Chapter 1
The trees sway with an elegant beauty and the fields dance with majestic breezes. The land seems to flow like the sea and aroma of cheerful flowers fills the senses of all who dwell in the plains. Blue skies and drifting clouds cover the dome of the heavens. Small villages are found sparsely across this land of paradise. Quiet lakes and trickling streams span their fingertips, gripping the peacefulness of Flora.
One of the largest towns in this country, called Illia, is where we begin our story, with a young boy named Tai and his sister Lyn. Tai is fifteen years old and has a very stout heart. Tai is adept in the art of swordsmanship. He nicknamed his precious sword "Eclipse". His father was killed in a war not too long ago and Eclipse is the only remaining gesture of his father's to Tai. The sword is quite sharp and exceptionally light for a blade of its size. Eclipse is has a long and slender shape. Its' blade is slightly curved to make it cut through the wind faster. The sword has a comfortable handle and it makes it easy to grip. Tai has been training with the sword ever since he has received it from his father. Eclipse was sent with a letter while his father was at war. The letter read,
Dearest Son,
I am giving you this sword for you now, must protect your family. I am leaving this life with a single regret, that I will not see you
become a man. I am sorry son, I give you this sword in remembrance of
me. I only wish that you live a life filled with joy and
happiness. I love you and I will always be with you. Never forget that.
Always Together,
Your Father
Tai has always kept this letter in his heart. It is his passion that live undyingly within him. Tai takes up his sword to honor his father's name. One morning out in the fields of Tai's hometown of Illia, Lyn is practicing her archery as she normally is every other morning, when she is approached by her mother, Allia. Lyn's hair is a bright blue color as it sways in the cool breeze of the mornings embrace. As she pulls the arrow back and aims at the tree in the distance, Allia yells. Shocked, Lyn jumps and accidentally shoots the arrow in the wrong direction towards the cattle farm.
Laughter follows when Lyn's mother walks up behind her and gives her a warm hug, "Nice shot!"
Lyn giggles and glances over at the cattle farm once more then shrieks as a goat falls on its side, "Oh no! I killed our neighbor's goat!"
Allia gasps in disbelief, "I am so sorry! Ugh!" She then hurries over to the neighbors house and tells them about the accident while Lyn quickly leaves the scene.
Lyn dashes into the nearby woods and heads toward the river where Tai is usually training with his sword. She swims through the never-ending sea of branches and twigs as she nears the riverside. Once she notices Tai, she instantly clings to a tree as to be hiding from him. Lyn decides to watch Tai's skill from a distance. Tai is standing near the crystal-clear river as birds chirp overhead and his sword sheathed. Tai is wearing dark blue from head to toe, including his boots. His loose fitting tunic runs completely down to his wrists while flaring out a good two or three inches. Tai's sash is a snug fit which tightly binds his sheath to his body so as not to lose it. He is wearing comfortably fitting pants with a large piece of fabric running all the way from his waist to his ankles that hangs freely in both the front and the back. Lyn squints as light reflected for a moment from the silver metal circlet around Tai's head.
Then, as if out of no where, Tai grabs his sword handle and swings outward. The joust was so sudden it made Lyn jump in astonishment. Tai then began a series of movement with the sword that almost made him seem like he was dancing majestically with the blade itself. His movements were quick and nimble, no flaws at all to his movements. Lyn just couldn't help but thinking how well he became in swordsmanship since he received that blade nearly four years ago. Tai's long white hair spun in the movements of his graceful dance.
As Tai stopped, his sword was held out in front of him in clear sunlight. Lyn then began squinting because light was shining in her eyes. She noticed that every time she moved, the light would go back into her eyes even though Tai was standing still. Lyn then realized that he was aware of her presence.
"Hey! How did you know I was here" Lyn shouted in disbelief as she came walking out of the bushes towards me.
"You were breathing too loud." I said sarcastically. I then sheathed my sword and turned in her direction smiling.
