Desert sand feels warm at night

[DM Despot]

MEMENTO MORI - PART II
"In my life, will I make a difference?
In my death, will I be missed?"

"....Goodbye, Yeira. I hope you find your Light again. It is out there, even still. You just need to find it yourself."

Is there truly a light for me again? I'm nothing anymore. I have lost myself. I have become tired. I am exhausted. I just want to rest...

"....Where has your light gone, Little Shadow?..."

I don't /know/ where it's gone. I don't know anything anymore. I don't know what I want anymore... I just want to put an end to what I began.

"...There is still a chance for you. A chance for forgiveness. A chance for the Dawnfather to embrace you once more..."

I preach that. I do. But I do not know if I can forgive myself... I broke vows before. I failed before. I'm nothing but the making of my own problems. This hell is but that. It's my judgement to see if I can write my wrongs. But I cannot do that. I'm incapable of writing my wrongs. My path is set. This is fate. I will die here.

"...Will be waiting for you at the end, Little Shadow..."

Mmmm...

I have a question. One simple question to ask before you go?

"Ask quickly."

What awaits for me now? After I die like this? Is there a place for me?

"Purgatory. Oblivion. You will be like me. Stuck forever here in this land."

---

Where has your light gone, Little Shadow?


---

[DM Despot]

MEMENTO MORI - PART III
"In my life, will I make a difference?
In my death, will I be missed?"

The fire crackled within the misty fog. She set across from as her form kept shifting like the wind. Though it never focused I could tell it was her yet again in this state.

"You did it again."

I had no choice.

"You had many choices, Yeira."

I couldn't reply to her as my eyes stared upon the fire infront of me.

"Betrayed them all didn't you? Like you did wi-"

Just die already. Just die already. Just die already. Just die already jus-

"Blocking me out won't stop me, Yeira. I know you felt like the same thing you felt when I died with her. You feel at fault don't you?"

I couldn't respond. My eyes just stared at the fire in silence.

"It isn't your fault that Eloane died like that. You didn't know. That creature killed her no-"

Dasya, just let me rest. Please.

Silence fell upon the small camp we had within the mists of these dreams. I watched her form shift once more and then turn into nothing, taken like the wind. She was gone for now.

All I could hear now is his voice speaking to me. All I could think about is putting an end to him. I needed to do this.

[DM Despot]

MEMENTO MORI - PART IV
"In my life, will I make a difference?
In my death, will I be missed?"

I stood at the cliff edge as the sun rose from the East. It's beauty shined upon the land and the night was turned away, yet the rays of this solace light now curved around me. No longer was I embraced by his light, his dawn and his beauty. For I had turned away from something I was so devoted too. So connected too in a land full of twisted fates and uncertainty. I felt cold on this warm day. I felt as if night had not ended just yet.

My eyes wandered and where the sea was beneath the cliff it turned into a flowerily bed of Golden Asters. Figures rose from the lights yet I could not notice their features properly but I knew of who they were. One was a tall man bearing a sword on his back, another dressed in the greens of the Guardian within the mists, the other was a woman dressed in the colours of our dawnbringer, her face as pretty as when I first laid my eyes upon it and finally a small elven child. They chattered but I could not hear them speak. I was too far away covered within the shadows. Though some part of it played in my head.

"Where is Yeira?" the woman in green said. The others looked around and were baffled on the whereabouts of Yeira Behzadi.

They all turned to look up and see me. Though I was miles away they could see me fully. In the darkness they could see me.

"That's not her." The man with the giant sword said, shaking his head.

As he said those words the golden asters sea was washed away by thick mists once more and in a blink of an eye I now stood where they once did. Engulfed within the mists, my vision blocked.

"My beloved would not look like such a beast." A familiar voice said all around me.

"My sister isn't a creature." Another female voice said.

"She is a shining example of our Morninglords light after all."

