Chapter 1: Tellun

Lenmana's POV-

The breeze danced on the quiet music of my elk-antler flute. I heard the songbirds' sweet melody singing along, and the sounds of nature fusing together into a beautiful orchestra.

My braided hair rode the wind, though my feet stood firmly on a moss-covered stone. The peacefulness of the village was nothing compared to the tranquility of the forest. Alone I stood, and alone I wanted to be.

I am Lenmana, meaning "talented with the flute". I was true to my name, and genuinely enjoyed the graceful music of the flute.

Lowering my instrument, I sat down on the boulder I was standing on. My animal skin clothing embraced the edges of the rock. My beaded jewellry clattered as I placed the carefully carved flute on the cool surface.

A rustle in the nearby trees. I did not tense, I was calm, knowing that danger rarely interrupted the quiet. Watching intently, I saw impressive antlers emerge from behind a branch. Curious eyes glittered in the shadows, brown fur revealing itself.

An elk. A common sight in northern Amaya. I had once found shed elk antlers lying on the forest floor, and brought the gift home to my father, who humbly made a flute out of them.

It was mating season in the spring, the perfect time to see elk with their majestic ornaments fully attached to them. The one before me sniffed the air once, then left peacefully.

I would've once thought it was someone's Spirit Animal, but firstly, the Great Beast Tellun was an elk, so it was impossible to summon one. Secondly, no one had ever been able to summon a companion in months, ever since the fall of Kovo and Gerathon, and significantly, the old Evertree. My tribe's traders have reported back that foreign families haven't seen new Spirit Animals either. I was quite disappointed, since my eleventh birthday passed only weeks ago, and the Nectar of Ninani wasn't there to help me summon anything.

At least the storms and earthquakes have calmed. I remember that time, on a dreary day, that a treacherous earthquake sent tremors through the forest, uprooting trees and collapsing huts. Lives were lost that afternoon.

Suddenly, I heard a strange tranquility cross my path. All the animals in the clearing scattered quickly. Birds shrieked in surprise, and squirrels panicked. Out of nowhere, an indescribable light flashed before me. I shielded my eyes with my slender hands, but it came through in pink tones anyway.

Almost as fast as it had appeared, the light dimmed. Before me, stood the seemingly largest being I had ever encountered in my life. Prismatic colours gleamed under the faint sunlight, and enormous antlers blocked all other views.

I stared into the eyes of the beast. In them, I saw the essence of a breath in the land itself. I brought myself away from the thought, but it seemed so certain right now.

I had summoned Tellun. A Great Beast of legend. The first who sacrificed himself against the Evertree.

The legendary beast lowered his head to face me. Though he wasn't as impressive as he had once been, Tellun still stood with such a clear regal stance, that I couldn't help but think he was the most powerful being on Erdas.

Standing almost twice as tall as I was, antlers included, I strangely did not fear him. I took a step closer, twigs and leaves rustling beneath my feet, and dared to reach out my hand to his snout.

Tellun blinked once, as if quizzical about this odd gesture of bonding. But he soon accepted, bringing his head closer than ever to my arm, until I felt the velvety fur of his forehead cushion my hand.

I felt a rush of intelligence fill my mind, showing so much more to the world than I could have ever imagined, and I almost succumbed to the impossible amount of wisdom Tellun gave me.

The Great Elk receded from my fingers, and I swayed in confusion. My mind returned to a mere humans', and I wished I could have Tellun's wisdom again to answer my many questions.

How did I just summon a legendary beast? Does this somehow relate to the fall of the Evertree? Where are the rest of the Great Beasts?

Tellun eyed me carefully, studying my expression. Head held high, he trotted towards the direction of my village, Otari, tree branches making way for his breathtaking antlers.

"Wait, Tellun! Wait up!" I shouted into the forest in his direction, and he turned his head towards me, raking the ground with his hoof as if saying come with me. "You would scare the life out of my family and my village! It's not every day you see a huge elk rumbling into your home," I continued, jogging up to him.

Tellun simply gazed into my eyes, and his thoughts merged with mine. Better now than never. The bonds are once again in peril. I tilted my head to one side. Bonds? In peril? And did I just hear my Spirit Animal speak?

The elk nodded once, and urged me on, towards Otari.

"What? Tell me more. I need to know what's going on right now. Are you talking about how nobody's been able to summon a Spirit Animal in months now?" I questioned, curious to know what this great being knew.

You will soon find out. For now, your family must know of what fate lies ahead. The Greencloaks need assistance. I sighed impatiently. Nonetheless, I followed my new Spirit Animal towards my village. Towards home.

And hopefully, towards an understanding family.

A/N: Hope you all enjoyed the first chapter! I'm trying to base the Spirit Animal powers on the Talismans but since I don't exactly know what the Platinum Elk did, I kinda just made it up a little.

Until the next time,

Rainbowcookies :)