Silk and Ashes

This song attempts to capture the entirety of Vin's arc from Era 1 of Mistborn. It contains spoilers for all three books: Mistborn: The Final Empire, The Well of Ascension, and The Hero of Ages.
composed, recorded and produced by:
stormlyte (made up of Joe and Sharon Byerly, Eric Defend - @infamoti Infamoti Productions: bit.ly/infamoti)
artwork: "Heir of the Survivor" by Miranda Meeks (www.mirandameeks.com)
Link to mp3 and wav:
drive.google.com/file/d/1zxnnbppnUDLOf8XnQIWPbK1S4uXeM2vt/view?usp=share_link
Lyrics: docs.google.com/document/d/1mgdg7qmeYEtoWVG-xqozR1gg1Sr5MaZJ/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115974009381044517754&rtpof=true&sd=true
Personally, I am thrilled with how this song turned out, but it was incredibly difficult to compose. Attempting to draw on meaningful moments for the main character from three full-length novels proved to be the greatest song-writing challenge I have faced thus far. I reread the books and took copious notes, learning more about Vin through the process than ever before.
The themes of identity, purpose and community rose to the top in striking ways I hadn't experienced before. I hope, dear listener, that we did Vin's character justice. Please let me know what you think of the song! Tell me what you liked, what you would change, what you wished I would have included (because I obviously left out a TON). All of your thoughts and opinions help me know how to better think through and shape my songs.
Maybe more importantly, tell me how it made you feel. Having a daughter of my own now (almost 2 years old!) makes Mistborn Era 1 both harder and more engaging to read. Maybe it is that I now read it through more experienced and travel-worn lenses, granting a greater understanding of the brighter places and darker corners of the world and their interaction. Despite our desire to divide things neatly into black and white with 100% certainty, it is more often the case that it's more complicated than that. The brighter places overlap the darker corners; they bleed over into each other. The moment of this realization brings a relief that I don't have to have everything figured out, but also a sober understanding that there is a lot more uncertainty in my life than I'd like to admit.
Bonus personal material: Ever since my wife and I had Jane, we have been in a painful but beautiful process of deconstructing our faith, taking away that which does not belong, reconstructing, but leaving the person and work of Jesus at the core of what we believe, actively continuing to remove that which does not belong as we move from season to season, bright place to dark corner, and back again. It may seem counterintuitive, but our faith has never been stronger. Reading through Era 1 during this process actually helped me rebuild as it served to remind me that yes, there are indeed some bright and warm fires of the Absolute, the unchanging, in life.... but the dark woods in which those Absolutes burn are vast and uncertain. And that's reality. For now.
Back to Era 1 observations: What I love most (at least this time around!) about Era 1 is Vin's ever-growing sense of belonging and purpose throughout the books, and how she comes to understand herself and her place both in her immediate circumstances and in the greater world. In large part this happens by being surrounded by a community that loves, supports and believes in her. The presence of good community doesn't mean that she never doubts or fears, but it does mean that she has people to hear those doubts and fears and hold her tightly throughout the darkest moments, offering advice, wisdom, comfort, and even challenging thoughts or opinions as the story unfolds. In the end, I believe one of the reasons she was able to surrender her life for her friends (and the planet in general) was because, much earlier in her story, she was offered a seat near the fire of this Absolute: truly unconditional love. Once one has felt that warmth upon their face and hands, one realizes it is a gift that must be given in the same way it was received: sacrificially.
I'm not saying anything new here, but I thought I'd share my thoughts as I get ready to share this song with you all. As always, thank you for listening, and if you've made it this far, thanks for putting up with my rambling. Enjoy the song. We sure enjoyed creating it.
@BrandSanderson #mistborn #cosmere #fanmusic #mistbornmusic #cosmeremusic #epicfantasy #epicfantasymusic #scadrial

[@squeeby20]

