《A Midnight Note》 Scene One - Raelin The whole thing felt surreal, but there was no denying the delicate tone of foreboding in the winds. Sure, the whole thing felt like a fucking nightmare, but there was something about the hidden Manor that was clearly magical. It took an actual invitation to even be able to pierce the barrier that surrounded the property, but it wasn¡¯t just that kind of magic. Magic was everywhere, and Raelin was far more adept at seeing magic in things than most, but it was different here. The Arcana was old magic, not as old as Nature itself, but the gods seemed to like to mix the two together from time to time to keep mortals like her on their toes. The magic here was Primal. Older than the gods themselves or so it felt based on the absolute weight of air and earth anchoring Raelin¡¯s feet. It was impossible to miss the glowing motes that danced along the edges of the garden, smaller than the fairies of the Sable woods, but far too purposeful to simply float in the cooling night breeze. Raelin¡¯s eyes kept scattering to small details everywhere, pulled to fractured cracks in the stonework of the Manor that was clearly made up of magic to hold the stones in place. Or the scent of a fountain to the left surrounded by a kind of flower that bloomed only at night. A scent, not sound, which was confusing to Raelin¡¯s senses. Everything seemed to defy what they knew of the laws of magic or laws of nature, making it nearly impossible to describe the place as a whole. Realizing then, with a bit of a smile to themselves, it was intentional. ¡°How¡­ curious,¡± Raelin spoke in a small whisper to themself. It certainly solved the mystery as to why so little information about the Witchrift Manor was available. It was not that the information was destroyed in some secret, but the magic of the place intentionally forced any who visited to maybe not specific things about it without being able to take it in as a whole. Reflecting on that, Raelin could no longer remember the color that could define the night flower other than it was a flower in full bloom at night. It was heart-achingly beautiful and sorrowful as this was going to be an experience that they would never be able to remember. Which made Raelin¡¯s plans very complicated. Or simple, if they thought about it more closely. Part of how they were able to even attend was with a promise to impart how to get past whatever barrier had hidden the Manor. Suddenly the concern about betraying the promise of the Invitation became an absolute moot point.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. If they were able to get past the last step to get into the event. Remained poised, taking in more of the surroundings as they walked up to the Manor¡¯s wide staircase, lined with flickering iridescent colored lanterns, to the intricately designed door that was carved in an ancient story Raelin did not recognize. Old, unfamiliar, and clearly from a time and place that Raelin had never seen before. Gods, for a Bard, this was going to be a hard one to explain when they left. The door slowly swung away from Raelin as they stepped up close to enter. They were neither late or early, but it only dawned on them that there were no other guests at the entrance. Could only one enter at a time? We¡¯re they too early? Or was it the edge of late? Glancing up at the stars and the moon, time seemed no different than when Raelin had entered, and yet the stars were¡­ different. The constellations were familiar, and not at all. Like they were where they were meant to be, but they were not quite in the right place, or one star was a little too far off or too close to another. But clearly Naeva was still Naeva, and Gaysnah was not unfamiliar to them either. ¡°Invitation?¡± It was a low rumble of a voice, hollow of emotion but filled with the haute of nobility. One could always tell when a household was rich when the help also looked down on those who were not part of the household. Taking in the figure standing at the door he was visibly quite old and with Elven descent as his ears were longer than a human and to the telltale points but not as long as most High Elves Raelin had met in far too many different Courts. Dressed in simple clothes of some of the finest material that Raelin had ever seen, he held out a tray set upon his hand without neither a shake or tremor to suggest weakness from age. Raelin reached into the inside pocket of his vest. Tailored specifically to their figure, it featured delicate embroidery of gold thread on a dark Prussian Blue and Black patterned fabric. It suited well to the black blouse and trousers hemmed in gold. The adventure boots couldn¡¯t be helped, but they had been polished to a shine and appropriately enchanted to keep any step hidden and silent. ¡°Here¡± Raelin set the invitation with a bit of a flourish on the silver tray, and the moment it settled flat burst into a dark blue flame from one edge and consumed it to the other. Pulling back just as quickly, it took a mere moment for the invitation to disappear and have an incredibly detailed raven mask resting in its place. The blues, purples, and gold somehow matched perfectly with Raelin¡¯s outfit. ¡°Your mask, Master Raelin.¡± It should have been Raelin¡¯s first warning, but too relieved at being accepted, Raelin slipped the mask onto their face and stepped into the Witchrift Manor. Scene Two - Raelin Good evening and welcome to my home, Witchrift. It is truly a pleasure to have such honored guests and friends among us tonight. Your presence here brings life to such a quiet home and it does wonder to have you among the few chosen. Every one of you were invited for very specific reasons, and to be celebrated, in this once-in-a-lifetime event. None are welcomed twice and as many of you have come to realize, a difficult event to explain once you have left. Take heart, for it is meant to be this way, and indulge as you wish. It¡¯s a time for us to come together, to connect, and to enjoy each other¡¯s company. Throughout the evening, I encourage you to mingle, make new acquaintances, and know that your identities will remain your own so long as the masks remain over your eyes. So, without further ado, let¡¯s raise our glasses and toast to a wonderful evening of mystery, magic, and secrets. May this be a night to never remember.
