Unveiled Shadows: Tales of a Lich

Chapter 17 - Tears & Terrors

Gwenitha's gaze lingered on the sister moons above, their tranquil light casting a soft glow on the rugged expanse leading to the cliff's edge. The once verdant forest had receded, revealing the stark, moonlit landscape in its wake. "May the sisters light our path," she murmured, finding solace under their celestial light.

From above, Llewellyn's voice broke the silence. "Behold, our destination lies just yonder!" he called his raven Skavenneg gliding effortlessly, guiding them through the night.

Rounding the bend of the cliffside, Gwenitha's breath caught at the sight before her. A colossal curtain of grey mist, the Veil of Ceòl Mòr, stretched skyward, its ethereal form seemingly merging with the stars and moons above. Her voice barely above a whisper, filled with reverence and wonder, murmured, "It's as if it reaches up to the heavens themselves."

Pederna and Emeran, equally mesmerized, joined her, their eyes fixed on the magnificent sight. Pederna's voice tinged with a blend of awe and reverence, remarked, "I've heard tales of its grandeur, but nothing compares to beholding it with one's own eyes."

Emeran nodded in agreement, a sense of deep connection stirring within him. "Aye, it resonates with the essence of our souls," he added, captivated by the ancient spectacle.

Llewellyn's voice edged with growing impatience, cut through their awe. "Enough dawdling, my friends, time presses on. The others should be here by now. What could be taking them so long?" he grumbled, his eyes darting restlessly across the moonlit horizon, searching for any sign of their missing comrades.

Gwenitha's keen eyes caught sight of figures approaching in the distance. "I believe they've arrived," she announced, her voice tinged with a hint of relief.

Llewellyn, momentarily perplexed, narrowed his eyes as he peered into the distance. "Where? I can't make them out," he said, using his hand to shield his eyes from the glaring brightness of the moons. Slowly emerging from the twilight, a quartet of elves entered, each astride their unique forest creature. At the forefront was Morwenna, an elf woman with flowing pale platinum hair, bearing a striking resemblance to Emeran. She rode a magnificent white moth, which seemed to effortlessly drift through the mystical landscape, its vast wingspan and plush body radiating in the tri-moon's luminous embrace.

Beside her, another elf, bearing a familial resemblance to her and Emeran, rode atop a large ghostly caterpillar, its spots shimmering in the moonlight. The two other elves, with hair as fiery as Gwenitha's and Pederna's, rode atop stags similar to Pederna's, each adorned with its own intricately unique set of antlers.

Recognition dawned on Llewellyn's face. "Aye, it's Morwenna," he acknowledged with a bow.

The group alighted from their mounts with effortless elegance, and Morwenna approached, her smile radiating a tranquil warmth. "Salutations, Gwenitha, Llewellyn, Pederna, and Emeran," she began, her gaze lingering on Emeran as she gently caressed his cheek. "Ah, the spitting image of your father, you are. Though we haven't met, I hold a deep familiarity with your lineage. I've stood shoulder to shoulder in battle with your parents, uncles, aunts, and cousins for countless moons." The young elves gazed back at her, their expressions a blend of bewilderment and wonder. "Appearances can be deceiving, for I am far older than I seem," she continued, her voice carrying a playful, melodious undertone. Her attire, woven from ethereal white leaves, seemed almost otherworldly, and her pale eyes mirrored the ghostly hue of her hair and garb.

"My Lady, shall we go forth?" Llewellyn asked.

Morwenna nodded, her eyes capturing the tranquil luminescence of the moons. "The Veil is a realm of enigmas, terrors, and perils. But fear not, for together, we shall be shepherded by the celestial sisters of the Mother of Elves herself," she proclaimed, raising a hand toward the celestial orbs above. "Their radiance shall illuminate her tears, unveiling the sacred trail that awaits her sons and daughters, the elves of Tir Na Douar."