Memory 1 (hethena and husband)

So Lisra was telling me about her ancestors, and it’s really quite fascinating. You can actually trace her lineage back to the written stories about Saint Ylldra.

Mm-hm.

It’s funny how oral histories can sometimes be more accurate than written documents.
Although it only works if someone is willing to listen to them. Which you clearly aren’t doing right now.

That’s very nice dear.

Aras!

Oh, I’m sorry. I just got caught up in this riddle the alchemist wrote me.

Well, it’s not just this time. Lately you don’t seem…present.

I’m here, love. Just help me solve this blasted thing, it’s holding my entire mind prisoner.

Is that your excuse now? This itty-bitty piece of paper has slain the Scourge of Illiac Bay?

It has indeed. But solve it, and I’ll be free to give you all my attention.

So you say.

Scene where she’s mad, mumbling to herself

The village exists in pairs. Every living has a dead, a longing, a regret. We are drawn to our other halves, and they are drawn to us. The island, Ylldraheim, brings us together.

Death must have its flesh. So it rots the world around us, so that we might live.

You’re here now, aren’t you child? If you want to see, look through the eyes of the dead.

 

Scene between Hethena, Lisra and Nifram(bard)

I’ve brought you a book.

You’ve brought me a book.

(looks at it)
The Stories of Saint Ylldra, volume three. Every Elf descended from that prisoner ship knows the story. But I don’t understand. What’s this about?

I found the pendant. The one Nifram made to trap Saint Ylldra’s soul.

You found a centuries old pendant. Just lying around the well, I assume.

No, it was in Saint Ylldra’s coffin.

What?

Don’t worry, she’s not really in there. Her real body is buried elsewhere.

This is insanity. One long march to madness. And you’re the drummer.

Excuse me, I just wanted to check in and see if you needed anything.

Thank you lad, but we’re fine.

Okay, well, let me know if you do.

Sweet kid.

Never mind the bard, why are you doing this? What’s the endgame?

How are you feeling, by the way? Everything all right, health wise with the baby?

Stop deflecting.

I’m not deflecting. I’m making a point. You’re pregnant. That’s how I know you’re not one of them.

I don’t follow.

Life can’t come from death. I think Ylldra knew this. She was barren and it never made sense to her why.
And when she found out the truth, she laid herself to rest, and finally found peace.

This is heresy.

It’s the truth. And the proof is in this skull.

I’ve always wondered why you keep that with you. I thought it was some warrior you bested in battle. But whose skull is it really?

My husband’s. My real husband, the one who died at sea.

I thought you two were stranded here together.

I thought so myself, for a time. Something about this island makes you forget.
But I couldn’t let go of the image of us teetering in the storm, and his head striking the mast.

My heart tells me my love is alive, that I should wrap him in my arms and thank the gods for this gift.
But my mind…my mind knows he died on the deck of that ship. And I buried him the day we came ashore.

By Ylldra…

It wasn’t until years later that I had the courage to dig him up. And when I saw the place where the mast struck him, I knew.

So who is the man I said hello to this morning? If not a mortal, then what is he?

I don’t know, but the answers are in Ylldra’s tomb. We just have to find it.

Hethena, you know I’m with you. I always have been. But what about your child?

To be honest, I don’t know if she’s one of them. I can’t remember what happened to her.
But my heart tells me she’s another ghost, and I’m clinging to a past that I’ve already lost.

Even if she is, you can’t just abandon her.

I wouldn’t be. Not if she’s dead. Sometimes the best thing a mother can do is let go.

I’m sorry to interrupt again, but are you sure you two don’t need anything?

We’re fine. Thank you.

(end memory)