1 Prologue

A couple ran at full speed across the forest, trying to get as far away as they could from their predators. Their entire focus was on trying their best to ensure they keep safe their biggest treasure, tying their horses to nearby trees, they gently cross the unsteady bridge to the other side of the mountain and stood before a dark cave. The couple is greeted by a young lad with a long silver staff in front of the cave, and the younger male steps out of the shadows to greet his guests.

He's wearing a cloak with the hoody pulled down to reveal his bright purple hair and golden eyes, his pale skin illuminated by the bright full moon. "Is everything ready?" The older male steps forward to ask, and the boy nods.

He motions them into the cave and creates an orb of light to guide their path. He leads them through various corners before leading them through a narrow, condensed path leading directly to the garden of Elytrum where the portal was hidden. Stepping out within the passage they came upon a beautiful, picturesque garden filled with exotic flowers and herbs which came from a world long forgotten but still hidden deep within their hearts.

And before the garden is a wooden bridge built upon a clear blue river which flows gently in soft waves into the distance, disappearing into a shimmering barrier. Staring at the bridge the couple could do nothing but turn to one another with resolute expressions, the hard but selfish decision they decided to take a final one within their hearts. Turning to the young lad, the older male steps forward and hands over a wooden box designed with intricate carvings. "Keeper of Elytrum, could you do us this smaller favour. Inside this box holds a final gift to our daughter. We would like her to have one little reminder of us to hold onto while she crosses the barrier."

Gazing at the box, the young lad hesitated for a few seconds, knowing better than to allow undiluted items to travel with new souls into the other realm after they depart, but in resignation, he ended up nodding. He stretched out his hand for the box and the older male placed it in his palm, but just before he could take the box the older male grabbed him by shoulders and leaned forward to whisper something in his ear.

Though startled by the outrageous request, the lad reluctantly concedes to it. Letting him go, the older male stepped back slowly with tears clouding his eyes, a small smile on his lips. He placed both hands before him as if saying a prayer and bowed his head deeply in gratitude, taking hold of the box the young lad said nought but simply bowed in return. Once they lifted their heads, the older male walked back to the side of his female and wrapped a hand around her shoulder. They both gazed down at the little bundle wrapped up in a warm, fur blanket and smiled a sad, affectionate smile.

Pulling himself together first, the older male nodded to the young lad who then stepped forward and carefully took away the baby from its mother's arms. Ignoring the slight whimper that drew from her lips at the loss of her baby. Nodding goodbye to the couple, the lad stepped onto the bridge and began to walk forward with his staff held in one hand and the baby held in the other. The couple watched them go until they both disappeared behind the veil. Once they were out of sight, the couple turned to face each other with sad smiles on their lips and tears running down their faces.

Whispers of foreign words left their lips and in response, the ground beneath their feet began to crumble, all around them the cave gave to the destruction the couple created until the entire cave collapsed on top of their heads. But despite being the one's to take their own lives, neither had an ounce of regret in their heart. Their only thought was to ensure their little one will be safe through her journey on earth.