to ash and dust | prologue
You are awake in darkness.
The sky above is black, not a star or moon in sight. Fog surrounds you, weaving through the trees—are you in a forest? There’s grass and dirt beneath your feet, but you don’t feel dirty at all. In fact, you don’t even remember standing up, despite the fact that you are obviously standing right now.
You also don’t remember picking up the scrap of paper in your hand, but you hold it anyway. Lifting it to eye level, you find that, predictably, it’s impossible to read. It’s so dark—
“Rise and shine!”
The voice doesn’t ring out loud—it’s unlike anything you’ve heard before. In fact, you’re not sure you’re really hearing it at all. It sounds more like someone speaking directly in your mind. It’s… difficult to identify anything about the voice, really.
"Good, good! It’s working! Now, I’m sure you are quite disoriented, but rest assured! This is exactly how things are meant to proceed!”
… This means nothing to you.
"I’m afraid I won’t be making a personal appearance until later, because, ahaha, that would certainly be overwhelming! Instead, I’ll graciously allow you all some time to get your bearings.”
Wait, you all? Does this mean there’s more of you?
"As you mingle, though, I’d advise you to adhere to the name written on your ticket instead of the one you held before. Names have power, and you never know who might use yours against you.”
That’s… a bit terrifying, if you’re honest.
"And that’s not even getting into your gift—ah, I digress again! I’m simply so very excited to meet you! Take some time, explore your surroundings, see if there’s anything… strange about you, so to speak. But I’ve been so kind as to give you a hint in your carriage—investigate there if you find yourself stumped, will you?”
Again, this means nothing to you.
“Now, I’ve business to attend to—walk onwards! The circus awaits!”
And with that, the voice dies out, leaving you alone with your thoughts… and this scrap of paper. Which is supposed to be a ticket. You guess.
… Well, it’s not as though you have anything better to do, do you?
You walk.











