Chapter One: The Meeting
Bowæn, a mighty knight of the realm, stands guard at the edge of the enchanted forest known as Shadowmere. His deep stone sapphire eyes pierce the shadows. The moon casts an eerie glow upon the castle walls. His muscular 6ft 8 frame, honed by countless hours of training, illuminated only by the flickering torchlight as he scans the forest border with his keenly trained senses.
Suddenly, a flutter of movement catches his eyes. He knows it is not just a trick of the light playing with the shadows. The sting of the winter wind brushes his black, faintly tinged blue hair over his brows. From the dense foliage emerges a striking, mysterious creature. His hands slowly rest on the hilts of his swords, ready to fight if needed.
The creature comes closer. Bowæn's grip tightens on his swords. He watches as she slowly removes the hood of her forest green cloak, revealing her red ombre black hair. Her ghostly pale skin shimmering elegantly in the moonlight. 'Who are you? ' he wonders silently. Her elven heritage prominent. Her dark emerald eyes glow with a gentle luminescence hinting at her being a creature of the night. Although he is unsure of which kind this beautiful elf belonged to.
She slowly approaches him with such grace that belies her small figure. She's a little chubby, yet toned from all the grueling nights she has to fight to survive. He instinctively draws his swords, he watches her curiously.
His gaze softens as he takes in her 5ft 1 height. He recognizes the gentle aura surrounding her. "Halt!" he commands in a firm but not ruthless tone.
"What brings you elven creature of the night, to the borders of the kingdom of Dunmire?"
She smiles coyly at him, revealing her delicate fangs and whispers in an ancient language known only by the Gods and Goddesses now. "I come seeking the man known as Bowæn Einarrsson, noble knight." she replied softly. "And what reason do you have to seek him creature?" he slyly asks.
"A grave danger threatens the very fabric of our worlds. One that requires the strength of his blades, and purity of his heart. As well as the cunning and stealth of my kind. Do you know where I may find him, sir knight?"
Bowæn narrows his eyes slightly, the faint glow from his blue orbs piercing through the darkness as he scrutinizes the small curvy, yet somewhat imposing figure before him. "A grave danger you say?" he muses, the skepticism in his voice palpable as the tension in the air. "What manner of creature are you, to speak of such matters with authority of one who knows the shadows' secrets?" He questions, his grip on the hilts of his swords tightening imperceptibly as he assesses the situation. Despite his wariness, there is a flicker of intrigue in his gaze, the whispers of his heart echoing the tales of ancient alliances and treaties that had shaped the very land he now protects.
"My dear knight, I am simply an elf with the gift of sight. I mean you no harm, if you require proof I can show you." she replies timidly.
"I do not trust easily, creature of the night,' he admits, his voice deep and gruff, yet not unkind. 'However, your eyes speak of earnestness. The air around you whispers of a truth that beckons my curiosity. I shall hear your proposal. Just know should your words be deceitful, you shall find no mercy within the embrace of my blades. Do I make myself clear? I am the one you seek, now please, speak"
She bows her head slightly, her hair cascading down her shoulders and back. "My name is Eiley Avondale, I am an elf indeed, however, I am the only soul to have been born under a crimson moon. I am the guardian of The Veil. The barrier that separates our realms from the abyss of the Fractured Ones. A fissure has appeared, spilling forth creatures of old. I need your strength to help mend it. In return I shall give you the wisdom of the ancients to aid you in gaining your rightful throne." She softly lowers her head and bows gracefully at the heir. Her eyes narrowed in on his.
The weight of her revelation settles upon him, like a cloak made of lead. His thoughts race as he considers the gravity of the situation. Whispers of destiny growing louder in his mind. He feels a strange otherworldly pull towards this elusive elf. He nods solemnly. "Yes I am the unwanted heir. How did you know? Very few do,' he confesses. His voice carrying the mournful weight of his hidden heritage. 'Your cause is just, Eiley. tell me, what must we do to seal the breach?"
Eiley's eyes widen slightly at his revelation, thinking she would have had to prove the truth of her words. The soft glow within her eyes flicker with realization, like herself he must be able to see the truth of a soul when looking into their eyes.
"The Great Eclipse is upon us,' she murmurs, her voice carrying the severity of an ancient prophecy. As she speaks her voice becomes more ethereal. 'During this celestial event, The Veil is at it's thinnest. More so than the fall solstice we have every year. We must first retrieve the Shard of Twilight, a relic of immense power. It is said to lie deep within the heart if the lone mountain. Guarded by the last of the shapeshifter clans." she finishes. As she carefully watches him she can't help but to think to herself 'I don't know what I will do if he changes his mind. I am scared that this will be the most dangerous adventure of my life. If I have to do this alone...'
