Nuzzling her face into Ciel's neck, Rayza began to hum a soft hymn. Ionyr immediately recognized it as the lullaby his mother had sung way back then - the night when Rayza had first stayed the night at their house. Ciel observed her mother with a calm gaze.

He still couldn’t believe it - those eyes were exactly like Rayza’s, down to the last detail. Ciel had probably inherited them better than a natural child would. It comforted Ionyr somewhat - while he still held his reservations about the whole affair, it proved that Ciel was indeed theirs.

He silently embraced his newfound family. He’d never felt like this - exhausted and overwhelmed, but in a weirdly happy way.

From the start of their adventure in the dense fog, through their stay in that odd little town, then the near death experience in the cave and now, at long last, witnessing the birth of their child - it was all so much to take in. The day had certainly taken its physical, but especially an emotional toll on Ionyr.

But despite it, something felt a little…off. This adventure felt too well structured - like their entire journey had been planned for them, from the very beginning.

As he pondered, the Creators’ Avatar silently 'plucked off', for lack of a better word, a part of its third eye. Pressing it between its thumb and index finger, it reformed the light into a flat form. As the light faded, it revealed a black tablet, small enough to fit in Ionyr's pouch. It seemed to be made from the same material as the sanctuary itself. Wordlessly, it let the tablet float into his hands.

"What is this?" Ionyr asked, confused as he ran his hands across the stone-like surface.

The material felt unlike anything he’d ever laid his hands on before - smooth to the touch, yet somehow weighing down his finger as it traced the tablet. Like there was something beneath this blank black surface his finger was pushing around - the image of a deep lake floated up in Ionyr’s mind, an unknowable depth that he couldn’t even perceive.

"That tablet is our final gift." The statue snapped its fingers, and embers of the Sacred Fire began to spark off its body. As the sparks slowly began circling around them in a orb-like formation, Ionyr realised what those words actually meant.

"Wait!" He yelled, stepping forward. "I still have so many questions!"

"It contains all the knowledge you could ever desire. The answer to all questions you may have today, and those you may have tomorrow. Your mind simply needs to ask." The statue spoke, the light fading from its body as more embers sparked off it. "This is farewell."

The more embers gathered around Ionyr and his family, the faster the formation collectively spun. The eyes of the Avatar went dark, and its arms and wings returned to their previous cool and solid state. Ionyr could barely make it out through the storm of sparks. It didn’t take long for it to grow so fast and bright that he couldn’t see through it at all.

"Take good care of it...our little Star..." The Avatar’s voice went quiet, leaving only its echo in the void.

As the embers started to encompass them entirely, Ionyr felt his feet leave the ground. He quickly pulled Rayza close to him. She, in turn, was clutching Ciel tightly to her chest, whispering that everything would be okay - though the child didn’t seem particularly perturbed. Her expression remained calm, watching the two of them with a vacant, empty gaze.

The circling light emitted a high-pitched hum, like it was about to explode. Ionyr braced for it, shutting his eyes and holding his girls close. The humming got louder and louder, until it became so high-pitched that Ionyr couldn’t hear it anymore.

There was a sudden rumble - he knew that noise! It was the sound of the earth moving, coming from above them. Ionyr could feel them start to float upwards, slowly and gently. Eventually, the same noise started coming from below them.

He realised that perhaps, they had never left the sanctuary, but instead been served an impressive illusion of the night sky. It wasn’t out of the realm of possibility - after all, the Creators have the power of the Sacred Fire, and the power to reconstruct the past exactly as it was. So, that must mean that Ionyr and his girls were currently being sent back up to the surface, straight through the earth itself.

Hold on…did this mean the Creators had power over the earth itself? Could they shift it as they pleased? If that was the case, didn’t that imply that the earthquakes earlier…

“Mmh…” Ciel suddenly whimpered, stirring in Rayza’s embrace. With her narrowed eyes and wrinkled nose, she looked like she was wincing in pain as she tried to push her hands through the makeshift swaddle. Was she…trying to cover her ears? Could she still hear the high-pitched humming?

