair, his presence them behind me as he curiously looks in.

“I didn’t realize you were ambidextrous.” I stop writing for a moment.

“Ambi what?”

“Ambidextrous. It’s where you can write with your left and right hand.”

“Alright,” a little confused by the statement, I try to bring the conversation back around. “So, you spend all this time writing this impressive piece!” I hold of the paper for a moment to Julian, not letting him see what I wrote down and stand a few paces back. “You go to read the said statement.” Clearing my throat, I hold the paper to align with my eyes. “Portia, my darling sister.” As I read off my own version of what Julian just said in the most monotone voice I can muster, finishing, I should Julian the best expressionless face I can make.

“So I should just repeat what you just said?” Confusing in his voice, I huff a little but understand maybe I wasn’t making my motivates clear. I put the paper down and rest my hand on his forearm, clearing the frustration with a sympathetic smile.

“Julian, what I am trying to say is you don’t need the letter. The letter would just make you sound dull. You’ve always expressed yourself the best while in the moment. So when the time comes.” I hold onto his other arm and close my eyes. “You focus only on Portia and the feelings inside of you in that very moment.”

Hurry! Hide, he’s coming!

My eyes jut open, hands tightly digging into Julian’s arms.

“Uhhh Caragh. Not that I don’t enjoy this but-“ Clicks of boots echoing into the library from the halls catch me in a moment of panic. Still holding my grip on Julian, I pull us behind some of the bookshelves. Pressing him with one hand against the shelves, I pear just over a stack of books out into the open room. Two figures enter the room. One, shorter than the other is dressed in a long white robe of sorts. Buttons going from the collar to only inches from the bottom. The sleeves are long as he holds a small book in his wrinkled hands. A long scarf drapes over his shoulder to the front, a deep red covers in gold embroidery. I can’t tell the designs on them, but a large gold cross hangs from his neck, his cheeks puffed and dusted in red as he brushes the only sections of his hair that lay on the side of his head.

“I believe this is the room the Countess had said would be what we are looking for.” He walks over to the desk where Julian’s notes laid, lifting them up as if they were covered in something foul. The other figure looks up to the ceilings on the other side of the room and I’m not able to catch a glimpse of his face. They are dressed similarly in color style, but I can only see their long white high collar cloak trimmed in similar gold designs with a gold cross in the center.

“To think such places still exist without a holy sanctum for worship.” I feel Julian bend down beside me, with my eye trying to get a better look at the figure.

“Why are we hiding?” His whisper is rough and loud in my ear. I turn to him, a wrinkle in my nose and a finger placed on my lips. In this moment, sharing with him that I heard a voice in my head, probably wouldn’t be for the best. I notation my heads further down the rows. Trying to recall where the glyph was to get out of here.

“Let us pray Matthew. This place could use a healing hand from the almighty.” Their word choices are foreign to me, and I assume they are guests of the wedding. Julian and I took every precaution to not make our presence known. Soon their words turn to a mixture of hums and chants. A heavyweight pulls at my chest, Julian tugs me from my stagnant position and places my hand on a wall. I feel the pull of Asra’s magic as if his own fingers were lacing into mine. Glowing faintly, I respond to the magic and pull Julian through with me, stumbling into the gardens outside. The sun beaming directly overhead of us.

“Sorry Julian.” Turning to him, feeling the heavy strain lift from his chest. “To be honest, I couldn’t tell you why I hid us.” The whole situation struck a chord in me and I felt like I was going off pure instinct. “Would you think I was crazy if I told you a little voice in my head said to?” Though it’s not as crazy as it sounds, given I was hearing Lucio’s voice before. But this was different, it was a young girl’s voice that seemed all too familiar to me. The concern on my face must have been showing through as Julian nudged me.

“Crazy would be fighting the Devil and living to tell the tale.” A smile finds rest on my face with his light-hearted words, looking around the gardens for anyone close.

“I would be lying if I wasn't also just trying to avoid any unnecessary formal meetings. I’m trying to save my energy for tomorrow. Also, sorry for pulling you away, I should probably go see if Asra is awake…” A moment of panic sets in. Faust is missing. My heart races, I must have left her behind in my commotion. Bracing myself against the tree I try to go back, but only met with the smell of bark and moss. Using the momentum, I push off the tree into a sprint back toward the Palace. “Caragh!” Julian quickly matching my pace.

Friend! Squeeze!

