Eliva walked heavily toward her bedroom, her mind filled with the burden of the past. Her thoughts flowed continuously, like the current of a river.
"We, the Elf people…" she thought to herself. "About a thousand years ago, we were just one of many species created due to a conflict between the four Elemental Spirits. Our fertility rate was low, but still, in this short period, we managed to exceed five thousand in number. Life in this forest has never been easy for us. We had to fight powerful enemies like the Vandorfells, Dryads, and Gaiads. Yet, in the last fifty years, the fact that we have managed to seize half of the forest we live in is considered a miracle."
Eliva paused, taking a deep breath in the middle of the room, where the magical energy of the Lunaris Tree resonated. Her eyes were tired, but resolute. "And about a year ago, the four Elemental Spirits came here…" she continued silently. "They brought with them a being I had never seen before. That being was weak, fragile, and completely out of harmony with this world. But they commanded us to care for it."
Her eyes darkened slightly as she furrowed her brow and moved toward her bed. "I still don't understand why we did that. Maybe I'll never understand," she thought as she lay her head on the pillow. Slowly, she closed her eyes, but her mind was far from rest.
Meanwhile, the guards assigned by Eliva had already set out, carefully patrolling the boundaries of the glade.
A group of five guards, moving through the boundary of the Eternal Moonlight Glade, were careful not to disturb the silence of the forest. Each one was agile and graceful, moving almost like dancing with the shadows in the moonlight. The light filtering through the high branches of the trees shimmered on their silver-armored forms, making them appear as shadows themselves.
After an eight-hour long patrol, the guards successfully completed a thorough check of the perimeter. The group leader briefly made eye contact with the others to check if there were any abnormalities. "Clear," one of them said in a low voice. However, the leader's eyes remained alert.
In the depths of this magical forest, nothing was as simple as it seemed. The guards knew this all too well.
As the first light of dawn reached the Eternal Moonlight Glade, a thin mist lingered among the trees, adding to the forest's already mysterious atmosphere. The elegant homes of the Elves still glistened in the early morning light, while the bridges hanging from the tree branches swayed gently in the breeze.
The forest itself seemed to awaken like a living being. The melodic chirping of birds combined with the rustling of leaves, accompanying the Elves' morning rituals. The light radiating from the branches of the Lunaris Tree reflected off the surface of the lake, completing this magical atmosphere. The scent of the forest, a blend of fresh leaves, flowers, and earth, offered a refreshing freshness.
On the bridges, Elves walked gracefully, greeting each other in the calm of the morning. Their soft and gentle voices echoed in the air without breaking the silence:
"May the sunlight brighten your soul, Aelir."
"And you, Firina. Was the glade safe last night?"
"Yes, the guards reported no issues. But we must remain cautious."
These casual conversations reflected the respectful and warm relationships among the Elves. Small groups of Elves, dressed in nature-congruent clothes, caught attention. Some carried baskets of medicinal herbs gathered in one hand, while others made their way to collect the clear water flowing from the Lunaris Tree.
In one corner of the forest, a young Elf prepared a bow and arrows, giving hunting lessons to a small group. Speaking in a soft voice, he said:
"Never release your arrow without focusing on your target. Breathe, relax, and let nature move with you."
In another area, a group of Elf children played under the bridges, their laughter and joyful shouts adding a sweet liveliness to the glade's peaceful atmosphere:
"Run faster, Ailaren! Or I'll catch you!"
"Hurry, Elendir! Do you have wings or what?"
A few Elves who had seen Eliva leave her home bowed their heads respectfully. An Elf woman leaned down and whispered to the child beside her:
"Eliva… She is not just a protector. She is our inspiration."
At that moment, a light breeze from the depths of the forest joined the glade's quiet melody. The forest was not only a home but also the identity and spirit of the Elf people. Every branch, leaf, and beam of light carried their past and future within it.
Eliva, leaving the graceful bridges of the glade, began walking toward a quieter, more distant part of the forest. The first rays of the morning light slowly illuminated the forest as they filtered through the leaves. As the sun rose, the mist gradually dispersed, and the chirping of birds and the soft hum of the breeze heralded the awakening of the forest.