If that was the case, then her hearing had to be superhuman. Ionyr was fascinated by the implications. What other hidden capabilities did his daughter possess? Which divine blessings did the Creators bestow upon her?

However, seeing Ciel letting out another soft whimper made Ionyr grab ahold of himself. Her wellbeing should be his top priority - he was her father now, he thought, quickly pressing his hands to her ears. Immediately, her expression relaxed, and she went back to gazing at him with that empty look. There was no gratitude in her eyes…eerie in a way. But he’d change that.

Their ascent to the surface felt like they were gliding upwards on a gentle breeze. The only indication that they were moving at all was the sound of the earth stirring around them to open and close their path. Eventually, he couldn’t hear it above them anymore. Shortly after that, the sounds coming from below ceased as well. The lights then dispersed, leaving them to gently fall onto the grassy soil.

They were on the surface.

Ionyr checked on the girls. Rayza was gently rocking their daughter - though based on how tightly she was clutching her baby, she was rather shaken. Ciel still wore that same blank expression, but her curious eyes were now occupied scanning the environment. It was a dark night with no moon, so there was little to see. Only the ominous shapes of large and lanky monsters surrounded them.

Her pure white hair had a light glow to it. It was just strong enough that he could identify the monster standing right in front of them – a tree, its bark blackened and broken in places. They were in a forest, it seemed, of dried and dead trees.

“It’s over. Are you alright?” Ionyr tenderly whispered, stroking Rayza’s hair.

“Just…need a moment.” She replied, nodding shakily.

He led her to a tree, running his hand over the black bark to see how comfortable it was to lean on. It was dry and rough - no good. Oh well, Ionyr thought, leaning against it and pulling her into his embrace. He liked it when she leaned on him anyways. Though he couldn't shake the feeling that he'd seen this kind of tree somewhere before...

"Shiver me timbers, you really did it."

Ionyr knew that voice. Turning his head, he found Rudd peeking around the tree, inches from him. The storyteller’s face was bathed in his lantern’s light, bearing a relieved and uncharacteristically sincere smile.

"Come, you two." Rudd said, beckoning them to follow. "I set up camp just around the corner. Got some grub for you, too - well-deserved, it is." The old man said, disappearing into the shadows, all but vanishing if it weren’t for the distinct light of his lantern. Ionyr took Rayza’s hand, and seeing the uncertainty in her eyes, nodded reassuringly.

“I don’t think he intends to hurt us.” He whispered, but she didn’t seem convinced.

“How can you tell?” She whispered back, biting her lip as she glanced past the tree into the dark forest. Rayza seemed more on edge - even more so than she did before their expedition. Was it because of Ciel?

“If you can sense danger, then I believe you. I won’t take anymore risks today - can’t afford to.” Ionyr said, stroking his daughter’s cheek. “But please be honest with me. Do you truly smell the same danger you did earlier? Or are you being overly cautious now?”

Rayza squirmed uncomfortably. She shot another glance into the dark, anxiously looking around them, seemingly searching for something, anything to confirm her fears. However, unable to sense anything, she sighed.

“The latter.” She said, gently rocking the baby. “Let’s go.”

As he led her into the forest, following the purple glow, Ionyr finally had the time to reflect on his brief interaction with Rudd. 'You really did it', the old man had said. The way Rudd phrased that sentence…it was like he knew what had happened. But how would he?

With questions racing through his mind, Ionyr ran his thumb across the Creators’ tablet. Realising he’d never put it away, he took a moment to examine it closer. It was very light, comfortably fitting in his palm. Examining it further, nothing else seemed to stand out. So he placed it in his pouch for now, as he followed Rudd’s lantern.