My feet dig into the grounds as I come to a halt, Julian stumbling into me, trying to find his balance to not send me face-first into the dirt. Tilting my head up to Faust’s voice, I have to shield my eyes as the sun reflects off of the pearlescent hair. Asra leaning over the railing, his head resting in his hands with a devious smile. Relief and a chuckle emerge as Julian lets go of my arms. “Asra! Faust!” I shout with glee seeing Faust safe with Asra. “One moment, I’ll be down.” He turns past the point of view from the balcony. “Well Caragh, I very much appreciate the little adventure, but I should go get ready for dinner tonight. Thank you, truly. I think I understand what you were saying back there. But,” Appreciation drops into that of concern. “Are you alright? For a moment back there you were, well whispering along with them and then just stopped moving.” “I was just trying to find that glyph, I figured taking a moment to feel for Asra’s aura would help.” Adding a hint of laughter to my words to ease the tension of the question, and to hide my own concerns as I didn’t recall whispering anything of the sorts. “It’s like I told you, I was trying to avoid all those fancy formal meetings.” Julian doesn’t look convinced. “You didn’t answer my question.” His tone is a bit more serious than I’m used to.

“Faust tells me you two had yourselves a little adventure while I was away.” I hear Asra behind me, quickly I mouth some words to Julian.

Please don’t tell Asra.

I feel immediate distaste in my lips, a drop of disappointment in myself weighing on my heart. Twice now I’ve hidden things from him. While the first one I know was just a delusion in the moment, Asra and I had become so much more open with each other since I found out I died. My current actions only feel like steps backward, then I feel his arms wrap around my waist, his chin finding rest on my shoulder. The usual feeling of comfort from his touch finds no place in my uneasiness.

“Hello Ilya.” I can hear the smile in his word, while I give Julian one last look tucking my lips inward.

“Asra, good to see you, but as I was just telling Caragh here I really must go.” He graces us with a playful bow before stepping away. Asra unwinds himself from me.

“Ilya wait.” Pulling himself up to Julian’s ear, he whispers something I don’t catch. He slips out a sly smile when our eyes meet. Nodding to Asra, then continuing on his way.

“So,” Asra gestures me out of the gardens. “You really are trying to avoid people today aren’t you, even me?”

“Heh, and just what did Faust tell you?” I playfully rub under her chin, Asra laughs as we round the castle walls towards the gate.

“Well, using one of my portals to escape was quite the tale. If you wanted to avoid people that much, you could have just stayed in bed with me.” His playful eyes narrowing on me.

“Trust me, the want was there, however, I couldn’t ease back into sleep once I had woken up.” I can see Asra’s face starting to turn to concern, but I’m quick to diminish it. “I just wanted to check on the setup and ran into Julian on my way to the Ballroom. He was having some trouble thinking of what to say at tonight’s dinner.” “Ilya, having trouble thinking of a speech? I would think he would have had a dozen to ramble through.” We both chuckle lightly, passing through the large front gates. A carriage is waiting for us just outside, the coachman greeting us as we are escorted in. “Muriel should be at the shop by now. My parents wanted to have dinner with all of us before the wedding tomorrow.” Finding comfort in my seat beside Asra, I can vividly imagine the spread of food out on the small table in our cozy home. The aroma lingering long before and after the meal in the small space. Salim had cooked for us a few times before, and the thought of his dishes made my mouth water in anticipation. My stomach following up with a growl that Asra immediately acknowledges with a giggle. Our conversation continues as the horse trot along the stone roads, back to our home. Going over the events of tomorrow, the number of steps and tasks to complete that morning, along with the communication between the fellow magicians who are helping out under our lead. Asra tugs me close as we go on, I follow up by swinging my legs over his thighs. His hand finds rest on the small of my back as I shift my torso to him. Gesturing my hands as I tell him of the secret plan Daphi and I had been working on for the end of the ceremony. My body jostles forward into Asra as the horse come to a stop.

Home! Faust pokes out from between Asra and I in excitement.

