It has been Two years since Syllel first set foot on the forgotten forest, and the grounds of the old Selûnite temple. The surrounding forest, once dense and overgrown with wild vines and ancient moss, had been tamed, and the temple itself now stood proudly, restored to its former glory. The once crumbled walls were rebuilt with sturdy stone, now illuminated by the soft silver glow of Selûnite lamps that lined the pathways leading to the main structure. Moonlight often bathed the grounds at night, giving the entire area an ethereal beauty, as if Selûne herself was watching over them.
Inside the temple, the great stone altar, once shattered and defaced, was now pristine, adorned with offerings of moon lilies, silver trinkets, and candles that flickered with a soft light. The temple's halls no longer felt empty as the hymns sung in praise of Selûne echoed throughout the sanctuary, a far cry from the desolation that had greeted Syllel when she first arrived.
As the Selûnites prepared to depart back home with their mission now complete, there was a sense of accomplishment and relief among them. The temple restoration was a triumph, a testament to their faith and dedication. However, as they made plans to return to their homes and bring one of the elders back to consecrate the church, Syllel remained steadfast in her decision to stay behind.
Standing before the group, Syllel addressed her fellow clerics and paladins. Her armor, polished and gleaming under the afternoon sun, reflected her unwavering resolve. Her long brown hair, tied back for practicality, framed her face, but it was her eyes that spoke of her determination. She looked each of them in the eye, her voice steady and calm.
"I'm sorry Zazari, but I feel it is my duty to remain here." she said, her voice carrying across the temple grounds. "I will stay and defend this sacred place, and in time, we will welcome the elder when they return. But my calling is here now.. with Urdn'Varn."
There was a brief pause. The others exchanged glances but nodded in understanding. They knew Syllel's dedication was unmatched, and the bond she had formed with Urdn'Varn, the winged kobold she had raised from the egg, was undeniable. Though their hearts longed to return to their families, they trusted that Syllel's heart belonged to this temple.
And so, Zazari the others departed, leaving Syllel and Urdn'Varn behind to watch over the temple. For two more years, mother and son lived at the temple, now surrounded by the small village that had begun to sprout nearby. Word of the restored temple spread, and soon people from all across the region came to seek Selûne's blessings, as well as Syllel's wisdom and healing. The temple had once again become a sanctuary, a place of refuge, peace, and healing, just as it had been in the days of old.
Syllel's role in the community grew, and Urdn'Varn, no longer a helpless hatchling, had become an integral part of the temple's daily life. Now technically in his teens, Urdn'Varn spent must of his time with his wings stretched wide, as he soared through the skies, often patrolling the forest around the temple for signs of trouble. His scales, once dull, now shimmered with a silver-blue hue, almost as if they were kissed by moonlight itself. The villagers, at first wary of him, had come to respect him as a protector and healer. His sharp mind and quick reflexes made him invaluable during hunts, and his loyalty to Syllel and the temple was unquestionable.
Together, Syllel and Urdn'Varn had become pillars of strength and wisdom among the community, both in the temple and in the nearby towns. Syllel's compassion and guidance had earned her the title of the Moonkissed-mother, a role she humbly accepted, while her son Urdn'Varn was often referred to as the Moon's Heavonly Wing,
–the symbol of Selûne's protection over the region.–
However, not all viewed the kobold with such reverence. As the long-awaited day of the elders' arrival approached, whispers of doubt began to surface. When the elders finally arrived, their robes immaculate and flowing as they descended upon the temple grounds, their faces bore a mix of awe and suspicion. They marveled at the temple's transformation, the beauty and peace that now radiated from every stone and every prayer.
But when their eyes fell upon Urdn'Varn, the atmosphere shifted. Some of the elders exchanged wary glances, their gazes lingering on his wings, on the sharp claws that occasionally scraped the temple's marble floors as he moved beside Syllel.
One elder, with a thin face and a voice that held a cold edge, finally spoke what others had been thinking. "Is it wise," he asked, his voice calm but laced with unease, "to place such faith in a creature born of kobold kin? They are not known for loyalty or trust."
Syllel felt a pang of anger at the accusation, but she held her ground, her voice calm but firm. "Urdn'Varn is not just a kobold," she said, placing a protective hand on his shoulder. "He is my son, and he has shown more loyalty to Selûne's light than many humans I have met. He was placed in my care by Selûne herself, and I shall not question the goddess's will!"
The elder's gaze softened slightly, but there was still uncertainty in his eyes. Another elder, an older woman with kind eyes and a knowing smile, stepped forward. "Faith comes in many forms brother," she said gently, "and the goddess sees the heart, not the shape."
The words seemed to ease the tension, though doubt still lingered in the air. Urdn'Varn, sensing the shift in mood, stood tall beside Syllel, his wings tucked neatly behind him, his eyes meeting those of the elders with quiet strength. He knew the weight of their judgment, but he also knew his place. His heart belonged to this temple, to Selûne, and to Syllel, the woman who had raised him with love and faith.
In the following weeks, as the elders began to settle and consecrate the temple, they witnessed firsthand the bond between Syllel and Urdn'Varn. They watched him patrol the grounds at night, ensuring the safety of the temple and its followers. They saw the love and care he offered to the villagers who came seeking guidance. Slowly, some of their fears began to fade, though a few still kept their distance.
But Syllel's faith remained unwavering, fo she knew in her heart that Urdn'Varn's presence here was no accident. He was destined to be a part of this temple, a living embodiment of it's power, grace and protection. Together, they would defend this sacred place and continue to spread the light of the moon goddess, no matter the doubts of others.