Byne would have loved this. The space within the Manor was much like the exterior and held some form of whimsy and magic in just about any color that Raelin looked. The colors of the event were vibrant and ethereal, with dancing stars and crystals reflecting all sorts of light around the room. Byne was more of a rainbow child than Raelin was, and it hurt to see it fade away so quickly. With a shake of their head, Raelin refocused on what was in front of them, letting the sounds of the party below hide their intent. It was a party much like any other party, but somehow not one voice was familiar, not one type of dress stood out from another, and every attendee¡¯s identity was completely hidden. Whether it was the magic of the mask, or they took the intent of the events to heart, Raelin felt like an interloper and could not help the growing anxiety that they were not supposed to be there. It was evident to them down to the very well worn boots on their feet. However, if any of them noticed, it was the kind of polite society where such a scandal would be spoken about behind closed doors or during exchanges in the privy. It would be worth following such conversations if there were reason to gather all the rumors. This was why Raelin stood above the ballroom floor among one of many protruding balconies that could easily survey the area. For intimate moments, secret whispers, or a small reprieve for those who could become overwhelmed by the number of people but did not want to disconnect completely from the party. Raelin was standing there for none of those reasons, but as a solo attendant, perhaps the latter was the reason. Perception was a funny thing, but it served their purpose for the time being. Doing a small headcount, just in case it was important later, Raelin resolved themselves to know that there were 130 people in attendance, 131 including themselves. There were no latecomers as the gates were closed per the invitation, so it felt like a fair number. There were at least ten couples of two, two groups of three, and a smattering of individuals here on their own. At least, that was the best guess on style and mask. Similar masks seemed to indicate partners, or couples, while those that circled closed together at first gravitation also showed a form of unity. It was nothing out of the ordinary, but it was curious. Why had all of them been invited? A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. It was a curious puzzle that Raelin wished they had time to puzzle out, but there was a task at hand. Comfortable enough that no eyes were gazing up in their direction, Raelin slowly walked back from the railing and found the nearest corridor beginning the internal mapping within their mind. How far was the exit, the ballroom, and just how many doors down were the privy and the private quarters that would welcome more than a person over the course of the night? Anonymity often leads to some rather precariously ludicrous situations among the elite, and tonight was the perfect exception. Where is it? Allowing the thought to permeate Raelin¡¯s intent, each scan of a room started to become more painstakingly detailed. They had an idea of what they were looking for, but the problem was that it was merely an idea. This entire place had all but promised a lack of reliability in memory for what was held within, so even that idea was untrustworthy. Room after room, each one unique in color but similar in style and make-up, there were trinkets in every room, but none to the memory of the idea or promise of magic stronger than life itself. It was so frustrating! It was not a container, though it could be contained in one. No vase or tray. It held no jewels but was contained in precious metals, much like gold and something like silver. It wasn¡¯t platinum, but it reflected the glow of the night moon on a winter''s night. Jewelry was a possibility, but one did not leave out a necklace or a ring for one to simply stumble upon, yet it was something on display. The search continued, and time lost meaning. A dinner bell may have rung but Raelin was lost in the puzzle to have noticed. Had they noticed perhaps they would have timed the possibility of someone searching for them. Then when their name was spoken within the silence of the room, Raelin would not have startled so much that they had not knocked over the small mirror sitting upon the small table. ¡°Master.¡± Crash. ¡°Fuck.¡± A quick turn found the same old man standing in the doorway to the room, with the same stoic expression with the exception of a raised eyebrow. Likely from the curse, though the broken mirror was rather ominous. That the mirror broke at all meant that it t was not the magical item that Raelin was looking for. With a deep internal sigh, Raelin plastered a classic sheepish smile of innocence. ¡°Sorry, sorry. I get easily startled. I¡¯ll be happy to pay for the repairs.¡± Lie. ¡°I was trying to decide which room I wished to invite another to unless you have a suggestion for the one with the best bed?¡± Also a lie. The older elf only lowered an eyebrow and gazed from the shattered mirror parts and then back to Raelin. Raelin gave a bit of a chuckle and tried to continue the sheepish laughter with a bit of an embarrassed scratchy of their head. ¡°The Lady would like to speak with you.