Near the center of Faerun City, a large cathedral rose from the cobbled streets. One would assume that its spirals could touch the clouds on a cloudless day, and its masonry work was far beyond elegant.

“He ought to be here now.”

Though it was a bit after eleven, Gray walked toward the large front entrance and pushed open the stone door.

As Gray entered, his sight was drawn to a large archway adorned with delicate filigree. The sanctuary was dimly lit, and resounding throughout it was the gentle hum of an organ tune. Gray trailed past a number of stained glass windows, and stopped at a pew near the cathedral’s center. Sitting in it was a disheveled man in tattered clothing. His face was dirt-streaked, and his white hair was sprinkled with gray strands. He appeared to be around the age of fifty.

Gray approached with measured steps and sat beside him. The man cast a brief glance, but quickly lowered his head to continue praying. They sat in silence for a few minutes.

Gray had closed his eyes to enjoy the organ tune, but his trance was soon interrupted.

“Have you come to share your personal judgments, once again? Or is this an attempt to guilt me?”

Gray’s eyes remained closed, but he did smile.

“Neither. I just wanted to see you again for a little while.”

The man drew a slightly annoyed expression, but remained downturned.

“When you get to be my age, you’ll come to understand these things more. I don’t ask your forgiveness, nor for you to stop blaming me… But, at the end of the day, everybody dies… My peace will come in the afterlife. Though mine have come and gone, your days are still here, so don’t continue bothering with me any longer.”

Gray’s expression morphed into a strange combination of nostalgia, understanding, and grief. They sat in silence for another minute or two. Gray stood up and turned, but spoke to the man whilst facing away.

“I had a dream, dad.”

The man’s eyes moved for a moment, but he didn’t turn his head.

“In the dream, mom was holding you as you were dying. But instead of smiling and comforting her, you were crying and apologizing for a number of things which I can’t really remember.”

……….

Gray had a heavy feeling in his stomach as he exited the cathedral, but he sighed and continued walking, this time with a destination in mind. Within a number of moments he had arrived at a small apartment building. The masonry work, though, was not impressive. Gray walked up to it and looked at the large sigil imprint that was etched into the stone door. Gray fumbled through his pockets and pulled out a small, glowing key, which he held up to the sigil. The sigil glowed for a moment before the door slowly opened.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Gray walked inside and held the key up to a chandelier hanging over his head. The entrance door slowly closed. He rolled his eyes and shook his head.

The lobby of the apartment complex exuded a humble charm. The warm, soft lighting bathed the space in a gentle glow. Simple wooden furnishings adorned the area, along with a number of potted bonsai plants. It was devoid of extravagance, but welcoming and familiar.

“Trying to evade me once again, Mr. Shadestone?” A woman’s voice began with a whiny tone, “I enjoy staying up late, you know.”

Appearing from around a corner was Celia Siren, the landlord. Her ugly countenance betrayed her beautiful name, Gray often thought.

“Not trying to evade you, Celia… just miss you by a few hours.”

Celia couldn’t help conceding a laugh, but quickly scoffed as if trying to hide it.

“Just like your father… I’m glad to see where you’ll be ending up… Anyway, your rent’s overdue by a week again, thanks for that! You know I’ve always appreciated interest.”

Gray all but frowned. “Perhaps, there’s less life worth saving than I thought.” He dug through his pockets and pulled out a few silver stones. He shrugged and placed them in her hand and began walking toward the hallway.

“I forgot to collect my concert payment earlier. I’ll have the rest for you tomorrow.”

Celia smiled. “I expect the rest with seven extra copper stones!”

Gray threw her an insincere smile over his shoulder.

“Celia, do me a quick favor when you get the chance.” She tilted her head as Gray stopped and continued. “Go to the Vixen’s Den sometime and describe your husband to the madam at the front desk.”

Gray quickly left, making his way to his room. Unlike the front door, it only required a normal key to open.

……………

The sun was starting to rise, but Gray hadn’t gotten a wink of sleep. He had been perusing the Illustrious Interface over and over again, as well as simply collecting his thoughts. He began making a mental list of what he could prevent, given his regression in time. However, his list quickly grew too large to remember. Thus, he began writing things down. Names, places, battles, events, deaths, times, years. Things that he wanted to change. Things that he regretted. Things that would sadden him if he were to let them happen again.

Though his list was not entirely comprehensive, it detailed an unfortunate future. It was not the synopsis of a tragedy novel, rather a very real future, the present future, he thought. It was once his own past.

As he held the note in his hands, he came to a realization: Only by his taking action could anybody possibly survive.

As he paced around his room, a number of different emotions passed through his heart. Most tragedies would not be occurring for many months, but though it seemed like a long time, it would surely arrive.

He eventually decided upon giving himself a week's time to plan out his course of action. In the meantime, he would focus on understanding the Illustrious Interface. But just as he had found motivation, exhaustion overtook him. He crawled into bed, and soon began to snore.

………………

Gray was awoken by a heavy weight on his chest.