Dragon Aster Trilogy

40: LAMENT



“My very birth was the Prophecy that was to lead to the Caelestis’ return to Aster and save Aragmoth himself. It would be my death that would curse it all back to the very beginning of hate between the immortal memories of caels. Memories that had not been healed by Time. Forgiveness, it would seem, is more of a mortal belief where life is too short to waste it on bitterness.

“We ruled the skies for two years after Cirrus pulled me to the surface of the Eternal Waters on the day of my Trial of Somn. Of his memory, I know I was dead for the twenty minutes that it took him to do so. Or at least, it felt like death when I woke up on another world. A world so much more advanced than ours. It felt like a Dream that I didn’t want to wake from, but when I did, Cirrus was right there beside me just as he promised.

“I had surfaced from my Trial of Somn baptized in death, to bring death. The phelan of the Atrum’s Army had begun to call Cirrus the White Death soon after that day, for wherever we went we brought devastation and a cold, suffocating death. We drove the griffin camps off of the Torian Continent and destroyed one Gate after the other, sending the phelan and griffins fleeing for their lives on every turn. Soon our mere presence was enough to send their armies crying into the hills.

“I became a monster of the skies, and in doing so I was now my father’s most cherished son. No longer was I a useless child. I was the Prince reigning in a new era for our kind with the horrendously deformed and ugly somnus of a dragon form that had been given to me. The era that would see the whole world die by our blades and wings of winter.

“For every life that we took, I could feel a part of my soul die. If Cirrus had let me give up, I might have died within that first year. But in continuing to live and kill, I didn’t care what glory it brought my father’s name or mine. I only did it to see her on Earth in what time I could steal to Dreamwalk. Cirrus seemed to define his own existence by the number of lives he was able to snuff out. If my sacrifice brought them purpose, I would feel happiness from them.

“The more I fought the longer I was able to sleep and fall away from the reality of nightmares into the world of Dreams where she would always be there waiting for me. Humans who were victims to despair were fragile, brittle creatures. I could only bring her words to keep her from shattering so I could have more time to find a way to reach her. If I had learned of how to stay on her world, I could have protected her forever.

“I felt trapped on Aster, like a mer damned to roam the sea floor despite the light and endless free air well above its eyes. I would always wake up here. I could not die, for death would not allow me to.

“Then I found a way, by the claws of a thousand plumas that were able to cut me free from my somn. Now Daath needed to find a way to free me from Aragmoth so I would be his slave forever. The Atrum had their own Prophecy; that the Cael Daath would return to Aster and lead them in their conquest of Aster and Earth alike. But it would be a conquest fueled by Daath’s need for revenge.

“Now that I’ve finally broken free of the dark prison I was in, I feel as if everything has gone on without me, leaving only fragments of a nightmare in place of the time I have lost. Cirrus and Sybl were waiting for me, and now both of their Fates have taken the place of my own. I was too late to save them.

“They could have destroyed me or left me to my nightmare forever. Friends, it would seem, are something that defies the simplicity of life, death and reasoning.”

There is a Heaven for each of us, and you have both left me so very alone in yours. Nafury looked at his mother’s grave, and then at Sybl’s and Cirrus’ that lay next to it. He felt lost without anything or anyone to guide him to where he should go next.

“If you could save the world by saving one person, wouldn’t it be worth it to try?”

Nafury stood up and looked back. When he didn’t see anyone, he held his breath and closed his eyes. Then he opened them again into a trance.

Sybl stood there, smiling as she waved her hand playfully at him. “Cirrus was right, you are really good with Threads. Even when you aren’t possessed by an evil force and trying to take over the world.”

“I’m sorry,” he said, not knowing what else he could say.

She shook her head. “It’s already forgotten. Soon everyone else will forget and move on as well.”

“What am I to do now without you both?”

“You have lots of wishes left in you, you just have to remember the better ones. I left you one of my own as well to give you a head start.” She spun around to leave, but then turned back to face him again. “Oh, and do me and Cirrus a favor—don’t drop it.”

Nafury blinked, and in the moment that it took him to do so, she had vanished from sight with his trance. Drop it? He walked out onto the ledge of the cave in the Bedlam Waterway as he tried to figure out the riddle. Prophecy… He remembered how Cirrus had teased him about dropping the ‘Prophecy’ that was Sybl before Daath brought her to Aster. She could only mean something that he could hold. Maybe even someone.

“You look as if you just saw a ghost,” Cecil said, landing next to Nafury on the ledge.

“I did,” he replied.

“What did it say?” the blue dragon asked curiously, as Nafury had always had Serena’s ability as a Seer.

