SKATH: The Awakening Of Power

chapter 13

Lyra sat by the fire, the flames crackling softly, while the village elder, a man with a white beard and eyes sharp as knives, told ancient stories. It was a night like many others, but his tone was different this time, more solemn, as if he was about to reveal a secret only a few were privileged to hear.

“I’ll tell you a story, child,” the elder said, his voice hoarse and deep. Young Lyra huddled in her cloak, listening attentively to every word. “A story about two legendary creatures, a dragon and a Peryton. In a distant land, where the mountains kissed the sky and the forests whispered ancient secrets, these magnificent beings lived: Thalorin and Elara.”

Lyra's eyes widened as she imagined that enchanted land, so different from her own reality. The elder continued.

"Thalorin was a majestic dragon, with scales gleaming like emeralds and eyes of molten gold. He ruled the skies, strong and proud, protecting his mountains from any intruder. But deep in the forest, there was another creature equally powerful: Elara, a Peryton, the perfect blend of deer and bird, with wings that spread like the dawn and antlers that glowed with an ethereal light."

Lyra pictured Elara, beautiful and mysterious, moving gracefully through the trees, the forest itself responding to her steps.

“The balance between the mountain and the forest was sacred,” the elder continued, “but one day, a terrible storm ravaged the land. A lightning bolt struck a sacred tree, releasing a dark magic that threatened to destroy everything.”

Lyra held her breath as the elder described the chaos unleashed on that land, with shadows creeping into the hearts of the creatures.

"Thalorin descended from his mountain to find the source of the evil and met Elara in the heart of the forest, who was desperately trying to contain the dark magic. Though they were different, they realized they had to join forces to save their lands. And so, they decided to channel their essences under the full moon to repel the darkness."

The elder paused for a moment, looking at Lyra as if wanting to impress upon her the significance of what he was saying. "It wasn’t just an alliance, child. It was a bond that went beyond mere collaboration. Thalorin and Elara united their powers in a ritual of light and strength. As the moon rose high in the sky, their spell pushed back the darkness, and the land was saved."

Lyra whispered softly, captivated, “What happened next?”

The old man smiled faintly. "From that day on, Thalorin became the guardian of the skies and Elara the protector of the forest. They met at the border between their realms, sharing stories and ensuring that darkness would never again threaten their world. And so, the legend of Thalorin and Elara was born. A story that teaches us true strength comes from unity, not just power.”

Lyra, still immersed in the tale, gazed at the flames dancing before her, lost in the image of that ancient bond between such different creatures. The elder’s words stayed with her, etched into her heart.