Proceeding out of the carriage, the coachman let us know they will return tonight to bring us back to the palace. The evening air carries a slight chill, but my senses are warmed with the immediate sent that carries me to the front door, as I can already smell the dinner being prepared. Touching the door, I feel the effects of my homesickness leaving me with the familiar wood under my fingertips. The comfort of home along with the scent of the wonderful food wraps me up in its arms. I give into it and let myself be taken inside, following its trail. “Asra, Caragh? Is that you?” Aisha pokes her head from the back room, her smile rounding up, she comes out to greet us both with a warm embrace. “Your father won’t be much longer. Muriel is upstairs with Inanna. Asra, would you mind helping me set the table?” She tugs him along before Asra can even answer. Leaving me in the front room alone. I run my hand over the counter\top. Taking in the feeling of the glass, I step behind the counter. Appreciating the sight of all the little knick-knacks, herbs, ingredients, and all things magical that Asra had gathered over the years. Smiling when I see a few things we had gathered together just within this past year. There were few times anymore that Asra would not take me with him for trips outside Vesuvia. We hadn’t traveled too far yet, but Asra had promised me he would take me wherever I wanted to go. There was always one place that lingered in my thoughts when he would bring that up, but I honestly wasn’t even sure if Asra knew where that was. Lost in my thoughts, I find myself adjusting some placement of things out of habit, when a thud from above startles me. Forgetting that Muriel was upstairs, I search around for some dried meat and make my way up. Finding Muriel seated on the ground, Inanna spread out on her stomach close beside him. The warm rays of the sunset outlining them both in the moment of peaceful bonding. “Hello Muriel, Inanna.” Inanna is the first to see me, her tail wagging gently as Muriel brushes through her fur before speaking. “So, Asra is here now?” Muriel doesn’t break his connection with Inanna as I walk over to sit near them. Offering Inanna the treat I snagged for her. Out of everyone I have grown a connection with over this year, Muriel has always been hard for me to really connect with. Asra had taken him south shortly after the events of the year before, where he learned what happened to his family. Asra said it really changed Muriel for the good, and helped him open up to everyone. Except for me, or at least I felt that way. Muriel is Asra’s oldest and dearest friend. I often found myself feeling like I was taking Asra away from Muriel, whenever Muriel would decline doing things with us. I had recalled seeing him in dreams, where he would tell me how when Asra is with me, nothing else matters. Or how we would just vanish into our world together, just the two of us. I know they were just dreams, and while spending time with just Asra was wonderful, so was the time we spent with others. Both of us had opened our world up to so many others. I wanted Muriel to be a part of our world. However, those dreams still made me feel like Muriel still doesn’t fully accept me. It isn’t just for Asra sake that I wanted Muriel in our lives, but I also wanted Muriel to be my friend, and I his. I can see his soft heart, his kindness with other people, and the animals he looks after. He even risked his own life to protect Asra a number of times in the past, hurting himself in the process. “Yes, he is downstairs helping with dinner. Would you mind if I helped you brush her?” Muriel averts his gaze from mine and almost looks irritated with my request. “No…” Still not looking at me directly, his answer brings some hope as I quickly search the room for another brush. Placing myself near Inanna’s head, she nuzzles her way onto my lap as I brush her neck. Muriel taking care with her body. “Thank you.” I softly say, keeping my eyes on Inanna who is slowly drifting off in a sleepy haze. Muriel only responds with solid hmm. “You two will be seated with Asra and I tomorrow right?” Trying to pull some conversation with him as I let the comfort of the moment take me. “I suppose.” I stop brushing, making eye contact with Muriel for the first time since starting. “It would be wonderful to have you two with us.” Muriel seems a little taken back from my words, shifting his eyes away again as I notice a slight tint of red on his cheeks. “Muriel, Inanna, Caragh! Come on down!” Inanna is the first to stand, heading down before Muriel and I even have a moment to put the brushes down. Walking down and into the back room of the shop. They had made sure to set the fine fabrics that are normally covering it aside. I sit myself to the right of Asra, Inanna snuggling into my other side. The spread of food is a wonderful mix of things that are familiar, but thrown in are new dishes that I haven’t seen before. They had even thrown Asra’s favorite dish in as well, Blue-tongued skink. We all load our plates full to the rim, Muriel setting a special plate for Inanna. “Thank you for the meal Salim, Aisha. You’ve already done so much by watching the shop in our absence. We really owe you both after all of this.” Aisha smiles and shakes her head at me. “While we are glad you appreciate what we are doing, there is no need to repay us. You have already done so much for our son alone all these years. It’s the least we could do.” I feel Asra’s hand find rest on my thigh with a gentle squeeze. “Besides, you two have been busy helping with the biggest wedding the north has seen in a long time. And helping out some of your dearest friends, we’re proud of you both.” Gazing into the piece of food on my fork, I can’t help but smile at her words. Then, like a few drops of rain hitting my face just as a storm starts, I feel a trickle of an ache in my chest. Would my parents be proud of me? Raising my hand to take a bite into my food, the question still lingering in my mind, my elbow bumps with a decent force into Asra’s. Dropping my fork, I real back a little as I suck air in through my teeth. Rubbing my elbow in a quick reflex to the pain. “Sorry Asra, are you alright?” I’m only met with a blank stare from him as his own hand is on his elbow. I can’t read his expression at all, and I feel a little uneasy. “Asra?” My words don’t seem to make much of an impact in our conversation. He just looks at me, then to my left arm as I finish rubbing it, the pain fading just as quickly as it came. The others are still eating, just slower, likely just as confused as I am. “Why were you eating with your left hand?” His question makes me look down to the fork on the table, food still in its teeth. I didn’t know why I was, hadn’t I always? Though that’s never happened when Asra and I have eaten together before. “I uh, just wasn’t thinking I guess.” Picking up the fork in my right hand, I take a bite. But my movements with it feel janky. My hand is acting as if I had never used a fork to eat before. “Sorry again.” The words feel like a disappointment, had I done something wrong? “It’s alright, no harm done.” Asra throws me a quick cheeky smile, but it feels forced. I’m not sure why he was so concerned about me using my left hand. But I let the thoughts drift away as we all get caught up with how things have been in the shop and the palace. The odd tension of the situation dissipating quickly. Even Muriel chimes in about some things happening down in his homeland recently. Everything starts to feel right, and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend the evening before the wedding. In our tiny home, surrounded by family and the comfort of their smiles.

