Kori
Earth, Reformed
In a land far from our own, the traveler stood at a precipice. Before them rose a shimmering portal; it’s rough-hewn mouth silently gaping. Doubt clutched the traveler’s mind like so many grasping hands. Eyes wide, their legs seemed suddenly limp; rooted in place by a force unknown.
Shadowy shapes and forms moved unknown beyond the veil, shrouded as if seen through a dream. The traveler seemed drawn toward a sense of something greater; a life beyond that to which they had become accustomed.
Without warning, a sense of resolve washed over them; strength returning to their legs. Lights swirled and sounds tumbled in protest of their advance, but the promise of a new world stayed their resolve as they stepped forth and over the mantle.
Subsets
Caught between the fading hours
In the heart of the swirling portal, shimmering visions fleeted and danced. Suddenly panicked, the traveler threw out their hands, grasping to pull themselves forwards and out of the portal. As though alarmed at this intrusion, they twisted away into the shadow beyond, vanishing as quickly as they had appeared.
In their place, silence.
The traveler steadied themself, recalling a lesson from their past – the most potent warriors were not those who chased the illusions of time, but those who embraced the present with patience.
With newfound clarity, the traveler let go of the pursuit, and allowed time to flow as it wished.
A smile graced their lips as they emerged on the other side of the portal. No longer burdened by the stress of an uncertain future, they felt emboldened by a new resolve.
Intropal
Set on Fire
The traveler emerged from the portal into a vast expanse of blinding white. But the whiteness was not empty. With each step, the gaze of thousands pressed upon them, suffocating like an invisible shroud.
The weight of unseen eyes grew heavier as the traveler pressed onwards, drawing them into the dark of their watchful gazes. However, resilient and determined they pressed onward, for going forward was the only path they knew.
Amidst the overwhelming darkness, a vibrant blue orb sprang to life. Dancing like a playful spirit, it bounced and swirled, before using the darkness to leap upwards and away from sight.
The choice was presented to the traveler, to always look for uncharted paths to explore, even within the heaviest of gazes.
Wiljan
Sancus
The traveller ventured onwards – the eyes followed. Their watchful gaze filled the air with an indiscernible weight, hanging like fog. With each shaky step, the traveller’s chest knotted with anxiety, turbulent currents pushing and pulling like waves. The sensation twisted through their veins; snakes constricting their limbs until they could not tread any further. The snakes coursed up the traveller’s body, seeming to extend above them and beyond into the fog above. Frozen yet panicked, the traveller raised their eyes skyward.
Above – the orb.
The snakes seemed bound to this orb, arcing towards it as it hung there shining like a star. Time seemed to race and stretch, a blend of fury and introspection. Forced to watch, the traveller saw the orb swirl and bounce, but not once did it stray away into the fog. Gradually, it dawned upon them that their anxiety, though all-encompassing, was not their adversary. It was a messenger; a signal from within demanding attention.
Still, the eyes watched, yet seemed to cower at the light of the orb – it cut like a razor through the chaos of the fog, illuminating the path ahead.
Grateful for the guidance of their newfound companion, they continued their journey.
Artisan
Vaelen
The orb lurched ahead, a beacon illuminating the traveler’s path. However, each step grew harder – as if a nest of serpents had entwined around the traveler’s limbs. Progress became slow and painful, this unsettling sensation giving rise to an inquisitive thought that gnawed at their mind—what was the origin of this orb, and could it be fully trusted?
As if the orb could peer into the traveler’s thoughts, it came to a sudden halt – pulsing with a serene aura. The traveler, hesitating momentarily, couldn’t resist the temptation to approach, seeking to uncover its secrets.
Approaching the orb was like stepping into a cool breeze. Its core shone brilliantly, radiating an overwhelming energy. Drawing nearer to the heart of this mysterious light, the traveler peered within. Lying before them – a remarkable sight.
There, within the orb’s luminous core, shone a reflection of themselves. However, It was not the self burdened by doubt, fear, and anxiety. No, here was their true self, unencumbered and decisive.
A sense of warmth filled the traveler’s chest, akin to an embrace from within. Slowly, they blinked, and as their eyes opened once more, the oppressive gazes began to dissipate; clouds parting before the sun. The silhouette of the forest beyond gradually took shape in the thick mist – no longer eluding them as it had before. At last, they could see their surroundings as they were.
Kisnou
Tidecaller
The relentless sun momentarily obscured the traveler’s vision as the fog cleared. Perched atop a towering mountain, they gazed down at a patchwork of fields, undulating hills, and vibrant jungles. Countless orbs floated about, nestling within the craggy crevices of rocks and flitting between trees. The traveler became an unexpected accessory to this vibrant congregation as the orbs startled, dancing curiously around their visitor.
A surge of exhilaration overcame the traveler – their presence felt like a grand achievement, a cherished moment in this uncharted realm. The orbs were scattered and dynamic; engrossed in their various rituals and dances. Seeking kinship and connection, the traveler endeavored to mimic their movements, only to be met with perplexity as they began to vanish.
No matter their attempts, the traveler’s efforts met with dissolution. Slowly yet surely the orbs began to dissipate, their numbers dwindling.
In their place – loneliness, as the traveler silently observed the dwindling crowd. Lulled by those still present, the traveler found themselves drawn into a trance, a quiet communion with the remaining orbs.
Within this trance, a silent dialogue formed. In the shadows, the traveler heard the orbs whisper, and their own whispered thoughts reverberated in response. In the silence and serenity a unique form of communication blossomed, granting the traveler access to an ineffable knowledge.
As this newfound ability sank in, the traveler’s mind returned to the matter at hand: Why did the orbs continue to vanish?
Rudique
Clockwise
The traveler attempted to ask questions but found themselves met with resistance and uncertainty. The answers remained veiled, leaving the traveler to wander amidst a labyrinth of their own assumptions. At times, we err by interpreting our surroundings through the lens of our own experiences, failing to realize that the world has unfolded long before our arrival and will continue its course long after our departure. A ripple of confirmation skittered through the orbs. Despite appearances, its vanishing act seemed a mere coincidence in the grand tapestry of existence.
As the traveler reopened their eyes, they glimpsed the last light of day casting an amber glow upon the valley. The few remaining orbs scattered around the landscape, their luminance visible for miles.
At this moment, the traveler took some time to reflect upon their journey. It had been arduous, but was a testament to their inner strength and the power to make choices, even when those choices appeared overwhelming and insurmountable.
The traveler realized that, despite setting a goal to reach this destination, this was not the culmination of their journey. The portal had served its purpose—a path of self-discovery, a testament to trusting the process, an exercise in listening to their inner compass, and an opportunity to embrace change in the world around them. It was time to embark on a new path, one where they could continue to flourish.