“I think there’s another Fay.”



GLOSSARY

Aeger—When the three Aurs existed, the Sylvan Aur was the equilibrium for the aeri and estus Aurs, creating a balance of life and death energy over the world of Aster. When the Sylvan Aur was destroyed at the end of the Last War, this balance was lost, and the estus energy began to spread uncontrollably across the world. The Aeger is a sickness caused by being overwhelmed by estus energy and its related emotions. Those with the Aeger usually lose their minds before they die of starvation, injuries as they don’t feel pain, or they are destroyed.

Aeri—Light energy channelled easiest through Animus Threads by positive emotions such as love, happiness and contentment. Used best as a restorative healing energy, but can be channelled into an intense, pure fire that is most effective against those infused with estus energy.

Aleste—A mermaid who was Lintrance’s first love.

Alexia—A human woman from Earth who Dyaus caught after venturing through a Gate from Mer City to Earth. She later becomes Cirrus’ mother and Dyaus’ Bond. Loved and remembered for her beauty, foresight and singing voice.

Aliyr—Twins on the first Aster were born as a Mei (shield) and an Aliyr (sword). Usually it was the male of the twins if one is a boy and the other a girl. In the case of Bonds on the new Aster, it is usually the male.

Animus—Also known as ‘Thread,’ it serves as connecting lines for telepathy, somning, and can be manipulated by estus and aeri energies to heal or destroy amongst many things. It’s an endless weave of spiritual links that can only be seen in a trance, by trained Novaists or Callers, Awls, or by those who are connected to the inner realm of death and Aragmoth.

Aragmoth—The immense, living essence that supports the world of Aster. The first Aster was destroyed by a moon-size monster of energy, known as the Dragon Moon, that was sent by Earth. After the destruction of their world, the Eminor spirits combined their energies and Aragmoth was formed. Aragmoth defeated the Dragon Moon and absorbed its dark energy into itself and hurled the Dragon Moon’s light essence back to Earth. It then tracked down and absorbed into itself the lost souls of the Sylvans and Ancients. From Aragmoth, the second Aster was recreated within Earth, and the Sylvans, Ancients and Eminor were later reborn onto it.

Asil—The female Fay twin born to Asteria and Daath on the first Aster. She was an airy spirit who could command all six elements. Aragmoth releases her onto the new Aster without her Sylvan energy in her body, making her more of a physical creature. She is killed by Moon before the end of the Last War and then later reincarnated as Sybl.

Aster—A spiritual and physical world existing inside Earth by means of a Great Dragon known as Aragmoth.

Asteria—While most Sylvan on the first Aster were born as twins, Asteria was born as a Sylph—a treasured rarity that was able to exist by itself without a twin. The spirit of aeri energy was chosen as the leader of the first Aster by the Sylvan kind. Aster was also named after her. Her Bond would later be Daath.

Atrum—A black, tower-like castle, on the center of the Suzerain Continent. It serves as the base of the estus Aur, the death energy from the Great Dragon. It provides a heavier light accompanied by rain and haze and it amplifies negative emotions. It is ruled by Vanir.

Atrum City—The city surrounding the Atrum. It has industrialized a great deal over the last ten years due to continued relations with the Falls.

Aur—Concentrated estus or aeri energy, usually from the Soph Aur of Toria or the estus Aur of the Atrum. They lighten and darken most of the atmosphere of Aster when they rise individually.

Awls—A creature or somnus possessed by a Sentry who has chosen to ‘fall’ to Aster and live out their existence. They are natural fortune tellers who can read the Animus Threads connected to one’s Fate. Dangerous if angered or insulted, Awls can utilize Thread to their needs, but cannot alter the Threads of gold. Most prefer to live quiet, solitary lives, which also helps them in avoiding Aragmoth’s wrath. Considered immortal, dark angels and demons by many. They hide in their human-like appearances that are merely an illusion over their true form, which resembles a dark, winged demon when it touches the Animus Threads of Aster.

Ayame—A female phelan somnus.

Berion—A town of phelan on the Torian Continent that is not controlled by the Atrum. Jasper and his Bond, Ishtar, are its leaders. Named after Master Berion who is Jasper’s father.

Bond—Another word for mate.

Cael/Caelestis—The Asterian words for god/goddess.

Caller—An ayame capable of creating a Nova which is a powerful song that affects Animus Thread. Ayame are the leaders of their Packs for this reason, as their mastery over the Thread allows them to control their Packs and avoid conflict where possible. In battle, it is often the most powerful ayame Caller who determines the victorious Pack. Similar rules apply to daoran Novaists, with the exception being that they are all connected to the High Priestess as assistants, instead of being individual leaders like female phelan somnus.