¡± The Lady. There was only one Lady, and the sheepish disposition changed instantly. ¡°The Lady? What could she want with me? Is it not dinner soon?¡± ¡°Dinner has already been served, Master Raelin. The lady awaits your attendance.¡± ¡°Now?¡± There was a wince and quiet in the way Raelin asked. Raelin knew staff like this. They were as good as the force and voice of those they served. ¡°Now.¡± Steeling themselves to the possibility of being tossed out for the evening, or worse, Raelin had no other here to help them escape the encounter. So, with no resistance, Raelin followed. Praying that the pretense of which they had entered remained. Scene Three - Raelin ¡°You are not Master Cordelia Ironweaver.¡± It was an accusation, statement, and threat all in one sentence. Raelin felt their heart drop knowing that whatever came forward there was little way to escape what the Lady had planned. Glancing across the small sitting room, it felt small, and the larger Lady seemed to encompass every aspect of the room, as she did the conversation along with the entirety of the Witchrift Manner. She was neither human nor elf, but other with some relatable aspects of both. If they were not in such an intimate setting Raelin could have mistaken her for a half-breed, but it was clear that she was neither and both. Perhaps a race that was so obscure or minimized it was hard to decipher. She had long silver hair and dark midnight skin, with fingertips tipped in silver and gold that reflected both the sun and the moon. Both metals were embroidered into the bodice and beams of her long and elegant gown. There was little frill and fluff to her, but elegance in the simplicity of each layer from skirt, blouse, corset, and delicate shoulder cover that may have been a shawl but far too intentional to not be sleeves. Her skin also had the most subtle inking in a variety of designs linked to each other. Runes that Raelin had never seen before. ¡°How old are you?¡± The words blurted out long before they had a moment to realize that it was more at the forefront of their mind than the concern of being caught. She gave a small quirk of her lips, a smile, maybe but even still Raelin¡¯s face went to a very bright red. ¡°I suppose I did not ask a question,¡± the Lady said, ¡°but I will not answer yours. It is¡­ irrelevant.¡± Raelin went brighter red, and could not escape the heat they felt. ¡°I know that the invitation was not sent to you, but you procured it from another to save your sister.¡± Shock stiffened Raelin, and the coldness hit like a bucket of ice in the middle of a scorching summer heat. Instantly the sheepish feeling of earlier bled away to fear. What could they do? How was he going to save Byne? If he was kicked out now, Byne was all but dead. Not that Byne had much hope otherwise, but Raelin wasn¡¯t sure if there was a fight here or some kind of resignation. Raelin simply could not read the Lady. At all. Her intentions were as opaque to him as a stone wall. ¡°If you know what I did, then you already know what I need,¡± Raelin said, already garnering there was no walking around the truth with a spun tale or slipped-in misdirection. The truth felt dirty and unwelcome most of the time, and Raelin reveled in the dance of avoidance. The Lady was going to have none of that, and it felt deeply uncomfortable. There was only the slightest hint of a nod before the Lady spoke again. ¡°For that, I can not help you.¡± Raelin¡¯s stomach dropped. Hope against hope, there was little that could have helped but when hope dies so does their sister. ¡°However¡­¡± Raelin¡¯s attention went straight back to her, the hope surging in a way that wasn¡¯t held before. Before it was barely a possibility, but that one word gave the impossible probability. ¡°However¡­¡± Raelin spoke, hating that she caught their attention with such a simple maneuver. Simple, but effective. ¡°¡­the invitation had not been sent to you, but it was you who was meant to have the invitation. You would never have been able to enter the Manor otherwise.¡± Pretentious, even Raelin wasn¡¯t convinced SOMETHING could have gotten in. There were stories of it happening, and there was always a thread of truth in every story no matter how ludicrous. That their presence here was intentional, Raelin¡¯s discomfort continued to grow. ¡°Because I would do anything for my sister? That by holding her life above me I¡¯ll do anything for you?¡± It was impossible to miss the bitterness in the questions, but the truth of the conversation so far meant that Raelin would do anything to save their sister. Murder already was one of them, what could this all-powerful Lady need of them? Likely didn¡¯t want to get their hands dirty. ¡°What is your ¡®anything¡¯ for an empty promise?¡± A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. The Lady looked to her Elven butler and gave a small nod. He gave a bow to her in return and headed to a wall, pressed on some kind of pressure point and the hidden door swung out to another exit from the room. Of course, there were secret passages in the magical manor. He disappeared shortly through, though a light flickered from the other side. A torch, most likely. ¡°Every guest was hand-picked tonight are people who need something but can not be helped by any kind of magic, nature, or will. While some may find favor among the Stars and Deities, there would never be enough time or even want to do so.¡± She motioned for Raelin to follow the Butler, and with hesitation, Raelin headed towards the secret door to find a stone staircase leading down. The light a ways ahead made it easy to find the steps. The Lady followed behind and waited patiently for them to continue before also following along. The first thing that Raelin noticed was the distinct lack of magic, the minute they stepped on the first threshold step that least to whatever was below. And while magic could be subtle and hidden, Raelin could always rely on it being there. The times that it wasn¡¯t, a feeling that had happened a time or two before, it was as if the air no longer held life or possibility. In a place that was brimming with so much, it was as if they could no longer breathe. ¡°Unsettling, isn¡¯t it.