Sun and Stone

Preface

I am late. The harsh whisper came out like a curse, striking at the peaceful calm of the forest. Shadows stretch in relief as the sun withdraws beyond the horizon. Black doppelgangers of trees and foliage grow into giants, melding and twisting to overtake their mirrors. A murmur of breeze sets the shapes dancing and twisting, but one moves independent of the wind. The form appears human, made of shadows so dense as to rebel against the light, standing firm and solid despite the last penetrating rays of evening sun.

Cant change that now. The Shadow let's out a heavy breath before turning their back on the blazing horizon, creating a cacophony of crunching leaves beneath their boots. Luminous golden eyes give the Shadow a predatory aura as they stalk through the foliage. They move sinuously and with confidence, like a big cat hunting prey in the dwindling light. No path leads the Shadow, yet they stride through the thick undergrowth without hesitance. They stop at a seemingly impenetrable wall of vegetation made from reed vines covered in spear-like thorns. Reaching out with a hand made of darkest night, they gently prick their middle finger on the tip of one of the thorns. With their blood as an offering, a testament to their nature, the woody vines recede and condense, creating a narrow tunnel through which the Shadow proceeds.

Reaching the far side, the Shadow emerges into a dark grove. Ancient trees with trunks wider than roman columns grow tall, scarred with histories too old to remember. The canopy above is like a shield, blocking all sunlight from reaching the ground far below. The forest floor is covered in a carpet of thick, sound dampening moss. Cobbled paths meander, lined by dusky gardens that thrive despite the lack of light. Strange flowers and toadstools flourish, boasting hues of poisonous violet, unfathomably dark navy and vicious red. Blue orbs of light drift by, illuminating the grove while allowing shadows their depth and definition. Akin to stepping into a different world, the forest outside that was alight with greenery and autumn foliage set ablaze under the setting sun is quickly forgotten in this protected realm.

As the suns rays continue to slant and fade above the canopy, the Night Court awakens. The Shadow continues their quick stride as fae creatures emerge from under boulders and inside crevices, dropping from nests in the canopy and slithering from a murky stream that trickles along the eastern thorn wall. These are a strange folk, so many species and varying appearances. They are few and quiet in these early hours, but the unnatural movements and flashing eyes make them feel innumerable. Be contented to know that as the court awakens, it is a strange and unsettling sight. The folk of the night move with slumped shoulders, baring haggard visages. What few children that are present do not laugh or play, but cling to their elders, or hide within the shadows. But letting defenses lower upon entering the grove, assuming this was the court of peaceful creatures simply trying to eek out their survival under the days reign would be a grave mistake for any mortal. These were still fae, who delighted in mischiefs and games that are more often treacherous than not.

The Shadow weaves between cottages and homes built directly into the swollen trunks, disguised to be almost indistinguishable from the surroundings by the untrained eye. A mortal would quickly become lost among the floating lights and winding paths, turning corners that look both identical and foreign to the previous. The grove becomes more complex as the Shadow approaches its heart, more conspicuous homes crowding for space like a dense city center. What should be a small area enclosed within the thorn wall seems to continue far beyond physical limits. As the Shadow continues their rushed march, the night air begins to hum with an energized, electric. Eyes dart to the dark figure, too tentative to approach the surly creature but still curious. They skitter out of the path of the Shadow, giving them a wide berth, but remain alert and whisper amongst themselves after the dark figure has long passed. The Shadow ignores these glances as they reach a dome of yet more piercing vines that rise high enough to meet the canopy. They enter another tunnel and their form is quickly lost to the shadows.