Book 1: Stella’s Stars: The Hidden Face of the Moon

I am Aria, I was born into Xadia with the Moonshadow Elves. I am known for being the daughter of two Dragonguards and I am destined to follow them in their path. My whole life was about training, rules, family and oaths. But I couldn’t help but strolling between the trees, lie in the grass where you could see the sky.. I could stare at the sky forever. Looking up to the moon surrounded by stars wondering if there was more than the moon. The stars were each so pretty, small, fragile and beautiful. I’ve heard about Startouch Elves before. They’re rare and special. And very uncommon under us Elfs. I’ve heard of a legend and a name. In very ancient scrolls there was mentioned a name: Aaravos. He was an Archmage, there are Archdragons, but I’ve never heard of an Archmage.. I’m curious about him.. But that was thousand years ago, there’s no way he could live more than a hundred years! But still, I see the stars and I wonder.. Day in, day out, night in, night out. I practiced and trained to be worthy enough for the Dragonguard. It was a big responsibility and a sacred duty, but I think I am ready to face anything!! I discovered that I prefered bow and arrow, but that if I’d ever land in a one on one fight. That my bow could be folded together to one sword. Because if I had two, I would be twice as deadly, but also to myself.. I should probably work on that. I trained, stargazed, slept, trained, stargazed, slept etc. I constantly fill my time with stargazing if I have the time. The other Elves don’t mind, they’re happy I don’t bother them with questions.. I’d rather spend my time with the stars than people, I do feel lonely at times. But I am right where I am supposed to be.. right? Anyway, my parents are friends with an elite of elite fighter. His name is Runaan and he leads the Moonshadow Assassins. Runaan his fighting skills are unparalleled. And his husband Ethari is also amazing. He makes the weapons and special jewelry. No to wear tho, there is magic in there. Like Metal Lotusses and Moon Opal necklaces. But my parents trusted Runaan to train me, he is passionate but most of the time just giving me instructions. He cares deeply for our people but he has a group to lead on missions so he is serious all the time he is not training me.. Lost in thought, a few stones hit the window. I grabbed my sword, opened the window and jumped down. I was in the Moonshadow Elf mode where I was nearly invisible, but the person I saw was Ray who I liked. What was he doing in front of my house on a full moon night? Then I saw the blue and purple flowers in his hand and I looked at him with surprise. Then he said, “You look beautiful tonight.”, I began to blush, I didn’t know if it was true, but I kind of liked it when he thought that I was beautiful. “But what are you doing here? Why are you here?”, he leaned his head to the side so that his hair fell half over his face, he looked handsome! And cute, in other words ‘hot’ “You know we have a traditional ball, the Moon Ball, and it is tomorrow..”, I had a feeling of what he wanted to do, but he stepped closer and reached one hand out to me, “I thought maybe you want to go with me.” I was shocked for a moment, the boy who I liked for years has asked me for the Ball. “Yes, I would love to go with you.”, Ray stepped so close that I could feel his breath on my skin, he put a kiss on my cheek, he winked at me and ran away. I let my sword down and could only think of him.. After I returned and I entered my room again, I lay back on the bed and I smiled a bit.. he thinks I am beautiful! I drifted happily of to sleep, thinking about Ray. The next morning, I woke up and got dressed in my assassin clothes for training. Today I had to train with Runaan again. I went downstairs and got some breakfast. I decided that I had to tell.. “Mom, dad? I am going to the Ball.”, Luna looked up and I looked at Raphael, “Well, if you are sure, it is next month so.. you can go if you want.”, I nodded, Luna looked at me with a questioning look, “Are you going alone?”, with that question, my face began to burn up. I nodded slightly, but their eyes got big. “Who?”. They asked at the same time. “It’s that Elf, Ray..”, I blushed and my parents didn’t notice. But they were surprised instead. “The one from the Dragonguards?”, I was surprised this time, Luna and Raphael, they were Dragonguards too. “Yes. Why?”, they looked a bit worried. “Well, his parents were warned, for light crimes. But that’s nothing you should worry about!”, I was! I like a criminal their son! But, Ray had never done something wrong? Right? “Do you have a dress for the occasion?”, I didn’t thought of going, since I wasn’t going, until Ray asked me to.. “I don’t, but I think I know a dress that I can wear! Can I draw it down?”, Luna nodded. “Off you go, and draw the dress of your dreams..”, I went upstairs to my room and drew about what I loved most.. with some magic and a few other Elfs, we managed to put my dream dress together! It was a sleek but full gown. It was elegant and made my body stand out. It was so light, that it felt like I was floating! I was wearing little shoes with forget-me-nots on it. I was wearing a crown made or sapphires, amethysts and little diamonds, how could they do that? But I bet Ethari did this, he is the