The Coming From the Shadows Series
Ēlysia
Background:
The sky was a canvas of pearly-white an ethereal expanse – a place where the veil between realms seemed thin, though visible through this translucent luminescence distant worlds hung like scattered jewels; some a fiery orange, others a cool sapphire ; but each was a silent, turning world visible from this divine vantage point.
Slowly, this panorama would give way to a vision of unparalleled beauty – a City unlike any, it’s architecture rose with gleaming spire of white marble and gold, adorned with friezes depicting valiant warriors and celestial beings.
Grand amphitheatres and temples with the elegant uniformity and harmonious design would blend seamlessly with structures that seemed to float on the currents evoking an almost heavenly home, this was; Ēlysia – a City as old and as ancient as the worlds above.
Within the luminous streets life flowed like any other – the obvious advancements of the population was evident by the metallic spheres that navigated the sky and devices carried – meanewhile artisans would craft surreal wonders, merchants would call out wares and scholarly individuals would debate text within the sun-dappled plazas, while families would gather for midday meals.
One setting of this wonderous city though was the setting of a magnificent edifice – its surface adorned with laurels, wreaths and vibrant banners; a large gathering from its vast and grand halls, the air simply thrummed with anticipation and celebratory chatter.
This was the Lyceum of Ēlysia – and that very day marked its annual commencement – a graduation of the city’s brightest.
The Observer:
A hush rippled through the celebratory crowed gathered out on the grass-covered field of the Lyceum exterior grounds – heads turned, a silent reverence fell over the joyous assembly; approach the grounds was a figure of immenge, yet gentle power.
Nicon.
He was an ancient being – one of the very people erected as a statue for the Lyceum itself, and even one of the figures present in the architecture’s friezes.
He moved with an unhurried grace as the light seemed to bend around him; he presence a tangible warmth and often provided a feeling of safety, his eyes; like twin suns, glow with a subtle golden glow that bespoke eons of wisdom and unknowable power, he a multi-layered robes that were white with a gold trip on there ends that would blend together – his aura outshone any regalia.
As he drew closer, people instinctively bowed, hands pressed to the chest in proud respect – mothers hushed children, and even the most boisterous of graduates quieted, faces awash with awe, Nicon merely offered a slight, benevolent smile, a gesture that conveyed understanding and affection, not a demand of worship.
He continued his measured walk, hands clasped gently behind his back, a silent observer of the proceedings.
He moved through the throngs, parting the crowd without touching anyone until he reached the very front; the Lyceum’s Educators stood ready to bestow blessings and decrees; his holden eyes swept the sea of faces, absorbing the collective ambitious energy and hope that radiated – then, his eyes found the one he was looking for.
His gaze fell onto a young woman; she stood slightly apart from her peers, she possessed a striking appearance, with Long Black hair that cascaded down her back like a midnight waterfall to the bottom of her waist; it framed a face of delicate beauty; but it was her eyes that truly captivated – a deep violet, holding an intensity that hinted of untold depths.
Her gaze met Nicon’s and for a fleeting moment, a spark of recognition, perhaps curiosity passed between them.
Nicon offered a small, almost imperceptible nod then extended an open hand to gesture her approach; the young woman hesitated for a moment, a blush rising and turning her cheeks a delicate rosy-pink under the sudden weight of attention before she stepped forwards, her heart thrumming.
With another gesture, Nicon indicated for the ceremony to resume, its presence serving as a silent blessing rather than an interruption – traditional hymns resumed, and the names of graduates would begin to be called; Nicon though, he guided the young woman away from the main gathering.
Towards a secluded garden of the Lyceum – the air seemed to be filled with a scent of moon-lilies and the soft murmur of a hidden stream – once enveloped in the quiet, peaceful solitude; Nicon turned his attention directly to her once more, his golden-hued eyes radiating a warmth “Tell me young one” he began, his voice a soft melody “Is your name Elpis?”
She quickly nodded, she was nervous in her movements and it was very obvious as her hair swayed with her head movement “Yes Sir” she replied, her voice a little breathless and certainly quiet
Nicon smiled, it effected their surroundings, a profound calm settling over the garden “I have heard whispers of your unique gift Elpis; they say that your very essence is intertwined with your surroundings, that the weather and environment can respond and shift to your deepest of emotions”
Elpis’ shoulders slumped almost imperceptibly and she averted her violet eyes a faint shadow of reluctance crossing her face “Yes” she murmured barely above a whisper “Sometimes…., sometimes if I am angry…, it can cause storms…, effect the ground with monstrous quakes; if I feel joy the flowers can bloom out of season…, I don’t know how to control it”
Nicon’s smile widened; a beacon of reassurance “Would you like to learn Elpis?” he queried, his voice filled with an offer of profound possibility
Elpis’ head snapped up; her violet eyes wide – a thrilling spark ignited within them, the reluctance disappeared, replaced with an incandescent hope that immediately brightened her entire expression “Yes; Yes, more than anything Sir” she breathed – the sky seemingly brightening, the air warming, Nicon’s lips maintained their warm smile as he observed – he gave a slow nod
“Then come with me young one” he said, offering a hand to her – Elpis would not return to the celebration, she would be taken on a far different path – a path that would one day take her to a world Nicon referred to as ‘Gaia’.
Written By: Westley H.
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