Casus Beli Canyon—Territory of the plumas. Created by Nephena when she hurled Livry across its field in anger of his failure.

Cecil—A 32 year old dragoon, and first born son of Tynar and Trista. His blood falls under the Line of Moon. A mild-hearted dragoon once, Cecil became bitter over the years because of his born blindness, combined with the pressure put on his family by Yri’s influences in Toria. His Bond is Rose.

Celia—Gwa’s human mother, and a scientist from Earth who once worked for the Falls. She later falls in love with Mersael, but she flees when he tries to kill her and his son, Gwa.

Chimeras—Also known as ‘Outcasts.’ Soulless and animal-like descendants of Nephena. Chimera are usually a combination of two or more animals. Many have allowed their bodies to be possessed by the Sentry, giving them souls and a human-like form in becoming an Awl.

Chrison—A 7 year old phelan somnus. Prisca’s friend who mugs Sybl at the Harbor shortly after her arrival.

Cirrus—28 year old son of Alexia. Long, straight blond hair and light blue eyes. Born in an abnormal manner as a white dragon, he killed his mother during childbirth. He grew up for thirteen years afterwards incapable of unsomning into his human-like form. His ‘human’ half is freed shortly after he meets Serena.

Crystal—Daoran descendant of Solar, Crystal was the eccentric and adventurous one of her siblings. Bonded to the late Estar. Mother to Loki and Lintrance. She dies during the pluma attack on the Fay Wall and with her, their unborn sister.

Custos—Monk-like guardians of the Sanctus. A rank that requires five years of training in both spiritual and martial Arts. They were formed by the late ayame, High Priestess Kira. They include the phelan, humans and some chimeras in their ranks. Their Laws are based off of the teachings of the first Aster that revolve around peace and harmony with both Ancients, Sylvan and Eminor alike. Both females and males may become Custos and those who have talent often go on to become Priests, Callers or Masters. They are forbidden from taking a Bond while serving as a Custos.

Daath—A demon from Earth and formerly one of the ‘Four Generals’ or ‘Four Horsemen’ who existed before the Great Flood. He fled to the first Aster to escape enslavement by Hino. Asteria takes him and his army in as refugees, unaware of the consequences it would later bring to her world. She also gives him a soul. Their children are the first Fay of light and darkness; Asil and Erebus.

Damek—Also known as Daath, he is the strongest dark Sentry of the Four Generals and master over death. Asteria granted Daath a soul during his time on the first Aster, and he later falls in love with her and takes on the new name, Damek. When he was destroyed from the attack of the Dragon Moon, one of his bones is later discovered on Earth by one of Nephena’s children and brought to the new Aster. Daath is later fashioned back to life by Tenu and Asil and reconnected with his soul, becoming Damek once again. He disappears after the Last War and is later reborn as Nafury. Daath rejoins with Nafury during his Trial of Somn and the Aeger leads Nafury to his death two years later. With his Curse on Sybl, Daath is able to exist as a more powerful and physical spirit, while searching for a way to get his soul back from Aragmoth.

Daoran—A female Sylvan or female human capable of taking the form of their dragon somn.

Delare—A 300+ year old Awl. The first cat born from Nephena. He becomes an Awl after Tenu drowns him and steals his fur pelt to disguise Damek with it. He sails with his mistress, Gloria, and his friend, Quinn, over the Eternal Waters in hopes of getting his vengeance against Tenu and finding his pelt.

Derel—Cecil’s baby brother. Second son born of Trista and Tynar.

Dragoon—A male Sylvan or male human capable of taking the form of their dragon somn.

Dreamwalking—Leaving the body to move about with one’s psi through the spiritual plane. This is dangerous as it leaves the soul and spirit vulnerable to more malicious spirits. Those with a strong command over spiritual Thread can manipulate objects and even people.

Dyaus—General of Toria’s High Guard. Dark green hair, grey eyes. Brother to Yri, Crystal, Day, and Tynar. A descendant of Solar. His Bond was Alexia.

Efereal Mountains—The snowy home of the chimera Tribes that are led by Xirel.

Elders—The voted council of dragoons and daorans, who assist in upholding their Laws and decisions effecting Toria and the Dragon Caverns.

Eminor—A dark spirit consisting mostly of estus energy. In the days of the first Aster, they were called ‘Nightmare Eaters’ as they fed off of the negative emotions and nightmares that were unneeded by the Sylvan race. Some chose to become the somns of the reborn Sylvan souls, while many still roam the world as the True.

