Chapter 14Lore of Lunaris
14
Lore of Lunaris
A new dawn had arrived, casting streams of sunlight through the arched windows of Elowyn’s bath chamber. Soft, pearly curtains swayed gently in the mountainside breeze, filling the room with a sense of calm. Elowyn sat in front of her vanity while Elyria combed her long strands with an ornately crafted brush.
“Your aura is so cheerful it’s practically seeping from you,” Elyria remarked as she continued brushing. “Anything you’d like to share?”
Elowyn’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Actually, I do have something to confess,” she began, clasping her hands together. “I kissed someone last night.”
Pausing her brushing, Elyria arched an eyebrow curiously. “You kissed Draeden Darkmaw?”
Elowyn nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, and it was amazing,” she confessed with a gleam in her eye. “ Really amazing.”
Elyria laughed. “I can tell. It’s about time you had some fun with someone. It feels like ages since your last tryst with that noble boy, doesn’t it?”
“Hey,” Elowyn protested. “It wasn’t that long ago... just a few months.”
Changing the subject, Elowyn turned to Elyria with a knowing look. “What about you and Sylas Fenhart? You seem quite taken with him. ‘Hopefully soon to be four’,” she mocked.
Elyria’s expression shifted, her gaze narrowing. “What about me and Sylas?” she replied evasively. “He’s a strong candidate, that’s all. It wouldn’t be surprising if he returned with an animus .”
“You totally like him. I can see it in your eyes,” Elowyn goaded.
Elyria scoffed in denial, but then leaned in closer to Elowyn, her voice lowering to a whisper. “Okay, fine, maybe a little. But can you blame me? He has the most incredible sea-green eyes, and he’s lavishly handsome, isn’t he?”
“I knew it!” Elowyn gasped. “You two seemed awfully cozy when I spotted you together.”
The two sisters continued to chatter and gossip about everything under the moon. Their conversation, at first gentle, soon bloomed into a series of unfeigned, deep, belly laughs. The two of them felt again their unconditional, unwavering bond that would never bend or break—a bond only sisters could share, and both were beyond thankful for that.
As the afternoon wore on, Elyria put the finishing touches on Elowyn’s hair. With meticulous care, she wove pink lilacs into the braids in Elowyn’s hair, adding a touch of whimsy to her ivory locks. Her hair was styled similarly to the day before, with half down and the other half braided.
For the Third Day, Elowyn wore a stunning, rose-tinted gown that complemented the lilacs in her hair. The dress featured a range of shades, from apricot pink to plum magenta, creating a gradient effect reminiscent of rose petals. Intricate gold thread-work lined the bodice and skirt.
Her neckline was bare, save for the opal teardrop necklace that rested below the base of her neck. The dress’ bodice was a tightly fitted corset that hugged her body. Tulle rose-shaped ribbons draped from her shoulders and drifted down her arms. And, of course, her golden aureum completed her look, clasped and flowing down from her shoulder blades.
Elyria skillfully painted a rosy, pink stain to Elowyn’s lips and generously lined her eyes with kohl. With a brush of bronze pigment on her cheeks, Elowyn looked radiant, as graceful as a garden of blossoms in full bloom.
Next, Elyria attended to her own appearance, donning a gown equally as stunning. Her dress boasted a spectrum of rich yellows, vivid oranges, and glinting golds. Marigolds lined her crown of braids, framing her face as loose curls fell down her back.
Her lips were painted an orange-red and her eyelids were decorated with shimmering gold. The fabric was so lustrous, it nearly blended in with her skin. Her golden aureum was clasped at the crest of her shoulder blades’ and it curved deeply, exposing her back. If there was a Goddess of the Sun that existed, Elyria looked like her.
Once both were ready, they both strode into Elowyn’s antechamber and straightened their skirts.
“Ready to face Lochwald?” Elyria extended her hand.
“Ready,” Elowyn took her sister’s hand.
Calling to their magic, they were soon enveloped in a veil of feylight starbursts. Together, they entered through a moongate once more, ready to face whatever awaited them in Lochwald.
In the Great Hall of Mirthwood castle, atop the royal dais, rested two thrones unlike any other in Neramyr. These thrones appeared to be rooted in the dais, the base like the sprawling growth of a mighty tree. Crafted from ancient wood, they towered majestically, their legs and armrests twisting like the branches of a grand oak. The architecture of Lochwald mirrored the surrounding landscape of the Elberrin Forest, which stretched for thousands of miles beyond the castle’s walls.
Claiming these thrones were King Dren and Queen Maeva Mirthwood, rulers of Lochwald. King Dren exuded a commanding presence, and he was the largest warlock Elowyn had ever seen.
His stature was imposing, his umber skin starkly contrasting the final Mark of Caena. Queen Maeva was equally admirable, her aura was as formidable as she was distinctly beautiful. Her chestnut-colored ringlets framed her face while a crown of gems rested upon her head. The king wore a surcoat the color of the pine with golden threads that coiled like vines.