¡± The voice behind them spoke, the Lady sounded older, more worn than the beautiful woman that had stood before them earlier. Confirming that Raelin was not just imagining it. Gritting their teeth, Raelin followed for only a story or two before they came to another opening of a door, the Butler standing soldier to allow them to pass through. It was the first time that Raelin could really look at him, gathering the features and coloring of his skin. He was old, it was a sense Raelin knew instinctively as well as visually, but his skin was a strange peach to a normal yellow or rose hue. High cheekbones but further from the nose with eyes thinner with creases of age well groomed and healthy. It made it nearly impossible to guess at his age, whether it was a few hundred or several thousand. Even the ears were different upon closer look with several points below instead of the single smooth points most Elven have; they were kindof reptilian-like. Raelin was beginning to think he was not Elven but something else altogether. If that was the case, would there be others or some other indication in other people he came from or could have descended from his people? It was a puzzle Raelin desperately wanted to claw at, always seeking more knowledge and finding answers to puzzles, but they knew it would only lead them off track. A final glance at the Butler, Raelin finally asked. ¡°What is your name? I can¡¯t keep calling you the butler, and somehow I think calling you ¡®Elven¡¯ would be insulting.¡± He raised a small eyebrow at the word ''elven'' but otherwise remained unmoved. ¡°His name is relatively unpronounceable by most,¡± The Lady said with a smile as she walked past them to exit the staircase like she appreciated that they asked. ¡°Many who attend have referred to him as Master J.¡± Like Jeeves? Raelin didn¡¯t say the thought aloud but they could not help but smile. ¡°Master Jay. Thank you.¡± He gave a nod and Raelin returned their attention to the space around them. It was OLD. Little could encompass the amount of ¡®old¡¯ Raelin could sense from the stones around them, lacking the same golden threads holding the stone together, it had a weight of age to it heavier than time itself. How was this space even being held up? If this was the cornerstone of the entire Manor, how long could it remain despite the vast amount of magic piled on top of it? Afraid to even touch the walls lest they crumble, the space was well maintained. If stone had fallen there was none on the ground, and there were no sign or scent of rodents or spiders. ¡®Likely hiding from Master J¡¯, Raelin thought ruefully. ¡°Here.¡± The Lady said, bringing Raelin¡¯s focus to a singular space carved into the wall, where a statue in a state of rest stood. Much like the stone around it, time had worn away and there with limited light from the torch held by Master Ja, the features of it was incredibly worn. Raelin could see little in terms of features but instead saw more of a snowman shape often made by children during winter when near long the Winsolstar celebration. ¡°What is it?¡± Raelin asked, stepping a little closer. Master J offered the torch but Raelin shock their head and instead hummed a few notes to bring a few small globular of light to form in their hand. It held a more consistent light and made it a little easier to pinpoint details. There had been runes carefully lauded within the stone, now a mere impression, and with a curious wonder of thought, had it looked more like a human, or was this a representation of what the Lady was, or Master J? It was so, there was no way of telling now. That, and the thing was round and poly like a pile of boulders. ¡°It is what most would consider an automaton, but such complexities were not required to create such a construct. This is a Golem, may of clay and magic.¡± There was a strange longing and sadness in her tone as she spoke of the last. Raelin attempted to fill in the gap, ¡°There is no more magic.¡± She hesitated before giving a curt nod. ¡°Yes. Which is why you are here, and our lives depend on you.¡± Scene Four - Raelin ¡°Wait, wait¡­¡± It didn¡¯t take a master wizard to pick up what she was suggesting, and Raelin was at a loss as to how, let alone why, this was how this was going to go. ¡°You want me to wake this thing up!¡± It felt like a shout, the scream that Raelin felt echoing through them should have made their voice echo through the otherwise empty room. Yet, it was barely a whisper. A voice always so loud now so quiet that with a sense of fear could want the unknown thing up. ¡°You are crazy, to think that I could wake this thing up.¡± There was a chuckle, and so focused on the thoughts flying through their mind, Raelin did not pick up who it was that let it out. It did not matter, the perplexity of the very idea of waking up stone.. no, clay and ¡°magic¡± seemed like a feat of a lifetime. As in it would take a lifetime to do. ¡°This may seem like a stupid question. Or questions. Why do you think I can wake it up? How do I wake it up, and how long?¡± The invitation was until the ¡®dawning of first light¡¯. It gave them a bare few hours, perhaps less, to figure this puzzle out. That is if that was the same limitation until¡­ ¡°¡­ M¡¯Lady.