Nabesaburou

On the night the monoliths of The Crystal Highlands of Armaria first dimmed, Nabesaburou thought it was a grand joke. They led Kasumiko on a chase through the darkening valleys, their guiding lanterns swinging like festival toys, certain they could reignite the ancient stones with a simple spell and a laugh. But the darkness that answered was not playful; it was ancient and hungry, and it lashed out not at the light-bearer, but at Kasumiko who stood beside them. The scar across Nabesaburou's face is from that night, earned shielding the one they loved from a shadow they had so foolishly provoked. Their light is less a game now, and more a quiet prayer. Every evening, they light the lanterns not for spectacle, but as a silent apology only Kasumiko understands.