The New Age

My eyes crack open as the warm sun washes over me. It's glow breathing new life into my body as my lungs fill with burning oxygen. The only sound I'm able to muster being a pained scream into the air as my nerves are lit ablaze. Each and every inch of my body screaming in agony as life returns to me. As the rust in my bones breaks free and the muscles of stone melt down into flesh. I can only muster an agony filled screech into the area around me before my lungs run empty and I struggle to breath for some time. Each breathe being less and less torturous until I'm eventually able to think more clearly and after some more time actually look about my area.

To each side of me and near my head stand massive sequoia. Their flaky bark climbing high into the sky and bathing most the forest in shadow, save for a few spots such as my own. Somewhere deep in the forest I can hear animals moving about. Even after my screaming fit the forest seems to still be alive. I can hear something running through the underbrush. Powerful legs propelling something closer and closer until the stomping seems to slow down. I try to move my head but after straining for some time I give up. For the first time I notice the roots encompassing my body. Thick and ancient root wrapping around me so tightly that even the thought of moving was futile. With and exasperated sigh I rest back and wait for whatever may be coming. The approaching creature continues its path until finally the sound stops and I can feel something's eyes on me.

A brief moment later I see it. A large deer... yet... not a deer. It leans over me with its face staying a few feet above mine. Even then it's warm breath is washing over me as it gazes down on me. I look up helplessly into its large eyes. Where should be black orbs instead sit two galaxies. Beautiful swirls of stars and colorful clouds. As it watches me I can't help but feel calm, truly calm. With a deep inhale and huff the beast bathes me in its misty breath, as it does the roots seem to shrink away. Sinking back into the soil around me until they completely retract and I can move for the first time. Sitting up slowly I try to keep my eyes on the creature as I take in its majesty. Standing easily ten feet tall at his shoulders I feel dwarfed by it. Its massive antlers spread nearly six feet in either direction with an impossible number of points. Each point seeming to give of its own glow, its own power. Sitting back against the earth I watch it silently until a gentle voice shatters the stand off.

"Good morning, Forerunner." I quickly look around, spinning in my seat as I try to figure out who spoke. Finally after an uncomfortable amount of time I return to the deer like animal. "Welcome, to the new world. I am Eros and shall be your guide. As I am the one who chose you to see the new age I will personally over see your time here. Your age is gone. Your peoples have been found insufficient for the world ahead, yet you and few others have been chosen to act as the chance for their redemption. Man has moved on, in secluded groups they have survived but sit as a shallow imitation of what once entered the stars. The age of man has gone. The age of the mystics has come. Rise, Forerunner, rise and take your new life for your own."

The shock on my face seems almost comical as I have to **** my jaw to close. If not for the lack of tangible thought in my mind I may consider insanity. Yet after a few seconds I feel my body begin to rise. Slowly climbing to my feet. Losing my balance almost immediately, I stumble forward only to be caught by Eros' massive antlers. Using them as brace as my muscles slowly learn to function once more. After nearly an uncomfortable minute I'm finally able to stand by myself. Admittedly swaying more than I'd like but standing nonetheless.

"This world has moved past your time. Man's science has been mostly forgotten as these peoples have found their ancient power. The same power your people once wielded. The same arcane energy that always rested just below the surface of your power to perceive it and yet was never truly tapped into. Magic has taken its place once more and the peoples of the world have learned to channel it. With this knowledge, I give you this." Eros closed their eyes for a moment. As they did a nearly blinding light came from its antlers before fading only a moment later. Instantly a rush of energy flowed through my veins. The pain that had nearly become inconsequential had disappeared and been replaced with a warm, tingly sensation. "A gift, to my champion. Use it well. I fear I must leave, for now. Make your way east. East towards the river until you come to the village. There you shall meet the first of your companions. Your path, your story is your own, but I have set some people along that path so that you may thrive in this land. I must leave you, but I will never be far. Good luck, Forerunner."