Chapter 22: Luminous Deer
The next day dawned with a clear sky and fresh air that heralded a promising day. After a quick breakfast, Daemon and Lyana broke their camp and continued on their way to Eleanor.
The meadow before them was a sea of tall grasses and wildflowers. The sun shone brightly, and the soft wind whispered across the countryside, creating a natural symphony that accompanied their journey.
As they moved forward, Lyana pointed out the different species of plants and flowers they found, sharing her knowledge of the healing and magical properties of each one. Daemon listened attentively.
Hours later, the landscape began to change again. Rolling hills stretched as far as the eye could see. The road became rockier and more difficult, sometimes they came across ancient ruins that told stories of past civilizations. Lyana and Daemon decided to take a short rest at one of these ruins, admiring the engravings and sculptures that still remained.
"These ruins belong to an ancient civilization that worshiped ancient dragons," Lyana explained, caressing a carving of a winged dragon. "It is said that they built temples and monuments in his honor, hoping to gain his favor and protection."
According to tales passed down through generations, the civilization of dragon worshipers spread across vast lands millennia ago. Dragons, considered divine and powerful beings, were seen as symbols of wisdom, strength and protection. Worshipers fervently believed that by honoring these mythical beings, they ensured the prosperity and safety of their communities. The temples they built were imposing structures adorned with sculptures of dragons at every corner, while monuments were erected in sacred places, where the presence of dragons was believed to be strongest.
However, not everything was veneration and peace. The influence of dragons often led to internal conflicts between rival factions that interpreted divine signs differently. These disagreements sometimes led to power disputes and violent confrontations.
"And what were these dragons like compared to the ones we know today?" Daemon asked, intrigued.
He knew that the dragons that inhabited this world were also quite powerful, but he did not believe it was possible that these civilizations would have worshiped these types of dragons.
"These dragons were very different," Lyana responded. "It was said that they could even speak and communicate with humans. They were beings of great wisdom and benevolence, considered protectors and guides. They were not like the dragons of today, who dwell in dungeons and stalk adventurers."
Daemon sank into his thoughts; In his dreams he had seen two enormous dragons, majestic and full of energy. Could those dragons be the same ones that the ancient civilization worshiped? He couldn't get that strange dream out of his mind and he was intrigued to learn more about that civilization to get answers.
"Have you ever faced a dragon?" Daemon asked.
"Yes, only once, and it was very difficult to defeat that damn thing. It took five adventurers besides me to kill it."
"They are quite powerful," Daemon commented.
"Yes they are," Lyana replied, "but it is impossible for these creatures to be the same ones that civilization worshiped."
"How do you know so many things?" Daemon asked. Lyana laughed softly, "I'm not just brute force, my friend. Your teacher is very smart and I like to read about many different things."
As they continued, the landscape began to change again, giving way to denser trees and thicker foliage, indicating that they were entering another forest.
"This is the Forest of Shadows," Lyana commented, noticing Daemon's curious expression. "It is less dense than the Dreaming Forest, but just as enigmatic. They say that guardian spirits live here, protecting travelers from the dangers that lurk in the darkness."
Daemon nodded, watching as the sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating shadow patterns on the ground. As they walked deeper into the forest, the atmosphere became cooler and quieter, as if the forest enveloped them in an embrace of tranquility.
Hours later, as they continued their walk in the forest, Daemon noticed something peculiar among the trees: a soft, golden light emanated from a majestic figure. It was a deer, but not a common one. His fur shone with an ethereal glow, and his antlers seemed to be made of pure light.
Daemon was fascinated, without moving a single muscle. He watched the deer in admiration as it delicately fed on some fresh herbs. The scene was like a living painting in the middle of the forest, where the golden light of the deer illuminated its surroundings, creating an atmosphere of peace and reverence.
Lyana also noticed the deer's presence and stopped next to it, respecting the magical moment they were experiencing. They both watched in silence, marveling at the serenity and beauty of their encounter with this unique creature.
After a few moments that seemed eternal, the deer raised its head and looked directly at Daemon with wise, calm eyes. It was as if the animal understood something deep about him, something that transcended words. As Daemon continued to look into the beautiful animal's eyes, the creature seemed to give a nod, then turned its back on them and disappeared into the trees of the forest.
Daemon was fascinated by the experience. He did not hesitate to ask Lyana about this creature, expressing his amazement at what they had just witnessed. "I've never seen anything like it with my own eyes," he said sincerely.
"According to legend," Lyana continued, "the Luminous Deer guide travelers to their true destination. They appear in times of need, offering guidance and hope."
"That means we're on the right path," Daemon mused as Lyana smiled knowingly at him. He nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and curiosity about everything he had heard about this beautiful animal.
"Well, I think it's time to camp," Lyana said. "Tomorrow we will arrive at Eleanor's city. Let us rest here tonight." He commented as he dismounted his mare, Daemon did the same.
He was eager to see the city.