Tales of the North

Note: This is a Medieval Roleplay blog. *Characters* Tags The History of the Keepers and Slayers. Fake Book Series - Made by Me .

[thenorthernrecords]

One morning around dawn, Katy and David were just finishing an early breakfast. They let Edward and Samira sleep in, as David reasoned that the sun rose at a later time back in Etihad, so their bodies were still becoming accustomed to the time there. Eventually, their casual conversation turned into a more serious one about their situation at hand.

“So, I’m going to head into Wexford, make sure the coast is clear,” David began, smacking his lips together after a sip of cool water.

“Should I come with you?” Katy asked, and when David shook his head, she made a face. “Why not?”

“Because that man that’s after Edward now knows you know where he is,” David pointed out with raised brows. “He’ll no doubt try to follow you if he spots you.”

“But how will you even know if he’s around? You don’t know what he looks like,” Katy countered, looking a bit frustrated by the idea of staying behind.

“I know what he looks like,” a voice chimed in.

When David and Katy looked up, they saw Samira head towards them.

“You do?” asked Katy.

“I was in the same room as him before we fled Paraiso. He didn’t pay any attention to me, so I doubt he’ll even remember me. It should be safer for me to head into the city with David,” Samira answered, moving to sit across from them on the table. She took a piece of bread that remained there and took a bit out of it.

David pursed his lips, considering it. He eyed Katy, who shrugged at him. She didn’t see an issue with Samira going.

“Alright! You and I will head into Wexford,” He confirmed to Samira, who smiled in response.

“You two should head out around sunset. It’ll be easier to be inconspicuous,” Katy said after a sigh, “Also, you should see if you can find Hana there, David. Should make Edward’s mission much more easier.”

“Where would she be?” asked Samira.

“I haven’t been to her home yet, but I do know she works at the largest inn in Wexford. If you can’t find her there, ask for the owner, Finnegan Hall. She’s close friends with him and he could help. But, I must warn you, he’s a bit rough around the edges and very mistrusting. So, you’ll need to convince him to give you some information.” Katy said with a smirk.

David rose his brows, and then let out a chuckle. “I’ll do my best to appear as harmless as can be.”

“What if we spot Vergil?” Samira asked with a frown.

Katy mirrored her frown. “We’ll have to lay low, maybe have Hana Yasmin meet us somewhere else outside of Wexford. That’ll be much harder to do, so hopefully it won’t come to that.”

When Edward woke up and came down for breakfast, the three told him of the plan. Then, that late afternoon, David and Samira headed off towards the City State, with Katy and Edward watching them leave.

[thenorthernrecords]

Brennen arrived in Nightfall around dusk. He felt somewhat somber as he stepped off the boat that had taken him there, unable to feel sorry for his late, traitorous thieving companion Clive. All the young man wanted to do was gain his father’s forgiveness and go home. It was the shame Clive never gave Brennen his family’s name. Brennen would’ve informed his father of his passing, although he doubted a man who would throw out his own son on the street would care...

As he walked into the town, he noticed that the town was rather quiet. Sure, quite a number of people walked up and down the streets, but everyone seemed on edge. The people would constantly and anxiously peer at the sky as if they were expecting something to fall on them. They muttered to each other in hushed tones, their faces seemingly etched with anxiety and fear. Brennen suddenly had a bad feeling, and he approached an older man with graying hair who was lowly speaking to two more older men.

“Excuse me, sir.” Brennen greeted, nodding as the man and his companions regarded him. “I just got into town and I kept help but notice that everyone seems to be afraid of something... can you tell me what’s going on?”

“Oh, you arrived at a terrible time, young man.” The old man grumbled, his companions nodding along in agreement. “There has been an attack close to our town, right in the woods.”

The man pointed towards the north and that’s when Brennen could make out a dark pillar of smoke rising from the sky. 

“An army?” asked Brennen.

The man said, leaning in to whisper to Brennen. “People are saying it was a terrible beast...a beast as big as a sailing ship.” 

Brennen’s brows furrowed, now concerned about what he just stumbled into. He already suspected a certain person who could turn into a beast... the same person whose estate was blown up to pieces.

“What sort of beast?” He asked.

The old man frowned. “I’m not sure. I was indoors when it all happened, with my friends here. You’ll have to ask someone at the tavern. No doubt everyone’s talking about it there.”

Brennen thanked the man and his friends and headed towards the tavern. The feeling of dread had now increased and while he wanted to let Ashlynn know what was going on, he couldn’t. There was still a few days left before he could use the speaking stone. Perhaps the woman Morgan, the person he was supposed to meet, knew what had happened. 

He could only hope.

@caspianmaxson

[thenorthernrecords]

Moments before the fiery attack by Marcus Gazer:

A scroll had fallen right at Morgan’s feet. If she looked up, she would see a vulture perched on top of a dead tree top. 

The scroll read:

Dearest Morgan,

I am sure you know what happened in Gazer, and probably correctly guessed it was my doing. I’ve always known you to be smart, from the very first day I met you.

I do miss you and am disappointed that you did seek me sooner. I truly wish you had. But, what is done has been done. I still care for you a great deal and while I am gone, I do not wish to leave you alone, especially as the hour becomes dangerous and dire.

When you can, head to Nightfall. There, you will meet a new recruit. I met him before my departure, and I believe he will be of great aid to us. I believe he can help you now that our enemies will surely be on the move. His name is Brennen. No last name; the young man doesn’t either want to give one or actually doesn’t have one. He has with him something with my symbol. That’s how you’ll know it’s him. Something about him makes him trustworthy to me. He seems passionate about similar things that you and I believe in.

I hope to see you when I return. I pray that you are safe. No matter what happens, remember we are stronger than the enemy. While they dined and enjoyed luxuries we could not have, we sharpened ourselves and became more powerful. Do not forget this, my dear Morgan.

Don’t let them make you forget.

The vulture flew away. It didn’t get too far when something spooked it, causing the large bird to fly faster. A rather large, winged figure had flown right above it, heading with great speed toward Morgan’s hideaway...

@caspianmaxson​

[thenorthernrecords]

The group of four settled down by the quaint, two-story house that Katy once called home. They had traveled almost nonstop, only sleeping a few hours at night, and once in the woods, they passed a small creek before getting to the house. Benjamin had done a good job in repairing it, and to Katy, it looked newer than when she began to live there as a child. Right away, she felt a sense of nostalgia. Other than the repairs Ben did to the home, it was as if time had never passed the area. In a way, it hadn’t. . .

Katy and David lingered outside for a moment while Samira and Edward headed inside to get situated with the home.

“We should sit here for a day or so, and maybe one of us could scout Wexford...make sure that no one is asking around for Edward,” David advised, and Katy nodded along.

“I agree. Hopefully, Edward’s diversion worked and Vergil will be thrown off our trail for a few days,” Katy replied as she crossed her arms over her chest.

