“Lou, wake up, we’ve got to go,” Marcellus’ voice summons me from the world of dreams.

I slap at the air wildly and frantically, having dreamt I was being attacked by a large swarm of bugs that chased me through Bellehaven.

“Hey, hey!” He scolds. “You’re going to make me drop your food.”

He holds out a piece of bread and cheese towards me. I stare at it sleepily for a few minutes before realizing he wants me to take it from him. The bread is stale, but the melted cheese stuffed inside makes up for the taste. I scarf it down hungrily, and down the water from my canteen.

“Get ready. There’s a stream nearby you can wash in.”

I stand in a stream shivering, with the feeling I’m being watched, as I scrub my skin roughly with a wet rag. In the distance, I swear I can see the outline of another human-like figure. Possibly a dryad? The sun is still low in the sky, but slowly making its ascent, its brightness dulled by the misty morning fog that blankets the forest. It’s unusually quiet. The fog transports me to a city in the skies where I am ruler, as the most powerful Wind-Caller that has ever existed. I am engaged to a handsome man that loves me, and protects me from the evil dragons that attack our precious city. We are victorious in our final battle, and win our final war against them. We get married and live happily ever after. I crash back to Gaia when I think about a kiss… and then Marcellus’ kiss. My cheeks burn with embarrassment. How could we have gotten so carried away? What if I never came back? What if I do? I don’t think I like either possibility.

When I’ve finished washing up, I return to camp, and find Marcellus has already packed away our belongings. He’s sitting on the ground by the dying fire, trying to keep himself warm with its pitiful remains.

“Ready to set off?”

“I am. Are you going to be alright by yourself on the way back? We’ve hardly seen anyone on the road.”

“I’m actually meeting a man on the main road. He’s headed to Bellehaven by wagon to meet with my father. I should be back in record time.”

“That’s a relief, then.”

“Are you worried about me?”

“It makes me uneasy.”

“So you are?”

“I can’t admit that to you. You might think too deeply about it.”

He laughs at me, then stands, and dusts the dirt off his trousers.

“It’s your job to think too deeply about things. I think it’s endearing that you care about me.”

Days pass as we trek through the forest down the small dirt road. It’s becoming wider, more defined, and there are many more tracks on it. There’s one week remaining until the start of Solstice. I stare restlessly at the light seeping into our tent from the lanterns that line either side of the main road only several miles away. Marcellus’ soft breath blows on me as he sleeps soundly, and I’m envious of his ability to sleep through anything, especially the sounds of the night. Despite being so close to the main road, it’s still too quiet.

The sudden sound of a snapping tree branch has startled me awake, and I’m almost certain I can hear someone wandering the woods near us. My heart races as I listen intently to the sounds of the night. Whatever is out there, their footsteps are light, almost undetectable, but I’ve always been sensitive to sound. It has always proven helpful when I wandered the surrounding forests of Bellehaven alone.

I tiptoe out of the tent, chewing on an herb, and scan the forest for any movement. The woods are suddenly eerily still and quiet. Listening and watching carefully, breathing as softly as I can, I wait in silence. Even the wind has died down. I pull my cloak tightly over my body, feeling naked and exposed to whoever might be out there. If someone is out there.

Is… someone out there? I swallow hard at the thought.

A shadow is hiding amongst the trees, and I pray to the sweet Goddess Selene that it’s just another deer or some other creature of the forest. The moon peeks through the clouds for a split second, making the world light up as if it were day. A glint of moonlight catches my eye, and for a moment I swear I see a horned, hooded figure looking back at me, just before the clouds cover the night again in absolute darkness again.

Fear rushes over me like a wave, freezing me in place for several seconds before I stumble back into the tent, and trip over Marcellus’ body. I can’t speak, my voice caught at the back of my throat, nor can I think, my mind panicked. Evidentially, I can’t stand either, as my legs tremble. Marcellus stirs in a panic, then grumbles in annoyance, as I gape at him.

“Lou, what are-”

“There’s someone out there, Marc,” I whisper in a panic, stuffing an herb into his mouth.

He coughs as he chews the bitter herb.

“Maybe it’s just someone that’s wandered off the main road. We’re not too far from it, you know. You can see the lights from here,” he suggests, wanting to get back to sleep, and hoping to calm me.

“Marc, I’m serious,” I whimper.

Fear becomes terror as I search frantically through my bag for my silver dagger.

“I believe you, Lou, but it could just be a traveler.”

