Legends of Etherworld: The Age of Chaos

Prologue

There is a vast, enigmatic realm-- beyond the far reaches of natural life--teeming with supernature. And its essence is shaped by the flow of ether. Ether is everywhere--from the land roamed, to the waters swum, to the air breathed--woven into the very fabric of existence. For many, it is a tool, a mundane force that fuels daily life. For many others, ether is an art, a calling, a power to be mastered. These individuals, persons and beasts alike, have dedicated their lives to unlocking its secrets.

Those dedicated to the ethernature vye for influence and renown all across the boundless landscapes of this world. But among them all, whispers of a greater purpose echo--a force that transcends fame and fortune, hidden within the mysteries of this ever-shifting realm. This is the story of those chosen to shape the fate...

... of Etherworld.

However, this story does not begin there--not yet. It begins in a land called Gaiant, within the natural world of Floresh. More precisely, it all started within a humble sanctuary: the White Orchid Fosterage.

As the story goes...

In the dead of night, a woman quietly approached the fosterage, bassinet in hand, stopping at the doorstep. She carefully placed it down and peered inside at the small, silver-haired infant, swaddled snugly in a blanket. A solemn smile tugged at her lips as she gazed at the peacefully sleeping child. But then, tears began to well in her eyes, and a shudder passed through her. With great tenderness, she lifted the child from the bassinet.

The child stirred, letting out a soft whimper in their sleep, and the woman instinctively pulled them closer. "I'm so sorry, my beloved..." she whispered through trembling sobs, her voice broken, heavy with sorrow. "I-it's for your own good... I'm certain of it..." With great care, she laid the child back into the cushioned wicker bassinet. Standing up, she pulled the hood of her dark cloak over her head, concealing her face. She knocked firmly on the door, then, without another glance, vanished into the night.

Seconds later, the door creaked open, and another woman stepped out. Finding no one in sight, she scanned the surroundings, her eyes searching for any sign of movement. Her gaze then fell to the bassinet at her feet. She gasped softly, her heart skipping a beat. Without hesitation, she knelt down, carefully lifting the child from the bassinet, her hands trembling as she cradled them close.

This time, as the child whimpered, their silver eyes fluttered open, revealing their striking gaze. The woman, still holding the child, was soon joined by two others. At that moment, the child bared their toothless gums in the most innocent, adorable smile the women had ever seen. They exchanged delighted glances, their hearts melting at the sight. With the baby gently cradled in her arms, the three women turned and stepped back into the fosterage, their footsteps soft and purposeful.

The three women soon approached a door, its tag reading "Fostress Cherylise."

The first woman, presumably Cherylise, gently turned the handle and stepped inside. "Thank you, ladies. I can manage from here," she said, her voice calm but full of gratitude. The other two women nodded, offering a final glance at Cherylise before turning to leave, heading toward their own rooms as the door closed softly behind them.

A little girl, no more than four, sprang out of bed at the sight of her mother and dashed toward her. "Mommy, Mommy!" she cried softly, her small arms wrapping around her mother's waist in a tight hug.

"Delaina, you should be in bed, my beloved," Cherylise gently reminded, walking over to the bed to sit.

The little girl looked up at her mother, her excitement bubbling over. "I couldn't sleep. So, who is that? Is that my baby brother?" she asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.