On a cold November morn, frost did form upon the windows of the monastery. The ground was white with snow, shimmering in the rays of the rising sun. It was at this time that Mariah, a maid on the brink of her twenty-fifth winter, lay in bed, sweating and restless from a night terror. Her nightmare, which had plagued her since the beginning of the season, showed her a great battle with faceless foes. With a sharp cry, she awoke, shivering and shaking from the horrors of the dream.
At that moment, the call of her mother, Duchess Leoden, echoed through the halls, drawing Mariah from her bed. She made her way downstairs to the table, where a feast had been laid out, though she knew she could not keep it down. Despite this, she ate what she could, clearing her plate to appease her mother's worry. In her mind, Mariah pondered her nightmare, but could not remember its contents.
After gathering her hunting gear from the wardrobe, Mariah put on her hooded cloak and masked her face, leaving only her emerald eyes visible. Leaping from her window, she made her way to the monastery's forest, enjoying the rush of adrenaline that a hunt gave her. Approaching the hulking concrete walls surrounding the monastery, Mariah smiled as she scaled them with the fluidity of a snake.
At the top of the wall, Mariah paused to take in the village, feeling trapped within it. Diving from the wall onto the roof of a nearby hut, she silently made her way along the rooftops, unnoticed by the locals. Waiting upon a rooftop, she spotted her quarry, a man over six feet tall. With a flick of her wrist, she sent a knife hurtling through the air, landing between her target's eyes. As he fell, the villagers cried out in fear, and Mariah returned to her room before her mother suspected anything.
Returning to her life within the monastery, Mariah donned a black dress and attended a meeting with her father, Duke Leoden. As they discussed the recent victim of the mysterious killer, Mariah smirked to herself, knowing that the man would never hurt his children again. After writing a report on her day's assassination, she retired to her room to rest. Unbeknownst to her, a dark figure crept in, stealing her journal as they departed into the shadows.
In the night, as Mariah slept in her gown, she could not have imagined what the dawn would bring, or how it would change her life forever.
Maríah awoke to the sound of her parents' voices, shouting in anger within their kitchen. She made her way through the dwelling to investigate and as she arrived, her father turned to face her, his eyes blazing with fury. As he hurled her journal onto the table, Maríah stood in stunned silence, unsure of what to say.
"What is this?" he demanded.
Maríah remained silent, her father's rage building with every passing moment.
"Speak, girl!" he bellowed, pointing an accusing finger at her.
Shocked and uncertain, Maríah watched as her father lunged towards her, pinning her to the wall by her throat. She gasped for air, as he held her there, tears streaming down his face.
"It was you, all this time. My own daughter," he wept. "You are responsible for the deaths of over twenty of our villagers."
Maríah's mother stood nearby, stunned by the revelations, as her father came to a heart-wrenching decision.
"You leave me with only one choice," he said, the pain etched on his face. "Maríah Feya Leodon, you are exiled from our lands. You have one hour to gather your things."
In a daze, Maríah rushed to her room, filled with confusion and sadness at the thought of leaving the only home she had ever known. As she emerged from the dwelling, she turned back to catch a glimpse of her mother, tears streaming down her face. Maríah could only wonder if they would ever be reunited.
For hours, Maríah trudged across the rugged terrain, the weight of her actions and the loneliness of her exile heavy upon her soul. As she journeyed on, she reflected on how she could have planned so carefully to avoid being caught, yet still ended up being exposed.
Determined to find a reprieve from her troubles, Maríah stumbled upon a cave that twisted deep beneath the earth. With nothing left to lose, she entered the darkness, lighting a torch as she went. As she came upon a cliff, Maríah realized that there was no point in continuing and quickly turned to leave. In her haste, she stumbled and fell over the edge of the cliff, plunging towards the craggy ground below.
As Mariah crashed against the rough and rocky earth far below, she felt only a brief moment of terror before everything went black.
When she awoke, Mariah could feel the pain of her injuries shooting through her body. With grit and determination, she pushed herself up, ignoring the throbbing pain in her leg and arm. Taking a deep breath, Mariah looked up to the top of the rocky crag to see that there was no way back up.
With no other options available to her, Mariah knew that she would need to gather her strength and continue on her journey alone. She recalled the stories her grandmother used to tell her of the brave warriors who had traversed these lands, and she knew that she too must summon the courage to carry on.