The night air is cold as it harshly cuts throw my hooded cloak. I can feel my cheeks burn from its kiss. The shop door is closed and not a single light is on. My name is Caragh. I am a student of the magical arts. I live and train in the city of Vesuvia.

The night is covered in a thick blanket of fog, causing the streets to give off a milky glow. I turn away from the shop. “Is this your domain?” A voice distant in my mind whispers softly to me. My feet find their own way along the streets out of the city center and into the flooded district. Not a single soul lingers, even the taverns are quiet. I hear the sounds of small animal’s feet skitter across a wood floor in one of the builds, as even the wind is no longer howling in my ear. I pass by a familiar house and continue out towards the sea. The moon hanging high above it, sparkling the ripples of the waves with its light. The sound of the waves crashing against the docks fades to silence as I stare out to Lazaret. The shadow it casts from the moonlight grows. Stretching out to where I stand on the docks, covering me in the heavyweight of darkness. I...died of the plague, three years ago. This is where I belong.

All that is on my mind is the island. I sit on the docks edge, placing my feet on top of the water. I do not sink through, instead, I walk with purpose across the water, over each silent wave. Still engulfed in the island’s shadow as I reach its shore. I walk the path, just like I did that day. Placing each foot in the remains of other footprints left here by so many. Through the iron gates, the building comes to life as the sound of fire cracking echos through my head. The ground beneath my feet getting warmer as I make my way to the cremation room. The room lights up in a blaze of flames, as a strange sense of comfort fills me. I know this, this is my fate, the outcome of who I was. I walk forward towards the flames, reaching out for it. Wanting the comfort and warmth of the flames to take me once more. “You have confined yourself within these walls you’ve built.” The voice returns and I stop myself in the archway of the room, the flames dancing just before my eyes. I feel a gentle tug on my arm, allowing myself to be pulled by it as it leads me back outside the tower and into a clearing. A pile of ash and bones before me. I feel a magical aura in the pile pull at my heart, a familiar aura. But it’s not anyone’s that I can think of. I start digging through the bones, the ash coating my fingers, hands, and soon arms. The aura getting stronger as I feel something hidden in the sand and ash. Pulling it out, the opal gem shines brightly from the moonlight. The gem itself hanging between a crescent moon design. Swirls and odd shapes creating the defining figure of the crescent moon itself. The necklace in my hand brings me to tears and I am not sure why. The magic coming off the item is warm and inviting as I cradle it close to me. “This is not your realm dear.” The voice speaks again, this time much louder, softer, kinder. Bright swirls of colors dance around a large tree near me. Craving out the shape of a door in the bark, once complete the bark twist itself into a door handle within the door shape. The outline of it all glowing softly now, pulsing like a heartbeat. I stand, my mouth gaping from the sight of the beautifully carved door before me.

“Only in the darkness of an ending does the New Moon arise. Go.” The necklace still clutched in my hands, I reach for the door handle. Faint soft music is playing from the other side of the door. I feel the island dissolve away from me, the darkness fading and a bright light emerging as the door opens. It’s blinding as I cover my eyes with my arm. The light consuming me whole.

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