Eslia wasn't particularly fond of the catacombs however she did make it a habit to visit. As far as she knew Essi had no family within these tombs, none blood related. As strange as some might find it she felt a sense of kinship with those who rested here. Alone even though surrounded, most forgotten, stuck. She even wondered if they had a sense of jealousy for those few in the catacombs that do get visitors. It was hard to think of but she too would sometimes get jealous when seeing family visit their dearly departed. Not for the grief those left behind had but because she knew no one that would grief her so desperately. Knew no one that would have loved her so purely in this world they would terribly miss her when she moved onto the next one. It scared her that she could be left behind so completely. 

So that is what she would do here. Essi would visit some tombs that were no longer tended, and pray for those within. She may not know all of their names but she would not leave them behind. Eslia would weep, smile, and yearn for their life. The one they could've lived and the one they had lived. Yes it may be selfish to some degree. Though to make herself feel better she thought this selfishness as in the way a bird makes a nest in a tree. The bird does not ask the tree to take up residence but it also does not need to be asked to keep the termites away. 

Essi walked through the catacombs following her intuition. This is usually how she would navigate the catacombs as she figured spirits would know if they wanted company or not. As she traversed deeper she began to hear weeping. Mournful, filled with pain, and guilt sobs from somewhere within the tombs. Typically she would let those pay their respects and not get in the way. This was different. It felt and sounded different. Before she realized, she was running, desperate to reach the source her heart bursting with emotion the closer she got. Skidding to a stop she saw big glistening eyes looking up at her. 

The person did not look very old but she wasn't one to question someone's age. The sobbing had stopped while this stranger looked up at her somewhat afraid and confused. Essi walked up to them and dropped to her knees. Then with a fluid motion wrapped her arms around them bringing them close in a firm embrace. The person's body melted into her and they began to wail. Their body shook violently as their sobs quaked through them. Tears had been streaming down Essi's face but she did her best to keep quiet this was their mourning. Not her own. Moving slightly she stroked the person's hair as they slowly became quieter.

 "I waited too long. They're gone. Now nothing can change. I don't even know what happened."

The person's tearful voice sounded out as their body trembled. Their words heavy with regret and heartache. Essi adjusted herself to bring the person into her lap and rested their head on her shoulder. It may have looked a little comical as the person was a fair amount taller than her. Nevertheless Eslia gently rocked them and asked softly. 

"Tell me my dear sorrowful one, do you believe in the Divines?"

"Yes my perfect stranger, I do."

"I cannot tell you how they got there but, I am confident I can tell you what happened when they arrived in the next world." 

"Please, tell me what has become of the one I loved so dearly."

"Well as they found themselves in the next world they were somberly greeted by Moros. As frightful as he seems he is gentle and quiet, reaching out for payment so they may be taken to their next path. Paying their tithe they are brought to Faelis. With her knowing and just eye she tells them, fate still has plans for them so they must not lose hope but she knows they need rest. So on a cloud of stars and cosmos she ushered them to hearth and home of Sylvana. She is warm and inviting, embracing those who enter her home that never lacks for seats, good company, and hot food. Worry not they will never be bored Gnosis shall teach them every secret of the universe they had ever wanted to know. They will never be lonely for Elysia shall tell them all the ways you had, and continue to, love them. They will never again know fear for Kharn himself stands guard proud of them for doing their best to conquer their conflicts, fears, and foes. They are safe, cared for, and know they are loved. Do not grieve their happenings or the memories, just the absence. Like that of a crestfallen goodbye said with no idea when you'll see them next. You will though, someday the balmy sun rays will tickle your cheeks just so that when you look up you'll be greeting them with a smile."

The person silently wept while listening to Eslia, their hands desperately clinging to the young beast infernal. She continued to hold them for what felt like hours gently stroking their hair and rocking them. Letting them take the time to digest everything they were feeling, so they would not be alone and would not fear judgement. After a while the person stirred and went to stand, Essi quickly helped them to their feet patting their back. 

"Thank you my kindly perfect stranger. My sadness is muddled and dirty no longer."

"No thanks needed my tenderhearted friend. Live well so we too shall meet again."

They smiled at each other before Essi departed wanting to give her new friend some privacy with their loved one. However she couldn't help herself, she turned her head to take one last farewell glance at them. She was struck speechless though as she saw, no one. Not a soul. No fear gripped her at all though as she stood by herself in the middle of the catacombs. Instead she clasped her hands together and said a small prayer to Moros, for a happy and safe passage to all those that came to him.