¡± The name, did she have a name? There was a name, but the profound wait of the idea gave fear to failure, unknown and yet another lure of questions Raelin wasn¡¯t sure if they wanted answered. ¡°What happens when the sun comes up? Where¡­ does the Manor go for the next 10 years? Will I be stuck here if I fail? Or, if I wake it up, what happens then? And the guests¡­¡± Question after question flew from Raelin¡¯s mouth as their filter be damned trying to work through what could possibly be not realizing they were giving no time for the Lady to answer. Usually, someone stopped them by now. Byne. ¡°And¡­ Byne.¡± The thought immobilized them. Silence returned to the room, save the slight crackle of fire on the torch still held by Master J. Gods, what was going to happen to Byne? She was waiting for them to return with the light of day. They never told Byne where their were going and even the rest of their party wasn¡¯t about to share the details until they were sure that Raelin wasn¡¯t going to return. Or couldn¡¯t. That would be¡­ Weeks. Months. It¡¯s not like it had not happened before, but Raelin had made Byne a promise. A promise they did not share with anyone. Would Byne forgive them if they never returned? Would the rest of them forgive them, knowing that this had been a selfish mission? ¡°If I knew how to wake it, I would.¡± Her voice was soft this time and had a youthful vulnerability to it. There was no comparison between the Lady to Byne, but that very painful tone felt far too close to home. ¡°Why?¡± Raelin pushed. ¡°Why all this? What do you want? And what makes you think that any of this could help me? Help B¡­¡± Byne¡¯s name stuck at the time of their tongue. Raelin turned to see the Lady staring at the Golem with a look of lost and seek. That it held something of value but the answer was so far beyond her memory and now lost. Looking at Master J, Raelin could not read him, but his entire attention was on the Lady. Clearing their throat, Raelin spoke. ¡°Perhaps, tell me a story.¡± The simplest and more honest thing Raelin could think of. Stories held nothing and everything and was by far the most powerful of tools. ¡°There is no Wish here, you said as much. But there is something important and it can help me and you. Stories, I understand stories.¡± There was a flash of a smile, a roguish smile that could only reflect ego, and as Raelin hoped it broke the Lady¡¯s attention from the Golem back to themselves. The room, and away from whichever memory she had been lost to. She regarded them with an impenetrable thought before glancing back to the golem with a soft sigh. ¡°Let us return. We have a moment, but not long. And I will tell you a story.¡± The Lady turned to the doorway where they entered the chambers and with a hesitant look, Raelin looked to the golem as well before following behind Master J.
It was a time long past when the world was young and wild. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. Raelin stood before the Golem with a feeling of utter desperation and loss. A life for a life would have been a far easier pill to swallow, and then Byne would have been alive no matter what Raelin did. And, may in time Byne would have forgiven them for the sacrifice. After all, it was all for Byne. All of this was. The world was a new evolving and limitless potential of what could and what would be. It was thought that Raelin often told themselves because it made some of the choices easier. So long as Byne lived, did it matter what they did? What was one life to the cost of their sister¡¯s? It was supposed to be simple. After all, what value did they put in their own life when another held more value to them? Isn¡¯t that how it was supposed to work? Never had survivor''s guilt been part of the equation, ...until now. We all, the beings of my time, created others. The Elves, High and Dark, The dwarves, the Humans, the Goblins, and the demons. Imps and everything in between. Few things now didn¡¯t derive from what we created then, and there was contention among all of us. From the power that we held to the power we wanted to wield. Few were immune, and fewer still were strong enough to maintain that strength. How had Raelin not considered this, and guilt of that realization weighing this heavy? Maybe they were not meant to be forgiven for what they had intended, and Byne would one day understand. Yet what the Lady now promised¡­ Unfortunately, I was not one of them. We were reduced to so few and as each generation became smaller and smaller, so did our influence and my power. We all hold power, some of us from the power of those who worship us, and others simply through will. I am the last Witch, and Master Jjkry is the last of his race. What magic that has sustained us has allowed what little good I can put into the world, but it has limits. And those limits are anchored in this one place. Life. That is what the Lady promised. Life is not just for Byne but for many others. For a Goddess whose power was failing, and no known weight to where that could lead in the world or among the Pantheon. Raelin did not plan to make waves. Soundwaves, but not with a promise to a self-professed Goddess. When in the end Raelin expected would be full, and complete, sacrifice for the sake of their sister¡¯s life, somehow they felt guilt weigh even heavier because they had been so willing to let their own life go. ¡°How many, before me, have tried.¡± Raelin had asked the Lady. ¡°None.¡± She had said bluntly. ¡°Though many have been close and life had flared within it, in the end, it never moved and no life remained.¡± ¡°And those that tried?¡± ¡°Walked away, with no memory and no answer to what they had sought.¡± ¡°No one died?¡± Raelin had asked, curious but also suspicious. There was more to her, to this, and the promise of what this place held. The Lady tilted her head a moment, and there was a sad smile curving on her lips. Like a mother to a child about the share the worst news in the kindest way. ¡°I heal what is most important. This can be in many different forms.