She was worried. She knew it was only a matter of time before Vergil found out he had been tricked and went on the prowl again. She also felt nervous about a possible encounter between him and Hana Yasmin... But, she figured she’d address that more later once they all got some rest.

As both she and David turned to walk into the home, they both heard something at a distance. They turned around at the same time, looking up towards the skyline. Past the woods of Wexford was a tall mountain called Croghan Mountain. It was quite big, and its peak could be seen from areas in the City of Wexford. The sound came from that direction, from all the way high up at the very top. Any normal person would’ve missed it, but Katy and David were different.

They had been specially trained to hear such a sound, even at a far away distance. They could also feel it.

“Did you hear that?” David asked, somewhat alarmed.

Katy, however, felt calm. There was a very good reason why she wasn’t worried.

“I did hear it. But, it won’t become an issue,” Katy said casually.

David looked at her as if she grew two heads.

“How can you be so sure?” David asked, his brow furrowing.

Katy’s lips curled a bit, giving a hint of a smile.

“Because I’m sure of my brother.”

[thenorthernrecords]

It was the day after the dinner party. The ship Brennen was on was sailing back to the mainland, and he paid the captain with some of the money he now had to take him back. As they sailed, Brennen, while in the privacy of his cabin, took out something from his traveling bag. it was a small poach, with a similar symbol to the one Ashlynn wrote on her invitation. Inside, there was a small stone. It was onyx colored, smooth for the most part, but at the center, it looked like someone had carved a face with an open mouth. Ashlynn had called it a speaking stone and told him she had successfully ‘attuned’ it recently. She also instructed him to hold on to it and call for her when he was ready to report back. 

He did so and waited. After a few minutes, just as he was about to give up, he heard something.

“Hello? Brennen?”

He jumped, and let out an astonished laugh. It actually worked! It sounded like she speaking right into his ears. It was offputting but impressive.

“Yes! Hello, it is me. Wow, I can really hear you!” He exclaimed.

“Of course, you can, my dear. I am a woman of my word. I wouldn’t intentionally mislead you.” Ashlynn warmly told him. “So! How was the dinner party?”

Brennen told her everything. He told her who he saw, and what he heard. He told her about Henry, about the way Charles subtly but aggressively ordered his son around, the children that strangely arrived, the man with the eye that seemed off (Ashlynn identified him as Victor Haun, a man who worked with her),  the other guests he saw, and Alexandria accepting her gift. When Ashlynn asked if a woman was there with the children and described her to him, Brennen told her that he had not.

“How strange. I suppose she wanted to send a message to either the Blackwoods or Henry and Alexandria...Hm.” Ashlynn replied quietly, “What did you think about the whole thing?”

“It was definitely not my thing... if I could speak freely?” When Ashlynn told him he could, he continued. “I don’t know how someone as favorable as Lady Alexandria could marry into the Thornfield family. Sure, Henry was alright, but his father ... his father came off as arrogant and insufferable.”

“Favorable? That is interesting. Going by what I’ve seen and heard, it always seemed to be that she is an incredibly guarded person-- not that I blame her...but, it sounds like you got along pretty well with her,” Ashlynn observed.

“She was really nice, perhaps the most normal one there and she was really easy to get on with...” Brennen trailed off, remembering the way the beautiful woman’s face brightened when she smiled, her charming wit, how sharp she was... What was it that she said to him last?

Perhaps our paths will cross again sometime in the future.

He half smiled to himself, glancing out of the circular window of his cabin. The sun was out, its rays reflecting off the ocean’s waves, causing it to glisten. The day felt warm and pleasant. What a good day to get married, he thought. It was most likely the only time he’d be able to speak to Lady Alexandria like that. She was to be Thornfield’s wife once the day was over, after all. 

He felt a bit bothered, causing him to sigh out loud.

Things always seemed to be out of reach for him.

“That aside, I am confident that she was pleased and interested in the gift,” Brennen went on, pushing those thoughts far back into his mind, aiming not to bring up those thoughts in the near future.

“Good. What I gave her was one of my most personal items, so I hope she reads it and understands a bit better.” Ashlynn sounded pleased. “I do think Henry has made some valiant efforts to marry Alexandria, and I am happy he finally got something done. Yet, I am concerned that Charles was there, acting that way. Either he has indeed grown weaker, unable to stop his son from doing what he wants, or he has a trick up his sleeve. He’s good at making someone’s life a living hell.” There was a sound of someone pulling out a chair.  “Now, I will admit that he’s good for business when it comes to certain things, but personally? There is a reason why I’ve never truly befriended him. I’ve always hated the way he’s treated his children...”

“Would be a shame if someone were to spread about that Charles Thornfield has weakened,” Brennen commented with a smirk.

He met him once and he already strongly disliked the man.

Ashlynn chuckled. “Oh? Well, I wouldn’t stop anyone who would do such a thing, though I would proceed with caution, especially if said person was a wanted man from Thorn.”

“Of course,” Brennen nodded, making a mental note to work a side thing once he was back on the mainland. “But that is all done. What will you have me do next?”

“I want you to go to Nightfall and wait for someone to give you some money along with instructions to your next location. I will send for Morgan McGregory, the woman who sent the children to the island. Introduce yourself, and ask her about what she’s been up to, and what her future plans are. I will trust that you will know if she’s being honest or deceitful.” Ashlynn paused for a moment. “I heard that she may be in a bind, or could be. If you are willing, aid her. She is still an ally, after all. But do be mindful when you’re with her. She may feel a little jealous that you’re a new recruit with direct communication with me. It is her own fault for not visiting me when I was still in my little prison home, so it is what it is. Hopefully, she will not let that blind her judgment.”

“Nightfall, Morgan McGregory, got it,” Brennen confirmed. “When can I speak to you again?”

“In 15 days. The stones will not work between those days, so if you have any other questions, now is the time.” She said.

Brennen thought for a moment.

“How are you doing? And when you spoke to me about having special gifts, what do you mean?” He asked.

He really did wonder how she had been, given that she told him that it was the first time in forever that she would ever leave the region. 

“I am doing wonderfully, thank you for asking. I am sailing right now, out of Snow Mystic’s waters, away from the wretchedness of Alexander for the first time in my life. It feels so good to be free,” Ashlynn answered and Brennen could somehow pick up by her tone that she was smiling. “As for your special gifts, I meant that you could have powerful, supernatural traits that are either dormant in you, or you’ve subconsciously used on a very surface level. I sense it in you. Also, you are someone who is good at breaking any lock, any prison, and I wonder if that is a separate gift or part of a bigger one.”

Excitement and anxiety caused Brennen’s heart to beat hard against his chest. He had always been naturally good at opening the hardest of locks. He never really had the time to wonder why -- until now.

“Is there any way to wake it up?” He asked.

