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Chapter 1.0 - Dirge of the Damned
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Igarian Calendar, Year 10000
It was the day following the new millennium… with everyone still drunk on the splendor of icy rum; a local specialty of sorts. The villagers rarely drink alcohol because of the consequences it carries regarding productivity and crime. A small village like ours can't afford to support the costs of addictions within our close-knit group. We all rely on each other to just barely get by, that if one of us reneged on their duties, all the villagers would suffer likewise.
It was a rather rude awakening when we suddenly discovered that Lily, the village tailor, just mysteriously disappeared, leaving only a crying child behind within a hidden room. Lily was always a bit eccentric, acting quiet and reserved at all times - something we attributed to her shy nature. Lily was apparently a fallen noble, but none of us knew of the specifics regarding it because she rarely socialized with anyone. When she first arrived, we were very inclusive of her in all our gatherings and celebrations. However as she disregarded our invitations time after time, we eventually began to just ignore Lily altogether until she essentially disappeared in spirit, and apparently in body as well now. How unfortunate.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
We held a short procession for Lily, though we’re unsure if she's even alive or not. Using the pyre from yesterday’s festival, we burnt a few offerings to our god Sylphia, the goddess of nature and growth, surrogating them as blessings for the coming year.
As for the matter of Lily’s child, we’ve decided that he'll be taken under my care as the village head temporarily, until we find a couple willing to adopt him that is. Unlikely though, given the stigma that Lily left behind with him.
An unfortunate mother has beget an unfortunate child indeed…
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Lily’s child, or Cael as I call him, seems to be a normal child… yet perhaps cursed by his mother’s misfortunes as well. It was during his second birthday, right before he began to walk, that I learned that Cael was born blind. It was difficult for him to speak similarly, as Cael seemed to exude a natural ambience which other children vehemently disliked. He was always on his own, whether naturally or of his own volition; having only the solitude of the forest to keep him company.
Cael’s not a bad kid. He's always smiling despite all his misfortunes, and speaking with everyone who was willing. He’s recently picked up the hobby of listening to the stories I read to him, and seemingly pondering upon something by the trees near our home. I sincerely pray for his well-being, but it seems time has other plans for me.
I hope someone would be willing to foster him after my passing, but such a cruel world would surely not accommodate the weak, and I can only pray that Sylphia would shield this child from the pain and suffering of this brutal world.
Entry 1, Unnamed
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