Reunion

My Dear Children,

Ten years ago, as we all bore witness to the fall of our first home, I foretold that the Mystran Chantry would be rebuilt one day on "A World More Gilded In Destiny's Glamour Than Any Other World In This Reality." While the original Chantry and her Belltower are nothing but smolten ruins upon the graveyard that was once called Inusaka Isle, I wish to inform my beloved children that they are being built anew. Yes, my loved ones, the time is fast upon us. That moment in time where all of the blood we have shed and all of the tears we have wept will find their sacrifice rewarded is at hand. The days or rebirth and renewal that we all wish to see are but a heartbeat away. So come, my children, and flock to the Nexus, let us bring forth the beginning of the Void's rule of this world.

Your Caretaker And Benefactor,
Ravenna Cervantes

---------- As Ravenna folds the old parchment, she smiles sweetly to herself as vague thoughts resembling nostalgia came to mind. In seeing the past, present, and future on equal terms, nostalgia is all but foreign to a mind that comprehends its past experiences with the same recollection as the present, but the idea that her family would once again be there with her in both body and soul warms her placid heart in a manner she has all but forgotten. As the feeling quells, Ravenna waves her right hand into the open space above her desk, ripping a small hole in reality. She places the folded parchment into the opening and whispers a few kind words into whatever strange being lies in the other realm before dismissing the portal. As Ravenna stands to turn away from her desk a voice slinks out of the shadows from all sides.

"So sentimental, little one. You do remind me of her all too much. I'm not sure if I should be pleased or sickened by the thought."

Ravenna smiles as an unassuming figure steps out of the shadow closest to her. "Do not take offense by my actions, Old Master. My very being is nothing but a tribute to your mistress' grand design. I am but a humble servant of Mystra and nothing more. I am but a shadow of her greatness."

"I suppose you can forgive me for looking down upon you despite accomplishing that which I would never have the ability to do. You are her shadow, and I can do nothing but feel that way, but I do appreciate what you do for me nonetheless."

"Mystra did say 'The Void casts the strongest shadow of all.' Its determination is the greatest of all of the cosmic forces save for the Universe itself, so a mere shadow of its greatest servant is mightier than the strongest avatar of any other force. Or so that is what Mystra wished us to believe."

"Mystra lied. She always lied. But she lied for one purpose. In her lies are the seeds of inspiration. Her teachings speak of the blessing of the Void and the peace that will come with its victory. Her teachings also speak of the unity that the Void's followers need to bring about its victory. You should know, just as she knew, that this was all a lie. There is no peace with its victory. It is merely another regime that will enforce its universal dogma on all of reality and mold existence to its own whim. Mystra merely felt that its vacant, destitute desires were far preferable to everything else, including the reality we know now. Everything she taught her followers, and everything you teach your followers, is but a lie to ease them along the path and assure their souls will be ready when everything ends. Despite this, you cling to her teachings as if you don't know the difference. Why do you do that?"

Ravenna walks over to the figure and wraps her arms around him as if she were embracing a family member. "As I said, I am merely Mystra's shadow. I, too, still need that assurance. Without it, I would be as lost as you are without her at your side, Alexander. But soon you will be together again, the Final Gemini, and you will be whole again."

"And on that day," Alexander Lovecraft says, "the Apathy War will resume."