Rhyniaceae & the Founding of the Dark Tower
40,000 years ago: Before the Fall of Atlantis.
Since the beginning of time, there have been whispers about places of great magicks. Stonehenge, the pyramids, the jungles of Africa, but the over time the greatest one of all them has been lost and forgotten to the anneals of time. That place is called the Dark Tower, its past is shrouded in mystery. The Dark Tower is the very essence of magic and it supplied the world with the power to create and destroy it help the world together. This is was both a blessing and a curse for the world because as long as the Mistress and the Tower stood then so would the magic, but if either should fall then all Magic, light and dark would cease to exist.
While the Tower was the most important place in the magical world only five books are left in existence that have any mention of it and its' Mistress. Of the five books that talk about the Tower, only three books have any real information about what the tower really is and how to find it. As a magical conduit, those beings that need to find the tower are directed there through either a book or guidance from the Tower. Many adepts after receiving the education or training they needed for their gifts to be fully recognized, choose to stay and make their home within its' walls. As the generations pass, the cycle of life and death continue within its wall, childhood, marriage, childbirth and death. But we jump to far ahead in the story.
The story behind the founding of the Dark Tower is forth with high adventure, death and chaos, only lacking in love and romance, however eventually this even these things enter the story. In the third month of Fredas, in the year of Starlight a mysterious celestial being appeared within every magical community around the world. This being called Cassandra offered all magical being, Veela, Vampires, Witches and Wizards to name a few, a challenge. Cassandra spoke of the place where magic first sprung to life in this world. It told the story of how without proper care and nurturing the well would run dry and the magic within the world would die. Cassandra, stated that if a magically being of great worth did not come forth and find this place then all would be lost. This person if they completed the quest would become the Guardian of magic, in addition this person and their family would be granted immortality so that they can carry out their duty. With that Cassandra left and the people that received her message made their plans.
As soon as the awe wore off, people began to talk and plan what they intended to do with the information that they had been given. Many of the powerful being realized that whoever found this magical place would become the ruler of the world. Ten seconds later the greed and murder plots began. Rich people, poor people and everyone in between was determined to be the ones to find this place. In fact within hours of Cassandra's announcement at least eight expeditions had been formed and set out three days later all determined to be the first to find the Magic. Most of these expeditions where not properly prepared as a result none of them were ever heard from again. Despite the lack of success, over the next thousand years many magical creatures, both Dark and Light, left on noble and not so noble quests to find the site. Fate always a fickle one, would have the last laugh because it would be an Egyptian, run away slave that was believed to be more of a muggle than magical being that became its champion.
Rhyniaceae Shala De Chaja, if asked defined herself as a Dark Witch. Rhyniaceae was born into a very powerful pureblood family, for generations her family have produced the strongest and most talented Witches and Wizards. Yet, with her birth it seemed that the circle had been broken, because on Rhyniaceae first birthday all the standard test conducted on children showed that she had little magical talent. Her family was devastated and to clear away disfavor of the Gods, they gifted Rhyniaceae on her tenth birthday to the Chaja of Atlantis, for he was the physical representation of the Gods on the land and maybe if she served him faithfully then all the stains of her family would be washed away.
For seven years, Rhyniaceae obeyed the will of her parents and served the Chaja as his personal slave. And while the man was a wise and kind ruler, behind close downs her was a deprived man, he had no self control. The Chaja followed his every whim and he committed acts that must have offended Gods and devils alike. What the Chaja wanted he took by whatever means necessary, those closest to him learned early that it hurt less if you just surrender at first command. Finally, unable to continue to live like animal Rhyniaceae ran, ran from her master's home, from his bed, from his unholy life.
During the three years that followed, Rhyniaceae wondered the land, it was during her travels that she studied magic in its' purest forms. Each town that Rhyniaceae increased her knowledge in life, it Bray town she learned to cook, in Keystone she learned to survive outside of a town, in Alexandra she learned that sex did not have to be painful or degrading and in Greece she learned how to smile and laugh. But, no matter where she went and what other things they taught her, she learned their Magic. Rhyniaceae learned everything she could she would give back to the town in some way before she felt compelled to move on. Rhyniaceae learned early into her journey to never to put down roots, for in the end she always left. Although, there was sadness but in saying goodbye, Rhyniaceae also had happiness with her next hello. Over time she included her learning to include animals, farming, and a variety of fighting styles. Since Rhyniaceae learned how to hurt and kill she balanced this knowledge by learning different healing techniques; Rhyniaceae spent years studying the human body, herbs and magical healing practices. Eventually, this led to her becoming the first female potion mistress.
During her seventh year of wandering, Rhyniaceae had just left a village that had been infected with a plague. It had taken all her skills to figure out and stop the spread of the disease. After saying her goodbyes, Rhyniaceae headed north and after six weeks of traveling all she really wanted to do was to find a place to call home for a while. One night as she set up camp she came across a small silver stream, located in the middle of nowhere. This strange place, was one of the most beautiful place she had ever been, even within its barren vista, Rhyniaceae felt humbled and bowed her head to give her thanks to this place wishing that this could be her home. And with that simple wish, made from her heart a run away slave was able to become one with the origins of Magic. For the stream rose up and surrounded her, bonded with her making her the guardian of its existence.
