The Ashbringer slept on a bed of hay in a forgotten temple while wind raged outside. As he slept, he dreamed.
Her laugh as he lifted her, the sun shining into his eyes.
The one tree by his home, and yes, it was his home.
Tucking her into bed, decorated with stars and owls.
Her books, about lost civilizations and old gods.
Her surprise at finding an entirely new Library to explore.
He loved her, more than anything.
So he promised to save her.
He made a deal.
"I will find the cure, even if it kills me."
It stayed true.
He was alone, left with only memories and ashes.
So many ashes.
The Curators couldn't help him.
They refused.
He burned them all.
And in turn, so too was he.
He carries their memory, along with their weight.
He carries all of their weight.
The Ashbringer stirs in his sleep, almost crying.