It was getting hard to walk, with the mist growing denser around their feet. Rayza was starting to pant as well - she probably had it worse, having to carry Ciel. Thankfully, Ionyr could spy a campfire in a clearing through the trees.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

They soon arrived in said clearing, free of the black mist and illuminated by said campfire in its centre. The horses were tied to a tree, happily neighing when they saw their owners arrive. Rudd had stuck his walking stick into the ground beside the fire and sat down on a tree stump. A pot hung over the flame, its contents bubbling and releasing an appetising, meaty smell into the air.

Motioning for them to sit on a fallen log opposite him, the storyteller reached into his bag. After pulling out two bowls and spoons, Rudd stirred the stew, glancing at Ciel every so often. Rayza protectively pulled her baby closer and inched away from him. Rudd paid her no mind, and began serving the stew.

"Watch out, it's hot." He said as he handed them their bowls. Rayza looked between it and her daughter, unsure of what to do. On one hand, she refused to put down Ciel, much less hand her to Rudd - on the other hand, her stomach let out a loud, embarrassing growl that made her cheeks redden. Rudd and Ionyr shared a hearty chuckle.

"Right, it would be difficult to eat with her on your arm." Rudd said, handing the bowls to Ionyr and walking over to Rayza, he knelt beside her. “If I may…?” He held out his hands, offering to hold Ciel. Rayza looked incredibly torn, shooting Ionyr a desperate glance for help.

Seeing her reaction, Rudd quietly tore off a long piece of his cloak, leaving only his neck and shoulders covered. He folded it in the middle, and held it out again for Rayza. Seeing her questioning look, he smiled - again, uncharacteristically sincere.

“Put her in here. I’ll tie it tightly, so you can hold her and still eat. Acceptable?” He said, a hint of his usual cheekiness in his tone. Rayza accepted, unable to hide her relief, and placed her baby in the makeshift sling, Tying it around Rayza's shoulder, Rudd helped her adjust it so that both her and Ciel were comfortable. The baby was watching it all unfold with a mildly curious expression.

Now that her daughter was held securely to her chest, Rayza gratefully took her well-deserved dinner Ionyr handed her. He, however, couldn't take his eyes off the knot. Something about it bugged him - and it wasn’t simply the dusty handprints Rudd had left on the cloth.

"Say, Rudd, aren't you going to eat?" Rayza asked as the old man sat back down on his stump.

"No.” He replied, shaking his head. “ I won't." Rudd continued watching Ciel with an awed glint in his eye. Eventually, he met Ionyr’s gaze and sighed, leaning back as his expression hardened. "You've got plenty to talk about, I can tell."

"You already know what happened, don't you?" Ionyr said, putting aside his untouched dinner. Using his walking stick, the old man pushed around the embers of the campfire. Rayza gave him a puzzled look. "Don't you find it strange? Rudd knew exactly where to find us after we came up from underground." Her eyes widened, and she inched back further.

"Sharp lad." Rudd took out his old pipe and lit it with the smouldering end of his walking stick. "I know what happened. So does everyone else." He said, gesturing at the forest around them. Everyone...else? All Ionyr could see among the trees were lanterns just like Rudd’s, each glowing a different colour.

"We have long awaited this day." Rudd continued wistfully, placing his pipe to his lip and inhaling deeply.

"Who is ‘We’?" Ionyr asked, narrowing his eyes. He didn't sense any threat from the man, but he'd learned to be more sceptical after this afternoon's events. "The other townspeople?" Who else could it really be? And seeing Rudd eye his daughter like that…it roused a new feeling in Ionyr. One he didn’t know - making him more cautious and alert.

"Relax." Rudd answered, exhaling a large puff of smoke. "You're right that I am talking about those who live in our town. But I have no intention of stealing what is yours. Those days are long behind me.” He said, vacantly staring past them into space. Ionyr still remained tense, eyeing Rudd with suspicion.

He felt a hand on his, and turned to face Rayza. She shook her head.

