Friendly reminder that it's okay to just make stuff. It might not come out the way you want, or at all. That's all right. Nobody's counting except for you, and you don't have to.
It’s a peaceful night tonight. The moon sits high in the sky, dodging clouds as it makes its way through the heavens. Happy people stroll through the streets, slowly filing into their homes. Banners not yet being celebrated are being hung in the streets. Candles floating in the air beside the men and women who work on ladders to hang the banners. The forest was just teeming with life. Its soft hum of life brought a smile to my face.
I walk on the dirt path leading to the forest with my brother, Ezrag’endi. Our feet march in beat as we make our way to the edge of the forest. Fruits fill our baskets, ready to be snacked on at any moment. We spend our time picking fruits and veggies tonight as tomorrow Ezra will be crowned king. Many elves would gather tomorrow night to watch as Ezra’endi, the rightful heir to the throne finally took to the crown. Ever since Dad died, many have been awaiting my brother’s twenty-seventh birthday. Now that it was all happening, I couldn’t be more terrified.
Sure, we were in a time of peace. The humans don’t know of us, we are content with each other, but the fact that Ezra would soon be king scared me above all else.
Dad had been king once. Now he is dead.
I can tell Ezra is nervous too. So when he asked if I would join him for one last stroll to the forest to pick fruits and vegetables before his coronation, I couldn’t say no. Ezra tried to play it off as us collecting last-minute food for the grand feast tomorrow. To get some quiet time before the excitement of the crowning overtook the palace. I understood what he meant.
Ezra has always been a good brother. He loves me, I love him. He likes spending time with me, I like spending time with him. We’ve been close for as long as I can remember. Sometimes that is your only option. When you never knew your mother and your father has spent most of his life on the verge of death, whether due to war or famine, you learn to become close to your sibling.
I hold a basket of various fruits and vegetables. Purple sphere fruits with pink lines were all piled up together, while the green ones with yellow dots were piled up on the other side of the basket. Beside them were red berries. All fruits ready for eating.
"Where do you think the sapidus are?" Ezra asks, placing his elbow on my head. I’m not much younger than Ezra, but I am shorter than the average elf. That means Ezra likes to take any chance he can get to show that he’s taller. And I hate it.
I’m quick to shrug off his elbow from my head.
“Get off me, demon,” I grumble. “It’s just up here.” I know where all the wild fruits are. I’ve spent many years on this dirt path, exploring the flora and fauna around it. Sapidus aren’t a sweet fruit but you can’t have a feast without a sapidus pie. We come upon the small patch of them, right off the trail.
I grab some of the yellow fruit and start placing them in my basket. Ezra doesn’t even try to be sneaky when taking one to eat right now. I even debate taking and eating one for myself. They are a delicious savory flavor that isn’t the most refreshing but can’t be beaten.
While leaning over to pick some more, I hear a quiet sound. A thumping sound. Almost quiet enough to be non-existent. But it very much exists. And Ezra heard it too.
“Something is coming,” Ezra says in a low voice. I quickly rise from my spot and face the path we had already walked. That’s where the sound comes from. The path winds up to the palace and town. I hastily prepare to fight off any attackers, allowing the magic to flow through my veins. The electric sensation makes the hairs on my arms rise. The electric blood means it’s working. A dim green light radiates from my hands which sit cautiously at my side.
The magic I call upon is a defense spell. It would stop any shots from hitting us, magic or arrow.
Ezra also was ready to fight with a soft red light. A magic more fit for fighting. Ezra is better at fighting than me. He was prepared to take the offensive and I the defensive. We waited for an attacker.
"Your majesty!" A young voice called out. It was the kingdom messenger, Eriladar. He ran as quick as possible, head bobbing up and down as he pounded towards us. I drop all magic from my veins, relieved I don’t have to be fighting anyone. Most people who’d dare attack the two princes would be stronger than me anyway. I watch as Ezra’s magic disappears, leaving only the natural moonlight.
When the messenger reached us, he stopped to catch his breath. With blue skin tinged purple at the cheeks, I could tell he had run all the way from the palace.
Eriladar? What are you here for?" Ezra asked, walking closer to the boy who was out of breath.
