0.01 – Darkness into Light

“May this child know peace and love forevermore. Our newest sister in the Light. May she find prosperity and happiness, cradled and nurtured by its radiance for all her days,” the midwife declared, her voice ringing with authority and reverence as she raised the newborn child high above her head. The sunlight streaming through the canopy of golden leaves caught the infant’s wings, their downy feathers shimmering like liquid pearl. A collective intake of breath rippled through the gathered crowd at the sight, the sheer purity of the moment gripping each witness.

The baby girl blinked slowly, her unfocused gaze flitting around at the strange and dazzling new world she had been thrust into. Her tiny chest rose and fell rapidly, her breaths erratic and shallow, as her senses drank in the riot of sensations: the cool whisper of the air against her damp skin, the prickle of warmth from the sun’s radiant embrace, and the kaleidoscope of light that seemed to refract off every surface, bending and curling as though to cradle her.

She stared in wonderment at the brilliant beams wrapping around her, soft and alive, so unlike the quiet stillness she had known before this moment. But then came another sensation, jarring and sudden: a burst of sound erupted from below.

The onlookers standing proudly by the verdant greenery lining the garden broke into jubilant applause, their cheers reverberating like rolling thunder. The sound shattered the fragile cocoon of peace that had momentarily enveloped the child. Her tiny face twisted, and her trembling mouth opened wide in protest. A piercing wail escaped her, high and raw, cutting through the crowd’s joy like a knife.

“She cries! A voice full of life!” someone exclaimed with delight, their voice barely audible over the commotion.

Unaware of the praise, the baby’s little wings unfurled instinctively, the downy feathers quivering as they flapped weakly in a futile attempt to escape the overwhelming noise. Tears rolled down her flushed cheeks as her cries rose in intensity. Even the sunlight, though it tried to soothe her, could not still her distress.

The midwife, undeterred, gently lowered the newborn, her movements deliberate and serene as though to impart calm. She offered the squirming bundle to a figure who stepped forward from the crowd—a woman whose presence exuded warmth like the sun’s gentle caress.

The child’s cries faltered as she was enveloped in new arms, soft and firm, her small body cradled against a silken fabric that smelled faintly of flowers and honey. The baby sniffled, her sobs hiccuping into muffled whimpers as she sought something—anything—that would ground her in this strange new existence. Her pudgy fingers flexed and reached out blindly, catching on strands of something soft and fine.

It was hair, long and luminous, cascading over the woman’s shoulder like a river of molten gold. Without hesitation, the baby clumsily stuffed a fistful into her mouth, her toothless gums gnawing experimentally. Her wings drooped slightly, their feeble flapping stilled as she focused entirely on her new discovery.

The woman laughed, a sound so melodious it seemed to harmonize with the sunlight itself. “Ah, little one,” she murmured, her voice a lullaby. She adjusted her hold, brushing her fingers over the child’s soft cheek.

The baby blinked up at her, startled by the glow of her face, which seemed to brighten the longer she looked. Something ancient and knowing stirred in the woman’s eyes, and the child, mesmerized, let the lock of hair slip from her mouth.

Another voice broke the moment, belonging to a man who stood nearby, his white wings folded neatly against his back. “Have you considered the matter of her name, Sa’nalla?” he asked, his tone both curious and deferent.

Sa’nalla did not answer immediately. She carried the infant to a dais at the heart of the garden, her movements purposeful and graceful. Around the dais, tall pillars rose, each etched with delicate patterns that shimmered as they channeled the sun’s energy, focusing its life-giving warmth onto mother and child. The air seemed to hum with a subtle resonance, a Harmony that vibrated through the souls of all present.

Settling herself upon the dais, Sa’nalla gazed down at the baby cradled in her arms. Her fingertips traced light, circular patterns along the child’s fragile brow as though committing every detail of her to memory. Finally, she smiled—a soft, radiant expression full of love and promise.

“I have,” she said, her voice low and tender. She leaned closer to the baby, speaking directly to her instead of addressing the questioner or the crowd. “I give you the name Sa’telle.”

The crowd erupted into a new wave of applause and cheers, their voices melding into a song as old as their people. The melody spoke of creation, of beginnings and endings, of the eternal cycle of life and rebirth. It was a song of unity, of shared purpose and love, and its Harmony wove through the garden like an invisible thread, connecting every soul present.

The child, soothed by the song’s gentle cadence, stilled in Sa’nalla’s arms. Her bright eyes reflected the world around her—a world full of light and wonder. A small, toothless smile spread across her face, an expression of pure, unbridled awe. And in that moment, all who beheld her knew she was destined to be a blessing upon their people, a new beacon in the Light.

“Are you well, Sa’nalla?” a voice broke the tranquil silence of the home, its gentle cadence carrying the weight of concern.

Sa’nalla turned her head, cradling her little one to her bosom as she lounged with her in a hammock swaying lightly in the soft breeze. The golden glow of the setting sun streamed through the open archways, bathing mother and child in warm light. To greet the familiar face, Sa’nalla beamed, her serene expression lighting up. She shifted her weight with a practiced grace, swinging her legs from the hammock and landing lightly on her feet.