Upon Rhyniaceae acceptance as the guardian, several things occurred at once. With the quest finally over, the need for secrecy became paramount. So the magic spread a net and those that had knowledge of Cassandra's quest had the specifics of the information fade from their mind. Books and records that contained detailed information with supporting documentation on the quest disappeared while the minor sources and tale books disappeared with the passing of time. However, due to the nature of the Tower, there would always be people, muggle and magical that would need to find the Tower. So books, sources ad oral traditions remained and those that needed the information always came into possession of something that would lead them to their destiny. After three generations, Cassandra's Quest became legend a story debated on by scholars. After two more generations the Quest became a myth that treasure hunts sought to make their fortunes. During the six more generations the Quest became a bedtime story told to children to easy them into the sandman's arms. Eventually Cassandra's Quest faded from the annals of time only to be remembered when the need for it was great. As it occurred at the Great Merlin's birth, for he was a child with great power and a very important destiny for he would shape the world. Thus when the opportunity was right a book was passed to him and following the clues and the magic Merlin found himself at the doors of the Tower. Although, most information was lost, it was impossible to erase everything, like the obituaries that recorded those that left to search for the place of Magic but never return. As stated before of the five books that survive today, one is located in a muggle library in Salem, Montana awaiting to help a young girl destined to be the first siren born in 5,000 years. The last book written about the Tower, is located in the public section of the Hogwarts' Library. This book was the last volume of Merlin's journal and the fact that it exist is a betrayal of the vows that Merlin took when he entered the Tower. The next book is one that is dear to Rhyniaceae, it was her private journal that she gave as a gift to Salazar Slytherin. There were two copies of the book, the original was placed in the chamber of secrets. The first copy was given to Adonis Malfoy and now resides in the private libraries of the Malfoy family and it became a favorite book of Lucius Malfoy centuries later. The second copy was given to Alexandra Prince and it ended up locked in a truck in Severus Snape's room at Hogwarts. The journal did not have much information in them about the Tower, or where it was located but it tell about the Keeptress of the Tower, her life and some of her accomplishments especially in potions and the dark arts. The two remaining book are current located in the libraries of Tom Riddle and Albus Dumbledore. Needless to say because of the secrecy of the Tower, the Dark Witch, Rhyniaceae, found herself facing a less challenges, intruders and issues that many other rulers had to face. Not that they could really do anything to her because in the end she would win.
Rhyniaceae, background as witch from an important pureblood family, made her familiar with Cassandra's quest, and like all children after hearing the tale hoped that when she grew up it would be her that found the place. But, soon the realities of her life took over and the dream faded and was soon forgotten. Because there was no way the Chaja would ever let his favorite toy go and look for a place that no one has ever returned from. Rhyniaceae, upon realizing what she had done was proud that she, a former slave, had done what none of those book smart, rich or otherwise magical beings was able to do. After waking Rhyniaceae immediately took in all the details of her home and opened her heart and mind to the Tower, she vowed to cherish her home, not for the power it granted her but for the protection it could offer her and her family.
Although, Rhyniaceae wished she could immediately go and bring her family to her home there were other matters she had to attend to such as all the people that came with the Tower. It seemed that for the last 1,000 years all those that had set off in search of the magic had been judged during their journey and since they were found wanting the magic did not grant their dreams, or release them to return in favor. Instead the Magic placed them deep within the earth in an enchanted sleep waiting for the true champion to come. Now that she was there, these people began to awake. So Rhyniaceae spent several years creating a home not only for herself but for these people. It was during the first few months that Rhyniaceae learned that she could not control or do everything nor could she be everywhere. So in the end she had to create a system that allowed her to delegate some of her duties. So after speaking to her people finding out about their homes and political structures then consulting with the magic, Rhyniaceae created the Dark Tower Council, which was made up from the strongest Dark and Light Witches and Wizards alive. The Council consisted of eight members, which served until their death. At the Council member's death the magic that founded the Council would seek out the new member to fill the seat, thus if a Light being died the magic sought out the strongest Light being available at the time of the member's death the same went if the member was a Dark being. To maintain the balance on the Council, of the eight seats three were allotted to Dark beings, Three were allotted to Light beings and two were allotted to beings that were neutral. The final seat was held by Rhyniaceae herself. This was by far one of Rhyniaceae's best decisions. After this was settled spent a year ensuring the system she created would work. After that she went back to Atlantis to bring her family home with her.