The mists grew heavier and eventually I was not aware of where I was. The ground became nothing, the sky grew a dark grey, the air got thick and my breathe was lost. Voices flooded of all familiarity. All made comments but their words made no sense now. A flood of non-sense that held so much meaning.

I let out a scream of agony after what felt like life-times spent here and all returned to normal. I sat curled up against a rock within a dimly lit cave. A dying fire's light greeted me. My scaled clawed hand touched my forehead as my body shook with intensity, my heart pounded and my breathing could not be contained. In the lonesome land that took me I was alone truly. My tears rolled down my cheek once more as no voices heard my despair, no light touched me and I had made my bed with desire.

My story was his after all. This was fate.

My story was his after all. This was fate.

My story was his after all. This was fate.

[DM Despot]

MEMENTO MORI - PART V
"In my life, will I make a difference?
In my death, will I be missed?"

"I go by many names really. Who am I?" The infernal face said in the cackling fire camp blaze.

There was that tingling touch in the back of my head. A tingle of something. What was it?

I stared at the sinister face of evil. It stared back and it's eyes burned with a recognition as if I've seen that look before. I knew who it was yet some reason it did not come to me. Like a blur.

"I guess some call me the..."

Wait what?

"I'm exchanged amongst.... after all they are the most powerful things." It said before the first combusted into nothing, flames licking across my face giving a shiver down my spine as they glazed over my face-burn.

Wait... I didn't do this. I didn't do this. I didn't do this. I didn't. I didn't. I didn't. I didn't. This can't be it. This is for her. This is for her. What have I done? What is happening? What is this? Please. Please. Someone answer me. Someone answer me.

"It's the most powerful thing after all..."

END OF MEMENTO MORI

START OF UNRAVELED AND VENGEFUL
"Oh, can you tell me!
Can you tell me the way the story ends?"

[DM Despot]

UNRAVELED AND VENGEFUL - PART I
"Oh, can you tell me!
Can you tell me the way the story ends?"

Punch after punch, scream after scream, desperate attempts to grasp at the reality upon my shoulders weighed heavily. The reason to my current being was now back to me. I could remember it all. I let him win. I let him win.

"Such a shame..."

I slammed my head into the ground and screamed more, my voice by now was straining from all this. It felt like my throat was going to rip apart by now but I couldn't stop this. I couldn't stop the anguish, this hatred boiling within me.

"Such a shame..."

Blood came out from me this time, splashing down my lips as I let out a strained scream.

You know what you need to do though, hunter. What awaits you lays in this land. You gave up your most important aspect. This is your chance to take revenge isn't it?

I needed to do this. No matter what. Nothing else mattered in my head anymore. My life was nothing more then set up for this point wasn't it?

These words came out of my mouth, these weren't thoughts. Who was I even speaking to at this point? Who knows. I just knew no matter the cost, no matter the blood I will spill from myself, no matter how far I need to go I shall bring an end to this creature. I shall shove him into the light of the dawn. I was still faithful... wasn't I? This is part of the plan. This is what needs to be done, for all their types must meet the coming dawn. This was it wasn't it?

Soon the light flickered from the morning into my small cave home. My eyes wondered around as I only noticed now I had lost track of time as the fire was now long dead. My hands were raw red, my throat felt like it was going to fall out and my body was full of both anguish and rage. The voice in my head kept repeating the words from the fire. This was my chance.

Maybe once I rid Dhimiter from this hell I shall do the same to all his kind.

This was my fate, this was my story.

[DM Despot]

UNRAVELED AND VENGEFUL - PART II
"Oh, can you tell me!
Can you tell me the way the story ends?"

We found what I craved the most. The tomb of the Dawnless. Here it was... I was so close to what this mess became and soon the tool to defeat him was going to be in my hands. All this shall be worth it...

The tomb was encased in divine magic, a lifeless but preserved corpse of a faithful sat peacefully upon an altar behind this encasement. A burning orange light sat in the middle and even in this state of rage I could feel a touch of the divines on my skin. Repulsed and disconnected it made me but I could sense the touch of the Morninglord was strong within here.