My interpretation of the lyrics: V1 “Barely moving Barely breathing, still alive Keeping out of sight” This refers to Vin's life as a skaa thief- constantly on the verge of starvation, hiding in corners to avoid the wrath of other crew members. “Luck, preserve me Help me last another day I cannot leave or stay” Before meeting Kelsier, Vin refers to her Allomancy as her ‘Luck’. She uses it to keep other people’s emotions in check. She ‘cannot leave or stay’ because, though she despises life as a thief, she’s not sure she could survive any other way. Also, she still subconsciously waits for Reen to return. Interlude V2 “Light and laughter I hear the warning in my mind But I set the fear aside” When Vin joins Kelsier’s crew, she finds a strange sense of camaraderie between crewmembers. She doesn’t trust it, and Reen’s (Ruin’s) voice tells her to be cautious. She ignores her fears, however, and accepts what Kelsier offers. “They call him Survivor But he abandoned us for death” Just like the whispers said Kelsier dies in his revolution, ‘abandoning’ her just as Reen’s voice had claimed he would. Chorus “Rise and fall” A variation on ‘push and pull’ which is a very important concept for allomancers. “My hope, enduring Push and pull” As stated, an important concept for allomancers. Also a good metaphor for Vin’s arc in the series. Throughout, she feels that there are two sides to herself- noblewoman and assassin, silk and ashes. An important point in the series is her acceptance that she is both. “I hear his voice, haunting” Throughout the trilogy, Ruin speaks to her through her spike, encouraging or discouraging her towards certain actions. “Defend and destroy” ` a variation on ‘push and pull’ “Wrought of Ruin, made of mist” Possibly in reference to the mist spirit (later revealed to be Leras). It is known that Ruin would occasionally replicate this spirit- and pretend to be Preservation- in order to affect things that happened on Scadrial. “Survive and surrender” The two things Vin learned from Kelsier. To Survive, and to surrender her control in lieu of trust for others. “I am silk and ashes” Vin’s acceptance of the two sides to herself. V3 “Seeking purpose Am I more than just a knife For his protection?” A problem Vin faces during the Well of Ascension. Does Elend deserve/want her? Is she his lover, or his assassin? “Power pulsing I weep and choose to let him go My love, forgive me” Vin accepts that Elend is dying, and refuses to take up the power at the WOA, which she could use to heal him. Instead, she releases it, as she thought she had to do. She is later able to save Elend via the Lerasium. Chorus Bridge “I step into the Well I release a monster” Vin accidentally releases Ruin from his prison. “I cannot turn the tide The end is ever closer” She and the rest of the crew feel impotent against the destructive power of a literal god. “Imprisoned with a god” Vin is trapped within the storage cavern of Fadrex city- where Ruin appears to her. Also, she is ‘trapped’ with him her entire life through her earring. “He wears your face, my brother” It is revealed that Reen’s voice is actually Ruin. “What lies behind the mask? Just a man like any other. “ Vin’s recognition that Ruin is not omnipotent- he makes human mistakes, and can therefore be defeated. “I gave him everything But what he most desires” Everything Vin has done has only benefited ruin- but she has yet to lead him to the atium He needs to reach his full power. “One trick left up my sleeve Can I deceive the liar?” Vin tries to trick Ruin into thinking she is leading him to the atium in Luthadel, when in fact she has no clue where it is. “His slave has set me free I breathe and burn with power” After her battle with the inquisitors in Luthadel (which she lost), Vin finds herself completely at Marsh’s disposal. Marsh manages to rebel against Ruin for a moment, and rips Vin’s spike from her ear, freeing her to take up the power of Preservation. “Becoming more than I was before Ascending” Vin ascends to become Preservation. ½ Chorus “Defend and destroy Wrought of Ruin, made of mist Survive and surrender I am silk and ashes” Chorus Final Chorus “Rise and fall My mind is fading” Vin attempts to destroy ruin using the power of Preservation- but kills herself in the process. “Push and pull I hear his voice, waning” Ruin dies with her (The vessel, that is. The power of the Shard remains for Sazed, but Ati is destroyed) “Defend and destroy I pass Beyond the mists “ The Beyond is referred to in Mistborn as the place you go to after you die. It is the step after the Cognitive realm. “I survived and surrendered I was silk and ashes” Sadness. Vin is dead, but she has saved the world.

[@virgurilla4084]

I like to interpret "I hear his voice waining" as Elend dying too, I think the line has the double meaning.

[@ceinwenchandler4716]

Vin's death wasn't that sad. Elend's was tragic because of how it hit Vin, but overall... those two were just SO tired. And we get Sazed's assurance that they effectively made it to heaven. I wasn't sad they died. I felt like they had finally gotten that rest they had wanted so much throughout the third book.

