Chapter 22 Acionna

"What a hand of cards you have been dealt," a smooth feminine voice greets me, amusement coloring her silky tones. My eyes flutter open and I find myself on the bank of a crystal clear pond surrounded by trees that create an otherworldly place comprised of shadows and bright beams of pale morning light with tiny glinting particles swirling within them. A heavy, unnatural silence fills this place, but somehow it is not oppressive. Indeed, this place is refreshing. I have never felt so at home before. "Welcome to my abode, Aerys." I rise to my feet and turn towards the voice to find a startlingly beautiful woman clad in wispy silvery-blue standing nearby. "Thank you. Who are you?" I ask. The words taste strange; my mouth is unaccustomed to speech. How long have I been here? How did I get here? "Interesting that my identity should be the first question to cross your mind. No matter. You have always been unusual. I favour you because of it. Aerys, d