The group and I bickered on how to get through the encasement. Ideas and thoughts got thrown around but I couldn't wait. This was too close. The desire ravaged my entire being, I couldn't see anything but the end of the tunnel. It was so close and without much thought I shoved myself through the encasement.

To my surprise it worked...

My body fell through and now I sat on the other side of it. It felt like nothing I'd ever felt. Even in my state this was something completely peaceful and warm. Maybe a bit too warm...

I turned to look at the group at the other side, peering towards my sister Arshtat and before the words could leave my mouth my entire being felt intense heat.

In an instance fire consumed my entire body. All I could was scream in intense agony and pain. My throat gave out so quickly and before I could muster some plea for help the last words I heard was.

"Yessy!"

And then darkness.

Yeira Behzadi was no more.

[DM Despot]

UNRAVELED AND VENGEFUL - PART III
"Oh, can you tell me!
Can you tell me the way the story ends?"

Darkness. Nothing. Empty.

This was death wasn't it?

In the end I failed. My efforts were for meaningless. Yeira Behzadi the one who couldn't do enough. This was the end of her story.

...

What's that light?

It's familiar, there is a touch of feeling of homely to it. It's coming closer to me... what is this feeling? Isn't things over?

...

Soon the light she saw engulfed her entire existence and with a flash her vision went from a void to light once more. Yeira fell to her knees in the middle of this beaming bright light. Her light. Her story. Her faith. Her soul. Was all hers once more.

.."There is still a chance for you. A chance for forgiveness. A chance for the Dawnfather to embrace you once more..."

It clicked... he had taken his last breathe to give her a chance more. Maybe a joint of the Morninglord and him but the spirit of the once faithful knight that tried to speak to Yeira in her husk now gave his last light for hers once more.

There was a chance at a new future, a new dawn, a new morn to come. She was to finish what he could not.

Yeira Behzadi, the little light, was once more.

END OF UNRAVELED AND VENGEFUL

START OF THE FAVOURED SOUL OF THE DAWN

Align my heart, my body, my mind
To face what I've done and do my time

[DM Despot]

THE FAVOURED SOUL OF THE DAWN - PART I
Align my heart, my body, my mind
To face what I've done and do my time

"You've some nerve showing your face again, Yeira."

The voice of my woundwart, the love of my life that was now staring at me in anger. Hatred and sadness.

"After everything you did!"

Annaka snapped out at Yeira in rage. She berated her every decision, her every mistake, the decision she made to pact with a devil in her rage-filled state. The words blurred out for the young elf who knew this was coming. No matter what she still did damage.

"What's your reason?! Hm?! WHAT IS IT, YEIRA?!"

There was no words, excuses or reasons. All she could do was look to the floor as tears formed in the corners of her eyes, slowly drippling down her cheeks.

Annaka just stared at Yeira. The elf quietly crying and having no words.

"I am leaving here, Yeira. Do not come looking for me or I will hurt you."

"I still love you, Annaka..."

"If you loved me truly you wouldn't have done what you did."

With that Annaka stormed out of the temple, leaving Yeira standing alone in the dimly but warm lit sanctuary of the eternal dawn. Her face covered in tears as her eyes looked up to the statue of her faith, the Morninglord himself with his bloodied lips.

From death, life. There is always another morning. In the dawn, beauty reigns, and the way is clearer.

Yeira simply just let her tears drop to the floor, the desire to chase her now former lover was there but she knew it was a fruitless decision. Her actions brought her to this moment and no matter how much it hurts this is part of the journey ahead.

