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Oh, Guardian of Glass
How light shines through you
Oh, Crystal protector
You were delicate, if only we knew
— Flawed Protector, by Togae
Togae comes from a
village of harsh conditions and hardy people; a place where death is embraced as a part of life. The passing of one life makes way for another, and tales of the deceased become the basis for lessons taught to new generations. Togae spends his life as the Singer of Death, the Voice of the Fading; he speaks to those about to be welcomed into death's embrace to learn their story, and then sings it aloud to pass along the tale to all that will listen.
Early Life
In his formative years, Togae was quiet, almost reclusive. He enjoyed nature and song, spending hours listening to both. Socially, he spent much of his time observing those around him, listening to what they had to say, rarely interjecting with an opinion of his own. When he did speak, it was often with a small, shy voice, and anything he said was usually missed during the bustle of conversation. Because of this and his love for music, Togae developed the habit of singing to himself; softly, under his breath, he'd keep a sing-song account of all that was happening near him.
Life during Togae's youth was tough; living in
Soom-Shida was never easy, but the years during which he grew up were some of the hardest. Bad harvests, brutal weather, and the threat of
Hansun going to war were omnipresent -- the general population of
Soom-Shida reached its lowest point when Togae turned just 10 years old.
The thing I remember most is how year by year, the silence grew. — Togae
Wishes and Orders
The people of Soom-Shida, tenacious and always looking for an opportunity to better their lives, were desperate. Thus, when the government of Hansun came looking for a place to kickstart the creation of
Catalurgists, the local leaders of Soom-Shida accepted without second thought.
Togae's parents, Soyun and Hyunji, were proud Soom-Shidans, examples of citizens who loved their city despite the trials associated with living in it. They had long wished for their son to be strong like them, and when the call for Catalurgists came, they saw an opportunity to put an end to what they saw as useless singing and introduce a powerful magic user to their family and the world.
To most outsiders looking in, Togae's relationship with his parents was ordinary; perfectly fine, even. It appeared as if he respected his parents wishes, yet to Togae, it felt as if he had no choice but to follow orders.
Togae began to suppress his love for song, as his parents slowly and methodically replaced his dreams with their expectations.
Dani
I don't know how you manage to outdo yourself with article after article, but you have done it again! <3 This was so moving, equal parts horrible for Togae's past and wonderful for Togae's future, as well as for those he's sung for. Beautiful work, Stormbril!
You are doing a great job! Keep creating; I believe in you!
Luridity: Where love is love and life is lived. Contains NSFW content.
Stormbril
Ahhh thank you so much Dani! <3 I wish I had more space in the word cap, there's more I'd like to tell about Togae still xD