The Curse of the Moon-realms

While the earth shined in the beauty of the full moon, the Northern Moon-realm embraced the soft, grey light with a celestial grace. The ancient Kingdom stood guard, its huge tents stretching forth to the heavens. Eldric, the only son in his clan and heir of Northern Moon-realm, wandered the tranquil palace, his mind heavy with the burden of the future as King. As he paced back and forth his chambers, his thoughts were interrupted by the crackle of leaves and the rustling of twigs from the garden just besides his chamber. From the shade arrived Adrian, his childhood friend and confidante. "There you are," Adrian said, his voice laced with a touch of mischief. “Undoubtedly fascinated by the beauty of the night, I suppose." Eldric turned to face Adrian, a fond smile breaking the dimmed lines of his face. "Indeed, my friend. The moon has always held a certain fetish for me." They walked together, the light from the moon shifting patterns on the ceramic tiled floor of his chamber. Their steps echoed in the quiet night, accompanied by the distant and melodious sounds of night creatures, their laughter coated with the innocence of their prime, echoed into the evening. "Have you ever wondered what the future holds for us and our Kingdom?" Adrian asked, his gaze fixed on the moon as it graciously lighted the entire Northern Moon-realm. Eldric pondered on the question, as the weight of it settled into the core of his being. "I have. Our kingdoms, our destinies. They're a riddle, staying to unfold." Silence settled between them as the weight of their future throbbed their minds, the graveness of their words smearing in the air like morning mist. The atmosphere and the burdens of their hearts collided with the glow of the night, casting a celestial light over them. “Someday. We will be kings, ruling our different kingdom side by side in everlasting friendship.” Eldric spoke ecstatically in hope of a beautiful future with his friend beside him. “Have you heard of the guardian of the forest?” Adrian inquired. Eldric answered with a question, “The guardian of the moon that dwells in the forest beside the bridge of the moon-realm?” “Perfect! There’s an old myth about the Guardian of the moon. Sharing the blood of the guardian of the moon-realm with your closest friend makes the friendship stronger and lifelong.” Adrian said. “But I think there are consequences to this blood oath, especially if broken, my friend.” Eldric stated. “Well… Yes! You’re not been economical with the truth but do you intend to break our bond, my good friend?” Adrian queried with a mischievous grin that sets both laughing hysterically. As the darkness of the night sank deeper into itself, and the streets laid bare in honour of sleep, it was indeed a night to remember; a night of the blood moon, a night that whispered tales of terror into the ears of the inhabitants of the Moon-realms, Eldric and Adrian set off into the forest in search of the Guardian of the forest. Although they knew the creature as a protector, would they have to kill it for its blood to be important in the grand scheme of sealing their friendship for the sake of both Kingdoms? The thick blood moon hung in the sky as they ventured deep into the heart of the Forest, guided by the soft glow of the fireflies. A startling howl echoed through the trees, chilling them to the bone. Fear gripped their hearts, but they pressed forward, driven by their determination and the need to seal their friendship. As they continued deep into the forest, a magnificent creature whose silver fur glistened in the moonlight crept out of nowhere and stood in front of them. It was a werewolf, standing in the glory of its form with eyes beaming in innocence. There was a gentle, almost sad expression in the its eyes. Armed with silver daggers and torches, Eldric and Adrian hesitated for a moment before realizing that the creature meant no harm to them. They approached slowly, realizing that the werewolf was injured by some villagers while hunting. Eldric, ever the diplomat, knelt beside the creature and said softly whispered in pity, "We wish you no harm, noble guardian. We only seek to seal our friendship and protect our Kingdoms." To their amazement, the Guardian of the Forest spoke with complex grunts and gestures. It revealed that it had protected the Moon-realms’ forests for centuries and wished no harm to any living thing. But it was too late for the werewolf. It was seriously injured, and as its life force began to wane, it turned to Eldric and Adrian with a pleading look. “My life, my blood, can create a bond, a lifelong bond of friendship between anyone. If this is what you desire, share this,” he pointed to his dripping blood, “your friendship will be forever bounded by this oath and both kingdoms will dwell in peace forever. But betrayal will break the hedge of your friendship if you permit it and the price would cost you more than you can afford,” he warned faintly as life dissipated gradually out of him. The two princes exchanged glances and understood the seriousness of the moment. Without a doubt, they decided to seal the deal with the Guardian of the Forest. With a quick, delicate cut, they drew the creature's blood into a vial and divided it between them. As they did so, a radiant light from the blood-moon shone bright on them, symbolizing the unbreakable bond they have created. Hush and soberly, the Guardian of the Forest whispered; “When the hedge breaks, May their seeds forever be apart Even if fate prevails, and their voices howl, May their form be in sync with the Guardian of the forest, and their blood smears the chambers of the deep, with clean hands, touch the orbs…” With many words left unsaid, the werewolf's eyes brightened one last time and he disappeared into the night, his spirit now resting in peace. Adrian and Eldric, carrying a vial of blood, stood up. The mystical union between them was a promise of unbreakable friendship, a bond that transcended fear, superstition and mistrust. "I want you to promise me something, Adrian," Eldric spoke, turning to face his friend with intense passion." “No matter what our future hold, we shall stick to each other and remain loyal and committed to each other. May this bond remain unbroken all the days of our lives." Now mixed with the blood of the Guardian of the Forest, Adrian extended his poked hand to Eldric as blood dripped from his index finger, their poked fingers touching in a solemn pact. "I promise, Eldric. May this bond remain unbroken all the days of our lives." As they sealed their oath, the moon gleamed a second time in affirmation of their bond as it gave its blessing. Little did they know that this oath would set the stage of the destiny of both Kingdoms, one that would echo through the times to come. … Ten years after the pact, and the boys grew into Kings, each fulfilling their prophetic tasks. Eldric ascended the throne of the Northern Moon-realm, and Adrian prepared for his own reign in the South. Yet, as they matured, so did unanticipated twists of fate. In the Southern Moon- realm, Adrian met Lady Alara — a physical portrait of grace and beauty with bright eyes that disarmed men’s charm. ……….. In the well-lit hall-way, Lady Alara sat across Adrian who was smitten by her beauty and elegance. In their deep and intense conversation about life and the Southern Moon-realm, Adrian found an opportunity to express his feelings towards her. “Lady Alara,” he spoke anxiously leaning backwards on his well woven couch, “I have been meaning to tell you something.” He managed to blurt as Lady Alara mischievously raised an eyebrow with a faint smile on her lip. “Speak, Lord Adrian. I suppose that’s the reason we’re here.” Adrian chuckled with a shy glint in his eyes. With a sudden change in his body language, Adrian professed his undying love for Lady Alara. “I love you, My Lady,” he said passionately. “I have always loved you. I never thought I could bring myself to say this knowing you’re Lord Eldric’s betrothed, but… I love you. I grew up being fond of you and I would be a disservice to this Kingdom to ignore the state of my heart” The voice of greed echoed within the chambers of her soul. Adrian was Southerner and to further the course of her Kingdom, she had to be knitted with her kin, love regardless and apparently, destiny had smiled broadly at her ambitions.