The Basalt Baths turned out to be a cascading terraces of perfectly carved stone basins, stacked on top of each other. Most of them were filled with oils, and in many of them, machines were taking baths together, but there were also a few isolated bathtubs for biological beings, with water and a desert view.

Avi was resting between Virka and Luna, gazing at the far horizon, where dunes vanished in an orange afterglow. Like long serpents, the traveling caravans slowly moved across the pale sand, and above them, the last of the ships departed.

“Soul Forge.” - Avi spoke, extending her hand. - “Within arm's reach.”

“Do you wonder what kind of place it may be?” - Luna asked.

“Well, you don't?” - Avi replied.

“I'll find it out once we are there.” - Luna stated.

“We've been through so much together...” - Avi added, whispering.

“Yes, it's hard to believe that we almost fulfilled half of our promise.” - Luna quietly added, too.

“To visit all the fifty-two stars.” - Avi reminded.

“You're bound by a beautiful goal...” - Virka interjected. - “...few choose to undertake this kind of pilgrimage, and even fewer make it to the end.”

Avi sank a little deeper into her bath. - “Virka, what is out there? You surely can tell us at least something small.”

Virka smiled with sadness. - “Those places are merely shadows of their former glory. Forsaken dreams and lost chances...”

Avi turned to Virka, resting her hands on the edge of the bathtub. - “It can't be possible. You walked among the stars, you had to see something wonderful during your journeys.”

“The flowers on the trees bloomed like a million suns, but what good are they to me when my eyes have been veiled? When their sweet honey scent only reminded me of my hunger, what could I do, chained amid darkness, surrounded by enemies? Even my plea for help was silenced by their cruel laughter.” - Virka recited. - “Diary of Solus Tores, the Fools' Feast.”

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“Virka.” - Avi uttered quietly.

Luna didn't say anything. She was deeply reflecting on Virka's words.

“I only remember the snow... slowly falling onto my arms, enveloping me in its cold embrace. I only remember when, in absolute silence, deprived of senses and thoughts, I drifted away into the night. That's what was wonderful to me.” - Virka confessed.

Avi didn't wait any longer. She jumped out of her bath and hugged Virka, wrapping her arms around her neck. - “Please, don't say anything like that.”

Virka almost froze. - “Avi...”

“Please... please...” - Avi sobbed. - “It'll pass, I promise.”

“You misunderstood me.” - Virka said, gently distancing Avi from herself. - “I...” - She quickly hesitated and doubted her own words, unable to explain them.

“You're deeply hurt.” - Avi stated. - “I know you're calling for help. I know that when you smile, you hide all your pain.”

“Avi...” - Virka whispered out.

“Please, remember, even when we are not with you, even when you want to be alone – there is always someone who cares about you, someone you can return to.” - Avi said. - “From the bottom of my heart, I beg you, please hear my call.”

Virka still had a sad smile. She ran fingers along Avi's waist, gently caressing her. - “Warm like a morning sun... and a fragrance as soft as a snowdrop. I have never desired to hear someone sing so sweetly more... but to me, you're a forbidden fruit.”

Avi looked straight into Virka's eyes and declared. - “We'll sing together! To chase away these dark clouds! I promise!”

Virka tried to hold her laughter, but she soon burst into it. - “My, my... you're pretty daring for your age.”

Avi appeared clueless.

Virka smiled at her flirtatiously, but Avi completely missed it, so Virka added. - “You must be careful what you promise, and to whom, because I might come one night and steal you and your song away from Luna”

Avi crossed her arms, pouting. - “I'm being serious and you are messing around.” - She still didn't understand Virka's allusions.

Luna already could barely stand watching Avi cuddle up to Virka, and when she heard everything else, she discreetly glanced at Virka to non-verbally tell her not to even try.

“Despite everything... Virka, remember about us.” - Avi added. - “I'm always here to listen to you.”

Virka didn't respond to this. Instead, she started humming a melody, then singing. - “Far away from home, the stars light my path. Here I am, lost in fears and doubts. All I look for is to know why I was meant to be. Running, until I can no longer breathe, until the last autumn leaves fall. Far away from home, bound to act out one role after another, promising a love that isn't real. The void in my heart rips me apart. I don't want to run anymore, but is there anyone I can return to...?”

Avi didn't interrupt her. She lay next to Virka and closed her eyes.

Virka continued. - “Cold and lonely, I come awake. Was it you who reached out your hand to me? I can't tell...”