#original kingdom

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Nothing has changed regarding the weather over night. The sun still shone hot in the sky once morning came and no wind blew to, even slightly, lessen the heat.

Nisrine had realized that, perhaps, she shouldn't have spent the whole night riding... A dull ache begun to spread in her lower back from the long hours in the saddle, and her legs felt close to cramping from being in the same position just as long. She begun noticing things she didn't these past two days, the quiet hours leaving her with nothing better to do... The dust clinging to the horses coat and her own boots, a buckle that could be tightened a little bit more... She had also noticed that the horse had gotten more accustomed to being ridden, no longer a restless animal, but a traveling companion...

Another thing she noticed was the road... It was slowly becoming more and more even, the stones covering the trail became smaller and more uniform in size, until finally... They became a paved road. Large slabs of white stone, the same ones lining the streets of Vharos, interwoven with small, colorful pebbles. She was nearing a bigger town and before she could overthink it, made her way towards it...

Osinium was big... Far larger than many of the Teranori trade cities... It shone in a different way than Vharos would in the late afternoon sunlight, less coastal, but not less warm... The paved road Nisrine was on continued up to the first gate... The connecting walls were made of wood, most likely oak, with watchtowers perched every so often. The gate opened without questions, giving her passage towards the inner parts of the city...

Before her stood an avenue... A long stretch of cobbled road, flanked by towering chestnut trees, almost as old as the city itself. They formed a canopy over the road ahead, casting shade on those passing through. She neared the inner gate, one flanked by two watch towers, taller than the trees below them, and a stone wall... Two guards kept watch over the gate and as Nisrine approached, the two men simply stepped to the side.

˝The doors are open, stranger, provided your hands are clean. State your business or your destination.˝ one of the guards states, looking up at Nisrine.

˝I look for a place to spend the rest of the day and have a warm meal... I depart at sunrise tomorrow...˝ she answered calmly, slowly lowering her hood. Her hair spilt over her shoulder, her braid almost completely taken out by the travel. She pushed a strand of hair from her face, waiting for the guard to let her pass.

˝Step into the peace of the hill, traveler. Leave your blades in their sheaths and the dust on the road. May the Madonna watch your steps, and the city watch your back.˝ and with that, the gate to Osinium opened fully and Nisrine was allowed passage.

Walking through the streets, she felt at home... The bustle of vendors and customers, children running around the legs of their parents and strangers alike... Nisrine dismounted her horse, looking around at the stalls. Stopping at one, she looked at the spread... Knitwear, scarves and sweaters, some shawls, but loose fabric as well... The vendor saw her and walked over, but before she could get a word in, Nisrine waved her off with a small smile and walked away.

She looked for an inn, one not too crowded, perhaps one in a smaller street, away from big hubs of life. By the time sun had almost set, she ran across one she thought would be good... ˝The Crooked Wall˝ was writen on a sign hung on a stone pole in front of a brightly lit door... She stood before them, debating on if she should tie her horse and enter, or look for another place to rest...

An old man greeted her before she could think further...

˝Evening, lass... Can i help ya?˝ he said, his voice kind and gentle. Nisrine looked at him and smiled.

˝Maybe.. I'm looking for a place to eat and rest... Is there space inside?˝ she asked with a gentle voice, soothing the now slightly restless horse.

˝Aye, but the common sleeping are is crowded tonight. A lot of teamsters rolling in from the eastern flats. If you still want a place to rest, there's private chambers upstairs—ones with a proper locks on the doors and straw mattresss to yourself—it'll cost you a silver piece though. But it includes the horse's stall and your supper. And quite the supper it is tonight, Romina made a roast AND stew... as if she knew it'd be a crazy night..." he said and laughed to himself. ˝SO, what'll it be?˝ he continues and Nisrine nods.

˝Sounds fair.. Where do I take my horse?˝ she says and pulls the horse closer to herself.

¨Oh, I'll take care of that for you, lass. Is that alright or would you like to take the horse to the stables yourself?˝ she takes a breath and looks around.

˝If you could lead the way, I'd like to take my horse there myself...˝ Nisrine stated witha slightly apologetic face and the man nods.

˝Alright, never too cautious...˝ the man leads the way towards the back of the large building housing the inn. Nisrine put the horse in the stables, tying it and taking all her things. Although there weren't many valuables on her or the horse, what little she had, she couldn't risk it being stolen. The man led her to a door near the stables and opened it for her.

