Child of the Stars

For this he didn’t need to be on the most eastern point of the Greenwood. Being on a eastern point would suffice just fine. Which was something Thranduil’s halls happened to be. That worked out just fine for anyone that would want early morning music. The fact everyone was assembling in the pre-dawn wasn’t a deterrent in the slightest. Not for those coming with him, nor for those that were simply curious.

There were rules of course for those coming with him. His, no, their rules. For this was not a day that belonged to either gender and both all at once. While the full manifestation of the Keeper role was not needed, it still would be connecting to the land and the energy that flowed through it. Those following them would let Haldir be the main contact. Though there would be breaks between each point, travel would need to be swift and once Gilriant tapped into the greater energy of the Greenwood, they wouldn’t be releasing entirely unless absolutely needed.

The group coming wasn’t exactly small either. Though Gilriant was happy that Thranduil was limited on how many could be sent. The six members of their personal guard of course were included. In addition there were three scouts, one for each of the other cardinal points and Legolas for the heart of the Greenwood. Twelve elves, six starlight wolves, two phoenixes, Hallows and Tindel. The King would be here when they started and that mattered. This was his kingdom and his halls and that rang though them as being important.

It didn’t stop the bundle of nerves that jangled around. While they had played for fun before a wide variety of people, not that many outside of the hobbits had seen them use music this way. To channel their power. To dip into the songs of the world and let his music resonate with it. Atar had seen this, brother, Haldir, and a handful more of their family. Not a group of unrelated elves which included complete strangers. They fiddled with their violin, taking a deep even breath.

As if sensing their nerves, Haldir came up to stand beside them. His presence bolstering their spirits and calming them in a way few things could. “I’m going to play for you soon. Just you. Hedwig can help me find a good spot for that.” They told the marchwarden softly. It occurred to them that they should have done this before now. Yet, this is the moment they realized it should be done, so how could they? You don’t always know what you don’t know, until something occurs to tell you. At the older elf’s inquiring look they smiled. “For one you deserve it. For another, it feels important.” There, that was the release they needed to start.

With Haldir’s warm presence at their side, they lifted the bow to the strings and started to play. Hedwig taking flight to circle around them encouragely. While the sun had yet to breach the horizon, the hint of it was there. It was in the fading of the stars and the lightening of the skies. It was in the lack of night sounds and the beginning of bird song. What they needed to find was there. The beginning of the beginning. Just waiting to be found.

The first notes were simple. A basic melody sliding up and down. Vibrating the air and seeking, ever seeking, until they found it. A playful rising reaching up. A cheerful run of notes echoing and reaching out. A celebration of the day that was about to begin. Then it wasn’t just notes being played, it was the power that seeped through just as the sun broke the line between the land and the sky. Gilriant started to move. Simple steps at first, taking in the pace and feel of the song. Soon they became brighter, more energetic. Even as they never missed a single note. There was something more needed and they sent a whisper of thought to their anchor and felt the movement of people clearing a space. All but two. Perfect.

The sun was rising and with the full call of the song they moved. Spinning, dancing, moving playfully, all around the pair. All around the ones of starlight and starlight mixed with forest. As the sun started to climb in the sky they could feel the ice phoenix come into a landing and the fire phoenix launch and join in the dance. Fawkes’ singing joining in the song and his sky dancing weaving around their steps. The song wound around the pair of elves at the center and then followed their connection, spiraling outwards into the forest. And the trees Sang.

Dimly they could tell the other elves were reacting. That they heard the song first with their ears. Then the echos with their fea and then the cascade between light and forest. The song of the first rays of light fully waking the trees to the day. Of new beginnings and hopes. Breath of life that begins and renews. The promise of something new.

Even as they felt all these things they knew this wasn’t the right time to start this way. Not the right seasons to begin to build something strong. That didn’t mean they couldn’t build something now. It just wouldn’t be as strong. They could lay the foundation of what was to come. So they threaded in hopes, warmth, and protection.

When the sun was fully in the sky and no longer touching the land, they could feel it in the song. It was time to draw close to that which celebrated the first light. Time to move on to the next stage and be ready to greet sun-height. Their steps slowed, the outward spiral reversed to come back to the center. When the music finally was drawn to close they realized they had ended right in front of the King and Prince. With a soft smile then tilted their head to the side and inclined it. The King returned the gesture, his gaze intense. Straightening up from their ending position they turned to look at the Prince with the same soft smile, meeting his wide-eyed gaze. “We ride.”