¡± The smile had disappeared from features, and a hard look replaced it. The tone she had exhibited sent a chill. ¡°Consider it a warning.¡± Raelin did. And because of that warning, Raelin wondered if it was the answer on how to heal Byne was more important or was Byne simply being better. Or was it to be the hero? The Martyr? It was too complex, and Raelin did not have the time to follow this puzzle to only find it missing too many pieces. Not in a single night. What had she said? What ¡®she¡¯ healed was most important, but it had no reflection specifically on what the golem could do. That life was seen within, but somehow it did not connect. Did they try to attune? Was that how they tried to wake it up? Raelin regarded the large stone balls and considered them carefully. Some part of it was missing something, purpose was too lost along its runes that Raelin could only guess at without knowing the language. She said nothing about finding something to turn it on, which meant the arcane focus of the golem was not in another thing, but entirely internal. A step up, and Raelin placed a hand on the center of what they guessed was the chest. It seemed silly since Raelin had no clue how this thing was even going to walk. ¡°Curious,¡± the stone was warm to the touch, with a low hum within, as id listening through layers and layers of earth to hear the rushing of water leagues away. It¡­ had a heartbeat! It didn¡¯t show life? How could it not show life when it had the one thing that could prove that it did? ¡°You¡¯re just sleeping, huh?¡± Raelin couldn¡¯t help the smile, maybe this wasn¡¯t impossible. Maybe, just maybe this thing was going to answer what Raelin needed without having to resort to what promise of ¡®important healing¡¯ they would have to leave with from the Lady. If that was even possible. It was confusing. Why did she even need this thing awake? ¡®Question?¡¯ Their hand pulled away from the stone the moment the word echoed within their mind. It came from nowhere and everywhere, yet Raelin had enough experience with the sentient to know that it could only truly come from one place. ¡°Question. The question is, are you worth waking up?¡± Raelin muttered. Torn for only a moment before putting their hand back. Curiosity, Raelin liked a good puzzle, but maybe this time instead of questions, they could finally get some real answers. ¡°Can you answer a question?¡± A moment went by in silence, Raelin worried for a moment that they only imagined the voice. It had been a deep, rumbly, and tired sound, though a voice may not have been the most apt description. That it was even in a common tongue was curious enough. Another moment went by, and Raelin felt infinitely stupid before the same donation rumbled again in their mind. ¡°Yes. Ask.¡± Raelin could not help the smirk along their lips, leaning into the stone creature so long asleep beneath the magical manor. Ready to relay a few questions with only so much time to gain the answer. Scene Five - Raelin Just ask. Possibility and potential sat at the base of an infinite tree, and Raelin found themselves leaning more into exploring¡ªtesting the waters before delving deep into the hard questions. They did not know if they could trust this thing made of stone. ¡°Do you have a name?¡± Raelin asked¡ªsimple and gauging. ¡®I was not given one. Names are not necessary for nature. Nature is knowledge, as I am knowledge.¡¯ Raelin blinked slowly at the length of the answer, feeling perplexed. ¡°And the Lady? She cannot hear you? Or can she?¡± ¡®At my core, I sleep. Words can be carved into stone and speak through words, but the stone itself is not alive.¡¯ ¡°But you are alive?¡± ¡®No more than the stone below is alive.¡¯ ¡°The stone above is pretty alive, threaded with Arcana I have never seen.¡± ¡®I cannot sense this magic.¡¯ Raelin tried to think of the magic that had presented itself in the silver and golds of moonlight, but the memory was too slippery to grasp. There was no way to describe it without some understanding of what to associate it with. A glance at the globes of light they had summoned a second time, and they pondered the connection. ¡°Can you feel my magic?¡± Raelin asked, frustration creeping in. ¡®No.¡¯ ¡°Can you sense anything?¡± ¡®Sense, as in smell? Feel, as in touch? I cannot. I heard the song.¡¯ ¡°Song? Like when I made my light?¡± ¡®Is this your magic?¡¯ ¡°Yes. I can sing, hum, make noise in patterns, or speak rhymes and make things happen.¡± ¡®This is your magic.¡¯ ¡°Yes. I am what you may call a bard.¡± ¡®Hello, Bard.¡¯ ¡°No, I am Raelin. Bard is what I am. Like¡­¡± Raelin paused. ¡°If my name is Raelin, I am made of flesh as you are made of stone, and what I can do is magic with sound. What are you, if you are made of stone but have no name?¡± ¡®Knowledge.¡¯ ¡°What kind of knowledge?¡± ¡®I do not understand the question. Knowledge is knowledge. If it is of the earth and stone, I know it.¡¯ Raelin paused. ¡°And can the Lady access your knowledge?¡± ¡®No. She cannot hear my sound.¡¯ ¡°But I can?¡± ¡®Are you not able to make magic from sound?¡¯ Raelin stepped back from the golem of stone, withdrawing their hand and clutching it to their chest. This is a waste of time! they shouted at themselves internally. Knowledge of the earth and stone couldn¡¯t save Byne. The Lady lied. ¡°You can¡¯t help me,¡± Raelin growled, balling their hands into fists and striking out at the stone. The stone was solid, and the impact felt as if Raelin had nearly broken the bones at the knuckle. But before they could react to the pain, a bright white light flared¡ªboth within their mind and before their eyes¡ªlike an incredibly loud bell struck too close to the ears. Crying out from the intensity, Raelin hid their face in the crook of their arm and waited for the revenants to fade behind their eyes before daring to look at the golem again. Nothing had changed. It remained as it was, with the light globes dancing merrily around it like a halo¡ªjust as Raelin had asked them to. