Harmony
17

Pixie was assailed by a multitude of thoughts. She trusted Kjersti absolutely – it just felt totally right to do so – so she believed her. Her death also made the most sense. It fitted with everything and explained it for all of them. They’d all died, lost their memories, and ended up in the same place together. This was why many of them had experience death memories and flashbacks. So, if they’d died, why did they all feel completely alive and physical? That was something she hoped Kjersti would explain in due course. Pixie had a few immediate thoughts to work through first.

So she’d died somehow, forgotten it because it was part of the process associated with death, and now she was here, in a new version of Switzerland, not Holland, for some reason that was unclear to her. The reality of this afterlife was immediate but did not jive with her knowledge bank at all. That was fine. Her knowledge bank impression of life after death would be pure speculation, because how could she know, without actually dying and replaceing out that way?

When she examined her beliefs around death, wherever they’d come from, she expected that she might experience certain things. If she could summarise what her prior expectations were, she would think that after death she would feel airy and light, hear angelic voices and meet deceased relatives, before being taken to a special place in some mystical realm way up beyond the clouds and away from Earth. None of that had occurred. Here she was, still in a physical body, in some alternate reality, feeling very much physical. The truth of it all was clear to her because it explained everything about her experiences thus far since waking up on the mountainside.

Nonetheless it was still quite confronting.

So this was what happened after death, then. However it wasn’t reincarnation; it was ascension. It was apparently something that occurred after her last death because she’d been selfless for many lives. So then, some immediate burning questions: how did she die? Was she in pain before she died? What sort of life did she lead just before she died? Or, for that matter, what sort of lives did she lead before the last one?

In thinking on this, she suddenly felt the truth of her multi-life existence strongly. As this truth enveloped her, fragments of memories flowed into her consciousness. Fragments stretching back through centuries and centuries. She heard laughing voices around a dinner table, at Christmas time, glad that her children and grandchildren were all there with her. She felt the wind in her hair while riding a horse, the frost gathering on her beard and enjoying the power and strength in her body. She was light and carefree, swimming naked in the ocean on a warm day in the tropics. Brief but powerful fragments of lives she knew with absolutely certainty were all hers.

Yet, her most recent life was what she truly wanted to remember and none of these images were from that life. She knew, absolutely knew, without being told, that she was Pixie in her past life on Earth, just as she was Pixie now. None of the memory fragments she had just retrieved were of her life in Holland. She therefore felt a growing amount of yearning and curiosity to know more, curious as to why her most recent life was left out of her visions.

To ascend, as Kjersti had described, she must have done something good. Would she be able to remember it? If she could remember it, would she yearn for those she had left behind? Maybe it was better not to know for that reason. Nonetheless, she would wait and see how things unfolded, expecting that Kjersti would answer these questions soon enough. She turned her attention back to the ongoing conversation between her friends and their new host, aware that she’d missed some questions and conversations while she was deep in thought.

“…so that explains why I saw my own funeral.” Tau was saying.

Yes. Kjersti was sympathetic, her tone inferring that what they had gone through was inevitable. Unfortunately when you ascend, you have to shed the old life, and this can be quite painful. It can leave behind fragments of memory, if those memories are powerful enough. You would have had some difficult moments, but most of them will pass in time, if they haven’t already.

Gimi was keen to change the subject. “So that is why the message – the messages – told us that our families know where we are? They know we are dead?”

Yes, Gimi. So glad to hear you speak. I was a little worried before now that you hadn’t asked any questions.

“Just trying to work it all out. It’s a lot to process. Thank you for all your answers so far.” Pixie wasn’t looking at Gimi as he spoke. She could not take her eyes off this intriguing woman, who had apparently possessed limitless knowledge and answers for them. All the mysteries of the past few weeks were going to be resolved in short order, and it was such a relief to know this. All she had to do was wait for the conversation to reach those questions and answer them. It was like a mystical train journey of sorts, with a series of enchanting stops on the way to a much-desired destination.

“If we died, why were we not reborn as babies, as reincarnation says we should?” asked Rocsi.

Ascension is a shift. It is different to reincarnation. Reincarnation is a cycle within the same dimension, whereas ascension is a graduation to the next dimension. With ascension, the person stays at the same age they were when they died when they make the shift, or optionally they can change to a preferred age. Generally that age is somewhere in their twenties or thirties, about the ages you are all at.