Beside them stood their son, the prince of Lochwald, a younger reflection of his father but lacking the wisdom and foresight gained through ruling a kingdom for hundreds of years. Towering over Elowyn, he displayed an air of confidence, his emerald attire emphasizing his muscular physique. A golden aureum draped from his shoulder, completing his regal appearance.
At the prince’s feet rested two remarkable creatures, the divine animus of Lochwald—grimwolves. Their leaden onyx fur and snarling snouts were menacing and their jaws were lined with wicked, whetted fangs. Muscular and sleek, they radiated a sense of power and ferocity. Elowyn couldn’t help but be impressed—they were a testament to the strength and majesty of House Mirthwood.
“Welcome to the kingdom of Lochwald!” King Dren’s booming voice filled the Great Hall of the Mirthwood castle. “Today we gather to celebrate the Third Day, the Lore of Lunaris .”
Lochwald’s Great Hall appeared as an extension of the Elberrin Forest, with crawling vines decorating the limestone floor and fountains bubbling softly like babbling brooks. Above, stained glass windows bathed the room in a warm, sunlit glow.
“On this sacred day, we join to unravel the legend of divine magic’s origins in Neramyr and pay homage to our liberator, the Moon Goddess. Following tradition, our ceremony will commence at moonrise, at the sanctuary within the Elberrin Forest where the Shrine of Oswin rests. Please enjoy the glory and graciousness that the kingdom of Lochwald has to offer. Let the celebration begin!”
As a piano melody drifted through the air, the hall buzzed with chatter and servants circulated, offering glasses of honeyed vinum . Elowyn suppressed a sigh, already feeling weary from the week-long Ceremony, which had only just begun its third day. There was a limit to how much vinum she could drink and how much small talk she could endure.
Turning to Elyria beside her, she braced herself for what she dreaded most: saying a heartfelt goodbye. It wasn’t a true farewell, but seven years was a long time.
“Hey, can we talk?” Elowyn asked. “Earlier, I saw a path from the courtyard leading into the Elberrin Forest. It’s supposed to be gorgeous this season.”
“Sure, anything to get away from this crowd,” Elyria murmured, her gaze flickering uncomfortably around the bustling hall.
The two sisters slipped away to the Mirthwood castle’s courtyard, where some guests were already enjoying the blooming gardens and mingling. The outdoor courtyard was enchanting, the flooring made of large limestone slabs, lined with balustrade railings draped in vines. Towering willow trees swayed gracefully in the breeze, casting dappled shadows in the warm sunlight. At the heart of the courtyard stood a grand three-tiered fountain, surrounded by inviting oak benches.
Elowyn and Elyria were about to descend the limestone steps leading into the Elberrin Forest when a group of female courtiers suddenly erupted into excited whispers .
“He’s coming over here. Look, he’s coming this way!” one of them exclaimed, her saffron hair bouncing as she spoke. The others gasped and clasped their hands, one even pressing a hand to her chest.
Elowyn turned just in time to see the prince of Mirthwood strolling casually into the courtyard with a charming smile. She would have rolled her eyes, but the sight of him made her halt. She understood why female courtiers’ reactions. He conveyed a commanding aura of dominance and influence.
The Mirthwood prince took notice of Elowyn and Elyria, but first greeted his guests as he strolled through the courtyard. Noblefolk and court members welcomed him warmly, embracing him with hugs and friendly slaps on the back. He graciously bowed to the captivated ladies of the court and politely kissed the backs of their hands. Elowyn observed how everyone addressed him with high regard, as if his mere presence were praiseworthy.
Unlike the Fangwrights and Bloodweavers, the fey of Lochwald didn’t seem intimidated by their ruling royalty. They appeared to have a friendly and familiar relationship with the Mirthwood royals, which struck Elowyn as peculiar. She wondered if the fey of Eriden would cower before her or embrace her when she became queen. Her father’s presence often evoked the latter reaction.
Elowyn and Elyria remained by the limestone stairway, their soft smiles in place as Prince Caswin approached them, welcoming guests to his kingdom along the way.
As the prince neared them, Elowyn and Elyria smiled. When the prince finally reached them, he bowed deeply, his golden cloak swaying with his movement.
“Welcome to Lochwald, Princess Elyria and Princess Elowyn. It’s a pleasure to host you as guests for the Third Day. Allow me to introduce myself formally—I am Caswin Mirthwood, the Crown Prince of Lochwald,” he announced, his voice rich .
Elyria and Elowyn gracefully curtsied in response, returning his warm welcome.
“It’s an honor, Prince Caswin. The kingdom of Lochwald is truly beautiful,” Elyria replied.
“Yes, it’s stunning,” Elowyn added, tilting her head back slightly to fully direct her attention to him. “In fact, we were so drawn by the magnificence of the Elberrin Forest that we were hoping to indulge ourselves in a stroll through the woods.”
“Of course, please enjoy yourselves. The Elberrin Forest is wonderful this time of year. Although, I will caution you that the forest is vast, and folk who are not as familiar with these lands have found themselves lost after straying from the path. I can arrange an escort to accompany you if you’d like,” Caswin offered politely.
