"Never had I transitioned from the 'shallow now'..
That place of lucid watching and being seen.
That place of assessing the scene..
Assessing the others, considering how they assess me.
Transitioned into the 'epiphany deep'..
Where context outside washes off like hazily fogs oft sweep.
Deep and consuming. A realization provoked. Holding you fast, but it does not last.
The 'now' demands you with a snap of fingers."
There had been no word from a dwarf kingdom for a long time.
A dispute over the price of mithrl had ended in quarrels.
I allowed myself a glimpse into the silent kingdom halls.
Walls, floor and ceiling pressed with mithrl.
Dazzling, glimmering, regal.
It was what the Dwarf King wanted. A statement of prosperity.
Breath was not found in the court. They all died with transfixed expressions.
Nearly ensnared. Wise souls of Fae.. calling.. to bring me again to reality.
We elves owe a price for this. Our silence made this tragedy possible.
The echo of silent tunnels connected to vast and deadly underground halls disturbed me.
A slow mournful rattle, a dark echo.
The council must know of this and prevent further death.