A Good Man Awakens

The Temple of Forgotten Dreams

I walked through the forest, the soft earth beneath my new boots making each step light and soundless. Elbis floated beside me, his wings humming faintly in the still air. The landscape was bathed in silvery moonlight, transforming the world into shades of deep blues and greys. Unlike the warmth of Villias' domain, there was no river here, no soothing rush of water to accompany our footsteps. Instead, the night carried the gentle whispers of leaves brushing against one another, a soft and constant sound, like nature itself was breathing.

The moon hung low, casting everything in an silver glow. The trees, tall and ancient, reached skyward like blackened fingers, their leaves shimmering faintly under the pale light. The air was cool, carrying with it the fresh scent of moss and damp earth, a sharp contrast to the warmth of the day. I noticed how the shadows stretched long and twisted across the ground, flickering with every movement we made.

"I am inclined to believe your story about Villias," Elbis began, his voice quiet yet clear in the stillness of the night. His wings fluttered gently as he spoke, the delicate light reflecting off them, giving the illusion that he was wrapped in a soft, glowing aura. "There are tales... stories that speak of something similar, or at least relatable to what you've told me. But the risk you pose to me and my people is too great. If you were to leave this place and tell anyone, or if someone forced you to speak, well... we'd be dead within a span."

I stopped, the gravity of his words settling in the cool air around us. The thought of being trapped here, no matter how beautiful the surroundings, was unsettling. "What are you saying, Elbis?" I asked, a frown pulling at my face. "That I can't leave? That I'm a prisoner here?"

"Nothing like that," Elbis replied hastily, his wings fluttering nervously. He glanced at me with wide eyes. "We're not like humans. We don't kill or harm people. Absolutely not. We only wish for you to stay here, within the vale. It's for your safety... and ours."

"Huh." I sighed, gazing up at the moon filtering through the treetops. "And how long would you have me stay here?"

Elbis hesitated, his small face tight with concern. "How long do humans live? It might be longer in this place... but yes, that long."

I shot him a sidelong glance, a bitter laugh escaping me. "So I am a prisoner. Elbis, I can't stay here for the rest of my life. I'd lose my mind. I have something I must do—something for Villias, though I don't fully understand what it is yet."

Elbis floated silently beside me, his expression conflicted. He clenched his tiny fists, clearly torn between protecting his people and allowing me the freedom I sought. Finally, he spoke, his voice barely a whisper under the moonlight. "Two spans... stay here for two spans, and I'll find why our vail has been pierced. If it's not just you, then we need to prepare.."

His words were taut with tension, his eyes pleading as they met mine. I sighed, feeling the weight of his offer. Two spans wasn't forever, and I had no intention of rushing away just yet. There was so much to learn here—so much I didn't understand. Who were these creatures, and why did humans seek their destruction?

"All right, Elbis," I said softly, meeting his gaze. "I'll stay for two spans. It would be a pleasure to learn more about you and your people. We have much to share, I think."

The tension visibly drained from Elbis. His clenched hands relaxed, and his wings drooped slightly as his shoulders sank. The small fey even seemed to lose a few inches of height as relief washed over him. When he smiled again, it wasn't the forced, grimacing grin he'd given earlier—it was soft, content.

"That's wonderful news," he said, his voice light again. "Come, we'll find you somewhere to sleep, and I'll introduce you to some of the elders. There are a few who will be eager to meet you. Then, of course, we'll discuss how to arrange your departure at the end of two spans."