The sun did not rise.
It arrived.Soft gold spilled over the cracked walls of the temple—light not from the sky, but from something stepping through it.
A figure.
Not winged.Not crowned.Just… present.
Robed in silver and sun-threaded cloth, barefoot, hands open, eyes hidden beneath a hood of woven starlight.
The villagers didn't notice.Even Alari stayed asleep.
But the Flamebearers rose—each stirred by the same pulse in their soul:
"I know you."
😇 The Visitor Speaks
"You woke in fire.You rose through trial.And now… you sit in silence and wonder if it was enough."
The figure walked between them, not looking at them—but through them.
"I am a voice.A breath.A servant of the Light that loves you more than you believe you deserve."
No one dared speak.
🔥 To Vaelrix:
"You fear the wings behind your back.You hide what should soar."
The figure touched his shoulder—just for a moment.
"What if you are not cursed…but called?And what if what you carry was never a punishment…but a prophecy?"
Vaelrix looked away… but he didn't deny it.
🕯️ To Kael:
"You speak the tongue of angels…but wonder if your words are your own."
"But every time you choose to speak gently,when harshness would be easier…the stars listen."
Kael's eyes welled, but he held the visitor's gaze.
🏹 To Seren:
"You carry the guilt of survival.You wear strength like armor… but your heart still bleeds."
"Let it.That pain is not weakness.It is proof that your love never left."
Seren exhaled, and it shook her bones.
🌌 A Final Message for All
The visitor turned to all three.
"This road will break your body.It will test your loyalty.It will show you truths that are heavier than any sword."
"But He is with you.In silence.In sorrow.In joy."
"Elarion's love is not loud.It does not need to be.Because it does not leave."
The light grew brighter.The figure stepped backward into it.And just before vanishing, the voice returned:
"When you cannot walk…let the light carry you."
🌅 The Morning Arrives
Birds began to sing.The villagers stirred.
But the Flamebearers stood still, eyes full of tears they hadn't realized were falling.
No one said a word.
They just packed their things…and walked forward.
Together.