Two figures were shuffling through the snow in the north western mountains of Tariana. Their heavy leather boots sunk deep into the snow. Every step made their bodies feel like lead. A town's outline appeared a short distance away as they dragged through the howling of the merciless winds.

"The town of Strangrahd…the final frontier before the Land of Estaria," said the lady as she eased her breathing during this brief rest.

"Looks like it Lania, do you really want to go through with this? We can stay in Tariana if you'd like," replied a broad shouldered man, carrying a shield on his back.

"I must Glev, it's not a choice I can make. I owe you my life and I will remember that forever," she expressed gratitude toward Glev. "So what now? Will you rejoin the Border Cavaliers?"

"I haven't thought of that yet, I really don't know how they will react to my returning," He replied while looking down at Lania.

"Here, I want you to have this, a parting gift," Lania reached out into her belt sack and pulled out a book wrapped in jute and a satchel of snowshade flowers.

"Oh…that blasted book of your's, what should I do with it?" Glev looked a little puzzled.

"I'll leave it to your perception," she replied with a smile. as she gently grazed and rested her fingers on Glev's hand. "Farewell, for now, I will not forget you," the both of them stood silently for a moment, simply staring at each other. The touch of their hands helped fend off the biting cold for a little while, before they let go and walked off. Lania began walking further south, while Glev headed into the town of Strangrahd.

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The stone-paved path offered some relief from the snow. It was a rather desolate town, with very few souls Glev could see. Just ahead he spotted the board of the town tavern creaking in the wind and carefully made his way towards the wooden house. A frostowl hooted, perched on a rooftop.

As he walked up the steps and onto the patio he found the door open, much to his relief. Glev pointed to the barkeep signalling for a mug of warm ale and some roasted beef. He moved to one corner of the room and found a table to seat himself next to, thankfully it was next to the hearth. He carefully laid down his kite shield against the table and hung his fur coat over the chair. The cold had caused his head to feel like a brick wall.

He looked around the tavern, the barkeep was busy pouring his ale wearing a rather tattered apron, two merchants sat on the far end of the room discussing trade routes to a land, whose name he had never heard of. The hearth flames started to crackle a bit as a young lad added some more peach wood into them, the room became warmer and Glev found himself a little more at ease.

He pulled out the book that Lania had given and the snowshade flowers. taking in the scent of the wilted flowers offered him some reprieve from the nagging cold. Keeping the flowers aside he unwrapped the jute packing and turned over the cover of the book. The parchments were rather stained and torn from the sides, but most of the illustrations and writings were clear.

'The serenity of the moon, the secrecy of the shadows, the tenacity of nature and the pride of the fires. From the void, there will come something more, the fair nature of Chaos, to bring Estaria back to true harmony.' Glev was relieved to know that the book was written in Human tongue. He read over this line a few times. He felt quite uneasy while doing so, as if the scripture itself was pointing to some inevitable catastrophe.

Turning the page over, he found a map spread over two pages. It was labelled 'Estaria'. A tall tower stood to the south west resting along a mountainside. 'Manensdem, kingdom of the Moon-kin' was inked to the side of the tower. He hovered his fingers over the map, his eyes fell towards the centre. 'The Kunari Wilds, the shape-changing Actaeons roam these endless forests.' To the south-eastern coast lay a city, painted in black. 'Yutaria, the city of the Shadow-walkers.' And finally to the North-east was drawn an enormous volcano labelled 'Anestreya' at it's base was an expansive walled kingdom. 'Fortress Anestreya, here reside the greatest smiths of the land.'

"Just what have you been up to Lania and where are you going to next?" Glev whispered to himself. He knew in his mind, returning to the Border Cavaliers was not in his agenda. He put these thoughts to bed however, as his ale and beef were brought to the table. The beef was rare, much to his liking, complete with taters on the side.

2: Manensdem

Chapter 1: Manensdem

A once proud fortress stood back-broken against the mountainside it was built on. The kingdom was swallowed by destructive flames, like red fingers reaching out to a clouded moon. Howls of monstrous beings spread like a tidal wave around the marble-paved streets. Inside the fortress tower a man stood, sword drawn guarding another who had suffered too many wounds. His crescent cape was torn and blood-soaked. The legion of monsters broke through the Tower's high gates and charged at the two men.

"Dad!" A young lad sprang out of bed and ran to the adjacent room. "Dad are you alright?" he rushed inside to find it empty.

"Seijo, my Prince, the king and the Royal Protector have gone hunting to the Ashen Grove." A lady approached and said in a polite voice.

"Oh…ok that's a relief." Seijo looked out of one of the corridor windows. "But isn't it a little early for such heavy activity, Seranea? The sun has barely set behind the trees."

"Don't worry, the Grove gets dark earlier and the trees themselves radiate moonlight." She re-assured with a smile. "Ah, before I forget I have prepared some early supper if you'd like."

"Have you made your wild berry tea? and...and the truffle rarebits?" Seijo asked with a childishness…perhaps not fit for his age.