With those words movement started around them. Elves finding the starlight wolf willing to bear them. Tindel came up to their side as Haldir brought over the special travel case for the violin. Carefully they tucked the instrument into it and slung it on their back. Before they moved to mount the deer they paused and wrapped one arm around Haldir who had stayed in place. The marchwarden returned the half embrace and the two bonded stood still there for a handful of heartbeats that echoed in both of their ears. The presence and closeness of their anchor and bondmate allowing for some bleed off of energy so the ride wouldn’t be too overwhelming. Also enjoying simply being in each other’s presence. Letting go they both moved to swing on the backs of their friends. A movement so fluid it looked rehearsed but simply a result of the bond between them.

Their magic knew where to go. The black deer and the white wolf led the way. The sun bright phoenix flying around and weaving in and out of the path as the pack followed.

Thranduil watched as the group raced off, carrying his son with them. At the head of the group is a very young yet very powerful elf. Both of the political and magical types. He could easily be crowned the next high king of the Noldor, if they had not made it explicitly clear they would not accept it. They may try anyways but why would the young one accept what some might see as a step down? There was a very heavy responsibility that Prince Gilriant was attempting to assume. One fraught with danger, and potential heartbreak.

The young one was an elf that invested their heart in others. Which from all reports had not been limited to elves. Which meant they would face the dangers of grief. The need for anchors would not just be for the power they wielded. It would be for the risks they took with their heart. The King couldn’t be sure if he admired them or pitied them for it.

What did catch him by surprise is how easily the young one put power into the hands of others. Prince Gilriant could have very easily left the protections they were building for the Greenwood solely under their own control. Yet that is not what they did. Instead he felt it, when the young bard wove the song around him and Legolas. Yes they followed their connection to the forest, but they could have easily done that on his own. It wasn’t completely necessary to bring them in that way. Either consciously or subconsciously they had chosen to give Thranduil and to an extent, Legolas, a connection to those protections. Not that he wouldn’t have demanded it, but to have it handed over entirely unprompted was quite rare.

It was rather remarkable how giving the young one was. Without thought to the cost of themselves. Which was also rather concerning. They needed to learn how to prioritize themselves. For if they gave and gave until nothing was left, then all those they wanted to help, would be without them. That marchwarden of theirs was a good choice of an anchor from what he could see. He was likely well aware of the issue. So for now he would leave it in Haldir’s hands.

Yes, he had a proprietary interest in the young one, for multiple reasons. The Prince was not just a prince of Noldor blood, but that of his people as well. That alone would put them squarely under Thranduil’s protection. They were also in some form, working with Narinzel, his heart. The messages that had been delivered and actions taken so far had made that very clear.

When the young one took it upon themselves to heal the King of injuries more may have been revealed then intended. The protective walls he built around his fea were shattered, but in the shattering and healing he was able to reach out and trace a connection back. There was a part of him that was always searching for his beloved. It seized on the opportunity given. While ever so faint due to distance, he could feel her again. Her warmth bloomed in his fea melting any remaining ice he had buried it in to numb the pain. Thranduil could not say what this meant for the long term. What he could say is that Gilriant had given him his hope back.

The strong friendship that had formed between his son and the young one was clear. Another reason to protect them. Especially when Prince Gilriant had already proven they were more than willing to give of themnselves to help his son. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t concerned about where this would lead to, how it might morph. The closeness was not the initial goal when he encouraged the connection between the two. Yet it was what they had been gifted with. A surfeit of exposure should settle it into whatever it was meant to be.

This morning was not what he expected. To be fair, the young one was full of surprises. What occurred just now was just another in a long list of them. Thranduil had heard the prince play the instrument before, and seen them dance with it. It did not prepare him, not truely. There was such power in the song. The first stirrings that woke the breath of the land. As it progressed and brought about the feeling of springs. When the trees sang, it harkened back to an earlier age when the world was new and full of magic. Bringing forward memories of his own youth.

They were not only clearing corruption, Prince Gilriant was also awakening elvish magic in the land. Whether it would be enough to allow elves to continue to live in Middle Earth was yet to be seen. Right now their actions in protecting the Greenwood would allow the elves to flourish here. Part of the reason Thranduil pulled his people tighter in, was to protect them from the marring of the land. It could and would make elves sick.

It all circled back to the power that was wielded and how it was used. There was of course danger in it. Long ago Doriath was destroyed in part due to battle music. Whatever the reasoning, whatever the cause, the damage was still done. Lives were lost, property destroyed. This was something he would not, could not, forget. Yet now that the child of the one that had done that was putting up protections for the survivors. Perhaps part of why he could accept this action more readily is that in some way, it could be considered weregild. Nothing could bring back what was lost. What survived, ah yes that could be protected.

