In-Project Instructions: Space for next page. Description Instructions: Scroll down. The wind whistles in my ears. I am falling. Down, down, down. Plummeting to the ocean beneath me. Stretched out like a painter’s canvas. Tight and hard. I know there will be no mercy when at last I reach the waves. No hand to hold, no one to save me. I will be alone, all alone in the sea. The sea. The thought stirs something in me. Her eyes. Deep and blue, so full of mirth. But that was long ago. Or was it. I stop to think about it. No, it was not long ago that I was by her side, listening to her voice, her perfect voice. A voice like a thousand chimes, all ringing in harmony. No two were the same. Her melodies washed over me like the gentle waves that will not be so kind when at last I reach them. Wait for me. I breathe to the air. Wait for me, Layalah. My love. My eternal rose, daughter of joy. Wait for me when at last I fall. For you, you will remain… I break off. No. It cannot be true. They said I did it. They said they had evidence. Why would I do such a thing? Why would I do that to my Layalah? But my pleas fell deaf against their ears. They said that there was no way I couldn’t have done it. I was the only one for miles. Confess, they said. Confess and we’ll make it less. Make the pain stop. How could I confess to murdering her? I know I didn’t do it. Perhaps it was foolish, but I denied it. Or did I. Maybe it was not denial but the truth. I know I didn’t do it. Even though I… I don’t remember. I was with her, and it was the most glorious thing on Earth or in Heaven. We were wandering into a field of flowers, and I picked one for her. That was all. Then I was in the trial where… it happened. The cold, celestial metal encircled my wrists and feet. Then it began. First they gave my name. Not just what they call... had called me, but my name. Gadriel of Night’s First Star, Watcher in the Sky, Archangel. They told me that I had done it. They said they had evidence, but neither I saw no such thing nor heard any tell of it. It took less than a rotation to decide my sentence. Angelic trials always go for at least three rotations. How could it have been fair? It was not right. I was lead to the gates. Confess, they said, Confess and we can make it better. Just admit you did it. I shook my head. I was already falling. The gleaming blade was raised. I sank to my knees, weak with pain. They were gone. I reached my hand backwards as if I could still feel them. Nothing but empty air. Then they did it. I was cast out. And here I am. Falling. Down, down, down. The waves grow closer. I can almost see the spray of froth they send up towards me. The mist kisses my broken body. I shut my eyes and brace for impact.
Credit to @america06409 for the contest, @Mooncacilian and all my friends for inspiration. Comment if you're confused about anything. Stay tuned for Part 2: Impact!
