The Birth of Tylidae

In a forest some time ago, an eclipse of soft, fuzzy moths emerged from their cocoons and started fluttering in beautiful trailing swashes, exploring their new world. The lovely fae woman Inlenail spied them upon one of her long walks amongst the trees, and was captivated by their soft beauty. Watching the small creatures taking their first unsteady wingbeats through the air, she smiled as they encircled her, curious as to what this new graceful creature could be. Gently drawing out her flute and bringing it to her lips, Inlenail began to play a light, merry tune. The moths paused, vibrating with an uncertain curiosity as the bright notes jumped ever higher. After a few moments, they began to swirl and swoop through the air in an intricate, freespirited dance to the highpitched tones springing across the calm woods.   As the song drew to a close, Inlenail smiled peacefully and spoke. She would have to leave now, to tend to other children of hers, but what would these beautiful soft creatures like as thanks for their dance? The eclipse shivered as they considered her words, and their minds spoke in a hopeful chorus that they wished to be given more time to enjoy such heartfelt song, and the ability to create such music. Inlenail asked if that was truly what they desired, for such shortlived beings could not true comprehend the miseries the world can hold for one who must experience the many years of a long life. Without hesitation they answered that it was all that they wanted, to be able to live for such peaceful sounds.   Inlenail stood and with a motion of her hands she bid the moths stand as well. But as they spiraled down to earth to stand on their tiny, fragile limbs, they came to rest upon two long legs as their bodies stretched and became upright. The small feet on their four frontmost legs became grasping hands, and their wings folded across now tall backs like an elegant cloak behind the soft downy fuzz that covered their entire body. Small mouths opened, and they took their first confused breaths as lungs appeared wherein there had been none previously. In the space of what felt like mere moments, the moths stood upon two legs and looked at themselves with wonder, marveling at what the lady had made of them.   A peal of merry laughter caused them all to glance up, but Inlenail had disappeared from where she had been sitting, leaving behind only her flute in her place. “Go forth my children, for I have given you the life that should not have been and the breath that you never would have known. Learn the ways of song and dance well, and do me honor. For you are the Tylidai, and you will ever be known as the bearers of my sacred song.”