Kalliope, daughter of Hesperos, bard of Undine recounts:

An Evening Star

Caroun has come.

I lived in filth and terror through the end of winter and beginning of spring. Each day the goblins and kobolds grinned, pointed, and made plans for Caroun, the great sacrifice of Spring. I knew the legends. I knew they would kill me.

My father, Hesperos, must not have slept at all during that time. He looked ten years older the day I saw him; the day he saved me. He made peace with those at Astrid. He soothed the Goblins and Kobolds, not so much with his poetry, but with his promise. He gestured simply, and they understood. Hesperos saved me. Hesperos took my place. The wicked ceremony took his life.

At that moment an Evening Star shone more brightly than I ever remembered. Through physical pain and the agony of loss the star kindled. From its brightness I took hope. None too much, but only what was left over from its brilliance.

Father, you have sacrificed yourself so that I may live. I have nothing in the world that may repay your gift. I give my voice to your legend and your art. Forever shall I sing of the deeds of Hesperos, the Evening Star.

Aislings from all parts of Temuair saved my friends. They would have saved me if I were not so well hidden. Under earth, hardly seeing light except when remains of food would be tossed inside. It was solid stone as if a coffin. It was never silent. All the while there were moans from children above and something worse below; an incomprehensible sound reverberating from below.

Aislings, I shall sing the deeds of you, saviors of Undine's children. The Kobolds and Goblins of Astrid still raid Undine's outlying areas and still abduct children from her. Perhaps as long as Astrid has their attention their wicked ways will continue.

Eyes everset on the Evening Star,

Kalliope
Daughter of Hesperos
Bard of Undine