e
The prismflies were out in force, seduced by the radiant heat of summertime. Their shuddering bodies cast rainbows in every direction, bathing the park in an eldritch glow. Syna gave her last glimmer before sinking earnestly beneath the horizon, twilight changing hands to dusk. The weather was absolutely lovely, the air warm and dry with no hazard of rain above. It was perfect for a walk through Alheas and fortunate indeed, for there were more than just insects afoot.
Cala lounged carelessly in naked feet upon her cottage’s front porch. Smoke listed from her pipe, curling up and out toward the bowl of the heavens. She’d spent a great deal of time that day hunting and sunbathing, two of her favorite activities. It was a good season to be Dhani, despite the cold mountain air. Summer was pleasant and warm most of the time, aside from the occasional downpour.
She’d been absently sensing the girl’s chavi for some time now. Cala was more or less perpetually walking the Chavena, sifting through fate’s brightly colored strands. There was one that crept closer still with each passing day, a bright weave of lush forest and marbled cream. The flashing impressions grew into visions and at the onset of summer, she’d all but learned the girl’s true name. Young and an orphan, but furthermore, her potential successor. It struck Cala as odd that Avalis might choose a human over the more enduring races, like her Konti or the Ethaefal. She was too old however, to question it.
Footfalls echoed in the distance, the racket carrying for miles. Someone was certainly on the approach and with a subtle exhalation, she lost herself in the corona between heaven and earth. There it was, a tapestry of pain and loss mingled with typical human success and failure. Yet potential was there alright. The seed of Avalis’ sight twisted itself in vines around Xylona’s heart. A little girl with a deck of cards. A laughing, joyous family. Rapid change, deep sorrow. Loneliness and despair. Images flooded her age-old brain, inundating her with impressions.
A cracking twig woke her to reality. It was time.
”Greetings, child. You’ve come at last.” She dragged the pipe from her lips, the resulting aroma earthen and rich. ”You have chosen your path this night.” Her voice was a rasping, sibilant whisper.
e
The prismflies were out in force, seduced by the radiant heat of summertime. Their shuddering bodies cast rainbows in every direction, bathing the park in an eldritch glow. Syna gave her last glimmer before sinking earnestly beneath the horizon, twilight changing hands to dusk. The weather was absolutely lovely, the air warm and dry with no hazard of rain above. It was perfect for a walk through Alheas and fortunate indeed, for there were more than just insects afoot.
Cala lounged carelessly in naked feet upon her cottage’s front porch. Smoke listed from her pipe, curling up and out toward the bowl of the heavens. She’d spent a great deal of time that day hunting and sunbathing, two of her favorite activities. It was a good season to be Dhani, despite the cold mountain air. Summer was pleasant and warm most of the time, aside from the occasional downpour.
She’d been absently sensing the girl’s chavi for some time now. Cala was more or less perpetually walking the Chavena, sifting through fate’s brightly colored strands. There was one that crept closer still with each passing day, a bright weave of lush forest and marbled cream. The flashing impressions grew into visions and at the onset of summer, she’d all but learned the girl’s true name. Young and an orphan, but furthermore, her potential successor. It struck Cala as odd that Avalis might choose a human over the more enduring races, like her Konti or the Ethaefal. She was too old however, to question it.
Footfalls echoed in the distance, the racket carrying for miles. Someone was certainly on the approach and with a subtle exhalation, she lost herself in the corona between heaven and earth. There it was, a tapestry of pain and loss mingled with typical human success and failure. Yet potential was there alright. The seed of Avalis’ sight twisted itself in vines around Xylona’s heart. A little girl with a deck of cards. A laughing, joyous family. Rapid change, deep sorrow. Loneliness and despair. Images flooded her age-old brain, inundating her with impressions.
A cracking twig woke her to reality. It was time.
”Greetings, child. You’ve come at last.” She dragged the pipe from her lips, the resulting aroma earthen and rich. ”You have chosen your path this night.” Her voice was a rasping, sibilant whisper.
e