“Dimensions? What in tarnation are those?” asked Rocsi.

Dimensions are planes of existence, if you will. Ascension defines the boundary from one plane to another, kind of like floors in one of your skyscrapers on Old Terra. Except there is no rising, just a change. You are still on the same physical Terra as before, but shifted to another, higher vibration level of it because of your transition to this new dimension. This version is cleaner, nicer and easier than the one you left behind. There are links between the two versions of Terra, but it’s complex and difficult to explain in terms you would understand. There will be time for you later to study this further.

There was a silence, which Neca ended with a useful question. “So, were we old when we died, Kjersti?”

No you weren’t. You all died at the ages you are currently at.

Pixie once again turned her thoughts to how she might have died. So she had died at a young age, maybe still in her teens. She pondered her possible manner of death, and if she had suffered beforehand. Apparently she wasn’t alone in her thinking.

“How did we…” Suria started to ask a question, then trailed off. “Forget that. I am not sure I want to know.”

“So, we cannot get a message to Tau’s daughters, because we’re not going back?” asked Rivo, changing the topic somewhat. “Then again, if we are dead and we come back, we scare our families anyway. I think we have no choice but to stay here.”

That is correct, Rivo. There is no way to go back and even if you wanted to, your families and friends from that life know absolutely that you are dead. You would indeed be likely to scare them. Tau’s family have mourned him, and they are currently moving on, as they need to. The rest of you have similar situations. Death is always sad for those left behind, especially on Old Terra. It is a very harsh place. I commend you all for surviving it.

“It is much easier here,” Arias remarked. “Not so much stress. So, is the rest of the… New Terra, like this, Kjersti? Easy to live in?”

Yes, of course. The harshness of Old Terra is gone from your existence forever.

“So that’s why we all get along so well!” Prina exclaimed. “So I can mention… I mean… hey, you know what?

“We can’t go back to our families, we need to move on and live on this New Terra, and that means we don’t have to leave each other!” Rivo finished what Prina had started. She simply beamed at him.

Realisation dawned on them all. Their emotional conversation at the campfire that very morning was now in much sharper context. They were going to stay together, for the foreseeable future. It was a future that suddenly extended into infinite possibilities. There was nothing but brightness, hope and love on the horizon. The black thoughts and darkness were truly gone. The joy Pixie felt was all-encompassing and she stared mutely at the grass in front of her for a moment.

The group was silent. A new wave of understanding and a distinct change of worldview washed over them. It gave Pixie a notion that she wanted to follow up on. Kjersti was quietly observing them, an expression of pride and satisfaction on her face. It was as if she had reached a moment she’d been anticipating for some time. Pixie knew what it was: her protégés, her students even, had all graduated.

Tau spoke up. “So, my daughters… I… get that I can’t see them and tell them I’m okay, but why don’t I feel anything for them? Why can’t I remember that I loved them?”

Kjersti regarded Tau with compassion, her eyes and face softened towards him. Her gentle countenance was never more evident to Pixie than it was at this moment. Her blonde hair shifted slightly across her face as she turned to face him.

It is all part of the process of ascension. As in reincarnation, your memories can be accessed, but the emotions are no longer relevant. Emotions are only felt in the present, physically. Because you are no longer present in that life and indeed that dimension, you can’t connect with what you used to feel. It almost looks like someone else’s life in a way. It’s understandable that you might still care about what happens to your former family, but they will be alright. They have to move on and deal with losing you, and they are all more than capable of doing so, no matter how hard it seems.

“Will… will we see them again?” asked Tau. As far as Pixie could tell, he was still trying to overcome his desire to make sure his daughters were okay, even if he couldn’t feel anything for them.

Those who are left behind may follow you into this ascended life, or they may not. Most likely you have helped them by the way you lived your life, so they will follow you sooner rather than later. It’s not unexpected that you are still concerned for them. You’re a good person, and they will miss you, but they will almost certainly see you again, sooner than you know.

“Will I recognise them?” Tau asked, a question that Pixie would have asked if he didn’t.

Yes you will. They will seem like old friends. It’s a sweet feeling when this occurs. Kjersti’s words appeased Tau for now. He nodded slowly, appearing to be more at ease. The whole discussion made Pixie wonder more keenly about her previous family in her most recent life in Holland.

“A comforting thought,” remarked Gimi. “Changing topics if that’s okay? How can we know, or perhaps replace out, what we did in our past lives?”

