A Bloody Good Start
AITHEIN FOUND HIMSELF IN a sacred sanctuary of endless sky and rolling clouds. A soft melody rose and fell with the breeze. Its sound was so pristine that it seemed beyond the capabilities of a mortal. No ground was below him as he split the sky with each step. He walked toward the melody, brushing aside clouds like they were thin veils. There were no walls or limits, only boundless, glimmering sky.
“We came here to find each other,” a maiden’s voice called from the clouds.
The voice sounded like it was right next to him, but there was no one.
“It’s something we do from time to time,” the maiden’s voice continued. “To renew the vows we once made; to test their strength.”
“Who—,” Aithein sputtered. He turned and turned, trying to identify the source. “Where are you?
