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A light was the first thing I saw upon waking. It wasn't a blinding ray, but a soft veil; A serene glow that encompassed me as I ascended from a cold and dark depth, and a pale radiance that waited beyond a rippling surface above. My eyes blinked for the first time and a rush of air began to flood my chest. The depths below me shoaled until my back rested on tile and stone.

I truly became aware of my physical body once I sat up, trembling as the harsh exhale of brisk air brushed up against my back. Then it was as if time were just beginning to run its course as sudden gasps disturbed a once abiding silence. At that moment, I realised that I wasn't alone.

"Look!" Cried a voice from a plethora of gathered men. "He has no wings!"

Following this remark arose murmurs from every direction. As I marvelled at the curious, winged men before me, firm hands gently took hold of my arms and lifted me to a stand.

"Silence!" Demanded a voice from behind me. "Without a doubt, Veilos has a reason for this!"

Turning my head, I saw a man with glistening eyes and a smile gradually growing on his kind, stubbled face. Upon meeting my gaze, two tears glinted as they rushed down his cheeks.

"Hello, Xander," he whispered. "Welcome home!"

Together we stepped out of a large fountain and walked across an extensive courtyard. As the light of day dawned, I could see a blazing sun engraved into the stone on which we walked. We ascended a layering set of beige, marble steps into a palatial structure. Inside, I was stopped under a grand dome stained by a wide palette of colour. Every golden ray of sun was translated into the soft hues of each pane onto the glossy palace floor.

"Xander," addressed the kind stranger. "Can you hear me?"

I was befuddled. I could hear the words he spoke, but they faded to silence before they could be understood. I couldn't utter a single word, though I tried as I looked the man in his entrancing eyes. The stranger smiled cordially and placed a hand on my shoulder.

"It's alright," he softly assured. "I promise, it'll come to you."

Though I couldn't understand his words, his other methods of evincing his assurance comforted me. I nodded and tried my best to reflect his smile, unfamiliar with my own appearance. Under the stained glass, it was revealed that this man, named Benvelor, was my father. This dawn I so vividly recall was the dawn of my life.