Have you ever wished that stories would become a reality? That your dreams of discovering new things and battling ferocious monsters, weren't just dreams? Have you ever listened to tales of adventure, of freedom and mystery, and wished they weren't just tales? Have you ever listened to an old woman by the fireside, recalling an enchanting legend of a brave warrior who guided the land into peace and prosperity, by way of magnificent powers, a kind heart, and an unshakable resolve; and wished that it was a reality?

And while we're on the subject, have you also ever heard the phrase, "be careful what you wish for"?

Ladylake was a strange city. While in most places, seraphim were merely an urban legend or a superstition, there were quite a few people here that believed they existed. It was hardly surprising, given the region's notoriety for upholding old traditions and legends. Still, even among those that did believe in the seraphim, not everyone thought of them in a positive light. There were claims of ill-intentioned or mischievous seraphim that liked to cause trouble for mortals, and were the cause of things like power surges during storms or other mishaps. The fact of the matter, however, was that there weren't any seraphim in Ladylake at all.

Well, except for one.

The lack of other seraphim was strange, and as much as Mikleo argued that it didn't bother him, Sorey could tell that he was feeling a bit sore about it. Nonetheless, the two managed to find their way in the city just fine. A place full of ancient traditions and superstitions was perfect for a pair of budding archaeologists, even if one of them was invisible to virtually every citizen there. When they weren't tending to their job at the local library (Sorey's job, to be more specific, but Mikleo had few qualms with helping out all things considered), they'd found themselves visiting many vistas and landmarks around town. Today, in particular, they found themselves stopped short of their usual investigations not by previous obligations or crows, but by a barbed-wire fence.

"Why do you think they keep this place locked up, Mikleo?" Sorey asked.

"I'd almost say it's because the building is condemned," the water seraph mused, folding his arms thoughtfully, "But it seems to be in fairly good condition, despite being so old. From the outside, at least."

An astute observation, as always; it confirmed Sorey's own thoughts. Despite being one of the most popular and notable landmarks in town, the Sanctuary in Ladylake was completely fenced off, with signs warning against trespassing scattered about. It was a real shame, as well; Sorey had been eager to visit it ever since he first moved to Ladylake several weeks ago.

"You're right. It definitely looks old, but nowhere close to falling down. It's in really good condition for something supposedly dating back millennia. How do you think that's possible? Seraphic artes, maybe?"

Mikleo abruptly jabbed Sorey in the ribs with his elbow. "Keep your voice down!" he hissed. "You're going to get stared at again!"

Rubbing his side, Sorey offered his friend an apologetic look. It was sometimes difficult for him to remember that not everyone could see his friend. He'd known Mikleo his whole life; being able to see him was as normal as breathing and sleeping. "Right. Sorry..."

"Don't apologize to me," Mikleo quietly retorted, but offered no further complaints, returning his attention to the building in question and changing his tone to match. "It wouldn't surprise me if it were dangerous inside. A house might look okay outside, but the floors and stairs could be too rotten to climb."

Sorey frowned thoughtfully. "It makes sense..." It was a shame. Ever since he moved to Ladylake several weeks ago, he'd been eager to delve into the town's history. What he'd been met with was more than a little disappointing, but he'd pressed on in hopes of finding something to satisfy his curious mind. Alisha had informed him that the Sacred Blade Festival - the very same one they still practiced, and coming up the very next weekend - used to be held in the Sanctuary, and it was quite the affair. When he asked her about the details, however, she'd reluctantly stated that that had only been the state of things long before she was even born; no one had been inside the Sanctuary for ages. While disappointing, it had also only served to feed Sorey's undying curiosity. What was it like inside? Just how grand was the festival? What was the Sacred Blade, anyway? And who was the Lady of the Lake? Did the Festival really have a connection to-

"Hey! Are you listening to me?"

Snapped from his thoughts, Sorey sheepishly smiled at Mikleo. "Sorry! I got a little lost in thought, there."

Mikleo sighed, shaking his head. "I thought so."

It was certainly good that there weren't too many people paying attention to him at the time, because Sorey's half-amused, half-ashamed laugh would have drawn more than a few strange looks. Part of him was glad that Rose had opted to remain home that day to finish up a few order forms to prepare for the festival; she probably would have suggested the two of them sneak in if they wanted to see the Sanctuary so badly. On the other hand, maybe he could ask Alisha about this place when he got home that evening. The princess was usually quite busy, but somehow she always managed to make time to chat with Sorey, eagerly talking with him about Ladylake's history and traditions. With the Sacred Blade Festival coming up, though, she might be too busy to have a longer discussion. And that was even assuming she knew why the Sanctuary was closed off in the first place.

"Anyway," Mikleo continued, finally cracking a smile, "The festival's in a few days, and the museum is planning a special exhibit to correspond with it. Want to go check it out once it's ready?"

The very prospect of it lifted Sorey's spirits, and a bright smile crossed his face. "Like you have to ask!" came Sorey's enthusiastic reply. The weekend could not come fast enough.

History is ever doomed to repeat itself, so long as that history becomes muddled or lost. Lessons long taught soon are forgotten, and mankind repeats the same mistakes it made in ages past. Be that as it may, however, there is always a constant. Amongst the hellions, the seraphim, the malevolence...there will always be legends. Legends of a Shepherd that would guide the people to a more peaceful age, quelling the Lord of Calamity and returning light to a once dark time. But it seems even that legend has faded. Not entirely, of course. Through old traditions and the retelling of tales in their many forms, shreds of truth remain. The smallest of pieces that, while it may not form the entire story, give just enough to keep the legend alive.

Should those pieces fail to be put together in time, those same dangers from the past will rise once more, and the world will suffer for it...or be lost forever.