The narrow paths open and widen spilling us into the beauty of these ancient woods, and their heart that beats so very softly. Listen...reach out, not only with your ears. Can you hear it? Close your eyes. Breathe...just breathe.... one breath at a time.... one beat at a time, the beat of life. Let the visions to fill your mind. Allow me to show you. The scents of fresh pine and the feel of a soft warm wind against your face. Spring is in the air, filled with the magic of life. Growth, mixed with the clean smell of earth as if a spring rain has just passed. Now open those eyes, that will witness the globes, filled with fireflies to light the path into the city. The first, a sensation of green, a gift of life. The soft sway of the trees, the sweet smell of the grass on a spring morning or
perhaps it is simply the light hint of the lush foliage. The second, a red so vibrant so alive. A burning fire of life that would seem to build within you your own flame. To give it strength...purpose and to remind you of its value. The last of these colors.... this twist and twirl of hews, A blue so pure and deep, when compared, the very oceans shade green with envy. If the noon sky were to look upon, would turn to night if only yeild to its glory.
Soak your spirit in those waves of soft blue light, for your breath is about to be taken away. Follow me now...walk with me into the very heart of this place.... The trees here are large, ancient as the land in which they reside. Their roots dig deep through the lifeblood of the earth, the soil, into the very foundations of the world. Raise your eyes, friend. The soft whisper of music you hear, the joyous song of all things is within their leaves, their loving boughs. Let its melody take from you, your worries...your woes, let its gentle music sooth your body, your mind. Give me your hand...let me press it against the bark of the tree.... Do you feel it? Can you feel the notes of that song playing the very strings of your soul? This is who we are...this is what we are. Climb now with me. Do you see the ladder hidden against the side of this tree?
It leads to the places that hold my heart. Approach with caution. Because it is likely to take you as completely as it has others who have visited. Others that would tell you, that once you enter... you can not leave. Enticed, enraptured, engulfed within the fires of our passions of life. True life. Your heart has lightened already. I can feel it. I see it, when I look into your eyes... with the depths of my own. These catwalks have been built and nurtured for countless ages. The feel of the wood is warm, welcoming, comforting. An electric sensation builds within the air. You can feel it in your chest. Oh yes. I know you can. The soft whispers of voices can be heard floating on the soft warm breeze. Solacestar is just ahead. Don't be afraid... there is no fear needed here.
The first step taken is always the one with the most caution, after that each is a little easier. Life, love...laughter... soft and sweet. From this main walkway within the trees, and there branch smaller paths that lead to individual homes. Homes that whisper of compassion and love, of a freedom of heart, and of mind. Soft lights brighten our way on this evening of all evenings. The stars in the sky bless our movements under their watchful eye. The signatures of the gods that created this place, so very long ago. The moon's soft glow upon those that revere life so highly makes you think fondly of your own loved ones, where ever they may be, in a world so large. They move with the liquid grace of their kind, their beauty enough to take the breath from the coldest heart, and warm the most shadowed soul.
They are just as curious of you, as you are of them. It's true that you are a stranger in this land, but they don't see it this way, I don't believe. I think they see only the stories within your own soul, of the places you have been, and the sights your eyes have seen. The only building not within these trees is the smithy. But we have no need to visit there at this time. There is peacefulness in this charged air. How does it feel to finally be home? We walk toward the center of town. It will be here, in this center, that we will find all the shops and stores that house a variety of needs. It will be here that we would find the royal house. At the end of this very walkway we travel.
No, you're right. It -isn't- much different than every other home that we have passed, other than that royal banner flying high above it. A lion with the intelligent eyes of a dream catcher, eyes that almost seem to watch you with the wisdom of thousands of years. Two angels poise above his head. They watch his restless spirit, and calm any ache to come to heart. Just as this kingdom does for those that come... with opened eyes. Walk right through those doors ahead. There will be someone there to take your hand. Ask your questions, don't be afraid. Even the queen, herself, welcomes you with loving arms to this land... the land she has built through her own dreams, and the dreams of her people. Welcome to Solacestar, the capital of the elven kingdom....