Echoes of the Hidden Sun

Rejection of the Sun

Luna quickly got up to her feet, brushing off remnants of the Sun Tree's force that knocked her down. Her heart was pounding in her chest; not only because of the impact but also because of the realization that she was no longer alone. Slowly, she turned back, her marbly blue eyes meeting the gaze of  a figure standing tall, imposing in the sunlight. She caught her breath. 

Standing a few steps away, was a figure of undeniable strength and power; Solander, the Prince of Sunglade, leader of the Solariens. His golden skin shimmering with the light of the ever present sun that bathed their world. His soft golden brown hair, curled by the gentle breeze, framed a face that was both stern and striking, with sharp features that told all about his royal ancestors.

For a moment, neither of them spoke, the silence between them heavy with unspoken tension. Luna could see the curiosity and confusion in his golden brown eyes, mingling with a hint of something sharper; anger...disapproval...? She wasn't sure. But what she did know was that Solander was looking at her with the intensity of a ruler evaluating a potential threat.

His gaze swept over her, taking in her appearance; the flowy white dress that seemed to glow even in the bright daylight, her marbly blue eyes reflected the world around her with a surreal clarity, and her long, glowing white hair cascaded down her back like a river of moonlight. She could almost hear the thoughts running through his mind, wondering who or what she was.

"She looks like a child of the night..," Solander thought, unable to tear his eyes away from her. There was something magical about her, something otherworldly that didn't belong in the bright, sunlit realm of Sunglade. Yet, here she was, standing in the heart of his kingdom, before the sacred Sun Tree. His heart was full of conflicting emotions ; wonder at the mysterious beauty in front of him, and anger at the audacity of this stranger to wander into his land, so close to the sacred heart of his people.

Finally, breaking the silence, Solander took a step forward, his gaze never leaving Luna's. His voice was commanding and deep as he spoke. "Who are you? Why have you come here to the place where no outsider is welcome?"

Luna felt the weight of his words press down on her, but she did not falter. She knew she had no choice but to explain herself, to make him understand the urgency of her quest. Taking in a deep breath, she met his gaze, gathering all the courage she had within her. 

"My name is Luna," She began, her voice steady despite the fear distressing her. "I come from the realm where the sun never rises, a place where the Moon Tree guides us and gives us life. I'm here because our worlds are connected, more than you may know. The balance between light and darkness is at risk, and I must unite the powers of the Moon Tree and the Sun Tree to restore it."

Solander's eyes narrowed as he listened, his expression a mix of skepticism and intrigue. "And why should I believe you?" he challenged, his voice deep with suspicion. "You speak of balance, yet your presence here threatens the very harmony we strive to maintain."

Luna took a step forward, her determination breaking through her fear. "I know what I  ask is difficult, but if we do nothing, both our worlds will suffer. The prophecy I've seen is clear; the light and darkness must unite, or everything we know will be lost."

For a moment, Solander said nothing, his eyes searching hers for any hint of deceit. But all he saw was sincerity, a deep and unyielding strength that matched his own. He could see that she believed every word she spoke, and that belief stirred something within him; something he hadn't felt in a long time.

Finally, he nodded, though his expression remained guarded. "Very well, Luna of the night," he said, his tone softening ever so slightly. "I will hear you out. But know this; if you speak lies or intend harm to my people, you will find no mercy here."