[@InfernoHirex]

I can see Rise and Fall also referring to her breathing. Defend and destroy obviously shows that she defends her friends but destroys her enemies. And wrought of ruin, made of mist, I think could also refer to the fact that she was chosen by Preservation but her movements were almost entirely controlled by Ruin.

[@FatedHandJonathon]

@@InfernoHirexDefend and Destroy can also be seen as synonyms of Preserve and Ruin.

[@davidooow6678]

Really well said haha, It did hit me alot when they died, but not becuase their dead, is beacuse i wouldnt be able to read more of them, i fell in love with Vin and her history

[@El_Ju1s]

I completely lost it when the survive part came crashing into an already emotional ascending. The tears are completely worth it :’)

[@malou1480]

I just understood what he was singing after rehearing it a dozen times... I cried.

[@MorgottofLeyendell]

It's like Kelsier is calling from beyond the grave, which he kinda was.

[@astrouphel]

I know I'm a year late but I LOVE the callback to one of his other songs, Survive

[@dantemorningstar5963]

I loved the crossover with survive of kelsier. chills.

[@polgonzalo5978]

With Vin we learned what fight for our friends and love is. With Kaladin learned what's really Honor. With Sazed learned that even though We lost the most important thing in our lifes we must preserve hope. With Dalinar learned that our past does not bind us to our actions and that we can always fight to change. Sanderson is a genius and you have all my respect.

[@MrNickSmith1993]

Another Cosmere piece from Stormlyte. I'm a simple man, I see this and I click.

[@MrNickSmith1993]

That was amazing guys and girls of Stormlyte!! Thank you

[@Alex__RS]

I need your personal data, I'm going to report you to the police. You can't make me cry with every cosmere song you upload, you hurt me. But I love you. Don't stop hurting me. You deserve much more recognition.

[@mikaelferrer1015]

When at the end she said: “My mind is fading…” that really hit me so goddam hard after remembering the last pages of The hero of Ages

[@boblederp7111]

That "Survive!" actually had me and my friend freaking out. Outstanding work guys!

[@andrewpeterson5016]

I LOVE the lyrics "what lies behind the mask? a man just like any other." Multiple interpretations probably, but I thought of Ati and it just fits so well. The phrase "I am silk and ashes" having a kind of dual meaning as well is beautiful. For part of Vin's life, she played the part of a noble wearing "silk." For the other part, she basically was an assassin that left behind "ashes." But in the end, she became both; metaphorically (through the acceptance of her whole identity) as well as literally (through her physical death).

[@stormlyte]

Wow, yep you nailed it!! As a lyricist I always wonder if the lyrics will land. So encouraging to hear you confirm that!!

[@luisrogelio98]

Still not over the end of the Hero of Ages playing this on repeat

[@metumortis6323]

I love these cosmere songs. Beautiful voice too. Vin is probably my favorite character in the cosmere so this is great for me

[@findlayhannam849]

Wake up babe new Stormlyte video just dropped

[@antdev8837]

MY FUCKING GOD, THAT PART WITH THE SURVIVE. This man deserves the love from this community

[@lukeshealy1882]

I have listened to this several times immediately after reading Secret History and have legitimately teared up every time I hear the "Survive!" From Kelsier

[@IlsaTheArtist]

Look at you, just emotionally destroying me late at night. This is gorgeous, the voices, the parallels, and you captured all three books in a few verses, just amazing!

[@itaykerensm1629]

I've been looping kaladin and dalinars songs the last few days, I'm glad you put another masterpiece out for us to enjoy!

[@callandor4704]

If you haven't yet, check out "Survive" for Kelsier. Will make you appreciate that part at 4:30 all the more :)

[@Monocol]

That callback to Survive! Lord Ruler, this is so good!

[@anakouf]

I think the world knows that I just finished the first era mistborn +Secret history. I love this. You captured Vin's character so well. Well done! Now I'm gonna listen to this on repeat while studying:)

[@callandor4704]

Wow, my mind is blown. Yet another insanely good adaptation of an incredible character. I'm not savvy when it comes to music theory or the terms, but I believe the time signature is the same as Survive, and I absolutely love how it sort of feels like a different version of that at the start, then becomes it's own masterpiece. Much like Vin depended on Kelsier and had to learn to become her own person. Also, while Survive is kept rather "simple", this goes all out. That, coupled with the lyrics ("survive and surrender" rather than just "survive") beautifully underline how Vin was able to outgrow Kelsier emotionally as well. Then 4:30 hit and I'm at a loss for words.

