Lux et Tenebrae

A great darkness was filling the sky, a thick writhing mass looming steadily closer over the peaceful scene. In that immense black cloud the birds of thunder came, enormous and powerful. Although terrifying in scale they flew slowly, with each beat of their wings clearly visible, and they were as calm as the huge clouds themselves. It was as if they were mighty lords carrying in the majestic storm upon their wings. I was not afraid.

In the midst of the blackness came smaller birds, dazzling in their array of bright white and gold. They were the birds of lightning and seemed to embody that element in every way - behaviour and appearance. The speed of their flight was astonishing, and although extremely beautiful, with their gold tipped wings and tails, they were as dangerous as lightning itself.

One flew very near to me as I stood, entranced. I could not breathe for fear that it would touch me and I would be harmed, but it did not hurt me. It simply looked at me as it darted close, glancing silently with amber eyes that spoke of fire and magic.


This piece took about seven hours, pretty much in one solid session.