Inky Xward

If one thinks that the seafolk are awfully superstitious when it comes to the ocean, just wait til night falls. There are countless stories about what happens upon the sea, and the most unsettling ones always occur in the dark. If you are aboard a vessel during a long voyage, it is easy to see why. There, upon the endless sea, staring at the dark void that hangs above and below. Stars in the heavens, eyes in the abyss, both glittering with unknown intent. What lurks out in the darkness? Are the noises and bumps against the ship truly just the waves? For the seafolk who live most of their lives out on the ocean, they do not seem disturbed by these questions. They work, play, drink and rest during these lonely hours, as they have countless times before. Outsiders may believe them immune to the worries and wonders of the night sea, but in truth, seafolk have learned how to wear this mask of confidence well. Why else do they busy themselves with tedious tasks that could be done in the daylight? Why do they turn to heavy drink, loud games and boisterous conversation? Why do they fill their sleeping quarters with trinkets and chimes that refuse to let the silence in? Their ways and rites give them comfort during these nighttime hours, and most of these go by with little worry. Yet, in rare instances, you will see the masks slip, when even the seafolk show worry in the dark. It is when the sea grows too still, and the ship becomes too quiet. When your ears cannot help but reach towards the abyss below, and hear the faint sound of music in the deep.

The song of the abyss is a known phenomenon, yet one lacking hard evidence. There are plenty of stories surrounding it, but definite answers are few. It does not happen every night, and it does not happen everywhere. This singing from the deep is sporadic and rare, which makes seafolk thankful, but even more disturbed when it happens on their watch. The most the Aquanauts have theorized is that this singing is mostly encountered when ships are floating above and around the deepest parts of the ocean. Where great chasms open up to lightless worlds, where the abyssal beings are believed to dwell. As for the "whens" and "whys," they still are not sure. At least, not scientifically sure. Because there is some idea of what lies behind it all, but it does not come from the realm of true observation and hard facts. It comes in washed up effigies, carvings pulled from the deep and dreams of those who sleep to the musics of the abyss. Strange visions and wordless chanting, images born from eyeless beings and figures carved with boneless hands. Here comes some knowledge of what lies below, but how much can be trusted? Well, until the Aquanauts are able to create a frame that allows them to survive the great descent, these dreams and ancient scraps are all they can cling to.

The visions pull one into the dark depths, where the light of the sun can never reach. The cold, crushing void, a world of perpetual night. Yet, the dreamer still sees. It is the glow of the flesh and the brilliant blood that lights their way. Eyes that shine like stars, jaws that twinkle like broken shards and bodies whose insides are clear to see with blue flame within their bellies. It is this organic light that they see cities of the deep. Monuments of bone and sunken ship, cathedrals built from massive ribs and belching spires. Masses of faithful trudging through silt and detritus, preachers beholding bloated corpses. They pray, chant and sing, countless shapes rising in the darkness, calling for a great pilgrimage to sleeping world above. Such rejoicing, such reverence. And upon these spires, and within these churches, the dreamer sees some of these strange singers.

Carving and vision show hardened shapes, like cloaked figures, cluttered upon arch, spire and altar. A crowd of forms, unmoving and purposeful. Their faces yawn forever open, and from there slithers forth their mouth and tongue. Fleshy worms that emerge and sing with lipless maws, undulating forms dancing to this abyssal tune. They sing, for that is their purpose, to aid the preachers in their sermons, to lead the faithful in their song. For the music of these abyssal churches are for their beloved giving mother, and their dear sleeping father. Sing for her, so that her own song may be bolstered and praised. Sing for him, so he may rest in eternal peace. Cry out in joy for the blessings that rain from above, and revere the countless bloat and bones that grant food and home. The faith of the deep is infuriating and tantalizing to those upon the surface, as we taste mere morsels of truth, yet still remain in the dark.

After a slight delay, the second issue is officially out!

I am writing these words with a completely broken heart.

My wife is four months pregnant and suffering from severe malnutrition and a critical lack of medical treatment.

Every day she becomes weaker, and she often loses consciousness because of hunger, exhaustion, and the lack of medicine. I live in constant fear every moment… terrified of losing her and our unborn baby.

We also have a small child who cries constantly when he sees his mother weak and suffering, and I stand helpless, unable to protect her or provide what she needs.

The war destroyed our home and left me unemployed with no source of income. I already lost my mother and my older brother because of the war, and now all I have left is my small family. I am terrified of losing them too.

My wife’s treatment costs around €850 every week, in addition to the food and nutrition she urgently needs during pregnancy, and I am completely unable to afford it. We are living through unbearable days of hunger, fear, and helplessness, and I feel like I am watching my wife slowly fade away in front of me.

Please… do not ignore my plea.

Any help, any donation, or even sharing this post could help save my wife and her unborn child.

Please help us get the treatment and food we desperately need before it is too late. We are living through a real humanitarian disaster and we desperately need your support.

Please do not leave us alone in this suffering.😭

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