Loneliness and abandonment

On the first day I woke up disoriented with my head pounding. The sun was just beginning to rise, and I left the four-poster bed in the tower and trudged over the thin rug to the balcony door. At first the door stuck as though it hadn't been opened in ages, but once it swung free a rush of cold morning air blew in and my tangled hair whipped around my face.

It was a small, round balcony with a thick iron railing. In the horizon I saw where the sun was beginning to rise. Leaning against the railing I released a sigh and surveyed the land while I awaited the sunshine. The long river continued to wind away into the valley, and I could see the ridge to the south where I had been when I first saw Umbra.

Further to the right I could see some of the capital in the growing light and despite my circumstances I was still impressed with the colorful city and glistening blue water of the canals. From this height and distance, I tried to enjoy the sight.

When orange and red light blossomed over th