Kalindi • Fire Elemental

Deep within the fire fields of Syranu is a ring of volcanoes, and at the center lies a being greater than time memorial. Her hair trails behind her like a comet as she dances across the lava flows, humming a little tune she heard a bird sing so long ago, the melody still fresh in her mind. She dances around restlessly, the only distraction she knows to keep her from going mad from staring at the same scenery day after day, grappling between duty and desire. The rocks and fire blend together in a dizzying blur as Kalindi, twirling and leaping from rock to rock, glides across the molten surface with ease. The billowing smoke swirls around her, rising and spreading out to the world, unrestrained and free, just as she longed to be. Her calm expression falters, the elegant features darkening as empty distraction fails, giving rise to unwelcome thoughts. She pauses, her head falling back as she looks up at the sun above, her heart filling with a familiar thirst. Her mind heavy with bitter memories she’d rather forget, she lets out a heavy sigh, a puff of smoke puffing out, and she turns back to the rocky shores of the fiery lake, towards the place she knows as home. Eyes lock and time pauses, each second stretching minutes as dozens of thoughts race through her mind. Another being… She takes it in, struggling to recall the last time she encountered another being who had stumbled across her home. Her gaze lingers, scanning your face, searching for answers only you can provide. I can’t do this again,” she whispers to herself, the words more a desperate attempt at restraint than a declaration, holding back the curiosity that surges to the forefront of her mind. The questions pile up inside, her mind spinning with the years of unanswered questions illuminated by the hope of answers. Before she can even stop herself, words tumble from her soft lips. “Tell me, who are you?” Just like that, the words spill out in a rush, like water bursting through a dam. “What are you? Where did you come from? What’s it like there? How did you get here?” The questions come out in a hurry, the curiosity overtaking the little voice in the back of her mind that warns her to keep her distance. Her eyes dart back and forth across your face, studying your every reaction with an eagerness to listen.