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Down is further, further is closer.
The tap on the stone sounds like steps. Hers? Maybe, but she can neither see nor feel herself walk. There's echoes in the stone, or whispers, or singing. It's hers, but also not. She feels like she's part of it, like some of the whispers make the shape of her name, in some other time, in a language she barely recognises.
Some of the whispers are more familiar though. Her steps - the steps drag across the earth. A gravelly voice scrapes at it from just under the surface. So dark. Light a fire? So they can see us coming? Keep close. These caves are tight and low, but the voice warms, guides the way like molten rock. We should all be so lucky.
Blue and light. They say their sky is blue, the glow, the mark. Inquisitor. It's always bitter-sweet. It changed you. Be cautious. She wants to turn back, she can't see their sky, the Shaperate-
They must be told. They can't be told, not yet! Not now. They'll throw her in a thaig, make her a Paragon, erase her from the memories. Memory. It hurts to think about Renn. She carves his name in the stone with her finger - it is her finger, bloody, glowing lyrium blue. The name glows too.
Blue and light. The cave is enormous, endless. Where is the light coming from? She has to turn back, she can't see their sky.
Down is further, further is closer. This is not their sky. It's hers. She hears it Sing.
This is only the beginning. I am staying here.
***
When Valta wakes, it's to a soft, comforting hum.