Legion has seen the a parts of the past of Sir Alaric, he found out he was once part of the group of men having the sinister emblem—a shade of violet split by a black and white arc, having betrayed by them in the end. The fate of the dreams he chased and how it all fell apart to ashes, as Sir Alaric parted ways to the people who he considered brother's and sister— No, Family. Remembering their names into heart, Marcus, Daniel, Eliza, Vivian, and Benedict. These souls parted ways being soldiers of war, being free from it's grasp, leaving behind Lydia who stayed with Sir Alaric, to find a place where hope still lives. Legion haven't seen this fragments of memory of Sir Alaric, it's an important one, as it was both The Start, The End and The Beginning.
Legion saw how Sir Alaric and Lydia begin to leave and travel, Sir Alaric spoke to him "This was a start of something new, we are heading to the unknown, but we nonetheless head on straightforward, Lydia she was a great companion, she followed me where ever I go, and supported the choices I made, though in the end... I'll let you find out for yourself then Legion,"
Legion view shifted as he saw Sir Alaric, alongside Lydia, riding aboard a carriage, aboard at the back, as they were heading into civilization. A city bustling with life, there is something unique about it it was different to the cities he has been too. The carriage stop as they found themselves in a popup shop of a merchant, Sir Alaric and Lydia got down, as they try to get information about the city are going to.
There he saw a merchant with a young lad with a notebook at the back, he approached them with Lydia behind him. He approached the merchant with a friendly nod. “Greetings! We’re travelers on the road ahead. Would you happen to know anything about the city we're heading towards? Any details or information would be greatly appreciated.”
The merchant gazed at them and nods as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully before speaking, his eyes lighting up with admiration. "Ah, Mysthaven, a city like no other. You’ll see towering spires of enchanted stone and crystal, so slender and tall they seem to pierce the sky. Some of them even float, held aloft by pure magical energy. They’re connected to the ground by these elegant spiral staircases and levitating platforms. It’s quite a sight."
He gestured with his hands as if drawing the city in the air. "Every building is adorned with glowing runes and glyphs. They’re not just for show, mind you. These symbols create wards, enhance spells, and even light up the streets at night. It’s like the whole city is alive with magic.
"And the bridges," he continued, his tone almost reverent. "Mysthaven is crisscrossed with these ethereal, semi-transparent bridges and walkways, made of pure magical energy. They shift and reconfigure themselves, so you never know where they’ll lead you next. The whole city is constantly changing, like it’s breathing.
"But my favorite part," he said with a smile, "are the arcane gardens and elemental fountains. Plants that glow in the dark, flowers that respond to your presence, and fountains where water flows up instead of down. Some even change between fire, water, and air. The city truly showcases its mastery over the elements."
He pointed towards the heart of the city, even though it was out of sight. "And then there’s the Tower of Elarion, a colossal marvel of stone and crystal, spiraling up to the heavens. It’s covered in swirling patterns of light, reflecting the very essence of the goddess of magic. At the top is a massive crystal that glows like a beacon, visible for miles around. That tower isn’t just a temple. It’s a conduit for the goddess’s power, amplifying spells and serving as the focal point for powerful rituals during celestial events."
His voice grew soft, almost awed. "A grand bridge, adorned with runes, connects the tower to the mainland. It’s a place of pilgrimage. Mages and seekers come from all over to study the arcane arts or seek the goddess’s blessing. And around the tower, there are floating orbs of energy, connected by radiant streams of magic. It’s the very heart of the city’s power. At night, when the tower’s crystal lights up, you can see it far beyond the lake, a glowing symbol of Mysthaven’s magical heart.
"A city of magic," Sir Alaric breathed, awe lighting up his eyes as he and Lydia stared at the distant silhouette of Mysthaven, crowned by the majestic Tower of Elarion. The wind rustled through Lydia's hair, and she leaned closer, her voice barely a whisper. "It’s more beautiful than I imagined, Alaric. Do you think it holds the answers we seek?"
Before he could respond, the merchant chimed in, his voice warm and inviting, "Ah, yes! The city of Magic—a treasure unlike any other." Sir Alaric turned, a smile breaking across his face. "It truly is magnificent, isn't it? Perhaps this is what we have been searching for all along." He extended a hand, excitement bubbling in his tone. "By the way, I’m Alaric, and this is my companion, Lydia. And you are?"
The merchant grinned, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. "I'm Vic. And this young lad over here is Baron—my trusty shadow." Baron, a scrappy boy with bright eyes, clutched a small notebook, barely concealing a grin of his own.
"It's a pleasure to meet you both. We should make our way to the city now," Alaric said to the merchant Vic, who replied, "Indeed, may your journey be safe, and may our paths cross again." Alaric nodded and climbed aboard the carriage with Lydia, their anticipation palpable as they set off for Mysthaven. As the wheels turned, Alaric pondered whether they should make a beeline for the Tower, eager to unravel the mysteries woven into the very fabric of this enchanted city.
"I wonder why there’s no mention of this city back then," Lydia mused, her brow furrowed in thought. "It’s strange, isn’t it?"
Alaric nodded, his expression serious. "I’ve wondered that too. We both grew up in the Virethian Dominion, right
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"Yes," Lydia replied, crossing her arms. "It’s been a couple of years since I was accepted as a cadet there. It baffles me why they would betray you of all people."
"That’s what I want to find out," Alaric said, his voice edged with frustration. "Virethian Dominion... I used to wear their violet uniforms with pride. Now look at us." He gestured around, as if the weight of their newfound freedom pressed heavily on his shoulders. "I can’t shake the feeling that this is a sign we’re meant to be away from all that. They were so strict about information—like everything about this city or even magic was forbidden. It chills me to think... the last time I was in the Capital, they were building an army. I caught a glimpse of something, some new weapon. It felt like we were standing at the edge of a storm, Lydia. What are they planning?"