Erebus—The male Fay twin born to Asteria and Daath on the first Aster. He was an airy spirit who could command all six elements. He was destroyed by the Dragon Moon on the first Aster. Asil wove his life Threads to Aragmoth so he could continue to be able to exist in a partial state of undeath on the second Aster. He dies when the Sylvan City is destroyed. His current reincarnation is Kas, whose soul energy is still bound to Aragmoth.

Estar—A dragoon descendant of Tenu and Moon, and twin brother to Trista. Father to Lintrance, Loki and Kayla. He was not able to contact the rest of his kind in Toria for many years after his birth, as Tenu feared the growing influence of the descendants of Solar taking advantage of the vulnerability of his youth. He Bonds to Crystal, but took Yri for some years, where she then gave birth to Kayla. He was an exceptional Healer in combat and his somn held command over plants, like his son Lintrance. He died in combat against the Falls forces on the Torian Continent in a raid.

Estus—A dark, heavy energy most easily channeled through Animus Thread and manipulated through darker emotions such as sadness, hate, anger and jealousy.

Exoir—Griffin somnus, father to Mersael and grandfather to Gwa. He expands the technology of the Falls over Aster using his technical genius. He has an uncommon snowy leopard hide on his cat half as a griffin. Exoir was once Avian, the General of Pestilence.

Fay—A creature that is able to balance both aeri and estus energy within themselves and at the same time. Only two are known to have been born; Asil and Erebus.

Feharin Army—The Sylvan’s army.

Festra—A curved, staff-like weapon that holds a blade within its ends. Though effective in combat, the original purpose of the festra was to control and cut Threads, killing or enslaving enemy names to it. Only Asteria, Asil, Damek and Erebus can fully wield this weapon, as most of the names bound to it will only answer to them.

Fevre—Son of Svarog and Tenu. Yri’s half-brother by Svarog, and half-brother to Estar and Trista by Tenu. Short blond hair, dark brown eyes. A talented blacksmith like his father.

Four Generals—On Earth, they were called the Four Horsemen; Pestilence, War, Famine and Death. When they left Earth to escape to the first Aster, they became Avian, Reol, Gei and Daath. They have souls that were given to them by Asteria and are no longer controllable by Hino. They are acknowledged as the highest and most powerful level of Sentry, Iynx, and Awls.

Gate—A machine that artificially stabilizes a Rift and passage to the Keol, another Gate, or Earth with estus energy. The mer created the first Gate.

Gei—Formerly known as the General of Pestilence, he is the last, true form of an Iynx spirit on Aster who protects the Sanctus. Only Kira is said to have ever seen his human-like form. In an attempt to prevent Kira from falling in love with him, he strips his wings from his back and his ability to hide his form with a human-like illusion weave is lost as a result.

Gloria—A fiery redhead, green-eyed human. Dockmistress of the Atrum’s Harbor on the Suzerain Continent. She oversees all the ships coming and going from the Harbor and trading relations between the Torian Continent. Before coming to Aster, she was a singer.

Griffin—Half cat, half bird chimeras. They have the head, wings, tail and front legs of a bird, and the rest of their bodies is that of a large cat. When separated from their hosts, they resemble a ribbon of electricity. They believe they are the only god-chosen (Hino) creatures worthy of commanding over Aster. They are plagued by diseases and disabilities that force their Tech and medical sciences forward out of necessity. Their home is the Falls, a Tech-rich city built in the dormant crater of a volcano that is considered impenetrable. The Falls is ruled by Exoir.

Gwa—14 years old, dusty red and white hair, brown eyes. He is a griffin somnus. His mother, Celia, is a human scientist from Earth and his father is the griffin somnus, Mersael, who abandoned them for the sake of his position. Gwa is currently a close friend of Kas and a Custos.

Hain—A phelan Awl who is Bonded to Kayla. Their son is Kenshe. When Reol is injured near the end of the Last War, a Sentry possesses the True phelan. While he retains the personality and memories of Reol despite being possessed by the damaged Sentry, a darker, crueler side to him sometimes appears in combat and extreme stress. He takes on the name Hain shortly after the end of the Last War. He is a mercenary, but serves as a Custos for a while.

Harbor—The Harbor is controlled mostly by the Atrum, but is occupied by independent businesses and ship owners as well.

High Guard—Dragoons who serve in the army for Toria. It is required that they serve for at least five years before they are allowed to take a Bond for themselves and have a family. These Laws are based on the Texts of the Sylvan Order, which required military service and an acceptable status prior to marriage, thus ensuring the skill and strength to raise and protect a family. Usually one is initiated into the military after surviving their Trial of Somn that defines one as an adult with the equivalent strength.

