 Krin'ze's Journal |
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|---|---|---|---|
| ID | 8326 | ||
| See Also | Lore version | ||
| Collection | Companions Correspondence | ||
| Related to | The Dark Behind the World | ||
| Locations | |||
| Found in the following locations: | |||
When we reached Khenarthi's Rise, Talbira fell to her knees and wept. Rather, I wept, for we are one, and she did not live to see this place fall to ruin.
This happens from time to time. When visiting places I have been many times, I will feel a sudden ache or sadness, a feeling like something is missing. Hollow spaces left by the life I never lived, the life that Talbira shares now with me. And yet sometimes, I will visit some place that means little to me and find it gifted with new meaning from Talbira's long and seasoned life.
——
I have learned that Khenarthi's Rise was once a training ground for new adepts of the Hidden Moon. The adepts who died here took my hand and spoke to me. How strange to see the past without the aid of Ku-ji'zho, as if I lived it myself.
Many of the ma'hadaliit who trained here were able to escape the Rajaska ambush. Not all, but many. Some brave souls chose to turn and fight. They embrace me now, for I am Talbira, and say they are overjoyed to see her again. One among their number called her grandmother, and asked how she was there. Talbira told her that she was invited forth by Zerith-var. With those from her time walking Nirni again so in need of guidance, she decided to stay. Her brightest pupil must not say lost in the dark, she said.
She must mean Ravith-morna. I spoke up then. "I thought Ravith-morna resisted redemption. How can you expect to guide her from the dark? Azurah cannot help those who do not wish to be saved."
"Ravith has had over a thousand years to think on her choices," Talbira said to me. "Zerith does not join her in the dark, as she was so certain he would. Doubt may take root even in the darkest of places. There is hope for her yet."
——
Viti departs. She means to bring the others here. For safety from the Rajaska. To learn Talbira's song.
There was a time I would shiver at being alone, especially following a brush so close with bending. But Viti's songs have made stable my spirit, and that of Talbira's. There is a lingering darkness that I feel, something Talbira is reluctant to let go. But I will commune with her, and see if it is a wound we can close together.
——
Last night, I dreamed of Azurah. The Mother of Twilight cradled one of her children in cupped palms. He was pale as moonlight but so battered and broken I could barely see his stripes. His form diminished and curled around something he kept huddled to his chest. Something he brought to the Crossing and refused to give up.
Azurah whispered at him to meet her gaze, but he would not. Her fingers caressed him, gentle as starlight, compelling him to surrender what he held. I could not discern what it was, exactly, only that it bled and bloomed wisps of shadow like ink in water. Despite her murmurings, he clutched it tight as a wound and kept his ears shut to her, petulant as a child.
Azurah lifted this stubborn cat to her lips. Her kiss on his brow revived him, filling him with the blue of soulfire. And then, her hands parted. Her child fell and fell, back to the bones of the Jealous Sister, and I awoke as he did with stone at my back.
This means something. I feel I am close to understanding. I must commune with these spirits again.