1. |
Season's Change
02:08
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As the days began to grow colder, the trees were on the verge of surrendering their vitality to the Spirit of the Fall. A Spirit crafted by the Gods, condemned to reap the ephemeral vitality and radiance of summer, reminding humanity of the transience of life. The copper color that adorned them in the sun's rays turned to gray. Even the tree in the center of the village succumbed to the touch of the Spirit. That one, that the elders said it existed before the first human inhabited the land. Its trunk seemed to require the embrace of the twenty tallest villagers to encircle it entirely, and its roots reached so deep that seemed to extend to the Kingdom of Hades.
In recent days, as the Spirit harvested the remaining leaves of the tree, leading it to its temporary demise, Boreas began to blow his icy wind. In the wind, the chants of his' clergy were heard, announcing to mortals the coming of his son. Villagers threw the first logs into the fire and started their preparations for the impending arrival. The last leaf was now in the hands of the Spirit. However, the King Winter had arrived and ordered the Spirit to deliver its final loot, which it did with a heavy heart. The King caressed the leaf in his hand while chanted his spell, and a glow spread across the bark of all the trees. "It is not death, but a deep sleep. Rest is what I offer you, bear fruit again and continue the cycle," he whispered.
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2. |
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The villagers begun the necessary preparations for the reign of Winter. His rule lasted for three lunar cycles, during which the Sun rarely visited the village. The night was a crucial ally for nature to rest, but her veil, which lovingly covered the earth, provided cover for chthonic creatures whose purpose was to steal the laughter and vitality of humans throughout the Winter. This was the reason why the villagers eagerly awaited the arrival of the Winter Nymph, as they called her—the daughter of the stars who would keep the light burning in the skies and drive away those creatures.
The moment arrived, and everyone gathered around a large fire in the center of the village to see her coming. She appeared from afar, draped in her black cloak and holding in her hand an ornate lantern with a constellation engraved on it—a familiar one to the village merchants whose stars guided them on their journeys. Her face was pure white and flawlessly beautiful, creating the impression that one of those marble statues that adorned the temples had come to life and was walking among them.
Her presence filled the crowd with joy, and they rushed towards her to welcome and guide her to the central inn where they would keep her company until she embarked on her journey.
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3. |
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The fire burned brightly, and everyone gathered around the nymph to hear her story with attention. A story that repeated itself every year, and although everyone, except the children who began to understand this year, knew it, it still created the same impression and admiration each time, just like the first time. The nymph began to speak, and her voice sounded like the babbling of water from a spring stream—so sweet, that it offered more relief to those hearing it than the flame burning beside them.
"I come from the rivers and the lakes, and there is where I am destined to return. My Father reigns in the sky, helping travelers find their way; Arcturus is his name. I was just a child when Boreas kidnapped me from him to make me his wife. The sorrow that weighed on his heart was so immense that his stars went out at night, causing both gods and mortals to lose their way. So, the gods decided, in order to coax him, that when the Earth approaches to complete its orbit around the sun, I would be able visit him. With my lantern," she said, presenting it, "I collect light from his stars and light up the festive lights of joy in the sky. Northern Lights is how Mortals call them. This celebration lasts throughout the Winter reign."
A sweet smile of anticipation was carved on her marble face, and her gaze remained vacant as she looked at the fire burning. The time had come for her to embark on her journey.
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4. |
The black Elk
02:09
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The Sun had completely disappeared, and the Night had spread her silky mantle over the village. The Nymph was preparing for her highly anticipated journey, and the joy of seeing her father again was evident on her face. From the depths of the forest, a swift galloping sound was heard, and soon a creature larger than usual, a majestic elk, emerged. Its fur was ebony and it could hardly be recognized in the dense from the clouds darkness. It seemed like a shadow disturbing the Night's calm mantle with undulations, so fast that it would instill terror in anyone who saw it. Nevertheless, the villagers and the Nymph awaited with joy, for they knew that the creature that emerged was anything but evil.
The Elk approached them and bowed. The clouds suddenly parted, and the creature was illuminated by the starlight. His fur was smooth, and on his fur tips, a silver reflection was created from the light. His antlers were made of black onyx and adorned his head like a crown. His hooves had a gray stony color, as if he had broken the bonds that kept him on Earth due to his eagerness for the upcoming quest.
The Nymph placed her face on him and embraced him tenderly. She then mounted the Elk, holding onto his fur with strength. She whispered into his ear, something that sounded like an animal’s whisper - growl and he immediately started a rapid gallop that propelled them to the sky.
The rider and her noble creature had eventually become one with the stars.
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5. |
First Snow
02:12
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The daughter had now reached the hall of Arcturus, opened the grand doors wide, and entered the main area. "Khionê !" echoed a deep voice, and she immediately ran in that direction. At the bottom of the throne's staircase stood a large, elderly male figure reminding a bear with a silver beard. On his head was a crown woven from a row of stars creating a constellation; his cape had the ebony color of the Night, and his cloak had a dark purple hue. Her father approached her swiftly and when they finally met, he took her in a large, tight embrace accompanied by laughter and tears of joy from both of them.
Together with her father, they headed to the room of Astra. There were large chandeliers with candles, but instead of flames, they held stars with various shades at their tops. Khionê opened her lantern, and beams of light from the candles directed towards it, creating a new light of magenta color. She turned to her father and smiled. "The time has come," she said. He affectionately caressed her face and led her to a bridge of light leading to the point where Khionê would fulfill her purpose. She opened her lantern, and the sky immediately filled with shades of purple, green, and red. The moment the light touched Khionê, she magically began to lose her human form and started to transform into small white snowflakes.
The villagers could now clearly see the light in the sky, which would keep the laughter and joy alive in the upcoming season. Bells of joy began to ring in the village. A child, captivated by witnessing this spectacle for the first time in his life, saw the white snowflakes coming towards him. When they touched his face, he felt a cold caress. Cold, yet with all the warmth and care that described of the gentle nymph's act for them.
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Mythráen Greece
Step into realms of fantasy with Mythráen, your guide to immersive soundscapes and enchanting tales. Specializing in ambient soundtracks with folklore flair, Mythráen is a project that crafts music perfect for reading, DnD, and gaming adventures. Unveil a world where every note is a chapter, and each melody a gateway to magical landscapes. Join the journey where reality meets imagination. ... more
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