Heart of Aspira

Aspira, a land of great riches and even greater suffering. From the central mountain range that was said to have unleashed all evil onto their land, to the golden coasts that the capital cities watched over. The continent was split into four regions; Noladesana; the land of damnation, Elles Varti; the land of Hell's Gate, Pestisana; the land of Salvation and Sveta Zeme; the Holly Land. After hundreds of years of abuse and being stripped of their resources and taxed beyond livable means, even the land of salvation was beginning to suffer from the greed of the royal family. The small towns were raided, and criminals ran rampant, and all the people could do was pray that someone would some day stand up against the capital and bring in a new era for Aspira. Screams filled the night air as a small village was raided and burned. Women and children ran for their lives while the men did their best to hold off the attack. The assault was led by the Veiled Ones, named for the luminescent coating on their eyes, who killed without mercy or hesitation. They were searching for something, though no one knew what, as the Veiled Ones spoke a language far different than the common tongue. The villagers could feel their death coming, they would be wiped out as if they were nothing and the lord of the land would not even care.The small village had already been stripped of all its resources and thus held no further value to the capital. Then, as though the Gods themselves intervened, a single arrow shot through the dark, piercing the skull of the Veiled Ones' leader. Everything went silent as pale eyes scanned the still forest. The villagers quickly gathered together, hoping that they were saved just as another arrow hit true, its target hitting the ground. The sound of hooves echoed like thunder before a cloaked figure rushed from the shadows, battle axes drawn, cutting down all enemies. As the last body fell, the cloaked figure let out a whistle, summoning a black horse larger than any they had ever seen. It trotted over, its body covered in sleek black armor, a metal horn remnant of a unicorn on its face guard. The stranger simply mounted the large beast, not a word said as they took off into the early morning mist and smoke, leaving the town safe and able to rebuild. Soft rain fell in the forest, birds sang as a cloaked figure rode along the path. A song fell from their lips, a mere whisper in the calm around them. Weapons clinked softly while hooves chipped against the occasional stone. The rider felt peace settle around her as they made their way to the next village. The Veiled Ones were moving into this region and anyone who brought their head in to the local bounty shop would receive fifty gold a piece. Ironic, due to most people being poor because the ones giving the gold had taxed them to the point of starvation.The rider almost snorted, the gold really did not mean much, it was the hunt and instinct that drove them to follow the beasts into the forest. Veiled Ones came in a variety of races; thus, each group was different. Not only that, but whatever black magic was used on their eyes also gave them remarkable strength. It made for interesting battles and even though money was no issue for the woman, they figured they would collect it and then donate it to the lesser villages. The outlines of the next town became noticeable, as well as it is statues. An active market, secure buildings and gates, a large well-kept inn and multiple blacksmiths proved that this was a hunter's town. The fact brought a smirk to her face. Making her way straight to the inn, all she wanted was a hot bath and some ale. A small boy, maybe twelve at most, was quick to take her large steed, promising to brush him out and wash him down. Flipping the child some coins, the rider strode into the inn and claimed a room. Entering the room, the quiet woman began to disrobe. The inn offered a cleaning service that she planned to take full advantage of. The thick cloak fell heavily to the floor, revealing toned curves. While small in stature and curvy, it was easy to see that she was a fighter, even her most delicate features, like her forearms, still had muscles toned from bracing against attacks. Sleek leather sat beneath polished armor, formed to fit closely and resist direct assault. High leather boots clung to her thighs; a leather bustier fitted with knife slots blended almost seamlessly with metal over her chest. Bracers guarded her arms while an onyx circlet kept her hair out of her eyes. Once free of her armor and in simple leather pants and an undershirt, the woman went for her bath. As soon as the steaming water hit her tired body, she let out a hum of approval. It had been a long time since she had a hot bath, well at least without the risk of being shot in the head. Stretching out, the woman winced as her muscles were pulled taunt and then slowly relaxed. "Clearly, I need to stretch at nights if I plan on riding from dawn until dusk." She muttered. This was going to be her last inn for who knows how long. It would be just her and Urio, her black steed. She sunk deeper into the water with a scowl. She hadn't been without a traveling companion for this long in centuries. The hunter had grown used to having company, someone to talk with while resting by the campfire or simply traveling whatever land they were in. Now, though she only had Urio, who, while she loved dearly, wasn't much for conversation. Climbing out of the tub she began to dry off, bitter thoughts swirling in her mind. She had arrived in this land fifty years ago and even then, she struggled to find someone to travel with. She couldn't really blame them, she wasn't human, hailing from a race of soldiers, born into a destiny of violence and death. Her kind went by many names, yet they called themselves Azrian. They lived life as warriors in the world, protecting all from true darkness, then in death they were reborn in another dimension to do it all over again. They retained their memories and talents, living through their souls rather than their bodies until they found their heart-mate. Then and only then would they remain in a world, forever bound to their partners' souls and finally complete. Still, even knowing why she was avoided didn't stop the loneliness. She had hoped to form a bond since most of hers had been forged amid battles and near-death experiences, but any adventurer who saw her battle turned tail and ran, not even thanking her for saving their life. Placing her things back in her room, she grabbed her book and headed down to the attached tavern for some food and drink. A small human woman was wiping down the counter when she approached. The woman looked more like a pixie, very petite with doe eyes and a cute button nose. She had fiery red hair that fell down her back in ringlets. She imagined what she must have looked like when things were busy, flitting from one table to the next. "Excuse me, I would like some meat, bread and soup with a pint of ale please." The hunter orders, accidentally startling the young woman. " You got it! Please take a seat and I'll bring it right out! I'm Maisy, pleased to meet you!" The red head chirped happily, her bubbly personality shinning right through the woman's glum mood. The rider smiled softly before taking a seat at the table by the large bay window. Pulling out her glasses she began to read, easily becoming submersed in the ancient scripture. It wasn't until Maisy placed the mug down on the table followed by food that she placed her book away.