We have the means by which we can review your most recent past life with you. Just the most recent life only. We can do this in the near future, when you’re ready. It will complete the healing process and you shouldn’t have any more scenes from your past life interfering with your present one after you go through it.

Pixie wasn’t sure how she felt about this. If some of her dreams were any indication, it might not be a pleasant experience.

“So… we lived good lives the last time around, and Switzerland is where you end up for good behaviour?” Suria asked. Kjersti laughed out loud, as did several others. Suria looked pleased that others had found what she said humorous.

Not exactly. Yes, you are in Switzerland, as I said, but this is a different Switzerland because this is a different Terra. Arriving here means you have arrived in this dimension. Pixie was still trying to grasp the concept of dimensions. Going upwards via ascension made sense: it was an upward-sounding word, so that was okay. However, she hadn’t travelled anywhere. Rather, she had shifted, along with her eleven companions, to a new version of the planet she was previously on. It was a lot to come to terms with, aside from everything else she’d learned since meeting Kjersti.

There was a slight pause in the conversation. Pixie glanced around at the lake, once again noticing the light breeze causing ripples on the water. Parts of the trees on the opposite shore swayed gently in unison with the movement of the water. She was still coming to terms with the idea that this environment was her new home. It was so beautiful. She was deliriously happy to know for sure she was going to stay here, and to share it with these wonderful people whom she loved so much. The conversation and the questions continued, and she heard Rais’ voice next.

“Thank you Kjersti for help us so much already. But I must ask. Why we not get told all this when we first here?” Rais was overdoing the politeness in his tone, so as not to offend, but Kjersti was not the least bothered by his question.

There is a valid and crucial reason for this, Rais. She waited for a moment before continuing. You need to be in charge of your own situation. Not us. We have tried leading you many times in the past and it has ultimately failed every time. We believe this time we have gotten it right. It appears to be working in your case, and in many other similar villages around the world. Without humans in charge of their own fates, everything falls apart. This is because humans tend to idolise other extra-terrestrial races, expecting them to be saviours who will lead them out of their perceived darkness. Our people have even been elevated to god-status in the past when we are nothing like that. We are just slightly more advanced. It is better to have humans lead other humans, rather than us.

“You… you are not human?” Bia asked this question tentatively, as if she didn’t really want to know the answer.

No, I’m not. Kjersti smiled. It didn’t soften her words all that much. They still shocked Pixie to the core. If she wasn’t human, what was she?

“But you look human! You look like us!” Neca’s words came in a rush.

“What… I am sorry, how can… what are you if you are not human? Sorry, I do not mean to offend with my bad English word choices. Please forgive me.” Arias’ excitedly expressed words didn’t offend Kjersti at all, as Pixie thought they might.

It’s okay, Arias. Your reaction is totally understandable. I am from the Pleiades constellation. Myself and my companions in Versena have travelled here to help you. We are from a planet called Erra, which orbits Taygeta. That name was strange yet familiar to Pixie. It evoked echoes of desire and peace that she could not fathom no matter how hard she tried. She tried to delve further in her mind and got some vague notions of a totally foreign environment, perhaps in this far-off place that Kjersti had just described. Her imagination was running wild at the possibilities that life was now presenting to her. Maybe she could travel to this exotic location someday. She tried to imagine what it must look like and a vision of shining stars in a field of blue haze briefly crossed her mind. The beauty of it carried her away momentarily. She felt a deep longing that was completely unexplainable.

“What is… Taygeta?” she asked dreamily, as if she had returned from an alternate reality and was still disoriented. Maybe there was some truth to that. Kjersti’s reply bought her fully back to the present.

It’s one of the Pleiadian stars, Pixie. Your solar system orbits our Pleiades star system, albeit from a long way away. In galactic terms you are our neighbours. We share our ancestry with you, going back many millennia, which is why I look like you. You can call me a Pleiadian, if you like. We use the word “Terran” to describe you, so I will use that from now on. It’s our name for you and means “human” to us. I’ve been using the word “human” prior to this but it’s more natural for me to say “Terran”.

“It’s incredible. Just when I think I can’t be any more astonished by what is happening, I get taken to another level by the next thing you say, Kjersti.” Prina looked as amazed as she sounded. Kjersti simply nodded knowingly.

“Can we ask more about how you got here, and what brings you to Earth? I get that there is a deeper reason to your presence, and I’d love to know more,” said Tau.

