I write this entry for a friend who walks in the dark.

We have walked this echo many times over. Standing here at the edge of Eden’s massive shape. Countless times have we come to lay rest this weary soul. And many times have we failed. Although, perhaps not failed; for she does not know victory, nor can we arbiters of Hydaelyn ever truly know defeat. And for that blessing(curse?) Her end has already been forseen.

She towers over us, the Voidwalker, as we call her. That name is aptly given, although I’m not sure anyone else that was summoned here quite understands. Every time I face a foe, I commune deep into the abyss just as he showed me. To make sure this soul or any soul is not unjustly slain in the name of her light. And in this moment I see what I always see. Myself and my shadow looming behind me. However, ever since coming to Eden’s precipice, another has stood there. A soul stained in the void. A soul wracked with pain and guilt. A soul that cannot be there. Only two have ever walked into that darkness, that abyss, that...night and remained. Clearly she was once like he and I. A warrior who walked this dark path that teetered between justice and sacrifice.

I complete my communion for this round’s echo. However, I realize that this time is different. I can feel the air vibrating; it’s searing numbness burning my lungs. I can feel the others anxiety and anger jumping from their eyes. What could have changed? Is it the countless echoes that we’ve walked before arriving to this point? The anger felt deep in our hearts after failing to eliminate her? Or is it simply our time to lay rest yet another forsaken soul tainted by the source’s light. This time I feel abyss calling to me stronger than usual. I can feel it itching and ready to take another soul deep into its yawning depths. Tugging at the soul crystal that I hold close to my heart, I can feel the living shadow, Esteem —although it’s not quite Esteem— about ready to jump out from the shadow cast by Voidwalker herself.

Before jumping into the fray, I commune one last time within myself. Searching deep inside for what could be different this time. It’s all the same. Me, the outsider, and my shadow. And in that moment I know that nothing has changed. All things must end and this moment is simply hers. I offer a final prayer for her, so that she may find comfort in what is to come. Although I know this one has lost all forms of self to even know comfort anymore. Perhaps these prayers are more to comfort myself...

“Do not be afraid child, for whom is also stained in black. For you however, the Void is not a kind place. It has swallowed you in its unending wake. Please rest easy in knowing that your sins shall be forgiven in the great flame of the abyss. Now sleep dearest one, come forth unto The Blackest Night and you shall truly know peace.”

***

Then the outsider is gone. Two continue to walk the path and one enters a restful slumber.

[Noble Barding]