"Hahaha, yes, yes all of your favorites are there and the berries have been plucked fresh from the Luna Grove. I am also planning something for your 16th Solstice Moon!" Seranea replied with a warm smile.

"Huh? My Solstice Moon…that's still 3 months away. But I'll look forward to it!" eagerness took over his eyes.

Seranea handed over Seijo's crescent cape. He took it with a respectful bow and set the leather spaulders on his shoulders. Serenea guided him to the dining room through the long corridors of the Moon Tower. Seijo's glance shifted between the paintings and Seranea, whose long straw-hued hair waved in the wind. They walked silently for a little while admiring the many paintings that adorned the high walls.

"The 'Blood Moon', 'Ghost of the Ashen Grove' the legacy of our predecessors" Seranea spoke with pride as they walked, pointing to the paintings, "Ahh, the 'Eclipse Bow' which one day will be your's, young Prince." she said with aplomb. Seijo carried on with a nod. He had seen these paintings all his life, but every time he would lay his eyes on them, he would be intrigued as if it was his first time.

After a long walk they reached the tower's dining room. Seijo took his seat at the head and stared out at the rising moon. He himself felt rejuvenated by the serene blue light. Many Luminons in the room came alive as the moonlight spread through the room. He tapped a few of them around the table, which caused them to shimmer and shift a little. A bad habit of his, perhaps? His peace was soon broken by Seranea carrying out a tray from the kitchen.

"May I strain the wild berry tea, or would you like it brewed more, Prince?" Seranea asked.

"I trust you Seranea, you may strain it." Seijo and Seranea giggled at that jab of humor. He rested his chin on his hands and stared at the ruby red tea pouring from the fine bone china pot into his cup. The aromas wafted through the room, the tarty scent of fresh berries was tantalizing enough as it is. But Seranea had that special touch that made it hypnotic to him.

"So are you preparing to travel to Anestreya next week?" Seranea broke the long silence, with a rather uncomfortable subject.

"Hmph…Father did tell me, but, why do we have to go so often?" Seijo questioned with disdain.

"Oh, the last time I accompanied you, I did realize that Princess Andrea has grown up to become very beautiful…" Seranea tried to drop a subtle hint. But it was met by an embarrassed groan from the Prince, "Hahaha! There's still time before you worry about those matters. Just listen to the king for now." She said after a hearty laugh.

"Hmm…maybe you're correct. I find the Princess of Anestreya really annoying though." Seijo said after a bite of the truffle rarebit.

Not the best with diplomacy, I feel, Seranea only let out a little sigh.

She stared out at the night sky for sometime while sitting by Seijo's side. "I don't have to go anywhere today, right?" He asked as he finished his meal.

"No…however, we had to study Estarian history." Seijo's expression turned into one of self pity. "But we can do it early in the morning!" Seranea quickly changed tones.

"You're the best Seranea! Thank you for the supper as well." Seijo said with a respectful bow, Seranea reciprocated with the same gesture. He turned around and headed towards the lower floor.

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As Seijo climbed down the spiral steps, he proceeded to the near corner of the corridor and knocked on the door that lay adjacent.

While he waited for a reply, he stared out from an arch at the winding pathway leading out from the tower gate. It lead down the mountain slope the kingdom of Manensdem was built on. It was canopied out by lush trees on either side. The light of many road-side floating luminons peaked through the thick treetops. They nearly mirrored the night sky, except there wasn't a full moon adorning them. The Moonkin were up and about, visiting shops, selling the crafts they worked hard on, walking to work and preparing supper. Seijo rested his elbows on the arch apron as he continued to stare out.

"Coming! Give me a moment," A nervous voice drew his attention away from the world outside.

"How long do you take? I guess I can finish off dinner before you open this door." Seijo replied tauntingly.

After much foot tapping and staring by him, the door was finally opened. A rather short amber-haired girl answered the door, "Good evening, Prince," she bowed down to the man standing in front.

"Ughh…Emily, how many times have I told you, not to call me that!" Seijo replied rather brashly, "I have been telling you for the last 5 years, haven't I?"

"Ohh…I do that on purpose, just to annoy you!" Emily replied with a giggle, while wiping off a little sweat off of her forehead.

"So what have you been up to?" Seijo enquired. He looked over her shoulder and saw a feather bag, which was beaten down and had Emily's dagger stabbed into it. Also seeing the beads of sweat on her hair and face, and the flannel on her shoulders, it was quite obvious what she was up to.

"Ohh, just practicing," She replied with a shrug, "do you know when the King and father went away?"

"Father and The Royal Protector went off hunting to the Ashen Grove, while I was sleeping," he affirmed, "Oh! Since we mentioned the Ashen Grove, I just remembered, come on, I need to show you something, let's leave for a little walk!"

"Haaa! Really?" Emily replied with a slight blush on her face," But aren't we supposed to sneak out without someone's consent? What if Seranea or the guards caught us?" She hesitated a bit however.