"Oh, really!" Lyn then pounced at me and pushing me into the river.
We both fell in together. Once we emerged, I couldn't help but burst out in laughter. When we reached the shore, we sat along the riverbank basking in the glow of the sun's rays in order to dry off. It was a beautiful, cloudless sky with birds flying and the wind swaying at a steady rate. When I turned to my left to look at Lyn, I noticed that my little sister was beginning to grow on me. She was turning into a beautiful young girl. I was terrorized by the thought of that nasty kid down the street eyeballing her every time she walks by the house. I guess I am going to have to keep a watchful eye over her from now on.
"Hey Tai?"
"Yes?"
"I was wondering... ..." Lyn paused for a few seconds and then began again, "What's it like loving someone?"
My eyes shot open and my cheeks turned a rosy red, "Huh!!??!" What in the world could she be talking about?!
"Since you and Jaina are an item I was ju..."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Wait a second here! We are not together!"
"Then what is with the glances you all give to each other every once in a while? I mean you all almost kissed that one time!"
"I was going to give her mouth-to-mouth because she passed out after falling into the pond near her house!"
"What's the difference?!"
"Augh!" I then got up and began making my way back home. "You will never understand love!"
"Oh yea!"
Once I got out of sight of her, I began thinking to myself of why she was asking me that question to begin with! Then it hit me...she was beginning to like someone! That's just great. That is exactly what I need right now, a love-hungry sister who is always messing around with the boys. I mean, she is only one year younger than me! Why do I have to tell her everything? Hehehe...I just won't then. I will make her figure it out on her own.
Later that night, I was sitting upstairs on the balcony outside my room reading a book on the roots of magic by candle-light. I had always found magic very interesting and I always wanted to learn how to use it. The minute I read that magic cannot be learned, but inherited, I couldn't help but being extremely depressed. Even though I can't conceive the magic, I can at least learn it just in case I have to battle against it in the future. "Know your opponent!", my dad always preached. So I guess that much has rubbed off on me.
From my balcony, I overlooked Illia. It is a small town, but large compared to the other villages in the area. I considerably enjoy the size. I wouldn't want to live in an overcrowded city or in the wilderness all alone. This size suites me well and I have lived here all my life. Our town also has the only arena for miles. The arena is a large circular building with a stage in the center. It has been in the center of town for as long as I can remember. Competing in the coliseum is a normal activity. Every week there is a competition there for anyone who is between the ages of thirteen and forty. I have been in the tournament ever since I came of age. I have to admit that joining in on this event have honed the skills I posses as a swordsman. This is my sister's second year in the tournament. She was sadly disappointed when she found out that no ranged weapons were allowed in the arena. In this case, Lyn decided to take up daggers as a weapon of choice. Lyn uses two at a time, since she could afford a couple from Illian smithy.
All the weapons include one-hand and two hand swords, spears, axes, daggers, scythes, hammers, and flails. All of these weapons seems to form, what is called, the war circle. This simply means that one weapon is considerably better than another. This means that someone can be found at a disadvantage if they find themselves on the end of a spear and the only thing they have is a dagger. Every weapon has its own strengths and weaknesses. Although there is a certain hierarchy that weapons posses, it is not wise to strictly trust to that rule. "Skill is the only thing that matters in the face of battle", at least that's what my father taught me.
The competition consists of mini-tournaments before the final rounds begin. For each weapon tree, there is one tournament. The winner of each mini-tournament will move on to the final rounds of battle. Once the mini- tournaments are over, there will no longer be any same-weapon duels.
Every once in a while, I will get the better of the most talented swordsman in the village and take her spot as champion in the mini- tournament for swordsmanship. The "Blade Mistress" as she has come to be known, is the absolute best with a short sword. So I am utterly surprised whenever I do beat her since she is so swift. No one really knows her real name. She wandered into town one day and built herself a small home on the outskirts of town. Only once have I ever seen her face, she looked oddly familiar. It seemed as though I had envisioned her in a dream I had once. I cannot remember what it was about or why I had this mysterious vision, but she was also with someone else; a man in dark clothing. I have yet to realize this until now. I wonder who she is and why she came to this humble town. I have always looked up to her swordsmanship. Maybe one day...I will know her better.
