She rises, like a silver phoenix rising from the ashes of the ocean, mantled in her hair, so dark, her eyes dark, filled with the mysteries of the past.

He gazes, his green eyes focused on the future, determination and resolution shading the eyes darker than its original green to a viridian hue.

The sunlight turns into molten platinum, washing out the two stills.

She raises her head, her hair unfurling; she narrows her eyes slightly, feeling the thrums of the earth’s living pulse through her fingertips.

He lowers his head, perhaps a sign of obedience, or acknowledgement.

The two mortals awaken, the land green and verdant, the wind giving them their first breaths. Their song will be the one of ice and fire, life and death, wars and battles conquered.

She unfurls her long arms, arms like a long, white snake.

The forest awakens.