"The guards, they- found- humans!" The boy was out of breath and couldn't talk easily, but he got out the gist of it. Ezra’s muscles tensed. There hadn’t been a human in Achalla that we didn’t know about ever. Humans equaled danger.
“What? Where?” His words were rushed and full of terror. I know what that means. Anger was sure to come next.
"The cave of Venustas. They are being brought to the palace now."
"I'm sorry Enna but I have to deal with this," Ezra said, handing me his basket. I thought every human who had somehow stumbled upon our cave had their memory wiped before even getting near the entrance? How did someone slip through? Our guards are thorough and don’t forget anything. So how did this happen?
“I understand. Let’s go.”
The castle was abuzz. News of humans had gotten out already. And gossip spread like fire. Servants ran around wildly to search for anything to do to get a glimpse of the humans that would arrive at the throne room soon. Nobles hurried through doors to gather in the room that the council was in. I follow Ezra helplessly through the back entrance of the palace.
Almost immediately the sisters find us.
With golden skin that was sun-kissed even without sun and carnelian eyes, the sisters followed. Three of the only sun elves left in the entire world. Curiosity filled their eyes and I could see it.
“What is happening, Ezrag’endi?” The youngest sister Kilikani spoke up. Her youthful face was laced with worry. She was far too young to remember the raids. And the fear. And the humans. She was younger than me.
“I am going to find out.” He told the girl. Though acting confident, I could see the fear in him. Humans always send us into a panic. Ezra most of all.
It’s probably just some lost travelers who were looking for shelter and found the cave, I try to convince myself. It doesn’t work.
The sisters follow my brother at a hurried pace, walking faster than me. Eireann’resa, Nainsi’gral, and Kilikani’sea were part of the council that served Dad and now serve Ezra. Being the granddaughters of the final queen of the sun elves, that’s what Dad had decided they deserved.
Naturally, we don’t call them by their full formal titles. They’re just Eireann, Nainsi, and Kilikani to us.
We push into the throne room, which has erupted into chaos.
“Prince Ezrag’endi!” An older man rushed up to us. He was another part of the council. The weight of the wars he has witnessed weighed down on his skin. Wrinkles graced nearly every inch of his face. A wild fear filled his face.
“Sir Min’kala! What’s wrong?” I question, pushing through the three sisters to stand next to Ezra. I wasn’t an official part of the council but my words should matter.
“Humans were found in the cave of Venutas-”
“We know that already!” Ezra’s mood had changed completely from when we were alone. Now anger coursed through his veins, appearing even in the little twitches of his eyes. We’ve never had to deal with humans without Dad. “Tell me something I can actually use! Who are they? How many? What kingdom have they come from?” He shouted at the poor man.
“Ezra…” Eireann, the eldest of the sisters took a step forward. She was graceful, even in a situation like this. Her warning, though quiet, was rather effective. It reached my brother surprisingly fast. I could see the edge of his anger slowly disappear. He was still angry but would no longer yell. I could tell.
“I apologize, your Highness. There are only three. And we do not know anything yet. The guards are bringing them in momentarily. We were waiting until you arrived.” Sir Min’kala lowered his head in shame.
“You have done nothing wrong, Sir Min’kala. Please inform the guards we are ready.” Eireann spoke with her arms clasped in front of her. How can she be so calm? This is terrifying. Out of all the people here, she should be the one freaking out. Surely she has been dealing with war and humans ever since she was little. The amount of shit she has gone through in her life would be enough to drive any normal elf crazy. I know I’d go crazy.
Eireann places a hand on Ezra’s shoulder and guides him to the throne. His throne, come tomorrow. His throne come today. With no current monarch, he is the acting king. He has truly been king ever since Dad fell ill.
Ezra and Eireann standing together were the perfect image of what war causes. They were around the same age. Still youthful. Too young. There was not a soul in Achalla that didn’t pity them for their young age.
Sir Min’kala scurried away out the main door, to gather the guards and humans I suppose. Beside the throne that looked to be made of iron and vines was a smaller, less impressive throne. It was to belong to the next of kin to the king. And in this case, that would be me. I take my seat beside Ezrag’endi. That was his official name.
The sisters took their spot standing on Ezra’s left. The other members of the council sat below the steps up to the throne. Each sat on their knees awaiting the humans that they had heard of. Each more tired than the next.
