Clouds hang over the moon and pale light only peeks out surreptitiously from behind it. You find yourself journeying through a forest of alders. Perhaps it is only delirium or the result of a hyperactive imagination, but the patterns on their bark stare at you like eyes. Watching.

Yet it is not the trees that watch you, but another presence.

'Hark! Who travels so late, through night and wind?' The Erlking shall find out. Hovering in mist like a wisp of fog; he flies and ventures forth to scout. "Ah, ein neuer Freund..." His words glide towards you like a sigh through withering leaves. Though it is not said with apparent malice, like an unsettling breeze it fills one's body with foreboding and makes you tremble with unease.

The Erlkönig draws nearer, approaching your form. His black eyes glitter with benevolent intent as he gives a gentle smile. "Oh, come thou with me! Within my Elven halls, I will play many beautiful games with thee. So pray, stay with me a while.”