This print features in the Highland Knights 2024 calendar available here.
 
The Stag Knight II
 
In the rugged heart of the Scottish Highlands, where mist-clad mountains touched the sky and ancient magic still whispered through the winds, lived a majestic stag named Faelan. His antlers reached towards the heavens, and his coat was a shimmering tapestry of rich browns and vibrant greens, blending seamlessly with the wild landscape. Faelan was not just an ordinary stag; he possessed a spirit that seemed to hold the secrets of the land itself.
A wise and venerable druid named Elara lived nearby, her knowledge of nature's magic unmatched. She had watched Faelan roam the glens and valleys for years, and her heart swelled with a deep admiration for the stag's strength and grace. Yet, she also sensed a melancholy in Faelan, a yearning for something more than the life of a wild stag.
One day, as the sun dipped below the horizon in a blaze of oranges and purples, Elara approached Faelan by a tranquil loch. The water's surface shimmered like a mirror, reflecting the heavens above. With a voice as ancient as the mountains, Elara spoke to the stag, her words resonating with magic.
"Faelan, noble creature of the Highlands, I sense your longing, your desire to transcend your form and embrace a destiny beyond the meadows and woods. With your consent, I offer you a choice."
Faelan's eyes, deep and soulful, met the druid's gaze. The wind whispered through the surrounding trees, as if nature itself held its breath in anticipation.
"If you accept my offer," Elara continued, "I shall weave the threads of magic around you, transforming your body into that of a knight. You will wear armor forged from the elements and wield a sword of the purest moonlight. Your duty will be to protect these lands from the darkness that threatens to encroach."
Faelan hesitated, his heart torn between the wild freedom he had known and the noble purpose that now beckoned. After a moment that felt like an eternity, he lowered his head in a silent agreement. Elara began to chant, her voice harmonizing with the ancient forces that flowed through the land.
The air shimmered with energy, and Faelan's body was enveloped in a cascade of sparkling light. When the radiance subsided, Faelan stood transformed. He was no longer a stag but a knight, his coat of fur replaced by armor that seemed woven from the very essence of the mountains. His antlers were now a majestic helmet, and a sword of ethereal moonlight rested at his side.
Faelan looked at his new form with a mixture of wonder and determination. He had chosen a new path, embracing his destiny as a protector of the Highlands. With Elara's guidance, he trained in the ways of combat and magic, honing his skills to battle the forces of darkness that threatened his homeland.
As the seasons passed, Faelan's legend grew. He became known as the "Stag Knight," a symbol of hope and courage for all who lived in the shadow of the mountains. His presence alone could inspire hearts to rise above adversity, and his sword could cleave through the deepest darkness.