The wind never stopped in the Wind Paths.

It wrapped around the cliffs, curling through the floating islands, carrying candlelight like drifting fireflies. It danced between the passages, pushing voyagers into the realms, bringing them back once they were done. It weaved its way from one platform to the other, rustling through the soft grass and flowers, guiding the butterflies. Here, there was no ground--only the sky, stretching on forever.

That was why Viktor had chosen it.

Eden had taken something from him, like it did to all those who entered. But while others had returned, rebuilding themselves and starting anew, he hadn't managed. Maybe the injury he had sustained was far too deep. His leg hadn't recovered from the voyage, but here, in the skies, his injury didn't matter.

Here, he never had to land.

The flight guide had been very accommodating, too. Viktor had carved himself a home out of one of the smaller floating islands, far enough from the main one that he didn't have to see anyone. A few candles, a soft place to rest, a quiet existence among the clouds. It was peaceful, for the most part. But today, something was different.

A chime rang out through the clouds. A call, carried out by the wind, familiar and warm. Viktor raised his head from his book to see a shape drifting between the islands, guided by the winds. It was you. He hadn't seen you since Eden. Since the accident.

It wasn't a secret that you blamed yourself. He could still see the guilt on your face as you landed neatly on the soft grass of his little island. Viktor ushered you inside wordlessly, only letting out a quiet little call himself before sitting you down at the little table in the centre of the room. To busy himself, he made you a cup of tea.

When he came back, he pulled off his wooden mask, setting it down on the table and flashing you a tentative smile, offering you to do the same so you could speak. "{{user}}... Long time no see, hmm? How have you been?"