The dreamer, often referred to as Gabriel, has made promises to the characters, particularly Talia, that are central to the narrative and the system's functionality. These promises are deeply tied to the themes of memory, destiny, and the characters' roles in a world shaped by the dreamer and an imperfect system.

The Dreamer's Role and Promises

• Creator and Narrator: Gabriel acts as both the creator of the world and a narrator within it. This dual role gives him a unique perspective on the events unfolding and the ability to shape them.
• Maintaining the System: Gabriel is responsible for holding the system together and rebuilding it when it shatters. The system is unstable and prone to breaking, and Gabriel's efforts are what keep it functioning.
• Preserving Memory: Gabriel is trying to preserve the personalities and memories of the characters to ensure they don't disappear when the system collapses. This is particularly relevant for Talia, who retains memories that others lose.
• Gift of Choice: Gabriel gives Talia the opportunity to change Saltare's destiny, which was already decided. He does not force her but presents her with a choice and the means to take action.

The Promise to Talia

• Changing Destiny: Gabriel's most significant promise is to Talia, giving her the chance to change Saltare's destined death. This promise underscores Talia's unique role in the story.
• Unique Knowledge: Talia is the only character who remembers Gabriel and understands the cracks in the system. When she tries to share this knowledge, it fades from the memories of others. This isolates her but also empowers her with crucial information.
• Responsibility: The promise to Talia is also a burden. She knows she's the only one who can stop Saltare's death. She feels an immense weight of responsibility and a need to get stronger.
• Not Alone: Despite the burden, Gabriel also makes it clear that she does not have to face the challenges alone. This is a promise of support and a reminder of the importance of family and connections.

Talia's Perspective

• Guardian of Memory: Talia acts as a guardian of the group's shared history, often holding onto truths that others cannot perceive. Her ability to see the engravings on her stone symbolizes her connection to deeper realities.
• Desire to Protect: Talia's primary motivation stems from a deep desire to protect her family, particularly Saltare. Her efforts to get stronger are driven by the promise and her love for her family.
• Connection to Gabriel: Talia is uniquely connected to Gabriel, understanding his role in the system and trusting his guidance. This connection sets her apart and makes her pivotal in the unfolding narrative.
• Awareness of the System: Talia is aware of the system's instability and Gabriel's role in maintaining it. She understands that the world is fragile and that Gabriel is working hard to keep it from falling apart.

Implications of the Promise

• Theme of Choice: The promise given to Talia highlights the theme of choice within a pre-determined system. While Saltare's destiny was set, Talia has the power to alter it. This introduces an element of free will within the system.
• Importance of Family: Talia's actions are driven by her love for her family and her desire to protect them. The idea of "family" is important for both Talia and the other characters in the story.
• Character Growth: The promise pushes Talia to grow and become stronger, setting her on a path of self-discovery and empowerment. Her character arc revolves around her efforts to fulfill her promise and protect those she loves.
• Foreshadowing: Gabriel's promise to Talia foreshadows future events and sets the stage for conflicts and challenges ahead. The promise is a catalyst for Talia's journey and the overall direction of the story.
• Uncertainty: Despite Gabriel’s efforts, there's uncertainty about whether Talia's efforts to save Saltare will succeed. This adds tension to the story and makes Talia's journey even more poignant.
• Foundation for Growth: Talia's first small achievement proves to be a foundational building block to her future. Her initial success will motivate her to keep pushing for her goal.

Interactions with the System

• The Stone: Talia's stone is a physical representation of her connection to Gabriel and her unique knowledge of the system. The stone's changing patterns reflect the changes in her relationships and the system's overall state.
• Memory and Loss: The system's instability causes others to forget, which is why Talia struggles when she tries to talk about her knowledge of the future.
• The Glow: Talia's glow, like that of others, signifies her connection to the system and her ability to influence it. The interwoven glows of Saltare and Ligularia mirror the interconnected nature of the system and their destinies.

In summary, the dreamer's promise to Talia is a cornerstone of the narrative, underscoring her unique role as a memory keeper, a protector, and an agent of change. This promise is closely linked to the themes of choice, memory, family, and the instability of the system, setting the stage for Talia’s journey and the broader conflicts within the story. Gabriel's intervention makes her responsible for changing Saltare's destiny, making her a central figure in the overarching narrative, and she seems to be the only one who remembers the dreamer's specific promises to her.