#scLENS

[thaliawrites]

The Beginning (Sorceress Moon-Elf)

Everyone stared. They always stared. Some in fear but most in admiration.

Back straight, chin high.

She walked down the path to her ceremony with several handmaidens carrying her delicate shawl that stretched for miles behind her. Her arms and neck were donned with silver jewellery that glinted under the pale moon. It was close to midnight with not a cloud in sight, the sky almost black in anticipation.

The ancient banyan tree swayed to the rhythm of the music played by the realm’s flute players. It was said that if you listened hard enough, you could hear each leaf singing the histories of the moon elves. Under it, stood two thrones, which seated the King and the Queen who watched their daughter walk up the stairs with soft smiles on their faces.

The handmaidens laid down her veil and Zelenia kneeled, tucking a silver lock of hair behind her ear. “Greetings, father and mother.”

“Welcome, child,” the King nodded. “It is time.”

She sent a silent prayer to the gods. If successful, this ceremony would mean she was ready, mature enough to leave her nest and learn about the people she was meant to rule. If not, she was allowed another attempt after twelve moons. However, it was not unknown that this was believed to be an ill omen.

Please. I know I can do it.

Zelenia stood up and walked to the stream under the tree. The music stopped, and all that could be heard was the calming sound of running water. She bent down and ran her fingers against the flow, softly singing the song of the old gods. The roots began to glow, light spreading up the trunk and into the leaves. The mountain itself seemed to murmur in pleasure. People slowly joined in, all their voices harmonising as one in way that would captivate any mortal.

When the song ended, she closed her eyes. “El, Zelenia Leia, el sclen sin co.”

I, Zelenia Leia, call upon you.

The whole realm seemed to hold its breath, everyone’s sharp ears stretched even further to hear any unusual sounds. However, there was nothing. Seconds turned into minutes and the eager looks on faces slowly twisted with sympathy. A single tear ran down her cheek.

I really thought I was ready.

She was suddenly shaken out of her self-pity by excited whispers. Turning to the crowd, she followed everyone’s eyes to the sky and gasped.

The dark galaxy was suddenly filled with billions of stars, all shining with an unusual violet shade. A powerful howl broke through the night, silencing anyone who dared to even breathe. Heads turned to the bushes by the stream where the rustling came from.

A colossal wolf walked out, his body made of silvery wisps that faded in and out of the shadows. Everyone gasped in awe. He walked slowly towards Zelenia with his tail held high, his large paws not quite touching the ground as if he were treading on air. Ears pointing towards the sky, he howled again.

Zelenia let out a laugh in tears, shaking slightly in relief. “You came.”

As she looked into the amethyst-coloured eyes that looked so much like hers, she heard his first words to her in the wind, his voice deep yet quite indescribable.

Of course, child. Freki and Zelenia are one.