Perhaps the most disturbing thing about this is the power came solely from the young one for this. From what he could tell while the protections were being tied into the Greenwood, the strength building them came from Prince Gilriant alone. Not the extra gifts they were able to tap into. So where was the line? The young one might not know until what was needed was beyond their ability to handle on their own. Or when specific actions were called for. Only time and observation would give Thranduil that knowledge.

They had reached the southern point swiftly, one at the base of a river where mountains reached towards the sky. The swift travel left them time to rest and take a sip of water if one was so inclined. The protective portion of the group of course fanned out around them. Of the elves, some took to the trees, others staying on the ground. Legolas, Gilriant, Haldir and the southern scout remained at the center. Both the most protected spot and to be present the moment that the bard decided to start the second song. The starlight wolves of course included themselves in the patrol of the area, keeping them safe. Tindil and Hallows both staying nearby, the phoenixes at the moment roosting on the deer’s antlers.

Legolas watched Haldir check on Gilriant. They had all been given rather firm instructions not to initiate any interactions. To let the younger prince or the marchwarden draw them if needed. This was to avoid putting extra stress on the young elf as they remained connected on some level to a greater awareness of the forest itself. Part of building the protection and part of knowing what needed to be done. That didn’t stop him from wanting to get closer to his friend.

The vibrancy of the song, of their movements, and the power he could feel behind it all left a very strong impression on Legolas. While it was true his friend was young, in fact some would consider him a child, or barely more than one, Gilriant wasn’t one. There was surety and grace in the steps and movement. Something that wasn’t there before. Or perhaps it was just his awareness that shifted, the Greenwood’s prince couldn’t be sure. Vibrantly clear that his friend was actively embracing the role of an adult. Seeking out what they considered their responsibilities. In fact rather insisting on them.

That didn’t stop the impulse to check on them and make sure they were okay. Legolas was long used to controlling his impulses. So he did not break the instructions given. Only stood there and watched, doing his own part to guard. Whatever it was he could offer to this group. Oh he knew his worth as a scout, a fighter, a guard, and as the prince of the Greenwood. The fact was he was along for this event was because he was the prince. A part of him wanted it to have been for another reason, one he couldn’t yet put to words.

A cheerful trill and warm weight on his left shoulder let Legolas know that Hedwig had chosen him as her perch for the moment. That didn’t surprise him. Whenever she was visiting the Greenwood while she did spend a great deal of time with his father, she also would with him. What did surprise him was the weight that settled on his right of Fawkes. That was much more atypical for the fire phoenix to seek him out. The pair started carrying on a trilling conversation back and forth. About what he couldn’t quite say.

What was very much predictable is when Tindil came up to demand to be acknowledged. The deer for some reason always insisted on his share of attention. Not that Legolas minded. This was part of his friend, a literal piece of his magic given form. In a way, it made him very happy that the starlight deer would always come by whenever he first encountered Gilriant. As always he held out his hand. Typically Tindil would drop his muzzle down, a quick touch and be satisfied. Much to Legloas surprise, this is not what happened.

This time the deer dipped his muzzle below the outstretched hand and bumped it upwards. When Legolas followed the movement Tindil continued to carefully duck his head under the held out hand. Not quite sure where this was going, the woodland elf slowly turned his hand over and then lightly placed it on top of the deer’s nose. Then slid it up to rub between Tindil’s eyes much like he had seen Gilriant do. It could mean that with his friend maturing, that this part of his magic was mature enough to seek out more contact with friends. The bump of the head upwards was rather insistent and a faint smile formed on his face. “Alright, alright, yes I’m giving you attention my friend. Yes you are a very beautiful deer, antlers shining bright.”

While he didn’t look away from Tindil, Legolas could very much feel the weight of others’ gaze upon him. Not entirely surprising when this was a new interaction the woodland elf was having with the deer. “Grown so strong, haven’t you,” he murmured softly. Tindil’s short tail gave a happy swish as he carefully bumped into the prince’s touch. As a piece of Giriant’s magic he completely understood everything being said.

