The Legend of Lunasprites

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden hue through the grove, Elau and I sit at our oak tree in our secret garden after a long day of being an Ambassador and Prince. With no sleep the night before. . The air is thick with anticipation, and the faint scent of aged paper fills our senses. Between us on the oak tree lay the mysterious book that Maeve had given me. Its leather cover was worn and embossed with intricate designs that hinted at the secrets within.

Elau and I exchange excited glances, our curiosity piqued by the promise of discovering a way to prove my heritage. With a deep breath, I carefully open the book, the pages crackling softly as they reveal their hidden wonders. The first page greets us with an elaborate illustration of a dragon, its scales shimmering with iridescent colors that seemed to dance in the dim light.

We are both immediately captivated. The dragon’s eyes, though merely ink on paper, seemed to hold a depth of wisdom and mystery. Elauthin traces a finger over the image, as if trying to feel the texture of its scales. "Look at the detail," he whispers, his voice filled with awe. "It's almost like it's alive."

As we turn the pages, each one unveils a new creature, each more fantastical than the last. There were unicorns with flowing manes that sparkled like stardust, phoenixes with feathers of fire, and griffins with powerful wings spread wide. Each illustration was accompanied by detailed descriptions, written in an elegant script that seemed to transport us to a different world.

We read about the habitats of these creatures, the myths and legends surrounding them, and the magical properties they possessed. The book spoke of unicorn horns that could purify water, phoenix tears that could heal any wound, and griffin feathers that could bestow the gift of flight. The more we read, the more we are drawn into this enchanting realm, learning about these ancient creatures. Although not seen anymore, many speculate their existence.

Elauthin and I take turns reading aloud, our voices blending with the rustling of the pages and the occasional rustle of leaves in the woods around us.. The stories begin to come to life in our minds, painting vivid pictures of enchanted forests, mystical lakes, and ancient mountains where these creatures roamed free.

Soon enough, we come across a particularly intriguing entry about a creature called the "Lunasprite." According to the book, Lunasprites were tiny, ethereal beings that only appeared under the light of a full moon. They were said to possess the power to grant wishes, but only to those with pure hearts. The illustration showed a delicate, fairy-like creature with translucent wings that glowed with a soft, silvery light.

"This could be the answer, Nic," Elau muses, his eyes sparkling with wonder. "If we can find a Lunasprite we can ask about your past."

I nodded, feeling a sense of longing. “Right, but these are not real.” I try and reason with him. “No one has seen one in thousands of years and many people believe they never existed.”
“Then let’s do more research. Let’s prove they are real.” He talks passionately like he is certain he is right.

“But even the description of where to find one doesn’t make sense.” I say and read from the book,“To find a Lunasprite, venture into an ancient, enchanted forest bathed in the soft glow of a full moon. Seek out a secluded glade where moonlight filters through the canopy, casting a silvery luminescence. Lunasprites are drawn to the delicate, night-blooming flowers that thrive in these magical clearings. Listen for the faint, melodious hum of their wings, a sound like distant chimes. Approach with a pure heart and gentle steps, for these ethereal beings are shy and elusive. With patience and a bit of luck, you might glimpse their shimmering, translucent forms dancing in the moonlight.” I look at him with uncertainty. “So what “ancient enchanted forest” and to just wait patiently.”

“Well I would say the Venamel Forest.” Elau suggests and I am taken back.

“The Forest that is forbidden. It’s too dangerous, we can’t go there.” I can’t believe he would actually suggest that.

"Come on, Nic, it'll be an adventure!" Elau's eyes sparkle with excitement as he leans in closer. "The forbidden forest isn't as dangerous as they say. It's just old legends to keep people out."

I look at him skeptical, my brow furrows. "Elauthin, it's called 'forbidden' for a reason. People say it's haunted or cursed. We could get lost or worse."

Elau waves his hand dismissively. "Those are just stories to scare kids. Think about it. We could be the first to find a Lunasprite! Imagine seeing one of those ethereal creatures with our own eyes, their wings glowing under the moonlight. It could answer all of our questions."

I sigh, shaking my head. "I don't know, Elau. It sounds risky. What if something goes wrong? What if we get hurt or can't find our way back?"

Elau places a reassuring hand on my arm. "We'll be careful. We'll bring a map, torches, and plenty of supplies. Plus, we'll stick together. Nothing will happen to us if we plan properly."

I hesitated, biting my lip. "I do want to find out the truth about my family. But what if the legends are true? What if there are dangerous creatures or traps?"

Elau's expression softens. "I get it, Nic. It's scary to think about the unknown. But sometimes, the most incredible experiences come from taking a leap of faith. We'll be smart about it, and if things get too risky, we'll turn back. I promise."

I look into Elau's earnest eyes, weighing my options. "Okay, let's say I agree. When would we go, and how do we prepare?"

Elau grins, sensing victory. "We'd go on the night of the next full moon. That's when the Lunasprites are most likely to appear. We'll gather all the gear we need and do some research on the forest. I will prepare everything. You just have to trust me."

I nod slowly. "Alright, that sounds reasonable. But we need to be extra cautious. No taking unnecessary risks, and if either of us feels uncomfortable, we leave immediately."

"Deal," Elau agrees, his excitement barely contained. "We'll make sure we're prepared for anything. And who knows, Nic? We may just figure out who you really are."