Asgard, the realm between the planes of existence, where the ethereal and mundane intertwine, lies purgatory, a place of transition and purification. A realm suspended in an eternal twilight, purgatory is neither heaven nor hell, but a labyrinthine expanse that exists beyond time and space. If one stepped in they are greeted by an encompassing silence, broken only by faint whispers that seem to emanate from the depths of this place. The atmosphere is heavy with an otherworldly stillness, a sensation that lingers like a mournful melody in the air. 

The landscape, ever shifting and elusive, reveals desolate stretches of rugged terrain, dense forests shrouded in mist, and winding rivers that seem to flow in a dance of their own creation. The colours of purgatory are muted and ethereal, with gentle shades of grey, silver, and pale blues, creating an otherworldly palette that evokes a sense of both tranquility and melancholy. The light, diffuse and ever-changing, casts long shadows that seem to beckon, within the shadows four figures were sitting around what looked like a table. 

One of the figures lifted two dice with a steady hand. With a flick of his wrist, he propelled the dice forward, releasing them into the unknown. The dice danced through the air, spinning and turning. The sound of the dice hitting the table echoed through the space, shattering the silence. “A double again” one of the figures said it with a huge grin on his face. “I think you are cheating Orion.” 

Orion looked up with a cheeky half smile.  “Don’t you think the century was enough for me to learn how to play with dice?” 

Sitting across from him is a woman with a sly smile and a mischievous glimmer in her eyes. She playfully taps her finger on her chin. “I feel like you are bored of this game Orion. Shall we play some cards?”

Beside her sits a stoic figure, his expression unreadable a master of composure who keeps his thoughts hidden beneath a mask of quiet reverence. His steely gaze remains fixed on the table made of stacked up rocks. “Today is dice day Seraphina… you know that right?” 

“Don’t be so uptight Adorn it’s not like the time passes the same way here than in the mortal realm.” She snapped back immediately, while placing her hand gently on his forearm.

Adorn rolled his eyes and she let out a soft chuckle. Lucian looked around and said, “I’m done playing for today… not like we can beat Orion in the next century.”

Orion grinned, “I’m bored… too bored… I feel like immortality is just a drag.” 

Seraphina shifted her gaze to Orion. “What else is there to do? We've seen it all, experienced everything, and now we're stuck here, bored out of our minds.”

Adorn nodded in agreement “I hear you, sometimes I'm questioning my sanity. We've learned and accomplished so much, but what's the point when we have eternity stretching in front of us?

Lucian laid back on his chair, his arms folded in front of him “Tell me about it. I wouldn’t give up my immortality, but a fresh start sounds nice, a chance to experience something that makes me feel something. Maybe take a lover or two...

Seraphina started packing their game away, “I would never give up on immortality either. Who the heck wants to age, but I agree that It's like we're living in a never-ending loop.

Orion was listening to his peers and thought about it deeply. Seraphina looked Orion up and down. “Sweetheart, if you have the itch to do something then find the hidden artefact that was buried alongside Serena. Apparently, it has the power to unlock new dimensions of existence. Maybe it's time to make yourself useful.”

Orion turned his head on the side, “That sounds intriguing, but what if I put a twist on it?” The three figures look at each other not understanding Orion “A twist?” They said almost in unison. Orion grinned “Yes, time to play with the mortals a little bit.”

——

Orion was hunched over a small pit that was filled with crystals he grabbed one randomly and walked towards his table. Each crystal in that pit was reflecting a human life, a precious life that he had access to, not just him but every immortal who lived in Asgard. Four of them were the ones that decided the faiths of the different lost souls trapped in there. He looked at the crystal intently, so deeply he was just a few inches away from it. It seemed to hold an entire world within its gleaming facade. Its mysterious layers displayed fragments of a castle, like fractured prisms capturing moments in time. The man's weathered face conveyed a sense of excitement when his gaze, captured the face of a young woman with auburn hair lost in contemplation in a lonely chamber. Her expressive eyes mirrored a turbulent sea of emotions, reflecting the stories of pain.

“A Tress Iridium? She might be trouble for me… but she is so captivating. Let’s see how far she can go to change her faith.” He pocketed the crystal and went to lay on his bed thinking and planning his grand mischief. 

The Aurora Shard that Orion picked up possesses an otherworldly radiance, with hues shifting and swirling like a kaleidoscope of memories, fears, and dreams. Its surface, smooth and unblemished, mirrors the soul of the beholder, forming a connection between their consciousness.

As one gazes into the crystal, the past emerges, shimmering and vibrant. Forgotten joys, untold tales of triumphs and heartache come rushing back, weaving a tapestry of experiences. The reflections conjure up images of long-lost loved ones, cherished relationships, and pivotal moments that shaped the person's journey.

With a turn, the present unfolds, depicted with exquisite clarity. The Crystal displays events as they are, laying bare the truth that lies beneath the veil of perception. It reveals the choices made, the consequences faced, and the paths to be taken. The present reflection serves as a guide, allowing the beholder to navigate the complexities of their current circumstances, enabling them to make informed decisions and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

Lastly, the Aurora Shard grants a glimpse into the tapestry of the future. As the crystal projects images yet to be realised, it showcases possibilities and paths yet untraveled. It acknowledges that the future is not set in stone, but rather a culmination of choices and actions. The reflection serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, igniting the spark of destiny and reminding the beholder of their potential to shape their own fate.

However, one must approach the Aurora Shard with caution, for its truth can be both a blessing and a curse. The crystal does not discriminate between light and dark, revealing not just the glimmers of hope, but also the shadows of despair. The reflections can unearth buried traumas and illuminate the consequences of ill-fated choices. It is up to the beholder to embrace the wisdom offered by the Aurora Shard, accept their past, make conscious decisions in the present, and strive for a future filled with purpose and fulfilment. A mortal could never get their hands on the Shard, but for them the decision makers of the purgatory was a useful tool to decide the faith of a lost soul.

The more Orion turned the Shard of the young woman, the darker it got, revealing a struggle and endless pain in her future, but after that pain a glimmer of hope appeared bringing light into her life. “I guess there is two possibilities for you, my dear… the path you take on either will bring you way too much struggle and pain.” His chest tightened. “Yes, you are the perfect choice.”