“Who goes to Bellehaven this time of year? The roads have been empty this whole time.”

“We saw tracks headed in our direction. Could be they’re coming from Nien. Most people don’t want to cross the Misthaven by boat, and choose to pay the fee at the bridge.”

The distinct sound of footsteps crunching over dead leaves can be heard approaching our tent, and I grip my dagger tightly the moment I feel the hilt inside my bag. I hold our breaths, hearts racing, and goosebumps forming.

“I’m sorry for startling you,” says a familiar voice. “I’ve simply been traveling in the same direction as you, and noticed there were some Sprites near your camp. I chased them off before they could get up to any mischief, but it seems I didn’t do it quietly enough, and may have perhaps startled you.”

The night suddenly comes alive with familiar sounds of the forest.

“Moonshadow?” I ask, recognizing his voice immediately.

“Yes,” he says, his faint shadow faint when he stands between our tent and Selene’s bright light.

His ears flick, making his many earrings play a happy tune.

“Go away,” mutters Marcellus, finally letting go of his held breath.

“Marc, he means no harm,” I scold. “Traveler, are you headed to the City of Lights as well?”

“I am. I have some business there. I don’t mean to keep you. I was simply making sure everything was alright, and you didn’t need any help. Sprites enjoy causing all sorts of mischief, I’m sure you’re aware.”

“Everything is fine, thank you,” mumbles Marcellus, probably irritated that he is now wide awake from fright.

“Very well. Have a good night,” he says, with a slight nod.

“Good night to you as well,” I say, attempting to remain cheerful, and giving Marcellus’ arm a light slap.

Marcellus scoffs, and returns to his place beneath the covers grumbling a complain about the Nightshade Lumina disturbing his sleep.

In the morning, I walk away into the forest to wash myself, leaving Marcellus to pack away the tent. When I return, I see the dark elf talking to him. Marcellus appears incredibly agitated, but Lucien is unaffected by his mood, and I frown. He’s probably grown accustomed to such awful treatment by humans closer to the west.

“Good morning,” he says, politely, bowing slightly when he sees me.

I approach, and am awestruck by the sight of him in the light. His hair cascades down his back, in a long, thick braid, reminding me of moonlight glinting off the surface of a dark river. His skin is flawless, and pale, flushed with various shades of blue. The two symmetrical moonstone horns on his head glint in gold with the sunlight. His eyes are like flames when they meet with the rays of the sun. I’m not sure if he looks better in the light or at night, but either way, I can’t help but stare.

“Good morning, uh… Sir Moonshadow,” I smile nervously, unsure how to address him.

“You may call me Lucien, if you wish.”

“You may call me Luna, then. I don’t think I’ve ever read of dark elves possessing bright eyes such as yours,” I comment, then look away nervously.

He eyes me curiously, and I’m afraid I’ve upset him.

“I’m half dark and light elf, actually. I take it you’ve never met any light elves? They have similar eye coloration.”

“O-Oh!” I exclaim, cheerfully. “That makes sense. I’ve never seen a light elf, but I did notice you also have the… Yes, that makes sense.”

“Longer ears?”

My eyes reflexively flicker to Lucien’ unusually long ears, and back to his eyes. I’ve seen dark elves, having lived in Mirror Lake for a while, the dark elves' second home away from the Grove, and I remember all of them possessing shorter ears than his. His are nearly double the usual length.

Scanning him from head to toe, I take in his entire appearance. He wears long silken robes. His long, dark hair is covered in feathers and decorative silver jewelry with charms of stars, moons, and other celestial bodies. Everything about him indicates he’s a dark elf. Even his ears are adored in silver piercings, and his horns are decorated in silver chains.

“You… seem overdressed for traveling,” I say, feeling shy, and staring down at my ragged traveling clothes.

“Probably, but that’s not what you noticed,” he mutters, just above a whisper, looking away from me.

He smirks, when my face falls.

“What did you think I noticed?” I whisper, pretending to be distracted by a passing bird.

“I am from the Dark Grove,” he says more loudly.

“Let’s go, Lou,” grumbles Marcellus, growing annoyed with us.

“Are you joining us?” I ask Lucien.

“If you don’t mind the company. I dislike traveling alone,” he says, politely. “Otherwise, I’ll continue on my way, and try my best not to disturb you.”

“We don’t mind it at all,” I say, before Marcellus can protest.