˝Enjoy your stay, lass...˝ she nodded and entered the door and into a big crowded room. A hearth dominated the farthest most wall, a fire warming the common hall... The hall itself was lined with long wooden tables and a mix of chairs and benches. The  area around the hearth had smaller tables that could fit maybe three people, one's Nisrine made her way towards. She sat down, the chair worn and creaking, but she didn't mind. Her things found their way under the table and she looked around. There were many people in the common hall, talking, laughing, having conversations that seemed exciting. The scraping of chairs, clinging of cutlery and the soft thuding of mugs, the crackling of the nearby fire.

˝What can I get for you, sweetheart?˝ the voice startled Nisrine out of her thoughts and she looked up.  A kind faced woman stood next to her table, a tray in her hands and an apron warped around her waist. She was older than Nisrine, perhaps in her late 30s, but still seeming somewhat youthful. Nisrine smiled at her.

˝I was told at the entrance I could get a room, a stable spot and supper for a silver...˝ she started, but was quickly interupted by the woman.

˝Oh, yes.. That and then some, sweetheart... I'll have one of the younger serving maids take you to your room and bring you the food and drink... For that silver, I can even have someone set up a lovely bath in the room!˝ she said with a smile and walked away, swaying her hips as she did. In her place of her appeared a younger girl, maybe 16 or 17 years of age.

˝Ma'am, I've come to take you to your room... Food will come shortly after...˝ she stood still, waiting for Nisrine to make the move to go upstairs.

The room was more spacious than Nisrine expected. The bed was neatly made, a table was set in a corner with a chair and writing supplies. Another serving girl came in, carying a tray of food and drink and setting it on the table. She smiled at the other two women, and as she left Nisrine slipped 3 copper into her hand with a smile. The girl smiled wide, nodded and left, partially closing the door after her.

˝I'll bring up some hot water and towels for you... And let you rest...˝ the first girl said and left, letting Nisrine settle for the night.

As the girl prepped the bath, Nisrine looked out the window. The Temple of Doriane, the Hearth Mother, shone atop the central hill of Osinium. Golden light spilled through the pillars of the Temple, illuminating the figures infront... Some looked like people praying, other like statues of the other Gods of Teranor, all bathed in the light of hearths of the Temple.

˝Everything is set, ma'am... Enjoy the evening...˝ the girl said and departed and walked out, letting Nisrine lock the door behind her. She stripped off her clothes and descented into the warm water. She felt her muscles relax, sliding further down into the tub. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, letting her mind fill with memories, as she did the nights before.

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The great hall of The Ravenskeep bustled with life at the celebration of  prince Kael's nameday. The royal family of Teranor, House Therys, sat at the head of thehall, some engaged in conversations among themselves, some with nobles of other houses. The king sat idly in the middle of the table, having just returned from a talk with one of the generals. The seat next to him, his wife's seat, was empty as she spoke to her old friends in a corner, laughing at something. On his other side sat his oldest daughter, a look on her face unreadable...

˝What is on your mind, my flower?˝ he asked her, leaning down closer to her ear. Her nose scrunched up and she turned to him.

˝Why do some of the lords think Kael will be king? I'm the firstborn... Isn't that how it goes?˝ she asked her father, looking at him. His quiet laugh reverbated in her mind, only making her more confused. ˝Why are you laughing? It's not funny...˝

˝My sweet daughter, those lords do not know what they're talking about... You are my eldest, my heir... Nothing will change that. Their opinions are old, influenced by the uneducated people who have no right to meddle in our affairs... Why are you bringing this up now?˝ he asked, looking at her face.

˝I overheard some of the lords mention that now, since Kael is of age, you may reconsider the line of succesion... Choose a more favourable heir than 'the girl'... Do they not realise where they are?˝she said, crossing her arms. ˝And they mentioned Westeros, saying their kings have the right approach to that... Mhm, sure they do... Do these men not know how to read? Maegor's Coup, the Great Council of 101 AC, the Dance of the Dragons... Let's not forget what happened a few years ago... I know I was only six, but I've read about the legitimisation of the kings bastards... What is admirable about that?˝ she said, shaking her head, her eyes darting towards the lords who were still talking in the same spot as they were when she had overheard them.

˝Their minds were not made to think, it seems... Do not worry your head with them... Enjoy the feast, go to your friends... Those lords know nothing they speak of...˝ as he said that, his lips pressed a gentle kiss to her temple, patting her back and sending her away from the head table.