[@stormlyte]

Holy crap. Thank you for these words. They are accepted.

[@callandor4704]

@@stormlyte By the way, have you considered collabing with other cosmere content creators? I recently found an artist called Alezeia who also made some awesome Mistborn tracks. I know I'm a broken record at this point, but your work is amazing and I'd love to see you reach more widespread recognition in the fandom.

[@commanderdreg]

@@callandor4704 it kinda already happened, checkout Ilsa the Artist's video 'Kelsier Animatic -Survive by Joe Byerly-'

[@callandor4704]

@@commanderdreg I'm a Returned Fan, I need one collab video a week to keep me alive :( Jokes aside, I wasn't aware there was an animatic. Will watch that as soon as I can. Thanks for the recommendation and heads up!

[@stormlyte]

@@callandor4704 This is a great idea!! I will look Alezeia up!! Thank you for the recommendation and your thoughtfulness.

[@definitelynotalightweaver8739]

Rust and ruin, this is incredible! Y'all never miss. This one will definitely be on repeat for awhile for me haha

[@LampCritic]

By the Lord Ruler you two did it! Vin has such a special place in my heart as she helped me find myself and you did her more than justice. You encapsulated her arc of trust and identity in a beautiful song that feels like it’s from the heart and Sharon’s voice brought me to tears. Only a month into 2023 and you’ve claimed the top spot of my music plays lists for a long time. Please never stop making music. You all have true talent

[@javil2993]

Damn dude! You are clearly a rioter misting, pushing so hard on my emotions It's great 💚 thank you for making this

[@stevenmcclary534]

I hate to um actually like this, but Rioters pull, Soothers push.

[@commanderdreg]

HOW! You got me crying over Mistborn. I wasn’t emotionally attached to that series almost at all! You have done it again. How had Dragonsteel not licensed you yet

[@Jrodgamer1]

That is what I am saying. Dragon steel is absolutely sleeping on him...

[@humancorp.2796]

i got goosebumps all over my body when the vocals of survivor came along, these songs are PERFECTION

[@everettwhitaker7829]

You storming genius. Wonderful work!

[@joshuaroper4020]

Harmony's forearms! Do you have any idea how good these songs are?! I was literally listening to Survive on my commute, then I opened youtube, and this popped up! I don't know how to describe the emotions I felt. Flashbacks to different parts of this series. It is been to long....*cracks open book* Thank you for being open with us as well. The cosmere books have also helped me sort through a lot of baggage in my life; up to and including my faith as well. Thank you for making these! They all mean a lot to me and get me very emotional. I have yet to make it through singing along with Windrunner without choking up. Thank you.

[@stormlyte]

Actually laughed out loud at “Harmony’s forearms”. Thank you for that, seriously. Wow, I am moved, truly, by your comments and reactions. How awesome the timing was that you were listening to Survive beforehand. Thanks for your openness; I am so glad to hear that you have done some baggage sorting with the help of the Cosmere. What a legacy these books, and the mind and team of minds behind them, will leave. Thanks for sharing.

[@thebardsman]

You guys are the gold standard for cosmere music, I can’t get enough of your stuff. Even got my daughter hooked on it! Thanks for your hard work and sharing this beautiful music with us!!

[@stormlyte]

@@thebardsman wow, wow wow high praise!! Thank you so much for your very kind words. Thanks for listening, and for sharing with your daughter!! How awesome. Any requests for another Cosmere song? :)

[@thebardsman]

@@stormlyte You’ve got representation with all the other major cosmere systems, maybe a Tress of Emerald Sea song would be cool with your sound?? Or Wax/Wayne or, if you’re feeling sad, Szeth?? Haha, you guys will nail anything!

[@thebardsman]

Also if you ever need a drummer for anything, I’m your guy and would love to collaborate🤘🤘

[@Maffey]

It's a good day to check KZbin in the morning. ;)

[@althor1247]

My girl! Edit: finishing it now, absolutely incredible.

