Starfall

In the Beginning

The matter of existence has been debated over centuries among humans, yet there is one element of absolute certainty. They are called Death.

An abundance of worn books spews across a small apartment. The vicinity is softly lit by sunlight seeping through the window. It is messy, yet somehow a chaotic organised mess that is unexplainable. Distant mews reside from the other room, echoing throughout as Edmund fixates on his masterpiece: each stroke forming a concoction of mystical colours and textures. Edmund pushes his undulating hair from his eyes, smearing a bit of paint on his skin as he does so.

"Hey, buddy." Edmund gestures to his cat, Nyx, stroking her soft black fur. He eyes the pendulum hanging from her neck and returns his attention to his painting.

Edmund hears a sharp swish that travels past his head, thumping into the weak drywall of his apartment. Red liquid drips onto his cream-coloured jumper- Edmund wipes the blood from his cheek and looks toward the wall. Indented in it is a large arrow, doused in black smoke. He pulls the arrow from the wall with ease, examining it. Inky smoke encompasses the arrowhead, almost as though it has its own centre of gravity. Edmund's eyes sting as the smoke draws closer to his face. Swiftly he snaps the arrow, the metallic pieces falling to the ground. Reactively he ducks as another arrow flies and hits the counter behind him. Edmund moves behind his mahogany couch and drags Nyx from out of view.

Edmund gently holds Nyx in his arms, leaning behind the couch as they patiently wait for another attack. Nyx mews gazing up to Edmund. "Don't look at me like that." Nyx mews again. "I'd like to remind you if it weren't for me you'd still be on the streets. A little gratitude would be nice." Nyx responds with another meow and Edmund rolls his eyes. He cautiously peeps his head over the couch, catching a glimpse of the archer in the opposing apartment. Edmund ducks as another arrow pierces straight through the couch, right beside his head. Nyx hisses and runs off to the bedroom. "And you were complaining about my hospitality a minute ago! I am sure our friend would happily take you off my hands. Especially for dinner..." Edmund rummages on the floor, revealing a loose floorboard. Inside is a small locked chest, surrounded by glowing lavender runes that cover all sides. He reaches underneath his jumper for a carved, lavender teardrop crystal attached to a necklace. He hovers it over the chest and it begins to radiantly glow, so bright that it would burn retinas. The rune bonds snap and he reaches down.

Edmund pulls out a pouch, inside a purple piece of chalk which has been heavily used, barely an inch of the substance left. The chalk stains his fingers and almost crumbles in his hand. He rummages through and finds a set of seven carved coins, each embodying a different marking. He empties them into the box and grabs a coin that resembles that of a celestial map, holding it in his palm. Closing his eyes, he focuses his energy through the coin as it glows a light purple hue then places it back in the pouch. He attaches the pouch to his belt and reaches to the bottom of the chest to unveil a silk-wrapped object. He carefully unwraps the silk, holding a small sharp dagger in his hand. Edmund tresses his finger over the sharp blade- it is pristine, with not a fingermark to be seen. Pressing an indent in the handle of the blade transforms the small dagger into a larger sword. The sword is deep black, almost void- it does not look like a solid object, much rather one you could reach into, with a translucent purple section toward the bottom of the blade. The quillon is elegantly carved with a star as its centrepiece alongside a symbol which is unrecognisable.

Knock Knock.

Attentively, Edmund shifts his attention to the door, clasping his hand around the handle of the sword. He approaches slowly, keeping his sword close to his side. Edmund places a chain on the lock to his door, opening it slightly and peering out of the small section. Unlocking the door and removing the chain he opens it wide, steadying his guard and moving the sword out of view.