NOT approved by the FDA

Under the gentle, warming touch of the winter sun, Delaeni found solace in her small den nestled within the Sidi quarters. As she sat huddled in her cozy sanctuary, she could hear the soft pattering of snowflakes just outside, creating a rhythmic lullaby that promised solitude and peace. But of course it was never meant to exist in the first place. Suddenly, her tranquility was shattered as a raven burst into her den through the narrow entrance. Its shadowy form loomed over her, startling her from her serene reflection. The bird squawked loudly, tapping its beak impatiently against the stone floor before abruptly darting back out into the wintry landscape.

While it hadn’t given her a clear command, she had the wherewithal to arrive at the conclusion that it demanded her attention. Her heart pounded in her chest like a drum as she tentatively peeked out of the entrance, her breath sending frosty plumes into the frigid air. The raven was there again, its ink-black eyes boring into Laney's with an insistent intensity. The bird squawked once more before taking off, soaring towards the lake at the center of the Glácies.

Laney swallowed nervously, a lump of anxiety settling heavily in her stomach. Had she been requested specifically? Why her? What had she done? Delaeni's heart pounded in her chest as her mind filled with questions and dread. Yet she knew she couldn't ignore this command. She was a Sidi, and obedience was as etched into her as the fear she carried around. Slowly, cautiously, she padded out onto the snow-kissed landscape, following the raven's flight path.

As she neared the lake at the center of the Glácies, her eyes fell upon an imposing figure waiting by the water’s edge. His toes barely dipped into the cold lake, his focus seemingly lost in the tranquil isolation of the island. She didn’t recognize him right away, but she did not hesitate. Anxiety twisted in her gut. What could he possibly want with her? “S-sir?” Her voice wasn’t much louder than a whisper, though it much more closely resembled a whimper. “D-did you call for me?”

"Delaeni Terblanche"