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Opening Story Between Starla and Luciano. Silver Dawn Part One.
There is a time flux affecting the realm of Aquilonia. There is so much History where Empires have risen and fallen with constant wars. Before Luciano was born much was said about this kingdom.
The foremost of the Hyborean kingdoms during the time, situated east of the Pictish wilderness, west of Nemedia, north of Zingara and Ophir, and south of Cimmeria.
Aquilonia had a pleasant, temperate climate rather like that of modern France or Germany. The Border Range of Nemedia naturally delineated its borders on the east, the thickly forested hills of Cimmeria to the north, the large Thunder River to the west, and the Tybor River to the south. Another area of rugged mountains arose in the southern province of Poitain, which the Alimane and Khorotas Rivers flanked.
The frontier region of Westermarck between the Thunder and Black Rivers was thinly settled and beleaguered by Picts. Certain barons sponsored the provinces of Oriskonie, Conawaga, and Schohira. Thandara was independent. East of the Thunder River and curving northward toward the Cimmerian lands lay the narrow buffer province called the Bossonian Marches, or Bossonia. The nobles of Aquilonia were not able to extend their sway over the staunch villagers of this region.
Another enclave that resisted the power of the Aquilonian nobility was Gunderland in the far northwestern hills. Its ancient people, of the purest Hyborean stock, "never considered themselves exactly Aquilonians"
The capital of Aquilonia was Tarantia, lying on the Road of Kings, the main east-west trade route of the Hyborian world. Interior Aquilonia was well drained by the rivers Shirki, Khorotas, Ossar, Fury, and the presumed Valkia. East of the Shirki and extending nearly to the foothills of the Border Range of Nemedia lay fertile plains interspersed with "tame" woodlands.
Much of the good cropland was sequestered by the aristocracy for use as hunting preserves, forcing the expanding population into risky colonizing ventures in Westermarck.
The history of Aquilonia is complex and can only be adequately appreciated through a reading of the Saga itself. After considering historical and geographical factors, we have assumed that Aquilonian Acheron fell to invading Hybori sometime after Nemedian Acheron. With the establishment of a Hyborian kingdom in Aquilonia, the nation became "supreme in the Western world", the most powerful from a commercial and military standpoint -- though perhaps second to Nemedia in cultural richness.
Aquilonia's royal house was in a state of decadence and the Westermarck region was on the verge of revolt. Years later when Aquilonia was at its zenith, it annexed Zingara, Argos, Ophir, and western Shem. Some 500 years after the internal decay and a Pictish invasion destroyed Aquilonia.
But after the rise of power of a young king named, Luciano brought prosperity to the kingdom slowly building it from the ground up. Now consider one of the major cosmopolitans in the region. At this time Luciano met a woman he thought was going to make him whole as a king. With a kingdom and prosperity, all he needed was a family. That time indeed came but was somewhat short-lived. The woman did not live up to his expectations and came to find out she was a natural-born Barren. This knowledge rages Luciano due to the fact there was not going to be a Heir to the throne.
He normally never travels away from his kingdom but the Strange flux in the time stream did bring concern to him and his kingdom. His father Kronos and his Mother Silver Fox hold a close friendship with the Empire of Atlantis. The name sounded familiar and he walked into his studies and searched some old documents about the kingdom of the Death ruled by his father Kronos Mayella and his wife Silver Fox. This brings light to his eyes and from what the letter said, the Mayella Family are welcome in Atlantis. However, he knew there were preparations and parlay to enter a kingdom no matter how close they were. The only thing that changes that will be if two individuals are Married one from each kingdom.
Luciano sat at the table and took paper and Ink and began to write a letter to Atlantis. Sure he knew this letter would go through few hands before reaching the Emperor or Empress. In rare cases, if none of the ruling parties were in the kingdom, the next in line would be the Princess of Atlantis. and so on if the case may be it will be at the hand of the prime minister. In this case, is the one who gets the letter first before anyone in the kingdom. Luciano was not sure what was going to happen. It had been centuries since he heard from them. But he was hoping their friendship was still as strong as the first time.
Starla's Respond:
Starla knew the letter had been sent off the guards and messenger were quick on that part of their job. Starla went back to her what she had come to the castle to do giving her care packages to her sisters and maybe borrowing a few books from her father's library about the Mayella family and their kingdom. She went back to her cottage to have some herbal tea and do more research, reading about Kronos and his beautiful wife Empress Solona it had been many years since last they had visited Atlantis no real reason why they never returned was stated but now with their son on the way perhaps answers would be given. She grew more curious to know of these people and why after all this time a member wanted to visit Atlantis.