I looked down into the front yard from my balcony and saw my mother there. She was out in the small garden that she had planted a few months back, just before the growing season started. I couldn't understand why she was out in the middle of the night in her garden. Mother must be gathering some food for next morning's breakfast. Just as that thought ran through my mind, I saw her stand up and begin walking back to the house with a basket full of vegetables and fruit. I could swear that sometimes I even scare myself with my unusual guessing abilities.
When I turned back around to continue reading my book, I heard a yelp. I immediately spun around and began glancing all around our front yard. Then I noticed something that I couldn't help laugh at.
"Mother! Ha ha! You need to pick the food when it is daylight or might end up on your face next time!" I shouted her as she was laying back- side flat on the ground. She seemed to have slipped on a fallen apple from a tree nearby.
Mother got up and dusted off the back of her flowing casual dress, "Yes, but I nearly forgot to pick them! I don't want those pesky rabbits eating them all in the night."
I smiled at her and replied, "Well, I guess you're right. Just be more careful next time."
"Maybe next time I will catch us some bugs while I am on the ground. Then we will have a feast!"
Disgusted at the words that just sprang from her mouth, my face warped in sickness, I jutted back, "That's gross mother! Get on in the house before you make the bugs revolt."
Mother chuckled and walked into the house, keeping her eyes glued to the ground and jumping over all the apples clumsily.
As I sigh in embarrassment, I looked up to the three moons in the sky, each with their own significant color-red, which is Leira, light blue, Aquaire, and white, Crytal-, I think of what tomorrow brings. The tournament begins and the anniversary of my father's death two years ago; both a dark and a light side of tomorrow. I just hope whatever the next day brings; I can look back on it and be proud.
The trees sway with an elegant beauty and the fields dance with majestic breezes. The land seems to flow like the sea and aroma of cheerful flowers fills the senses of all who dwell in the plains. Blue skies and drifting clouds cover the dome of the heavens. Small villages are found sparsely across this land of paradise. Quiet lakes and trickling streams span their fingertips, gripping the peacefulness of Flora.
One of the largest towns in this country, called Illia, is where we begin our story, with a young boy named Tai and his sister Lyn. Tai is fifteen years old and has a very stout heart. Tai is adept in the art of swordsmanship. He nicknamed his precious sword "Eclipse". His father was killed in a war not too long ago and Eclipse is the only remaining gesture of his father's to Tai. The sword is quite sharp and exceptionally light for a blade of its size. Eclipse is has a long and slender shape. Its' blade is slightly curved to make it cut through the wind faster. The sword has a comfortable handle and it makes it easy to grip. Tai has been training with the sword ever since he has received it from his father. Eclipse was sent with a letter while his father was at war. The letter read,
Dearest Son,
I am giving you this sword for you now, must protect your family. I am leaving this life with a single regret, that I will not see you
become a man. I am sorry son, I give you this sword in remembrance of
me. I only wish that you live a life filled with joy and
happiness. I love you and I will always be with you. Never forget that.
Always Together,
Your Father
Tai has always kept this letter in his heart. It is his passion that live undyingly within him. Tai takes up his sword to honor his father's name. One morning out in the fields of Tai's hometown of Illia, Lyn is practicing her archery as she normally is every other morning, when she is approached by her mother, Allia. Lyn's hair is a bright blue color as it sways in the cool breeze of the mornings embrace. As she pulls the arrow back and aims at the tree in the distance, Allia yells. Shocked, Lyn jumps and accidentally shoots the arrow in the wrong direction towards the cattle farm.
Laughter follows when Lyn's mother walks up behind her and gives her a warm hug, "Nice shot!"