[@madina8681]

Your voice is just on another level Sharon 😍😍😍 the song is so beautiful it made me cry 🥲

[@sharonbyerly7379]

Thank you Madina!! It was a very difficult song for me to sing, but it stretched me in really good ways. Joe is such an amazing songwriter that I always feel honored to sing his music. 😊❤

[@joharris2705]

Oh my goodness, this is just stunning! The whispered voice at the beginning gave me shivers!

[@sharonbyerly7379]

Thank you Jo!! ❤

[@juancamilocalvache451]

You just made me realize that I really miss Vin...

[@callmekelsier8642]

Amazing, i'd love to have your songs on spotify :D

[@commanderdreg]

Unfortunately he can’t do that without a license agreement from Dragonsteel, which is complicated due to movies I think

[@theresegretencord2470]

This is AMAZING! The lyrics, the singer's voice, that high note on Acending, the tune... well worth the wait!!

[@sr.granada]

I don't understand English well, but your songs about mistborn are always welcome. Thanks, I hope some kind soul subtitles this song like "Survive"

[@MorgottofLeyendell]

This song is aboslutely perfect for Vin, it captures so many elements from the books but doesn't feel too stressed, and the music perfectly encapsulates and guides the lyrics. You've earned yourselves a subscriber today.

[@stormlyte]

@@MorgottofLeyendell woooow such high praise. Thank you so much for listening and taking time to comment!!

[@kaladin8682]

That "Survive!" has me SOBBING. You can't keep doing this (please keep doing this these are amazing)

[@kristoffer2250]

I've been a fan of your cosmere songs, so I became so hyped once I realized who this song is about

[@sunspren]

That "Survive" was so satifying. Love me some Kelsier. I dont care if he ends up bad or not in the future. I have truly enjoyed him so far.

[@ariaslibrary]

I swear I'm not crying 😭. This is so beautiful. My beautiful child Vin 🥺

[@1Hexxer]

Holy hell this truly is your best work. Absolutely captures the feeling of Vin´s arc and that of the era 1 of mistborn.

[@PalomaNV]

This is intensely beautiful, I have no words in English to express it. I'm trying to put in order all the feelings in my gut so I can tell you how this made me feel, but I can't. Sorry. I was looking forward to this song and oh, you all did not disappoint me. The softness, the passion, the fear, you convey all those feelings so, so well. Truly a piece of art. Keep with the amazing work!

[@e443productions9]

Kelsier's theme coming in gave me chills!

[@klocegdog1023]

FINALLY edit: after listening to this a couple more times i am absolutely stunned once again, it's like your work keeps getting better and better. i loved the bassy distorted sound at 0:51 and the fragment from survive was just perfect.

[@nova613]

this is stunning.

[@separator94]

Just checked this out because of your comment on reddit, today. This is so impressive. It encapsulates everything she is, so well. Thank you guys for creating this and sharing it with all of us diehard Mistborn fans.

[@stormlyte]

I am so glad you enjoyed it!! Thank you for listening!!!

[@mariamcdonald973]

OH MY WORD. More thoughts when I have more time - but this was great.

[@juancamilocalvache451]

I'll be Here when you do Elend's song

[@jordanhaubrich870]

Okay, so I was first introduced to Brandon Sanderson novels by a friend who told me to read Mistborn. Ever since then, I've been attached to the wonderful world that is the cosmere. And while the Stormlight Archive is my current favorite series he's written, Mistborn is by far the most nostalgic, and it held very close to my heart. When I saw that you had made a song for era 1 of Mistborn, I'm not gonna lie; I got very giddy. And my gosh, did you deliver! Your lyrics depict Vin perfectly and are only assisted by your wife's beautiful voice! This song has brought back so much nostalgia and close feelings. Thank you both for sharing your talents with us!

[@ZNPI]

I love how you choose a compass that simulates the dancing (you know, valtz style) and all the epic instruments, incluiding both at the same song makes the perfect image of Vin

[@infamoti]

Such an honor to be a part of this!

[@cornelius6630]

oh wow, I got Goosebumps throughout the entire song! just wow! absolutely incredible well done! I cannot begin to describe how much I enjoyed this!

