Legend has it that the twin princesses Althea and Kyria Elysien slayed the wretched dragon Neiran, bringing peace to Lyraea and subduing the then-new threat of the dragons. They used their power of the Brand of Luxana – that which was bestowed upon their bloodline centuries ago – to bring light to the darkness. It is this very same Brand that carries through the bloodline, as the people of Lyraea trusted the royal family to defend them with their divine blessings.
The Lyraean royal line harbors a deep secret, though: one that has haunted them for generations.
They know Neiran never truly died. They know this very well. The hidden power of the Elysien family is that of the Brand of Neiran – for it was Neiran who “blessed” Kyria and Althea with his power. In truth, this blessing was a curse – it would force his consciousness into the royal line, waiting to reawaken generations later.
This truth that haunted them struck more fear into their hearts when Luzene Elysien was born. Cerio Elysien and Lisia Verys gave birth to a new royal heir. However, they were born with red hair and striking red eyes – unlike their parents, but very much like the accursed dragon, Neiran, of old. In a sense, Luzene’s birth was the omen of a dark age for Lyraea.
Luzene was the sole heir to Lyraea. Despite the circumstances of their birth, they were loved and cherished by their parents. The compassion of Luxana even extended to those destined to create an age of darkness – especially if it was not their fault.
In any case, it was more imperative than ever to keep the secret of Neiran a secret. Cerio did not wish for his country to fall to chaos and disorder – he vowed, with his wife Lisia, to cherish their child Luzene, and to defend the peace and compassion of Lyraea. Because before they were an omen of darkness, they were Cerio and Lisia’s child.
However, the truth of this omen weighed heavily on Luzene’s shoulders.
“Mama, what happens if I go berserk…? If I kill everyone…? Why do you still love me?” They would ask.
“That is the way of Lyraea – love and compassion abounds,” Lisia would reply, “and it is simply not right to condemn one’s own child.”
“Even so, I must be a burden for everyone, isn’t that so?”
“Even if the darkness of Neiran would lead you astray, I trust the light of Luxana shall guide you back.”
Often would Luzene tell their worries to Lisia and Cerio, and often would they be met with words of reassurement. But it was not enough to quell the anxiety within themself.
Luzene was not their name at birth, in fact. In their early teens, they decided to choose a new name for themself – “Luzene” – meaning “light.” For if they were destined for darkness, the least they could do was be light in name. Their name bearing light brought hope to the people of Lyraea – it was a fitting homage to their god, Luxana.
“But how much longer do I have to bear this secret, before I shatter everyone’s hopes? Before I am no longer worthy of their love?”
The choice of Luzene’s clothing also reflected their fears and emotions. They had insisted on dressing more like a commoner would, instead of like a noble or royal would – so as to lower people’s expectations of them. They also chose to cover their ears with special accessories – for one way dragons differ from humans is that they have pointed ears. As such, they would hide that main feature that could potentially become draconic.
They often trained with others to master their magic and weaponry skills. Though due to the Brands they wielded, their magical and physical abilities were more enhanced than those around them. Thus, walking around Lyraea, they would always be treated with respect and admiration by passers-by. The people would often say sentiments of praise and thankfulness – “thank Luxana that our land is in such powerful, capable hands.”
Becoming powerful to protect Lyraea was important for Luzene, but they feared this power would backfire – for their power would be Neiran’s as well.
As sure as the days rose and nights fell, inevitably, disaster befell Lyraea.
Luzene was now an adult, in their early twenties, when the dragons – unheard of for years and years – launched an attack on Lyraea. Naturally, as the leaders of Lyraea, Cerio and Lisia took the front lines. The attack took most of Lyraea by surprise, but to Cerio, Lisia, and Luzene, it was completely anticipated.
Cerio Elysien, the dignified king of Lyraea, named after the first king Cerio Orithyia himself, led the front lines with his strength and determination. Lisia of the respectable Verys mage line shone out with unparalleled fearlessness and passion – fighting for the sake of Lyraea, and for the sake of her child. With these two leading the battlefield, the fighting forces of Lyraea would become inspired – finding it within themselves to fight with all their heart and soul against the dragons and their monster spawns.
However, the one who was expected to live up to such brilliance did not shine as brightly as one would think. The child of the brave Cerio Elysien; the child of the distinguished Lisia Verys – was struck with great anxiousness, fear, and self-blame.
“This all happened because of me,” Luzene thought to themself. “This is entirely my fault…”
“What do I even do? I’m not worthy enough to fight on the battlefield.”
As they sank into their despairing thoughts, into the darkness; reborn malice began to swirl beneath the surface.
Despair would soon abound. The war continued to go on for months. Unfortunately, the dragons would prove to be far too strong – King Cerio would fall in battle; an untimely death. Grief struck the people of Lyraea. Despite the anguish Luzene felt, they had to step up as the royal heir to lead the people against the fight.
Reinforcements that were called from allying lands had arrived; among them a dragonbranded warrior named Nero Xenia – a youth of courage and spirit. He and Luzene became fast friends…
Perhaps this fateful meeting could bring out the courage within.
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