“Of course there is! It can happen naturally, now that you’re made aware of it, but I will still research on my end and find the best way to awaken that part of you. In the meantime, make sure you observe any unnatural feeling or event that happens to you from now on, and report that back to me. It will help us pinpoint what your gifts are,” She said, sounding motivated. Then, she hesitated. “If Victor Haun was indeed there at the party, be on your guard should you see him again. I’m certain that even if he didn’t seem to you, he could’ve sensed you. He’s quite the powerful man, you know.”

That clicked something in his head. The older boy who had been terrified at the party did move his head when the man Victor Haun moved past him. That was the only time he did. He wondered if Victor had done something to him. 

“I thought you said he was an ally,” Brennen commented with a raised brow.

“He is. I practically raised him. I love him like a son, as I love Morgan as a daughter,” Ashlynn said sincerely. There was a sound of a sigh; a sad one. 

“But Victor ... he sometimes lets his darkness get the best of him.”

[thenorthernrecords]

The situation became urgent right away when Katy, David, Edward, and Samira learned that Edward’s dangerous grandfather, Vergil Delacruz, had actually arrived into town looking for them. With three horses -- two of them riding on one -- they hurriedly rode off toward the City State of Wexford. It was quicker by horse than it would be by sea.

They made camp after long hours of riding, and there, Katy reasoned that staying in the city was a risk, as they had no idea if the diversion Edward set up to mislead Vergil would work for long. So, a plan was made.

There was a place Vergil would not think to go to, or maybe not want to go to: the little home in the woods by Wexford. It was the one Katy called home when she became Fay’s daughter. Before that, it was the home of her grandparents, Maxim and Deirdre. They had built the home from the ground up, and many decades later, Ben repaired it. It was one of the symbols of Maxim’s and Deirdre’s legacy, something that Vergil abhorred.

They planned to stay there before exploring Wexford to search for Hana Yasmin, whom Edward desperately needed to speak to.

Upon dawn, they rode again, their anxiety and urgency growing as they knew that at any moment, Vergil could be on their trail again.

@elreinodeparaiso

[thenorthernrecords]

A New Recruit

Ashlynn stared off toward the sea as she stood on her newly acquired ship’s deck. After destroying most of Marcus Gazer’s estate, she had gone and bought a boat in the nearest town. It was small in size but built well enough to sail across a few seas. Her new freedom still felt surreal. She had been trapped for most of her life, and now, she could go anywhere. There was one place she wanted to go first. There was a rumor of a man who had an object that was once sought by many in the kingdom; an object that was powerful and dangerous. While the rest of the kingdom had forgotten about it, she had not, and if she obtained it, it would certainly change a lot of things in her favor.

One of her ‘children’ soon arrived with an invitation from the Thornfields -- Henry, the heir, in particular. He was to marry Alexandria Maxson, daughter of the late king, and they invited her to a dinner in their honor. Ashlynn right away felt conflicted over the timing -- the dinner was scheduled to take place just around the time she meant to set sail. As she looked out, she thought about Henry and Alexandria, and their union. She could guess that Charles had been a bit conflicted over the matter at first, but wouldn’t have missed the chance to finally have his lineage mixed with the most powerful family of the realm.

One of the two sailors she had hired to help her on her journey approached her and informed her that her guest was finally awake. She nodded and walked across the deck, and down some stairs toward one of the ship’s quarters. She knocked on the door and waited. After a few bouts of silence, a voice lowly responded:

“Come in...”

She opened the door, peering inside. The man she had found just outside of Gazer’s estate was sitting up, looking at her cautiously. He was quite attractive, with chestnut brown long hair, a growing beard, and dark expressive eyes, He had bruises and healing cuts on the sides of his face, and right below his lip. Ashlynn had found him injured, and she had cleaned up his wounds while he was unconscious. The two hired sailors also dressed him in better clothing, as he had been wearing a worn-out, torn tunic and trousers with holes in them. Even his shoes were in an awful state -- holes on the sides and the heels were worn down almost completely. This told Ashlynn that this was a man down on his luck, too impoverished to buy himself any decent clothing.  Most curious of all, when her children, those others called leeches, helped her carry the man, they were looking at him with a bit of hunger. They did him no harm, as she ordered them to carry him safely, but their reaction did pique her interest...

“Good to see you’re finally awake,” She said in greeting, flashing an amiable smile toward the man as she walked into the room. She went to a bed across the room from his and sat down.

The man eyed the bed and shifted his body a bit, wincing as he did. “Where’s Clive?”

Ashlynn guessed he spoke about the other man she had found with him. “If you’re speaking about the other man that was with you, I’m sorry, but he was already gone when I reached the two of you.”

The man frowned sadly, looking away for a brief moment, but then he let out a shallow sigh and nodded. “I figured,” He mumbled, and then, he eyed her with that wary expression again.

Ashlynn guessed then that he knew that she was responsible for what happened at Gazer’s estate. She leaned in, her hands folded on her lap in a relaxed manner.

“You must have some questions. I know I do. But let’s start off with our names,” Ashlynn put her hand on her chest. “I am Ashlynn, but you may know me by the title that was given to me: the Queen beyond the Bridge.”

The man’s eyes widened a bit, as recognition finally set in. Eventually, he cleared his throat. “My name’s Brennen, milady.”

Ashlynn waited for a bit, and when he didn’t anything else, she tilted her head. “No last name?”

“No, I was raised in an orphanage in Thorncreek,” Brennen replied, “If I needed a last name, I use the name of the orphanage.”

“I see,” Ashlynn said with a nod. “What were you doing at the estate of Marcus Gazer?”

Brennen lightly smirked, looking a bit amused. “My now-dead companion Clive had convinced me to go and steal a few things from there while the dragon man was away.”

Ashlynn couldn’t help but raise her brows. “ You meant to steal from Marcus Gazer?”

“Yeah... I’m pretty good at breaking into and out of things. I think I went along with it because I liked the challenge. I didn’t think Gazer would notice a few things that went missing anyway,” He shrugged. “Clive was pretty persistent on making this plan happen. But, in the end, I guess he just wanted to regain the comfortable life in Nightfall that he lost. I’m sure he figured a person like me has nothing to live for, so the betrayal was easy.”

Brennen looked a bit sad again. It was clear that the betrayal had affected him.

“And yet, fate decided to let you live while he perished...” Ashlynn observed curiously.

Brennen was quiet for a moment, a pensive expression appearing on his face as he seemingly took in her words. Then, he looked up at her.

The explosion at the estate ... Was that you, milady?”

Ashlynn nodded. “That was me, yes. Gazer and his cult needed to be taught a lesson.”

“You’re quite a powerful woman, then. I’ve never seen anyone do what you did that night. It was extraordinary,” Brennen replied.

The corner of Ashlynn’s lips twitched. “I’ve been around for quite some time, and I’ve had a lot of time to learn many things. That is only a portion of what I can do.”

Brennen looked down and smiled to himself. “I dunno what you plan to do with me, milady, but whatever happens, I do hope that more people get taught a lesson like you’re doing with Marcus Gazer.”

