The Legend of the Ravens

Prologue

A.N. :Hello readers, we won't be seeing Holly in this particular story, rather we'll meet one of her ancestors Solara. So without further ado, here is The Legend of the Ravens.  -DrFizzHead

'It's time', she thought. Settling by the firepit in her place of importance and raising her voice to her tribe, the elderly woman spoke, her voice demanding attention. "Hear me now, oh young ones: I shall tell you the tale of Naka'Olu, the raven, and Solara, the human." After calling thus she waited.

The tribe finished their nightly ablutions and made their way to the old woman, sitting in a circle around her. She began her tale, her wrinkled hands moving with every word like ancient scrolls coming to life.

As she spoke, the young ones listened intently, their imaginations running wild with the story. She continued, "Long ago, there once was a raven named Naka'Olu who had a great fascination with humans and the things that they could create. So much so that he would often steal spoons, hairpins, keys, and things of the sort. He would fly all over the land searching far and wide for new human things to add to his great collection hidden within his nest. Now, this raven was as also brave as he was mischievous and loved his dear Solara very much."

One of the younger children called out," Who was Solara?"

The old woman smiled, knowing her storytelling had succeeded in capturing their attention. "Solara was a young human woman whom was kind and gentle, with a heart full of light and love. She lived in a small village near the edge of the deep jungle where Naka'Olu made his home."

As the moon began to rise higher in the sky, the old woman paused, looking around the circle of young faces before continuing her story. "It was one fateful day when a gigantic eagle descended upon Naka'Olu, looking for its next meal. But the raven was brave and mighty, fiercely defending himself until he was too injured to continue fighting. As Naka'Olu's life force began to slip away, Solara arrived and cared for the raven, eventually nursing him back to health."

The children gasped, fascinated by the tale and eager to hear more. The old woman took this as a cue to continue, her voice growing more animated as she spoke. "Naka'Olu was so taken with Solara's beauty and kindness that he began to visit her regularly. At first, she was wary of him, but as time passed, they became friends. Naka'Olu would bring her trinkets from his collection as gifts, and Solara would tell him stories of her village, her people, and the world beyond."

The old woman paused for effect, taking a deep breath before she continued with the tale. "As time went on and their friendship deepened, Naka'Olu began to realize that he was in love with Solara. He would watch her from afar, his heart filled with longing, as she went about her daily life. And Solara, although she cared for Naka'Olu deeply, knew that their love could never be. For she was human, and he was a raven. A love between them was forbidden."

The children listened with rapt attention, their eyes wide as the story unfolded before them. The old woman cleared her throat and continued with a mournful tone, "But fate had other plans for the two would be lovers. One day, as Naka'Olu was bringing Solara another trinket he saw that her village was overrun by a horde of demons. Everywhere he looked, there was chaos and destruction; homes were engulfed in flames and panic-stricken people ran for their lives."

The children of the tribe gasped in shock and horror as the old woman's words painted a vivid picture in their minds. The old woman took a moment to let the tension build before continuing the story.