Hino—God of thunder and lightning and guardian of the skies of Earth. Believed to be the One Cael of Earth and the leader of the Sentry. Though speculation has also suggested that he is a consciousness consisting of many consciouses.

Ishtar—Jasper’s ayame Bond. A powerful and old Caller who adopted Rose.

Iynx—Sentry who once roamed Aster in their true forms, who were cut free from Hino’s control by Asil. On Earth their bodies are usually winged and insect-like, but their forms are distorted by Aster’s Animus Threads and expanded, making them look more ‘fuzzy’ and cat-like. All Iynx can manipulate Thread to give them the illusion of a human-like appearance or whatever appearance they learn. Gei is the last known Iynx to exist on Aster in his true form, as other Iynx have much shorter life expectancies.

Jasper—Rose’s adopted True phelan father. His mate is Ishtar, an ayame. His father was Master Berion, who was killed in battle with Simera sixty-six years ago. His mother was an ayame, which is why he has a soul as a True. Jasper has been keeping his father’s town protected while trying to level out peace with the dragons since Simera’s convenient disappearance.

Jru—An Armsman and Custos of the Sanctus. A martial and spiritual Arts teacher who serves and tutors Kas as his own, never forgetting the tragedy of what happened to Kira as she trained him as one of her first Custos. His peaceful Tribe that consisted mostly of phelan somnus were taken in by the Sanctus when it was annihilated by Simera’s High Guard when he was still a child. His father is believed to still be alive, but he went into exile to carry the sins with him of failing to protect Jru’s ayame mother who was killed in the attack. His aunt is Ishtar who chose to stay on the Torian Continent.

Kas—18 years old and son of Kira and Vanir. The youngest Priest ever anointed on the Suzerain or Torian Continents. He fears the darker force of Erebus’ spirit within him and often chooses to be alone so he can better control his emotions. His spiritual and military prowess is well beyond his years. He utilizes them in keeping his mother’s legacy of the Sanctus in place and safe with the help of the Custos, many of which served her before she was killed. He is the heir to Vanir’s throne, despite his father never accepting him as such out of hate for Gei. His mentor is the Custos Jru, who he looks up to like a father.

Kayla—31 years old and a daoran and Novaist. Long, curly purple hair and grey eyes. Daughter to High Priestess Yri and Estar. Her half brothers are Lintrance and Loki. Her Bond is Hain and the son she disowned is Kenshe.

Kenshe—14 years old and one of Kas’ best friends and a Custos. Dark auburn hair and grey eyes. He is a grizzled brown in his phelan form. Son of Hain and Kayla. Born as a True phelan, he discovers his soul and ability to unsomn later when he is four. But his mother never accepts him as her own despite it.

Keol—Also called the ‘Blood Tears’ of Aragmoth. The phelan often use this fiery tempest of a desert and lava plane to travel, as the cold estus energy of their being keeps them from igniting or being burned. Phelan blood can open a Rift in and out of this plane, as well as creatures consisting of mostly estus energy.

Kira—Ayame founder and the first High Priestess of the Sanctus. Once the best Caller of the Atrum, she chose to leave the corruption that Vanir ruled it by. She is killed by Vanir by accident when she steps between what would have been a lethal strike to Master Gei. Her surviving son is Kas.

Kyrie—A deer-like creature that is muscularly built for harder labors like a workhorse and is often captured and trained to be put to use as such. Individually, they are timid and controllable but become dangerous and difficult when within a herd. Their single, thick horn is curved down to their backs. Their feet are cloven like a goat’s and their tail is like that of a lion, giving them the nickname of ‘unicorns’ by humans from Earth. They can be anywhere from white to black, and countless shades of brown in between.

Lintrance—52 year old dragoon and an Elder. Dark green hair and orange eyes. Son of Crystal and Estar. Master of weaponry and controlling earthen elements. After he helps Simera take Serena from the phelan, he stays close to her as she reminds him of his lost love, Aleste. Because his Bond was a mermaid, he knows of many secrets that the mer kept, and immediately recognizes Sybl on finding her.

Livry—The first horse born to Nephena. He later grows wings and becomes a pegasus when he is possessed by a Sentry on Earth. He dies by Asil’s hand before the end of the Last War.

Loki—23 years old and son of Crystal and Estar. Thin, light green hair to shoulders and orange eyes. His frailer physique has green, star-like markings over his eyes. His brother is Lintrance and his half-sister is Kayla. He has mixed feelings for Sybl, mostly as the memory of his mother’s death and unborn sister still haunts him. Sybl helps fill the gap in his heart left by their loss.