It was interesting seeing how Tindil reflected, and where he contrasted to Gilriant’s behavior. The deer was very particular with who he interacted with. One of the reasons why Legolas chose to see it as a sign of his close friendship with the younger elf. The Noldor elf on the other hand was very welcoming to just about anyone. Neither tended to be shy about wanting attention from their people. While the woodland prince knew his friend was more reticent in his first life, the elf he had come to know embraced the closeness. Though the deer was much better about accepting compliments. The differences underscored while the magic was part of the younger elf, it also behaved in differing ways. Which made Legolas wonder if that was part of mastering it for his friend. Then he felt something nudge him in the back.

While he was focusing on Tindil, Hallows had come up behind him and was nudging him forward. That was definitely new. Hallows never initiated contact before. A soft laugh escaped him when the deer decided to join in on the herding behavior. “They’re not wrong. It’s about time to get started and you are needed here.” Gilriant had a smile on their face and a light in their eyes. Either through the woodland prince’s connection to the forest, or the simple ability to sense it, he could feel the power that swirled around his friend. “Of course, however I can be of assistance.”

He stayed where Tindil and Hallows finally stopped herding him, waiting as Haldir brought the southern scout Tulcaito over. This particular scout wasn’t much older than Legolas. He was also known for his hard work and generally cheerful disposition. The phoenixes stayed with him, even as Tindil and Hallows followed the marchwarden over to one side. Having already seen the dawn performance, they thought they were prepared for the midday one. They were mostly correct.

It started mostly the same, with Gilriant starting to play their violin. The feel however was entirely different. From the beginning there was a more playful feeling to it. Not just the notes but also how his friend moved. Legolas could feel it, the moment when what the young bard played snapped into place with whatever it was they listened for. The power started to build, bringing with it heat. He wasn’t the only one picking up on it based on the reactions of the other elves. A sharpening of posture and focus on the clearing. While Hedwig stayed on his shoulder, Fawkes took flight, weaving through the dance and joining in the song. Bringing another layer of power and heat.

Like before, Gilriant’s dance was an excellent showcase of elven agility and grace. The style for this particular song, not one that Legolas was familiar with. Still, he could appreciate how it worked with the music. Every eye was drawn to the young elf’s movements. How could they not be? Clearly the prince had long practice with the instrument. It was the only explanation for the skill of combining playing and moving at the same time. The trees sang along joyfully.

Then the power started to focus on him. To the scout to a lesser extent as he had a strong tie to the specific area. The bulk of it wound around him even more intensely than the dawn. Perhaps he felt the focus of it so strongly because it was only Legolas and not his father as well. It reached through him and into the forest. Surrounding and encompassing him with the feel of summer. Heat and hard work, yet playfulness and the ability to have fun. It was difficult to stay still when Gilriant encircled them with their movements. The woodland elf wanted to watch every movement, even as the power held him fast. Heat building to the point a faint flush colored the tips of his ears and across his cheekbones. A rarity for the older prince. A faint cooling breeze flowed down from Hedwig and earned the ice phoenix a quick smile and nod of thanks.

He partly wanted to stay in that moment forever, though Legolas knew that would be counterproductive. This was just another stage in building a protecting and evaluating what else would be needed. Legolas was grateful he could assist with this. Helping his friend with their work. It wasn’t up to him how long it lasted, that was in Gilriant’s hands. Or perhaps within the young elf and the forest. It would go as long as it was needed and then they would move on.

When it finally wound to a close, Legolas felt the absence of the power keenly. The weight of Fawkes resettling on his shoulder was a welcome distraction. “Well done, that was some excellent flying.” The fire phoenix’s crest fluffed up with pride. Turning to look to his left, the woodland prince smiled at Hedwig. “And I look forward to your part Lady Hedwig, I assume I will get to see you join in again in the west and north?”

“She will. Fawkes is for the sun, and Hedwig for the moon, balancing each other out.” Gilriant’s voice was soft, still holding a faint musicality to it. Their smile held the warmth of the summer sun. Before Legolas’ brain could come up with any kind of reply, “Come, it's time to ride again.”

“Not before you have something to eat.” Called out Haldir in a firm tone. When Gilriant turned towards him and started to protest, the marchwarden continued. “We have enough time for something small and you need it with all the energy you are using.” At his stern look the young elf inclined their head accepting what his bondmate brought over. To his surprise, Legolas was also handed something to eat. Not wanting to incur Haldir’s wrath, he obediently took it. Around them the others were taking advantage of the short break as well.

Then they were on the move to the next location. Traveling swiftly with Gilriant and Haldir in the lead. The fire phoenix flying overhead keeping watch.