[DM Despot]

THE FAVOURED SOUL OF THE DAWN - PART II
Align my heart, my body, my mind
To face what I've done and do my time

The rain poured down on my face as I sat in front of the quiet memorial, surrounded by flowers. The lake behind it was shrouded in a light mist that heightened the connection to the goddess to whom this memorial was dedicated. I set the spear across my lap and took out a yellow silk cloth from my pocket, matching the Golden Asters around the memorial. As I tied the cloth to the end of the spear, my mind wandered, reflecting on Del's sacrifice and the weight it carried.

'Purgatory. Oblivion. You will be like me. Stuck forever here in this land.'

Del's fate weighed heavily on my mind. Though I knew the Morninglord guided me, I couldn't help but feel that Del's sacrifice had been the real one. He gave me a second chance, and his end-goal now rested on my shoulders.

From death, life. There is always another morning. In the dawn, beauty reigns, and the way is clearer.

The words echoed in my mind, both comforting and challenging me. I felt uncertain, unsure of whether I deserved this second chance, but I knew that playing on these doubts would only lead me back into darkness.

There is still a chance for you. A chance for forgiveness. A chance for the Dawnfather to embrace you once more...

The voice in my head spoke the words I needed to hear, reminding me that I could still find redemption and that the Morninglord was waiting to welcome me back into his embrace. Though the darkness always loomed nearby, I knew that I could not let uncertainty and doubt drive me back into its jaws.

I preached forgiveness, redemption, change, and mercy, but now I needed to practice them for myself. It would take time and effort, but I had to forgive myself while also remembering the things I'd done. The darkness of old and these misty lands always lie within reach, waiting for me to falter and return to the path of shadows. But I could not afford uncertainty anymore. I had to keep going, make a change, and live up to the expectations of the Morninglord and Del's sacrifice.

As I finished fitting the yellow silk cloth to the end of my spear, my mind returned to the present moment. Flipping the spear over and back, I smiled softly, reading the names etched into its surface. The original 'Dasya' had faded over time, but the new name on the other side, 'Eloane,' shone bright and clear. My two sisters, one of blood and one of chosen fate, now guided my spear forward once more.

In this act of remembrance and renewal, I felt a sense of peace and purpose.

[DM Despot]

THE FAVOURED SOUL OF THE DAWN - PART III
Align my heart, my body, my mind
To face what I've done and do my time

With a fluid motion, I spun my spear and drove its sharp tip into the straw dummy's chest, aiming straight for the heart. Stepping back deftly, I twirled the weapon around me like an extension of my own body. Each move felt powerful and precise, as if I were a force of nature. With another spin, I thrust the spear into the dummy's chest once again, imagining a target mark in my mind. My feet moved effortlessly, guiding the spear with ease and grace.

The world fell away as I lost myself in the fluid motions of my spear technique, each move executed with precision and grace. In my mind's eye, the straw dummy transformed into a sinister figure clad in black, a white mask obscuring his features. His eyes burned red, and his voice echoed through my mind, cutting like razor wire.

"Such a shame..."

The words echoed again, goading me to attack. Anger and frustration boiled inside me, and with a fierce scream, I yanked the spear from the dummy and lunged at the phantom assailant. But my emotions had gotten the better of me, and I stumbled, losing my footing. The spear slipped from my grip and clattered to the ground as I fell forward into the soaking-wet earth. The rain began to pour down, soaking me to the bone and bringing me back to reality.

A low groan escaped my lips as I rolled onto my back, gazing up at the dreary sky. The rain pelted my face, and I closed my eyes, letting the sensation wash over me. My thoughts still galloped like a herd of wild horses, charging across the Desert of Blades towards an unknown destination.

I took a deep breath, focusing on the rhythm of my breathing to anchor myself in the present moment. It was all too easy to lose my sense of direction, to let my emotions run amok and carry me away. But I refused to let that happen. Slowly, deliberately, I calmed my mind, taming the wild thoughts that threatened to derail me. The rain continued to fall, but I was at peace, centered in the eye of the storm.

Reality settled around me once more, and I pushed myself up from the muddy ground. Even as I regained my bearings, my emotions remained uncertain, leaving me feeling unmoored and adrift.