Luna—A 300+ year old gargoyle from Earth. Grey skin, yellow eyes. Xirel’s favorite companion who followed him back to Aster before the end of the Last War. She is a winged, chimp-like creature from Earth who can take a stone form.

Mei—A connection of Animus Threads between two individuals, usually Bonds, that allows for greater protection by eliminating the disadvantage of using the slower-conducting spiritual Animus. Its literal meaning is ‘shield.’ Its meaning is now a more general one that includes the glyph-like silver Threads on both sexes. The individuals share each other emotions and thoughts and it is useful for different species in different ways and circumstances, particularly dangerous ones. It is an unbreakable connection between Bonds, and often when one mate dies, the other shortly follows.

Mer/Mermaids—Descendants of Tenu and humans, they dwell in the depths of the Eternal Waters, where the estus energy they need to survive is the strongest. They take mentally and physically ill extremely easily and weaken when near aeri energy for too long.

Mersael—Griffin somnus and son of Exoir. Long straight white hair, yellow eyes. Former husband to Celia and father of Gwa. He was engineered by Exoir as a perfect child and was born without a mother, which many blame his cold, uncaring nature for.

Moon—The dark, estus essence of the Dragon Moon and Eminor of sacrifice. Given as a gift to Asil from Nephena, he is raised by Asil as the avatar of Aragmoth’s will. When he accidentally kills Asil after he finds his soul, his being is split back into two in his fight against the Phoenix that ends the Last War.

Nafury—15 year old Prince of Toria. Wavy brown hair and sapphire blue eyes. Born to Serena as the purposeful reincarnation of Damek. Simera adopted him as his own son out of his love for Serena. He is born with Sybl in Mer City and is separated from her when she is immediately sent to Earth. They share some of the blood of their human mother making them brother and sister enough for him to inflict her with a Curse.

Nephena—Chimera Mother of the second Aster. She has a lion’s body and head, a goat’s head on her shoulder, and a snake for a tail. All three heads have separate minds. Fashioned to life by Aragmoth from many animals of Earth. She cannot give her children souls, making her dependent on Asil.

Nyx—Also known as Tenu, whose estus energy gets her mistaken easily as an ayame when she is actually a mermaid. Her somn is a massive, black sea serpent. She has chosen to side with Vanir and the Atrum more out of the necessity for the estus energy it houses then for the intention of betraying Sybl. Nyx was once a friend of Kira.

Outcast—Another word for chimeras.

Pack—A phelan Pack has two to a dozen members. Although several males answer to one female, it is only the Alpha who is her mate, and he alone is responsible for using the ayame's psi and foresight to issue orders to the Pack. This is not a guaranteed position, and if he becomes incapable of being the Alpha, he is usually disposed of by a challenge from the next most powerful in the Pack. If at any point the ayame dies due to a failure on her Pack's part, the Pack usually splits off and its members are either driven out or have the utmost difficulty being accepted by another ayame.

Phelan—Large, wolf-like creatures with many cat-like features. They use their own blood to travel in and out of the Keol and to sync with their Pack. Females are called ayame and are more slender-featured and cat-like, though they tend to be of a dark black in fur and hair as opposed to the males who can be seen as lighter grays, browns and black. Most have red eyes, though they cannot see the color red and see the color of the other’s intentions, instead. Any phelan referred to as ‘True’ exist without a human-like form and soul, and are still a spirit. On the first Aster, they were a type of ‘Nightmare Eater’ resembling wolves that came from Earth to escape their enslavement to Hino. They were later refashioned into their own species on the second Aster by Damek.

Phoenix—Somn of Solar, the Phoenix is a massive, winged serpent surrounded by a constant fire. Once a smaller serpent, it expanded considerably in its battle against Moon, and even more so for the last three hundred years on Earth under its sun. Its sickening fire of radiation burns Animus Threads and it is lethal when exposed to creatures of Aster for too long. The Falls helps Rose, Solar’s reincarnation, to venture to Earth where she regains her Phoenix.

Pluma—The Asterian word for winged cats. When angered, they are a formable enemy that unleash their full extent in swarms. Regals are the larger male plumas.

Prisca—A 9 year old ayame. Daughter of Tank. Sybl unknowingly meets her in the Harbor shortly after arriving on the Suzerain Continent for the first time.

Psi—Also known as telepathy. It is limited by distance which can be extended by a strong Caller, Novaist, Mei, or an Awl. Gold also amplifies psi tremendously.

Quinn—A griffin somnus with a dark, mysterious history behind him. Originally a soldier of the Falls and their efforts on Earth some fifty years ago. He abandoned his position and his current focus is to protect the one he loves, Gloria.

