Author's Note:
Hey! I asked around on the Aveyond Studios Discord (join if you haven't already!) to see if people were interested in reading a novelization of Aveyond 2: Ean's Quest. A couple people said they were, so here it is: the prologue.
Before we get into it, I just need to hit a couple points:
First, I will be using the same characters and general plot. I have no plans to add a character as of now. I am considering one or two new areas (or expansions into areas), but we will see. However, each character will be much more fleshed out in terms of character development and relationships with other players. Aveyond 2 got the job done, but some of the relationships between characters (Emma and Rye, for example) just didn't make sense.
Secondly, as with all stories, I will be much more focused on dialogue. If you have any suggestions as to how the characters would speak, or if I'm just dead wrong, please tell me. I will be writing some of the battles, such as the transfigurines and all bosses, as well as other important battles. I will also change the treasure system so that there's not random chests everywhere, and the characters aren't stealing coins from the inn.
Everybody's abilities will likely stay the same, although Iya may be able to join more than one school of magic. We will have to see.
If you have any suggestions, let me know! Enjoy!
-Tangent
Prologue
The night air was cold on the creature's skin as it floated across the land. The sky was filled with many stars, each a different color. The land itself reflected the colors that shone down from the sky. It had been his home once, but no more. Ahead of him, he saw a lone figure standing on a ridge, their face in shadow. He flew down and landed in front of them.
"My lady." He bowed his green head slightly, looking at the gold bands that encircled his arms as the figure turned towards him, its face covered in deep shadow. It moved its hand and curled its fingers into a fist, index finger pointing at him. Instantly, his blood felt as though it had turned to ice, and he collapsed, writhing in agony.
"What," said the female voice. "Did I tell you to call me? Speak." The icy feeling in his blood subsided, and he rose back into the air, gasping. The voice had no empathy, no warmth. It was as cold as the feeling that had enveloped his body moments ago.
"A thousand apologies, my Queen."
"Good." said the voice, the light shining on her face. She was an elderly, pale woman, dressed in blue robes. She seemed almost normal, except for the aura of magic that radiated from her. Icy steam rose from her hands, dissipating in the air. A crown rested upon her head, framing the face lined with power.
"What news, Wart?" She asked coldly. The creature named Wart nodded frantically, bobbing its head up and down.
"I found a kingdom, my Queen. It will suit your purposes marvelously."
"Where?"
"The Land of Man. It is a powerful kingdom that resides in the snowy mountains. You could easily replace the current queen."
The lady's mouth curled upwards slowly.
"Very good."
"I aim only to please, your majesty." Wart answered. "Now then, my reward?" The Queen turned towards him. She frowned.
"Reward?" Wart felt a sinking feeling in his stomach.
"Yes, my Queen. You promised me riches, beyond my wildest dreams." She did not respond, but merely turned away, looking out over the 1and below her. A sparkling river wound its way through a valley and out of sight.
"I despise this land. Aveyond… How I long for a kingdom of my own to rule. A world of my own to rule…"
"You can have that." said Wart. "Please, give me my reward, and I will show you." The woman snarled, whirling around. Bands of ice whipped from her hands and wrapped around the imp, squeezing him.
"You have not delivered yet, Wart. What are you not telling me?" The imp choked and spluttered.
"Nothing… my Queen, please!"
"Liar!" The woman shrieked, her voice echoing across the fields. "My sisters already reside in the Land of Man. You know that I cannot do it without her." The bands of ice tightened even further, and Wart began to turn purple.
"Stop, stop! I'll tell you!" He begged, and the ice stopped squeezing him. He fell to the ground with a thud, struggling to breathe. Offering up a prayer for what he was about to do, he spoke.
"I found a girl with great magic. She resides in the magical realm of Elfwood, connected to the Land of Man. She can be taken. That's all I know, so please don't kill me!" He spoke the words quickly, almost babbling. The Queen was silent now, thinking. Slowly, she began to smile again.
"She is the final piece. We must move quickly."
"We?" asked Wart quietly. The lady turned to him.
"Yes. But first, here is your reward." Magic glowed at her fingertips, and a beam of light shot out. But instead of the jewels he was promised, the beam struck the imp, changing his very body. He vanished in a pillar of light.
When it cleared, a man in metal armor stood in front of the queen. He had green clothes underneath the armor, and he wore a look of utmost horror.
"What have you done to me?" he gasped. The Queen laughed coldly.
"You will be my new commander, Wart. You will serve me forever and ever! Now come, we must take my new kingdom."
"No!" cried Wart, but he was swept away in another pillar of blue light. Behind him, the laughter of the woman echoed in the wind, menacing and evil.
She was the Snow Queen, and she would rule.