But I refused to let that hold me back. I retrieved my spear and turned towards the straw dummy, now a lifeless practice target pockmarked with countless stabs to the chest. A smile tugged at the corner of my lips as I spun the spear between my hands, feeling its weight and balance. Despite my earlier misstep, I felt reinvigorated, eager to continue my training and perfect my technique. With a renewed focus, I resumed my practice, the rain and mud forgotten as I lost myself in the dance of combat.

[DM Despot]

THE FAVOURED SOUL OF THE DAWN - PART IV
Align my heart, my body, my mind
To face what I've done and do my time

I was mentally prepared to share my story with them, but as I began to speak, I realized I couldn't breathe. It wasn't just a momentary lack of air; it felt like an invisible force had gripped my throat, making it hard to inhale. My lungs gave way, and I collapsed onto the ground, desperately trying to loosen whatever was holding me. The voices around me were muffled, and my vision began to blur as I struggled to get air. I could feel my life slipping away second by second.

Darkness. Abyss. Void.

As I gasped for air, a bright light appeared before me, and my eyes opened to find myself lying on the wooden floor of a dimly lit sanctuary. My lungs were filled with air once again, and my heart raced with renewed vigor. However, my memories were hazy and indistinct, as if I had just awakened from a dream that wasn't entirely real. I felt more than just tired; I felt dreadful, as if something within me had shifted. Suddenly, a realization struck me deep in my core, and something clicked into place.

I was not free.

'"It's the most powerful thing after all...".'

[DM Despot]

THE FAVOURED SOUL OF THE DAWN - PART V
Align my heart, my body, my mind
To face what I've done and do my time

Bowing down before the diminutive altar, the gilded effigy of the Rosy Dawn deity stood tall, its limbs outstretched, crimson staining its lips, yet its grin remained unchanged. My fingers tightened around the suspended medallion, as it emitted a radiant glow from its disc. Despite the somber, overcast heavens above Barovia, I could sense the comforting rays of light emanating from afar, enveloping me in its warmth. Its presence was undeniable, and I knew that no matter what, its caress would always be felt upon my skin.

With the rising sun to the East as my witness, I uttered my daily prayers in a routine manner. My words flowed from the depths of my heart, my thoughts and body in perfect harmony with the present moment. This daily blessing was a treasure, a precious moment that I got to share with the Morninglord within the confines of my own mind. Each sentence, each word, each thought was in perfect alignment with His teachings. Though the only audience to my prayers were the woodland creatures on the periphery, I sensed a tangible presence around me. I knew that He was watching over me, as if His glowing, radiant hands were resting upon my shoulders. I felt His love, His connection, and His hope coursing through my entire being. Though I had faltered before, and the darkness still loomed around me, I clung onto the hope of a second chance. Redemption, mercy, and love were the only things I could hope for, and I believed they would come. Was I being naive or delusional? Perhaps. But my love for the Dawnbringer, the embodiment of hope, renewal, and new beginnings, was unshakable.

'"It's the most powerful thing after all...".'

The words continued to echo in my mind, the feeling of being held back was not easily shaken, but I knew I had to persevere. I couldn't afford to falter now, for the opportunity bestowed upon me was nothing short of a miracle. Del did not offer me this chance to squander it. There were still things that needed to be done. Del gave me my chance, and the Morninglord bestowed upon me my hope. No matter what, it was all in the name of the light, and the opportunity for all.

As I lifted my amulet to my lips, my prayers coming to a close, I softly kissed the sun-disk, uttering that familiar phrase that was known to all who followed the faith.

"May Thy Lips Be Cleansed."

[DM Despot]

THE FAVOURED SOUL OF THE DAWN - PART VI
Align my heart, my body, my mind
To face what I've done and do my time

The camp-fire crackled and popped, casting dancing shadows across the peaceful area. By the small shrine dedicated to the Morninglord, I sat with my book, scribbling notes in my journal by the light of the flickering flames. All was well, or so I thought.