She caught the bitterness in his tone and frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Like I said before, I’m from Thorn. I’m sure you’ve heard what a lovely place it is,” He said sarcastically. “People elsewhere love to look down upon us. They call us vagabonds, criminals, and delinquents. But most of us are trying to survive while the rich folk in charge are too busy living in luxury and fattening themselves up to give a damn about us. Instead, they built more prisons to throw us into.” There was anger in his eyes as he spoke, and his brow was knitted. This was clearly something that he had been wanting to speak about, and Ashlynn remained silent, letting him continue. “I tried to be different. I moved away when I was younger -- tried to start a new life in Tulia. I became a guard for a bit, as I was resolved to leave my old life behind. Then one day, someone steals a box full of jewelry from a lord’s estate. Whoever did it left the chest in my quarters and alerted the lord. Once I admitted I was from Thorn, I wasn’t even interrogated. I was sent back and thrown in prison. So, I decided that I might as well do the crimes they already were making me pay for. I feel foolish for even trying any different.”

Ashlynn felt terrible for Brennen. It was clear that he had suffered a great deal. He clearly felt trapped by the conditions he was born in, something she emphasized with. 

Brennen hesitated and soon, his shoulders slumped a bit. “Maybe deep down, I wanted to steal from Gazer’s estate so I had enough money to leave this realm and start over somewhere. I realized that I can no longer stay in Thorn. I’ve escaped from plenty of prisons, and I’ve refused to take the payment from the Duke, so the guards are even more eager to find me and either lock me away or execute me.”

That surprised Ashlynn. “You refused the payment? Why?”

“Because it doesn’t change anything. It’s clear that the Thornfields give us crumbs in exchange for valuable information. A hungry beggar or an unlucky thief will take a measly payment if it means they eat for a few days. But, their lives remain the same while the Duchy continues to stay in complete control and power of the region.” He then scoffed. “I don’t fault someone for taking the pay, but I don’t want it. I may be a poor thief with no last name, but I value my dignity.” He then made direct eye contact with her. His eyes glistened with tears that didn’t fall. “And if you decide to get rid of me, I only ask that you let me keep some of it. It’s all I have.”

Ashlynn went quiet, surprised to find such a thoughtful, impassioned man in what was left of Gazer’s estate. His words ran deeply through her, and right there and then, she made up her mind.

“I’m not getting rid of you, Brennen.” She gently declared.

“...No?” He asked, looking uncertain.

“I’m not. Your words and sincerity have only told me that you’re too valuable to be rid of...” Ashlynn noticed he was taken aback by being called valuable.  “So, I give you two options: you can go on your own way, or you can join me.”

Brennen looked confused, so Ashlynn decided to clarify a bit more.

“I am aware of all the damage those who govern have done to this realm, and now that I am freed, I wish to undo it. I want to bring changes, Brennen. I want to dismantle everything terrible Alexander Maxson and his descendants have done and allowed. He was my brother, and he imprisoned me for decades. Now that he is gone, I must finally act.”

“Shit...” Brennen muttered, clearly taken aback by this new information. “How would I even be able to help? I’m nothing but a thief.”

“For starters, I need a fresh perspective. I have a few people I have taken in that are a part of my cause, but I observed that they have their own agendas...which makes me wonder how truly committed they are...” Ashlynn said with an uneasy smile. “So I think it’s time to bring someone new, someone, who can be a new pair of eyes and ears where I can not be. You’re also someone whom I suspect could go unnoticed, who can blend into crowds and get himself out of trouble if need be. I also think you have special gifts of your own, gifts that you have yet to truly discover. I can help you discover them using my own gifts. I helped others find theirs.”

Brennen looked uncertain so Ashlynn stood up and lightly put her hand on his shoulder. “You still need to recover, so I will allow you to think it over. You may choose to leave and I shall never seek you out or look for you. But you could be an essential part of finally changing things in this kingdom.”

She then left the quarters, leaving Brennen alone the rest of the day.

---

The next morning, Ashlynn returned with some porridge, which Brennen gratefully took and ate as he sat on the corner of his bed. As he finished, he looked up at her when she extended a hand to take the bowl.

“I’ve thought about it and... I think it’s time I also took action. I’ll give it a try,” He confirmed with a nod. “I’ll join you.”

Ashlynn smiled contently. “I am very glad to hear this, Brennen. I believe it was fate for our paths to cross.” She sat next to him on his bed. “I already have a task that I need help on. Think you can do it for me?”

Brennen nodded. “Sure. I still feel sore, but better than before. What do you need help with, milady?”

Ashlynn reached into her pockets, taking out Thornfield’s invitation sent by Morgan. 

“I need you to go to a dinner party for me..” 

[thenorthernrecords]

Happenings Beyond the Bridge

Part Two

A New Point of View 

A full moon had begun to illuminate the sky, providing light in the lands that held Marcus Gazer’s estate. Rumor had spread around that Marcus Gazer had not been in his estate for quite some time. Naturally, this news would probably bring some comfort to those who feared the man dragon, but for two people who moved quietly in the dark, this brought a rare opportunity . . .

Those two people emerged from the trees nearby Gazer’s estate, their steps and movements slow and quiet. The younger one was an eighteen-year-old lad named Clive, who was black-haired, thin, and of average height. The other walking behind him was called Brennen, who was taller and with a more athletic build. His beard, which matched his brown hair, indicated that he was the older one, as Clive was still smooth-faced. They both sneaked closer to Gazer’s estate, making sure to stay away from the moon’s revealing light.

“I can’t believe we’re actually doing this...” Clive whispered excitedly, looking back at his companion with a grin. “This is going to be great.”

“Shhh. We can celebrate when we got the goods, lad --  if Marcus Gazer doesn’t suddenly appear and roast us alive.” Brennen whispered back.

Brennen had no idea how Clive convinced him to steal from the very dangerous man-dragon Marcus Gazer. Perhaps it was the animated way Clive explained his plan, or perhaps he had grown bored and wanted a real challenge. Either way, he had promised Clive to do a real heist with him once the young man learned the ropes. He had found Clive cold and alone after being tossed out of his father’s house about a year prior. He befriended him and took him under his wing. It had been a while since he worked with someone else, and after a few minor jobs, he realized that they worked very well together. This was their first big one together. If they could pull it off, it’d be quite a feat, even for someone as experienced as Brennen. So, he too was excited; he just knew better than to say it out loud. He believed it brought bad luck.

As they inched closer towards the walls surrounding the estate, Brennen looked around for any guards patrolling by or on the walls, while also looking for areas to hide in case they needed to. With the coast clear, Brennen helped heave Clive over the wall and then, climbed over himself. Once on the other side, Brennen noticed how still and quiet everything was... too quiet. Brennen looked around carefully, noticing no movement whatsoever.

“That’s strange...” mumbled Brennen to himself. 

