794.II, 13 Meoii: A cherished memory

The Moon Way

It's been a few days already, since I've left Lanten. I already lost all sight of the city but its black smokes are still looming above the horizon in the evening light. This black smoke reminds me of one of my most precious memories.

In the region of Sookva, at the foothills of the mountains lie a forest so dense, the sun can't manage to shine on its undergrowth. This thick, eerie blanket of green is fueled with strong magic, and it will lead astray whoever tries to cross through. But in the midst of this somber maze lies the link of life, the path that saves those who are lost from despair and demise. Noone knows where it starts, noone knows where it ends, yet if one walks the path, one will always arrive safe and sound at the ege of the forest. This mysterious path we call the Moon Way, is said to have been built by Paal, god of the moon and night, to save the souls of those trapped in this forest.

One must first get lost to be able to find the trail. It will only appear once you are truly desperate and only then will one be able to see its eerie beauty. Because the Moon Way is a wonder, a living piece of art in its purest form. Infused with life, sculpted by magic, it know no day or night. It is enclosed by the canopy, yet its roof is the most beautiful starlit skies, constantly moving and dancing with the winds of magic. It is engulfed with clouds of mist that can't prevent vision, and it bears not a sound. No leafs, no songbirds, not even one's steps on the smooth, mossy paving will interrupt the sleeping forest all around. If one wishes to break the silence, one won't be able to find the words. the only fleeting feeling of sound is within, from the winds of magic, from the whisperings of Paal, he who guides the soul to his realm.

The journey will feel endless, yet one feels no exhaustion. Time seems suspended. Sometimes, a soft snow falls on the Moon Way, silently covering the trail with a thin coat of pure white, in which starlight reflects, but the snow isn't cold, it disappears without getting wet, in the soft breeze.

I have managed to do it. Last year I have been to the forest and,like quite many, I wanted to experience this first-hand, even if it meant risking my life in the unknown forest. I have messed my orientation, lost myself, I have exhausted my energy trying to fight the disorienting undergrowth. And I have found the Moon Way. I have strolled at a slow pace in this dream. I have stopped sometimes, wishing to stay there forever, not wanting to take a single step further. I have wanted to stay lost in time for an eternity to see if I would eventually be taken by the god of death. But Paal has kept me walking, and I have com out of this forest in a state of daydream.

Once out, i came back to my senses, and I turned. The path had already disappeared. The sun shone strong, hot on me, and I felt tired and hungry. This experience, it must be how it feels to be in heaven. Oh how I wish this to be my final times in this world, a taste of this oblivion stretching forever until the end of times.

Leen