With her free arm, she pulled the edges of her flowing wrap closer around her form, not out of modesty but for comfort as she stepped forward to close the distance between herself and the visitor. “We’re doing very well, thank you,” she replied, her tone warm but curious. “May I ask why you’ve visited, Te’korin?”

Sa’telle stirred against Sa’nalla’s chest, her tiny hands kneading as she suckled, the rhythmic sounds punctuating the moment. Te’korin’s frost-tipped wings shifted slightly behind him, catching the light and refracting it into a cascade of shimmering hues. His frosted hair, streaked with threads of silver, caught the same glow as his piercing gaze softened upon the little one in her arms.

“It’s only proper to do so,” he said after a moment, his voice touched with a faint, almost nostalgic sigh. “When an Empyrean takes the oath, he follows through.” His lips curved into a faint smile, though a flicker of something deeper passed through his expression as he crossed his arms. With a slight harrumph, he added, “I gather no one else has checked on you?”

Sa’nalla chuckled softly, shaking her head with a knowing smile. “Ah—sir Korin, you’re so old-fashioned!” Her tone carried a teasing lilt, though there was no malice in it, only fond familiarity.

Te’korin raised a brow, his wings shifting in what might have been mock indignation. “I suppose you can say that—though I’d call it principled. Honestly, I don’t know what’s wrong with the people these days. They sing the songs, feel the joy of the wind beneath their wings, the bliss of living side by side with our forever partner, Light. I doubt Empyreans could ever forget this, and yet…” He shook his head, his tone darkening. “Some traditions have faded, and we suffer for it. I’m very concerned.”

“You stopped by to rant?” Sa’nalla teased again, though her smile faded slightly as she rocked Sa’telle gently, trying to soothe the small sounds of discontent that bubbled up from her. “It’s simply how things are. You can’t control the people’s sentiment. Why, I’m already old enough that I don’t fully understand the way the young think anymore—but it’s normal for traditions to change, don’t you agree?”

Sa’telle shifted again, her tiny wings quivering faintly as if sensing the tension in the conversation. She fussed, her small cries muffled against Sa’nalla’s chest.

Te’korin’s gaze fell on the child, and he exhaled a long, measured breath. “I suppose that’s true, too. Us old ones can’t change the world. Such is the province of youth.” His voice softened as he continued, though there was an undeniable note of resignation. “It’s too late for one such as I.”

Sa’nalla frowned slightly at his words, cradling Sa’telle closer as if shielding her from the weight of the exchange. “But the people want change,” she said after a moment, her voice quiet but firm.

Te’korin’s sharp eyes flicked back to her, searching her expression. “You speak of the little one’s father, do you not?” His voice was low, almost a whisper, but there was a bite to it, a shadow of disapproval lurking beneath his otherwise calm exterior. “Ones such as he want change. But do you? Discontent with the blessings we have is nothing but folly.”

Before Sa’nalla could respond, Sa’telle’s soft whimpering turned into a full wail, her tiny fists clenching as tears streamed from her bright eyes. “Oh, my—” Sa’nalla murmured, immediately shifting her focus to her little one. She patted and rocked Sa’telle gently, her voice dropping to a soothing hum as she whispered calming words.

Te’korin’s posture stiffened, and he cleared his throat. “My apologies,” he said, bowing his head slightly, his frosted hair falling into his face. “I did not mean to raise my voice. I’m not here to debate, Sa’nalla. As an old-fashioned gentleman, I ask you again: is there anything you need that the monetary donations you receive cannot provide?”

Sa’nalla stilled, her gaze dropping to Sa’telle as she began to calm, her cries tapering into soft hiccups. With a heavy sigh, she turned her head slightly, looking at Te’korin over her shoulder. Her lovely wings flexed faintly, catching the light, as she regarded him with a mixture of fondness and exasperation. “There is nothing that another could provide me,” she said, her voice heavy with emotion. “Could you bring him back to me?”

Te’korin’s expression faltered, his stern demeanor softening into something almost mournful. “That’s a wish I cannot grant you, Nalla,” he said after a long pause, his voice barely above a whisper. “While the man isn’t dead, he may as well be to our people. Frankly, my dear, you need to move on and find greater happiness.”

“It’s not that simple,” Sa’nalla whispered, her lip trembling as she fought to hold back tears. Her fingers stroked Sa’telle’s small, downy wings as if grounding herself in the moment.

Te’korin’s gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before he spoke again, his voice carrying the weight of regret. “I sometimes regret having chosen to remain,” he said, almost to himself, his words hanging heavily in the air as the light around them dimmed ever so slightly.

“‘Telle, what are you doing?” Sa’nalla asked softly, her voice lilting with curiosity as she gazed at her child, who sat cross-legged on the floor, engrossed in playing with a brightly painted rocket toy. The little girl’s delicate wings twitched with excitement as she made swooshing sounds, moving the rocket in wide, looping arcs.

