Role

Chapter 5

'The Apples You Have Lost?' What does that mean? Apples, probably. Or something
about apples.

I'd taken it upon myself after my time with my Lady, Joihe, to find members of
the Cadre and learn more about them and its past. So I went to the most
past-ful member of the Cadre I could find, the bee keeper Coqui. She had a role
in the Fortress too, I think... less important, obviously. Coqui told me of her
own missions and focus, about bioluminescence, positive magic, and negative
magic amongst other things studious transmuters and other magically inclined
folks concern themselves with. She also spoke of the Masters, and how many past
members of the Cadre had worked and failed to bring about its return. I had no
more insight on my own audition than before, as Coqui noted hers wasn't one
event so much as a journey she still walked upon up until to the day we spoke
and likely far, far beyond.

As for apples, I began working with conjurers who were learned enough to
determine where apples could be found, and there were plenty to be found. It
seemed every fruit stand and field in all of Thera had an apple of sorts to
offer. So I walked, and walked, and gathered, and gathered. I ate apples, I
plucked apples, and I threw out several rotten apples. No insight could be
found or I couldn't see it. I had come to the same green apples for the
hundredth time and nothing, nada, nope. So I stopped. And I listened.

Closing my eyes, those strange whispers I had heard throughout my days began to
get louder. I just had to be quiet and still. And what's more, they began to
form words... 'home,' 'orchard,' and 'moon.' So I returned to Evermoon Hollow
once more.