The Light Of Day

Someone once said that absence makes the heart grow fonder. So it was with an uncharacteristic measure of sentimentality that the man watched the sun rise slowly over the mountains. His eyes began to squint, reflexively attempting to protect themselves from the overwhelming brightness. But he willed them to remain open — no small task considering recent events.
Every recent memory was one of pure blackness, impenetrably thick and infinitely vast. And here, in the early morning light, the man tasted the first rays of sunlight in what seemed like years. His skin tingled, and his eyes blurred, yet he basked in it. Somewhere deep within, this disciple of darkness had missed the daylight and savored it still, and he hoped that the sphere of fire hovering above would burn away the dark that had shrouded him for so long. Still, he knew, there were places that fire would not reach. That mattered little. What darkness resided there was welcome to stay. But, on the outside, his eyes would revel in the return of colors, both dull and beautiful.

A cool breeze passed him by, reminding him again of things that he had denied himself throughout his journey into the depths. But it had been well worth it. His hair was long and thick, flowing like a red mane. His beard, too, was full and healthy. His flesh and bones felt energized, alive, renewed in a way that he had not felt for a long time. Such nourishment had he found — far more than he anticipated. He had proven himself the rightful heir, surpassing his predecessor in both determination and accomplishment. If things had gone differently, perhaps he would have remained in that ebony depth. But, all things considered, it was time to move on.

If there was one thing he had learned in his many, many years, it was never to tarry in once place for too long.

Besides, there were things here and now that needed tending to. The invaders. The intruder. The skin-stealers. The dae’vanir. The Book of Shadows. There was much to do. And there would be few instances in the upcoming days where he would be able to enjoy the sunlight pouring over the cliffs. There would be little time to remember, as if new, what the wind felt like. There would be few opportunities to experience existence as he once did... as mortals do.

Yes. There was much to do. But they could wait just a few hours longer.