I pick up my pack, and begin walking, pulling both Marcellus’ and Lucien’s hands at my sides, setting the pace before letting them go.

“If you don’t mind my asking, what brings you to the City of Lights? I know there are some… unpleasantries between the dark elves and those that reside there.”

“They have, thankfully, not banned us from attending the academy,” he responds, with a weak smile.

“You’re a Mystic?” I gape at him, then look away quickly. “I heard you have your own Academy.”

“I am,” he smiles warmly. “And we do, but it’s an Academy for Court Mystics.”

I catch a quick glance at his face, as I’m unable to tell from his tone if I am making a fool of myself by asking too many questions.

“I’m a Wind-Caller. What about yourself?” It feels like I’m introducing myself to a classmate on the first day of school.

“I believe you refer to my kind as Shadow-Casters and Light-Weavers.”

“Is it true that some elves are born with a natural ability to control magic?”

“It is,” he nods. “I was born with some form of Mystic abilities.”

When I was growing up in Mirror Lake, I embarrassed my parents with all of my intrusive questions to the elves. The elves have always mystified me. Luckily, when I was a child, they were always polite enough not to take offense, and answered all of my burning questions. ‘Why do you wear such beautiful clothing all the time, even when you’re working?’ ‘Why do your horns always resemble the minerals of the earth? Do elves grow from the earth like plants do?’ ‘Why are all the elves so incredibly pretty?’ ‘Why aren’t there many baby elves?’ ‘Why is your skin blue?’ It was only when I moved to Bellehaven that I realized how ashamed I should have been about my prying, when I grew old enough to try mastering the art of conversation. I am grateful Lucien is kind enough to answer my questions at the moment, while I try to make a better effort of thinking before speaking.

“And you can control the associated elements?”

“I can perform basic spells from all the elements, since I am born from dark and light elf lineage. I’m not sure what my limitations are yet, though. So far, I have learned all the level one spells from all the elements.”

“Dark magic has always seemed so fascinating,” I exclaim.

Lucien chuckles, and I look away embarrassed by my own childish excitement.

“What does it feel like to have those…”

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“The small horns on my head?”

“Yes,” I admit, feeling humiliated.

“It’s like… hair. It doesn’t do anything, but they’re there, and I have to care for them.”

“Oh, how? Do they regrow if they break? What does it feel like if they break?”

“Lou,” scolds Marcellus.

“Sorry,” I mumble.

“It’s quite alright,” he gives Marcellus a smile. “I polish them, but I don’t have to. They’ll sort of heal if I break them, but as I get older, it’ll take much longer.”

“And your… dress…?”

“Lou!” Grumbles Marcellus.

“It’s alright. Uh, they’re robes, firstly. They’re comfortable, and I’m actually dressed quite casually.”

“If you’re casually dressed, I must look like I’ve rolled out of a gutter.”

He laughs. “I’m used to your form of clothing. I’m not without exposure to humans from the west.”

“You’re… half dark elf? Exactly half?”

Marcellus huffs, and Lucien laughs lightly.

“There aren’t many half-breeds like myself. We usually take after the light or the dark side more. I’ve grown up in the Dark Grove my whole life, so it’s only natural I would resemble a dark elf more, but I am exactly half light-elf. It’s rare, but not unheard of. Both sides of my lineage have strong traits.”

“Of course,” I mumble. “So, what can you do with magic? What does a level one spell look like for a Light-Weaver and Shadow-Caster? Humans can’t perform magic like yours, so Miss Eisley, my instructor in Bellehaven, didn’t even have books about it, though I was quite curious.”

“Well, I could drain life from something living, and give it to another that is in need. It works to promote healing. I haven’t mastered that spell yet. I can bend light and shadows. Light works like fire and earth magic, and dark like… well, obviously water and wind magic.”

“How so?”

“Um… have you seen any fire or earth spells?”

“Once or twice, but not often.”

“Well, how can I explain it? Earth spells have very stiff, strong, pushing movements,” he says, holding his arms out, and stomping, causing the ground beneath us to crack, then come back together. “And fire magic is always very… sort of… holding, flowing, and constantly moving type motions,” he demonstrates by tossing a small fire ball out of his hand, and making it vanish before it hits the ground. “And water magic is sort of…”

“Like a pushing motion? I think I saw some water spells in Miss Aisley’s books.”

