Thale

Thale was a continent that cupped the south pole. It was known as the Bottom of the World. Despite its cold temperatures, it was necessarily a land made of ice and snow. Aside from the southern ice caps located at the exact south pole, most of Thale was arid. Aside from where the Eternal Mountains passed though, it would have been a white sand desert.

Thale was once a whole landmass, but a crisis several ages ago caused the entire continent to be broken into islands. The largest landmass remaining was the area around the south pole, which was inhospitable, even with domes because of the thick ice.

Domes were the solution to make Thale inhabitable. They were powered by magic and created different climates within them for different purposes. Many Domes were used for agriculture and livestock rearing with small villages overseeing operations therein. Each island in Thale could usually only accommodate one Dome.

Icestorme was located on the largest remaining island, near the south pole. Only half of it was domed. The main reason for this is because Platinum Dragons did not need to live in the Domes. If it weren't for their inability to grow most plants, raise many animals, or house other races, they wouldn't live in the domes at all. Platinum Dragons had the ability to change their body physiology. They could lower their body temperatures to adapt to the coldest climate.

Other native races, such as Lyods, or Ice Elementals, and Frost Giants can also live without the need of the Domes. Denizens of Thale have always utilized Domes, even before the continent was broken into islands. But there were always places for those who didn't need to. There were animals and plants that thrived in the harsh conditions.

Still, Thale wasn't self-sufficient. It was a harsh place. It depended on trade from the other continents for many things. That all changed when the Siege began. When the Plague began to appear, the former Countess decided to close off Thale in an effort to save more people.

It was already too late. And, just when Thale was at its most vulnerable, ocean-born enemies decided to attack. Thale, already not the most populous, devastated by the Plague, now had to fend against enemies at its doorstep. They managed to drive them back into the ocean but, ever since, they've been under a Siege. No other nation could come to their aid by sea or by air without facing enemy attacks. Only a few races were able to travel freely to and from Thale, like the Topaz Dragons. They have their own underground network of tunnels that connect all over the world. Or the Aquamarine Dragons that have their own ways to travel through water.

Only through this grace was the cure to the Plague able to be taken to Thale or else there may have been no Dragons left.

In the Icestorme Dome, in Icestorme Hall, Morganna Icestorme read a report with cold eyes. She wasn't cold by nature. It was because the contents of the report were so ridiculous. With a sneer and a scoff, she threw the report aside and stood up. As she moved the sound of clinking came from the metal and beads that adorned her long black hair, and draped her body. The loose, flowing clothes shimmered like her insect-esque wings. Icy turquoise eyes looked out the large window overlooking the central courtyard of Icestorme Hall.

People came and went. Although they weren't in dire straits, thanks to the occasional Topaz or Aquamarine merchant that was able to come through, bringing much needed supplies they couldn't produce. Still, it wasn't enough and many small villages suffered, especially when it came to medicinal supplies.

Now, they were close to finally being able to facilitate large scale trade again, Parliament had nothing better to do than worry about the witchborn? For a hundred years the priority has been a way to break the Siege and reestablish contact with the rest of the world. But all of a sudden, ministers were worried about refugees that had almost nothing to do with Thale at all?

She wondered if anyone thought she was that foolish. If she didn't sense a hidden hand behind this, then she really would be a fool. She turned back to her desk. There was a stone sitting on it and she touched it. "Sonja Starshadow," she said.

The stone glowed slightly a few times before the visage of another woman appeared above the stone. Dark hair in a severe bun, dark blue eyes, strong features, and pale olive skin, Sonja Starshadow looked at Morganna. "What can I do for you, Morri?" she asked.

Morganna tapped her fingers against her desk. "Can you get me in touch with Dahlia Blackheart?" she asked. "If you aren't utilizing her services, that is," she added with a slight smile.

Sonja raised a brow. "I'll let her know to expect your call," she said, without prying.

Morganna didn't feel there was anything to hide. "I can understand politicians vying for power in other places making waves over the witchborn refugees. Baseless arguments, but not surprising. But here? The main topic has always been breaking the Siege and finding new ways to get supplies. Why would there be such a big wave over the witchborn? Until a week ago, no one knew we would be able to open a pathway to Silvermoon, so it's not as if they could relax and look for something new to argue over," she said aloud, as if musing.

Sonja listened quietly. She tilted her head. "To what purpose?" she asked, not expecting an answer.

"That's part of what I want to find out. I've already tasked the Frostguard to investigate, but I think an outsider perspective is necessary," Morganna said. She sighed. "Well, thank you, Sonja, for your help," she said.

Sonja waved a dismissive hand. "If you need anything else, just ask. I'll let Dahlia know," she said. The communication cut-off.

Morganna was left in contemplation. She only came out of it when a knock sounded on the door. "Come in," she said.

Her assistant came in. "My lady, the site has been prepared, would you like to see it?" she asked. "The City Planner is waiting for your approval," she explained.

Morganna stood. "Yes. It's better if I see it in person," she answered. She left her office. Calling Dahlia Blackheart can wait. She needed to see where the Bridging Array was going to be placed herself.