Darkness has always been with me.  I was born only knowing the darkness and okay with that. I didn't know of all the things I was missing out on, my existence was simple and that was okay with me. Then I learned to truly appreciate the sounds around me and I began to realize there was more to this life.  I began to realize just how little I knew and I needed to know more. I was obsessed with knowledge and most importantly the beautiful intricacy of language. It was of utmost importance to me to understand one thing in particular. What gave certain words the power to change the world around them? I needed to understand so I dedicated my life to the pursuit of this knowledge, risking my life for it. Eventually I finally had my answer as I lay dying in my last moments... it felt hollow in a way. I realized as I was about to die how lonely I felt. I had spent all my life lurking in the darkness stalking people trying to understand them because I wanted to be one of them. I was tired of being a Neirik, forever cursed to wander the dark depths of the world alone forever, always watching but never a part of the group.   I was tired of living. I did not feel sad as I died, I felt accomplished. In my final moments I had achieved a dream I didn't believe possible. I had a conversation. A simple exchange of words and names that was so beautiful to hear I felt more alive as I died then I ever did before. I died fulfilled, ready for the end. … and I didn't get it.