"Shadows, shadows how they creep. Through the cracks and gaps of everything. Always hidden behind something, always looming, stalking silently. Even as night falls, its darkness can be seen, a darker shade, until it swallows everything. However fear shouldn't come from just it, afraid we should be of the things hidden within it.
Wood creaks as someone steps, on the old decaying porch. Uncertain such wood could even hold someone's weight. Instantly a window slammed before creaking back open. Was there a breeze? Or something within noticing guests and rushing to greet them? Even if it does greet, would anyone want to receive it? Something that hides in the shadows is always an ominous host. Leading to something far worst in this world, like a Grim Reaper's greeting as it leads you to death. Which guests could even be brave enough to knock on such doors? Probably just a few poor unfortunate souls wanting to be a part of someone's world."
A soft voice kept whispering through the wind. Amon awkwardly stood a mile away from the cabin, not really wanting to take another step closer as the creepy whispering voice finally went silent. Amon stared at the broken step on the porch still in awe at how something like that snapped and broke before his eyes without anyone touching it. He didn't even dare to look up at the window, feeling something standing there watching him with a smile.
" What's wrong with you? Chickening out, already? Just reminding but spending the night here was your idea. We still can go back, it would be a little hard finding our way back in the dark but it's still better than that creepy cabin."
Philomel suggested as she stood behind the well, protectively shielding Little One from the sight of the creepy cabin. Amon swallowed hard as he reminded him, Darzirak was a creepy demon like this too. He used to be scary because Amon didn't know what type of demon it was or his intent. But now Amon knew Darzirak like the back of his hand and knew if it was in any real danger, Darzirak would appear and protect him. Amon waved at Philomel gesturing for her to give him more time. Taking in a deep breath, Amon slowly approaches the cabin.
" Shadows, Shadows how I creep. Over and pass everything. Never hide behind anything but allow something to loom, stalking silently through me. As light rises, I shall be called, sheltering the darkness, not allowing light to swallow everything. However fear shouldn't come from any of it, afraid we should be of the things that stand in true light without darkness nor a shadow. For those beings never are unfortunate, coming with the intent to purge. Never part of this world and not wanting to be a part of such a place. Fill with despise and hate, wanting to purge shadows just because they exist. "
Amon whispers back to whatever begins that watches him.
"Child of the night, weary of the light. Come rest all you like. Support us in the day and we all shall support you in the night. Anyway we can, whatever you wish shall be yours just keep up the good work of hiding us from light. Thank you for befriending us lonely shadows of night."
The eerie voice whispers back as the front door swings open and a sudden warm fire lit up in the fireplace, lighting up the cabin. The shadow standing by the window disappeared the moment the house lit up and Amon could no longer feel its stare on him. Amon turned to glance at Philomel who was hidden behind the well, peeking out from the side like a spooked kitten.
" I think it's alright now."
Amon informed as he slowly approach the more welcoming cabin. His eyes were more focused on the cabin, wondering if he would see its face. Wondering if it resembles a human or completely lost his true self. Unfortunately for Amon, all he could see was the warm orange glow of the fire burning in the fireplace and lit candles. The moment Amon takes a step on the four-step stairs leading up to the porch. The wood lets out a creek that pulled Amon's attention to his feet. Being careful he walks up each step and onto the porch without issues. But then Amon recalled seeing and hearing one step of the wooden stairs broken. He turned and stared but couldn't find any traces of the broken step.
" Did you trip? Why are you looking at the steps?"
Philomel's hot breath hits Amon's nape sending shivers down his spine and making his jolt. He instantly place a hand on his neck and spun around quickly.
" N- No... Just that... When I was a distance away from here, I was so sure I saw and heard a step of these stairs break. Yet there's no trace of something being broken right now."
Amon stuttered a bit as he pointed at the stairs.
" Must have been a dark nature spirit."
Philomel said with a shrug as she checked on Little One. Little One wasn't paying attention to any of them and kept staring back at the well.
" Dark nature spirit? You sure that wasn't a demon?!"
Amon questioned with a tilted head.
" There's clearly no one here. Not all demons are like Darzirak. Not all can be that far away from their contract holders. "
Philomel reminded.
" True... so far I have only seen Darzirak be able to create more contracts than one at a time. But how can something like a dark nature spirit be able to do what it just did? It lit up all the candles in a flash and."
Amon questioned but Philomel cut him short.
" Dark nature spirits are nature spirits who gave up on nature. Going on to do other things, developing other skills. The type that forsakes their given birthright duties of protecting nature. Not all have the commitment and thrive to keep planting. To keep nature alive in this single peaceful way when humans keep tearing down their work and cutting down trees before it reaches a ripe old age."
Philomel reminded. Which made Amon fall silent at the realization. Dark nature spirits are those that have stained their hands in blood. Those who have killed and tainted their souls to protect what they have grown. In many ways they were just like the dark elves, fighting for a cause that has forsaken them. A price they were willing to pay to keep what they love the most safe. A decision they will never regret, no matter how many centuries. For they did it to protect the only means of a future for their race.
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