Regal—Male plumas born larger with colorful wings to serve as frontline defenders and watchers. Their bodies resemble that of a lion’s and their impressive wingspans are colored and printed like that of a peacock’s. A full grown Regal can be as massive as a dragon mostly by bulk. They can fold their feathers together in such a way to make them into knives, and propel them like darts at their adversaries. A swarm of them is an unstoppable storm of sharp feathers, claws, teeth and sheer weight. Their wings and bodies hold high concentrations of aeri energy, allowing them to fly with ease, but it makes them vulnerable to fire and the Keol. They can be found on the Casus Beli fields with their wings folded tightly together and raised like lightning poles to the sky.

Reol—See Hain.

Rift—A ‘tear’ in the spiritual Thread of Aragmoth that serves as a passage into the Keol. A deep enough Rift can reach as far as Earth. Phelan and creatures consisting of mostly estus energy can create Rifts.

Rose—30 years old and Cecil’s Bond who was adopted by Ishtar and Jasper. Short red hair, green eyes. She has a natural ability to see the future as Solar’s reincarnation. Yri goes out of her way to push her from Cecil’s life, fearing that Rose’s talent surpasses her own. She is later manipulated by Mersael and the Falls, crafting her into a decimating weapon to their cause after she heads to Earth through the Gate at the town of Berion. There she is reunited with her somn, the Phoenix.

Sanctus—Founded by the ayame Kira, this temple of peace was built on the Sylvan Laws of the first Aster. Safe haven and neutral sanctuary to all religions and races alike. Its guardians are the Custos who can be almost any kind of somnus, though the prejudice towards griffin somnus is still extremely high. It continues to sustain its peace and separateness from the Atrum with Kas, High Priest and leader to it today.

Sano—Another word for a Master over aeri energy in the Arts of Healing.

Sentry—Servants of the god Hino, they reside mostly on Earth. Visible only by a strong spiritual sense, they aggressively protect Earth and its humans from Asterians by killing any eminor or Ancients who venture near them. They are massive, insect-like creatures with wings that can make them appear invisible. Currently, no Asterian has been known to see a Sentry and survive to bring the tale back to Aster.

Serena—Sybl’s and Nafury’s human mother, who went through a Gate to find her best friend, Alexia. Kira later finds her and she spends some time at the Sanctus, where she befriends her. She later gets taken by Simera and falls in love with him. She dies after Simera leaves for Earth to find her daughter who was taken from her after being born.

Sial—A unicorn given to Asteria from Damek as a wedding present. His horn is the festra that has the names of all 3000 Eminor loyal to Damek Threaded to it. Sial is reincarnated through Nephena at the end of the Last War, after Damek strikes the Chimera Mother with the festra. The festra returns to Sial as his horn, and he escapes with it. He presently follows Kas around.

Simera—King of Toria and the dragons. His Sylvan form is that of long, wavy mauve hair and light blue eyes. Simera’s age is unknown, but few question his bloodline that supposedly leads directly back to Moon, as his physical and spiritual strength is unmatched. Rumor says that he is another illegitimate son of Svarog, while others claim he is the son of a True. He becomes King by his unmatched power when the dragons take Toria from the chimeras after the Last War, killing those who challenge him for leadership. After he went through a Gate to Earth in search of Sybl, he was never seen again.

Solar—The first somnus daughter from Nephena. She holds a bitter jealously towards Asil and tries to take the Sylvan City from the Fay behind her back. Her reincarnation is Rose and her somn is the Phoenix.

Somn/Somnus—Somns are the spirit form that a soul can become in the physical. Named such as the soul is said to rest while the spirit is physically materialized by its host’s energy. The soul slows in aging while somned, much like a deep sleep, which is why many somnus can live a hundred years or more. Somnus never actually sleep, as their souls are always conscious and when they aren’t, then the animalistic nature of the somn takes over and they go berserk.

Suzerain Continent—The second Continent of the three that were split apart at the end of the Last War by Aragmoth’s wrath. They are kept apart by the aeri-estus storms that erupt over their separating waters every twelve hours.

Svarog—The first fire dragoon born of Nephena and Moon. He had black hair with orange eyes and was a black dragon. A natural blacksmith.

Sybl—A 15 year old teenager from Earth, who was sent into foster care when she was 13 after her attempted suicide. Long wavy brown hair, dark blue eyes. As the reincarnation of Asil, she tries to remember who she was in her past life. The Sylvan Aur exists within her, making the energy that resonates off of her a cure for the Aeger.

