Author's Note: The following story is a rewrite/revision from a work long mostly uploaded at Writing dot com, for a CYOA style of work. Wanting to turn it into a proper fanfic, I'm now writing the missing parts, which will be mostly the beginning portion. That said, I'm also doing a fair amount of rewrite to the parts I did wrote originally, in spite of my original plans to instead add on to it with ideas I didn't thought yet or choose to omit from the original. Perhaps in the future I might do that expanded version more faithful to the original, but for now, this one will do. Without further ado, enjoy.
Prologue – A Rumored Boon
It had been months since Celica departed from Novis Priory to find answers to the droughts and blights that have affected the kingdom of Zofia for the past few years. Accompanied by her close friends, she set forth towards the Temple of Mila, intending to find answers from the Earth Mother herself, responsible for the bountiful harvests the kingdom enjoyed; until recently, that is. Many obstacles stood in the young maiden's path. From cutthroat rogues and dreadful Terrors, to even the nefarious Duma Faithful. However, with her friends at her side, as well the other companions who joined them on the way, Celica was able to overcome these hardships and thus reach their destination.
It was there at Mila's temple that the group found the shocking truth. The temple had been attacked years ago by neighbor Rigel, whom Zofia was currently at war with. Mila herself was struck down and taken deep into their territory, now held hostage. Despite Celica wanting to march right away to rescue her, it was currently not possible. The two countries were divided by a deep valley, which had been turned into a water reservoir long ago. Two sluices controlled the water flow. One at the temple itself, at the eastern side of the continent, with the other on the opposite end. There'd be no march north until both gates were opened up; therefore, they had no choice but to wait. It was only a matter of time, however, as Zofian forces were slowly pushing back the Rigelians and would reach the western sluice gate before long. As such, Celica and her companions would stay at the temple for the time being, until the time came they'd venture forth into Rigel.
Barely the morning after from their arrival, the princess heard an interesting rumor from one of the temple clerics.
"Have you heard, milady?" The cleric began, "up in the mountains not far from here lies a cave, called the Cavern of the Fae. It is said a most exemplary power was hidden there long ago, long before the arrival of the Earth Mother and the War Father. Though many have ventured there looking for that power, they've all returned empty-handed. Should such a power truly exist and be obtained… it would be quite the boon in your journey, wouldn't you think?"
Despite the word of earlier failures, Celica wasn't discouraged. There was no harm in doing one more search, and braving the cave could serve as further experience for them. Thus, around midday she and her companions departed. Back through the road they followed to reach the temple, and into the trail that ascended towards the cave. They soon reached the entrance, not having encountered any hostiles on the way. Selecting a few members to accompany her inside, Celica then stepped into the depths.