This part of the forest was visited much less frequently than the center of the glade. The trees here were taller and denser, and the leaves between the branches barely allowed sunlight to penetrate. The moss on the ground still held dew drops, creating a slight feeling of moisture with each step. The scent of fresh grass mixed with the earthy aroma, completing the morning's refreshing atmosphere.
As Eliva moved forward carefully, her eyes scanned the surroundings. The movements of the birds and insects reminded her once again of the forest's vitality. As the sunlight struck the massive tree trunks, the intricate patterns on the bark became more prominent, revealing the ancient history of the trees.
After a while, she reached a secluded clearing. Hidden almost unnoticed between the trees was a small hut. The hut was made entirely from natural materials, blending seamlessly with its surroundings. Its body was woven from thick branches, and its roof was covered with large leaves and moss.
Next to the door was a small window. The faint light emanating from the window gave the impression that someone had recently been there. As Eliva moved toward the door, she took note of the arrangements around the hut. On the ground was a small area where medicinal herbs were growing, and nearby, half-buried in the earth, was an old water vessel.
She gently pushed the door open and entered. The coolness of the morning air was replaced by the warm, woody scent inside. The interior of the hut was simple but orderly. In one corner, parchment and medicinal herbs were carefully arranged, and dried bundles of various plants hung from the walls.
As Eliva surveyed the surroundings, memories from the past began to resurface in her mind.
"It was about a year ago," she thought. "As usual, I was here, wasting my time when I noticed the four Elemental Spirits coming toward me. At first, I didn't know what to do out of sheer shock. Why would such majestic beings want to meet with me?"
Eliva seemed to relive those feelings again. The astonishment and admiration she felt mixed together as the whispers she had heard still echoed in her ears. The Elemental Spirits seemed to have made a great decision.
"They had decided to create a new being," she continued to herself. "The idea both excited and frightened me. When I overheard their conversation, I understood some things. They were planning to create two beings, one female and the other male. However, I still couldn't fully understand the reasons behind this decision."
Eliva's mind was filled with questions. "Why did they only create two beings? If they had such immense power, shouldn't they have created more? Also, why did they decide to create them in separate places? Did this separation have any meaning, or was it just a coincidence?"
As her memories came alive, she once again felt the grandeur of the Elemental Spirits and the magic of that moment. The questions she asked herself remained unanswered, and this situation continued to occupy Eliva's mind more and more each day.
Eliva pushed these thoughts aside and began her daily tasks.
Meanwhile, not far from the glade, a young woman sat by the river. Her hair gently waved in the breeze, catching a soft gleam in the sunlight. Her face, bearing the freshness of her twenties, wore a peaceful yet thoughtful expression as she observed her surroundings.
She dipped the tips of her fingers into the cool water, enjoying the sensation of the river's flow. She wore a simple dress—neither drawing attention nor leaving her in the shadows, but rather complementing her elegance in harmony with nature.
Her gaze seemed to search for something in the reflection on the water. Perhaps she was lost in her thoughts, trying to find traces of the past in this tranquil scene. Her movements were slow and calm, as if time had stopped for her. In this still moment, the young woman's presence felt like a tranquility that permeated the water and earth.
As the young woman watched the flow of the river, a gentle breeze suddenly blew behind her. A voice, breaking the peaceful murmur of the water, was heard, low and strong:
"Why are you here?"
The woman quickly turned around. Standing before her was Eliva, looking at her with piercing seriousness. Eliva's stance radiated both authority and subtle curiosity.
Eliva took a step forward with a cold expression and spoke with a mocking tone:
"Compared to someone created by the four Elemental Spirits a year ago, you are far too weak. The only good thing about you is that you learn quickly. Now, speak. We didn't teach you our language for nothing."
The woman, undeterred by Eliva's harsh gaze, took a deep breath and calmly replied: "Calm down, Eliva. I wasn't doing anything, I was just sitting. Why are you so tense?"
Eliva furrowed her brow slightly and took another step closer. Her voice was sharper and more decisive this time: "You know the rules. You can't leave the center of the glade. This forest is too dangerous for you because you're still weak. Also, don't forget that in a month, you'll be entering the ritual for your Spirit Tree. It would be good if you manage to survive until that day."
