Elena

In the heart of the sacred grove, where the air pulsed with ancient magic, I stood before Cernunnos. His gaze, intense and penetrating, bore into me. “Elena Fidelis,” he began, his voice echoing through the grove, “do you accept your daily duties to honor and respect me? As Faithbound, do you swear to uphold nature’s balance against all who might harm it? And do you pledge your very being to protect your companion, Luna, your sponsor for my blessing?

A hush fell over the grove, each word from Cernunnos adding weight to my soul. “Yes,” I found myself saying, “I agree to fulfill these responsibilities and more as your Faithbound.” The air between us shimmered, as if reality itself was acknowledging our pact. “Then let the contract be complete. Your faith and dedication will now dictate your life. Shed any other burdens that may hinder your service. From this moment forth, you shall be known as Elena Wolfsong.

The grove erupted in cheers from the witnessing acolytes, their faces a mix of farmers, everyday civilians, and initiates blessed by Cernunnos. But among them three figures stood out. Bran the Protector, a towering figure with a spear made from a stag’s antler, a gift from Cernunnos himself. Eldan the Sage, his aura radiating ancient magic, a worn leather tome at his side like a trusted weapon. And Lilith the Huntress, her face set in a constant scowl when she looked at me, her fingers switching near her yew bow, ready for any sign of betrayal.

A strange sensation tugged at the edges of my consciousness, separate from my own emotions, filling me with an unanticipated joy. It was as if a voice within me whispered, “I’ve been longing for this moment! At last, I am complete!” My gaze instinctively found Luna. The once fearsome wolf had transformed before my eyes, her ferocity replaced with the exuberance of a large, playful pup, her entire body swaying in delight at my presence.

Cernunnos cleared his throat, prompting everyone to pay attention. “As most of you know, my domain is under threat. A man, with stolen divinity, is attempting to cross the threshold and erase anything that does not bow and follow their God.” His voice commanding seriousness and the attention of everyone. “He violates the sanctity of nature and has become a victim of power. We must all play our part to defend this realm.”

“Torin, your comrade and leader has fallen. He tried to repel this army, but his efforts were in vain, he paid the ultimate price,” Cernunnos announced. His words, heavy with solemnity, hung in the air, their gravity sinking into the hearts of those around us. A vision flashed in my mind, an echo of Luna’s memory from our first encounter. I saw a tall man, his body a canvas or scars and tattoos, delivering a powerful kick to my chest, the steel crumbling like paper under his force. The memory was not my own but viewed from a distance, from the edge of the forest where Luna had watched.

As the sun began the set, casting long shadows across the grove, Cernunnos rose from his seat. His voice, deep and resonant, echoed through the clearing. “We have discussed much today, and there is much yet to learn. But for now, let us rest and prepare for the challenges ahead.”

He turned to Elena, his eyes softening. “Elena Wolfsong, your journey has just begun. Remember, you are not alone. We stand with you, as you stand with us. Together, we will protect this realm.”

With a final nod of approval, he dismissed the gathering. The Faithbound began to disperse, leaving Elena with a sense of purpose and newfound family. As the last of the acolytes disappeared into the twilight, Elena thought of her brother and felt uncertain of the future ahead of her.

The morning sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon when Elena found Bran waiting for her. He stood next to a wooden table laden with various pieces of equipment - a sturdy leather tunic, a pair of well-crafted boots, a belt with pouches, and a short sword with an intricately carved hilt.

“Good morning, Wolfsong,” Bran greeted, his voice as steady as the earth beneath their feet. “This is your equipment. It’s been crafted with care and blessed by Cernunnos himself.”

Elena donned the gear under Bran’s watchful eye. The tunic fit snugly, the boots were comfortable, and the sword felt surprising light in her hand. A wonderful upgrade compared to her old plate mail that did not mold to her female figure.

“Now, let’s see what you can do,” Bran said, stepping back and gesturing towards a makeshift training area. “Remember, it’s not about strength, but technique.”

“Again, Wolfsong!” Bran’s voice echoed across the training field. I lunged forward, my sword slicing through the air. My muscles screamed in protest, but I gritted my teeth and pushed on.

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“Quicker!” He commanded. I responded, my movements, becoming a blur as I danced around the training dummies. Each strike, each parry, each dodge was a testament to my growing agility and endurance.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, I collapsed onto the grass, my breath coming in ragged gasps. My body was a symphony of aches, but as I looked at the battered training dummies, I couldn’t help but smile. I was stronger than I had been in the morning, faster, and more confident.

Bran offered me a nod of approval, “You did well today, Elena.” Exhaustion tugged at my eyelids, but as I drifted off to sleep under the starlit sky my thoughts drifted to William, was he still alive? Cernunnos had said that his adversary had died and failed to repel the advance, but did William survive such an encounter? Luna curled up to me in response to my uncertainty, my emotions clearly affecting her own mood.