“He doesn’t mean us harm. I’d know.” She whispered, squeezing Ionyr’s hand.

Relaxing, Ionyr gave her a smile and went back to stirring his stew, with Rayza following suit. As he played with the spoon, memories of the inn food popped up in his mind - but unlike that tasteless slop, this stew had a wonderfully appetising smell to it. Lifting up a spoonful, he blew on it, making sure to not scald his tongue.

When he had that first bite, he found his suspicions confirmed. Ionyr relished the taste - the hearty meat was tender and fell apart on his tongue. It was also an excellent base for the spicy greens to build upon, and let the herbs unfold their sweet and nutty flavour.

“This…is fantastic!” Ionyr exclaimed, happily going for a second bite.

“Glad you like it.” Rudd said with a light chuckle. “Would you like a story to go with your meal?” He asked, brushing his thumb over his pipe.

“Sure!” Ionyr said between bites, before seizing and coughing up his second bite.

“Idiot!” Rayza set her bowl on the ground and patted his back. “That’s what you get for eating too quickly.”

“Never a boring moment with you two.” Rudd chuckled and tossed a flagon over. As Ionyr caught it, the sounds of splashing water came from inside it. “Drink as much as you need.”

While Ionyr chugged down the water, Rudd cleared his throat.

"So, last I checked, you’ve heard of the Sea Monkeys?"

"Of course. It’s my favourite." Ionyr said excitedly, almost falling into another coughing fit.

"Good, good." Rudd said, smiling. “I do wonder whether that will still prove true once you know the whole tale…”

“Wait, you’re saying that-” Ionyr stopped mid-sentence. Why hadn't he thought of it earlier? The legend of the Calamity…or rather, the legend of the Stars he’d known his entire life was incomplete. Why hadn’t he even considered any other story sharing the same fate - to be withered away and broken by time?

"The Sea Monkeys were a band of rowdy pirates that tormented the coast of Idyllis centuries ago.” Rudd began, his tone wistful and distant. “Wherever they went, they brought chaos – but laughter was left in their wake. For you see, these pirates were not interested in the gold they made.”

“Wait, so they were actually people?” Ionyr asked, a little disappointed. “I thought they were actual monkeys.”

“Really?” Rudd raised an eyebrow and scoffed teasingly. “I know it’s called the Tall Tale, but come on now. That borders on ridiculous.”

“In my mind, they’ll always be monkeys.” Ionyr said, crossing his arms grumpily. Rayza giggled at his antics.

“Your father is quite childish, isn’t he, Ciel?” She said, smiling at her blank-faced daughter. Turning to the storyteller, she nodded. “Don’t mind him, Rudd. Please continue.”

“Gladly.” Rudd said with an amused smile. “The Sea Monkey’s crew was mostly made up of those that escaped the Ashen Order’s clutches, or who had suffered at its hands. Unwilling to accept the ‘redemption’ it offered, they struck out to embarrass the Order, which still held power over the Isles at the time."

So far, Ionyr and Rayza knew the story – it was a fun fantasy for a child to fall asleep to. He couldn’t suppress a small smile as the nostalgic feeling of lying in his childhood bed and listening to his mother’s nighttime stories floated in his chest.

“They plundered the Order’s ships and storehouses, giving the contents back to the people of the Isles.” Rudd said, stirring the embers with his walking stick, the lantern on its end rattling as he did. “Sometimes they also defaced the monuments of Firemane - anything to undermine the Order’s authority.”

Ionyr chuckled as he heard the tale retold. He remembered the story where they defaced King Firemane’s statue in the eastern harbour. They shot sea cow dung from their cannons before fleeing an armada of angry Order battleships. A short, funny adventure - just the way he liked it.

"But eventually, the chaos spread to the crew itself - many men were dissatisfied with the way things were being done. Not that one could blame ‘em.” Rudd continued, puffing another cloud of smoke. “After being thrown to the hounds at the Order’s behest, they wanted to make their distaste…no, their hatred known to everyone.”

