Greetings @t1z1an0 !
I was thrilled by HIMIL! I learned that the Umbria region of Italy is still graced with mostly preserved medieval hill towns and dense forests. I can imagine how much more dense the forests were in the 12th century AD.
You’ve done stunning work in imagining and creating the environment analogous to the region itself - a hilled environment with mountains towering in the distance. HIMIL opens mysteriously inside of a thatched roof home settled within the thick forests of Gualdum. There is a small, dancing fire in what I would call a dirt hearth with a circlet of metal containing it. I couldn’t quite tell if this was a part of a crown or a purposeful medieval part that I have no periodic knowledge of, but if it is part of a crown, then I say this is brilliant foreshadowing!
I had to do a little translating, but I learned the biblical quote is from John 15:20. In Imiltrude’s lucid dream, she seems restless, afraid, and confused. Walking through the dense forest, we wonder what she should come upon to give us any clue as to what is going on. She comes upon mysterious figures near a large inferno. Yet, we learn early on in your description that she was sentenced to death for causing a fire that destroyed the city. Since we see that she comes upon an existing fire surrounded by mysterious figures, the Bible quote starts to develop more meaning.
If Imiltrude believes that her vision is her destiny, then her name is a self-fulfilling prophecy, as the etymology of Imiltrude/Himil is heaven.
Is HIMIL the introduction of more to come? Is the Umbrian legend of real events or an urban legend? Is Gualdum a real or fictional village? Is HIMIL a precursor to the Sleeping Beauty tale or inspired by a dark version of it? Was Imiltrude later referred to as Maleficent (to make or do evil) due to the fire she was accused of starting?
Thank you so much for sharing HIMIL with us!