“Yes, pushing and pulling, like waves, always flowing. Dark magic uses much of the ebbing and flowing, and the sharp movements of wind. Light magic has many of those firm movements of earth, and flowing motions of fire. It’s the best way I can describe it, unfortunately.”

“You’ll have so many spells to learn, won’t you? That’ll be quite a challenge.”

“I will, but… I’m sure I’ll be limited.”

“Wait one second for me, Lou. I’ll be back,” Marcellus interrupts us.

Marcellus runs off, and disappears beyond the tree line. I find a spot to sit on, a mossy root of a large tree that stands next to the road.

“Will it be easier to learn all that magic because you’re an elf?” I inquire.

“Yes, especially in my family, and those with long lines of magic.”

Lucien takes a seat next to me, and stares into the distance towards the large hill surrounded by trees where the City of Lights is peeking over the top of the horizon. The tall wall that guards it from intruders is visible, but nothing beyond them is.

“So close, yet so far,” I mumble, looking up at it.

“Is he…?”

“Attending personal business.”

“No… I mean… who is he to you?”

“Marcellus? Uh… what do you mean?” I ask, suspiciously, afraid my questions made him too comfortable with me.

“Twice now I’ve… stumbled upon you, and you seem… close. Is that why he seems so defensive? I mean neither of you any harm. I apologize if I-”

“I’m… not sure,” I look away, recalling Marcellus’ kiss. “I’ll be away for a long time, but we’ve known each other for almost half my life, and I… Sorry, I don’t mean to overshare. In short, we’re just friends.”

“My apologies. There’s no need to explain. It’s all matters of the heart,” he states. “They’re rarely so clearly defined. I didn’t mean to pry, you don’t have to explain anything to me.”

“Yeah,” I murmur, thinking back on how my relationship with Marcellus has changed in just a single year. “I’m sure… everyone knows about such things. It’s no matter. I’ll be visiting Bellehaven for the holidays when there are no classes for the summer, and maybe I’ll have a better idea.”

“An excellent plan,” he gives me a comforting smile.

“I imagine you won’t see Dark Grove for a long time. It’s so far away. How long have you been traveling?”

“It’s been… 3 weeks since I left the Grove, and I had just arrived from Solari. I’ve lost track, I’m afraid, but it feels like it’s been months.”

“That sounds awful. I’d miss being home if I were away for that long.”

“Well,” he sighs, sadly. “It might have felt extremely long in the beginning, but one can grow accustomed to such things if it’s what they’re used to.”

“That’s sad. It makes it sound as if you have no home.”

“I really don’t.”

“You’ll miss your family when you’re away from them?”

“Most of my family lives in Solari, so it’s a familiar feeling, since I spend most of my time in the Grove.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I fell in love… with uh- with Dark Grove growing up, amongst other things,” his cheeks become a darker shade of blue when he blushes. “The cities are a sight to behold, built from the trees. The glowing of the lanterns in the dark night sky. The cool nights spent by a warm fireplace being… I also sleep better in the darkness. In Solari, the daylight seems never-ending, and it’s impossible to block it out.”

He stares up at the skies, lost in his own daydream.

“Isn’t Dark Grove the opposite?”

“Yes, and it’s wonderful! I’m just in love with the night. Even here, the nights are too bright, and you cannot see Eclipsa and Ombra until they’re passing Selene.”

“You can see them in Dark Grove? I used to see them in Bellehaven a little bit, but only when Selene takes her rest.”

“You can see all of them clearly in the night sky. They’re both as visible as Selene herself in the Grove.”

“Hmm.”

I’m trying to imagine such a sight, and I’m not sure I believe him, but if it’s true, I hope to see it one day. We sit in pleasant silence as we wait for Marcellus to return. Images of the night sky in an even darker forest swim through my imagination. I can see myself gliding through the night's skies as if it were a dark water in which I can breathe, and all the stars are schools of fish flowing past me on their way to some other parts of the skies.

“You’ll return home soon,” he says.

I stare into his eyes, and I swear I can see the flame inside them flicker. But what does he think he knows?

“I’m not sure that’s what I want from this life.”

“You want to be a wanderer?”

“Yes, why?”

“That doesn’t sound enjoyable at all.”

“Well, what’s the point of living, if you don’t go out and see the world?”

“What’s the point in traveling the world, if you never find a place to call home?”

“I could have homes all over the world. A world of friends to know.”

“I suppose.”

“Sorry,” says Marcellus, when he returns. “Let’s get going.”

