Chapter 01
500 Years ago
Middle lands
It was a chaotic time in a realm long forgotten, a place where the only rule that seemed to exist was dictated by a single mage. This one woman, burdened with the weight of her responsibilities, found herself unable to put an end to the relentless dragon war that ravaged the lands. The conflict had escalated to such a degree that it seemed to consume everything in its path, leaving destruction and despair in its wake. Despite her desperate pleas for assistance, no help had arrived, and she was left to face the turmoil alone.
The young mage appeared strikingly youthful, her long black hair nearly grazing the ground, with bangs that gracefully framed her doll-like visage and flowed down to her chest. Her vibrant sea-green eyes, full of life yet clouded with anxiety, mirrored the frustration she felt over the relentless conflicts that raged uncontrollably beyond the formidable walls of her tower.
With a heavy heart, she climbed the spiral staircase that led to the summit of her towering structure. This edifice stood as a lone beacon amid the turmoil, a sanctuary where she could find peace and clarity. As she stepped out onto the small balcony that extended from the roof's edge, she was instantly surrounded by the palpable energy of the ongoing skirmishes. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and the distant sounds of battle resonated in her ears. She surveyed the destruction that enveloped her, releasing a deep sigh as she wrapped her arms around herself in a futile effort to shield against the overwhelming negativity. "These... conflicts must come to an end... soon... but how can I ever bring that about?" she mused, her thoughts racing with feelings of hopelessness.
Just then, a small blue dragon landed gracefully behind her on the rooftop of her tower. The creature's scales shimmered in the fading light, and its presence brought a flicker of hope to her heart. "Why not get two rulers? Or perhaps just one ruler could work?" the dragon suggested, its voice carrying a hint of youthful optimism. The mage turned around, intrigued by the dragon's unexpected arrival. She recognized him immediately; it was Max, a young blue dragon who had become a familiar presence in her life.
"Max, why would you think two rulers would work?" she asked, her curiosity piqued. She studied the dragon closely, noting the determination in his eyes.
Max paused for a moment, contemplating his response. "Well, the leaders of the dragon clans might calm down if there is someone to rule over the lands other than dragons," he explained. His youthful spirit shone through as he expressed his desire for peace, a sentiment that resonated deeply with her. Max, despite his young age, had a wisdom that belied his years, and he shared her disdain for the ongoing fighting.
Lyne sighed lightly, feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders. "Did your leader send you to give me that idea?" she inquired, her voice tinged with concern.
He nodded, a soft sigh escaping his lips. "Yes, he wishes for you to find a way to stop this pointless war and the senseless deaths that accompany it," he replied earnestly.
Lyne reached out and gently touched Max's head, feeling a connection to the young dragon. "I will think it over. Please tell your father that I will put thought into it," she said, her voice filled with determination. As she withdrew her hand, she felt the oppressive energy of the war weighing heavily on her heart.
Max noticed her distress and nodded in understanding. "Very well. I will tell him," he assured her before taking flight, soaring off the roof and into the twilight sky. He hated how the war's negative energy affected the only mage in the realm, and he hoped that his words would inspire her to take action.
Once inside her tower, Lyne found herself deep in thought about the possibility of appointing a ruler or two to help restore peace among the clans. The idea intrigued her, but she knew it would require careful consideration. She made her way down to her expansive library, a sanctuary filled with ancient tomes and scrolls that held the knowledge of ages past. She settled onto a plush couch, surrounded by the scent of aged parchment and ink, and summoned a few books to her with a flick of her wrist, using her magic to bring them closer.
As she pored over the texts, she searched for any historical precedents that might shed light on her dilemma. She flipped through the pages, absorbing the stories of Elyasia's past, hoping to find a solution that had eluded her for so long. After sifting through approximately fifty books and creating a bit of a mess in her library, she stumbled upon a particularly intriguing account. It detailed the reign of a ruler who had attempted to impose his will over the dragons, a move that had ultimately led to chaos and strife. The lesson was clear: a king had not succeeded in bringing peace.
With this revelation in mind, Lyne began to contemplate the idea of princesses instead. Perhaps a different approach was needed—one that involved nurturing and understanding rather than dominance. After two long years of searching for suitable candidates to fill the roles of princesses, she finally discovered two sisters, Kira and Lira, who seemed to embody the qualities she sought.
These sisters were not only strong-willed and compassionate but also possessed a deep understanding of the dragons and their ways. Lyne felt a spark of hope ignite within her as she considered the potential they held to bridge the gap between the warring clans. With newfound determination, she set out to meet Kira and Lira, eager to share her vision and enlist their help in restoring peace to the realm. The journey ahead would be fraught with challenges, but for the first time in a long while, Lyne felt a glimmer of optimism. Perhaps, together, they could finally bring an end to the dragon war and heal the wounds that had plagued their land for far too long.
Refer to the one-shot: Forgotten History for more details.