Soul of the World
Gods’ Seat
Hope.
Dullness crept on the edge of her vision. Lines blurred and grew soft.
Her champions would curse her name if they knew, though she suspected they had begun to understand.
Paendurion, for all his rage a gentle soul. He could not see the need for balance. Could not understand the nature of the world.
Ad-Shi, wise and willing. In the end, too driven by fear to see the truth.
Axerian.
The pain of that loss tore through her.
Even she was not above sacrifice.
Dreams coursed through her mind as her body diminished. Would she remember who she was? Was it so simple, to be reborn?
She was afraid.
When? came the thought from Zi. Their connection had stretched thin of late. Another sacrifice.
Soon, she replied. After.
Warmth shone through their bond. Hope, receding as Zi faded from her conscious mind.
In the distance her enemy stirred. Vengeance echoed in her thoughts. Warnings.
Soon, she repeated.
LIES, came the response. I HAVE WAITED LONG ENOUGH.
His words thundered through her, and visions came. Memories of his price, of the pact they had made.
Encased in crystal, she could not retreat, could not offer the solace he craved. And so she endured, weeping silently.
And she waited.