Hours later, we reach the main road. It is unusually busy, probably due to the influx of students returning to the Academy, or arriving for the first time. Some of the travelers are from Mirror Lake, their dresses soft, elegant and flowing, almost like those of the dark elves. Others are from Zelfari, wearing stiff purple garments with golden accents, and strange devices attached to various parts of their bodies that appear to be made of metal. I’m surprised to see a rare group of people from the Ibis Islands, wearing rich greens and brown clothing covered in feathers and flowers, walking with beautiful wooden staffs covered in intricate, delicate designs.

The crowd draws me in, and I’m instinctively flowing towards the City of Lights with them.

“Lou, hold on!” Cries Marcellus. “I have to find someone.”

“Right,” I say, turning back to face him. “Did you agree to meet somewhere?”

“He was supposed to be at the crossroads. Maybe he’s been delayed.”

“Well, we can wait for him to a-”

”MARCELLUS!” Calls a man from the crowd. “Marcellus! Is that you?”

”Sounds like you’ve been spotted,” says Lucien.

“I guess this is goodbye then, Lou,” he mumbles, standing before me looking down at me with a sad expression.

I hug him tightly, almost afraid I’ll never see him again, but eager to be on my way to the Academy, and get myself settled into this new life.

“I’ll be back, I swear. I’ll write often,” I promise him.

“I’m holding you to that. Please stay safe, follow the groups, don’t wander too far off the path, and send a letter the moment you arrive so that your family and I know you made it there safely.”

“I will, Marc.”

“I’ll miss you,” he whispers into my ear, before breaking our embrace.

I give him a half smile, and hesitate before I join the river of people walking down the road towards the city. I wave back at Marcellus until I can no longer see him through the crowds.

“Well,” says Lucien, appearing next to me as if out of thin air. “We could part here, if you’d like.”

“It’s… fine, I suppose,” I say, not wanting to admit that I am afraid of journeying alone. “I think you’re mostly harmless.”

“Mostly? Which part of me do you think would be harmful? My offensive appearance?”

“W-What? No,” I scoff. “Your horns look like they’re very pointy. Not to mention you’re a fully armed Mystic with the ability to control light and dark magic. I think I’ll be safe with you. I’m only in trouble if I upset you.”

“You’re… I was just joking. I thought I could joke about that since you seem very unlike Marcellus, and extremely trusting. I’m not sure if it’s foolishness or friendliness on your part”

“Uh… I’m sorry about him. He’s been to the west more often than myself, and picked up some strange ideas about…”

“My kind?”

“Yes. I… have met many dark elves in Mirror Lake, and some were always kinder than some humans. Once, Marcellus had made an offensive comment to a dark elf that was staying in town, and I’d longed to slap his face when he said it, but I didn’t. Instead, I’d ignored him for weeks until he promised not to do it again, but even then, he could never fully conceal his disgust, and the elf left town immediately. I’ve always wondered what people are saying about them in Port Quelil, but I’ll be more disappointed in Marcellus if I did know. The dark elves I knew were just like any other living creatures, and it’s unfair that they’re being treated so poorly these days. I suppose you’d know. You barely defended yourself earlier. I guess I’m no better.”

“You could have jumped in at any time.”

I wince. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

“No matter. Tell me more.”

“About?”

“Your upbringing in Mirror Lake.”

“I… oh… I grew up with dark elves, listening to the tales of the Grove, and the songs of Selene.”

“Which songs?” He asks, his interest peaking, and his ears twitching, making his earrings play a short tune.

I am silent for a moment as I wonder how bored he is, and if I’m speaking too much. Would this have been a moment my parents would have scolded me for if I was still a child? Is this idle chit chat offensive to him? Is he amused by my stupidity?

”Well, my favorite is when Sol first witnessed the beauty of Selene with skin like the night sky, hair like silvery moonlight, eyes like glimmering pools of water reflecting the stars,” I sigh happily, remembering how I’d felt the first time I heard their tale, back when true love could exist, and every story had a happy ending. “They don’t speak much of the love between Sol and Selene anymore. Just Gaia.”

“Hmm,” he mumbles. “They don’t. It’s a nice love story, I suppose.”

“I’ve heard songs of when they first met, but never anything more.”

“Well,” Lucien smiles, and it seems I have his full attention. “I can tell you of the tales I’ve heard.”

“Please do. I never mind hearing more about them.”

“Selene was the most beautiful of all the Goddesses, and Sol the most handsome of the Gods. Naturally,” he laughs.

