Song Of The Ancient Lyrics - Within The Ancient Forest - Paramaecium

The song I perceive as I wander through the woods through the 

dim light of dawn, lilts as it?s carried on soft shifting winds 

through the stillness of this early morn. 

"Upon the hill, east of the woods, the old man stood rapt in 

thought; gazing, contemplative and lost in himself. His old hands, 

fingers long and thin, but rugged, grasped the wooden staff. It 

was familiar in his hand; crooked yet strong. How many times? 

How often had he before this stood on this very place, lost within 

himself; rapt in reflection? A light breeze swelled about him 

ruffling his hair and wisps of beard, grey with age and wisdom of 

years. He had seen much, experienced much and known friends 

in the Hidden Lands. But that was before; before the Fall. 

Glancing downward, a sea of activity, the forest teeming with life 

and lives. But lives are merely a doorway wherethrough can be 

expressed the nature of the Ancient; the one who abides within 

the Hidden Lands. The old man thinks 'I am become not what 

was intended but through intent am become.' And so, in servitude 

to human heart, he made forfeit that which was his; the intangible 

for the tangible, the imperishable for the mortal." 

By now I am intoxicated by the surreality of the tale, viewing 

myself in the old man, and at last it dawns and I realise the very 

nature of mankind, and of myself, and I lay down to cry. 

"In his youth, the Old man wielded the Garensword, but not now. 

And yet, the legend holds that one day, Man shall wield the 

two-edged blade once more to the conquest of nations and 

strongholds and powers beyond this realm." 

I raise my eyes as the song comes to an end and a stranger 

approaches as though she's a friend. Extending her hand I accept 

it and rise. Standing, she looks into my eyes. "De-nyl, we have a 

long way to go. There is so much, too much, that I have to show you." 

"If the truth is what you seek, it is only with the Ancient whose 

face is never seen. He remains within the Hidden Lands and may 

only be reached with the Garensword in hand. Let us depart from this place." 

I was relieved to learn that I would not be alone in my quest. For 

that day, Destiny became my guide. I released my falcon, the bird 

soaring high and free above the forest canopy. And yet there 

remained within my heart the lingering memory of that tragic Fall; 

the wretched nature of mankind and of myself. Am I who I think I am? 

Am I even alive?