Let’s take a closer look at Sionareth. What is Sionareth?

Sionareth is a world orbiting a binary star. Its larger and brighter component resembles what we’d call a yellow dwarf. The second is smaller, dimmer, and far more modest — a red subdwarf. Already, it’s clear we won’t get far without a touch of magic. Sionareth is a world where magic is as natural as gravity.

Two moons orbit Sionareth. And yes, they too require a generous dose of magic. The moons — Veyra and Keth — aren’t our focus right now.

The only known continent, surrounded by the endless waters of Sionareth’s oceans, is called Tal’gorr. On that, nearly all Tal’gorrians agree. And that’s where things start to get complicated.

Most inhabitants know that Sionareth is a planet, and Tal’gorr lies upon its surface. A smaller group, however, knows with absolute certainty that Tal’gorr is a flat landmass carried on the back of a massive sea creature named Sionareth. These are the Flatbearers — or less politely, the Plankfolk — but officially, they’re the Advocates of Intelligent Bearing. The rest don’t mock them. On the contrary, they rather enjoy their company. After all, where else would you find so much entertainment?

Now let’s step into a tavern on Tal’gorr and wait for a moment Earthlings call 2:30 a.m.:

Advocate of Intelligent Bearing (third mug in, eyes like twin Keth transits): “Sionareth carries Tal’gorr on its back. A great sea creature.”

Astronomer (tired, but still balanced like Veyra): “No.”

Advocate: “Then tell me — what does Tal’gorr rest on?”

Astronomer: “Sionareth.”

Advocate (triumphant, with a grin bright enough to light a red star): “See? I’ve been telling you all along.”

Astronomer (quietly, into an empty mug): “I meant the planet…”

Advocate (already leaving, waving dismissively): “Planet, creature — same thing. As long as it carries!”

Innkeeper (to himself): “And I thought the worst were the ones who believe the moon has a hole.”

Which brings us back to Sionareth’s two moons. The larger and slower Veyra, and the smaller, faster Keth, share the same orbital path. You might object — that’s impossible, unless Veyra has a hole.

Well — she does.

From time to time, the smaller Keth passes straight through Veyra. Not behind her, not beside her. Through her. Veyra has a tidally locked rotation, always showing the same face to Sionareth. Some say it’s because she refuses to reveal the other side. Others claim the other side doesn’t exist. And the Flatbearers insist it does — but only when no one’s looking.

And so Keth always “hits the mark” and passes through without a scratch.

That’s where a healthy dose of magic comes in. No one knows whether the hole in Veyra is real or magical. What’s certain is that Keth’s transit through Veyra is always carefully observed, predicted, and monitored. It’s a time when, even in a magical world like Sionareth, strange things happen — and reality becomes a suggestion, not a rule.