☀️ Arselia and Akonia

“Before anything else, accept my condolences, Garret, son of Aster. Being born in Vistaria, you deserve to know that your world is on its last breath. With no hope for improvement for it and its inhabitants, Vistaria faces only decay and inevitable oblivion. Perhaps you already knew this? In any case, you must also know that this misfortune came about through the fault of mortals, and therefore my and my siblings’ caution regarding those who violate the natural order of our world should be clearly understood by anyone who is even slightly knowledgeable in these matters.” The Patriarch grabs the rogue by the shoulder and displays strength uncharacteristic of his modest stature, but the suffering experienced by the stranger is not so much physical as it is mental. Before his eyes flashes the incident with the charred Nora, left to die on the island. The torment of her distraught father and mother. The man’s anger, which led him to the indifferent murder of one of Garret’s acquaintances – Sisiandra. “Any sin, if desired and with sufficient skill, can find if not a logical, then at least an emotional justification, but the corruption that has seized the soul cannot be so easily cleansed; it will always remain nearby and poison our nature.” Loosening his grip, he continues. “And yet, from your confession, I see that you are not yet an incorrigible person, not obsessed with the greedy desire for the supernatural, and if Anush is willing, having a purpose and place in life will become an effective medicine for your soul. Serve your patron as much as your strength allows, Garret; let this be your trial and atonement for what you have done. Do not forget to thank the Goddess-Mother for the chance she has given you, and, being one of the few surviving Vistarians, give us reason to remember this world for something good, not evil.”