Origins of Elyclosy

Prologue

Creatures of the night reclined low beneath the brushes; in crevices and crags, knowing the peaceful aura of the woodland was about to be disturbed. Wisps hid their soft light beyond the large leaves of raphia trees, the wind calming their frantic whispers into a lulling lullaby that sounded like a melancholy tune. Insects and beetles with wings of wonderful bioluminescence flew into the grasses and reeds, cupping their fragile annexes about their sleek bodies, nestling into the sweet earth or resting amongst the flower-scattered marsh. Fallen leaves due to the autumn months crunched and sang beneath the footsteps of a fae male that walked at a steady pace, as if having not one care in the world, yet owned a stealthy alert.
Mushrooms and bluebells glowed emerald and violet, the male carefully avoiding stepping on the glowing flora which was particularly rare for the climate and region of Cavren. The life of the woodland quieted immensely; nightly aves and invertebrates ceased their moonlit chatter and buzz as if attempting to listen to the inhaling and exhaling of the immortal male as he stalked his way about the marshy grass.
"Sothis, look," the fae whispered to the nix sitting atop his shoulder. The small creature of moss made a small peeping sound as she fluttered her delicate wings to hover next to the fae's cheek. The male in the maroon robes stopped walking and knelt on the dewy grass. Pale fingers stretched out from the long sleeves, reaching for a single plant that was burrowed between a patch of mauve irises. The kidney-shaped leaves and light grey blossoms made up a plant scarcely seen about the mainlands.
The nix called Sothis bent at her waist to peer down at the flower. There was a sheer cloth that disclosed the fae's face, creating a fascinating reflection from the phosphoresce of the glowing vegetation. "A salicaria," he said softly. "How exquisite."
The chrysogonum salicaria was a medium-sized plant that grew in small and sometimes single groups, simply straightforward to control and maintain their growth. They were commonly known to relieve immense pain and chronic aches. The plant had a defense mechanism of poison if digested. Acidic properties deemed digestion fatale by clotting blood vessels and eating internal organs.
"Will you pluck it, master Crucifer?" Sothis peeped.
"It is alone."
"It has miraculous healing properties. Come, put it in your satchel. It will sell for a pretty penny in the shop," convinced Sothis, fluttering about the flower. The fae called Crucifer extended his hand, which bore a small leather satchel. "I can bring it to the fane for Amunet," he murmured, picking the salicaria near its roots.
"Giving a sorceress a plant will land you in the gods' narrow tunnel of discontentment. Sorcerers do no good."
The fae stood rapidly, dusting his hands against the robes of his shenyi. "Now, now," he sighed, closing the satchel and pocketing it, careful not to smudge nor wrinkle his robes. "Amunet does not dabble in black magic."
"Any form of magic against Elyclosy is reckoned black magic."
Crucifer grabbed the nix and sat her on his shoulder. "Come along." Upon casting a glance towards her master, Sothis folded her tiny arms over her chest. Moonlight snaked and dripped its way through the foliage above, casting small pools of light along the footpath that led out of the marshes and into the large city of Sraashimai. Lanterns at the edge of the woodlands appeared, releasing a yellow haze. Warmth filled the fae's chest as he approached the city he'd known his entire life.
With his noble companion at his side for over half of his years on this earth, Crucifer felt at home, even if he was away from his home. Sraashimai was known for its corn supply and clear-water sources which brought in a steady stream of travelers and worshipers from the holy city of Ese.
The warm night breezes kissed Crucifer's face as he and Sothis traveled down the path and past the gate and walls of the town. Such a feeling of bliss and serenity made him wish to lie in the tall grass and sleep beneath the myriad of stars. What a beauty the night sky was and the gods and goddesses whom had created it. Each star bore a name and each was lit by the flame of the goddess Edain every night. Legend said that once the sun sets, if you turn towards the east, you could see the goddess pull gleaming strings to rise the moon. No one had ever witnessed it, however. Some said that it went against all religion—in attempt to visually spot a heavenly being.
Elyclosy had many idols; an old belief system revolving around elemental powers and chosen emotions. Their main teachings circled around helping each other, honesty and the preservation of the earth and all that inhabit it. The teachings were often passed on through readings and talismans by spiritual leaders, whom where monks, taoists and priestesses. Elyclosy teachings came from ancient experiences of old gods who were said to have reached a form of enlightenment. Modernly, people expressed their chosen idols through bracelets, dances and tapestries.
Despite being an old belief system, Elyclosy had yet to be officially recognized throughout all the fae lands—not just Cavren. Those part of the system see Elyclosy as a source of happiness and peacefulness; while others practice and dabble in black magic and worship fallen beings and demons.
"Lost in thought again?"
Crucifer turned so sharply that Sothis nearly fell from his shoulder. They stood in front of an old shop, run-down yet riddled with chimes and bells on beaded strings. It was an immaculate, small building, yet it was home to the fae and the nix. It was one of the many shops situated in Sraashimai. The town itself was nothing compared to other cities in Cavren—it was quite plain, yet colorful. With its dark wooden rooftops, murky walls and large cobwebs, the only thing that truly shined in Sraashimai was the fanes and shrines created for the higher beings; colorful woven tapestries and beaded lights filled the areas of the fanes. They were always aglow with candles and torches. Despite its strengths and weaknesses, Sraashimai was most likely headed towards a luxuriant future under the future leadership of Ese soldiers and commanders.
"Go on," Crucifer chuckled to the nix, who was breathing rather harshly from being startled. "I'll see you at Wei's fane, all right?"
Sothis nodded once and flew into the small crack through the windowpane.
Turning his attention towards the man standing in the empty streets, Crucifer held his arms open wide, as if welcoming a stray kitten. "What gives me the pleasure of being visited by you, commander Crysten?"
"I will be leaving early in the morning for Ese," the guard said shallowly. No greeting and no welcome of any sorts. Crucifer felt in his gut that there was something terribly wrong. "Ese?" he asked. "Where will they send you out to now?"
"The Emberlands."
"By the gods, why?"
Hefting a satchel into a more comfortable position and slightly frowning at the wrinkles it caused in his own shenyi, Crysten sighed. "Commander Winterwist plans to lead his troupe through the thorn-infested graveyard of a forest two days from now. I will be leading a secondary legion behind the first."
"That's a death wish!" Crucifer grabbed his friends' hand. "Why does he want to make peace with witches and necromancers? Was it an official order? Crysten, speak with me!"
"Calm yourself, Crucifer..." Crysten cocked his head upwards, his mouth sneaking into a small grin. "Look. Do you not see the stars looking out for us?"
"This is no time for nighttime tales," Crucifer huffed, shaking his head. "You've done that ever since I met you—covering your senses of worry and panic with tales of old."
"What are you thinking will happen, my friend." Crysten's auburn eyes settled on Crucifer's bluish orbs. Carefully, he straightened the sheer curtains that framed his face that protected him from the sun's harsh rays. "I will be fine; I will not leave you alone in this wreck of a world."
"Do you swear it?"
"I swear it."
"I know you'd never break a promise," said Crucifer, dusting off the first layer of his shenyi. "I'll see you in... two phases, perhaps?"
"Yes."
"All right, then. I'll set aside exceptional prayers for you and your legion. And your fool of a commander." With a wink, Crucifer turned to enter his home, unknowing that it would be the last time he would see Crysten Laniakea alive.