There are quite a few reasons why we’re here, Tau. Some of them will be revealed to you in due course, when you are ready. Try not to focus on my origin too much. I know you will have lots of questions about it, but there will be time later to replace out more about us. The only thing I want you to keep in mind is that we care deeply about you and we want to help.

“That is obvious already to all of us I think. Thank you so much Kjersti, for whatever it is you have done for us before meeting us here. I’m loving what you’re telling me, so please do keep going.” Bia’s words were clearly heartfelt, and expressed gracefully, as they often were.

I will, Bia, and you’re very welcome. All of you are. For now I want you to focus on your own place on this New Terra and not worry too much about me. It’s easier if you accept me as you see me and consider me as a close relative of yours. There is much truth to this, for we are not so different to you. The Pleaides can wait until later. You’ll understand soon enough.

Pixie took a renewed look at her. She had a fleeting thought that Kjersti could have been making it all up, and she actually was human. She had a human appearance, looking like she was maybe Swedish or Norwegian or something, so Pixie tried to think of the things that might indicate she wasn’t. For starters, there was the telepathic communication, which she didn’t think any human could do, although Kjersti was saying her people could teach them all to do it. Then there was her impossible-to-determine age, which Pixie did not nearly have the remotest courage to ask about. Additionally, her clothing looked other-worldly, now that she really thought about it, even more so than the advanced clothes they had been wearing these last few weeks. It intuitively felt to Pixie like Kjersti was telling the truth. She was learning to trust her instincts more and more as she got used to being in this new place. What had Kjersti called it? A new dimension. Whatever that meant. She’d have to replace out more about that term later on.

So there was life away from Earth. Pixie’s knowledge bank had said this was only speculation; there was no irrefutable proof. She had her proof right here in front of her. She was experiencing it first-hand. This was yet another revelation to deal with. She had died; they all had. Yet they were here. There were other aspects of life called dimensions, she was now on a new version of Earth that was being called New Terra and there was this thing called ascension. On top of all that, there were beings from other planets, visiting them, helping them. She was taking it all in, but it was almost overwhelming.

“This is so much to process!” Prina said. “I have so many thoughts and questions right now, I simply don’t know where to begin.”

“You and me the same, Prina.” Rais had been less talkative than usual. Pixie would have enjoyed a long group discussion about all the implications of what they were being told. It would have to wait.

“So, let me get this straight.” Gimi was changing the subject again. Pixie well knew his intellect, as they all did, so he had clearly moved on and was jumping to the next question of importance. “We are to manage on our own and accept responsibility for something. Is this the ‘operation’ that the second message talked about?”

Yes, it is. Kjersti did not elaborate.

“Can you tell us what is involved?” Gimi continued.

I can, but I would like to defer for now. This is not the right time and place. For now I only want to welcome you to New Terra and to help you transition. I have called the others who will assist me to guide you on your future tasks. We will meet with them soon.

“Can I change topics then, Kjersti?” Suria asked.

Please. Go right ahead. Kjersti was calmly and quietly fielding all of their questions with such immense assurance. She appeared to revel in her role.

“We came from all over the world. We’ve always found this to be quite curious. Are you able to tell us why this is?” Suria asked.

Yes of course. We wanted to establish a number of multicultural villages and towns. Culture and ethnicity can often be barriers on Old Terra. Not so much here, and especially not amongst the twelve of you. You are all ethnically tolerant.

“We like to think so.” Rais said. Pixie thought for a moment. She couldn’t think of one single instance where race or culture had been a concern or even a minor barrier between them.

“Why Switzerland, though?” Tau asked. “It’s a long way from the Kalahari Desert.”

Yes it sure is. This village, and you being chosen to come here was determined by others. I don’t have visibility of that decision, but I am led to believe that it could have been anywhere. I am happy to be assigned here because it is so beautiful to me. Other locations, like your desert, Tau, are also beautiful in their own way. There is a part of me that would love to work in Botswana too.

“Is your planet like ours, Kjersti?” Pixie asked.

It is mostly like Switzerland. I am blessed to be able to work in a place on Terra that is so much like my home.

Bia was charmed at this description. “I would love to visit your planet if it’s anything like this beautiful place. Can we go sometime?”

I wish I could say yes. I’m not saying no either. I can’t answer that question as it is not up to me. I promise I will let you know as soon as I know. Please don’t expect an answer any time soon. It is not a simple task, going back and forth to the Pleiades. For now, you need to focus on acclimatising to life here.