Gaining a bit more strength with each passing moment, Mariah gathered her belongings, checking them over for any damage or missing items. Her pack was heavy, but she knew that it was necessary to carry everything she would need to survive in this perilous world.
As Mariah continued her journey through the dark caverns, her torch flickered and danced in the inky blackness. She had never been one to shy away from adventure or danger, and she knew that the only way to reach her destination was to press on deeper into the unknown.
With each step, the shadows grew darker, and the air grew colder. But Mariah pressed on, her heart filled with a fierce determination that kept her going despite her fear.
Suddenly, she came upon an ominous black chest, its rough and ancient surface glinting in the faint light of her torch. Mariah approached it cautiously, feeling a sense of both awe and trepidation at the mysterious object before her.
As Mariah lifted the lid of the mysterious black chest, she was met with a sight unlike any other. Instead of treasure and trinkets, she found a black armor within that seemed to be made purely of the darkest night sky.
The metal was sleek and deadly, its edges sharp as a razor's blade, and it glimmered with an eerie dark energy that seemed to pulse with every breath Mariah took. As she stared at it, she could feel a twinge of fear within her – for it was clear that this armor was not meant for the likes of her.
But she was not one to back down from a challenge. Slowly, tentatively, she reached out and touched the cold, metallic surface of the armor. It was smooth and cool beneath her fingertips, and it glinted like black diamonds in the dim light of the cavern.
As she examined it more closely, she could see that it was crafted with a precision unlike anything she had ever seen before. The armor seemed to fit together seamlessly, as if it had been designed to be worn by someone with no weakness, someone who was ready to face any foe in fierce combat.
Mariah's mind began to race with the possibilities. She knew of legends that spoke of assassins who wore armor like this, men and women who had been blessed with dark powers that allowed them to move unseen, strike without warning, and vanquish their enemies with merciless efficiency.
As Mariah donned the black armor, she felt a sense of power coursing through her veins. It was as if she was no longer just Mariah, but now a more formidable and fearsome being altogether. She felt its weight on her, and it was heavy, but she knew that it was her duty to wear it.
Her mind was filled with questions: Who had left the armor here? What were the powers it held? What would happen if she couldn't control them? But still, she felt emboldened, ready for whatever lay ahead.
With each step, the metal clanged against itself, creating an intimidating sound that only added to her newfound strength. She had never felt so alive, so unstoppable, and so fierce. And yet, a part of her still feared the dark powers it possessed.
As she walked on, the darkness of the cave seemed to diminish before her as if her very presence caused it to flee. The sound of her footsteps echoed against the walls and the ground, resounding through the caverns beyond.
In that moment, Mariah knew that she was not just wearing the armor, but that she had become an embodiment of it. The black metal was almost a second skin to her, and it was clear that she was no longer the same Mariah who had opened that chest.
As Mariah journeyed further through the caverns, her path led her to a dark and foreboding pedestal. Upon its top, sitting ominously in the shadows, was a blade unlike any she had ever seen before. Its long, slender form was made entirely of darkness, as though it was crafted from the very shadows themselves.
Mariah felt a sense of unease wash over her as she approached the blade, for it was clear that this weapon was not meant for just anyone. But something stirred within her, a whisper of destiny that pushed her forward, driving her to reach out and take hold of the blade.
As soon as she touched it, she felt a jolt of energy course through her body, like a bolt of lightning striking her veins. The blade was cold and hard in her grasp, but it felt right, as if it had always been meant to belong to her.
As she studied the weapon closer, she could see that it was finely crafted, with intricate details etched into the blade. The hilt was wrapped in sleek, black leather, and the pommel was adorned with a single, glowing, purple gemstone. She continued her journey through the caverns until she saw light of the sky.
As Mariah emerged from the darkness of the cavern, her eyes were filled with wonder and amazement. The bright light of day shone down on her, revealing a lush field of green that stretched out before her. The sight of the sun and the fresh air filled her with renewed energy, and she found herself walking toward the center of the field, where she could see a stone black as the night itself.
As she drew closer, Mariah could see that the stone was inscribed with ancient writing, symbols and runes that she had seen only in her grandmother's old books of folklore. The stone was like a puzzle, each word and symbol a key to unlocking the mysteries of the past.