Sylvan—Similar to humans, they were the inhabitants of the first Aster. They were originally spirits in servitude to Hino, until one was discovered amongst them who could give them souls. When their soul-giver was destroyed by Hino, the Sylvan fled Earth to a star, where they made a habitable planet of it. Many Ancients followed them. When their soul-giver was reborn to them as the Sylph Asteria, they became a prosperous, powerful and happy race up until the planet’s destruction by the Dragon Moon.

Sylvan Aur—The blue light that is the result of estus and aeri energy being together in balance, that was also an equilibrium for the estus and aeri Aurs on Aster. Fay are the only creatures known to be able to safely create this energy without explosive consequences. The Sylvan Aur was destroyed with the Sylvan City at the end of the Last War, and the second Aster has been falling more to estus energy ever since.

Sylvan City—Also known as the Golden City, where Sylvans, Ancients and Eminor could co-exist in peace 300 years ago. The Last War eventually led to the city’s destruction, when the Phoenix and Moon fought it out in the Sylvan Aur, causing an explosion that decimated the city in a rain of fire.

Tenu—A mermaid whose somn is a sea serpent. The first mermaid created by Aragmoth to assist him in healing Asil. Extremely bright but quiet and cruel, Tenu prefers to stay out of the limelight and manipulate others from a safe distance. Rumors has it that she swallows living sacrifices, then lets them free in the waters of Earth, where she watches the Sentry kill them afterwards. She is also known as Nyx.

Toria—A white castle that rises around the Ain Soph Aur and spirals outwards into the Sylvan Woods. It is the main holding and home to the dragons. Its Aur rises and falls every twelve hours. Its walls glow a warmth of white light even when the Aur is down, making the tower visible at night as well as day. It is surrounded by four waterfalls that are fed by the Lunar Waters, that rise at its sides, keeping the castle constantly surrounded by mists and rainbows.

Trial of Somn—Different for phelan and dragons, the Trial is an initiation into adulthood to unite with one’s Ancient or eminor and be able to host the spirit from their body. For phelan, this Trial includes crossing the Ice Fields and defeating a snow serpent, then offering it as a sacrifice to their somn as proof of their strength. If successful, the phelan returns with a somn and are then capable of taking the form of a phelan. Those who fail are usually killed. The Trial must be done alone.

For dragons, their Trial includes swimming to the deepest reaches of the Eternal Waters and finding their shadow, then pulling it forth to take the dragon form for themselves. One must have the strength to survive the pressure and the enemies who exist underwater. Failing can lead to drowning or being eaten by a larger sea creature, though dragon Trials are usually done as a small group so dying doesn’t happen often.

Trista—Daoran Bond of Tynar. Long straight blue hair, light brown eyes. Twin sister to the deceased Estar and half-sister to Fevre. A descendant of Tenu and Moon. Blamed for the pluma’s attack on the Fay Wall, she was never allowed to become High Priestess despite being the best choice previously. The position was instead taken by her sister-in-law, Yri. Trista’s son is Cecil.

True phelan—The Eminor of the first Aster and a type of Nightmare Eater, originating from Earth and bound by their names to the festra. They once served as slaves to the Sentry and were more wolf-like. Damek later refashions them into their own species. They are phelan spirits without a soul.

Tynar—Dragoon Headmaster of the Dragon Caverns. Descendant of Solar and father to Cecil. Frizzy red hair that is usually a mess and orange eyes. Tynar has a short temper and an equally painful resolve as a fire dragon. His Bond is Trista.

Urio—A phelan somnus and Hain’s best friend. Long white hair which he usually ties back in a ponytail and red eyes. He was an excellent Custos in his younger days. When Kira died, he left the Sanctus and opened his own business in the Harbor.

Unicorn—See kyrie.

Vanir—Long black straight hair, red eyes. The reigning phelan somnus Atrum Lord of the Suzerain Continent. He claimed the throne 250 years ago, just fifty years after the Last War. His age is well past that of most mortals and his power and ability to manipulate those to his will are unsurpassed. His parents are unknown.

Xirel—300+ year old Tribe leader of the chimeras in the Efereal Mountains. He became an Awl like many of his kind. He resembles a large, silver deer with purple eyes when somned, and long white hair and purple eyes in his human-like appearance.

Xires—See Delare.

Yri—The High Priestess of Toria and Dyaus’ older sister. She is of the Line of Solar. Her brothers and sisters include Dyaus, Fevre, Tynar, Day and the deceased Crystal. Her daughter is Kayla. Pale blond hair reaching her ankles, grey eyes.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

S.J. Wist is a fantasy author, reviewer, and an artist on the side. Addicted to books, blogs, chocolate mint ice cream, and all things creative. She lives in Toronto, Canada.