Although native to Cyrene, there was a time when I was uncertain about
who I was, as a person. As everyone in my family practically lives in
Cyrene, feeling suffocated, I fled to Tasur'ke where I found the Garden
of Whispers and away from my parents, Euevenoch and Kaelar. Eventually,
Elora led me back to Cyrene and, with the help of some strict guidance
from Metzger along the way, helped me finish my training as a member in
the Ty Beirdd house, preparing me for life as a bard. Any time I feel
the need for a bit of quiet, and sometimes while out wandering with no
specific direction in mind, I'll find myself walking through the grassy
plains, skirting the Ithmian forest, and along the Tasur Road until I
find I've returned to the Garden of Whispers again. The hypnotic,
haunting voices that reach my ears are a gift. The spot is so dear to me
that it's the place I chose to exchange vows with my beloved Azurin. It
seemed only fitting that I write about a place that had an impact not
only on my life, but the lives of others as well.
This poem is dedicated to the muses of love, and the sea, and of course
to the spirits of Niliana and Darius.

Niliana, did you know it when the gods touched your heart?
Did you know that your true love Darius held a heavenly pact?
Were you aware that before his work on the monument did start
The deceit behind what appeared as a benevolent act?"

The Garden of Whispers near the Tasur'ke shore
Holds secrets and mystery, legend and lore.
For the voice of the gods will sound on the air;
Hold still for a moment and listen if you dare."

Darius and Niliana lived happily as husband and wife
Until her visits to the Garden of Whispers grew longer.
Her worship of the statues caused the couple great strife
As insanity's hold on the bride began to grow stronger.

The Garden of Whispers near the Tasur'ke shore
Holds secrets and mystery, legend and lore.
For the voice of the gods will sound on the air;
Hold still for a moment and listen if you dare.

On the wind whispers lied - intentional contradiction;
And poor Niliana tried to obey each and every word.
Eventually, she was driven to incurable mental affliction.
As Darius's lady jumped from the cliff, a scream was heard.

The Garden of Whispers near the Tasur'ke shore
Holds secrets and mystery, legend and lore.
For the voice of the gods will sound on the air;
Hold still for a moment and listen if you dare.

Tormented by the news of his beloved's tragic demise,
Poor Darius realized Caspian's statue had been ignored.
In atonement he built an alter in view of the sea's eyes.
As he jumped from the cliff, "Reunite us," he implored.

The Garden of Whispers near the Tasur'ke shore
Holds secrets and mystery, legend and lore.
For the voice of the gods will sound on the air;
Hold still for a moment and listen if you dare.

Are the whispers merely the wind passing through the stone?
If you stand very still, do the whispered messages cease?
How many messages will you hear? Which will be your favorite one?
And if you listen long enough, will you find Niliana's peace?


Penned by my hand on the 15th of Valnuary, in the year 410 AF.