Prologue:
An Act of Love
written by: phoenix2056 & koromiel
Disclaimer: First off, we do not own nor do we claim ownership of the world of Valdemar created by Mercedes Lackey. The characters in this story are our own, minus the mention of Lavan Chitward and King Theran from "Brightly Burning". If there have been similar characters like we have created that were written by her before, it was purely unintentional. So please don't sue us. We merely wanted to add our own touch by adding characters much like ourselves and we were totally inspired by her works. If Mercedes Lackey or any person representing her asks us to remove this, we'd be more than happy to. We just wanted to share our first writing collaboration with everyone. ) And so, on with the Prologue:
In Valdemar there are many legends and myths of a rich variety. There are the true legends which have been forged by heroes and by the common folk as well, who have sacrificed life and spirit for the land they love and the people within it. The myths are said by some folks to be mere invention influenced by real events from ancient times. These legends and fables recount stories of battles fought with the sacrifice of all the physical and spiritual elements at the peoples' command. And who is to say what is truth and what is fiction? There was the thrilling story of Lavan Firestorm. This legend, when recalled and recited by the Bards, the storytellers of Haven, would seem an impossibility, a myth to some. Yet it was one of the more inspirational and exciting stories told for some time; one of which the people of Valdemar knew to be all too true. Sacrifice was a vital component, and love was the catalyst in that famous conflagration which occurred at White Foal's Pass. This story could be said to have a tragic aspect, and it does, yet there emerged many unlikely heroes who contributed to eventual victory for the Valdemarans. I will tell no more of this story, I urge you at some time to listen in on the Bard's as they spin their tales, and you might be lucky to hear of it. The story will make you cry, and you will be transformed.
In contrast to the positive forces, and always a thorn in the side of Valdemar, there were the ruthless and cunning Karsites, the people of the Sun-priests. They were fearful of the people of Valdemar because the Heralds used the 'witch powers' so feared by the rigid and fundamentalist people of that evil kingdom. Oddly enough, in counterpoint, the Valdemarans feared the use of 'black magic' by the Sun-priests which they often employed with ghastly results in some of the more intense battles fought over the years. In essence it was all a matter of perspective, a matter of which side of the fence you were on as to how you viewed the world and its' strange ways. Two enemies could think in the same way, and fear the same things in each other, thus not realizing the folly and the futility in killing each other...
Despite the confusion, true good always eventually triumphed over evil.
This was the time of the reign of King Theran; an exciting time of changes and new growth. Of course there was always the disruptions which proved at times to be troublesome and ominous. During his reign, there evolved many of the more potent and useful 'mind magics' or the special gifts of the Heralds; inventive imagination was spurred on by a prosaic, yet urgent necessity. There appeared also during this time a proliferation of Herald-trainees who then went on to learn the ways of the Heraldry at the Collegium. This school was a fertile training ground for the skilled and gifted students of that renowned institution who had a variety of talents whether they be useful in the battlefield or for the conducting of political business. King Theran reigned over all this with a fair and true demeanor. When he spoke or issued an edict, people gladly payed attention.
To those who have lived in Haven and the surrounding country, almost anything was possible if one applied themselves ambitiously to the causes. There was plenty of inspiration and motivation to be sure as dictated by the Council of Haven and the governors of Valdemar. It was common knowlege, and a given, that the people of this land were driven by the force of love, loyalty, and hard work. It wasnt necessary to rule with a heavy hand. It wasn't necessary to issue almost impossible edicts or dire threats to arouse the people to action. Yet there was always the law present and the silent and aloof Heraldic guards to enforce it when necessary.
All were welcome and had a purpose in Valdemar, whether they be of the lowborn class or the highborn. And if a person wanted to learn and expand their abilities, and possibly even become one of the elite, he or she only needed to learn and develop their unique skills and talents and the Collegium was well suited for this. It was much easier for a highborn to accomplish all this simply because of their superior education and training to which the lowborn had little access to, though some of the more prominent Heralds were from the lowborn class. Located in the central part of Haven, the Collegium was exquisitely built with superb architecture which had functionality as well as pleasing aesthetics. There are the well cared for Gardens surrounding the school, which was a source of pride for those who volunteered their labor and love along with their special skills for landscaping and their knowledge of the fertile Earth.
It seems that love is the one common uniting element whether it be inherent in legend or myth. Love of life, love of friends and family, and a love for the land which supported such a rich and fertile heritage; all was a common denominator in the land of Valdemar. There are many tales, as told by the Bards, of love and sacrifice. There are stories of love being triumphant and stories of love with bitter and painful tragedy. And of course, there are the stories of romantic love, which when told skillfuly by the Bards, sometimes inspired a romantic union between two potential soulmates who formerly had doubt of each other and whom were tentative with their plans to marry. Stories of love were always welcome and cherished by the local populace.
And so it was that this land was built by sacrifice and love...and blood as well. Many tears had been shed and sweat from hard work or battle was endured. So many had died for this land willingly and valiantly. Yet, the sense of painful loss was eventually replaced by gain, a spiritual gain to those who still lived to futher maintain and develop this rich land of legend and myth. Love was never wasted, love was never vain in the land of Valdemar.
Sometimes it is the little things which matter and can have such an impact on the course of life. A river can be altered by a single rainfall. Sometimes a single word has been known to alter the fates of nations. Words have power and those who were of the ruling Council of Haven, were very aware of this and used their knowledge when explaining things to the populace. They knew that words used skillfully, could motivate the people to learn and build...and sadly though sometimes necessary, their words could inspire and rouse the people to help and fight in times of war.
One might even say that this land was saved again from the ruthless and evil drive of the Karsites by a simple act of love, not an all out assault.
Come with me my friends, for I have a tale to tell of sacrifice and yes, even a little comedy. Laughter has slain many an enemy... A tale to tell of a battle rich with heroics; a tale of power which love has a strong influence on. Yes, I am one of the Bards and a good part of this story is about the trials and tribulations of two people who under ordinary circumstances, would never have met. Fenix Morgaine, a fellow Bard, and Aine Myst, a skilled warrior and intelligent woman who was also blessed with exceptional beauty and a clever wit.
And to those who died for our rich country that this story may be told, I wish a peaceful rest. Let us always revere and carry in our hearts the memory of these valiant people. For if we forget, our hearts would wither and waste away. Our dreams would lose their wings. Love would fade away, dry out. Yet I am confident hope and faith shall prevail. Sunset will give way to yet another sunrise. Tomorrows promise shall become todays reality. Sit down now as I tell my story and make yourselves comfortable near the campfire...it is a lovely evening to which the stars bear witness of...
And so, let us begin...