[@callandor4704]

HAH! I just spent the last half hour listening to your other songs and rereading some of my favourite scenes from the books. This is perfect timing!

[@WayneValenciano]

I was waiting this song since Windrunner, which It was the video I watched the most times last year. And this song is amazing again

[@jonathangonzalez6089]

I finished the first era of Mistborn RIGHT on my birthday, I love Kelsier, Elend and my little warrior Vin, the last moments of ANY character of first era will be in my heart forever. So this song will be the melody that’ll be resonating with the memories. I wish the best of health and a bright future for you, your wife and the little shard of love that fills you with purpose that is your daughter, thank you for this song, I will always be waiting for any song that you make, you are a genius, I hope Dragonsteel finds your work, they’ll be amazed

[@kathrynoksness2815]

Amazing! you really capture Vin's hopelessness at the beginning.

[@naomiperry5329]

Literal chills. This was absolutely INSANE. I love the incorporation of so much lore, the tune, the addition of Kelsier singing the word "survive", everything about this song. Absolutely incredible work.

[@stormlyte]

Thank you so much!! Yeah, the lyrics were pretty labor intensive!! That balance of what was important story-wise in general vs. what was important story-wise for Vin …… we tried so hard!! Haha. So glad it was enjoyable for you to listen to!! Thanks for taking time to comment!!

[@missbunnybloggeralimsl7250]

I burst into tears within the first few seconds. My heart is wrenching. As someone who looks up to Vin... And longs to play her in an adaptation, this means so much to me. 😭

[@NebulousWave]

Very awesome going to message dragonsteel it. Great job can't Wait for more cosmere-inspired pieces. If I could suggest a hero who deserves a very amazing ballot... I think it may be Wayne... Be quite a cool story to compose in song.

[@stormlyte]

Wow, thank you so much!! Wayne.......is on my list ;)

[@dovienya737]

God these just need to be on spotify man. I love them all and can't wait to see what the next one is gonna be!!

[@mariamcdonald973]

Just wanted to let you know I return to this song every so often, as well as the others, especially "Windrunner" and "Survive" - they give me great joy. There's an authenticity in them, and they are good songs in themselves aside from my love for the books.

[@stormlyte]

Thank you so much for popping in to comment, it means so much. I’m so glad they have some staying power, that’s really encouraging to hear!!!

[@manuelgomez4595]

You made me cry. It's so beautiful.

[@sirflapfla97]

You are a master of making pieces that make me relive every moment, stronger than the time i read it for the first time.

[@Chris-hr6mm]

Cool as hell. Haven't even read the Mistborn series, KZbin just recommended this for no apparent reason but I'm glad it did!

[@cristianidl1814]

I ended shivering because of all the emotion, it's absolutely incredible, thanks for creating this masterpiece!

[@CrimsonHeaven]

You guys did it again. Just beautiful ♥️

[@Comraid_Doge]

It is unbelievable that a piece of music could bring me to tears again and again...and yet, I find myself swept up in the emotion of this song every time I listen to it. I've never felt that way about a song before, bravo!

[@AmieOkami]

This is so beautiful! Gave me goosebumps! I love how the song tone changed to be more dramatic as Vin becomes more powerful through the books

[@kamannkri2491]

Just got done listening through all your songs with my friend that introduced me to both Stormlight and Mistborn. This one was his favorite, and we both got to the same conclusion, that we neeeed this on spotify!!

[@zenrythebard5587]

I found you through Bondsmith a couple years ago when I was reading through the Stormlight Archive. Now I finally got around to reading Mistborn, first thing I did after finishing Hero of Ages was come here. Absolute Masterpiece.

[@stormlyte]

Wow, such high praise. Thank you so much, seriously, for listening to my music. I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed it!!!

[@phantasm137]

This is a musical masterpiece in everyway i can imagine. The other Cosmere songs are EXTREMELY emotional, but this one is just perfect in both composition and melody. Very well done.

[@TashaEvans-g2g]

Oh my word I love this! I'm cosplaying Vin at armageddon and this gives me chills!

[@aonene17]

HI I LOVE THIS I listened to it on loop for most of my work day, so like seven hours straight? Sharon, your voice is BEAUTIFUL, and Joe, the Survive cameo gave me actual chills. This is excellent and I love it. (and your rambling is great too, so there, i am happy for you)

[@stormlyte]

Thank you so much!!!

