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The Language of Unspoken Hearts
What’s your definition of romantic? Celeste Brightwater pressed her palm against the cool crystal of her bedroom window, watching the morning light fracture through the Crystal Spires into prismatic patterns that danced across Lumenvale’s cobblestone streets. At seventeen, she possessed the kind of beauty that made poets stumble over their verses and merchants’ sons suddenly Continue reading
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Songs of Wind and Wing
How do you express your gratitude? The amber sky tasted of copper and regret as I fell. My ancient wings, once capable of riding storm-fronts across continents, now hung tattered and useless against my scaled flanks. The wound in my left wing membrane—a gift from territorial wyverns defending their mountain aerie—leaked precious vitae in crimson Continue reading
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When Mountains Choose to Rest
What are you most worried about for the future? High Keeper Daveron Earthsong stood upon the Crown Platform of Ancient Thunderstep, his weathered hands pressed against the carved obsidian rails that had been worn smooth by generations of leaders before him. The pre-dawn air carried the scent of granite dust and morning dew, while beneath Continue reading
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The Lesson in Every Moment
What makes a teacher great? Master Elara Windweaver stood at the edge of the Academy’s Contemplation Gardens, watching her newest student struggle with the simplest of cantrips. Young Tobias—barely fourteen, with hands that trembled every time he attempted to weave light-threads—had been dismissed from two other academies before arriving at her door. His previous instructors Continue reading
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The Memory of Steel and Sinew
Have you ever had surgery? What for? Dr. Lyrian Gearwright adjusted the magnification lenses that had replaced her natural eyes seventeen years ago, their crystalline precision allowing her to perceive the intricate fusion of flesh and clockwork that lay exposed beneath her patient’s opened chest cavity. Steam rose gently from the bio-mechanical heart she was Continue reading
Chadwick Rye 