As I rose from my chair to change into my armor, a sense of unease crept over me. Was it just my imagination, or was there a presence lurking in the shadows?

Suddenly, a voice pierced the stillness, emanating from the very heart of the fire.

"What is the most powerful thing...?"

As the final words of the sentence finished, a sudden burst of flame erupted from the campfire, engulfing the area in a hellish glow. The once flickering flames now raged wildly, consuming everything in their path until nothing was left but a smoldering heap of ash where once a camp-fire peaceful sat.

In that split second of chaos, time seemed to slow to a crawl. The clouds hung motionless in the sky, the wind ceased to stir the trees, and the very world around me held its breath.

In the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of movement. My instincts kicked in and I whirled around, ready to face whatever lurked in the shadows. And there, before me, stood a figure. Someone or something, I could not tell.

The face of the figure was indistinct, as if my mind could not quite grasp its features. Did I know this entity? Was it familiar in some way? Uncertainty clouded my thoughts, but I had little time to ponder this as the figure suddenly materialized before me, holding a skull in its outstretched hand.

The figure spoke, its words echoing in my mind. It was chilling and assertive.

"I am always here..."

In an instant, the world snapped back into motion, as if a switch had been flipped. But my body was not prepared for the sudden rush of movement, and I was overcome by a wave of nausea that threatened to engulf me.

The world spun around me, and I felt myself falling backwards. Before I knew it, I was lying on my back, staring up at the starry night sky above Barovia. The constellations swirled and danced above me, their patterns distorted by the dizziness that still gripped me.

I struggled to my knees, my head pounding as I clutched at my temples. The world around me swam in and out of focus, and I fought back the urge to retch. But as I took in my surroundings, I realized something odd.

Despite the chaos that had just unfolded, everything seemed...normal. The inferno that had erupted from the campfire was nowhere to be seen, and the flickering lights that had died out with the voice's appearance had returned. It was almost as if the events of the past few moments had been nothing more than a dream.

My brief moment of relief was shattered as my eyes fell upon the shrine to the Rosy Dawn God. In the blink of an eye, the head of the idol snapped clean off, splitting the small golden statue in half. I stumbled towards the wreckage.

With trembling hands, I picked up the broken pieces of the statue, my eyes darting around the clearing in search of any signs of danger. The feeling of nausea still lingered. I brought the broken pieces of the statue close to my lips, my eyes closed as I muttered under my breath.

"Dawn rises to burn away the darkness... night shall cease when the new day begins... night is no more when you are with me, Morninglord..."

[DM Despot]

THE FAVOURED SOUL OF THE DAWN - PART VII
Align my heart, my body, my mind
To face what I've done and do my time

As night fell, my thoughts wandered to a disturbing imagery of flames, shadows, and the looming specter of death. The memories of our time in his tent came to mind, where we shared a moment of warmth and camaraderie, basking in the blissful feeling of nearing completion. However, the tranquility was suddenly disrupted by a sinister force that engulfed the tent in darkness, smothering any remaining light and casting an ominous shadow upon us.

In the blink of an eye, our dear friend fell, his life extinguished by a brutal slash that spattered blood all around us. The sinister shadows showed no mercy, and soon the tent we sought refuge in was consumed by an inferno of flames, choking us with smoke and igniting a primal panic within. My chest heaved with the weight of the moment, but we had no time to process the tragedy that had just unfolded before us. The dark night had come for us, claiming our heads as its prize. Without a moment's hesitation, we rushed out of the blazing tent, clutching our fallen comrade's lifeless body, while the flames raged behind us with an intense fury. I gazed back at the inferno, and in that moment, I felt a deep sorrow and fear set in.