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. ¡°What¡­ what was that?!¡± Nothing. Raelin slammed their palms back onto the golem, barely registering the pain from the punch in their injured hand. ¡°WHAT WAS THAT?¡± ¡®The Core.¡¯ ¡°What is the Core? Why did it do that?¡± ¡®Power. Source. Aedrya. It resonates.¡¯ ¡°Aedrya?¡± It did not answer. ¡°What do you mean, it resonates?¡± ¡®Listen.¡¯ Confused, Raelin glared at the stone object that held a silent sentience, offering only the command to listen. Listen to¡­ what? Sound. Flexing their hands, stretching out the ache and frustration, and then giving them a small shake, Raelin placed them back on the stone and closed their eyes. Instead of leaving them stationary, a finger began to tap lightly. Nothing. A small growl rumbled in Raelin¡¯s throat¡ªand there was something else. Sound. Light. Eyes still closed, Raelin pushed mentally back at the source of the voice, the known source of the sound. With a small fist from their unhurt hand, they knocked upon the stone. Light. A musical note, but with a chromatic dissonance¡ªsomething out of place. The scale, the sound. There was a reason the golem could not wake, and either something had been taken, added, or shifted, preventing it from being restored. Raelin could not begin to guess how the mechanics worked, but it was made of earth. How could the earth be broken? Or missing something? Another knock upon the stone¡ªthis time, Raelin knocked harder. Not like a punch, but like a solid hit upon a door when trying to get the attention of someone too loud on the other side. Again, the resonance broke at the tone of the sound, and how it was off was suddenly so obvious to them. ¡°Why are you broken?¡± ¡®I am of the earth.¡¯ ¡°Why can you not walk?¡± ¡®The Core is asleep.¡¯ ¡°What does the Core need?¡± ¡®Harmony.¡¯ ¡°Harmony¡­ like a sound? A bar of notes? No.¡± Raelin growled again, low and intentional. Frustrated, even the sound now resonated¡ªfragmented, like looking through a prism or a broken mirror. The light of the sound felt pure, white. ¡°Gold. Are you missing gold?¡± They spoke the words, considering what they had observed about this place¡ªthe golden and silver halos of moonlight in the gardens, the metallic castings in the rooms, the runes along the Lady¡¯s skin reflecting the sun and moon. Whether there was a response or not no longer mattered. Raelin was already digging into the loose slits in their trousers, searching for a small pouch where they kept useful components and treasured items. Lint, herbs, a broken ivory pipe¡ªuseless. It took only moments to locate the simplest of tools for a musician, and with a small cry of victory, they pulled out a tuning fork. The most basic of devices, but when music was the source of one¡¯s power, finding the right notes was crucial. A tuning fork could find a note in anything solid¡ªreveal weaknesses, fill a room with sound when there was no light. A glance at the globes of light, and Raelin mentally released them from their hold. The room plunged into darkness. If light existed, Raelin needed to see it¡ªnot just hear it. A tap of the fork on the sleeping stone form, and as expected, a glow of white light glittered beneath the surface where runes had once been. Formed, untouched by time. Had the stone been carved before or after the magic? It seemed the runes had been placed after the stone revealed its nature. The stone could wear away, but the magic¡ªthe nature of the golem¡ªcame from within. Again, light glittered over the golem. Hand upon the stone, Raelin followed the light with sound. It ended at the center, like a rock at the bottom of a bowl of sand. It moved away to allow Raelin through, but instead of reflecting, the echo felt dull. Mute. ¡°Is this the Core?¡± ¡®Yes.¡¯ ¡°Is it causing the dissonance?¡± Thinking the stone sensation in the center as the inert piece within. The part that was asleep. No answer. But Raelin was certain. Gold. The Core was asleep and it did not hold sound. But it was there, along with light that held some remanence of surface thoughts of the Golem. Searching their body and the little pouch of items, the only thing that came up was a simple gold ring hanging on a chain beneath their elaborate event attire.. There was no coin as it had all been spent on the outfit for the event. Byne. Raelin hesitated, pain tightening their throat. ¡°What happens¡­ if I wake you?¡± ¡®The Core will no longer be asleep.¡¯ ¡°And me?¡± A whisper. ¡®I will be bound to you.¡¯ Not the answer Raelin expected. "Byne." ¡®I cannot help the dead.¡¯ Raelin hadn¡¯t realized they spoke the name aloud. Swallowing hard, they clutched the ring to their chest. Alone. How long had it really been since they saw Byne? There was no grave, there had been so little left. But what was still there was held within the ring that had been so special to her. ¡°I.. I can¡¯t accept it.¡± The words hoarse as if Raelin had been crying for hours, though time no longer held the same purpose of passing or urgency of need. ¡°She was all I had left. She was life itself. How can I not have her with me? She was¡­ IS my sister!¡± The ring bit into their hand, and it hurt. Like the punch upon the stone hurt. Like the promise after promise that Raelin never kept, only to find that had they kept one, the pain would never have been there. One last adventure, to find an answer. Raelin found it. Pursing their lips, there was one promise that Raelin could still keep, whether Byne knew it or not. No. Byne knew, she had to. With a soft, hesitant breath, the running fork tapped on the gold ring and a sound rich and high, but with a density of the precious metal that it was made of. Spark of gold, but it was too soft for Raelin to see with their eyes. Ting. Again, the light was too subtle and weak. Closing their eyes, Raelin thought of Byne, and with a final hit upon the ring, Raelin mimicked the note of the ring, rising in their octave scale until a single note echoed impossibly through the room. Golden light fragmented over the body of the golem, and through the touch of their hand upon the stone and the already established connect, starlight emerged. The stone moved, and the song echoed through the ruined and burst through the interiors of the room until every crack of stone was filled with silver and golden light. Scene Five - Aedyra ¡°My lady?