❧ Introduction

verything seemed simpler thousands of years ago. Vale's innate talent was discovered, so they were brought to serve. Their rise in status felt natural, as did the friendships they gained over time. Vale was nothing more than a commoner when they began their work, but over time they rose to fit their position. It felt as natural as breathing. Visions came from the stars, their dreams, rituals, and in little moments. Vale could trust in the heavy hand of fate. There was one thing that made them doubt themselves, though - In between the harvest visions and the horoscopes, there was a dark portent for the future. Vale refused to believe it. He completely denied the vision, blaming it on some faulty reading or some misunderstanding of the material. That vision was never relayed. This is Vale's greatest regret, and the source of their guilt for centuries to come. After the lilies fell, Vale retreated to the ruins of their once- great society. He forced away his visions, and instead of coming as a soothing balm, they haunt his dreams as blurred messes. His sight - his real sight, not his future vision, faded away. Vale lives on a knife's edge, torn between relying on the power that had once guided their entire life, and wanting to reject it entirely.