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Known Melzors are:

Melzors are the most powerful people on the planet, and can break the laws of magic, they can cast spells without saying words, they can use another magic user’s spell in the middle of that person making that spell, they can watch someone do something and copy them without knowing how to do what they’re doing ‘properly’.

For example, if one wizard makes a pocket dimension to hold his things, and a melzor watches him open it, they can copy the opening motion he did and open to the same pocket dimension, no matter what kind of protections that wizard placed on his pocket dimension.

Morgaine is The Modern Melzor of Calix, her years of study have granted her immeasurable power. Title: Boundless Scholar

The Queen of Ephedia and Iris are the last line of true Melzors, born with that power. (This is why Iris is "overpowered", she can bend and break the rules of magic, and her shanilla power up is something any Melzor can do)

Adelpha (Queen of Ephedia) has the title Steadfast Monarch

Iris's is Lost Princess

Before Queen Adelpha came into power, her older brother Naveen was slated to take the crown. Naveen was charismatic and generally quite nice, he had an air of being an upright and genuinely good man. His fiancé was a little reclusive, but that guy WAS a scholar, so no one was particularly surprised. Adelpha's birthday falls only a few short days before the traditional Coronation Date, so when she realized it was actually going to happen, she killed her brother on her birthday and took the crown herself.

On the subject of Naveen, one should know. He did not die from Adelpha's attack, he simply retreated and changed shape, taking on the shape of an Ephedian Panther, and went to his fiancé in the hopes that Gramorr would understand. Gramorr had been informed of his beloved's death, and took the appearance of a Great Panther as a sign he should begin planning a counter attack. He took Banes, the Panther, in as a familiar, and siphons excess magic from the cat to power his own ends. Unfortunately, Naveen had taken this form in hopes of building his power back up in order to one day take his true form again and wrest the crown from his sister, so this is not going to his plan at all. By the time the series is happening, Banes has started questioning why he ever loved this man, and how he ever thought he was anything other than a power source and a goal for Gramorr to one day reach.

Naveen’s title is the Panther Prince.

Ludmilla was the last known Melzor in Xeris, her title is the Dragon Mother.

Vania was the last known Melzor in Volta, she was mentioned in a fic written by Bun. I don't remember which one it was, I'll link it later. Her title was Dutiful Mother.

Mercurius and Damyan were the Melzors or Calix and Runic respectively. They were twins who took care of each other and their countries as closely as they could.

Mercurius's title was the Babyfaced King.

Damyan's was Blind King.

Turi was the Melzor of Borealis. He, like Vania, was killed for being powerful, not for being hostile. His title was Dutybound Monarch.

(From here onward these are oc kingdoms, you've been warned)

Loralei was the last known Melzor of Àine, she was a ditzy, carefree princess who liked to make predictions about the future. None came true, though many believed her. Her title was She Who Lies.

The last two Melzors of Epoch were vastly different.

Valencia was a simple construction worker, who built the best things she could for her country. Her efforts were rewarded with the powers of a Melzor, and the title of Soulful Architect. She was purged, like her brother, for having that power.

Dysmas was a Seer, a sorcerer like Morgaine who studied magic and honored her secrets. When those scared of what he might do with his power came for him, he told them a prophecy. "Your society will fall to Ruin if you never Repent." His prophecies were always true, and they were always blunt. For this, he was titled Soulless Mage.

The last Melzor of Alcinous was a kind and gentle woman by the name of Tanin. She was sweet, and mothered her subjects as if they were her children. For this, she was titled Green Mother.

Triskellion was the Capitol before Iris's family, the Halphases, took power. Specifically, the royal line of Triskellion led the purge of the Melzors, and were it not for the quick thinking of King Timur's elder son, they too would have all fallen to the panic he'd incited.

Timur was a powerful man who Knew he held all of the cards, and was thus titled Tyrant King. His youngest, Nora, was known more widely by her title Sweet Soul. His eldest son's title is lost, though all know of his mark on history. For it was he who married into the Noble Halphas family, and took that name. He is why there exists an intact line of Melzors in Ephedia Proper.

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Morning came soon. The birds chirped above her head, the light illuminating her face. It was peaceful to spend a morning like this, in a dew covered clearing, with the trees letting in streaks of sunlight, forming patches on the ground. She saddled her horse and packed up her supplies, looking over the clearing once more. She led the animal through the trees before mounting it and moving towards a faint road.