I wait impatiently, tapping my foot as we wait for Sir Min’kala. It felt like forever before he came back, guards in tow.
A dozen guards walked in to protect three hidden figures. They held on tight to the near lifeless bodies. The humans stumbled along being half dragged down the carpet towards the throne. They each had different skin tones, not unlike moon elves. However, their skin colors were similar to those of the sun elves. Not nearly as vivid though. One-by-one they were dropped in front of us.
Two boys, one girl. The girl was short and small, but I spot strong muscles under her cloak. The taller boy, sitting to the left of the boy in the middle, looked the weakest.
The boy in the middle is the only one with enough power to attempt to stand up, but he fails and falls to his knees. His disheveled hair fell in front of his eyes. None of them could be much older than eighteen. Their clothes did not give off the impression of wealth. Dirty old tunics covered the three different chests. Mud caked the bottom of the cloaks they wore. There was no way that they weren’t lost travelers. No king is going to send champions without armor and weaponry.
I may not know much about humans but I know enough to recognize royalty trying to steal their land and riches.
“Names.” Ezra hissed at the humans. The tallest boy looked up with weary eyes. Guards surrounded them with weapons at the ready. The humans did not make an effort to attack so neither did the guards.
“Moon elves…” Was all he managed to mumble. His head lolled to the side.
“What are your names?” Ezra spoke louder. His anger must be fighting to come out.
“Finnian.” The human boy in the middle spoke. I can tell it takes all he has to hold his head up and keep his eyes open. Every blink seemed to be luring him back sleep. Every breath seemed to be painful.
That is what the guards did. They used sleeping magic powerful enough to sedate the enemy long enough to tie their hands and drag them here. Here the king would decide their fate. The other two humans seemed to be breathing fine though. I don’t know why the boy known as Finnian was struggling to breathe.
Finnian looked up at with shock. He must be surprised he found moon elves right where we have been for decades. These humans are definitely not harmful. A sigh of relief floats out of my mouth upon the realization. We are safe. For now at least.
The council seems more curious than the humans. But their curiosity is intertwined with their disgust. The council peers at the humans from their spots. Not only had the council gathered but also many castle staff and other nobility. Whispers filled the air surrounding the humans.
“Finnian, what are your friends’ names?” Not only had the council gathered but also many castle staff and other nobility. Whispers filled the air surrounding the humans.
“Finnian, what are your friends’ names?” I ask, bringing the attention to me.
“Why?” The human girl spoke before Finnian had a chance. She looked straight at Ezra. Was she confused about who spoke? Her face wasn’t clear. It was contorted in determination or pain. I couldn’t tell which it was but there was a good chance it was both.
“You come to our kingdom, disrespect our king, then expect us to answer your questions? No. Names, right now.” Nainsi was just as angry as Ezra. I could hear it in her voice. She was not as good at hiding her feelings as her older sister. When I look over at my brother and the three sisters, I see a range of emotions. Ezra and Nainsi were fuming, eyes stuck to the human girl. Eireann as always was calm, scanning the humans for emotions. Kilikina, the youngest, looked terrified. Only fifteen, her eyes searched the throne room for what I assume will be her escape plan. She was born here in Achalla. She has reason to fear the humans and the terrifying tales our parents and siblings have told us about them.
“We aren’t here to hurt you! We promise!” The human boy in the middle became more alert. My eyes flicker over to him. Just as scared as Kilikina, he rapidly looked around the room. Something about his friend’s anger must’ve awoken him. Or the magic was starting to fully wear off. I keep my eyes on the autumn-skinned boy. Not many elves could stay awake for very long after being hit with sleeping magic, let alone humans. He’s strong.
“Names!” Ezra demanded yet again. “Or I’ll have the guards take you to the wolves!”
“Ashley! Keaton!” The autumn-skinned boy shouted, fear building up. From this far away I could almost swear I saw some tears forming. Emotions poured off the two of the three humans. The girl I now know as Ashley appears to be sizing us up. Angered but calculating.
The anger from within now showed on her face. It was clearer than the day. Clenched jaw, furrowed eyebrows, pursed lips.
“Thank you,” Eireann spoke from beside Ezra.
