Prologue - December 18th 2022
Prologue:
“We didn’t always dream as we do now.”
“Long ago, back when the trees could still speak, our dreams held true power. Even yours, as amazing as they can become, will only ever be an echo of something far greater.”
“I often wonder what you would have been like back then; back before the Ten fell, before these lands were divided and we were still safe… I wish you could have seen it, Cael.” The man stands and brushes off his cloak, “Today, though, it’s more important for us to focus on what you will yet become.” He sighs wearily and walks over to a young man sitting attentively, appearing to listen to his every word. “But, you won’t remember this lesson, just as you can’t remember any of our visits.”
“If only I knew where you were, Cael, I could teach you how to control this gift.” He clenches his fists in frustration but as his gaze falls on Cael there is laughter in his eyes, “You’re one of the Aenari but I can’t even get you to wake up!” He smirks as he helps Cael to his feet.
“I’ll let you in on a little secret, my young friend.” His deep blue cloak reaches forward as he bends over, bringing Cael in close. “You two are quite a frustrating pair!” He chuckles before ruffling Cael’s hair affectionately. “But, Wynn is moving now; she’s awoken and it's only a matter of time before you two find each other.”
He leads Cael through the gentle forest, the trees effortlessly part from their path as if guiding them forward. “Her gifts are quite the opposite of yours.” He thinks out loud. “Which I suppose is what makes you both so perfectly paired. Alone you will be strong enough to mend the lands, but together? Together I hope you can mend the moons.”
The man stops walking and gazes up at the stars shining brightly above. “Seeing this forest through your eyes is truly remarkable.” He places his arm around Cael’s shoulders, “I’m sure you’ll pull me in again tomorrow night, but each time I join you here is a bit of a surprise. A welcome surprise, my young friend, but your gifts still amaze me. Despite my years, despite my own strength, I can do nothing but wait. Wait until the day I find you; or the day you choose to awaken your mind from this endless dream.” He waves his hand at the slumbering forest.
The man goes silent as he concentrates, listening for something far off. “It won’t be long now, perhaps a week.” He says knowingly. “Who will find you first, though, I wonder? If she…” His words are cut short as a weathered, grey stone path appears beneath their feet.
He smiles wide, “Like a newborn chick, your mind is hatching right before my eyes.” He kneels down and places his hand on the ancient path. “The warmth of these stones is familiar to all who share our dreams.” He stands back up and taps his foot on the stone, “If you can remember nothing else, remember to follow this path when you’re lost in these dreams. It will always lead you home.”
The man continues speaking of small things as they venture further into the sleeping forest, following the worn path laid before them. Though Cael’s eyes are open and bright, his mind still rests like the trees that surround them. The entire forest waiting for him to finally awaken. They reach the end of the path and enter a clearing with tall trees acting as guard to a small freshwater spring in the center. The glade is cast in a soft golden light by the leaves of the ancient trees.
The man pats Cael on the shoulder one last time, “I hope to see you on the other side, my young friend.” He says before they step into the cold, clear water.