Maethel kept a keen look out as they settled into the western point. They were close to the beginning of what was called the elf path through the forest. While she currently wasn’t primarily a scout, all the Greenwood’s fighters also served as scouts. So it was very easy for her team to fall into place around the group. While she didn’t regret her choice to volunteer as part of the young prince’s personal guard, it was still nice to get an opportunity to do this again. It was likely if they spent any length of time in the Greenwood they would participate in patrols as well. No one would dare even breathe wrong on the prince in the city. Thranduil would have their head.

She even knew the scout chosen to come with them for the western point, Duvainel. While not the oldest among them she was fairly experienced. Known for her calm demeanor and as a skilled trainer of others. Often taking less experienced scouts under her wing. Or those that needed a refresher. Well known and well regarded.

It wasn’t surprising that Prince Legolas was included in this. He was a better choice over the King due to the strong friendship between the two princes. The familiarity would help to mesh with Prince Gilriant’s use of magic and still have the connection to the forest. Maethel did, however, intend to keep a close watch on Tindil after with the new dimension to their interaction. If the deer did the same with others, it would be something to dismiss. If it was unique to the woodland prince or increased in familiarity, that could mean something different. It was her job to look after the best interest of her charge, and the elleth wanted to keep Prince Gilriant as safe and happy as she could.

When the next round started they were ready. Fawkes started flying overhead, dipping into the beginning of the performance. Hedwig waited on Prince Legolas’ shoulder. This melody too was different. Invoking a cooler breeze that wound around the group. Somehow bringing the same feeling as harvest festivals. The movements of Prince Gilriant were less energetic, yet still fluid and complimenting the song, smoother in some ways.

While Maethel’s connection to the forest wasn’t as strong as the Prince, or the King, she could still feel the moment when it all connected. While she could feel the protective nature, the beauty of it rang through her fea. The song of the trees was gentler, yet containing no less joy than the other. Gilding overlaying the green of the leaves and almost shining as the sun slipped below the horizon. The fire phoenix settled on Prince Legolas’ shoulder as the ice phoenix launched into the sky.

The light that shimmered off both phoenixes was evident even in bright sunshine. It just became more apparent as the light faded from the sky. Hedwig just glimmered as she circled and wove through the movements of Prince Gilriant. Her song adding to the rise and fall of the notes. Enhancing the song and perfectly fitting in.

Compared to the other melodies, this one ended more abruptly. Leaving with a small sense of loss while the warmth of the protection remained. You could hear the wind rustle the leaves in the trees, somehow a perfect accompaniment. Each song so far left a different feeling behind. They had one more point to go. Then either back to the beginning or to the heart.

She gathered the protectors together to start the journey to the north. Keeping a weather eye on when Prince Gilriant was ready to go. The pack of starlight wolves shimmered, following the moon-brightness of Hallows and the shining star beacon of Tindil’s antlers into the growing darkness of the night. The glittering white phoenix flying overhead to help light the way.

Haldir took a moment to check over Gilriant in the pause after they arrived and before the next part began. Any healthy adult elf could go for days if needed without sleep. It wasn’t the recommended action, but the young elf wouldn’t come from any harm for doing this. The feeling he was picking up told him they wouldn’t have much of a rest between the next two points. So he made sure his partner drank and ate. That part of his role would never change.

Yes Gilriant could take care of themselves, Haldir just was the backup. The young one tended to focus on everyone else. Putting their own needs last. While there would be days he would let them find out the hard way this was a bad idea, now was not the time or place for it. Instead to support and make sure they would be okay. Of course also following his own advice. The marchwarden would do no good to ignore his own well-being.

Part of Haldir’s reward was the hug Gilriant wrapped him up in. A peaceful quiet moment shared between the two. Yes, there were the others around right now, but they faded into the background. He trusted them to keep watch. The marchwarden knew, all the way through to the bone, how much he mattered and was valued. What more could he ever want?

The bond they shared let him know instinctively when it was time to start. It helped that Tindil had apparently taken up the job of making sure Legolas was in place. Which was a thought for another time. For now the connection between himself and Gilriant was wide open and he could feel the pulse of the power flowing. He made sure the final scout for the north was in the correct place.

Ithildil was one of the oldest scouts in the Greenwood. Her knowledge and experience was highly valued and respected. It paired well with their location at the northern point. Near one of the largest, and oldest trees. They were positioned in the clearing so that the tree speared into the sky, and would point to the moon when it reached its zenith. The brightness of the moon against the backdrop of stars in the dark sky flooded the area. Making it as clear as day to elven eyes. No worry of a misplaced step or stumble.