Lyn giggles and glances over at the cattle farm once more then shrieks as a goat falls on its side, "Oh no! I killed our neighbor's goat!"
Allia gasps in disbelief, "I am so sorry! Ugh!" She then hurries over to the neighbors house and tells them about the accident while Lyn quickly leaves the scene.
Lyn dashes into the nearby woods and heads toward the river where Tai is usually training with his sword. She swims through the never-ending sea of branches and twigs as she nears the riverside. Once she notices Tai, she instantly clings to a tree as to be hiding from him. Lyn decides to watch Tai's skill from a distance. Tai is standing near the crystal-clear river as birds chirp overhead and his sword sheathed. Tai is wearing dark blue from head to toe, including his boots. His loose fitting tunic runs completely down to his wrists while flaring out a good two or three inches. Tai's sash is a snug fit which tightly binds his sheath to his body so as not to lose it. He is wearing comfortably fitting pants with a large piece of fabric running all the way from his waist to his ankles that hangs freely in both the front and the back. Lyn squints as light reflected for a moment from the silver metal circlet around Tai's head.
Then, as if out of no where, Tai grabs his sword handle and swings outward. The joust was so sudden it made Lyn jump in astonishment. Tai then began a series of movement with the sword that almost made him seem like he was dancing majestically with the blade itself. His movements were quick and nimble, no flaws at all to his movements. Lyn just couldn't help but thinking how well he became in swordsmanship since he received that blade nearly four years ago. Tai's long white hair spun in the movements of his graceful dance.
As Tai stopped, his sword was held out in front of him in clear sunlight. Lyn then began squinting because light was shining in her eyes. She noticed that every time she moved, the light would go back into her eyes even though Tai was standing still. Lyn then realized that he was aware of her presence.
"Hey! How did you know I was here" Lyn shouted in disbelief as she came walking out of the bushes towards me.
"You were breathing too loud." I said sarcastically. I then sheathed my sword and turned in her direction smiling.
"Oh, really!" Lyn then pounced at me and pushing me into the river.
We both fell in together. Once we emerged, I couldn't help but burst out in laughter. When we reached the shore, we sat along the riverbank basking in the glow of the sun's rays in order to dry off. It was a beautiful, cloudless sky with birds flying and the wind swaying at a steady rate. When I turned to my left to look at Lyn, I noticed that my little sister was beginning to grow on me. She was turning into a beautiful young girl. I was terrorized by the thought of that nasty kid down the street eyeballing her every time she walks by the house. I guess I am going to have to keep a watchful eye over her from now on.
"Hey Tai?"
"Yes?"
"I was wondering... ..." Lyn paused for a few seconds and then began again, "What's it like loving someone?"
My eyes shot open and my cheeks turned a rosy red, "Huh!!??!" What in the world could she be talking about?!
"Since you and Jaina are an item I was ju..."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Wait a second here! We are not together!"
"Then what is with the glances you all give to each other every once in a while? I mean you all almost kissed that one time!"
"I was going to give her mouth-to-mouth because she passed out after falling into the pond near her house!"
"What's the difference?!"
"Augh!" I then got up and began making my way back home. "You will never understand love!"
"Oh yea!"
Once I got out of sight of her, I began thinking to myself of why she was asking me that question to begin with! Then it hit me...she was beginning to like someone! That's just great. That is exactly what I need right now, a love-hungry sister who is always messing around with the boys. I mean, she is only one year younger than me! Why do I have to tell her everything? Hehehe...I just won't then. I will make her figure it out on her own.
Later that night, I was sitting upstairs on the balcony outside my room reading a book on the roots of magic by candle-light. I had always found magic very interesting and I always wanted to learn how to use it. The minute I read that magic cannot be learned, but inherited, I couldn't help but being extremely depressed. Even though I can't conceive the magic, I can at least learn it just in case I have to battle against it in the future. "Know your opponent!", my dad always preached. So I guess that much has rubbed off on me.
