There are rumors of war. Whispers of a nameless fear from the West. Coming. Coming to our land.
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A young wizard glided along the icey halls of the palace. Her long braid swinging, she clutched a large book in her hands. Her many skirts rustled, and ruined all hope of walking silently through the halls. The magelights on the wall glittered in her eyes, and she quickened her pace, coming to a halt in front of the large doors to the throne room. The guards nodded and opened them.
She stepped inside to see the tall, strong figure of Airem, her king.
" Welcome, Grand Healer." Airem stood up from sitting on his throne, the throne of Celes, to greet her. She stepped up to the dias and bowed her head, curtsying quickly.
" Hello, your Majesty. " She smiled as he stepped down to her level and held out his hand for the book. She gave it to him. " I think I have found a way to heal the colds of the villagers all at once. " Airem flipped through the large tome while she spoke.
"Good work, Niamh. " He looked at her and smiled gently, giving the book back to her. " I look forward to hearing the results." His ropes rustled as he stepped back in front of the throne. His shoulder-length black hair shined, unnaturally beautiful. His golden eyes took on a playful look when he asked, "Where has my sister gone to? Will you find her, please? "
Niamh bowed again, " Yes, your Majesty." then turned and went out of the throne room. The guards nodded as she passed, closing the doors behind her once again.
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The royal library was huge. Shelves covered the walls, reaching up to the ceiling, with tall ladders along the sides. A great fire burned in the fireplace on the wall, warming the few nobles browsing among among the maze.
This is where Niamh had just been, she climbed the staircase in the center again and found her way back.
" Ah, Niamh. I'm glad to see you." Annwvyn grinned widely as the Grand Healer stepped into the aisle.
" I was just here, your Highness. " She replied, smiling. The large book was placed back upon the shelf from which it came. Annwvyn placed her books back as well and came to stand beside her.
" No need to use such titles here, my friend."
Niahm's face lit up to match her princess's. " King Airem would like to see you in the throne room. "
At this, Annwvyn rolled her eyes. " Oh, what is it now? Come along, Niamh." She took Niamh's arm in hers and began toward the library's oak doors. " If I must go, you must go. "
Niamh made a little show of being distressed, throwing her hand against her forehead and leaning back slightly. " Must you always drag me along? I'm always the one getting the blame for whatever scheme you come up with. "
Annwvyn laughed, " Oh, I think not! You're the one suggesting those very schemes, my dear. So it's only right that the blame falls on you."
The older girl bowed mockingly. " I would take any and all blame for the transgressions of my princess."
" Oh, please. "
The two friends laughed together, the sound loud in the quiet and empty library. Neither of them cared, however. Both of them merely enjoying the other's company.
They left the Great Library together, arm in arm.
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I have seen it among the Stars. A quiet darkness. Spreading over all the world. There is no escape. No escape.
Whispers of a nameless fear. Fear from the West.
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Airem was slumped in his chair when the two women walked back into the throne room. His face was paler now, and looked distraught. Almost as if the worst news had been brought to him. A servant, probably the castle messanger, ran out of the room. He, too, looked as if something terrible had happened.
The king of Celes propped his head in his hand, his long black hair covering his features.
The laughter went from Niamh and Annwvyn's eyes immediately. Replaced by a look of worry.
" Brother, " Annwvyn hurried the remaining distance between the door and the throne, kneeling directly in front of Airem. ",what is wrong?"
When he didn't answer, she laid her hand on his. " What causes you distress? "
He looked up at her and moved to smooth black hair from her face. "Annwvyn."
Niamh stood in front of the dias, waiting to see if Airem wanted her to hear what he was about to say. She nervously touched her braid behind her back, then ran her hand along the fur of her cuffs.
As if sensing her eagerness, Airem motioned for her to joined them atop the dias. She scurried to kneel on his other side.
" Celes... "
He lifted his head and glared straight ahead, the magelights on the walls illuminating his face. The princess and the magician waited.
" Celes must go to war."
Oh, the plot thickens in the very first chapter! XD
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