Queen's Rise

Aeliana Marrow stood on the balcony of her parents' grand estate, overlooking the sprawling city of Veridonia. The city buzzed with the hum of machinery and the distant clatter of workshops. Her violet eyes scanned the horizon, where the sun dipped below the skyline, casting an orange glow over the ancient metropolis. Her fingers absentmindedly traced the intricate patterns on the railing, a habit she'd developed during moments of deep thought. Through generations of toiling in the sun-soaked fields of Veridonia, her family's ascent to eminence was not merely a stroke of luck but a testament to their relentless dedication. Their path to prominence was paved with sweat and determination, intertwined with shrewd negotiations and alliances forged with the esteemed nobility of the land. Aeliana though, stood here tonight, alone. Her parents, were Avide and Karon Morrow, he was a famous blacksmith, she was a scholar, one of the keepers of the Great Library of Veridonia.. Loved by all, they were struck down by a thief when Aeliana was twelve. Her grandmother Aella Krys moved into the estate and helped Aeliana keep it up. Aeliana gained a love for magic, abilities she found she had from a young age. Her parents shunned it, afraid of her abilities, while her grandmother only advised caution. Aella was an accomplished mage, known throughout the world. She took it upon herself to train her granddaughter. Aella encouraged Aeliana to grow in her abilities, and taught her many things.. Elvish, Dwarvish, Riian... basic medicine, prophecies and histories of the North. Aella had a young friend named Catherine Brii, who often came to check on the two.. Now Aella had passed... And Aeliana was alone, at twenty... "What now?" She thought aloud... "This grand estate.. only for me now" she walked across the room, pondering over elvish scrolls her grandmother was reading just before her passing "Lost in your own world again, Aeliana?" Flynn Tarkov's voice broke through her reverie. She turned to see him leaning against the doorway, his green eyes twinkling with amusement. Flynn had arrived from Galdoria a few days ago, bearing news of unrest in the neighboring empires. His presence was a comforting reminder of the bond they shared, forged through countless adventures and childhood encounters. Her parents took him in, when Aeliana was one, as an apprentice blacksmith, he was like a brother to her. "I'm sorry I wasn't here when she passed..." He hugged Aeliana "even if she set my pants on fire last time I was here." Aeliana laughed, sadly "Just thinking... reflecting" Aeliana admitted, her voice tinged with grief. "The balance of our world is faltering, Flynn. The Watchers' influence is waning, I can feel it. The empires are on the brink of chaos." Flynn approached her, his tall, muscular frame casting a shadow over her smaller figure. "Galador has fallen Aeliana... creatures of myth have risen up from the shadows... I hoped Aella could guide us as what to do... but I was too late..." Flynn turned away. "We'll find a way" Aeliana said reassuringly"Just like we always do." Flynn nodded, his mind racing."I know.." Aeliana continued "but this time something feels different. The old magics are stirring, and the prophecies are becoming more urgent. We need to understand the true nature of our world, and the role we play in it." her violet eyes started to glow, bright like the sun, then returned to normal. Flynn placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Then we'll start by seeking out those ancient texts. Aella spoke of... There must be answers hidden within them." Aeliana nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "You're right, Flynn. We need to visit the Great Library of Veridonia. If there's any place that holds the knowledge we seek, it's there." Aeliana gathered the scrolls into a pack, then took a black short sword and sheath off the mantle... it was her father's sword.. Flynn looked at her in surprise. "just in case" she said.. We'll leave in the morning, your old room is just as you left it. I wouldn't let my grandmother change it." Aeliana walked back to the balcony. A maid arrived, with a plate of food. "Sella, thank you" she said "gather something for Flynn, and ready his bed, then go home." We shall head to the library at dawn, and may go on a journey. keep the plants watered, and the house secured, if we do not return immediately." Sella nodded, and turned away, then stopped "my lady, I almost forgot. your grandmother asked that I give this to you." She gave Aeliana a small package. "thank you Sella" Aeliana said again. "Sella, don't mind me, Flynn said "go home, take some food for your daughter." He hugged the maid. "you and your family have served this family well for years, and though I am just an apprentice from Galador that found himself here as a child, I think I speak for all of us when I call you family." Aeliana smiled at this, and joined the two in a hug, now weeping for her lost legacy. "Find Erod Syl... give him this" she wrote something on a piece of parchment., and handed it to her "I fear this is our end in this place.. Callow villa is now yours, by my decree. It is mine by birthright, my mother's inheritance. live there, and keep me a room, if I shall need it." Sella was dumbfounded, but overjoyed. "Thank you, my lady, I..." Flynn interrupted her " Sella! You are now Lady Sella of Callow Villa! we are equal" Aeliana and Sella both laughed "Excuse me then, Aeliana, my friend. I thank you for this, and shall never forget what you have done for my family. you, and your descendants are always welcome in Callow! We shall leave immediately" Sella gave Aeliana and Flynn one last hug, and left Flynn looked at Aeliana for a time, as she ate at the table... "What is it, foster-brother?" She said playfully Flynn smiled "What you just did... it reminded me of your father... Hell, our father.. he raised both of us. though we are not blood, you will always be my sister..." he drew his sword,and knelt, presenting it to Aeliana. "I have nothing else left in this world, and vow upon the All that I shall be your sword, until the end of days." Aeliana stood "I accept you as my sword. until the end of days" she laughed "now get over here and eat, you silly ass!" The siblings shared a meal, and discussed the coming day