As Ether witnesses the destruction of his people, his life is in danger from both sides of the warring factions. Therefore, he goes about at night to preserve his life and, therefore, ability to witness and write. As a solitary traveler, he could use the cover of night for his protection while going slowly enough to avoid the hazards of the dim light. Certainly he could not see much by relying on moonlight. His description suggests that the destructive battles have taken place in open areas outside of cities. Only in those situations could he approach the battlefield closely enough at night and without fear of being intercepted. The surviving combatants would have withdrawn from the scene of death and returned to their cities or camps, away from the possible cries of the dying.