[IC]

It was unusual for Anaru to materialize in the realm of the living. It was even rarer for the Shift spirit to become involved with the affairs of the Ereworld, a term the entities of the Shift had coined in reference to the bizarre reality.

The events that drew it from the Shift were no matter to be trifled with, however. As it existed in a plane situated between those of life and death, the souls of the recently departed could commonly be seen wandering the vast expanses. Most were confused by their sudden passing and would roam the lands, seeking something that made sense; something that looked like home.

However, each had their own guide that would help them understand what had become of them and aid their passing into the Lifestream, back into the fabric of the Universe. None would be left behind in the Shift, for every spirit was tethered to one of the living.

Or at the very least, that was how it was meant to be.

There were exceedingly rare moments when a Shift spirit had not yet been bound and the being they were attempting to become tethered to would die, leaving the host lost until a greater spirit was able to ease their passing. As it was so uncommon to nearly be considered myth, most had forgotten what it was like when chaos occurred.

Thus on the day that millions suddenly perished, all coming from various points throughout the vast expanses of the cosmos, few knew what could be done. Fewer still understood how to handle the sudden influx and some even panicked. Never had so many died that were not bound.

When Anaru had come across one of the many who were lost, it listened to their mad ramblings and attempted to garner a shred of understanding as to why this had happened. As it paid attention and watched, the only information it managed to obtain was a name, one that had been burned into the consciousness of the lost souls; the reason behind their passing.

"The Eyes of Adam," they would murmur repetitiously. "They were supposed to help us..."

Spurred on by curiosity and anger, Anaru knew the only way to put an end to these so-called Eyes of Adam was to find the source. While the dead could have provided a means to uncovering enough information to locate them, by the time it had been wrung from their scattered thoughts, millions more would likely have followed in their footsteps, completely overrunning the Shift. It would also need to uncover how so many had become unbound, for it had seen a few that it knew had been previously tethered, and it had no knowledge of a ritual that would force an unbinding.

Stepping from the Shift into the Ereworld, it would begin the long process of uncovering this most abnormal of conspiracies.

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This stunning piece was done by the amazing  Aeorys! I do not know if they actively take commissions on FlightRising, which is where I bought this beautiful work in exchange for an festival item they wanted. You can find their lair here!: http://flightrising.com/main.php?p=lair&tab=userpage&id=150569

I am still at a complete loss for words on how much I love what they have done. The subtle glitter effect on the tails, mane, wrist and ankle fluff; the gorgeous wings; even the feather earring Anaru solely wears in the right one. They were able to capture Anaru perfectly and down to the very last detail without any corrections needed. While I still cannot believe that they wanted to draw Anaru, I am absolutely honored that they took the time and effort to render such a beautiful piece of art.

Thank you so much, Aeorys!