I panicked…

as the icy cold water rolled wave after wave over my head, plunging me under with every crest. I couldn’t keep this up for long.

Was this how I was going to die? I continued to fight, the weight of my clothes and armor dragging hindering any break in the waves.

Suddenly, something hooks around my right arm, pulling me up out of the icy abyss. I feel an odd warmth as I look over my shoulder - at the same time as I’m shoved into a small fishing boat, my feet still dangling overboard.

That’s when I see her. She’s glowing. Radiating a subtle gold shimmer from her skin. My hero, my savior…

Our eyes lock and slowly widen. My mind is racing. How can this be? This has to be another game, a ruse, a joke. Gods be, is this real or am I dead?

I was attempting to stand and now I’m tripping backwards on my own feet, trying to find the words through shivering lips.

“Wha……I’m…….I……is…….real……”

She smiles slightly, my smile, and stands to shake off the water on her stole. She’s much more beautiful, more…just more than me.

“This is real. I felt a pull to be here, in this very spot tonight, the night of the wolf moon.” She chuckles to herself.

“It looks like destiny has a few tricks up her sleeve, and we have much to discuss, Sister.”