“This morning I did not know I had died recently; or that there was a thing called ascension. Other planets can wait. I am still getting used to this one,” remarked Arias. Pixie agreed with this sentiment. One thing at a time, although the thought of interstellar travel was endlessly exciting to her.

Thank you, Arias. It’s a good idea to not take on too much too soon, although it’s easy to understand your enthusiasm, Bia. Cuba is a beautiful country, too.

“You’ve been there?” Bia asked.

No I haven’t, but I’ve seen you there via your past life. Kjersti had this wonderful way of giving her full attention to each person who spoke, with such earnestness that Pixie’s heart warmed once again.

“Wow, far out, man! But I must ask: how do we remember our past lives? I want to know what I got up to.” Bia was quite talkative this morning. Much more than she usually was.

We can show all of you your past lives, if you want.

“How?” Pixie asked. She had an idea that it might be via the video screen she and Suria had seen not that long ago, but she wasn’t brave enough to guess this.

We need to go somewhere first. Kjersti’s words made Pixie think she might be right. The past lives will not be easy to relive for many of you. More than one of you had significant challenges to overcome. We have the capacity to display your past life on a screen for everyone to watch. It plays a lot like one of your Terran movies, although it’s mostly in fast forward, as you’d expect. Are you all comfortable with sharing your past lives openly? We can have private sessions if you want.

Pixie’s immediate reaction was that she wanted to share as much with her companions as she could. She felt similar sentiments all around her, without anything being said.

“I want everyone see my life. I want them to know me,” said Le. “Many thing I want to know. Like what happen on the boat when I think I die.”

Kjersti switched her attention to Le, sitting next to Pixie. That’s great, Le. Sharing is really nice. Experiencing bad things from your past life is not harmful and in fact it is extremely beneficial and therapeutic. You will be protected from of the emotions you had in that life, so it will be easier to deal with in that sense. Sharing is an option for those who ascend, not a requirement. Would anyone prefer a private session?

Pixie was happy to share. She looked around, expecting at least a few to say yes to that question. No-one did. It was so nice that everyone was so open and at ease with each other. She half-expected that sort of response, but it was lovely to see it.

That’s fantastic. You all must have so much trust and respect for each other to be so open already. It’s heartening to see. Not that I’m surprised. Kjersti’s endearing look of adoration had returned. Pixie felt another warm glow at this sight. How long would she have to wait until she could hug her?

See that building over there? That’s where we all need to go. Kjersti turned and pointed over her right shoulder.

In the distance Pixie saw a building that resembled their community centre, but larger, and with a slightly different design on the outside in terms of window and door placement. It sparkled in the sunlight and would surely be highly advanced inside if it contained a place that allowed them to see their most recent lives. How was that even possible, anyway?

As with all other buildings in their village and here in Versena, it had a pyramidal dome on the roof and that same white plaster-like material for the walls. Pixie would have to ask later about the construction of these buildings, and how they always had a moderate temperature indoors without any visible heating or cooling units. That and at least a dozen other questions about the buildings, the village, and so many other aspects of her new life would simply have to wait for now.

They all got up and followed Kjersti over to the nearby building. Conversation had ceased for the moment. Pixie was about to see something momentous. She was about to witness not only her past life in Holland and her death, but also the past lives of eleven wonderful people who she had come to love. Would she measure up? She felt self-conscious for a moment before giving into just trusting that she was as good as she thought they all were.

They walked into the building, still without a word from anyone. Once inside, the décor was quite a bit different to what she had expected. A number of white leather couches were placed tastefully around this entrance area, positioned as they were with indoor plants – again recessed into the floor – in greater numbers and varieties than in their own community centre. A large glass-topped desk stood near the back wall, but there was no-one behind it. Pixie was mildly disappointed at this; meeting more Pleiadians would have been exciting. This building already looked more like the front office of some highly advanced corporation. The Pleiadians were clearly not a corporation, though.

“What exactly is this building?” asked Gimi. “It looks like a centre of operations or something.”

It is somewhat like that yes. We use it for all sorts of things. This one has an auditorium, which is where I am taking you. Kjersti did not pause to explain this room to them, instead walking with a purpose towards a door at the back of it, on the right side. Her gait suggested they follow her, which they all did, the collective anticipation and excitement at the unfolding events quite obviously shared amongst them all.

