An Amnesiac's tale

[bumbleebumblebee]

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Where do we begin...

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"Ten years... It feels like a lifetime has passed since I first opened my eyes in that desolate desert, a world of solitude stretching out before me. So much has unfolded in the wake of that awakening, shaping me into the person I am today. Yet, as I reflect on my journey, I can't help but notice how the faces of those I once knew in my youth have faded into memories, just as lost as the memories of my childhood.

Rahl and Gaia, two giants who left indelible marks on my path. Rahl, the one who guided me to Silvanus, forever altering the course of my destiny. And Gaia, a presence I haven't encountered in years, our last encounter marked by a bitter altercation born from my struggle to grasp the power that comes with death. But fear not, I will delve into that part of my story in due time.

Among the many individuals who crossed my path, there was a bat-kin who foolishly sought to barter my soul for companionship, a fleeting acquaintance driven by illogical desires. And then there was Ael, who became the embodiment of everything to me — my love, my obsession. Such emotions may seem nonsensical to some, but they resonate deep within my being, defying all reason. In hindsight, it's humorous, but I wouldn't give up Ael for anything. I've no regrets.

Silvanus, the one whom Rahl introduced me to, became my mentor, guiding me on the art of creation. Under his tutelage, I learned to create, and how to make coin. It was through him that my starving ceased, and my feasting began. My poverty vanished, and the work became a hobby. I enjoyed creation, and one method stood out to me: painting. He showed me ways to paint runes into my work, which spread to my painting mundane pictures and other novelties. Which lead to Ael, asking me, to give her a tattoo. I went above and beyond, I imbued a piece of her life story into her flesh, and discovered a means to improve mortal coils in the process. Funny how one little suggestion, one minor event in your life, can change the entire course of anothers.

For a time...countless nights were consumed by ceaseless toil and the embrace of my beloved. In hindsight, those fervent endeavors and laborious nights have blurred into a tapestry of memories. Through my craft, I birthed myriad creations — both enchanting and cursed. Yet, it was not until my encounter with Jegnal, a fateful encounter that ended with my own demise, that my creations truly breathed with life. It was through accepting my true self, embracing my strengths and weaknesses, my love and obsession, that my art transcended mere imagination and became tangible reality. Jegnal killed me, and without that death, I would've never flourished. It's almost ironic that one with the blood of the gods inspired me to abandon them.

What were those silly words, distant friend, "I prefer to have my soul intact and learn all that I can without asking for help through a higher power."

Ascending the ranks, I climbed the ladder of success within the company, assuming a leadership role only to abandon it in pursuit of my own ideals. Umbra, a companion who joined Silvanus and me during those early days, proved to be a loyal friend. Though our interactions were primarily confined to the realms of work, the shared commitment and countless collaborative endeavors forged a bond between us. Silvanus, my mentor, imparted invaluable wisdom upon me, shaping my understanding of the world. Our ideals may diverge, and fate may one day position us as adversaries on the battlefield, but he remains one of the few mortals who have earned my respect. I do hope that day never comes, but I know what that man will do for coin.

Leaving the arid expanse of the desert behind, I established a new haven amidst the swamplands. It was there that I gathered the forsaken orphans of war, breathing new life into their scarred souls and infusing them with my artistry. My wife insists that I bestowed upon them a second chance at life, but I know what I've done— products of war, likely to be used as instruments of conflict. While I cannot fathom Ael's companions understanding or condoning our pursuits, I recognize the necessity of my actions in my relentless pursuit of freedom. To liberate myself from the clutches of Meranthe, from the confines of Eternia, and to exist eternally with my obsession — a destiny that beckons me ever forward.

We have promised these children, heaven, after the sins they must commit. I do hope we haven't lied to them, my love."

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You don't think I've forgotten, have you?

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"No, Djinn. I haven't forgotten about you. You played a crucial role, in all this. But, it's difficult to figure out where you belong in this tale of mine, considering it was you that granted my wish. My anxieties, my fears, my "insanity". You quelled them, every so slightly. Enough for me to work, enough for me to focus. She is mine, and should she die, should she betray me, I will know in an instant. I will know where to look, should she never return home. I will know what she thinks, when she is at my side. I will know when another tries to take what is mine, and while strength may not be something I can call my own, I know the obsessions of many...

...how to attain their aid, should my obsession leave my grasp.

Thanks to you, dear Djinn, my wicked wish has made me a little....less...mad.

And I promise we'll have that talk, one of these days, but this child army isn't going to raise itself."