From my balcony, I overlooked Illia. It is a small town, but large compared to the other villages in the area. I considerably enjoy the size. I wouldn't want to live in an overcrowded city or in the wilderness all alone. This size suites me well and I have lived here all my life. Our town also has the only arena for miles. The arena is a large circular building with a stage in the center. It has been in the center of town for as long as I can remember. Competing in the coliseum is a normal activity. Every week there is a competition there for anyone who is between the ages of thirteen and forty. I have been in the tournament ever since I came of age. I have to admit that joining in on this event have honed the skills I posses as a swordsman. This is my sister's second year in the tournament. She was sadly disappointed when she found out that no ranged weapons were allowed in the arena. In this case, Lyn decided to take up daggers as a weapon of choice. Lyn uses two at a time, since she could afford a couple from Illian smithy.
All the weapons include one-hand and two hand swords, spears, axes, daggers, scythes, hammers, and flails. All of these weapons seems to form, what is called, the war circle. This simply means that one weapon is considerably better than another. This means that someone can be found at a disadvantage if they find themselves on the end of a spear and the only thing they have is a dagger. Every weapon has its own strengths and weaknesses. Although there is a certain hierarchy that weapons posses, it is not wise to strictly trust to that rule. "Skill is the only thing that matters in the face of battle", at least that's what my father taught me.
The competition consists of mini-tournaments before the final rounds begin. For each weapon tree, there is one tournament. The winner of each mini-tournament will move on to the final rounds of battle. Once the mini- tournaments are over, there will no longer be any same-weapon duels.
Every once in a while, I will get the better of the most talented swordsman in the village and take her spot as champion in the mini- tournament for swordsmanship. The "Blade Mistress" as she has come to be known, is the absolute best with a short sword. So I am utterly surprised whenever I do beat her since she is so swift. No one really knows her real name. She wandered into town one day and built herself a small home on the outskirts of town. Only once have I ever seen her face, she looked oddly familiar. It seemed as though I had envisioned her in a dream I had once. I cannot remember what it was about or why I had this mysterious vision, but she was also with someone else; a man in dark clothing. I have yet to realize this until now. I wonder who she is and why she came to this humble town. I have always looked up to her swordsmanship. Maybe one day...I will know her better.
I looked down into the front yard from my balcony and saw my mother there. She was out in the small garden that she had planted a few months back, just before the growing season started. I couldn't understand why she was out in the middle of the night in her garden. Mother must be gathering some food for next morning's breakfast. Just as that thought ran through my mind, I saw her stand up and begin walking back to the house with a basket full of vegetables and fruit. I could swear that sometimes I even scare myself with my unusual guessing abilities.
When I turned back around to continue reading my book, I heard a yelp. I immediately spun around and began glancing all around our front yard. Then I noticed something that I couldn't help laugh at.
"Mother! Ha ha! You need to pick the food when it is daylight or might end up on your face next time!" I shouted her as she was laying back- side flat on the ground. She seemed to have slipped on a fallen apple from a tree nearby.
Mother got up and dusted off the back of her flowing casual dress, "Yes, but I nearly forgot to pick them! I don't want those pesky rabbits eating them all in the night."
I smiled at her and replied, "Well, I guess you're right. Just be more careful next time."
"Maybe next time I will catch us some bugs while I am on the ground. Then we will have a feast!"
Disgusted at the words that just sprang from her mouth, my face warped in sickness, I jutted back, "That's gross mother! Get on in the house before you make the bugs revolt."
Mother chuckled and walked into the house, keeping her eyes glued to the ground and jumping over all the apples clumsily.
As I sigh in embarrassment, I looked up to the three moons in the sky, each with their own significant color-red, which is Leira, light blue, Aquaire, and white, Crytal-, I think of what tomorrow brings. The tournament begins and the anniversary of my father's death two years ago; both a dark and a light side of tomorrow. I just hope whatever the next day brings; I can look back on it and be proud.