Rudd’s face darkened as he leaned away from the fire. The shadows danced upon his features.

“Revenge was their goal, or perhaps their excuse to indulge their darker urges. Pillaging without returning. Defacing and irreparably destroying historical monuments. Taking the pain inflicted on them and…” Rudd trailed off, and shot a glance at Rayza and Ciel. “I’ll spare you ladies the details.”

Ionyr was horrified. He’d never heard this part of the tale. He’d heard many times of their fun little pranks, but this was far beyond simple-minded fun. Disgusting, is what this was. Ionyr immediately wrapped his arm around his wife and protectively pulled her close as Rudd continued.

“One day, there was a mutiny. The first mate was brutally beaten by the crew and, alongside their Captain Roger, stuffed into a barrel and keelhauled - left to float and die in the seas near Idyllis. Left for dead by the crew they had rescued and cared for." Rudd brushed his thumb over his pipe, adjusting his seating and leaning closer to the fire.

"The good captain clung to an errant plank for days, doing his best to keep his best friend and first mate above the ocean’s waves. On the fifth day, there was a great thunderstorm which washed the plank ashore on the eastern coast of Idyllis.” This was getting a little weird – this was more than a mere story. Rudd knew too many details. “His first mate’s body had been lost to the waves - a small memento was all that Captain Jolly could save from the ravenous ocean. Starved and beaten, he was barely conscious. Seeing a cave near the shore, the captain dragged himself towards it for shelter."

"Say, Rudd..." Rudd put a finger to his lip, shushing the younger man.

"Let me finish the story, lad. Grant an old man his wish." Ionyr nodded silently. He was seeing the full picture now.

"After entering the cave, odd things began to happen. The rocks seemed to shift around him, and earthquakes cut off his exit.” Rudd went on, staring into the crackling embers as his tone became more vivid. “He found himself stumbling further and further into the depths, with no end in sight.”

Rudd spoke through grit teeth, tightly clenching his fist around his walking stick. The flame in his lantern flared up, his eyes similarly glowing a strong purple.

“He cursed his crew. He cursed his fate.” He hissed, shoving his walking stick into the embers, stirring them violently. Sparks and cinders flew into the air, dancing around him like vengeful moths drawn to a wrathful inferno. “He cursed his lack of foresight, and the death of his best friend. Regret weighed heavily on his soul. It was then that the ground beneath his feet gave way."

The storyteller exhaled a big cloud of smoke, letting go of the walking stick and allowing the fire to settle down.

"As he fell, the good captain laid eyes on a river of fire. A sight no mortal man should ever bear witness to.” “Screaming and kicking against his miserable fate, he was powerless to stop his fall. A hole opened in the river to swallow him whole." Rudd said, playing with his pipe.

Ionyr felt Rayza placing her hand on his, squeezing tightly. When he faced her, he found an anxious look, like she was reliving a vivid memory. Is that what she saw when he fell unconscious?

"And swallow him, it did.” Rudd continued, his gaze fixed to the fire, ignorant, perhaps willfully, to their uneasy apprehension. “The man, and all his regrets, were lost and forgotten by the world - taken and given a new purpose." His eyes were fixed on Ciel, who returned his stare with the same unwavering vacant curiosity. Rudd then met Ionyr’s gaze, his face marred with sombre solitude. “To be a guide for those that would share his fate.”

“So you are…” Ionyr mumbled - he could scarcely believe it, but everything he’d seen and heard was pointing towards this one truth.

“Allow me to reintroduce myself.” Rudd stood up, leaning on his staff as he did. He appeared like a different person - unlike before, he stood up straight, and his grin was more cheery than sinister. “My name is Jol E. Rudger. Though you might know me as Captain Jolly Roger of the Sea Monkeys. Call me Roger.”