¡± When was the last time the golden sun had touched her skin? Dawn had come so often, yet darkness had remained, with little else to mark the passing of time. The small solstice had passed without revelry. She was the tiniest of moons, a shard of what she had once been, and now¡ªnow, she could see the glow of golden light. No longer tethered to the dark side of the moon. ¡°One moment, Jjkry. I need this.¡± The glow of light filled her, and the core of her being no longer felt depleted and empty. It was replaced by warmth and promise. Possibilities. She let it stretch on for a long moment, knowing that as she stood on the balcony of her manor, those who had once been trapped as guests were now free to leave. With memories. ¡°Aedyra.¡± The name had not been spoken to her in so very long that it broke her from the meditative reverence of her stance below the rising dawn. Turning, just a few steps into the room where they had last spoken, stood the human who held her very last wish. Behind Raelin, a silent stone wreathed in gold and silver runes. She tilted her head, regarding the impossible, and refrained from crying out in sheer gratitude. ¡°You were successful.¡± She wished she could feel guilt for the simplicity of the statement, but she was still lost in the warmth wrapping itself around her skin. There was no doubt she was glowing with golden light. ¡°Are you Aedyra? The goddess?¡± She was not about to deny it, and there was little reason to. ¡°I am. And you have my eternal gratitude, Master Raelin.¡± She bowed her head. ¡°Because of you, I am finally free.¡± ¡°Free from what?¡± The tone was accusatory, and Aedyra noticed that not once had Raelin spoken kindly since returning from the dead part of the manor. Pressing her lips together, she closed her eyes for a moment, letting the lingering warmth comfort her before the memories of the curse weighed upon her once more. It was too long a story, too old for any reference this young one would know. She debated what to share. What to hold back. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. ¡°The cycle of night, in its simplest form.¡± She folded her hands in front of her, pulling in the glow that still hummed within her. There was too much and not enough, the light threads pulsing with promise and warning. ¡°Master Raelin. You were the one to wake him.¡± She looked to the golem, then back to them. ¡°At his core is the core of my own magic. It was the only place I found safe from the curse that locked me here. I understand that you distrust me¡ªa goddess, no less¡ªwhen I cannot return to you what you have lost.¡± There was a visible wince on Raelin¡¯s features, and Aedyra recognized that pain immediately. It was one she saw so often in the mirror. She continued, ¡°If my magic, my light, was so terrible, would you not have sensed it? Heard it, even?¡± ¡°Is that why you could not hear her?¡± Raelin turned to the golem, and even Aedyra did not miss the shift in pronouns. ¡°Her?¡± ¡°Byne.¡± Aedyra could not help the small tear that welled at the edge of her eye, a soft smile curling at her lips. ¡°It is a good name.¡± Raelin scuffed their foot against the floor before looking back at her. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have been able to wake her up without¡­ her. But that doesn¡¯t mean you are good.¡± ¡°No,¡± Aedyra agreed. ¡°I suppose that will depend on what you remember when you leave, won¡¯t it? Either I am good, or I am bad. Benevolent or dangerous.¡± Raelin snorted. ¡°Sounds ominous.¡± Aedyra couldn¡¯t help the laugh that escaped¡ªlight, tinkling, like stars and chimes. ¡°Isn¡¯t that the same as living? Careful, Master Raelin. Too much pessimism can lead you to miss the most wonderful of moments.¡± She glanced over the balcony, where a glittering crowd now exited the manor, their masks finally removed. ¡°I think you should take off the mask and open your eyes. The world is not quite as dark as you might believe.¡±
As the final echoes of our revelry fade and the first light graces the horizon, I extend my deepest gratitude to each of you. You were not merely guests but witnesses to a moment long bound by time¡ªone that will never come again. This Masquerade of Marvels was the last of its kind, for the doors of Witchrift are no longer hidden, and the enchantment that once wove secrecy into its halls has unraveled at last. The spell is broken, the cycle complete, and the masquerade¡ªlike the whispers of forgotten years¡ªnow belongs to memory alone. Each of you was chosen not for what could be granted by magic, nature, or will, but for what lay beyond their reach. Yet even in this fleeting night, perhaps you found something¡ªa whisper of clarity, an answer you did not know you sought, a burden momentarily lifted. Not all miracles are eternal, but sometimes, even the briefest of mercies can be enough. So let us not mourn what has passed but cherish the mystery we were privileged to share. Though the masks are removed and the night has ended, may the enchantment of this evening linger in ways words cannot capture. With deepest reverence and eternal remembrance, Lady Aedyra Witchrift Mistress of Witchrift Manor The Last Kin of Witch, Broken from the Veil Keeper of the Rift¡¯s Final Secret