"Oye, I know ways around this Tower, I have lived here all my life, you know?" Seijo replied, disappointed that Emily underestimated him.

"Alright, alright I didn't mean it that way!" Emily replied with a nervous giggle, "I'll change and be right out!"

"Oh by Moonlight, not again!" Seijo planted his palm firmly onto his forehead.

While preparing for the wait once again, he began to stare out, the Moon stood proudly on its pedestal in the sky. He felt the tingling of all the luminosity around him, the marble of the proud tower reflected the light, almost trying to rival the Lunar body's brightness, "Such magnificent energy…" Seijo whispered his thoughts to himself. Suddenly though, the sights around him flashed away and what stood before him, caused him to freeze with fear. A legion of thousands of monstrosities holding up hellish banners, crashed into the boundary wall, twisted swords, spears being waved high. Simply waiting to lay waste in their path.

The vision however faded out as quickly as it had appeared. Everything was as it should be, he could hear the distant bustle of the Manensdem folk. The plains stretching forth beyond the kingdom were calm as ever. Seijo took a sigh of relief and waved it off as some of his mind's wild imaginations.

"OK! Let's head out to... wherever you were taking me!" Emily threw open the door. Wearing a dark green cloak and knee-length trousers. Just as she walked out, her dagger belt dropped from her waist.

"Haha! You really are one silly girl!" Seijo jabbed a little fun at her.

"You're so rude!" Emily's giggling and blushing, gave way to an embarrassed frown.

"Ya sure! Let's get going now," He grabbed her arm, just as she finished strapping the belt back and took her down to the Luna Grove gate, "shouldn't be a lot of guards down there," he assured. She replied with a smile and a nod.

Emily and Seijo sneaked past a few guards and gardeners, the moonlight slowly bending around them. Then they prepared to cross over the Grove's hedge, Emily's cloak, however, got caught in the thorns, prompting Seijo to free her. Finally they were in the clear and on the path leading to the lower town.

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 "So you've started waking up in the evenings too eh Emily?" Seijo asked.

"Hmm, yes, staying as humans in Manensdem does do that, doesn't it?" Emily replied casually, "But being here for the King's service means everything to us."

"No…father and I owe our lives to the Royal Protector. After what he did for us, it is the least we could do, to invite you to stay with us. Now it's five years since we met!" Seijo expressed gratitude and tapped into his memory.

"Yes! You've become ruder and ruder." Emily replied with a smirk.

"And you've become clumsier and clumsier!" Seijo was having none of it.

The floating luminons floated and shimemred around the empty upper street, illuminating the path as they strolled onward.

"But tell me, I wanted to ask, why do you carry that dagger everywhere?" he asked, "we're quite safe inside the kingdom!"

"It's something my father has entrusted to me. It is our family's heirloom, my father's twin swords, this dagger. It is something very precious," she said, " Your father will pass on the Eclipse bow to you as well!" Emily faced Seijo as she spoke.

"Haha…Archery, that's something I owe your father as well. He is the one who taught me! But about the Eclipse bow, I don't know if I can do justice to the weapon. I'm not as proficient a fighter, as you," Humility from Seijo? Emily was surprised,

"Oh! Thank you…that was unexpected," Her surprise escaped into her tone.

As they conversed and gazed at the trees on either side, they approached the townside. Both of them put on their hoods to hide their identities. The Prince and the Royal Protector's daughter walking out? Whatever would the people think? They grazed past many of the town's citizens as they hustled about.

A young Moonkin sat just on the start of the road, below a tall berry tree, selling paintings, Seijo slowed down to have a closer look. A bard seated herself just a little distance ahead, gently plucking on her stringed oud, singing poems about the Winter Solstice, which wasn't too far away, Emily did stop for a few moments to listen. Carts were bringing in whole new shipments of golden apples from the Autari Grove. In one corner a shop caught Seijo's attention. It was an elixir store. As they approached it, he saw many bottles of spirits, one of them seemed quite familiar.

Oh! The Aprotic, father's favorite! Seijo thought. As he browsed the many bottles of Aprotics, Perinis and Suvaits , he habitually started tapping the shop's luminon which hovered beside them. The light flickered and fell on Seijo's face.

"If you'd like one, you can take it! We supply Aprotics to the Tower anyway, the Prince can certainly have one bottle, if he wishes," said the shopkeeper, an elderly man with a shivering hand and wrinkled face.

"The Prince?";"Prince Seijo is here?";"Is that him?";"Look it's the Prince!" Gasps of surprise and admiration were heard as the people stopped what they were doing at the mention of the Prince.

Seijo looked around and waved at the people, a nervous grin took over his face, "Where were you taking me to? Let's go!" Emily grabbed his arm, and they started running the other way. She wasn't much of an attention seeker.

"Oh right! The Ashen Grove! I nearly forgot!" Seijo tried to keep pace, while holding on dearly to the bottle of Aprotic he had picked up.

"You haven't even had a sip of that yet!" Emily slowed down her pace as they went back on the solitary path to the Ashen Grove.