Following their exploration of the Common Hall, Einar and Zephyr continued their wanderings, drawn by a sense of reverence emanating from a particular section of the Soul Society.
The humming energy here felt different, softer, almost like a gentle exhale. The light had a pearlescent quality, and the architecture seemed to flow and curve with an almost organic grace.
They found themselves before a shimmering aperture in the distance, unlike the structured archways they had encountered before.
This one pulsed with a kaleidoscope of gentle colors, like a swirling vortex of dawn hues. Souls approached it with a quiet sense of anticipation, some pausing for a moment before stepping through, their forms dissolving into the colorful light.
What is this place? Zephyr projected, his usual energetic buzz replaced with a hushed wonder.
Einar, feeling a sense of profound significance, projected his thoughts towards a nearby soul who seemed to be observing the scene with a knowing air.
This… this is a Departure Nexus, isn't it?
The soul, radiating a calm, deep purple light, turned towards them. Indeed. From here, souls who have completed their period of rest and learning in the Soul Society return to the Mortal Veil, ready for their next cycle of life.
The colors you see are the myriad potentials of their new existences.
So, they just… go back? Zephyr asked, his orange light flickering curiously. Do they remember anything from here?Very little, if anything.
The purple-lighted soul explained. The experiences of the Soul Society are woven into the deeper fabric of their being, guiding their instincts and inclinations in their next life, but the conscious memories fade, allowing for new lessons and unbiased growth.
As they watched, a soul shimmering with a hopeful, bright yellow light stepped through the Nexus and vanished.
Einar felt a sense of the profoundness of the Cycle, the endless ebb and flow of souls through existence.
Further along, they discovered another area that felt even more sacred. Here, the light was a pure, unwavering white, and the humming energy resonated with a deep, resonant tone that felt like the heartbeat of the entire Soul Society.
In the center of this space, countless threads of pure light ascended upwards, disappearing into an infinite expanse.
This… Einar began, feeling a sense of awe that words couldn't capture.
A figure radiating a gentle, all-encompassing silver light approached them. This is the Loom of Becoming. It projected, its thoughts carrying a profound peace.
These threads are the essence of souls who have reached the culmination of their journey through the Cycle.
They are returning to the Cosmic Thread, merging back into the Source from which all consciousness originates.
Zephyr was uncharacteristically silent, observing the ascending threads with wide, luminous eyes.
The sheer scale and significance of it seemed to have temporarily quelled his usual exuberance.
Later, as they moved away from these sacred spaces, the energetic spark returned to Zephyr's light form.
"So, Einar, you said we're training to be Soul Wardens, right? What exactly do they… do? Besides, you know, stopping the bad guys?"
Einar thought for a moment, recalling the Retriever's words and the brief glimpse of Lyra's power.
They protect the balance. They fight against those who would disrupt the Cycle, like Gorok and the Nullsworn. They wield the energies of this realm, and some, like me apparently, have a connection to the Void.
"Cool! Glowy powers and stuff! So, what about me?" Zephyr's orange light pulsed with eager anticipation. "What kind of 'imprint' do I have? I mean, I glow bright orange! Does that mean anything?"
Einar considered Zephyr's vibrant aura and his boundless energy. I'm not sure, Zephyr.
But your resonance… it feels very… lively. Full of energy. Maybe it signifies a strong connection to the life force itself, to the vibrant aspects of the Cycle.
He wasn't certain, but it felt like a plausible explanation for Zephyr's almost overwhelming presence.
Perhaps they could ask Lyra or one of the Keepers about their specific imprints during their training.
For now, as they continued to explore the wonders and mysteries of the Soul Society, a sense of shared purpose, however nascent, began to form between the two unlikely recruits.
The grand tapestry of the afterlife was slowly beginning to reveal its intricate patterns, and Einar and Zephyr were finding their own threads within its luminous weave.