Finnian, Ashley, and Keaton. What odd names. The humans have very different name cultures from us. But how can the names sound so different? The shock, fear, and awe in Finnian’s eyes told me all I needed to know. They were not royals looking for land to claim as their own. They were travelers. Probably searching for a place to wait out the night and just ended up here. The scouts must’ve been looking the other way or preoccupied when they slipped in.
“I am Prince Ezrag’endi Leaip of Achalla. Why have you three come to my home? Land? Riches? To spill more blood than you humans have already? Are you champions from Caspevano or Atlora?” Ezra rose and now stood in front of his throne. To appear intimidating I suppose.
“Champions? Please.” The boy I suppose is Keaton spoke from his dazed state. His head still hung on his chest. “Finnian couldn’t hurt anyone.” He appeared to think he was dreaming. The slurred voice he used and amusement lacing his words made that obvious.
“We aren’t here for anything besides curiosity, sir.” Finnian truly looked like he was about to die. Amazed but scared. “All three of us grew up hearing of the beautiful kingdom where the moon elves hid from the cruel kings of the massacres. Please, we do not intend to inflict harm to any of you.”
“Likely.” Ezra hissed. “Guards, take them to their cells. We’ll decide what happens to them in two days time. After the coronation. I do not want to ruin the festivities because of a few-”
“Wait! We have traveled from the outskirts of Caspevano. Keaton is a chef. Ashley is the daughter of a baker. I am but a humble woodworker. We have searched for this place for our entire lives! Please allow us to explore! We will never tell another soul,” Finnian pleaded. His words were genuine, I decided.
“Do not lie to me! What king sent you here? Who has sent you here to become our doom?” Ezra roared. This time more out of pain than anger. I rose to meet him, to calm him down. My hand meets his shoulder the same time Eireann’s does. We both stand on either side of the soon-to-be king, trying to calm him down.
“A king sending us? What do you take us for, sir? If we had listened to the king I do not think the three of us would be friends.” Keaton mumbled. “I doubt Ashley and I would be alive.”
“No one sent us! I swear on my mother’s life!” Finnian exclaimed. His voice was hoarse. “Please, sir!”
“Guards, take them to their cells!” Ezra demanded. The purple and blue guards took the arms of the humans without hesitation, picking them up and dragging them to their cells. “We shall hold their trial after my coronation.” He announced. I couldn’t help but watch as the humans were dragged out of the room. Now I was sure that the autumn-skinned boy was crying. Tears fell from his face, spilling over his cheeks.
He twisted with all his might, which wasn’t a lot, to get out of the guards grasped. They kept a tight grip. There was no escaping. His eyes flickered around the room, searching for anything or anyone to help him. I meet the eyes of the boy. A striking fern color stares into my soul. The dark circles around his eyes show weariness. Even from way up here I can see the scar running down the boy’s chin and cheek.
“Please your highness! We are not ill-intended-” The guard beside Finnian allowed his magic to put the loud boy to rest. He tried to fight it but eventually lost. The human boy’s body went limp. Keaton had given in to the previous magic. Ashley was the only of the three humans to leave the room conscious. She did not push and pull against the guard’s grip, but instead stumbled along as she was pulled away.
Whispers broke out as the door slammed shut.
What would we do with three human travelers once Ezra is king?
Many hours and breaks later, Ash had finally spotted the cave. The hike was harder than I expected, full of heavy forestation and rocks. So many rocks. Ash was barely breathing differently when she called for us to stop. Keaton and I on the other hand, well, we are a mess.
“Guys! I think I found it!” Hidden behind tall trees and thick brush, the cave was not easy to spot. It had already been an arduous and tiring hike, but being able to see the end made it easier to clamber over the fallen trees and boulders. No wonder people think elves live here. No normal human could regularly make this walk.
The cold wind whipped our capes around. Directly outside of the cave was just as the old priest described. A large boulder sat five feet from the opening of the cave, and the cave itself was about seven feet tall. A rose bush sat to the left of the opening and a large and old oak was on it’s right. The trees and moon cast shadows across the opening of the cave. A cold feeling washed over me. The hair on the back of my neck stands up like we are being watched. But every time I look around, no matter how hard I try and focus in the moonlight, I see nothing. Only trees.