I found myself transported back to the unforgiving desert, where our tent lay engulfed in a raging inferno. The monstrous shadows loomed ominously over the destruction they had wrought, basking in their dark triumph. Amidst the deafening roar of the flames, I could hear her piercing screams, begging for mercy that would never come.

"Dasya... I'm so sorry..."

I repeated her name over and over, my body no longer my own, lost in a chaotic haze. And then suddenly, the world snapped back into focus and I found myself curled up against the comforting warmth of the temple wall. My faithful brother sat beside me, murmuring prayers of encouragement in a hushed tone.

[DM Despot]

THE FAVOURED SOUL OF THE DAWN - PART VIII
Align my heart, my body, my mind
To face what I've done and do my time

I'm sorry, my dear. My emotions got the best of me once more.

I could not stand it anymore. I could not let it continue. Yet, my actions were futile.

I'd be failing my faith's beliefs if I was to stand by. I hope you understand this well. If I return you can scold me.

...

Is that a light once more? I wouldn't expect something so sudden.

...

What...?

END OF THE FAVOURED SOUL OF THE DAWN

START OF FINAL CHAPTER.
THE WEEPING DAWN.

Dance upon the stars tonight
Smile and pain will fade away

[DM Despot]

THE WEEPING DAWN - PART I
Dance upon the stars tonight
Smile and pain will fade away

Death. It was there - waiting for her, the sweet morsel of a cold embrace long owed it's rest. Neither it could traverse to her nor her to it.

How many more times, could she keep getting away from this? This was the last time. Her last island - everything else, suffocated and gone in the dark. This is surely what Eloane had succumbed to as well.

It was only a matter of time...

"... Dawn rises to burn away our darkness"

"Please be safe, flower. Please..."

[DM Despot]

THE WEEPING DAWN - PART II
Dance upon the stars tonight
Smile and pain will fade away

"You look lost and alone, Little Light."

"You observant aren't you, Inkis?"

"It's just like before. Like when we first met. Right here. When your hope was but dim. I remember when I saw you first, Little Light. I wanted everything. I wanted your light."

"You got a light though. You got what you wanted. What else do you want?"

"Your light.

"Your bastion only barely remains. Soon, you'll be with me. Within the mists forever. To become something more then you are now. To be with Eloane."

"I'm not going anywhere with you! Shut up! I'll take my last breathe before I go anywhere with you!"

"Do you want to see her, Little Light? I can show you, Eloane."

...

A figure emerges slowly from the shadows. Behind the flickering light barrier, a familiar silhouette takes shape. Her voice, though recognizable.

"Yeira."

...

"You aren't real. You aren't real. This isn't amusing, Inkis. THIS ISN'T AMUSING!"

"I'll have you soon, Little Light."

"I'm so sorry, friend... I'm so sorry..."

Heavy footsteps resonate through the darkness, approaching from beyond the shadowy figure. They draw nearer and nearer to Yeira's concealed prison.

"You are safe, Yeira. You'll be home soon..."

As the figure's final words fade away, its form melds back into the darkness. From within, another familiar voice reverberates, and a group of figures emerge.

"Yessy!"

Is this real? Am I safe?

[DM Despot]

THE WEEPING DAWN - PART III
Dance upon the stars tonight
Smile and pain will fade away

The darkness was finally destroyed. Dhimitir was no more. My pain and guilt should have been lifted, yet Inkis took what he desired.

He took my flower...

All I could do was watch and cry as she crossed the gate into the unknown, disappearing forever. Though I received my farewell, closure eluded me

Months have passed, yet I feel as raw as I did on the first night. My tears have dried, but a deep hollowness lingers in my chest.

I can only pray now. O Morninglord, please guide me through this pain and suffering, that I might endure and find peace at the end of my days. May a time come when You welcome me into Your eternal sanctuary..

A time will come for the eternal dawn to break, for You to return and dispel the darkness shrouding this dreadful place.

May Thy Lips Be Cleansed

THE END OF DESERT SAND FEELS WARM AT NIGHT.