Sa’telle grinned up at her mother, her eyes sparkling with wonder. “FLYING!” she crowed, her voice brimming with enthusiasm as her imagination carried her far beyond their home.

“Really?” Sa’nalla laughed, her melodic voice ringing like chimes. She walked over and knelt beside her daughter, brushing a strand of her silken hair away from her face. “You haven’t practiced your actual flying today. Why not spread those cute little wings of yours for a change?”

Sa’telle’s expression fell, her brows knitting together as her lips crinkled into a small pout. “I can’t!” she declared, clutching the rocket tightly. After a pause, her face brightened with determination. “But—if I have one of these—” She held the rocket aloft, her tiny hands trembling slightly with the fervor of her dreams.

“‘Telle—” Sa’nalla sighed, her heart aching at her daughter’s struggles. She reached out and gently pulled Sa’telle into her arms, cradling her close. “I know you’re having problems with catching the wind beneath your wings, little one. It’s not unusual for other four-year-olds to have these difficulties. Your wings are growing well, my sweet. They’ve been molting steadily these past few years, haven’t they? I’m certain that your little cherub wings will soon become plumage to be proud of.”

Sa’telle’s lip quivered, her small voice cracking as she whispered, “I don’t think so.” She clutched the rocket to her chest, as if it were her lifeline. “I’m not good enough—”

“Oh, sweet one,” Sa’nalla murmured, stroking her daughter’s hair tenderly. “Of course you are. The Light is with all of us. Come to understand this, and you can achieve anything you set your mind to. No matter how difficult the task seems—no matter how immense—if only you keep your attitude positive—” She leaned down and booped Sa’telle’s button nose, her touch feather-light. “If you do that, you can achieve anything.”

Sa’telle’s nose twitched at her mother’s touch, and a giggle burst forth, unbidden. “Okay, Mother—but not today. I have a very important mission!” she declared with a sudden burst of confidence, her pearly white baby teeth flashing as she grinned.

“Oh, my—that sounds very important indeed!” Sa’nalla laughed, her eyes dancing with amusement. She tapped her chin thoughtfully, playing along with her daughter’s game. “Such an important—and dangerous—mission requires some assistance, does it not?”

Sa’telle squealed, bouncing up and down with joy. Her little wings flapped with excitement, beating so furiously that she lifted off the ground for a brief moment before her heels tapped back down on the polished stone floor of their home. Sunlight streamed in through the transparacrete walls, their polarized glass-and-concrete blend casting warm, diffused light into the space.

“Yay! Thank you, Mother!” Sa’telle cheered, her laughter filling the room like music.

“Now, tell me about this quest of yours?” Sa’nalla pressed with a playful wink, tilting her head as though awaiting a grand proclamation.

“Umm—” Sa’telle fidgeted, her small fingers nervously fiddling with the rocket as she hesitated. Then, with a deep breath, she admitted, “Ah—I’m supposed to take my rocket all the way to Ga’ladaigm Park—um—and report back in a few hours—”

Sa’nalla laughed softly, shaking her head as she realized the scope of her daughter’s “mission.” “A very adventurous mission indeed. Let’s go this instant!” She extended her hand, which Sa’telle grasped eagerly, her excitement bubbling over.

The two stepped out of their bright, airy home and onto the streetway, hand in hand. Towers of glass rose toward the heavens in every direction, gleaming in the perpetual light of Empyr. Soft illumination from embedded crystals ensured that no shadow ever lingered. The sky above was a canvas of gold and azure, dotted with ships that soared gracefully between the towers like gliding birds.

As they walked, Sa’nalla pointed out landmarks and exchanged greetings with passersby. The street came alive with the sounds of laughter and distant music, but neither mother nor child noticed much—they were lost in their own little world of shared adventure.

When they reached Ga’ladaigm Park, it was a paradise of vibrant flowers, lush greenery, and shimmering streams. Animals of all shapes and sizes moved freely among the visitors, some grazing peacefully while others interacted with those who approached respectfully. The air was filled with the heady scent of blossoms and the faint hum of a thousand wings.

But as Sa’nalla and Sa’telle passed beneath the shadow of a nearby skyport, the atmosphere shifted. Above them, a ship descended with an aura that seemed to ripple with unease. The sleek craft, black and angular, cut through the air with ominous precision, its edges gleaming darkly against the golden sky.

When it landed, a hush fell over the nearby Empyreans. One by one, their faces turned toward the ship, their expressions a mixture of awe and trepidation.

“What could it mean, Mother?” Sa’telle whispered, clutching her toy tightly. Even in her innocence, she felt the strange, heavy presence emanating from the vessel.

Sa’nalla pulled her daughter close, her eyes narrowing as she studied the mysterious craft. “I don’t know, my little one,” she murmured, her voice low and cautious. “But it’s... different.”

Around them, the soft hum of conversation turned to murmurs of wonder and uncertainty, as the ship’s enigmatic presence cast a shadow across the radiant world of Empyr.