The Allure of Midnight

Chapter 1: The lull of Ambiance

Pale, porcelain hands smooth as a polished steel gingerly caressed the face of a smaller elf within the still, clear water. They lithely floated while longingly diving into the deep blues of each others eyes. A soft, warm, ethreal light began to glow, enveloping them within it's luminescence. There was so much understanding within that paused moment of bliss where strong magic connected their life's essence to one another. They were one of the same soul for but a instant.

"The Favoured One loves you so much, you have no idea child."

Camille's gentle voice sliced the haunting silence of the room. Finely shaped stone adorned with worn oak made up the walls that were lush with overgrowth and vegetation branching outwards. An Altar sat at the base of the small pond, ancient magic carved into its rough surface. It was fitted with gold and fine gems crafted by the hands of Dwraves from the great mountains of Andori as testament to the Favored Ones benevolence. Camille's careful digits ran through Annelieses's long blonde hair as she held her head, cradling it with her arm.

"Dream with me child, and let his favor take you."

The glowing water swallowed whole Annelieses's silhouette as Camille carefully submerged her entirely beneath the water's surface. A sudden rush of emotion overwhelmed her. Elation, security, bliss, the strange touch of ancient magic had tickled her senses to a degree she had never before experienced. Becoming one with the Favored ones essence was a privilege only those who studied the ancient arts to protect the Order of Midnight. This sensation of ease overcame her as she was abrutply pulled from the dream.

Camille raised Anneliese back to the surface holding her lovingly in her slender arms. The high pristess of Midnight lips curled into a thin smile before she whispered into Ann's ear.

"You've graduated Anneliese, blossoming into a Star of Midnight. May the Favored one bless you in his light young one!"

Her hand instinctively reached out and traced the smooth contours of Camille's elongated face. She was a beautiful elf, tall with precise features that gave her the beauty to enamour men of all races. She was six hundred and ninety seven years old - one of the eldest elves in the world, privy to magic long lost and forgotten. The magic diminished around them whislt Anneliese whispered

"Dream with me of Midnight..."

Exiting the pool of water, Anneliese's pale skin seemed to shine in the dimly lit room. "Asfir Flami" Camille whispered while waving her hand across the candles tip. A flame was breathed into existence casting it's warmth throughout the room. Greeted with a ebony cloak that had the crescent moon embroidered into the back Anneliese dressed herself and grabbed her spellbook which now had multiple spells etched into its pages by magic.

"High Priestess what now?"

Anneliese had always dreamt of the time when she would fully be embraced by the Favoured One. Becoming blessed in his light was the sign of ascendance in the Order of Midnight. Those with latent magical power were taken in and taught the secrets of the world. They were taught how to cultivate that magic into purpose, in the name of the Favoured One. It was a honor not many got to experience.

Camille stepped closer to Anneliese, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Dream more, focus and let him guide you." Stepping out into the large hall they talked amongst themselves briefly about the things to come of the future.

"I'll meet with you later, I have five more of your sisters and brothers to initiate. Come find me in the great hall half past the moon's descent."

Nodding Anneliese went about her way alone, still fascinated by the unlocked potential of her latent magical abilities. She could still feel the energies resonate within her body, though foreign it felt like it had been there all along. Having been the only child born to the High Priestess - Camille there were plenty of lofty expectations shouldered by her. For so long she had walked in her mother's shadow, finally set free by the Favoured Ones ivory light. She was no longer a shadow.

The halls were filled with many people who both studied and maintained the temple. Humans, Dwarfs, Elves, and Halflings filled the Orders ranks. Though typically magic was strongest in Elves who were said to be born from it, others too had gained the light of the Favoured One to become imbued with knowledge and power.

Anneliese came to a stop as she entered the foyer of prayer. Large statues of the Favoured One and his three most trusted Stars of Midnight stood tall. Magnificently carved of stone said to whistand the Ruined Lord himself. Several others were keeled before the likeness of their Lord in deep meditation and prayer. The silence perforated the stifling ambiance of the room. Anneliese knelt clasping her hands together and let her mind drift.

Sometime had passed, how much? She couldn't tell, but she felt a hand upon her shoulder, that found it's way to slowly tracing her jaw line . "May you live in his Favour blessed one!" The familiar voice ushered Anneliese from deep thought. "Zwei!" She responded softly whislt returning the gesture of gently stroking his pointed chin. "May you always have his favour loved one!"

This was a simple greeting practiced by those within the Order of Midnight. It was reserved for those who experienced the intertwining of their souls core with one another and the Favoured One. Zwei was tall and thin, but he was muscular with wide shoulders and sharp features. His brown hair was shaved on the sides and reached down past the nape of his neck tied into a single braided. A golden bracket decorated the braid.

He had been a Star of Midnight since she been born albeit only leading her in age by twenty years. He was her best friend: kind, yet stern, brave, but caring. He was someone she admired very deeply. "His light bathes you in moonlight beautifully Anneliese. " They broke contact in unison as she stood up, unraveling her unkempt hair. "Come Zwei, let us find privacy in the courtyard, night is upon us soon." Zwei nodded in agreement as they left and made their way outside through the giant brass door.

Night's curtain arrived unperturbed by the dawn's light. The ivory moon was fully bloomed in all its splendor, audience to the millions of twinkling stars that danced vividly amongst black sea above. The air was cool to the touch as they followed the worn cobble path that lead to the gardens. A multitude of colorful flora decorated the paths, large trees towered high above, but none were higher than the World tree.

It stood magnificently above the others, it's multicolored petals and leaves shined beneath the moon's gaze. It was millions of years old. Experiencing all there ever was to experience. Anneliese placed her hand upon the World Tree. It rough texture was familiar.

"I was one with the Favoured One, it was amazing Zwei."

"Really now?" Zwei smirked, he could see the light in her eyes. How they held the such wonder.

"I've never felt anything so amazing, so surreal in my life. Finally ive taken my first step!"