Shores of Eternity is the sixth and largest volume of the books Thalena writes with Jin. Originally titled Beneath the Veil, it records their journeys and lives, drawing on accounts from several companions.
Composition
Thalena began the volume in her chamber at Stella Aeterna. Jin had already written several parts, including stories others had told him. She opened with what she knew of Maric and Renneth’s journeys to Thiravos and Theryssa.
She continued working on the book in her office alongside the five earlier volumes. Eira and Kaelion supplied stories orally, leaving Thalena to write them down.
Final epilogue and new title
The final epilogue describes catastrophic events that Thalena associates with choosing to ascend beyond humanity. As she writes, she questions whether its words come from her own memories, Helena’s memories or her imagination. The account includes Eira disappearing at an obelisk and Kaelion dying in space.
After completing the epilogue, Thalena decided that Beneath the Veil no longer suited the story. She removed the silver lettering from its leather cover and reshaped it into Shores of Eternity, repairing the cover as she worked. She then handed the book to Eira and Kaelion to read the last part.
Thalena’s final words commit her to remaining human and continuing to write.