Shimmer and Shadow have lived in the grotto far longer than either of them can remember. Their days consist primarily in chores and repairs around the grotto, planting a small garden and generally spending time with or watching the animals that live nearby. Shadow has ventured beyond their small enclave into the vast meadow below. Although he imagines having traveled further than most Sprites, he knew there were greater realms just beyond – the Dark Forest , the pass to Glum Loch and legends of flat lands and giant gardens even beyond the Dark Forest
Returning home across the meadow, he was guided by the Peak of Kerish Mountain which could be seen from the higher knolls. Appearing and disappearing like an island viewed from the ocean, seeming to bob on the waves before slipping below the surface again. Finally, a stand of trees came into view, set off from the peak like a broach hanging from an invisible necklace and he knew he was almost home. Aspens standing among the pines, like apparitions, subterfuge of brown and gray – white soldiers in a line; leaves glittering diamonds in the wind made the sound of water cascading over rocks. There was even the sound of rushing water somewhere off in the distance, moving with the wind. A doe peered out from the edge of the tree line, ever vigil as a yearling grazed on the new growth; a carpet of green, wild grasses and irises sprouting with the dandelions, already sending seeds into the breeze.
Shadow had already decided then to leave the grotto and travel to the lands beyond, he was unsure where the lands beyond were. He had never traveled anywhere beyond the view of his beloved peak.
One night, two summers later, Shadow determined that this summer’s passing would find him in the land beyond or, at least, well on his way. Shimmer lay sleeping on a cool moss bed that felt like velvet and seemed to welcome you with cushioned softness that gradually firmed to form a perfect fit for slumber. She still oscillated, even in her sleep, though with deeper shadows and dimmer lights, almost matching the reflections of the pool. Shadow waited until the light spilled into the edge of the sky, turning the inky blackness first to purple and then gray and pink as the world set to welcome a new day. He was not sure how he was going to tell Shimmer or what she might think – he was not sure where he was going to go. Of all these things, he was not sure – but he was sure of one thing, he was going.
