The Veil Between Us

The Veil between Us
Reflections from the World's End
November 3, 1889
Sambungan
Paris is lost. All communication with the city has ceased; the last missive received claimed a substance emerged from the Paris Transept Portal. Since then, only silence.
Our work continues in the shadow of this news, the Portal ever present while we study the artifacts brought back from the Realms; however, uncertainty gnaws at us, and we are vigilant for anything untowards.
Sita left on an expedition through the Portal but days earlier. With luck, she will have arrived safely to the warm embrace of Nightingale City. She should return soon, but by boat or by Portal, I no longer know. I worry for her. Were we wrong to trust in the Portals, in the Realms? For now, all I can do is wait.
December 18, 1889
Sambungan
Finally, our time has come. The Pale surrounds the city, an oppressive wall swallowing the buildings, advancing ever closer. The evacuations have ceased there is no longer a shore from which to escape.
No one knows what happens when the Pale overtakes you; as I stand here, the air is filled with screams as the Pale slips along the streets and then... silence. I want to go to them, to help them, but there is nothing I can do- nothing anyone can do.
It is becoming too dangerous to remain. A few others have dared to pass through the Portal, despite what may lie beyond. They take their chances, but I wait here, unwilling to leave until the last second; if she returns here, she will know where to find me.
Sita, sayang, wherever you are, please be safe!
December 19, 1889 
Sambungan
The Pale has reached the steps of the building where we first met with shy gazes and murmured words-the same building where I have waited all this time. But I must make a choice:
On one end looms the Pale, at the other, the Portal into an unknown world.
Beyond the Portal and into the Realms, I may find others. Perhaps they have happened upon Sita and can tell me where to find her. If not, perhaps they will find a way to push back the Pale and reclaim Earth. I will search to the ends of whatever worlds I must to find her.
The Portal is opening. If I have chosen poorly and someone finds these writings, please tell Sita I waited for her until the last and that I will find her in the next life.
??? ???
So these are the fabled Realms I have heard so much of, that I have spent years studying. Never once have I set foot here.
It is stunning in its beauty; life surrounds me. I can hear the birds where before I only heard the silence of a populace gone.
There is no sight of another, nor the Pale. Wherever I am, I am alone. My heart aches for the world left behind; I hope others have escaped so that, one day, we may all return home. I hope Sita found respite.
If she planned to return through the Realms, she may still be out here, waiting for me. The thought spurs me on. I see another Portal in the distance. Perhaps, if I pass through enough of them, I will find someone who has word of my sayang.
Stay strong, Sita. I am coming to find you.
Mai
Category:Codex