[@aonene17]

also, completely random note as I now force my mom to listen to it, I love all the different fonts you (or you guys?) choose for each different song's lyrics. they suit them!

[@dallecinere]

This is so amazing!!! Every word perfect! My heart was stabbed in the most beautiful way by that voice!! Someday when Mistborn is made into a show or movie, they better add this to it!!

[@ZacharyJohnson1337]

Wow. This and Windrunner. Well done.

[@piikivi8532]

I cannot find words to describe how much I love your songs

[@ayser_]

Great song, as usual. Keep the good work!

[@queenalex2815]

This song gives me goosebumps, I honestly don’t think a song had ever done that for me When it says “survive” I lost it, just thinking about it is giving me goosebumps holly crap. This is a storming MASTERPIECE.

[@crisisanagram3916]

For the past week I've had this song on repeat. While I don't love Vin as much as other cosmere characters, this song is a beautiful encapsulation of her whole arc. The composition and the slow build up shows how she grows more and more to trust people and her identity is just stellar. It's probably one of the best songs you've made till this date alongside Survive and Windrunner.

[@stormlyte]

I really, really appreciate you taking the time to comment and share your thoughts. It means a lot to me. I am so glad you’re enjoying the song!! It was definitely one of the hardest (if not THE hardest) so far in terms of capturing an arc.

[@rookiecookie722]

I am sharing this with my whole family (those who have read era one) your music is so good. Why are you so good at stirring my emotions and making my eyes teary? Haha!

[@rookiecookie722]

Beautiful beautiful! Thank you for this

[@davidmachado7015]

You are gonna make me cry, it's perfect

[@bolobingbixy8680]

Another amazing song. AMAZING job.

[@TheDarkeyedMusician]

So beautiful! Love the lyrics and the beautiful vocals! It feels edgy but ethereal at that same time. Very appropriate for Mistborn.💚💚💚

[@stormlyte]

Wow, the Darkeyed Musician herself!! Thank you SO MUCH for listening and taking time to comment!! Means so much.

[@insertname5371]

Welp i know what im listening for 5 hours

[@lindsayt8284]

This is such a beautiful tribute to our lovely Ascendant Warrior! Oh my Ado, this is beautiful!

[@atreides213]

When the male vocals come in during the climax, aside from the first 'Survive!' Which I interpret as Kelsier passing the power of Preservation to Vin, I interpret the other lyrics as Sazed singing in tandem with Vin. He is the next inheritor of preservation after all, and his own life was both silk (from his high servant's robes) and ashes (his association with the common people as a travelling keeper/diplomat).

[@stormlyte]

@@atreides213 ooooooh I like that a lot. Thank you for sharing!!! And for listening!!

[@JimMcKeeth]

Wow, amazing

[@juliojv1902]

Thanks for your work

[@TheDavidsana]

This almost brought me to tears. Why isn't it on Stopify you're so good!!

[@chipotlewhitegirlstarbucks1015]

stunning!

[@infernalsquid]

I love the symphonic arrangement! (AND REALLY APPRECIATE THE HEAVY GUITARS AND DRUMS!)

[@Mickki99]

Incredible!! As always, I can only just hope that you keep making these masterpieces.

[@pokefei8687]

I just finished the third book yesterday and I ran to listen this song because I am huge fan of your music even I dont understand the complete meaning of the letters. I just want to thank you to produce this music that it gives me the posibility to conect with Mistborn in new ways and remark the last sentence of the song: I was silk and ashes was so painful but relieved for the incredible story I could read in part for your songs. Thank you so much. Pd: I put Survive in loop for read the books and it was just incredible that part in this song

[@oritex3000]

man, you made me cry. You're really talentous keep it doing those pieces of art

[@IwanSA]

This song is incredible! My respect for authors and performers.

[@sirflapfla97]

You need to sazed or wax and Wayne next. You did amazing with this. I can only imagine how good those songs will sound.

[@channelnamepending8329]

You never miss dude. My man has hit us with another banger.

[@thespartan9304]

Dude, I just found you and listened to ALL of your cosmere songs. I’m actually losing my mind, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN

[@eselrusty7482]

This was incredible