Mariah knew that she had to decipher the writing, to uncover the secrets that lay hidden within. She sat before the stone, her mind racing as she examined each mark and line, searching for meaning in the old symbols.
As she studied the words and symbols, Mariah felt a sense of connection to the past, to the generations who had come before her and carved the writing into the stone. She felt that she was a part of something greater, a living link between the past and the future.
Each word and symbol was like a key to a door that had been locked for centuries, and Mariah was determined to unlock them all. With each discovery, she felt a sense of excitement and wonder, as if she was on the verge of uncovering some great mystery.
And then, finally, she understood. The writing on the stone was a message, a warning from the old gods themselves, warning of a great danger that was to come. It spoke of a darkness that would descend upon the land, a darkness that could only be defeated by the one who possessed the blade and the armor, the one who wore the darkness like a second skin.
Mariah knew then that she was the chosen one, that she had been destined to uncover this ancient warning and to take up the mantle of darkness to fight off the impending threat. She stood up, feeling a sense of power and purpose coursing through her veins, ready to face whatever darkness lay ahead.
As she gazed into the stone with deep concentration, she was unaware that a sinister pair of red eyes watched her every move from the mouth of the cave. The creature lurking behind those eerie eyes was not to be trifled with, but before she could even catch a glimpse of him, he vanished into thin air.
The damsel remained fixed to her spot for what seemed like hours, her focus solely on the task at hand. Unbeknownst to her, the midnight hour drew ever closer, yet she remained oblivious to time and space. For at the stroke of midnight, one of the three pieces of the primordial being Unity that resided within the faithful Mariah would stir from its slumber, after laying dormant for centuries.
This precious fragment of Unity's soul had bided its time for an eternity, waiting patiently for the perfect moment to unveil its power to the world. And with the strike of the clock, the sacred essence of the soul segment surged forth, sending tremors through the earth and the cosmos. Though the damsel felt the ominous energy surrounding her, she could not comprehend the enormity of the moment nor fathom the depths of the secrets that lay hidden behind the veil of midnight.
The power that coursed through her veins during the awakening was unfathomable, and she had struggled to contain it within her mortal frame.
As the last of the tremors subsided, her body gave way, the weight of the otherworldly energy too much for her to bear. She lay there for what seemed like an eternity, panting and spent, the remnants of Unity's soul swirling within her like a tempestuous maelstrom.
The awakening of the piece of Unity had forever changed Mariah, leaving her forever marked by the sacred power of the primordial being. Though she was yet unaware of the full extent of her newfound abilities, in that moment, she knew that nothing in her life would ever be the same again.
When Mariah awakened, she felt groggy and disoriented. Something was different, but she couldn't quite place her finger on what it was. It was as if a veil had been lifted from her eyes, revealing a world of new possibilities and endless potential.
Unbeknownst to the lass, the piece of Unity that had resided within her had awakened and worked its magic upon her body. She had become taller, her hair now cascading down her back in luscious, sinewy locks. Her muscles were now more defined, giving her an almost otherworldly strength and stamina.
The awakening had left her body forever changed, and she was still adapting to these new sensations. As she tried to gather her bearings, she noticed that everything around her seemed different too, as if she was seeing everything through new eyes.
The piece of Unity had transformed Mariah, imbuing her with new abilities and insights that she was only beginning to comprehend.
As Mariah stood up from the earth, she felt the weight of the world fall upon her shoulders. The road stretched out before her, winding and treacherous, with dangers hidden at every turn. With caution in her heart, she contemplated her next move.
Before Mariah could plan her journey, a group of bandits emerged from the shadow of a nearby bush. They leered at her, their eyes filled with greed and avarice, eager to rob her of all she possessed. Little did they know, Mariah held a secret far more powerful than they could ever imagine.
She watched as they circled her, grinning with malice and relishing their chance at an easy prey. But Mariah was no victim - with a rush of energy, she darted forward with unimaginable speed and with her blade, she delivered a mighty strike that felled the first bandit. The others watched in horror as their companion fell to the ground, dead.
The bandits were caught off guard, stunned and disoriented, and Mariah took advantage of their confusion. Her movements were swift and her strikes precise, each one guided by the unfathomable power of the Unity piece within her. She carved through the bandits with a fierceness unmatched, until not one was left alive and all lay dead at her feet.
