A little piece of history for my fantasy epic, "The Blood of Aezathra". If you want to read the preface to said story, click on the link above. If you want to read another anecdote to the story, follow this link: [url=http://www.bungie.net/en/Clan/Post/39972/83750875/0/0]At the Edge[/url] Long ago, shortly after the Great War of the Age of Strife, Rezoaroh's dear wife, Sonasa, was deeply fond of Aezathra's wonders and beauties. Many times, she and her husband would walk through the lush forests of Haledra, and allowed themselves to be captured by their surroundings. At the very least, Sonasa enjoyed these early morning walks this way. Not that he didn't appreciate the sights of Aezathra's purity, but Rezoaroh often lost himself in the woods, separating himself from the wondrous views and found himself mesmerized with his wife's own pure beauty. Nearly every dawn, when the rich golden sunrise awoke the slumbering halls of Aezathra's untouched lands, Rezoaroh and Sonasa set out to breathe in the comfort and peace of the Haledra Forest. And the Forest took them in like a loving and protective mother, sheltering their thoughts and minds from the world outside. One day, the couple having wandered much of the breathtaking sights of the Haledra Forest decided to delve deeper into the woodlands in search of a new adventure in the heart of Aezathra. Well, more specifically, Rezoaroh was more than content with simply spending the cool mornings with his most cherished companion. It was Sonasa, in fact, the more adventurous and daring of the two, who so desired to find a place even further from their kin and cities. A place they could call their own. Unable to refuse his wife of her wishes, Rezoaroh accompanied her on a much longer journey into the deepest reaches of the Haledra Forest. Several days walk, to be more precise. And every sunrise, they continued to do what they always had; become enthralled with the nature and with one another. The lands were indeed growing more and more beautiful, but more perilous as they ventured deeper into Aezathra's bosom. Rezoaroh grew frightened as he witnessed signs of their hunters. Wild and ferocious beasts hunted the married couple. Having loved nothing more than his wife, the Shazolo champion couldn't afford to lose that which he lived to protect every day. Sonasa, however, cared less for the dangers and believed a place to call their own was nigh. Despite his pleas, she refused to abandon their quest, and needless to say, Rezoaroh would never risk leaving Sonasa alone in the deadly woods. And that night, his fears were manifested. Large and powerful wolves attacked them, thirsting for the blood of the intruders. Rezoaroh fought valiantly and every one of the feral wolves was slain. Regardless of having made it through the sleepless night unharmed, Rezoaroh's stubborn wife refused to leave yet again. Though furious with her inconsideration, he continued to accompany her until she was satisfied with the adventure. They made camp once more that night, and despite Sonasa sleeping soundly, Rezoaroh found no comfort in the wilderness and its inhabitants. Wary, he stood guard over his wife all that night, prepared to battle the next beasts to the death for her sake. No creature came during his long and restless early morning. Sonasa awoke sprightly and full of excitement, telling her husband that she felt that they would find the most awe striking sights that day. At dawn, they departed, Rezoaroh trudging behind his companion hungry, tired, aching, and furious. The forest fell silent to Sonasa's songs that morning, as if captured by the comfort of her lullabies and resting as the company passed through their halls of green and columns of trees. Although his plight still plagued his body and mind, even Rezoaroh found himself at ease with his wife's verses ringing in the calm and quiet of the Haledra Forest. Until finally, her steps fell still and she gasped with amazement. Half asleep, Rezoaroh halted when Sonasa's song was interrupted and lifted his weary eyes to a sight that even left him breathless. Just a few short paces ahead of them the trees thinned, and before the edge, lied gracious hills of gold and green. A meadow blanketed with soft blades of grass and flowers and herbs of reds, blues, yellows, purples, and silver-whites. A grove of mighty oaks and cedars stood proud and tall at the peak of the highest hill, modest streams of clear water hugging their strong trunks and roots flowed through the troughs of the hills. Natural terraces at the borders of the paradise crashed against the outer trees like still ocean waves, colorful flora adorning their slopes and crests like gifts to the departing. White stones lied slumbering in the crisp grasses, cool and smooth like the circle of the full moon. A light mist lifted from the heavenly piece of land, where its morning dews still clinging to blades of green and golden grasses were revealed. The grey veil that once closely embraced the oasis from above lingered, and rays of brilliant sunlight patiently broke through the clouds to touch the slumbering earth. The glorious glade breathed when the sun's hands caressed it, and a warm, gentle breeze swept through the dell. The grasses were tickled to its touch, the flowers danced to its solemn, harmonious song, and the orchards stretched and swayed as the sun awoke their fruit and seed with vibrant colors. With the comforting gusts of wind swirling around Rezoaroh and Sonasa, came indescribably rich and pleasant aromas that stole every unwanted measure of fatigue, hunger, frustration, and care away into the thick forests beyond. Both smiled with amazement as peace overflowed in their hearts, and they lied upon the cool ground underneath the tallest oak at the heart of the clearing. Rezoaroh forgot the pains and fears he experienced on their journey to this unmatched, beautiful landscape. He cared not for any of it as he watched his wife lie next to his side with eyes closed and a smile brimming. Sonasa breathed the air in deeply as she embraced her husband. She had found the beauty of Aezathra she was searching for, with the help of her compassionate love at her side. This place was one to call their own. They stayed and rested at the glade all day and all night, for it was no more or less breathtaking no matter the hour of day. A full moon shone upon the clearing like a mirror of ice, and blues and silvers shimmered there amidst twilight hours. That night, Rezoaroh and Sonasa feasted their hearts and bodies on the tranquility and plenty of the oasis and indulged in passionate love under the calm light of the bright moon and twinkling stars. For no matter how beautiful the sights they met, no sight was more joyous to experience without their companionship and love for each other. Both of which were held higher and stronger than anything they had rest their eyes on in all of their days. To this day, the paradise Rezoaroh and Sonasa discovered has been preserved with honor and respect for their unmatched love for each other. For over a thousand years, it has been referred to as Sonasa's Garden. The name was bestowed upon the memento of their greatest adventure by the man Rezoaroh himself, commemorating it in honor of his beloved Sonasa's memory, who passed on long before he would see his own death. Many countless days after her return to the earth, Rezoaroh revisited her garden, but never again did it offer him the same peace and comfort it had when he went with his wife. It only served as a bittersweet token of remembrance for the rest of his sorrowful and lonely days. It is said both Rezoaroh and Sonasa were buried next to each other underneath the tall and watchful oak at the heart of Sonasa's Garden. Thanks for reading. Tell me what you think.