“This is it! The entrance to Achalla!” I exclaim, pushing away the dark feeling of being watched. I replace it with excitement. We have finally made it! And whether or not Achalla is really in here, at least I’ll have a good story to tell. In my excitement I lose all sense of pain and tire. Only energy fills my veins now.
I run up to the rose bush, careful not to hurt myself on the thorns. I also avoid picking the flowers. Who knows, an ancient elf guardian might protect this specific rose bush. Whenever I look into the cave all I can think of are those dream-like amethyst eyes staring back at me. It was like the cave held them and could bring them into my memory with a simple breeze. Will they be waiting for me inside? Are there true elves in the cave that sits so peacefully in front of me? My heart skips a beat at the thought of moon elves living just ahead of my feet.
Before I appear crazy, I stop staring into the dark vacant cave. Instead I turn around to face my friends.
Ashley examines the bottom of her cape, which is now stained with mud. Keaton stands next to her, out of breath.
“You sure?” Keaton asked, wiping the sweat gathering on his forehead. My eyes quickly flicker around me. Boulder, rose bush, oak. This is definitely it.
“Yup! I say we go in and check it out!” I conclude. It was the obvious option at this point. Why would we come out here just to turn around and go back home? Keaton looks around nervously, eyeing the woods. He must feel the same feeling I did. He must think we are being watched just as I did moments ago.
"I swear if you took us all the way out here for nothing I'm going to be really angry," Ash muttered.
“You can’t fool me! I know you love a good adventure!” I’ve known Ash for far too long to believe that she wasn’t enjoying herself in even the slightest. “Let’s go!”
I march confidently towards the cave. No light came from inside. Only a very soft breeze. That doesn’t tell us anything. It doesn’t confirm nor deny anything. There were no obvious signs on the outside or near the front portion of the cave that could tell us whether or not there were moon elves in the cave.
"It's kind of dark in there, Finn." Keaton stated. "Should we get a torch or something?"
"We don’t have one and it will take far too long to find the stuff for one. We'll be fine!" I assure. Sure, there didn’t appear to be any light source in the cave, but we’ll be fine. And with that, I enter the cave in which I had no real evidence to prove that there was anything in here. The sounds of crunching sticks behind me tell me that Keaton and Ash follow.
They stay close to me, practically touching shoulders the entire time. To be fair, I kept close to them too. It was the only way would could walk without losing each other.
The further we get into the cave cave, the colder it gets. It was first slightly chilly but nothing we couldn’t handle. Now it is freezing. I pull my cloak close to my skin in an attempt to get any heat possible out of it. And the colder it gets, the darker it gets. Before the light in the cave fully dies off, I can see my breath sticking around my face. It is cold enough for my breath to turn into a cloud.
"Hey, watch it Keaton!" Ashley hisses, breaking the silence.
“Sorry,” Keaton whimpers back. The cold dry air became moist. It now tastes of mold and moss. "Finn, I don't think there is anything in here." Keaton says shyly, watching as what little light they had from the moon outside disappeared.
"Just give it a little longer." We were now in complete darkness. The frigid air sets itself deep in my bones. The chill would not disappear, no matter how close I pull my cloak. Ash starts to speak again before I cut her off.
"I don't know about you but-"
"Be quiet!" I stop mid step, throwing an arm out to stop Ash and Keaton from walking in front of me. Something moved. Something or someone ran past us. I could hear it. Despite the complete darkness, I could see it. The brief movement is enough to convince me that we aren’t alone. Whatever it is, it is light on it’s feet.
Another movement! This time close enough that I can almost feel the disturbance in the air. I start to back up to go back to light. Maybe we can make a torch or something. See what lives in here. It’s too quick to be a bear. What is it? Elves?
Before I can answer my own question, my back hits something wet and squishy. Like a mold. A short-lived scream fills the cave as the plants on the cave walls lit up after coming into contact with my back. The mushroom-like plants lit the area up with a purple tint, causing a chain of plants to light up. Spiraling down the rock walls, the area started to light up even more. The walls were covered in the plants. It was like a bunch of purple stars had grown out of the sides of the cave. They seemed to be beckoning any traveler who dared enter closer. Deeper into the dark lit only by a purple tint.
