In the South Capital, the last rays of light are fading away through the windows.
Children are going to bed, falling in the land of their innocent dreams.
Men are returning home after a hard day of work. Guards are changing over for the night shift.
Most are falling asleep, some are awaking.
Some may mistake those clothes for forest warriors, but those wearing them are much more ancient and powerful than any human ever lived.
In the deep forest, the golden leaves are falling, glistening with the last rays of the sun, fading away, leaving room to the shadows.
The beautiful and warming landscape of golden Autumn has now turned into the dark realm of the night shadows.
Creatures, who do not belong to the light are leaving their underground sepulchres, winged shadows under the starred sky.
Swiftly. Lightly. Freely.
Their wild eyes reflect the lights of the stars and moon.
One shadow is moving with slow and light steps through the village, with his hands bound together on his back, a long midnight blue cloak, his hair with silver highlights under the moonlight, his bright and deep eyes as old as Time.
The weight of his long years now growing heavy on his shoulders.
Looking into those eyes is looking into the depth of Eternity.
The Ancient Feldor, no one knew his age, but he was older than anyone could imagine.
He came to those lands a long time before man did, with his people, his children.
Another creature is walking next to him, with the same light and slow step.
His raven hair, bound in a black ribbon, falls gently on his shoulder. A dark red hooded cloak, a strong and slim figure, long sleeves of a black shirt, with long and bony fingers.
His eyes so deep and bright, sparks of moonlight reflect in them like pure crystals in the night.
A gaze so beautiful and so menacing.
-Master…..- He speaks quietly, no human could hear the sound of their voices.
-Good evening, Mefistofel. Please. Let’s keep our voices low, children have just fallen asleep. -
-Forgive me, Master.... But it's not safe for you to walk alone.-
-There is no more reason to worry. The new king is a wise man. Let us just enjoy our time in peace, as long as it may seem.-
-Yes, Master. But we must not underestimate humans. I will never completely trust them.-
"My dear Mefistofel. You have suffered so much in you existence. Still you never forget your duties towards your Master."
Sad thoughts crowd Feldor's mind, thoughts of happiness, sadness, war, loss, death. His gaze wanders in the distant night.
-Master. Is everything all right?-
-Yes, Mefistofel. Everything is fine. The moon is stunning tonight.-
-Yes, Master.-
Like shadows, Master and disciple walk along the paths with steady steps.
Two silent figures in a forest of shadows.
In the woods, a feast is getting started in honour of Celandra, the most ancient witch known.
Her silver hair sparkling under the moonlight, her eyes emerald green reflecting the red sparks of the fire, her warrior spirit hidden in that old, beautiful gaze.
Memories of her childhood go through Feldor's mind. He was her mentor and teacher, after the ancient wizards were killed during the Great War, he swore to take care of her in her magical studies and to be her life guard. She had taken the knowledge of both powers of light and darkness.
He feels for her as a father. As she grew to be a beautiful woman she was now, maybe more….
A ring of fire is in the centre of the feast. Tree branches are chandeliers, holding candles, spreading soft light, tables full of freshly hunted prey: pheasant, wild boars, dears, wild fruits.
The air is filled with spices and magic.
Celandra is sitting on a tree that for her has been carved in a throne. Her robes are purest white linen, her hair is bound with white musk. Feldor approaches slowly, with a warm smile.
As Celandra meets his eyes, the Master bows and sits next to Celandra, they talk softly while the feast goes on among creatures of the forest with the singing, dancing, drinking in honour of the gods of Dark and Light.
Fairies are dancing in the air with their male companions, dressed with their hand made dresses, floating in the sky like thousands of stars.