As Mariah pressed on with her journey, her mind was troubled with thoughts of what lay ahead. The translation of the ominous black stone had been completed, but the knowledge it revealed only deepened the mystery of the cave. The assassin armor and blade within were powerful artifacts, but their origins and purpose were shrouded in darkness. With determination and a strong will, she headed south towards the coast, where she planned to seek counsel with the Philosophers of Israel.
On the third day of her journey, she finally arrived at the coast, staring out at the vast expanse of the ocean. Her heart sank as she realized the difficult task ahead - finding a way across the water.
Unsure of what to do, she followed the coast eastwards, hoping to come across a village or port where she could hire a ship. After hours of walking, she spotted a port where a merchant's vessel was being loaded with supplies. She approached the man who seemed to be the captain of the ship, and asked him where they were headed.
But as he turned to answer her, he caught sight of Mariah's armor, and his fear was palpable. He begged for mercy, pleading with her to spare him for the sake of his wife and daughter. Mariah was taken aback by his reaction, and tried to reassure him that she meant him no harm. Nevertheless, he continued to tremble and plead, until she had to take him by the collar and lift him up to look into his eyes.
"I am not here to hurt you," she declared firmly. "I only seek to know if you can take me where I need to go." In that moment, Mariah realized the power and terror that her armor held.
The man taken back readily agrees to take her asking where she is going still shaking from his earlier episode.
Mariah Replies " I seek passage to Israel. Can you take me"
The man replies" I can take you as far as England, that's the closest stop to Israel"
Mariah stood on the deck of the ship, watching the waves crash against the bow. The wind whipped through her hair, carrying with it the salty scent of the sea. It had been three days since she had set sail from her home in Ireland, and already she could feel the pull of the land of England.
She had been determined to make this journey, to seek out the Philosophers of Israel and seek their wisdom. She had heard tales of their great knowledge, of their ability to see beyond the veil of reality and into the realm of the divine.
The journey had not been without its hardships. The seas had been rough, tossing the ship to and fro like a leaf on the wind. The crew had been gruff and unyielding, unwilling to share the secrets of their trade with a stranger.
But Mariah was no stranger to adversity. She had always been a curious and adventurous soul, one who would stop at nothing to achieve her goals. And so she persevered, clinging to the hope that her journey would be worth the risk.
As the ship finally reached the shores of England, Mariah felt her heart quicken with anticipation. She had heard that the land was teeming with mystery, and she could not wait to explore its hidden corners.
,Mariah was met with a bustling port town, filled with merchants and sailors from all corners of the world. The air was thick with the smell of spices and salt, and the sound of seagulls filled the air.
Mariah stood on the deck of the ship, her hair whipping in the salty sea breeze. She couldn't believe she had finally made it to England after weeks of travel across the wild and treacherous sea. Her journey had been long and filled with danger, but her determination had sustained her.
Mariah had left her home in Ireland with one goal in mind - to find the Philosophers of Israel. She had heard tales of their great wisdom. She was certain that if she could find them, they would be able to answer the deep and burning questions that had haunted her for so long.
As she disembarked from the ship, Mariah was greeted by a dizzying array of sights, sounds, and smells. The bustling port town was like nothing she had ever seen before, with merchants and sailors from all corners of the world jostling for space along the crowded thoroughfares.
As she walked through the streets of England, Mariah was struck by the strange and otherworldly nature of the land. The air was thick with mystery, and every corner seemed to hold a hidden secret. She passed by gnarled trees and misty fields, feeling as if she was walking through a dream.
Despite the mystical beauty of her surroundings, Mariah knew that traveling through England was not without its perils. She had heard tales of fierce beasts that roamed the forests and of bandits that preyed upon unsuspecting travelers.
But Mariah was not one to back down from a challenge. She was determined to find the Philosophers of Israel, and she would not be deterred by any obstacle that might stand in her way.
Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months, as Mariah journeyed through the rugged and wild landscapes of England. She faced trials and tribulations at every turn, from hungry wolves that roamed the forests to violent storms that battered the rocky coastline.
At times, it seemed as though the very earth itself was conspiring against her, intent on preventing her from reaching her destination. But Mariah persevered, driven by a fierce determination that kept her going even when all hope seemed lost.