Clive looked around with him, but he seemed more enthusiastic about the lack of patrol and lookouts.

“We’re in luck, Bren! Maybe the oversized lizards took all his guards with him.” He whispered.

“... maybe. I dunno if a dragon would even need guards,” Brennen shrugged, stepping around quietly. Then, he stepped on something.

A squishing sound came from underneath his boot. He bent down, and right away, smelled something metallic. There seemed to be some substance on the ground, too thick to be water. Before he could investigate further, however, he saw Clive rapidly go toward the building.

“Hey! Wait up!” Brennen whispered as loudly as he could, hurrying after him.

Once they went through the garden and to the door, Brennen went to work on the lock by using his special tools, and right away, a click indicated that it was open. Soon, they both were inside. Clive went right to work, going into room after room, filling his sack with items like expensive-looking candlesticks, utensils, ornaments, fine cloths, etc. 

“We’re going to make some good money selling these things!” Clive grinned as he worked.

Brennen filled his sack with a few items too, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. He expected the home of a dragon practically worshipped around by quite a number of people to have some people walking around the grounds, but there was no one.  He went down a long hallway, went up some stairs, turned, then saw a dim light ahead. As he approached, he heard a voice, and he instantly slowed his steps, stepping first with his toes and then his heels. Sneaking around was almost second nature to him at that point. It’s how he got around, how he escaped places and broke into them with ease. He got closer to the voice, and he realized that it was a woman’s voice, smoky and low. 

He found himself on a balcony, and below him was what looked like the main room of a church of some sort. He saw people dressed as priests, all lined up. Near them were other people, but people seemed all wrong. They all were incredibly pale-skinned, with blood all over them. They were just standing there, tilting their heads awkwardly, with swords and spears out toward the priests. There was something strange about their eyes too -- it was as if they had a dim glow to them...  They were all hyper-focused on a lone figure standing in front of them all.  She was a middle-aged, attractive, dark-haired woman, wearing a dark hood over dark blue clothing.

“I thought they were more of you. Hmm... I think someone else has tried to clean house,” The woman said to the priests, clicking her tongue as she began to pace in front of them. “I am glad you are all here. I am Ashlynn.” She said to them all there, and right away, some of the priests cried out in shock, all of them looking fearful.

Brennen rose his brows as he watched and wondered why the name sounded so damn familiar. He didn’t know anyone personally by that name, but he swore he heard it somewhere.

“What? Did you really think I couldn’t do this?” The woman gave them a cold glare. “Did you really think your false god was untouchable? I actually came here looking for him, but I see that he’s off causing trouble elsewhere...” 

Brennen watched as the robed priests lowered their heads. They were clearly terrified of this woman, and Brenenn couldn’t help but continue to watch; it piqued his curiosity.

“Marcus Gazer is nothing more than an egocentric, selfish man-child. You serve him because he’s turned into a dragon, but that is his curse, not his blessing. He toys with people’s lives, positioning himself above everyone else when in reality, dragons could be slain...perhaps his time is long overdue. And you all are guilty of serving a false god. You and he have done nothing but take for yourselves,” The woman said, her voice taut with anger.

Brennen was astonished that she would insult the man dragon so openly. Gazer was known to be terrible and violent, powerful in his dragon form. Surely she knew that the prideful creature had burned people for less? But, to Brennen, the woman wasn’t exactly wrong -- Gazer had earned his reputation by being vile and terrible, after all.

He watched as the woman nodded at the odd-looking people, and motioned toward the priests calmly. “Make them into martyrs for Marcus Gazer.” 

The people then began to pounce on the priests, violently stabbing at them. They all screamed and tried to get away, but they were all stabbed over and over again. Blood began to saturate their robes and spill onto the ground as screams began to stop, and some of the priests had stopped moving entirely. Brennen took several steps back slowly.

He had to go find Clive.

He quietly stepped further and further again, and once he felt he was far away enough from the balcony, he ran at full speed, looking around for Clive. He dropped his bag in the process, caring more about getting the hell out of there than whatever spoils the estate offered. Eventually, Clive appeared with a full sack, looking quite proud of himself.

“There you are! You won’t believe what I found,” He told him as he approached, and he pulled out a jeweled golden cup, adorned with white opals. “This looks like the cup my father lost in a bet many years ago ... Said it was in the family for ages. I can’t believe it’s here! Think this will convince him to take me back in?”

Clive looked so hopeful. He had told Brennen before that while he enjoyed his friendship, and the time they spent together, he still was very much homesick. He wished his father would take him back in.  While he sympathized, Brenenn knew they needed to leave. There was no time to talk about Clive’s chance at a reunion.

“We need to go,” He told him with a serious look on his face. “Now!”

A loud noise startled both he and Clive, and right away, the two began to dash towards the nearest door that led outside. The air felt heavier as Brennen ran, making him anxious. There was something dangerous and ominous about everything -- the way the woman easily commanded the people who killed Gazer’s priests, the strange way those people looked and moved... but he didn’t mean to stay behind to find out what it all meant. It was none of his business, and it was best that it stayed that way.

Brennen went out first, with Clive not far behind. When they got to the wall, Brennen eyed Clive.

“I’ll hoist you over the wall, c’mon!” Brennen told him.

Clive stared at him, looking indecisive and guilty about something. Then, Clive reached into his pocket and pulled out a knife. Brennen grimaced, knowing exactly what was going on now.

“Look, Clive, you can take all the loot, but we’ve got to get the fuck out of here,” Stressed Brennen. “There’s this woman and--”

“This is more than the loot, Bren.” Clive pointed the knife at him. “I’ve figured you out. You’re the Locksbreaker of Thorn! You’ve got prisons all over Thorn looking for you. This is my chance to regain my reputation back!”

The betrayal stung Brennen. He had been so careful before, but he felt pity for the boy out in the streets and wanted to help him in the only way he could. He knew how desperate Clive was to return to his father and family. Still, he helped him back on his feet, fed him, and taught him a few tricks to help him survive, but as soon as he found out who he was, he turned on him so quickly.

“I’ll collect the reward money for Father and give back the heirloom he’s lost.” Clive continued with tears in his eyes. “He’ll have to accept me again. He’ll forget all about the scandal Patrick and I caused. He’ll forgive me for being a wayward son. I can go back home to Nightfall.”

Brennen put his hands up. He could overpower Clive, but he didn’t want it to come to that. “Listen, we can work something ou--”

Before he could finish, a loud and powerful explosion sent him back. He felt his side hit the outer wall painfully, and then, he felt hit the ground. There was a loud ringing in his ears and his head throbbed. When he eventually opened his eyes, he winced at first, but once he opened them, he saw that there was rubble and dust everywhere. He smelled smoke but saw no fire. Once he managed to stand up, legs wobbling as he did, he could see that half of Marcus Gazer’s estate lay in ruin. 

Clive was laying nearby, his eyes opened lifelessly, and blood coming from his head and mouth. He wasn’t breathing, and he wasn’t moving.