The next morning, I was roused from sleep by Luna’s gentle licks. “Master Eldan is waiting for you,” her voice echoed in my mind, clear and distinct. Startled, I looked at Luna. Could she understand me? I decided to test the connection, keeping my lips sealed as I thought, “Luna, can you understand me?”

Her response came as a warm wave of reassurance, “I am as connected to you as you are to yourself. You are my other half.” Her words felt true, resonating deep within me, even though I couldn’t fully understand their meaning. It was as if our souls were intertwined, two halves of a whole.

“How is this possible?” I asked mentally. “When you accepted Cernunnos in your heart for the first time, I was able to manifest into reality. The contact you accepted completed our bond, unlocking some of your potential,” Luna explained. I struggled to comprehend the revelation of her words. Then a memory flashed into my mind, William holding me as our house was aflame, telling me stories of our childhood. This must be Luan’s first memory. “Is this magic?” I asked again mentally. “No, this is a Telepathic Link, one of your natural abilities unlocked from the contract. Though it is divine in nature, it is not magic. Master Eldan is waiting to teach you about magic.”

Walking towards the edge of the grove, Luna led me to Eldan. I could feel a strange energy in the air, it was as if the very fabric of the forest was humming with anticipation. As I stepped into the clearing, I saw Eldan waiting for me, his ancient tome open in his hands. “Good morning, Elena,” he greeted, “Are you ready to delve into the mysteries of magic?”

I nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. Magic was unknown territory for me, but I was eager to learn. Eldan began by explaining the basics of magic, how it was a force that flowed through everything in nature. He spoke of how magic was not just about casting spells, but about understanding and respecting the balance of nature.

The sun traced its path across the sky as Eldan guided me through a series of tasks. “Close your eyes, Elena,” he instructed, “Feel the magic in the wind.” I did as he said, focusing on the gentle breeze against my skin. It was elusive at first, like trying to catch smoke with my bare hands.

Next, he led me to a tree, its leaves rustling in the wind. “Reach out with your senses,’ Eldan encouraged. I extended my hand, letting my fingers lightly touch the leaves. It was like listening to a language I didn’t understand, but I could feel a faint hum of energy.

Finally, we stood by the river, its waters flowing with a steady rhythm. “ The river is alive with magic,” Eldan said. I closed my eyes again, reaching out with my senses. It was still difficult, like trying to hear a whisper in a crowded room. But with each passing moment, I could feel the magic becoming more tangible, more real.

Eldan’s hand extended towards me, a small seed resting on his palm. “Your task is to plant this seed and nurture it with your magic,” he instructed.

With a nod, I took the seed, its tiny form dwarfing in the enormity of the task. I closed my eyes, focusing my sense on the seed. I could feel a faint pulse, a tiny heartbeat of life waiting to be awakened.

Slowly, I extended my senses, reaching out to the magic that flowed around me. It was like dipping my fingers into a stream, feeling the cool water swirl around them. I guided this steam of magic towards the seed, imagining it as a gentle rain nourishing the earth.

I could feel the seed absorbing the magic, the life within it stirring. It was a strange sensation, like holding a bird that was about to take its first flight. And then, it happened.

A tiny green sprout pushed its way out of the seed, reaching out towards the sun. I opened my eyes in time to see the first leaf unfurl, a vibrant green against the brown earth.

The sight took my breath away. It was a small miracle, a testament to the power of life and magic. And I, Elena Wolfsong, made it happen.

Eldan clapped his hands in delight. “Well done, Elena! You have a natural affinity for magic.”

I couldn’t help but beam at his praise. But as the day came to an end, I couldn’t shake off a nagging worry. Magic was powerful, but it was also unpredictable. Could I really master it? Or would it end up controlling me?

As if sensing my thoughts, Eldan placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Magic is like a river, Elena. It can be calm and nurturing, or wild and destructive. It all depends on how you guide it. And I have faith in you.”

Eldan’s words bolstered my spirit, instilling in me the courage to face the challenges that lay ahead. As I made my way back to my quarters, a flurry of thought began to invade my mind. Was my brother safe? Did he know about the existence of magic in this world? Would I ever see him again?

In response to my internal turmoil, Luna’s thoughts gently intertwined with mine. “I can venture out and search for William if it would ease your worry,” she offered. Her concern was a soothing balm against the storm of my anxiety. “ Is that possible? Will you be safe?” I asked/ “We might temporarily lose our connection when I cross the threshold, but don’t worry. I’m quite stealthy. Remember, I followed your army all the way here without being detected.”

“Alright, Luna. Be safe,” I whispered, the weight of the day finally catching up to me. As Luna’s presence receded from my mind, I lay down on my makeshift bed, the events of the day replaying in my mind. Despite the whirlwind of emotions and the uncertainty of what lay ahead, a sense of calm washed over me. I was not alone in this journey; I had Luna, Bran, Eldan, Cernunnos, and everyone else in the grove. With these thoughts comforting me, I closed my eyes, surrendering myself to the embrace of sleep. Tomorrow was another day, another step in my journey as a Faithbound. For now, it was time to rest.