No one said anything. Too afraid or in awe? I couldn’t tell.
For me I could confirm my silence was from pure excitement. No one can convince me that this place isn’t magical. There have got to be elves in here! This is proof! Nowhere does this just appear naturally! No human has ever discovered something as beautiful as this! This, this is a sign that magic exists. My heart explodes at this discovery. It beats at a pace that is unhealthy.
“What in skies are these?” Keaton asked, reaching out to touch one of the plants beside me. The amazement was clear in his eyes. He was just as excited as I was, but was holding it back. It showed in his face.
The long plants mimicked the parasol mushrooms that grew just outside the castle walls. But these were purple and pink-like whereas the parasol mushrooms that grow outside the castle are white. Sometimes brown.
“They are a sign,” I whisper with a smile. After all these years, I just might get to see another elf.
“A bad one,” Ash grabs the back of my collar and pulls me away from the walls. “Don’t touch them, Keaton. They could be toxic.” Leave it to Ash to take the fun out of anything. Even if the mushroom-like things were toxic, we could at least see where we are walking. It isn’t all that bad.
She leaves me in the middle of the long cave hall and steps forward to inspect the mushrooms for herself.
“How do they glow?” Ash sounds more concerned than curious. There were thousands, maybe even millions of the light up shrooms covering every inch of the cave walls. It was amazing. Each was a unique shade of red, pink, or purple. Most were in the magenta or lilac range.
“I don’t know, but I am sure it is not the works of humans.” Keaton looks around. As they continue to talk about the plants growing around us, I train my eyes on the split in the cave. So far the cave has been like a long hallway, but never appeared to split at any point. Now, at the beginning of the light up mushrooms, there is a fork.
Two possible paths. Both are lit up. Both appear the same. The left seemed promising, less large rocks, a smoother path, and plenty of light up shrooms. But as I turn to assess the right path, a shadowy figure passes through it. Out of the corner of my eyes I see it. Almost human-like, standing on what I assume is two legs. An elf. I am sure of it. It was gone just as soon as it was there.
It must be the same one I just saw. Is it trying to lead me somewhere? To the hidden land of Achalla?
My legs start to move forward, towards the path of the right. It was the path I am supposed to take. I can tell. If it is an elf, this has to be the way to Achalla. I just have to know. Whether I find out living elves are just a legend like Ash says or if I find the grand kingdom of Achalla like Keaton wants, I need to know.
Without realizing it, I had started to run. The shadowy figure appears once or twice more, motivating me to keep running. To keep the light I need to not trip, I skim my hand along the wall of mushrooms. With each graze a new ring of mushroom lights up. Without much thought, I jump over large rocks, take sharp turns, and avoid all the obstacles. Behind me I can hear the faint shouts of what I assume is Ash but they don’t stop me. It’s like I’ve been possessed by my own wants.
The mushrooms became more sparse and it wasn’t long before they disappeared from the walls.
“Finn! Wait up!” Ashley is loud in the cave. I don’t slow, even for her. Deep in my heart I know what I am chasing. I know that somewhere ahead of me lies a creature I’ve been told me entire life is long dead.
It becomes harder to breathe the longer I run. I can’t help but slow down from stomach aches that started somewhere in the fifth minute I had been running. Soon, I topple over myself, landing a spot on the ground. Ash and Keaton don’t take long to catch up.
“What in the world were you thinking?!” Is all Ash manages to scream. Her voice was hoarse and I know it’s from yelling at me while running. Neither help me to my feet, as they are both wildly out of breath. As they catch their breath, the mushroom lights go out one-by-one. We are plunged into darkness yet again. This time even deeper inside the cave.
A quiet curse comes from Ash as she tries to pick me up. I don’t make an attempt to stand up. Like before I started to run, I am far more focused on something new.
A soft purple light, floating in the dark abyss of the cave ahead of us. Once I saw it, Ash and Keaton saw it. The soft purple light floated towards us carelessly. A single soft light turned into two, then four, then six. As the six lights got closer, I could tell that they were in fact from the shadowy figure I had been chasing. But instead of one person, there are six. And they were surrounding us.
The last thing I hear is Ash unsheathing her sword before everything goes black.
tangentwithtanner
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