Wind The Farlands

Chapter 1 - And So it Begins

first half written by: @jiminflrt

14 YEARS LATER...

In a world where the grass was green and the sky was blue, there was a man named Atlas and a woman named Harmony. Atlas and Harmony were husband and wife, and they were also known as the King and Queen of Hiraeth.

Hiraeth. A kingdom that represents life and harvest. Hiraeth is known for the life it brings to those who live there. There were many valleys, mountains, and forests everywhere on Hiraeth. This kingdom thrives off of crops, empathy, and wind. Yes, wind. In Hiraeth, the wind always blows ever so gently, it's always relaxed and it leaves a content feeling to the people of Hiraeth.

Atlas and Harmony have two beautiful girls named Yeji and Minji and together they live in a beautiful palace. Today was a very important day for everyone. Today was the sibling duel that determined who would be the next divine ruler of Hiraeth. Minji and Yeji have prepared for this day for many years, and today was that day.

The duel happened to lie on Minji's 18th birthday making Minji a little bit more nervous than ever. While Minji was adjusting her outfit, she heard a quiet knock on the door. "Come in," she said.

Her best friend, Jin, walked into her room carefully with a smile on her face. "Happy Birthday, Princess," he told as he left the door slightly cracked.

"I've told you once too many times to stop calling me 'princess' just call me Minji. We are friends, you don't have to be so formal," Minji gave him a playful glare.

"I know, but it feels weird when I don't," Jin sat down next to Minji who was staring at herself in the mirror. "Nervous?"

"Extremely," Minji mumbled. "Yeji has been training for this day for years. I have seen her train numerous times. Her dark wind has only gotten stronger within years. My mother has only been pushing her to her limit. Yeji has become so obsessed because of this duel. I fear for her mental health."

Jin hummed, slowly nodding, "I can agree. Yeji has become very aggressive recently, but remember what King Atlas told you. Don't stress so much about this duel. Just get out there and have fun!"

The mention of Atlas' name stopped the man's tracks. He turned back and walked over to Minji's room. Only standing at the door as he listened.

"I know...I am just afraid that Yeji will act out," Minji stood up. "You don't think this will ruin our relationship?"

"All we can do is hope..." Jin grabs both of her hands. "It'll be alright, Minji. You too have trained for this day. You will do amazing whether you win or lose. Plus, I'll be cheering for you on the side!"

Minji smiled at that until she heard someone coo from outside the door. Minji and Jin let go of each other and turned to the door where Atlas was trying to hide. Jin frowned a little until Minji audibly sighed. "Father, I know that's you out there!"

"And just how would you know?" Atlas changed his tone of voice to a higher octave making the other two laugh. Atlas then lets himself into the room. "Happy Birthday, my love."

"Thank you." Atlas pulls her into a hug which she accepts. "Look at you! You've grown so much. Eighteen is still very young though, so I sincerely encourage you to continue living your life to the absolute fullest."

"Thank you, father, but I wish to talk to you about something that's worrying me—"

"Ah yes, I heard it all. Come, we should be heading down anyway." Atlas, Minji, and Jin walked downstairs. Minji looked around at the decorations that were around the castle. All for her birthday.