Call of It'slémwé

The Call of It'slémwé is the sacred summons that draws a spirit toward its eternal rest within the divine realm of It'slémwé. Heard at the moment of death—or in moments of great suffering, clarity, or sacred stillness—it is not merely a sound, but a metaphysical pull experienced as music, memory, love, and light. It is considered by many to be the voice of the Mother and Father themselves.

When the Call Occurs

The Call manifests near or at death, but also grows louder in old age, especially among the Valorèin.
For those spiritually attuned, like the Valorèin, it can be heard faintly throughout life and crescendos in their final moments.
Some species, in moments of suffering or deep reflection, may hear the Call prematurely and must choose whether to answer.

The Call While Dying

The Call of It'slémwé does not require the soul to be fully severed from the body. It may manifest during the process of dying, especially in moments of:

Extreme injury
Fading consciousness
Emotional surrender or spiritual enlightenment

Those near death may hear the Call as a whisper, warmth, or glow in their mind's eye, offering them a choice:

Answer it and pass into the light peacefully, even if their body still breathes.
Resist it, clinging to life in hopes of survival, duty, or love.

This experience has led many cultures to describe the Call as a “threshold melody” rather than a funeral song.

Resistance and Vow-Bound Souls

Though peaceful and beautiful, the Call can be resisted:

Some mortals refuse the Call, waiting for rescue or clinging to unfinished vows.
Merik Teslek once resisted death entirely, choosing to remain near Mèra Ûrlek Teslek even in death.
Merik Teslek also many times resisted death entirely due to a vow made in the presence of the Godhead. He chose to keep his vow to Princess Mèra and the Godhead kept him alive even with injuries that should have killed him.
Spirits who ignore the Call indefinitely may drift toward darkness if unanchored by duty or righteousness.

Individuality of the Call

Each soul experiences the Call uniquely:

Some hear a chorus of music more beautiful than mortal sound.
Others perceive it as the voice of the Mother and Father.
The experience is always tailored to the soul's spirit-essence and life.

Deafness to the Call

Certain species, due to spiritual decay or lack of faith, cannot naturally hear the Call:

The Naa'ôna guide these spirits, taking their hands and leading them through the Stars.
During mass deaths, they appear invisibly to the dying, guiding entire lines of souls.

Corruption and False Calls

The Call cannot be faked—but it can be drowned out:

Some hear only the horrific wailing of Malis if their spirits are too darkened.
In rare moments, the Naa'ôna may intercede and pull a spirit away, though many are claimed by Malis regardless.
This false auditory terror is often misinterpreted as “a second Call,” but it is not.

The Call and Peace

Spirits greeted by the true Call feel overwhelming serenity. Even fear of death is dispelled. However, spirits unaware of their own death may initially panic before the peace sets in.

The Call and Divinity

Those who carry Elements of It'slémwé, or who have become Lesser Deity (Lethurèa) or Deity (Lethurèa), do not hear the Call as mortals do:

Instead of summoning them, it completes them—a homecoming echo, not an invitation.
Near-death, they may still hear the voices of the Divine Parents, affirming their final transition.

The Final Call

On Judgement Day, every spirit who still lingers in Yedistren will receive the Final Call (Lethurèa):

This Call is absolute and irresistible.
Even Malis will hear it—though he cannot answer. He will be taken in chains by the Naa'ôna to stand before judgment.

The Call and the Lost

Some spirits, especially those killed by high trauma (e.g. Plasma Blasters, Rift Gate (Lethurèa), or Kroetar) are scattered into Voyd, beyond the range of the Call.

The Naa'ôna must retrieve them manually.
These souls are not lost forever, but delayed in their journey to It'slémwé.