The day stretched on... The sun followed her movement, passing along the sky as she passed along the dirt road. A few merchant carriages passed her by, the waggoners giving her nods of acknowledgement. It was her first contact with other people since she left Vharos, even if it was so brief. What they saw wasn't a noble, but a traveler... Covered in dust and dirt, probably a few blades of grass as well... But it didn't bother her... That is exactly how things are supposed to be...

But what did begin to bother her was the silence... Yesterday, it was serene... A feeling of freedom, but today... Today it turned heavy, the only sounds around her were the rhythmic thumping of hooves on the ground and the birds above her. Even the sound of rushing water disappeared after a while as she traveled more inland. With the sound of Caldra gone, the other sounds amplified. The crunch of the gravel, buzzing of insects, the distant sound of something else she could not identify...

To pass the time, she begun to hum a quiet, wordless tune... She remembered it from the streets of Vharos late at night, when people went to sleep, from her own mother lulling her younger siblings to rest... The gelding flicked it's ears towards the sound, shaking it's head...

Her day stretched, the road bending into a singular, unending line that pulled her deeper into the heart of Teranor. The memory of the morning mist clung in her mind, the rays of sun that warmed her face now turned into beacons of heat... The constant heat on the pale skin of her face started becoming unbearable as the day went on, she could feel the red inch up on her cheeks and nose. The cloak was becoming too much to bear on her shoulders, adding to the heat... But she wouldn't risk taking it off...

Day gave way to night and the temperature lowered, finally aiding to comfort her from the blistering heat. But she didn't stop her movement... If anything, she adopted a faster pace, her goal being to reach as far as she could when the temperature allowed it...

Night on the road was different... There was no one, nothing... No bird song, no distant sounds of life... Only her own heartbeat and the sound of hooves on the gravel beneath them... Her hands loosened their grip on the reigns as the crickets begun their song... She took a deep breath, looking around at the darkened world around her.

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The night outside the tall window of the room was warm... This day in the eighth moon had been particularly hot, that many refused to leave their homes... Only occasionally would the wind from the east bring drops of sea water to cool down those who dared venture further from their front doors...

˝You're thinking again, my darling...˝ her mothers voice sounded softly. The girl hummed, still looking out the window.

˝Do you think it'd be as hot tomorrow as it was today?˝ she asked, looking at her mother.

˝Most likely...˝ her mother answered, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

˝Now... Did you listen to the story I was reading or just thinking of tomorrows day?˝ she asked with a subtle smile.

˝I did!˝ the little daughter said, sitting up in bed. Her mother laughed at the burst of energy.

˝Well then... What is the meaning of the story?˝ she continued.

˝Endurance in hardship...˝ the girl answered and her mother smiled.

˝The wild rose grows in the quiet stone... It doesn't ask for the sun to hurry... It simply bides its time, roots deep in the earth, until it is strong enough to bloom through the cracks...˝ she quoted her mother's word, making the woman laugh loudly, before covering her mouth.

˝My, my... You really were listening... The wild rose endures just as you will one day, my darling... I didn't name you Nisrine for no reason...˝ her mother moved closer to her daughter, cupping her face and kissing her forehead.

˝Sleep well... We are having a family day in town tomorrow...˝ at her mothers words, the girl groaned and whined.

˝Ugh.... Do we have to?˝

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It began as if it were any other day. The sun was slowly rising on the horizon, dawn breaking the darkness of the night. Light danced on the sea beyond the cliffs and the birds began their song. The city streets bustled with vendors setting up their stands, the aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries, of ripe fruit and fragrant spices wafted through them. In the Old town, the elders of the community gathered like they had for years on the benches in front of their doors, freshly brewed teas in hand, ready to talk and reminisce of the past.

It has always been like this. Her father and his father before him... All had gone through the same thing as she is going through right now. No sigil, no coat of arms... No name... Nothing to mark her... She had to earn them, to make a name for herself...

The courtyard was silent, except for the few servants who began their work early. She stood near the gate, the reigns of the horse felt unfamiliar in her hands. It wasn't her horse, but some young gelding bought off a farmer only a few days prior. She had rations for only a few days, maybe longer if she ate less.

˝My darling daughter...˝a voice came from somewhere behind her, still soft from sleep. Her back was kept turned, an attempt to separate herself from, what would soon be, her past.