A year a day after the founding of the Dark Tower, Rhyniaceae returned to Atlantis to claim her family. As Rhyniaceae walked down the street she saw that some things never changed. People from her youth still lined the streets on market day selling their wares. Children ran and played in the street. All and all people seemed happy, thus she was shocked when she walked to her parents home and found that it was a burnt out shell. After providing a few coins to the local beggars she found out the tragic tale of her family. It seemed that shortly after it was discovered that their daughter Rhyniaceae had ran away from the Chaja, he had her parents brought in for questioning. Although, it was clear that Rhyniaceae's parents had not had anything to do with her escape the Chaja had the punished then tortured to death. The Chaja claimed that it was her beloved brother that aid in her escape and that even if he did not then he was at fault for not preventing it. Thus her parents punishment was to watch as their son and his family were murdered. Rhyniaceae, was barely able to contain her grief and anger at what had transpired because she dared to be free. However, the final blow came when Rhyniaceae learned that the Chaja had taken her younger sister into his bed as her replacement, at the time Narcissa would have been around six years old, and she has been his slave ever since. Hearing of her family's fate Rhyniaceae, had nothing but one pure emotion pulsated within her veins, and that was rage and it was all directed at the Chaja and his people who did nothing to stop him.
With nothing but revenge in mind Rhyniaceae, slowly walked through the streets of Atlantis, as she walked her down the street power created a swirling vortex around her, lashing out at everything that got in her way. Behind her there was absolutely nothing left, homes, stores the very land destroyed. Soon she was entering the Chaja's home she systematically searched and destroyed every place she went without finding her sister. Finally she entered her old bedroom, what she found within the room sent her into a freeze her in place. Tethered to a bed was her only family, laying in her own filth like an animal was her twenty something year old sister. Laying naked and spread open for all the world to see, was a scared young woman. Beaten, starved, dirty barely alive was just a girl who was so emancipated she was one step from her grave. After a moment in which the universe cried, Rhyniaceae released a scream of such pain, anger and hate that tore the very fabric of the island apart. Not realizing what she was doing Rhyniaceae used her magic to punish those that wronged her family. The island was lost, but the people were saved. The power at Rhyniaceae control gathered the people of Atlantis up and delivered to the place best to carry out their punishments. When that the last of the anger drained from Rhyniaceae body leaving her empty and ashamed of her actions, all she had left was enough energy to gather up her sister and take her home. But before she left Rhyniaceae cast two spells, the first transported the remaining innocent people from Atlantis to the Dark Tower. Rhyniaceae was not sure if the Chaja and his heirs were present on the island, since they often traveled to meet with other Heads of States. Thus to avoid having to track them down and risking what occurred on Atlantis happening elsewhere she used the second spell to curse the Chaja and his bloodline therefore within a three generation they would die out a deformed twisted people on the outside as they were on the inside.
Upon returning to the Dark Tower with her sister, Rhyniaceae contacted the Council and informed them that they would be in charge of the tower while she attended to her sister. When they questioned her on what happened she made it clear it was not their business and left. But nothing ever stays a secret long especially after the survivors of Atlantis told what they saw. With that Rhyniaceae was left to heal her sister and that took time. Due to the kind of abuse and since it was done over such a prolong time, it took years for Rhyniaceae to bring her body back, and it took even long to heal the damage that had been done to Narcissa's mind and self esteem. During the next century Rhyniaceae slowly returned to her duties while rasing Narcissa, however, due to the guilt that Rhyniaceae experienced she proceeded to spend all her free time loving and spoiling Narcissa. Narcissa was raised to believe that whatever she wanted Rhyniaceae would provide for her and that was Rhyniaceae's first mistake. Every child needs boundaries, even as a slave Rhyniaceae had them. So this was Rhyniaceae first mistake in raising her beloved sister.
As the saying goes time heals all wounds, and as hours became days, days turned into months, which progressed into years, the two sisters came to know each other and depend on one another. Narcissa, finally settled into her life and began to trust the woman she use to hate. And so it was that as time moved forward Rhyniaceae felt comfortable enough to returned to her full duties and the Keeper of Magic. Time taught her how to lead, her past demanded that she not be like the Chaja, so she spend most days getting to know her people and their needs and wants, and with that knowledge she provided them with an heathy environment to grow, learn and become what they were meant to be. Rhyniaceae, also spent a large amount of time defining and developing the Dark Tower Council. Together, they monitored the outside worlds use of magic and their development. On a few occasions Rhyniaceae and the Council had to do the unthinkable and go in and strip a civilization of their magic and memories. On other occasions they blessed people with magic, knowledge or both. Also a balance was maintained. A positive effect of the creation of the Dark Tower and it's Keeper was that wizard, witches, veela, trolls, giants and the many other magical beings found that magic was much easier to summon and use. Intent and will became the determinative factor of whether the desired outcome was reached instead of the proper words, pronunciation and wand movement.
Rhyniaceae spent most of her free time with Narcissa being both sister and mother in one. But funny as it might seem both Rhyniaceae and Narcissa like to focus her attention on the progress of man, muggle and magical alike. The two sisters would often time find themselves at defining moments of mankind and watch first hand as civilizations would raise, grow and fall. Not surprisingly, the trend was the same in both the muggle and wizard world alike, these defining moments usually set man on a different course usually prohibiting progress. But time always won and progress had. The one regret the sisters had about their Man watching was that no matter how much they wanted to the sister never interfered in the individual lives of these mortals. Sometimes it was hard to watch people that they watched as children grow into adults making mistakes that would eventually led to their death. Well at least not on a wide scale there were times when they would influence one person's life hoping to save some part of the world that was about to end. Usually it worked but other times it was only their memories and keepsakes that survived.