Brennen absentmindedly walked through a new hole in the wall, his feet unsteady as he slowly made his way away from the estate. His whole body ached, and it felt like the world was tilting side to side. The ringing in his ears wouldn’t stop, and when he reached to touch his right ear, he felt something warm and wet drip from it. 

He lost his footing, and he fell down to the ground with a loud thump. He couldn’t move anymore, and the world kept spinning around him. Soon, he managed to see someone approach him. It was the woman Ashlynn, who somehow had spotted him. He could barely focus on her as she got closer, and when she was right up to him, she knelt down towards him.

Then everything went dark.

[thenorthernrecords]

Eventually, a large vulture would make its way to Morgan, Victor, and all others who served Ashlynn, carrying identical letters to them all:

My Dearest Faithful,

I pray that each of you is in good health. I know this letter will come as a surprise, perhaps even a shock, but it concerns something I have been thinking about for some time. I’ve been thinking about this for many decades, right before the time when the Maxsons took power of these lands.

I know I have been a rock for many of you. I have been a constant in your lives, giving you counsel, aid, and prayer. But I was nothing more than a songbird trapped in a cage. I was called the Queen beyond the bridge, but that title has always been empty. A great injustice was committed against me. My dreams, and my very life, were all destroyed. But since the death of the traitor, Alexander Maxson, my cage door has been unlocked.

My beloveds, you all have been the closest things I’ve had to children. I always wanted children of my own. It was my dream to be a mother, but that too was taken from me... But alas, you are all grown. You all have your own desires and wishes. It is time for me to take my leave. I will not abandon you. I would never do that. But do understand that I desire to see new places. I want to leave the place that became my prison.

I will see you all in due time. But for now, I have other things I’d like to do. Things I must enforce and act upon. I pray that you are all careful in your ventures. I hope you remember the mistakes of your fallen sister, Gwendolyn Blaine. Do not let your pride blind you. Never underestimate your enemies.

I will keep you all in my prayers.

With love and devotion,

Mother Ashlynn.

@caspianmaxson @whostoblaine​

[thenorthernrecords]

To: The Daughter-Heir of Ithilian

High Lady Remington,

I am content to hear that you have settled matters in your home country. My cousin, the Steward of Wexford, has spoken to me about you and your Kingdom Ithilian. I believe that I completely understand the devotion and dedication you have when it comes to making things right in your homeland. Wexford extends our congratulations and well wishes; May this new chapter brings you, your family, and your kingdom prosperity and success. Your offer interests me. I do not think we’ve even thought about an alliance so far away, but it would be foolish of me not to at least explore this further. My people and I are innate voyagers, so we would be more than eager to see your lands and get to know your people. I still have to oversee certain important matters as we further expand our lands. If I can not go, my trusted Steward Slania, the one who you met, will go in my place. It all depends on when you are able to have us there. Either way, since the Heiress of Ithilian has visited our lands, it’s only fair if one of our own does the same.  I will be awaiting your response, and will be corresponding much faster now that things are more settled on my end. Congratulations again, and congratulations on your mother’s marriage. We send well wishes to her, and her new spouse. 

Best regards, Jarl Jacob of Wexford

@ithilian-royals​

[thenorthernrecords]

Happenings Beyond the Bridge

Part One

It was around midnight when Ashlynn sat down by the small table in the little cottage she stayed in. Candles surrounded her small home, as usual, providing light as she took a quill out of a bottle of ink. In front of her was a stack of parchment, blank, waiting to be written upon. Then, she began to write letters, all identical, with the same words written on each paper.

Once she finished, she folded each letter and pocketed it into the hooded cloak she wore. She then took the bag that she had packed, and put it over her shoulder. She took one long look around, feeling a mixture of grief, sadness, and bitterness before she went to the door and opened it. As she stepped outside, she reached into her bag and took out a vulture’s skull from her bag. She held the skull between her hands, feeling the weight of it, and closing her eyes, she began to chant under her breath. The moon peaked from behind dark clouds, and suddenly, she released the vulture’s skull from her hands. It began to drop but before it could hit the ground and shatter, it stopped in midair. From the base of the skull, bone extended into a neck, into a body, into wings, and into legs. Soon, muscle cocooned the newly formed skeleton, and then, sooty black plumage covered the entire form. Its head was bare, with gray, almost scale-like skin. Finally, beady eyes were formed, blinking up at Ashlynn. Ashlynn smiled and knelt down to it, petting its head. 

“Welcome back, my friend. I have a task for you.” She said quietly and fishing out the letters from her pocket, she tied each one on its leg. The vulture took flight, and Ashlynn watched it disappear into the night sky.

Ashlynn turned around, facing the cottage once more. She no felt the joy she had as a child when she and her brothers played there during their days of youth. Alexander in his ghostly form had looked upon the place with nostalgia and fondness, something Ashlynn could no longer do.

She gently blew towards the opened door, and all of the lit candles went out at the same time quietly. The wood that had once created the quaint home began to instantly fade as if time had begun to speed ahead. Hot tears formed in Ashlynn’s eyes as the wood began to rot, pieces falling to the ground. The roof and the cottage’s walls began to give way, and as Ashlynn’s tears rolled down her face, it all crumbled. What remained was a pile of rotted wood, and Ashlynn began to laugh cathartically, relieved and grieved to see what her home truly was that entire time: rot and decay. 

She began to walk through the woods, wiping away her tears, and eventually, she whistled a certain tune, a tune her mother used to hum to her when she was a little girl. After some time, what seemed like people emerged, except they moved wrong. They twitched and jerked unnaturally as they moved toward her, and they all stopped in front of her, forming a line, waiting. Their eyes glowed a pale gray in the moonlight, their skin pale and their lips blue. They waited for her to speak, and once they were all in place, she did.

 “I have called upon you because I have a proposition for you. I am thankful and grateful for your years of service to me.” Ashlynn told them with a smile, looking at each one of them. “And now, I offer you two possible roads to take. You can come with me, and join me on this new journey, or you can be released from your duties to me.”

The people titled their heads side to side as Ashlynn extended her arms. “Those who wished to be relieved of their duties may step forward.”

Slowly a few of the people stepped forward while the rest stayed where they were. Ashlynn stepped in front of the first one to her left, a middle-aged woman who was missing an eye.

“Do you wish to be relieved of your duty?” Ashlynn asked her.

“Yes, my queen,” The woman croaked in a disembodied voice, “I wish to rest and unite with those I have lost and avenged.”

Ashlynn nodded and put her hand on the woman’s chest, over her heart. As Ashlynn did a single push with her hand, she said: “Memento homo, quia pulvis es et in pulverem reverteris.”

The woman suddenly dropped, eyes and mouth opened wide, her body lifeless and still. Ashlynn went to the next person who had stepped forward, asked the same question, and also put her hand on his chest. He too dropped, moving no more. She continued this until all those who had stepped forward were now a row of dead bodies laying on the ground in a single line. Ashlynn looked at those who remained and nodded to them.

