Ballad of Thorn and Flame

Beneath the emerald canopy Where crystal waters flow, We kept the silent ancient paths No mortal hearts could know. But iron feet broke sacred moss And torches scarred the sky, Within the heart of Sielwode A dragon child did die. Your hunters cheered beside the corpse, Their steel still red with shame— They call us hollow, soul-less things, Yet you began the flame. Thorn and flame, leaf and steel, Ancient wounds that never heal. You say the elves have souls of stone, Yet men stand proud though fate is thrown. Thorn and flame, night and dawn— Two proud peoples, ever torn. Forest deep and cities high, Still we share the same cold sky. Yet I have watched your broken walls Stand fast through bitter snow, Your weary hands still building hope Where none was meant to grow. I’ve seen a soldier rise again Though death had claimed his breath, And laugh beneath a crimson sun While staring into death. You burn so bright, you live so brief, Like sparks against the gale— Perhaps that fleeting fragile fire Is why you rarely fail. Thorn and flame, leaf and steel, Ancient wounds that never heal. You say the elves have souls of stone, Yet men stand proud though fate is thrown. Thorn and flame, night and dawn— Two proud peoples, ever torn. Forest deep and cities high, Still we share the same cold sky. Now horns of Hunt call through the woods, Old vengeance wakes once more— The dragon’s ghost still haunts the leaves And whispers ancient war. Yet I have seen your stubborn hearts Defy the coming night, And wonder if the road ahead Must always lead to fight. For fragile peace is thin as glass Between the bow and blade— If Sielwode rides the ancient Hunt What world will we have made? Thorn and flame, fate entwined, Forest root and humankind. You say the elves have souls of stone, Yet neither walks this world alone. Thorn and flame beneath one sky— Either learn… or both shall die.