When Gilriant started playing, the power that flowed kept him wrapped up in its warmth. Even while the rest of the area dropped in temperature. Hardly a hardship for the ice phoenix that danced in the wind. Legolas in the center would likely feel it even more intensely. Which made it a good thing Fawkes stayed on his shoulder. The fire phoenix dripping in false fire but real warmth.

This time the young one’s movements were slower, but even more graceful. While the song, once it locked into place in the forest, had a different tone than the others, it still had some of the same echoes and notes. Connecting each point together. The feeling was altogether different. The age of the forest and the land reaching back through to them all. Haldir could feel it, both from his general connection to nature, and through his bond with Gilriant. As with each song, he felt awe in the beauty of it.

Remaining watchful of Gilriant didn’t lessen any of what he felt. If anything he needed to feel more, deeper, to keep watch. While he could not lose himself in it, that also meant he was aware of every note, every movement. Could appreciate how Hedwig’s flight complimented the young elf’s movements, and how her song wove together with it. Not just with his ears, but with every sense. The beauty of his bondmate’s music and power was something he would never take for granted.

When the moon hit the tip of the ancient tree, everything paused. It almost looked like Gilriant stumbled, the young elf was low to the ground. But it only lasted a breath and he easily rose up continuing the song and movements. It was then they felt even more strongly the history of the forest. Of those that had come before. They may be now in the west, but the land remembered them, carried an imprint of their experiences and knowledge they had to share.

When the last note faded into the night, Haldir knew what would happen next. As the starlight wolves headed to Gilriant he addressed the elves, his voice carrying cleanly through the air. “We are about to be going very fast.” He could see their rapt attention taking in his words. “The wolves are getting a boost to help protect you while we travel. Keep as close to your mount as you can, the lower the better. I know that will be a hardship for those going double, be careful. We will be rounding the eastern point and going straight to the heart of the forest without stopping. You may want to close your eyes.” The speed certainly would be disorienting to many.

Swiftly the starlight wolves bounded over to their chosen riders. The elves climbed on and got ready. As he settled on Hallows, Fawkes came over and tucked in with him. He could see Hedwig doing the same with Gilriant on Tindil. Once everyone was securely on, they moved. The forest became just a blur around them as the surefooted deer and the moon-bright wolf led the way. Not one of those that raced across the grounds faltering for a moment. The riders hung on tightly despite the impossible speed.

It was as Haldir proclaimed. To any keeping watch from Thranduil’s halls they were just a blur that reached the eastern point from the morning and did not stop. Their path curved around and dove back into the forest. Those sensitive to it, could feel the power building the protection that was being raised. An anticipation that teased the air.

As they grew close to the chosen spot in the center of the forest three mounts started to slow as they moved forward. The rest waited to reach the clearing and split in either direction. Their paths criss-crossed each other as they started to slow. Somehow not hitting the three that slipped through their path and made for the center. The ice phoenix immediately launched into the air. Swirling around the clearing as the last of the darkness clung to the sky.

The protective outer circle slowed until it was safe enough to stop without causing harm to the riders. In the center the three had curved around and finally pulled to a stop. Two elves remained in the center flanked by the dark deer and the white wolf. Both elves were blond, one of royal blood and connected to the Greenwood. The other was born of the forest dwellers with a strong connection to nature and bonded to the third. The last one, the youngest of them all, yet rich in strength.

The forest welcomed them to its heart and even before the young one could start playing, the pulse of melody reverberated into those present. Not one that was heard with the ears, no, they felt the beat of it in their hearts. Reaching through and into the young one, the song wound together what had already been done, braiding it together. Setting the instrument on their chin, the young elf immediately blended their own music with it. Water, wind, fire, earth, all calling together dancing within the fea of the young one. Feeding them information even as the energy swirled around the group. The beating heart of the forest.

Music rang through the trees, echoing all across the forest. It carried with it hope, light, and above all joy. As the sun broke free the ice phoenix came to rest on one elf’s shoulder, while the fire phoenix flew up from the other’s. The burning light of the sun reflected in the false fire that flickered on the bird’s feathers. With a happy trill, the fire phoenix danced in the air, weaving around the movements of the elf below. The bright joy of it was clear to any and all.

The elven King in his halls stilled and closed his eyes. The music touched him through the forest. It danced and swirled around him, sharing the uplifting emotion. Showing him that which stretched over his forest. He had sworn to protect it, and so the power that spread would also lay within his hands.

The heart of the forest would always beat as long as its protection stood. The sound of it started to fade under the swirl of music. Then the melody itself came to an end, the last notes ringing in the air.