In ages past when hope was spent and low,

All creation stood bound within its quiet repose.

Then did Reality tremble from a boundless might,

And the earth quaked across the starless night.

A star descended from the vast beyond,

And bound reality in grief's most tragic bond.

It stole the future in its greedy plight,

Yet wept in secret at the ruined sight.

With painted smiles it played a gentle part,

And strove to heal each broken, wounded heart.

Yet the star never found the words to seek amends,

The answer on the tip of its tongue which it couldn't transcend.

Its guilt endured, a weight upon its boundless soul,

Awaiting forgiveness from the broken world.

Wherefore to him whose destiny it had reft,

It turned to mend the soul that it had left.

The Bereft was lost, struggling with his blight,

Yet the star became his new, endearing light.

Until at last the end drew near,

And to eternity the star must steer.

In passing through the void it set things right,

Returning the future it had plight.

No soul recalled the star from then on,

Save for the Bereft… whose longing was not gone.

Chapter 35 - Land of Ash (1)