˝Stay safe... May Nemea guide your way...˝

She could imagine her mother's face, laced with sadness, seeing her eldest leave home... She knew her father was there; he didn't have to utter a word for her to know. She could see him holding her mother, ushering her back inside the keep. She mounted her new horse and moved it into action, pulling the cloak's hood over her head.

The gates of Vharos were soon behind her, the morning mist veiling it in an air of mystery that will soon be replaced by the unrelenting sun. The white stones of the outer wall would greet visitors like they always do, watched over by the soldiers of The Ravens Watch.

The road ahead wasn't smooth, it was unremarkable. It wasn't a carved path, made by the architects and builders of the kingdom, but carved by hooves and wheels.

Her chest had already begun to feel taut and coiled, a knot of longing that tightened with every mile she traveled away. She expected it... She expected the feeling to overwhelm her, to incapacitate her, but it didn't... It wasn't something her father would allow, to grieve something that needed to be left behind... The feeling was temporary, he would say, but something one gets easily used to. She had a duty, one crucial to her role in this world, this kingdom.

The plains of Teranor stretched far in front of her, further than she could see. All that she passed so far was known to her from her travels, what she saw when her father took her with him. She tried to avoid the bigger cities, like Liora and Breno, choosing solidarity over the comfort of taverns and inns... It was almost midday, the sun was high and the scent of salt and wild rosemary had long faded from the air, now replaced by the scent of upturned soil and some wildflower she couldn't so easily recognize. It felt unnatural to be alone; to not be surrounded by people all the time... Serene in a way...

She first settled somewhere far away from houses, under a tree on the bank of river Caldra. It may have been late spring, but the waters were still icy cold, the currents pulling along with them whatever dared to fall in. It was pleasant to sit under a tree without worry, to bask in the sun and let the weight of expectation fall from her shoulders. She didn't bother eating, the hunger had yet to reach her. But the same couldn't be said for her horse... It grazed calmly nearby, seeming content with where it was. She looked at the animal, at how it too seemed to enjoy the sun, its warmth and light...

They soon had to continue their travels, keeping close to the river. It felt safer, calmer, hearing the water rush beside her gave her a sense of tranquility. The sun moved along with them, the light bending over the water surface until it gave way to night, the stars marking the sky above. Time passed quickly as they walked further away from the capital. Her eyes swept over the terrain, looking for a place to settle for the night. A small circle of trees caught her attention, looking like a good place to rest for a short while.

With her bedroll put out, her horse tied to one of the trees, she allowed herself to relax once more. She gathered twigs that fell from the surrounding trees, making a small fire in the middle of the clearing. She pulled out the rations from her pack, a small piece of bread and some cured meats and hard cheese, her first meal of the day... Her mind wandered now, memories passing through her mind...

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The old bench creaked beneath her added weight, the elders smiling at her excited face. They invited her to sit with them, to tell her stories of old. The founding of Vharos, of Teranor... The soldiers spoke to her of battles, knights of their travels with the Crown... Seamstresses of the dresses they made for queens and princesses, bakers of cakes and delightful little treats they made over the years. The architects spoke of the cities they've built, of the elaborate projects they completed in this city.

She took them in, listening in awe to the stories of the people who have been in this city, her city, for years.

˝This city, my fair little lady, will be yours... But not now, not anytime soon... But we all know, one day, you will care for us.... Fairly, righteously...˝ one of them said.

˝What a good queen you will be...˝

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· · ───•⋅⊰ ꥟ ⊱⋅•─── · ·

Before the crown, there was the hand

Not gilded not lifted in decree but blackened, steady, unafraid to shape the world it would one day rule

Before the throne, there was the road

Worn not by kings, but by those who walked without witness who bent beneath and rose without permission

Some are born beneath a crown, its weight pressed into bone before they learn the measure of their own breath

Some are sent away from it... to earn what blood alone cannot grant, to stand among the unremembered and return as something more

And some...

some will look upon it not with hunger, but with knowing

And turn

For a crown is not a destiny

It is a choice...

taken, forged, or refused

Let the world remember this...

Not all who rule are crowned

And not all who are crowned were ever meant to rule

The sea keeps its silence The stone keeps its names

And somewhere, between them

stand those who are yet

Uncrowned

· · ───•⋅⊰ ꥟ ⊱⋅•─── · ·

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