A few nights had past Starla was having visions but they never were clear enough which was strange for her she had always had the ability of intuition to see things in dreams clearer than most. The dream was always the same both nights a tall man, large in stature would be standing in the castle hallways his arms reaching out but as soon as she got closer she wasn't able to see his face just lights where his body should be. That morning Starla sped out her cards they had been gifts given by Circe daughter of Hecate they were for Starla only to help her when she was troubled. Three cards she withdrew from the pile flipping them over she got the ..Two of Cups, Queen of Cups, and The Lovers cards she never had gotten before in her reading someone was coming that she would have no control over even in magic almost as if this person was meant to be by her side all excepting of her as she of him.
Starla packed away the cards when she heard a knock at the door “Yes state your business guard” she had seen him behind the door. He went on to say that the Ruler of Aquilonia was soon to be in Atlanti's ways of teleportation and she was the only one around to greet him and that guards would be standing by when she was ready to head up to the castle to the room of doors that their guest would appear. Starla grabbed her cloak and opened the door “No need for so many guards this guest has been here before we shall welcome him kindly” She walked up to the castle heading straight to the room of doors where the travel would appear. In just moments flashes of light began to appear blues and greens she heard a voice but it was hard to hear she saw a figure become clearer it was a very tall man.
Lights flickered for a while the guest was now standing in the middle of the room she had finally understood what he had been saying she waited to reply until he had manifested completely with a small smile she spoke “Sorry no I am not the Empress Nyghtwolfe, she is my mother And yes you are in Atlantis King Luciano” she gave out her hand to him “I am Starla Orcus daughter to Empress and Emperor Misos welcome to the Kingdom of Atlantis” she motioned to the guards to back away as he walked with King to a more suitable place to converse “ I do hope your teleportation was not hard to reach Atlantis, I am curious to know what is your visit about, sadly I am the only one here at the moment” she looked up at the very handsome long haired gentleman eager to know his answer.
With Ostara the wiccan spring equinox just around the corner Starla had much to prepare for it was the time of the year she loved to celebrate it meant the winter snow and frost would be gone giving new life to all of her herbs and spices. Starla had just recently started her coven which would be a realm within The Atlantis Kingdom she had gathered witches from all over to join her they all had strong backgrounds and much knowledge of all types of magic being once under the rule of Hecate Queen of Witches or her daughter Circe. It had been many moons since last Starla was part of a coven she knew it was time to have her own. The woods are where you could find Starla always busy concocting potions or amulets for the townspeople even for her own family and friends her mother had given her a cottage so that she could have her quiet space. Starla often visited her parent's home to make sure all was well and most times saw her many siblings some of who now had children of their something Starla had hoped one day to have but even when she read her cards it told her that the one man to make her completely happy was not yet close but was on his way. Her parents often went off to battle or just went off to visit old friends and allies Starla had to watch over the kingdom they had many doing that but she was always told when anyone wanted to enter their realm she had that responsibility when others were away.
After putting together a few care packages of her own making to give her sisters Starla headed up to the castle once inside a guard who was under the command of her sister General Tiriara came to her with a sealed letter giving the guard a nod with her head she walked on examining the seal that was stamped in red wax on the front trying to think if she knew who it was from. No one seemed to be home that's probably why the guard gave her the letter. She left the packages on the large entrance table and went to her father's study he had all the records of anyone who had ever been in the kingdom. Taking a seat at the large desk Starla used her powers to summon the book that had a similar symbol mark to the letter. Within seconds the book was in front of her with the page opened to the seal
“Says here Mayella and Kingdom of Aquilonia,” she said to herself quietly her finger ran over the names she instantly got a spark off the page taking the letter she opened it carefully and began to read its contents. It was a request from King Luciano Mayella Hunters to enter Atlantis he claimed that both families had been allies since his father Kronus and mother Silver Fox. Starla was curious to know King Luciano and since their families had ties she took it upon herself to welcome him into Atlantis and take the audience with him. Her reply was quick she called for the guard to have it sent immediately. She took out her pendulum the color had turned a pinkish tone she gave a small smile to herself something was about to change she felt it through her veins., she would await this king and see what his business would be with the Orcus.