Elowyn noticed a subtle shift in his aura at the suggestion, a gentle and mild change.
“It’s appreciated, Prince Caswin, but my sister and I will decline an escort. I don’t believe we’ll wander too far from the castle,” Elowyn answered.
“Absolutely, I’ll leave you both to carry on with your venture,” he replied with a warm smile. “Feel free to call me Caswin, no need for formalities. It was a pleasure to meet both of you.”
“Likewise, Caswin,” Elyria chimed with an equally winsome smile.
Caswin dipped his head respectfully to them and gestured a small wave before turning to walk away. He headed in the direction where a few warlocks from his court were waiting in the courtyard. He led them down an indistinct path around the castle as the others trailed behind him, disappearing.
Elowyn couldn’t help but notice the saffron-haired fey from earlier glaring at her and Elyria. Nearly all the females who had been present before were now projecting auras of envy.
Descending the limestone stairs, Elowyn whistled. “Sheesh, the prince sure is popular around here. The wellborn ladies of the court are eyeing us like vultures just because Caswin gave us an audience.”
“I had no idea he was so adored. He held quite the influential air about him though,” Elyria remarked.
“You noticed that too? It was like I felt compelled to turn my gaze to him for some reason,” Elowyn said curiously. “There’s also the fact that he’s enormous. I swear he’s bigger than half of these trees.”
As they followed the natural path winding toward the start of the Elberrin Forest, Elowyn and Elyria crossed into the grassy tree line. Once fully into the forest, an entire ecosystem unfolded before them. Towering trees stretched hundreds of feet into the sky, with branches lining glorious green firs above them. Wildflowers dotted the mossy terrain, and patches of white-petaled flora that speckled the lands.
Chirping filled the air from every direction as birds fluttered through the brush of the trees. Ahead, Elowyn noticed a stream canopied by overhanging trees. Rich green vines lined the ground and the trunks, softening the sharp lines of the woodlands. The beauty of the forest embodied solitude, its untouched lands spanning for miles, the only division of Neramyr left completely natural and uninhabited by the fey.
Elowyn felt a blissful connection to the landscape around her, always sensing a mystical interrelatedness in the natural regions of Neramyr. From the majesty of the Eriden mountains, to the mineral caves of the Iron Hollows, and now to the wondrous wilds of the Elberrin Forest, each place held its own beauty.
“I wanted to talk to you,” Elowyn began with a soft tone. “We haven’t been spending much time together because of the Ceremony, which is understandable. But I just needed to tell you how much you mean to me before you begin your Trial. I’m going to miss you,” she poured out, her feelings unraveling.
The skirts of Elowyn’s rose-colored gown trailed the forest floor, but she didn’t care if the pink trim dirtied. All she felt right now was a crushing gloom. She’d give anything for the ability to pause time or change fate.
“I’m going to miss you a lot . Seven years feels like a lifetime. There’s rarely a day that goes by without talking to you,” Elowyn expressed emotionally as she strolled aimlessly along the path. “I wanted to tell you thank you for being my sister. Thank you for always protecting me. I’m who I am today because of you,” she admitted softly, her fingers idly tracing the folds of her skirts.
“You know, I’ve always looked up to you. And I’m really proud of you for what you’ve accomplished. You’ve fought for everything you deserved, and now you’re a Goddess-chosen candidate. You’ll become the primis because you earned it. And once those seven years in the Trials are over, you’ll receive the final Mark. You’ll return to Eriden with your own divine animus . You’ll rewrite your story.”
Elowyn parted her lips as if to speak more, but then closed them, restraining the words that fought to break free. She held back her fears of being alone, of facing their father without Elyria by her side. Those daunting thoughts remained locked behind sealed lips, understanding that Elyria didn’t need to hear that right now.
With a heavy heart, Elowyn halted her wandering and turned to Elyria, her eyes filled with sorrow. “I’m just going to miss you a lot, Elyria.”
Elyria’s expression mirrored Elowyn’s. Though her silver eyes revealed a sense of sadness, they also held an ocean of affection. “Come here.”
Drawing her little sister into a tight embrace, Elyria held her close. “I love you, and I’m going to miss you just the same. You mean everything to me,” she whispered. Releasing Elowyn slightly, she looked into her eyes. “I’m scared too—terrified even. I don’t know what’s going to happen in the Trial, but we’ll be okay.”
Elyria reached for the opal necklace resting on Elowyn’s neck and gently cradled the gemstone in her fingers. “These charmed necklaces are two halves of a whole, remember? Always searching for a way back to each other.”
The necklace around Elowyn thrummed warmly with joy, the magical gem rejoicing at the closeness of its counterpart.
“Now, no crying, or you’ll ruin the makeup I spent all morning doing,” Elyria teased, nudging Elowyn gently with her elbow. “Deal?”
Elowyn managed a smile through her tears and wiped her eyes. “Deal.”