Prologue– Nature's Child
(Life on Earth is Created)
2376 BC
"It is said that at the dawn of time man, beast and all other magical beings lived together under Aiglin…The Father Tree…But man had been created with a hole in his heart, a hole that no possession, power or knowledge could fill and in his infinite greed man dreamt of expanding his dominion over the entire earth…" – Professor Broom, Story of the Ancient War and The Golden Army
Bamba Aeralia one of the daughters of the earth was taking her usual morning stroll through the entwining woodland, enjoying the peace and the tranquillity of the day. It was a warm, sun filled morning, with sweet spring breezes rustling the layers of leaves above as the sounds of flora and fauna filled the air. Pollen particles hummed in the air the sun rays created dappled patches of light on the earthy ground as she revelled in the beauty of the season. Bamba Aeralia, daughter to one of the high elven houses was glad to be free of the family customs just for a few hours to enjoy what beauty the world had to offer, particularly at this time of year. The Sons of the Earth were living in all the peace and tranquillity that the world could offer, and it was a wonderful time to be born. The lands where she and her people dwelled were the most beautiful in the spring and summer months and she wanted to make the most of the joys around her. Bamba was a perfect example of her elven species, with the tips of her ears subtly pointing beneath her locks of silky light blonde hair. Her skin was unblemished and fine but bark like engravings were etched over her face, as if her body was born from a tree itself. A birthmark faint but noticeable but fair stretched across her nose. Eyes of an amber lustre reflected in the light of the sun, adored in a white and gold gown with an elegant golden belt encasing her slim waist. The hem of her garment trailed on the ground as she lifted a hand, almost as if to grasp the pollen particles in the air. As she amerced herself in the beauty of her surroundings, these forests being her home all her life, knowing every inch of them a cobalt and emerald combined butterfly nestled in her outstretched palm. Beaming happily, the young elven woman cupped the beautiful creature with care in her hands, holding it to her chest before whispering a blessing in her mother tongue, gently releasing her hands, allowing the creature to flutter away into the sun speckled sky. Sighing in contentment, just glad that all was peaceful and quiet, she rested an elegant, well-manicured hand on the bark of a tree, as it towered powerfully above her. She could almost hear it speak to her, as if mother nature was talking herself as she placed her ear to the bark, a delicious woody smell enticing her and reminding her this was home. Bamba sunk down to the floor and sat cross legged, examining the earth beneath her feet, eyes burning with fascination looking at the intricate patterns which the roots made. As she traced a pattern through the soil particles a gentle smiled turned up the corners of her mouth, staring entranced as an elegant stag walked proudly into the glen, puffing its chest in a sign of power as if it owned the ground it walked on. Bamba was enamoured by the elegant creature for a moment as she watched its movements, giving the mighty creature space and respect. After a moment of grazing, the stag lifted its intricately horned head, black shimmering eyes staring right in her direction. To her surprise he stalked closer as Bamba took a few steps towards him, her silken steps not leaving a sound on the forest floor.
You are a beautiful creature aren't you…Thank you for keeping me company…Bamba spoke aloud as both the stag and the elf crept ever closer to each other until, almost enraptured by her trust the stag lowered its head, almost as if in submission, feeling calm and safe in her presence. Bamba was honoured the creature placed such trust in her as she reached out a hand before their bond was struck, the creature raising its head, Bamba placing her hands either side of its muzzle before closing her eyes, their foreheads touching. I wonder if you have a name…Bamba cooed sweetly as lost in the blissful moment she barely heard or recognised the danger. Before she had time to comprehend what was happening a loud "bang!" shattered the peaceful spring silence as she horrible sound made her flatten herself to the forest floor in fright. Another shot sounded, but it was closer this time. By the time Bamba had worked up the courage to get to her feet she got her bearings, but her heart almost froze in her chest, tears welling up in her eyes when she saw the stag lying on its side, blood pouring from a fatal wound to its chest, moaning in pain. Distraught at seeing the innocent animal suffering she knelt by his side, tearing a fragment from her gown, trying to patch him over, hands trembling, blood coating her hands. No, no, no…You're not going to die. You're going to be alright…Please gods no, don't let this happen…Bamba whispered in panic, her short breaths hitching in her chest making her hastening her actions, even more blood spilling from the creature. She was so focused on helping the wounded animal she was blind to the immediate threat as another shot rang out, but it wasn't aimed for the animal…It was aimed at her! Unable to decipher where the attack had come from she felt a blinding pain shoot down her left side before her right hand came away from her ribcage, blood staining her skin and seeping through her silken white gown. Unable to stay conscious and in indescribable amounts of pain from the unknown attack she slumped to the ground, crying for help until she was realised she was alone and she was probably going to die in this place. At least she would die where mother nature would watch over her, so she was not alone. As she prepared herself to accept her fate a tall shadow loomed over her, just being able to make out the deep golden hue of a pair of eyes staring down at her before an urgent voice issued a command and her world melded to black.