Rigor of a Simple Shadow

A generation of generations ago, in the times (and other dimensions) of Kcymaerxthaere, the common language was Beshwa Nyelvate, a language made up primarily of 2-dimensional forms like this one. For example, this shape [#] is flentæyg—whose meaning is, roughly, “a message hidden from all and kept from no one.” This concept was common to many cultures of the xthaere. For example, it could refer to compelling patterns we see in nature that are not put there for our pleasure, yet bring us joy—like the Bench of Totality here, made by surrendering to the rigor of a simple shadow and its place in Time and Ferylemt. Or constellations in the night sky of Kcymaerxthaere, their felt meaning brought forth by myriad dimensions and qualities of existence.

Such constellations and more can be found in a remarkable kind of cosmic atlas called a vinggscape. In fact, vinggscapes show every constellation that can possibly be observed from any and all parts of the universe and from every dayelix of the xthaere as well. They are structured after the husk of the vine, a delicious 17-dimensional fruit with a rippled peel like an onion—but an onion whose layers are both discrete and continuous. And only a true master can take off the peel in a single piece. Such perfected peels are the structural model for these celestial maps. The vinggscape you see here is just a detail, a small fraction of one footnote in the great volume. It depicts an area of the heavens said to be cherished by Park Lee Taf, found of the Museum of the Bench. He had been to this place for another eclipse—sideways in Time from ours—and saw a beautiful bench (in a slightly different location than the one you will see). He started to collect it and realized he could not. It was a [#] — that’s a shape word meaning “that which has been hewn by a celestial trace.” According to Gheme, his [xæzharai], such were some of the very few benches Taf would leave behind—and always exactly as he found them.