Pixie was keen to see what this auditorium was like. It was going to be the place where she would see her past life and recover memories of what she did and what her family and friends were like. In the back of her mind was her visions and dreams of the past few weeks. She suspected they resulted from a difficult life she perhaps was better off not seeing. Then again, she had done some good things too; things that had led to her ascension, her graduation from that dimension.

Kjersti took them through the door and the back of the entrance hall and down a narrow corridor. She opened the first door on the right and ushered them all through it. Pixie walked in right after Suria, who happened to be first, and was immediately awed by the beauty and serenity of this room, which by its layout must be the auditorium Kjersti had mentioned. The roof was higher than she expected, and the lighting was set into the floor rather than the roof. The walls were adorned with luscious green and blue spiral patterns, which glittered in the lights emanating from the floor. To her left were about twenty or so bucket seats with red cushions, like the ones on the patio back at their village. There was also a single blue velvet-like reclinable chair – actually as she looked closer it was a chaise lounge – in the middle of the floor. Pixie didn’t have to think too hard to understand what it had been placed there for. The chaise lounge was adorned with luscious looking pink cushions that looked so inviting.

Distracted as she was by the positioning of this chaise lounge, and the beautiful lighting and wall patterns, Pixie did not immediately look to her right. Her eyes were drawn there after she followed Kjersti’s movement. Over near the wall and seemingly stepping out of nowhere at all were two more blonde individuals – a man and a woman. Kjersti motioned gently to them, and they responded to her. Pixie could not hear anything in her mind, so she presumed that they had had a private word, using telepathy.

She was startled when Kjersti turned and spoke out loud to them for the first time, in strangely accented English. “Everyone, please take a seat, leaving the chaise lounge empty for now. As you do, I would like to introduce you to Thylen and Lyri, some friends of mine.”

“Hello!” Pixie greeted them enthusiastically as she sat in the front row, Suria with her. All of her companions also greeted these new – Pleiadians? – as well.

Pixie heard a male voice in her mind. It was gentle and kind, and sounded a lot like Arias, except that there was no Spanish accent to his words. This must be Thylen. Hello everyone, so pleased to meet you. Thylen was quite handsome, in an unassuming way. Pixie was riveted by his looks as he smiled broadly at them all. She almost blushed and had to look away.

Me also. It is lovely to have you all here. This must be Lyri. Her voice was a bit deeper than Kjersti’s. She also had long blonde hair, although hers was simply tied up in a ponytail, somewhat of a simpler presentation than Kjersti’s eloquent braids. Lyri was almost as tall as Thylen and was quite beautiful as well. Pixie had to wonder if everyone from the Pleaides was this physically attractive or was it just coincidence?

Their clothing was much the same as Kjersti’s. Each of them wore a simple one-piece suit, although both Thylen and Lyri had lighter blue coloured suits. This might mean they were junior to Kjersti. They seemed slightly deferent to her, so maybe there was some truth to this.

I will switch back to my previous mode of communication. Speaking English out loud is a bit of a chore for me. This is easier. This was Kjersti again. I will warn you before we start that these past life reviews will feel out of place to you, as you are already accustomed to being here. You might feel disconnected. This is normal and expected. You should not experience any distress as although some things might be hard to watch, you will be protected from any negative emotions due to our technology. However you may stop the review at any time and ask questions. For the rest of you who are watching, some things will not display on our screen. This is because negative actions including violence, abuse and similar such actions from Old Terra are incompatible with this new environment you are in. Other private scenes will also not display for obvious reasons. Pixie’s life just ended would soon be up there, if she changed her mind and decided to do it. It was a confronting and sobering prospect.

Kjersti continued her preamble. You can change your mind at any time and come back later and watch your life privately. All three of us have seen all of your most recent past lives, as well as many of your prior lives. You might also be surprised how detached you feel in watching your past life. It’s good for knowledge, but you won’t feel like you want to go back there, even if you left behind loved ones. It may seem like this isn’t possible, but the best way to understand that is to experience it for yourselves. Now, who would like to go first?

Kjersti gave them all a look of encouragement, her eyes shining, as she finished speaking. Thylen and Lyri were regarding them all in much the same way. There was an awkward silence for a moment. Kjersti moved to a chair on the left-hand side of the room. There was no way Pixie was going to say anything. Fortunately, she didn’t have to.

“I will go,” said Arias.