“Naturally,” I snark. “It wouldn’t be a love story without such impossible beauty.”

He gives me a warm smile, and it feels comforting, easing any fears I have of speaking with him. My mother would be so disappointed in me if she witnessed my conversation right now, and I can almost feel the phantom nudge she’d give me to hush me up.

“They were infatuated with each other, but the other gods forbid such a relationship-”

“Other gods?” I exclaim. “What other gods?”

“You think Selene and Sol are the only gods? There are millions of stars in the sky, Luna,” he says.

My name on his lips making my heart skip half a beat. He reflexively catches a quick glimpse at my chest, where my heart malfunctions.

“There are millions of worlds out there created by the gods. If you’d paid any attention to the tales from the dark elves, you’d know this already.”

“Millions of worlds? They were never mentioned,” I mutter under my breath. “That sounds almost too impossible to believe.”

He smiles at me again, as if I’m a child. It’s a familiar look. Even at my age, my parents still look at me that way when I say something ridiculous. Marcellus still gives me that look from time to time, too, though not as much lately.

“Well, they began to meet in secret, and fell madly in love. A glance, a touch, a kiss was enough for Sol, but only for a while,” he pronounces each word with such strong emotion, I can almost feel the longing of Sol like a deep ache in my chest. “He craved for more, filled with love and an unbearable lust.”

I bite my lip, and swallow hard, clinging to his every word. He chuckles when he looks at me.

“They began to meet in secret. Until one night, they were caught in the throes of passion, the very night Gaia was conceived.”

I blush, and look away, pretending to have my attention drawn away by a small child running past, as my mind is occupied by what such lust would feel like. What would have come after my kiss with Marcellus if Lucien had not shown up? I shove the thought aside, hoping it won’t resurface ever again.

“There are many variations of what happened next, but in each version, they were cast out of the heavens by the other gods, and made to live a life in isolation. They created Amith, but not as we know it today. When Gaia was born, they made it her domain, and granted her the power of creation, so that she could do with Amith as she pleased. This weakened them, forcing them apart due to the opposing nature of their very existence, but their love for her was worth more than any of that.

“Gaia created the mountains, the streams, the plains, plants, animals, and all that we see around us, but still, her parents seemed saddened by their forced separation. She longed for companions, and to help her parents regain their powers so that they may rejoin the other gods. And so the dark and light elves came to be in honor of her parents. They served as companions to Gaia, and as guardians to the temples of Sol and Selene, which served as vessels to gather the praises of Amith. Praises that would be used to restore them to their former glory. The rest is already known to most.”

“That’s already much more detailed than any of the tales I’ve heard.”

“There’s obviously some details I’ve missed; when and why they were forced apart, and the tales of Umbra and Eclipsa.”

“There’s more?”

“There’s so much more. Of course, it could all be made up, and the elves just needed tales to keep themselves entertained, like most religions.”

“The same could be said of Gaia. I guess both kinds needed a reason to feel superior to each other. I wonder why humans choose to worship Gaia, and not all three of them.”

“I supposed Gaia is more relatable. She was created by the gods, and the humans were created by the elves which… some humans view them as gods, I suppose? We possess immortality-”

“And such striking god-like beauty.”

He smirks.

“What if the gods are real?” I ask.

“Then I wish they’d make my existence a bit more bearable at several levels.”

“Are they really going to be reunited one day, you think? Is that what the elves long for?”

“Well,” he thinks for a moment, and stares up at the skies. “I know that my eldest relative made mention that the power emanating from the temple ruins has been increasing over the centuries before he passed, but I don’t know for sure myself. It’s nice to think that they will one day be reunited with the others in the heavens, but it seems silly to want to return to all that, doesn’t it?”

“I hope they are at least reunited with each other,” I think aloud. “Imagine what that would be like, missing someone for so long. And I’m sure they have other family members that miss them. They have to have come from somewhere, haven’t they?”

“They’re gods. Who knows? Selene and Sol do get to meet once every 100 years when Selene and Sol cross paths in the sky. How do you think we have Eclipsa and Ombra?” He nudges me playfully, and when I realize what he means, I blush.

“I never really thought about it. I just thought they served Selene. They’re not really in the text.”

“The dark elves have songs for them.”

“Maybe you can recount them to me one day.”

He laughs joyously, and I wonder if we will somehow become friends, because I want us to.

“One day,” he promises.