Lucian Respond:
While waiting on the response from the Emperor or Empress he gathered a few materials he needed to travel to another continent. It had been so long since Luciano left his kingdom and now after long battles and blood spilled across two kingdoms it was time to search further ahead to the future. Of course, the time stream somehow is different, like someone or something is tapping into it. With no good results from the influx of energy building up. Luciano headed to his studies and reached down his desk reaching for brandy and poured it into a glass as he held it with his palms and in between his fingers stirred it a bit, took the scent, and sipped. While his palate searches for the taste his bud knows too well. He smiled and then stood up heading to the balcony where the Moon of Silver was at the most high in the heavens. Some are called Frost Moon, and some Witch Moon. But to him, the moon was a cosmic adornment of beauty and inspiration.
As he calls it Silver Moon. A few moments passed, it was what it seemed to be forever, but only a day had gone. On the table in his office there was a letter and opening it he could see he was now welcome to enter the kingdom of Atlantis. He steps into the special room where a glass room stands in the middle of the office. He used his mind to turn on the machine and began to glow inside and across the room, a ray of light was marking every inch of his body and to make sure all calculation was done right he soon became a hologram. slowly manifesting on the other side of the kingdom of Atlantis. Use the links below to save the image. He can feel the spar across his body tingling every atom, from his home his body becoming like tiny stars as they cross time and space to Atlantis, On the other side, only this image was showing in Atlantis. Slowly becoming more tangible. He spoke with an off sound because he was not fully there yet but getting closer.* Greeting Lady Orcus. I am glad you have welcomed me to your home. Hmmm, I do not recall this look, something different about you my lady?* Use the links below to save the image. His form was more and more becoming clearer as he could see the woman now. A bit confused because he does not recognize the Silver top Young woman before him.* Forgive me for my manner my lady. Are you the Empress of Atlantis? I can tell is been so long and the last time I came here I was a child. I perhaps made the wrong Calculations and ended up somewhere else.? Is this the Kingdom of Atlantis? * He said as the Manifestation of his body was becoming more vivid and nearly solid in Atlantis. Hoping this journey doesn't turn into his arrest or worse.
Starla's Respond:
Starla and the king walked right outside the day was beautiful and why not have their conversation in the open with all that the world had to offer as their scenery the gardens had been in bloom a few days back with Ostara about to begin. Starla paid much attention to Luciano’s story of his parents she was touched that even in death his father Kronos wanted to be by his wife's side it was like a fairy tale story one that she hoped in the end would be glorious. Every so often she caught the king stopping and gazing down at her she felt as if he might have been having visions for a brief moment Starla also caught herself looking up at the King his eyes seemed familiar to her but she was having trouble connecting the pieces something was very strange with all that even with her gifts.
When they finally stopped she was touched that he had brought her a gift and one of her favorite things a ballerina music box she smiled as she turned the key on the side to watch the beautiful figurine dance she looked up and smiled “Thank you so very much King Luciano its breathtaking I will cherish it always” she held onto it under her arm as they walked further on she brought him first to a spot she loved to spend her time in it was a waterfall that her father had built many years ago when she and sisters were young it was a special memory for her “I'd love to come and play in the water my father had put fish at the bottom so I liked to try to grab them with my hands” she gave a small laugh nodding for the king to follow her down the path.
While walking there were moments of silence but not in a way that made it uneasy. Starla talked about growing up in Atlantis and her family many of whom had left to have families of their own but they did always return to visit. She spoke of the little cottage that she used to make her potions things that witches do she wasn't sure if had picked up on her craft but Starla never hid away from what she was. She would take him to her garden where she used to pick herbs and flowers for making anything she wanted. There is where her powers were strong.
Reaching a large gate formed out of trees and branches Starla waved her hand it slowly began to open the branches spread making an opening and allowing them to go in. Inside were all types of trees, flowers, plants, and birds chirping it was filled with magic that Starla controlled “Welcome to my escape” she smiled wide as she gently placed the music box next to a tree she raised her hands a small gut of wind blew in all around things swayed to the air tiny flurries went all over when she put down her arms it all went back to being calm “this is were I can do many things my magic comes alive here” she stepped closer to him her eyes meeting with his “Why did you come to Atlantis King Luciano that question you have not answered” her whitish toned hair blew in the breeze did he need Atlantis for something after so many years away one had to ask.
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