We now know what they are planning, Lydia, but there's an unsettling weight in my chest. I can't shake the feeling that their intentions go beyond mere politics. I believe it’s best if we go to the Tower; it might hold the answers we desperately need about the power dynamics and border control here. Yet will we uncover truths that we’re not ready to face? This place, it is said to be ruled by a Goddess—can we trust that kind of power? Is this city part of a Theocracy, or something darker and more insidious? The thought churns in my mind; I can't help but wonder if the forces at play are manipulating us as pawns in their grand design. What if, by seeking the truth, we doom ourselves to a fate worse than ignorance?
Lydia looked towards Alaric, seeing the inner conflict he felt, she thought of it also, why were they betrayed, what was going to happened in the future, as she also felt the ill omen Alaric felt. She then glanced to her side as she can see the gates of the city, they we're now entering Mysthaven. "Sir Alaric, we're here, the city of magic, what the merchant said about the city is true, I'm amazed by all of this." Lydia said towards Alaric. As they passed by the gates, Alaric begins to shift his focus in what is in the present, as he looked forward, he then said. "Indeed, what he said was really true, pillars of crystals in the skies, the buildings are adorned with glowing runes and glyphs, also I can feel and energy that surrounds us, as if magic is all around us.
Alaric stared out at the sprawling city as their carriage came to a stop. He stepped down first, offering a nod to the carriage owner, who returned the gesture with a slight smile. With Lydia by his side, they began their journey through the bustling streets. Alaric's gaze drifted upward, taking in the majestic Tower of Elarion that loomed ahead, a clear beacon guiding them toward their next part of their journey.
Alaric was walking, heading to the bridge, when he stopped, he felt some energy ahead, the then saw that there is a huge gap between where they stand and the island where the tower is located. A gentle, unfamiliar female voice echoed in their minds. “O- Traveler, what brings you to the Tower of Elarion? Do you wish to learn more about magic? To master the arcane arts? Or perhaps you seek to commune with the Goddess and receive her blessing?”
Without hesitation, Alaric replied, “I bring news of a dark omen I’ve sensed. We came from the Virethian Dominion, but we were betrayed. Everything has changed since then. It’s just been the two of us, journeying together, and now our path has led us here—to a city unlike anything in Virethian.”
A soft, resonant voice filled their minds, carrying an air of both curiosity and caution. “Betrayed by the Virethian Dominion? Such news is troubling, yet not unexpected. The winds of change often carry whispers of discord and deceit. But why have you come here, to Mysthaven? What do you seek?”
A pause, as if considering Alaric’s words carefully, then a subtle shift in tone—a blend of empathy and distant worry. “You must tread carefully, travelers. The path you walk is fraught with shadows, and not all truths are meant to be uncovered. The goddess watches over this city, but her gaze is not easily earned. If you seek answers, be prepared for the cost they may demand.”
The voice in Alaric’s mind lingered, carrying a quiet, somber weight. “Not all truths are meant to be uncovered, traveler. There are things hidden in the shadows, buried in the past, for good reason.”
Alaric’s eyes hardened with resolve. “I refuse to accept that,” he said, his voice steady, conviction burning in his eyes. “I’ve seen the devastation that secrets and lies can bring. I will do whatever it takes to ensure that hope lives on in this place and that its people are spared from the ashes of war.”
There was a pause, as if the very air held its breath at his words. The voice returned, softer now, almost a whisper. “Then your path is set, brave one. But know this: the light of hope often draws the darkest shadows. Be prepared to face them, should they rise.”
“Then I shall be prepared.” He said as resolve was burning onto him. Lydia seeing Alaric response and resolve, made her to tighten her grip as she is ensured to follow him, the path he has chosen, wherever it might lead her, she will follow. “The same goes for me, I will be prepared, whenever that time comes.” Alaric looked at into Lydia as he nods at her, both looked in-front and upwards as they stated. “We will be prepared.”
The ground then began to shake, as the crystal pillars nearby started to gather towards them. Below them a crystal pillar glowing begins to rise horizontally. It would begin to glow along side the pillars that surrounds them, the runes and glyphs begin to glow as well, as the semi-transparent bridge begins to appear, with a shade of lime green, bright yellow and white.
The ground beneath their feet trembled, and suddenly, the crystal pillars sprang to life, aligning themselves in a brilliant formation. A glowing crystal pillar shot up from below, hovering horizontally, its radiant light matching the pillars surrounding them. As if by a hidden command, runes and glyphs blazed into brilliance, and a bridge materialized before their eyes—semi-transparent and shimmering with shades of lime green, bright yellow, and white, like a pathway woven from light itself.
Lydia took a cautious step onto the bridge, her breath catching as she braced for a fall. But to her amazement, she remained steady, the ethereal surface solid underfoot. Alaric glanced over his shoulder to see the people of Mysthaven gathering, their eyes wide and filled with awe as they watched the scene unfold. What did this mean? Was there a deeper significance to their presence here? Pushing the thought aside, he turned back and stepped onto the bridge, his heart pounding as he walked alongside Lydia towards the majestic tower ahead.
"This marked the beginning of my journey, a duty I embraced at the cost of my freedom. It was here that I discovered the legacy of my sword and the weight it carried. I prepared for something far greater than myself. Legion, you will soon uncover the truth about The Great War. No, the people of today are manipulated by something, causing them to forget the war's true name and purpose. It was a Holy War against magic users—those who defied the Dominion or clung to traditions deemed dangerous and forbidden. Its true name was The War of Absolution."