THE HORSEWOMAN OF FAMINE, GORTA TUONI
My stay in the Coronal Valley, whilst initially hostile, has been relieved at the quaint village of Torthúil. Always pressing people for news in the streets of Macabrell can really take a toll on oneself. The quiets of the forest is a welcome change. It always assures me to make time leaving me alone with my thoughts.
However, I couldn't say the retreat would've been more comforting than without Gorta. As the title suggests, she is without a doubt the Horseman of Famine, prophesized to eventually upend Edelith as a whole. Yet, her demonhood heritage betrays her nature. I've been personally residing with Gorta and her owlin servant for the past ecliptic in their forest estate. My interactions have portrayed her in a much more... humanistic light than I originally thought. She has a thin yet pleasant face and thin blond wisps of hair that linger on her shoulders like lines of smoke, not at all similar to the impish or beastlike demons I have studied before. She wears a self-embroidered black shawl thats accented with golden intricacies and always carries with her an incense burner harboring a ghostly blue flame. But, just based on appearances, Gorta is nothing short of a living, breathing, and loving humanoid. It is strange how a prophesized Horseman has taken on this specific appearance though. I guess the appeal of feminine charm is popular, even among demons. That's my running theory at least.
_
Gorta's deviations (if you could call it that,) to other humans are primarily found in her behaviors. She doesn't appear to eat, drink, or likely sleep. It's strange, considering her servant has been tutored by Gorta to become a cook. Also, when it was just us two in the forest, I could swear she was eating her share of the soup she cooked. Maybe she was just faking it for my comfort.... The title of 'Horseman of Famine' does provoke the image of a creature crazed with hunger. I decided to pry Gorta about at a luncheon yesterday—she explained that her hunger was suppressed a long time ago before integrating with other people and she hasn't looked back since. I choose to believe her on this. But, I wish that maybe one day, we might be able to share a real meal together. On the way out, I accidently touched her hand. It was cold as ice.
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Speaking of the other people, the residents of Torthúil seem to be completely aware and accepting of Gorta's ancestry. Skepticism was obviously a factor at first, but most demon-driven refugees have at least warmed up to her presence. I learned that the origins of this village originally stemmed from Gorta and another friend of hers, seeking to repopulate the valley. I've been mustering up the courage to talk about her friend, but the undertones suggest that they departed. But, it seems their memory still lingers. Their favorite food was Goodberry Pancakes, they seems to go demon hunting with Gorta at times, and even the Insightlopedia Gorta gifted me once belonged to them, although strangely no writing can be seen on the pages. Gorta's interests are elsewhere. She likes lilies and carries a motherly demeanor. This seems to shine out when she visits the stables. Her presence is comforting to the animals to the point even I, a person who couldn't even tame a dog correctly, has found myself brushing the hides of cattle. Gorta seems to be very fond of her first mare, Wren. I'm glad that at her last few days, she's happy. I wish this moment, this quiet reprieve in time, could just last a little longer...
Author's Note:
My gentle little mare, fragile to the touch
I will stand by your side under the starry Circlet
I wish that ends never had to meet
I wish that prophecies never had to unfold
My strenuous heart is comforted around your air
So I ask of you, for just one moment
Can we stay here forever?
Can I feel the warmth in your hands, even once?
Can I share the meal that you awakened my weary eyes with?
Can we just... be?
About the Author:
Damien Zerxes is an aspiring journalist, adventurer, and scholar tied to the foundations of Sköllarium University's understandings of Edelith. After escaping the highly fortified Stillight District and orphaned from a young age, he has endowed himself to investigating the lost civilizations of Solstitheo and the neutralization of the Glass Angels.
A collection of journal entries, his critically acclaimed novel The Travels of a Post-Wake Edelith documented the discoveries of a new Edelithian frontier and has moved hearts with the tragedy-stricken narrative, continuing to rise as a bestseller in Edelith.
Damien attributes all of his works to the realization of the self, emphasizing truths expressed through actions and words. He resides in Macrabrell, continuing his studies at the Sköllarium University Branch Campus.
