Another tendril latching on. A twenty second tear in the veil of reality. A pained scream lost in a constricting tunnel of pulsating energy.  These things are infinitesimal on a Cosmic scale. Barely a blip on the radar in the never-ending expansion of the Plain.  For River, that swallowed scream took with it the makings of a life filled with crushing self hatred and obligation, and set them on the path towards something more. Dragged further than they thought possible by the unfeeling whims of chance, and confronted by the beauty, and brutality of a world not so governed by hard-and-fast rules, River will have to fight - and fight hard - to survive. Being stranded on the beating heart of the universe has its advantages though, and River's natural distaste for the crushing certainty of their home will bloom as they learn to bend reality with the Flames that have become a part of their very being. There is danger lurking around every corner, but there's also so much to see and hear and touch. Not taste... we'll get to that.  This story has an NB lead. I want it to be long (serialised), and I've got quite a few plans for the future. The update schedule is relatively non-existent, but I will do my best to write around university and life in general. Apologies if that is disappointing, I just don't know where different projects will take me, but I've been planning this for a long time and can safely say I won't abandon it. Ever. This is my first piece of long-fiction so any and all feedback is appreciated. I obviously don't want to be verbally dismantled though so try to keep it civil. This is something I want to improve at. If I look back and these early sections are terrible... that will be a good thing. Practice makes... well... it helps.  Anyway, hopefully this is fun to read for someone. I certainly enjoy writing it and its honestly been a little therapeutic.  :3