best craftsman I know. My hair was loose but two strands of hair were bound together with a silver ribbon, hanging over my shoulders, reaching my elbows. The dress was hanging on my chest while some fragile fabric was draped on my shoulders as extra warmth for me. But it was attached with a little clip that was made of magic silver in the form of a quarter moon that would only open if I wanted to, it could come in handy later. The silk of fabric that was used for my dress was feeling like the nights breeze, light and soft. With a silver tread, all sorts or little stones were embroidered on it, so that it seemed that I was like the night sky. Or that I was like a star.. The dress ended in one sleek but a little wide at the bottom. The fabric came together at the height of my breasts. It supported my body and had a secret opening so I could reach a little dagger. Daggers weren’t my favorite, but this one was special. It could turn towards my opponent. I got to wear a purple Moon Opal with me. Its magic could help me on the way. The shoes were made of the softest leather and got some gemstones on then to make it look like it was entirely made of crystal. I made a twirl and admired my dress. I went to the ball, but on the way, there was this Elf that was high of herself. She may be one of the higher Elfs because she came of one of the most important Dragonguard known. But she or her family didn’t participate in such activities. Yet they claimed that they were the best. Because it was decided, because it’s in their blood.. Not really good, I was one who trained and they looked down at me for it. Especially when I would attend such things like these. I had no reason to go, until now. Aleanor walked by and looked at my dress, there was a hint of jealousy in her eyes. But it was gone as soon as she spoke: “Is that, the dress you’re wearing? It’s not a sight to behold..” now I felt a bit insulted. But I knew my dress was beautiful, Ethari helped me and he was the best Craftsman known, let alone how he knew the fabrics. Runaan is a lucky Elf. “Just because you’re jealous doesn’t mean you have to talk that way to me.”, then she was silent.. “My parents let the best Elfs made my dress, and bought the best fabrics for it. And you? What did your parents do?”, “Support me and lend me some magic.” I would let Ethari out of this, that poor man would go through hell if she found out that he helped me. “I helped them to make this dress, I designed it. And I helped put the stones on the dress.”, she obviously looked even more jealous that before. But she threw her hair over her shoulder and just walked away, I sighed and just made my way to the ball. At the ball.. I entered the room and saw that the room was not enourmous but big. The stone pillars carried silk fabric with some crystals in it so that the light would be reflected and create a magical atmosfeer. I saw a lot of Elfs around me but I stepped forward. This time around, I’ll make sure that I won’t shy away. I would dance with Ray and that would last until the last minute of the ball. The bells chimed and I was enchanted by the sound. Then, I felt a hand on my shoulder and heard a “Hello..” and I turned around to see Ray. He wore a beautiful suite. That was chique and revealing as well, not the inappropriate parts, just his muscles were shown.. It was a low cut and around his shoulders was nothing, it reached down to his elbows. One way to show your muscles.. He bowed and offered me his hand, I made a little bow and took his hand. He kissed my hand and then guided me to the dance floor. He twirled me and I ended up in his arms. I felt so protected and safe! He had his hands around me and when I tripped, he catch me and placed his hands on my waist and pulled me closer. I blushed, no person had ever done that before.. He took my head and let me look into his eyes, they were so beautiful! And he smiled a little bit. But I felt a shiver going up my spine. He had placed his hands lower and higher. One on my back and one was going lower. I was trying to enjoy the dance, not making out on the dance floor! I tried to pull away, but he held on. He grinned and pulled me closer so that I was pressed against him. I had never done that before and I was scared.. “What are you doing?”, I panicked a little and my heartbeat went faster as he went on. “Just enjoying the evening.”, I was afraid of where this might go. But I held my ground. His hands ended on my butt, but I was afraid of what might happen if I would push him away. I wanted to dance with him, but not like this! He leaned in and tried to kiss my neck, I felt his soft warm lips on my neck. Which made me feel high and I slowly sank away in the sensation. But then his kisses were going up and his other hand began to push me even tighter against him. He wasn’t planning to do it right here?! I was a little bit afraid but his touch made me feel amazing. So my head said no but my body was obeying him. He was so close that his nose touched mine and I drowned in his eyes.. “You won’t refuse me? Will you?..”