“I thank you once again for your continued service. Many foolish people have referred to you as ‘Leeches’ but to me, you are more than that: You are all my children. Come! Let us go forth toward a new beginning.”

To be Continued . . .

[thenorthernrecords]

Jacob almost forgot all about Yule. He, his wife, Slania, and the Riley family were so hard at work, that he didn’t even realize it until Estefania reminded everyone of the time of year. He organized a small dinner during Yule in celebration while the rest of the city-state. Then, it was back to working on the projects.

With most of them either done or almost done (his once simple longhouse turned into a stone stronghold was still in construction), Jacob wanted to discuss what was next with Slania, his second in command. He also had a pile of correspondence for her to read. He had neglected to read some of them, so he figured Slania would be more willing to indulge. He wasn’t really keen on writing letters or responding to them. But with Slania busy, he had forgotten to ask her to read them before.

Jacob poured himself a drink while Slania stressfully went through the letters.

“You can’t be serious, Jac. Some of these letters are months old! You need to read letters as soon as they arrive,” Slania groaned, pulling one out in particular. “This one is from Regent Serafina Remington.”

Jacob stared at her, tilting his head. After a moment of silence, he asked: “...Should I know that name?”

Slania sighed with frustration. “She was the Princess who came with us on the boat? The one from the south?”

“Oh-- OH! I think you know who you’re talking about.” Jacob then chuckled. “Fuck, that was months ago, wasn’t it?”

“That’s what I’m fucking tell you,” Slania said flatly, before she handed him the letter to read. “She probably thinks we’ve intentionally ignored the letter.”

“Don’t stress it, Lan. If she’s a Regent, then she knows how just how busy ruling can get.” Jacob shrugged casually, ignoring Slania’s disapproving look. “You can just write back and let her know that we’ve been busy. If she’s not interested anymore, no harm done. But if she still is -- er, do you think we should talk about alliances all the way in the south?”

“It would be useful. We can also see if we can trade with them. It wouldn’t hurt to see if something can be done,” Slania pointed out as Jacob rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

Then, Slania took the letter back from him, and pulled out another one from the pile, reading it. “This one is from Jarl Ottir of Waterford. He asks if we still want to discuss a possible alliance.”

Jarl Ottir was the son of Gunne Sitricsson, the man who, under Geir Lundsson’s direction, burned down Wexford. He had allowed his father to be executed for his crimes and expressed interest in a possible alliance in his letters to Slania. 

“You could speak with him first. You have a rapport with him already,” Jacob pointed out. “Waterford is only a day and a half ride away. If you think it will benefit us, he can come here with you and meet with me officially.”

“What about Ithilian?” asked Slania.

“I would ask Estefania, but she’s made it perfectly clear she won’t go to the south,” Jacob then snapped his fingers, “What about Hana? Maybe she could help us with that? She may not know the kingdom, but she’s from the south too.”

Slania made a face, causing much confusion in Jacob. “Something the matter?”

“I don’t want to get into it yet but she did something not long after our return that upset me. We haven’t spoken to each other since,” Slania admitted uncomfortably.

Jacob clicked his tongue. “Okay, so make amends with her and then ask her.”

Slania scrunched up her nose. “As if it’s all that easy.”

“It is. People just overcomplicate things,”  Jacob said with a subtle shrug, then he squinted at her, “You were the one who told me that lack of communication leads to problems...”

“I know, I know.” Slania sighed, “It’s an overdue conversation, so I’ll do it eventually and I’ll ask if she can help us. In the meantime, I’ll write back to Regent Serafina to see if she and her kingdom are still interested.”

“Good.” Jacob smiled, proud that he finally was the one to give Slania some solid advice. It was usually the other way around.

As Slania continued with the pile of letters, she then looked up at him. “Oh, I was thinking since we expanded our military, maybe we should invest in espionage? Given Wexford’s position, we could use it.”

Jacob nodded. Wexford was surrounded by plenty of powerful settlements and provinces, some of which had made it clear that they were wary of Northerners. Having spies would help them greatly.

“And I know just who we should be the head of that,” Slania added with a smile.

@ithilian-royals @seawitchtales​

[thenorthernrecords]

Two Friends and a Bonfire

Katy’s conversation with Edward had left her feeling rather troubled and conflicted. During the conversation, something inside of her broke through; a surge of feelings that she had tucked away for many years. Katy told Edward she needed time to decide whether she should reveal Hana Yasmin’s location to him. Katy was protective of her family and friends -- Hana Yasmin was one of her oldest friends, so she wanted to be extra sure. 

The next day, she got a letter, with a note from her mother attached to it that said: “Read it or throw it in the fire. It is your choice. It’s about Caspian.” Any other time, she would’ve thrown it into the fire, wanting nothing to do with it. But she found herself opening the letter and reading it. She stared at it for a while, then, in a rather sudden impulsive moment, she wrote Caspian an anonymous letter and sent it. She was not expecting anything back. She only wished to let him know that someone out there sympathized with his loss. So when she got flowers and a letter later, she was stunned. 

The night she received them, she sat in front of a bonfire Ben had made for the guests beforehand. Everyone was inside, most likely getting ready to settle down for the night  -- Edward and David shared a room next to Ben’s, and their companion Samira slept in her room. She reread the letter over and over again, unsure of how to feel, or even what to think. The door in front of her home opened, causing her to look up. It was David, who now sported a beard, walked towards her, and sat down on the log beside her.

“Couldn’t sleep?” He asked.

“No...I’m sorry to say I haven’t had a good sleep since you came here with your surprise guest.” Katy told him with a small smile.

David smiled at her apologetically, and Katy shook her head, not holding that against him. David pointed at the letter.

“What do you have there?” 

“A letter...” She said in a quiet tone. “From Caspian.”

David’s brows furrowed instantly, tilting his head at her. “Come again?”

“His wife died and...I wrote an unsigned letter to him expressing my condolences.” Katy began, and David’s expression changed into a troubled one, causing her to quickly speak again. “I know, I know. It was impulsive and perhaps a mistake but after the conversation I had with Edward ... he brought him up and I spoke about him and... it’s like a wound reopened and these unwanted feelings poured out.”

Katy let out a sigh. “I didn’t expect him to realize it was me.”

David turned away from her, eying the dancing flames before them. “He has your handwriting memorized.” He observed, looking at her again, and Katy felt uncomfortable. She didn’t know why ... and she didn’t want to know why.

“What did he write?” asked David.

“That he’s sorry for what he did. He sent flowers with it, flowers from my first home with my father.” Katy went quiet. She remembered that Slania told her that her Uncle Eamonn too had apologized via letter. Slania felt cheated out of a genuine apology and had become resentful toward her brother. Katy, speaking out loud, told David: “Yet, I am not filled with anger over it, but rather, sorrow.”

