I was raised between two worlds, the child of a human father and elven mother, but it was the light of Illus, the Lantern, that gave me a true sense of belonging. From childhood, I believed the gods spoke through signs and omens. A flickering flame, a chance encounter, even a sudden change in the weather could carry meaning if one was willing to listen. That belief eventually led me to become a cleric of Illus.

I have sworn to uphold my sacred vows, bring light and knowledge to those who need it, and show kindness whenever I can. I would gladly give my life defending my faith. Yet I have one failing: I am quick to judge those who reject the gods. To me, the faithless have deliberately chosen darkness when the light is there for all to see.

Years ago, I discovered an ancient lantern in a forgotten shrine of Illus. When I touched it, the flame suddenly burned without fuel and showed me an image of a man standing alone in darkness. I took it as an omen and began searching for the man, convinced that Illus had given me a sacred task.

I eventually found him. He was a bitter, faithless man who had lost his family and blamed the gods for abandoning them. I judged him immediately and nearly walked away.

But the lantern continued to burn.

Now I travel with a question I cannot answer: Why would Illus send me to save someone who has rejected the gods?

I believe the answer is important, but I fear what it may reveal about me. Perhaps the Lantern is showing me that even those who have lost their faith are not beyond its light. Or perhaps I have misunderstood the omen entirely.

I intend to find the man again and learn why Illus brought us together. Until then, I will continue to follow my vows, watch for the signs, and try to remember that sometimes the greatest darkness is not found in others, but within ourselves.