. He was slowly dancing with me towards the exit. And when we were out, he took my hand and began to walk towards his home. I didn’t know what to do, but I couldn’t get free either. His hand was strong and tight around mine, as if I was bound to him. He led me towards his room and I was terrified and afraid, more than before. I had never done it before and I didn’t know if I was ready. He seemed to enjoy it apparently.. He locked the room, took my face in his hands and began to kiss me feverly. But I couldn’t refuse his kisses nor push him back. So I kissed him back and we invited each other as our lips departed. I felt that his hands were going to more places that just my butt, also my belly, chest and then my breasts. I catched my breath because I was afraid. But he pushed my back against the wall like I was a prey, waiting to be devoured. His kisses became even more urgently. He really wanted this, but I wasn’t ready. He undressed so fast and before I could catch my breath he began to undress me too, it all happened so fast. First I was kissing Ray, then I stood there bare in his room, he shoved my clothes to the side, so I couldn’t reach them. I was covering myself, but he took my hands and removed them. He began to kiss my neck down to my waist. He held a pause, he looked at me and then he picked me up like I was nothing, and then I was laid onto the bed. I wasn’t sure what to do.. I really liked him, but was this worth it for doing it now? I heard a voice, it was not a woman but a man? “Stop!”, I looked outside and thought about that mysterious voice. But Ray tried to catch my attention again, but this time I stopped him. I stepped up, walked towards him and said: “No.”, he looked surprised but didn’t seem to back of, so I made a leap towards my clothes and pulled the dagger out. And I held him at the end of the blade. The dagger was actually needed after all, because now, he was my enemy. I liked him very much, but if he was going to do this. I will regret it for the rest of my life. I got dressed and he looked the whole time at me while the dagger was still pointing and I jumped out of the window. I walked away, knowing he looked at me. I never thought I would ever walk away from a boy that I liked. But I did. I returned to the ball without Ray. I was alone, but I felt another presence that was soothing. I just felt this energy that I was attracted to.. I walked towards the mirror lake, were normally the full moon was reflected in. I looked into it.. I saw an Elf! And I was scared by the sight, because, I have never seen such an elf before! It wasn’t me, but a purple Elf! He smiled at me and reached out, I reached out to him, we almost touched each other.. I reached out because I had this feeling. But as soon as my hand touched his, my hand felt a shock. So I pulled back, I did feel his hand. I looked again and he turned away, and he disappeared.. with a mysterious smile on his face.. and a faraway echo of a laugh. Somehow I had gotten I had then decided that no matter what, where or when. I would never fall in love! I had my duties to full fill, being a Dragonguard. And finding that mysterious Elf.. but that mysterious voice and this mysterious Elf.. could they be the same person? As the days after the ball went on, I trained and soon forgot that day. But I never forgot that Elf, and that voice.. As Dragonguard I’d have to protect the Dragons if necessary, The Dragon Queen was protecting her egg. But the Head of the Dragonguards assigned me to a special task.. I had to guard the mirror.. Quite boring, but a sacred duty I must uphold my oath to. But I’m not sure what or who I’m protecting, am I protecting the Dragons? But why is the mirror in their lair? Am I protecting all the other elves.. I don’t know but I do know that I was curious. I was in my nature, most Moonshadow Elves minded their own business, but me? I was always looking for a reason: why is the moon so bright? Why do we have all those marks and lines on us? Do we disappear or just vanish? Anyway, so I was protecting the mirror or whoever needs protecting.. and I was standing there when I heard a noise. My reflexes took my weapon and I looked around. It was a sword and a bow: if you have one sword, it is one weapon, clap it out and it is a bow. I prefer far away fights, but when necessary I attack with a sword. I picked my sword, saw nothing and clapped it out so it would be a bow.. I saw nothing and heard nothing. I was tense but I eased a little.. I looked around, then at the mirror.. Who would and could possibly want this mirror, ok it was pretty, but what was so special?.. I took a step closer and noticed runes on the frame, when I looked closer into the mirror. Suddenly I saw a hand! It had four fingers, just like me! I pressed my hand against the mirror.. who could possibly be in there? Wait, is this.. Some time later, I asked about the mirror, it was a prison. For no one less than Aaravos! The Star Touch Elf from the legend, but how could he survive? He must be starving! I placed my face so close that it was inches apart from the mirror.. Then the hand laid his hand on my face, as if he would caress it.. ok that was strange.. But how do I help him? No wait! First I need to know if he is good or bad.. Suddenly I heard a “Hello.”, that familiar voice, I remembered everything in an instant! I got almost a heart attack! I looked into the mirror, I saw a room, and an Elf standing before me.. Aaravos! I looked him in the eyes hoping he would understand me, I said to him, “Hello?.. Who are you?”. The Elf chuckled.. sighed and said: “I am Aaravos..”..