David nodded, rubbing his chin. “You did end on horrible terms with him. So, I can see why this is difficult for you.”

Katy looked down at the floor, feeling the full weight of the sadness that had been hidden underneath years of resentment and anger. She went quiet and soon felt David’s comforting hand on her back. They sat there for a moment, as Katy began to feel restless. That’s the other emotion that came out after her talk with Edward -- she had been standing still in one place, and now, she felt like she had to do something. Also, she wanted to distract herself from her sudden correspondence with Caspian. She was surprised at herself when she wrote that letter. Now, she was concerned about what else her impulses would have her do.

“Hana Yasmin is in Wexford.” She said suddenly, causing David to look at her surprised.

“What? Really? What is she doing there?” asked David, clearly confused by the revelation.

“She was supposed to meet Uncle Eamonn there and start anew. Uncle Eamonn decided to leave our family forever and go elsewhere -- it’s a long story,” Katy explained wearily, waving her hand dismissively when David’s eyes grew wide with shock, “But Hana declined to go with him, effectively ending their relationship, and she’s living in Wexford instead.”

“...Wow. Poor woman. After everything he made her and the Kingdom of Etihad go through, that’s how it all ended?” David grimaced, but then he smiled sheepishly. “Shit, you’ll have to draw me a map. I forget how to get there. I’ve only been there once, I believe.”

Katy pocketed Caspian’s letter and stood up. “No need. I’m going to escort you, Edward, and his friend there. I’m going to help them.”

David stood up as well, looking skeptical. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. I think Edward’s credible. I think this is his chance to make everything right. And, I’d hate to be the reason why he doesn’t get to help the woman he loves, so.” Katy shrugged. “I’ll do it.”

David put an arm around Katy, giving her a side hug. “I keep forgetting how sentimental you can be.”

Katy leaned into the hug, smiling. “It’s my worst trait.”

@caspianmaxson​ @elreinodeparaiso

[thenorthernrecords]

The Areli Family of wolves and dragons.

[thenorthernrecords]

Three letters arrived at the Kingdom of Snow Mystic.

Two were sent to Lord Luca Duncan. The first one read:

To the Kingdom of Snow Mystic and the Royal Family,

We offer our condolences for the loss of Queen Fatima Maxson. We wish you all strength for today and hope for tomorrow.  She was a kind woman and will be remembered by us as such. May the Queen rest in peace.

Sincerely, Lady Conan and Lady Areli

The second one was much more informal:

Luca,

We apologize for sending this so late. We are very saddened by the news of Layla’s passing. We had become estranged from her years ago, but we were once close as children. She was someone who made our mother laugh and even managed to make our father crack a smile once or twice. We will remember our memories with her in Wexford fondly. Our heartfelt sympathies are with you and your child. We will miss her too. If there is ever a time you or her child wishes to meet with us to speak about Layla, please let us know.

With warm thoughts and care, Fay and Riley.

Finally, a third letter was sent directly to King Caspian Maxson. A rather short message was written at the very center of the parchment:

I’m so sorry, Caspian...

The letter was unsigned.

@thedawnbeauty @caspianmaxson​

[thenorthernrecords]

One look

It was quiet in Katy’s newly built home, which was located not far from her parents’ home. It was cloudy that particular late afternoon. Katy had opened the window’s wooden shutters to let the cool breeze in. Her mother Fay was out in some business, while her father and future husband Simon went hunting together. Ben was outside chopping wood, and Katy had just woken up from an afternoon nap.  

Her days had grown peaceful again once her parents and her brother returned from their missions in Snow Mystic. She and her father had been concerned about Marcus Gazer but to their relief, both Ben and her mother reported that they had little to no interaction with the man-dragon. News that both Slania and Carolina had returned safely also pleased Katy greatly, and she made plans to perhaps visit them once they were both settled back in their homes.

Katy soon heard the front door open, and soon, Ben’s voice.

“Katy! Can you come down real quick? We’ve got company.” Ben called from downstairs.

Company? Katy frowned, wondering who it could be. She had recieved no letter from anyone intending to visit her or Simon. She made sure she looked somewhat presentable before she exited her room and went downstairs.

Ben stood by the stairs and before she could ask who it was, she saw David first walk through the front door. Katy smiled contently and stepped towards him to greet him.

“David! This is a lovely surprise...” She told him as she embraced him. David was one of her dearest friends, and he travelled often, so his visits were always welcomed.

“Ah, that remains to be seen...” David said jokingly as he hugged her in return.

David always joked around, but this time, there was some stress that was present. Katy took a step back as she recalled their last encounter, where he revealed that his brother was dead, and that he needed to go and inform his family.

“...How is your mother and sister?” She asked quietly, giving him a sympathetic look.

“They were devastated by this loss,” David replied lowly, his expression becoming somber. “Especially my mother... But, my mother’s pregnant, so there’s that.”

“Oh, really? I know the timing must be difficult, but I’m happy to hear that.” Katy told him sincerely, putting a hand on his arm.

“Thank you. Uh, I came with a few other visitors, if you don’t mind.” David told her uneasily, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Oh?” Katy was a bit surprised, as David didn’t usually bring anyone when he visited.

Ben then walked to her side as David turned around and called out to someone outside. He looked uneasy too, which confused Katy. Something was going on...

Before she could ask, two people stepped inside. The first person to step inside was a copper-skinned, black haired woman who nodded towards her as soon as she saw her. Katy politely returned the nod with one of her own, but noticed that the woman also looked nervous.

“David, what’s going...” Katy began to ask, but trailed off as soon another person came through the door.

At first glance, the man who entered didn’t look familar. But once he turned towards her, she saw a look in his eyes, a look that was mixed with guilt and happiness. It was a look she had seen before, many decades ago...

Her heart began to beat hard within her chest. Her whole body tensed up. Her breathing became more shallow. 

She stared at him as he looked at her in return. Although her mind still couldn’t put a name to his face, or rather, didn’t want to, she still couldn’t deny:

She knew this man.

@elreinodeparaiso​​

[thenorthernrecords]

“Now comes the fun part right?” Edward said jokingly about meeting Katy and Simon.

David nodded with a laugh. “Aye. I can’t wait for Simon to yell at me for bringing you to Katy’s home unannounced. But, I’d rather deal with that than what you’ll have to deal with. If you don’t remember, Katy is fucking scary when she’s mad. Are you ready for that?” 

“Scary doesn't cover it ... “ Edward said as he leaned over to look at the land they had just arrived in.  “I'm not scared David; I'm terrified out of my mind. I got a lot riding on her help. A lot of the mess I'm trying to undo are the generational trauma and drama my family has created.”

"I'll try to soften her up for ya. She's got a soft spot for me. Then again, I just have that way with people." David grinned at Edward.

Three people suddenly fled the shores of Etihad. The same three had finally arrived to the shores by place where the Arelis lived.

@elreinodeparaiso