The woman smiled slightly and lowered her head, responding: "As you wish, Eliva. Let it be as you say."
She slowly stood up. Eliva, glancing at the woman from the corner of her eye, seemed to be measuring her determination. The silence between them was filled with the gentle sound of the river flowing.
After a short while, without exchanging another word, they both walked side by side toward the center of the glade. With each step, the forest grew quieter, only the rustling of the leaves accompanying them. Eliva's gaze was alert, while the woman's mind echoed with Eliva's words.
Soon, they reached the center of the glade, and Eliva took her by the arm, guiding her home.
Eliva seated the young woman on a chair made of bird feathers. As she moved to sit on the chair across from her, she remained silent for a moment. Despite the morning, there was a subtle tension in the room.
"You were outside again," Eliva said in a calm yet questioning tone.
The woman lowered her head slightly and entwined her fingers. "I just sat by the river," she murmured. "I thought you weren't following me."
"I didn't follow you. But I always know where you are," Eliva replied, her brow furrowing slightly. "It's for your own good."
The woman took a deep breath and lifted her eyes to meet Eliva's. "I understand that. But sometimes... I feel like I need to be alone."
Eliva tilted her head and studied the woman carefully. "Alone? You don't know anything about this world yet. There are plenty of things outside that will want to kill you."
"I know," the woman said, her tone a bit bolder. "But if I stay here all the time, I'll never learn."
Eliva's expression softened for a moment. She understood the young woman's efforts, but she also knew the dangerous consequences of such impulses.
"You will learn," Eliva said, leaning back slightly. "But that doesn't mean you have to break the rules."
The woman silently nodded and lowered her gaze to her hands. "You're right," she whispered. "I promise I'll be more careful."
Eliva walked toward the window and looked outside. The morning light streaming through the trees cast delicate patterns on the walls of the room. Taking a deep breath, she spoke:
"Do this not just because of my words, but for your own good. When the time comes, you must be strong enough to stand alone in this world."
The woman glanced behind Eliva. She tried to say something from where she sat, but the words didn't quite form in her mind. Yet, in her eyes, there was respect and gratitude for Eliva.
"Thank you for what you've taught me," she finally said in a soft voice.
Eliva turned her head slightly, glancing at the woman for a moment. Her voice was softer this time: "You're just at the beginning of your journey. But every step is important."
The brief conversation ended with the silence of the morning echoing in the room.
Meanwhile, on an entirely different continent, a completely different atmosphere prevailed.
In the depths of a dark forest, a world covered in the sharp cold of winter stretched out. The sky was blanketed with gray and white clouds, and sunlight struggled to reach the snow-covered ground. Icicles hanging from the trees' branches displayed the harshness of the cold like reminders of its power.
In one corner of the forest, a young man was struggling through the snow-covered ground, breathless. His makeshift leather coverings didn't protect him from the cold, and with each step, he could feel his toes growing numb. A thin breath of vapor escaped his lips, freezing instantly in the air.
The man stopped at the base of a rock and scanned his surroundings carefully. His eyes were sharp and alert, focused enough to notice even the slightest movement. The simple, carved wooden spear he held was his only tool to protect his life. He waited motionless for a while, regulating his breath and listening attentively to his surroundings.
A faint howl from the depths of the forest broke the silence. The sound reminded him that he was not alone. Furrowing his brow, he gripped his spear tighter. "You're following me again," he muttered to himself, his voice harsh and determined.
This time, his steps were more cautious. As he tried to formulate a plan in his mind, he kept watch, moving carefully to leave no trace. He turned back and chose a different path, making sure to erase his tracks in the snow. But his instincts told him that danger was still near.
Soon, he reached a clearing. His eyes were drawn to a small cave in the middle of a snow-covered plain. The cave seemed to be the only way for him to survive at that moment. But reaching it didn't mean he would be entirely safe.
The young man took a deep breath, his mind quickly formulating a plan. In a few seconds, he made his decision and quickly moved toward the cave. Once inside, he pressed his back against the cold surface of a rock to shield himself from the sharp wind outside.
"I bought myself some time," he whispered to himself. But his eyes were still fixed on the depths of the cave. He didn't know what he would face, but standing still and waiting was not an option.