When a family is bound by blood, honour and tradition, it takes more than mere steel or force to break those ties. Jealousy, vengeance and betrayal, however, can put a strain on even the strongest and ancient bonds. Between Father and two Sons, where there was once harmony, now discord reigned. One son consigning his soul to serve the Shadows and Darkness The other vowing his pledge to Light and Life. Though sworn foes against each other, they would put aside all differences and quarrels when they were summoned to Counsel. There, in the dark heart of the Ageless Woods, Beckoned by their sire and leader to stand at his side, Both brothers would put aside their ire and disdain for his kin and bend knee to the lord of their lands. Why they were summoned here remained a mystery to both, known only to their ivory haired elder And his countenance betrayed nothing of their purpose At his feet the remains of those who had dared in the past to challenge his right to rule, the blade in his hand a testiment to his strength and will. Even if it was no longer a weapon wielded in war or conquest. Around him glowed the amber lights of luminaries enchanted both by true fire and majik of the ancient ages. Without a word they came forward and stood at their respective posts before him. A low thrum of of distant thunder, a promise of a coming storm echoed in the distance. The elder looked down briefly at the ornately carved dais he sat upon and the faintest hint of a smile ticked at his lips. Looking up and regarding each of his sons with an enigmatic expression and just the faintest flicker of old mischief in his eyes Nodding briefly to each of them, the candles behind each blazing to life with a soft golden aura. His ancient gaze cast itself down the pathway into the shadows of the assembly and past where any light shed it's glow. In that shadowed darkness, beneath the boughs of ancient trees a song of nature slowly, softly came to life Brushing soft, loving caresses over the leaves and through the grasses, Tousseling delicate strands of fine hair over tapered ears and high cheeks Bringing with it the scent of rain, roses and wisteria. "It is time," the Elder murmured, in a soft as low as the ebb of the evening tide, His gaze piercing into that looming darkness where now blazed to life a vividly bright blue-white light Again a mysterious smile touched his lips as he spoke again, "You meet the fairest of us. One destined to become ones bride." And, as one, the whole of the forest held it's breath.... ~~~~ Michael 4 -- DAZ (DAZ) Morven ~ Dark Elf for M4 - Mats and Morphs -- Mutedbanshee (RDNA) Evilson -- Ravenhair (DAZ) Mark Hair -- SWAM, Goldtassel (DAZ) Storm Stealer -- Traveler (RDNA) Pose from DM's Legends -- DM Productions (DAZ) Michael 4 -- DAZ (DAZ) Sintari ~ The Wise Mage - Mats and Morphs -- Mutedbanshee (RDNA - unreleased) Lockwood (shirt and pants) -- Mada, Sarsa, Thorne (DAZ) Valiant (boots and shin) -- Ravenhair (DAZ) Midnight Prince Hair -- Valea (DAZ) Blade of Prophesy II -- Blbarrett (RMP) Pose by -- Me Michael 4 -- DAZ (DAZ) Bainir for M4 -- Mutedbansee (RDNA) Wild Hearts for Wildenlander -- Luthbel (DAZ) Cuffed Tail 2 -- AprilYSH (DAZ) Earth Reaver -- Traveler (RDNA) Pose from DM's Legends -- DM Productions (DAZ) Throne of Ukko -- Ravnheart (DAZ Freebies) Skull Pile -- Andi3D (freebies) Fae Candle -- Andi3D (RDNA) Fae Candle add on textures -- Mutedbanshee (RDNA) Hero FX Xtreme -- Netherworks Studios Pose adjustments, lighting and postwork -- Me ** For my dear friends Tracey and Andi -- Gotta love your beautiful boys! And sorry this piece took so long :-)